Southport Annual Report 2019-2020

R E P O R T
A N N U A L
2019-2020

OUR MISSION
To provide transformative educational experiences that have
lifelong impact on our students as well as thought leadership
that engages the learning differences community.

T H A N K Y O U !
Spring 2021
Dear TSS Family and Friends,
Twenty months ago, on August 29, 2019, we welcomed new and returning students to campus for the
2019-2020 academic year. Remember your first days of school? It’s a day that teems with high energy,
excitement, and a hint of nervousness for what the future year holds. Like public and independent
schools nationwide, TSS faculty and staff greeted students on campus, in-person with hugs, high-fives,
and warm smiles. What no one could have imagined is that nearly seven months later, our everyday
normalcy would be forever impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
With state guidance, we sent everyone home from school on Thursday, March 12, 2020, and did not see
each other in person or on campus for nearly six months. The worldwide health crisis forced a surge of
uncertainty, unprecedented quarantine measures, and a massive shift to technology that moved work,
school, and life into a virtual, online world. We quickly adapted our approach to keep students engaged
and learning without losing critical ground. It was a defining moment for the United States educational
system as parents, grandparents, and caregivers took the reins to help with at-home, online education,
and it was unchartered territory for everyone.
For this, we thank you. It is the relationship and history we share with each of you that buoyed us
through this hugely challenging time in the school's history. Your financial contributions allowed us to
access the resources needed, especially for the unexpected program expenses related to COVID-19. All
communication and volunteer involvement with the school kept our community strong and connected
during a time of disconnect.
Leadership from all constituents played a role in the day-to-day, decision-making including our
dedicated board members, a proactive administrative and safety leadership team, talented and
resourceful faculty, and other supportive community friends. Together, we made adjustments,
communicated our changes, and carried forth our school spirit and encouragement motto:
#AllInThisTogether.
Perseverance ensued during the early months of the pandemic, where the research, science, and best
practices in the field of education guided us in decision-making to guarantee a fall 2020 in-person, oncampus
opening. By April 2020, we hired the architecture firm, Perkins Eastman, to assess the building
interior and exterior grounds concerning safety measurements and COVID-19 mandates. We offered all
current parents the option of an extended summer academic program for their children to prepare
them for their next academic year at no cost. We reviewed all existing programs related to social
distancing, mask requirements, health screenings, and increased sanitization and disinfection measures.
We re-opened TSS on Thursday, September 3, 2020. We made many changes, the campus was different,
new procedures were in place, but we knew this was the best way to serve our students – in-person, oncampus
learning, and thriving. Again, it is thanks to all of you. Your support has kept TSS safe, financially
healthy, and thriving, with 116 students learning and growing during the critical years of elementary and
middle school.
We are optimistic for the 2021-2022 academic year as our admissions numbers thrive with a potential
waitlist for students. We look forward to seeing our TSS family and friends on campus again soon. In the
meantime, be well and please keep in touch.
With deep appreciation,
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
P A G E 1 | H E A D O F S C H O O L

