2023-2024 Impact Report

Prospect Sierra Impact Report

As educators, learners, and community partners, we lead with the knowledge that we are all connected and that our care for one another is essential to achieving mutual benefit and serving the greater good. This is how we define IMPACT at Prospect Sierra, one of our core values. Please enjoy the 2023-24 Impact Report and see how you, too, make an impact at Prospect Sierra every day.

Nisa Frank

Head of School

Denise Yamamoto

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Welcome from the Head of School & Board Chair

How do we make a positive impact on the lives of others? How do we make meaningful change in the world? How do we ensure that we’re centering love and justice in all of our actions?

These are just some of the questions that we ask at Prospect Sierra in our respective roles as Head of School and Chair of our Board of Trustees. Whether we are setting next year’s tuition, contemplating a program change, or building relationships with children and adults, these questions are always present for us. And as we introduce our new Impact Report (formerly the Annual Report), we invite you to pay attention to all of the ways that you, your children, and your fellow families have made an impact in the PS community and in our shared world.

Specifically, during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years, we leaned into these questions as we partnered to make impactful change. For example, we:

Launched our Equity Action Program, providing two qualifying families a tuition-free education for 6th through 8th grade
Began a new partnership with The Children’s Education Initiative to fully fund two students in kindergarten through 8th grade
Conducted our Self Study as part of our CAIS re-accreditation, which takes place approximately every 8 years
Worked to create new curriculum storyboards across all grade levels, streamlining our curriculum from year to year and providing parents and caregivers with increased clarity about their child’s school experience

You all made impactful change happen as well! Whether you drove students somewhere new to experience the world outside of their community, served children pizza, logged some miles in our Move-a-thon, donated time to our Spring fundraiser, or stretched yourself to make a donation to the PS Annual Fund, you made an impact at Prospect Sierra, and we are grateful to you!

As leaders in this incredible school community, we know that the world will continue to throw us curve balls and that our greatest chance of solving complex problems relies on us doing the work together. Please take some time to read through this acknowledgment of the work we do to build a better world at Prospect Sierra. Thank you for all that you do!

Nisa Frank Head of School

Denise Yamamoto Chair of the Board of Trustees

2023-2024 Development Committee

Front Row (from left to right): Kim Almeida, Liz Clark, Lisa Sandoval, Mike Hoang, Gaëlle Feliz

Back Row (from left to right): Cory Elliott, Ian Golder, Kate Schaffer, Keziah Davis

Not Present: Nisa Frank, Soo Zee Park, Tesha McCord Poe, Marissa Saraf, Denise Yamamoto

Let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible collective power of giving! Whether you’ve shared your time, resources, or talents, you have all been instrumental in advancing our programs and initiatives. Thank you for making a real impact!

Annual Fund Donors

Your contributions have been the driving force behind sustaining our vibrant programs and sparking innovation throughout the year. Donations for 2023-24 surpassed $335,000—thank you!

Equity Action Program Funders

Because of you, we are proud to provide two 6th-grade students with full funding for the 2024-25 school year. These three-year middle school grants open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to an independent school education. Our work continues, and this community will feel the ripple effect of your support for years to come!

Moveathon & Spring Fundraiser Sponsors and Donors

You helped turn our Sow & Grow Second Chance Prom into a resounding success! Thanks to your generosity and partnership, more than $110,000 was raised in critical funds for our outdoor learning spaces. See full sponsorship list here.

Count Me In Sponsors & Participants

You helped close the gap even more, sharing your creativity, joy, and talents with the community.

Our Dedicated Volunteers

Your time, talent, and dedication truly define the spirit of PS! Every day, you enrich the lives of students and teachers alike, leaving a lasting impact.

Everyone plays a vital role in our journey towards a brighter future. Let’s continue to build a school community that clearly reflects our values of love, justice, innovation, and impact.

“Together, we empower futures. Donations enrich every child’s education and fortify our community.”

- Mike Hoang | Prospect Sierra Parent

“We prioritize Prospect Sierra in our family’s charitable giving because our investment helps ensure that our educators have the resources they need to deliver the program that brought us to the school many years ago. As many did before us, we see it as our opportunity to pay it forward to ensure that families can have a PS experience for generations to come.”

- Denise Thomas | Prospect Sierra Parent and Trustee

Impact in Action

Everyone Loves Pizza Day!

The best part about being a Pizza Day Coordinator is witnessing the JOY both students and teachers alike have when Pizza Day comes. Rain or shine, the excitement on campus is palpable and makes all the work leading up to Pizza Day worth it. We get to feed our kids and sneak a peek into their school lives. I love it! – Neeka Young, 4th grade parent

Our 8th WWII Oral History Project

I started participating when my twin granddaughters were at Prospect Sierra. The students are always engaged, making it fun to recall early memories and research my early years. I was four when WWII began, and my parents were recent immigrants from Denmark, so many of my presentations focused on my family’s experience during the war. The WWII project was truly enjoyable! – Marilyn Willats, interviewee

Prospect Sierra’s Longterm Partnership with CEID

For over 20 years, a teacher from Berkeley’s Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID) has driven weekly to Prospect Sierra to teach sign language to 3rd graders, while PS 3rd graders visit CEID to play with younger, deaf and hard of hearing children. This mutually impactful partnership helps students understand and appreciate differences. “One of the joys I see is how our kids adapt to meet the needs of others with physical, social, and emotional differences, gaining a healthy understanding of what it means to be both different and the same.” – Annie Fujimoto, 3rd grade teacher

PS Alum Making Change in Ghana

Last spring, I volunteered in two African countries, living with local families, working on a conservancy, and starting a girls’ soccer team. In Nungua, Ghana, I helped at a medical clinic facing frequent power outages that affected refrigeration. I organized a fundraiser to buy a generator, which greatly improved the clinic’s ability to store vaccines and run essential equipment. I plan to continue my work with the soccer team and explore ways to bring clean water and scholarships to a school in Akropong. – Ali Forbush ‘22

6th Grade KidWind Challenge

Each year, 6th graders design wind turbine blades to generate electricity by experimenting with variables like size, shape, material, and pitch. They measure results using a multimeter attached to a generator. Some students participate in the KidWind event at Cal Maritime, where a 3’x3’ wind tunnel tests and tracks each turbine’s energy capture. The top performers are invited to the national KidWind event. Prospect Sierra students have traveled to Chicago (2018), Houston (2019), and Minneapolis (2024). Congratulations, students!

Impact By the Numbers

335

Annual Fund donors

29

Faculty and staff sent to the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC)

100%

TK and elementary students that participate in drama productions

28

Volunteers that came together to power Pizza Day

960

Ice cream scoops served at Frosty Paws

$525K

Funds raised for operating budget and outdoor learning spaces

60

Middle school electives offered

51

Notes of kindness created by 2nd graders

141

Volunteer hours that fueled the success of this year’s Panther Picnic

390

Burgers eaten at Panther Picnic

600

Bags of groceries packed for The Black Neighborhood’s Annual Turkey Drive

140

Lbs of bunny food eaten by PS bunnies, Sunset and Midnight

Volunteer Moments

Pizza Day

Pizza Day is a longstanding tradition at Prospect Sierra made possible by parents’ monthly support. Thank you for keeping hearts and bellies full!
Frosty Paws

Thank you to our hardworking scoopers and toppers who make our Frosty Paws a special back-to-school treat for all families!
Field Trips

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of Prospect Sierra education! Thanks to all of our caregivers and parents for chaperoning these trips.
Spring Fundraiser

Our community roared into action this spring at the Sow & Grow fundraiser. Thanks to the incredible teamwork of families and alumni, our collective PS power blossomed brighter than ever!
Classroom Support

Whether it’s colab, art, or any other classroom setting, thank you for lending a helping hand to enhance our students’ day-to-day education.
8th Grade Graduation

Our 8th grade graduation ceremony and reception last year was heartwarming! Upholding a beloved school tradition, dedicated 7th grade parent volunteers served refreshments during this heartwarming milestone – thank you!

Prospect Sierra Board Committees

This list reflects board committee membership for 2024-2025

Board of Trustees

Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Kim Almeida, Trustee & Parent
Ruth Bissell, Trustee & Alum Parent
Cory Elliott, Trustee & Alum ‘04
Nisa Frank, Head of School
Janella Jones, Trustee & Parent
Ulrike Malmendier, Trustee & Parent
Tesha McCord Poe, Trustee
Becca Meyer, Trustee & Parent
Markus Mullarkey, Trustee
Dana Nelson-Isaacs, Trustee & Alum Parent
Jorge Palacios, Trustee & Parent
Brad Perkins, Trustee & Parent
Kelly Smith, Trustee & Alum Parent
Kota Tabuchi, Trustee & Parent
Denise Thomas, Trustee & Parent

Committee of Trustees

Brad Perkins, Chair & Parent
Janella Jones, Trustee & Parent
Kota Tabuchi, Trustee & Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Nisa Frank, Head of School

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Jorge Palacios, Trustee & Parent
Kelly Smith, Trustee, Former Teacher & Alum Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Nisa Frank, Head of School

Audit & Risk Committee

Becca Meyer, Chair & Parent
Cory Elliott, Trustee & Alum ‘04
Jim McSweeney, Former Trustee & Alum Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Nisa Frank, Head of School
Soo Zee Park, Chief Financial Officer