Leadership
Our
a l l 2 0 1 9
F

C U R R E N T L E A D E R S H I P
HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
"Great staff making a difference in kid's lives."
--TSS Friend
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
Samantha Berg, Director of Admissions
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham, Head of Upper School, Student Advisor
Theresa Collins, Orton-Gillingham Fellow & Trainer, Tutorial Department Head, Faculty Member
Dr. Kathleen Gallagher, Head of Lower School, Co-Director of Summer Programs, Student Advisor
Lauren Jones, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Melissa Kinyon, Speech & Language Pathologist
Maggie Macari, Chief Operating Officer, COVID-19 Response Coordinator
Claire Millerick, Advancement Coordinator
Zibby Perkins, Director of Advancement, Parent of Alumna
Sharon Plante, Chief Technology Integrator, Student Advisor, Faculty Member
John Robbins, Director of Student Programs, Co-Director of Summer Programs, Student Advisor, Faculty Member
Jeffrey Ruggiero, Director of Education, Student Advisor
Dave Sylvestro, School Psychologist
Joyce Tracey, Business Manager
Dede Warner, Front Office Administrator
Cadia Wiley, School Counselor, Student Advisor, Faculty Member
OPERATIONS
Rick Fedeli, Facilities Support
Mario Fiallo, Director of Facilities
Peggy Lewis, Chef
Carlos Ramirez, Facilities Support
Lorena Serrano, Kitchen Support
Margaret Sullivan, Nurse
Jen Szweda, Nurse
FACULTY
Aline Araujo
Megan Aversano
Justin Behn
Karin Bowman
Melissa Brown
James Bruce
Julia Cascio
Bianca Cenatiempo
Taylor Cotaling
Brandon DeMunnik
Joanne Dowling
Kristin DuCharme
Christine Filep
Janine Forry, Student Advisor
Jeannine Gallagher
Melanie Higgins
Heather Humphries
Erin Johnson
Sarah Kelly, Art Director
KC Koshansky
Rebecca Levine, Teaching Assistant
Talya Oral
Alexandra Palazzo
Julie Papp, Student Advisor
Brianna Pruchnicki, Health & Wellness Teacher
Jim Renehan, Teaching Assistant
Shelbey Roy
Kim Ruggiero
Lila Schooler
Marisa Scott
Laura Strazza
Stephanie Swinkin
Thomas Turner, P.E. Teacher
Audra Whitmore
Jessica Wilkes, Music Director
Clorasteen Wilson
P A G E 3 | S C H O O L L E A D E R S H I P

B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0
CHAIR
Virginia K. Cargill
BOARD MEMBERS
Ellen Boyle
Jim Bradley
Colleen Brandon, Parent of Alumna
Caroline Calder
George Clark, Jr.
Gary Cosgrave
Bob DiSabato, Parent of Alumnus
T. Hoffman, Jr.
Karen Jeffers
Maggie Macari, Chief Operating Officer, COVID-19 Response Coordinator
Nat Mundy T’91
Jill Pengue, Parent of Alumnus
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers, Head of School
Paul Quinsee, Parent of Alumna
Sue Roberts
Jim Vose
Amy Watson
DIRECTOR EMERITI
Janet Brogan, Parent of Alumnus
Barbara Evans
Dick Ferguson, Parent of Alumnus
Lawrence Hughes
Michael LaPorta
Hugh Smith, Grandparent of Current Student
Janet Steinmayer, Parent of Alumnus
Patricia Willett
Robert Wright
Mrs. F. Henry Berlin, 1920–1995
Stephen D. Colhoun, 1921–1991
Walter S. Robbins, 1928–2016
John D. Upton, 1909–2005
Frank Wendt, 1925-2018
P A G E 4 | B O A R D O F D I R E C T O R S

LIFE
CAMPUS
a l l 2 0 1 9 - W i n t e r 2 0 2 0
F

R E V E N U E S
E X P E N S E S
P A G E 6 | R E V E N U E S & E X P E N S E S

F I N A N C I A L S 2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0
P A G E 7 | F I N A N C I A L S

A L L A N N U A L G I V I N G
The following list of Annual Giving to The Southport School reflects all Annual Fund Campaign, the 2020 Spring Benefit,
Endowment, and The Southport CoLAB gifts from our many generous community members including members of the
Board, current parents, former Board members, past parents, grandparents, faculty and staff members, alumni,
neighbors, and new and old friends of the school.
Your participation reflects the strength of our community and ensures the school’s viability and flexibility in program
investment. Your choice to make an annual gift to TSS demonstrates your belief in the difference we make for our
students today.
$15,000 OR MORE
$2,500-$4,999 $1,000-$2,499
Anonymous (2)
Mr. and Mrs. James Donaher
Fernandes Family Foundation
$10,000-$14,999
Dick and Marissa Ferguson
The Leibowits Family
Quinsee Family Fund
Mr. and Mrs. David Sussman
Mr. Allan Wieman and Ms. Jo Shute
$5,000-$9,999
Joseph P. Brandon & Colleen M. Brandon
Family Foundation
Mr. Gary Cosgrave
Estate of Ray Marie Dilieto
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Frost
Mr. and Mrs. Theron S. Hoffman, Jr.
Ms. Karen Jeffers and Mr. Richard Worth
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
Wilmot Wheeler Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Richard C. Bondy
Mrs. Virginia K. Cargill
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Davenport
Bob and Christina DiSabato
Mr. Barry Emswiler
Robert and Elizabeth Frost
John Hancock Funds
Dr. Robert S. Kruger and
Ms. Heidi Palmer
Susan and John McDonough
Mr. and Mrs. Karl Palmgren
Michael and Jill Pengue
Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. James B. Vose
Ms. Amy Watson
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Accardi
Payton, Libby, and Robert Alexander
Mr. Santiago Alfageme and Ms. Leah Gambal
Anonymous
The Beckerer Foundation
Mr. Frank S. Beckerer, Jr.
Dina and Paul Berger
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Biggs
Mr. and Mrs. Brian Bisesi
Jim and Barbara Bradley
Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey Bradshaw-Mack
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brogan
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Buono
Mr. and Mrs. George Clark, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Cushman
Mr. and Mrs. Paul J. Doocy
Mr. James Elkus and Ms. Elizabeth Ewing
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Feinberg
Ms. Stephanie Frost
Gerry Family Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goldberg
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hennemuth
The Lane Family
Sharon and Brian Miles
Sue Roberts
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ross
Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Shaw II
Shepley Bulfinch
Ms. Janet L. Steinmayer
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stelben
Mr. Frank L. Sullivan, Jr.
Mr. and Mrs. David Sylvestro
Mr. Tucker Sylvestro and Ms. Lisa Meckley
Mr. and Mrs. Steven S. Wyckoff
P A G E 8 | A N N U A L G I V I N G

2 0 2 0 S P R I N G B E N E F I T
T h e U n i v e r s e i s Y o u r s
BENEFIT CO-CHAIRS
Undoubtedly, the cancellation of our highly-anticipated themed annual Spring Benefit event, “The
Universe is Yours,” felt deeply marred by the unknowns of the pandemic and its effect on all of us here
on “Earth.” We were saddened to miss out on this would-be wonderful gathering that we traditionally
celebrate yearly with our tight-knit community of family and friends.
The fundraising behind this event is to benefit our current student programs, which include
academics, co-curriculars, and enrichment programs. These programs strengthen our next
generation of learners and leaders which in turn fuels our vision: to create a world where people with
language-based learning differences and ADHD are embraced for their strengths and potential.
Seena Cushman
Sandra Frost
The annual Benefit is our biggest fundraiser for the school, and despite the cancelled evening, so many
of you reallocated your purchased event tickets and program ads, donating them back to the school,
and for this we thank you.
The tremendous work and energy that was dedicated in preparing for this special evening by the
event co-chairs, Seena Cushman (mother of son Blake T’20) and Sandra Frost (mother of daughter
Rebecca T’20), and the entire Benefit Committee was immeasurable. We extend our gratitude to
them! The outreach effort for donated items, program ads, and underwriting always surpass our
goals, and last year was no exception.
With the guidance of Art Director Sarah Kelly and Music Director Jessica Wilkes, each TSS student
contributed to the Benefits’ themed décor and evening entertainment. We would have been in awe of
the over 100 beautiful star lanterns illuminating the Universe’s sky within The Inn at Longshore in
Westport while watching a video music performance by students. We are hopeful of another such
event someday soon to celebrate such creative talent, each other, and TSS. It may look different, but
we can’t wait!
BENEFIT GIFTS 2020
Mr. and Mrs. Johan Andreasson
Mr. Rich Bernard
Blum Shapiro
Mrs. Virginia K. Cargill
Cooper's Auto Parts
Mr. and Mrs. Bradford Cushman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dubicki
Mr. James Elkus and Ms. Elizabeth Ewing
Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Fahey
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Goldberg
Mr. Ari Greenman and Ms. Michele Cosentino
Dr. Laura Gutman, CT Neuropsychology Group
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Hennemuth
Mr. and Mrs. John Ijams
Kasson Jewelers of Southport
Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Klammer
Mr. and Mrs. David Leibowits
Mr. and Mrs. Josh Lewis
Mr. Steve Moretta, Voya Financial Advisors
Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Olefson
Mr. and Mrs. Theordore O’Neill
Pullman and Comley
The Russell Agency
Mr. George F. Russell
Sasquanaug Association
Ms. Gina Scinto
Mr. Kenneth Sjoberg and Ms. Jennifer Berberian
Ms. Olivia Stone
Ms. Amy Watson
Ms. Tami Wilkinson
P A G E 1 2 | 2 0 2 0 S P R I N G B E N E F I T