Head of School Leadership Development & Compensation

Ruth Bissell, Chair & Alum Parent
Dana Nelson-Isaacs, Trustee & Alum Parent
Tesha McCord Poe, Trustee
Kelly Smith, Trustee, Former Teacher & Alum Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent

Finance & Investment Committee

Markus Mullarkey, Chair
Aaron Alfert, Parent
Sophie Boroditsky, Parent
Ulrike Malmendier, Trustee & Parent
Becca Meyer, Trustee & Parent
Dana Nelson-Isaacs, Trustee & Alum Parent
Denise Thomas, Trustee & Parent
Eric Thompson, Alum Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Nisa Frank, Head of School
Liz Clark, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, Former Trustee & Alum Parent
Soo Zee Park, Chief Financial Officer

Buildings & Grounds

Brad Perkins, Chair & Parent
Janella Jones, Trustee & Parent
Eli Berland, Parent
Dana Tillson, Former Trustee & Alum Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair
Nisa Frank, Head of School
Mary DeNardo, Director of Communications & Community Partnerships
Abby Guinn, Associate Head of Program and Professional Development & Alum Parent
Soo Zee Park, Chief Financial Officer
Steve Harrington, Director of Facilities

Development

Cory Elliott, Chair & Alum ‘04
Kim Almeida, Trustee & Parent
Ian Golder, Parent
Mike Hoang, Parent
Tesha McCord Poe, Trustee
Lisa Sandoval, Parent
Kate Schaffer, Parent
Denise Yamamoto, Board Chair & Parent
Nisa Frank, Head of School
Liz Clark, Director of Development, Former Trustee & Alum Parent
Keziah Davis, Annual Giving & Alumni Relations Coordinator
Gaëlle Feliz, Events Coordinator
Soo Zee Park, Chief Financial Officer

Operating Budget & Financials

Revenues 2023-2024

Tuition and Fees

$15,865,281

Contributions (net of expenses)

$255,424

Extended Program and Transportation

$605,693

Other Income

$241,789

Investments

$1,399,898

Total Revenues

$18,709,1118

Expenses 2023-2024

Salaries and benefits

$12,048,135

Tuition investment

$2,933,116

Technology

$210,036

Facilities

$966,527

Instructional expenses

$411,733

Professional development

$63,583

Extended Program and Transportation

$675,714

Fundraising

$393,066

Other general operating

$669,348

Total Expenses

$18,371,258

Fundraising Totals

Annual Fund

$336,961

Fundraising Events

$17,542

Temp. Restricted

$223,050

Endowments - Investment gains / (losses)

$327,947

Total

$905,500

Celebrating Our Donors: Building an Ecosystem of Excellence Together

6 monarch butterflies

Visionaries $15,000+

8 poppy flowers

Innovators $10,000-$14,999

2 redbud trees

Head’s Circle $7,500-$9,999

15 deergrass bunches

Creators $3,000-$7,499

574 topsoil

Builders: Gifts up to $2,999

Ways to Give

Every single gift to Prospect Sierra is vital to supporting the school’s annual fund, endowment, and capital needs. Prospect Sierra is a nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3), and your donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable by law (TAX ID # 94-2940144).
The Development Office welcomes inquiries about Prospect Sierra’s fundraising programs. Please contact us at development@prospectsierra.org for more information.

Here are several ways you can make a gift to the school.

Cash

Cash gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law, and may be made with cash, checks, or credit card. You may visit the school’s website at www.prospectsierra.org/giving to make an online gift as well. The Development Office is available to help you set up a pledge payment schedule to fit your family’s needs.

Donor Advised Funds

A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) allows you to make charitable gifts from funds managed by a DAF custodian. You will initiate the transfer through your DAF administrator and provide them with Prospect Sierra’s TAX ID number (EIN): 94-2940144.

Securities

Give stock, securities, or mutual funds and potentially receive tax deductions while avoiding capital gains taxes. Contact development@prospectsierra.org for instructions.

Tribute Gifts

Gifts in memory of a friend or family member or in honor of a special occasion may be made to the Annual Fund or the fund of your choice. Please contact the Development Office at (510) 809-9012 with any questions.

Planned Gifts

Prospect Sierra accepts planned or deferred gifts through life insurance, charitable trusts, and bequests. A donor may wish to consider these options as a way to reduce or avoid estate and inheritance taxes while securing the future of the school. Please contact the Development Office at (510) 809-9012 if you’re interested in including Prospect Sierra in your estate plans.

Your Support Matters

Each donation of time, talent or money has the power to makes amazing things happen. No contribution is too small.

Donate Now