Spring Benefit Committee
Thank you to our parents for their commitment and time
dedicated to creating what would have been a wonderful
evening of friends, good times, and great memories.
Jenn Andreasson
Samantha Beranbom
Jen Berberian
Julie Blakeman
Kim Caravella
Michele Cosentino
Cathy de Graaff
Sue DeThomas
Betsy Ewing
Kim Fahey
Debbie Giblin
Kathleen Gisby
Lauren Goldberg
Cathy Jones
Jennifer Kanfer
Stephanie Mitchell
Lauren Osso
Andree Palmgren
Kelsey Rollinson
Barbara Rosen
Emily Sullivan
Colleen Walsh
Elizabeth Williams

T H E D E B O R A H J . Q U I N S E E
E D U C A T I O N F U N D
The Southport School (TSS) is most grateful to receive thoughtful and generous gifts in memory of our shared
friend, Deborah J. Quinsee, who was a long-time supporter and advocate of the school. Deb was a constant
presence and passionate leader in our community as both a parent and Trustee member. Her belief and mission
was to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our school. The impact she made is evident today in how we
approach and share our resources with our knowledge and experience to the broader community.
Deborah's family has been deeply connected to TSS for years with her daughter Isobel, an alumna, daughter
Rebecca Lazorick, currently a part-time literacy coach, and husband Paul, a current board member. We are
thankful for all that the Quinsee Family contributes to our community as a family and as individuals.
In fond memory of
Deborah J. Quinsee
With guidance from the Quinsee Family, together TSS and The Southport CoLAB established The Deborah J.
Quinsee Education Fund in 2019. Deborah was passionate and committed to the education of the most
vulnerable members of the student population, children with learning differences and those from underprivileged
backgrounds. Deb’s inspiration was the foundation of our partnership with the Adam J. Lewis Academy (AJLA) in
which we provide Orton-Gillingham (O-G) tutoring for students who are struggling with literacy.
Founded in 2013, AJLA started as a non-profit preschool located in the West End of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and
has grown to now serve pre-kindergarten through second grade students with the plan to add additional classes
each year through fifth grade. Currently, through the The Deborah J. Quinsee Education Fund, more than 15
students collectively in kindergarten, first grade, and second grade are provided a semi-private tutor session in
small groups 1-2 times per week. Teachers affiliated with The Southport CoLAB are O-G professionally trained
and certified through its own Orton-Gillingham Instructional and Training Program which is accredited by the
Orton-Gillingham Academy.
Ms. Felise Agranoff
Ms. Susan Bao
Mr. Barry Berger
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Bowman
Lee Bray
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Brogan
Mr. William A. Buckingham and
Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham
Mr. Zachary Bunick
Mr. and Mrs. Jamie Burns
Ms. Yiling Chen
Mr. Mike Cimafonte
Mr. Matt Cohen
Mr. and Mrs. Ray Connolly
Ms. Amelia Diamond
Dick and Marissa Ferguson
Ms. Lynn Fiorentino
Mr. Gregory Fowlkes
Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Frankenhoff
Ms. Vania Freund
Dr. Morag Grassie and Mr. Neil Grassie
Mr. James Ho
Mr. Robert Ippolito
Mr. Neil Joseph
JP Morgan Trading Team
Mr. Jason Kingshott
Mr. Nishesh Kumar
Mr. Jason Kuo
Mr. Adam Kurzer
Mr. and Mrs. George Lazorick
Mr. and Mrs. Steven Lee
Ms. Eliza Lehrman
Mr. Adam Lester
Ms. Andrea Lisher
Mr. Mark Louka
Mr. Thomas Luddy
Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Macari
Mr. and Mrs. David Maccarrone
Ms. Nikki Marshall
Mr. Fred Mason
Mr. Jeff Matusow
Ms. Rachel McDermott
Ms. Kathleen McNamara
Mr. Gaurav Mittal
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Morgan
Spark Nakamura
Mr. Michael O’Brien
Mr. and Mrs. Cory J. Perkins
Mr. Craig Petherick
Mr. Bojan Petrovich
Mr. Kevin Portuondo
Mr. Andrew Powell
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
Mr. Paul Quinsee
Ms. Suzanne Reitmeier
Mr. Dennis Ruhl
Mr. David Schiff
Mr. Mitchell Seider and Ms. Lisa Beck
Ms. Yabu Sesay
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Stanley
Ms. Jaime Steinhardt
Mr. Benjamin Sylvester
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
Mr. and Mrs. Robert VanRaamsdonk
Ms. Eva Walsh
Ms. Karen Wares
Ms. Amy Watson
Trish, Maddie, and Christian Weber
Kristian West
Mr. and Mrs. Michael Wheeler
Mr. Sam Woodruff
P A G E 1 4 | I N M E M O R Y O F D E B O R A H J . Q U I N S E E

E N D O WM E N T G I F T S
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0
General Endowment Fund
Unrestricted gifts.
Financial Aid Endowment Fund
To provide support for student financial aid.
Locker Maintenance Fund
Est. 2015 for family and friends who wish to name a Southport School
locker in honor of a student, teacher, or any community member
deserving recognition of their experience or dedication to the school.
Beckerer Family Scholarship Fund
Est. 2005 by Bob Beckerer to provide support for financial aid.
Mr. Frank S. Beckerer, Jr.
The Beckerer Foundation
The Carolyn Lavender and Kelly Wieman Fund
Est. 2011 by the Wieman Family in honor of Carolyn Lavender, who first
suggested TSS to their daughter, Kelly. The funds are unrestricted.
The Daniel E. Offutt III Scholarship Fund
Est. 2018 on behalf of The Daniel E. Offutt III Revocable Trust to benefit
students worthy of a scholarship.
Quinsee Family Fund
Est. 2010 by the Quinsee family to be used at the discretion of the
Head of School and the Board of Directors.
Walter S. Robbins Fund For Service Learning
Est. 2009 by the Robbins children in honor of their father to support service
learning at the school.
Casey Coleman Scholarship Fund
Est. 1999 by George and Katie Coleman to provide support for
financial aid.
Grant V.A. Roberts Fund for Art and Music Education
Est. 2005 in memory of Grant V.A. Roberts by his family to support art and
music programs.
Stephen D. Colhoun Scholarship Fund
Est. 1991 by friends and family in memory of Stephen Colhoun to
provide support for financial aid.
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
Fernandes Family Scholarship Fund
Est. 2010 by the Fernandes Family to provide support for financial aid.
Andrew Kostin Technology Fund
Est. 2008 by Susan Kostin in honor of her son, Andrew, to provide
support for classroom technology.
Madison Hui Kwong Fund
Est. 2007 by Timothy and Chelsea Kwong in memory of their daughter
to provide support for professional development.
Carolyn Lavender Scholarship Fund
Est. 2013 by friends and family in memory of Carolyn Lavender to
provide support for financial aid.
Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Aversano
Mr. and Mrs. Evan Berg
Mr. William A. Buckingham and Dr. Hallie A. Buckingham
Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Forry
Mr. Kenneth Gallagher and Dr. Kathleen Gallagher
Dr. Benjamin N. Powers
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Ruggiero
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
Southport Congregational Scholarship Fund
Est. 1992 by the Southport Congregational Church to provide support for
financial aid.
Tavormina Endowment Fund
Est. 2002 by the Tavormina family to be used at the discretion of the Board
of Directors.
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
John D. Upton Scholarship Fund
Est. 1990 by John Upton to provide support for financial aid.
Mr. and Mrs. James P. Biggs
Mr. Leonard Tavormina
Estate of John D. Upton
Barbara & Frank Wendt Scholarship Fund
Est. 2004 by Barbara and Frank Wendt to provide support for financial aid.
P A G E 1 5 | E N D O WM E N T G I F T S

COMMUNITY
TSS
you!
Thank
"We are the proud parents of our son. The Southport School
helped prepare him for a bright academic future."
--Alumni Parent T'16

OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!
POTLUCK SUPPER - OCTOBER 2019
Event Co-Chairs
Diana Kardamis
Kelly Scinto
Evening Speakers
Virginia Cargill, Board of Directors, Chair
Dick Ferguson, Former Board Member & Alumni Parent
Suzanne Lang, Director of The Southport CoLAB
Benjamin Powers, Head of School
Liz Tommey, TSS Alumna
PARENT-SPONSORED FIRST TUESDAY BREAKFAST
FOR STAFF & FACULTY
October 2019 Kim Fahey & Cathy Jones
November 2019 Jen Clementi-Horn & Kelsey Rollinson
December 2019 Samantha Beranbom & Kelly Scinto
January 2020 Sandra Frost & Stacy Kipperman
February 2020 Sue DeThomas & Diana Kardamis
March 2020 Jen Berberian & Cathy Jones
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR - NOVEMBER 2019
Event Chair
Jennifer Andreasson
Parent Volunteers
Sue DeThomas
Sandra Frost
Kathleen Gisby
Becca Goldblat
Stacy Kipperman
Doreen Lynch
Stephanie Mitchell
Katie Rippey
Kelly Scinto
Jill Stelben
Jennifer Sweetland
Elizabeth Williams
P A G E 1 7 | P A R E N T V O L U N T E E R S

TSS "New Normal"
i r t u a l O n l i n e L e a r n i n g
V
a r c h - J u n e 2 0 2 0
M

Spirit + School Pride
TSS
Connected
Staying
#AllInThisTogether

Congratulations!
Year-End Recognition Celebrations
Virtual
TSS Good-bye, Drive-By for 8th Grade Graduates & Transitioning Students

Summer 2021: Prep for Fall Reopening
Planning for In-Person, On-Campus Learning
Ensuring Our School is CDC COVID-19 Compliant

Fall 2021: New Beginnings
Welcome Back !

OUR VISION
A world where people with language-based
learning differences and ADHD are
embraced for their strengths and potential,
and where all teachers have access to
training in best educational practices and
current research.

We Change Lives.

has changed the trajectory of my
"TSS
life. She is receiving a quality
daughter's
she is happy, and loves to
education,
-- Current Parent
learn."
T H A N K
Y O U
2 1 4 M a i n S t r e e t
S o u t h p o r t , C T 0 6 8 9 0
2 0 3 . 2 5 4 . 2 0 4 4
I n f o @ S o u t h p o r t S c h o o l . o r g
S o u t h p o r t S c h o o l . o r g