Report on Philanthropy
2023–2024

Letter from the Board Chair

October 2024

Dear Westmark Community,

In association with the fortieth anniversary of Westmark School in 2023–2024, I had the great honor of speaking at the dedication of the Lower School Campus. I cherish the memory of standing before the community to commemorate the historic occasion. What a thrilling moment for the future of our mission, as we chart the course for empowering generations of youth with language-based learning differences (LD).

Of course, this has long been the purpose of Westmark School: to elevate the experience of LD students so that they can excel in their lives. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I thank you for making it possible for Westmark to deliver on its mission, day in and day out. Only by the power of the full community—families, faculty and staff, foundations, and friends—can Westmark transform lives and model LD education at its very best.

Your financial contributions make an impact, and we are especially grateful for your support of the tuition assistance program, which enables the School to extend its outreach and grow its impact. The volunteerism demonstrated by many of you also makes an invaluable difference. Thank you for your generosity of heart.

I look forward to seeing you this coming year. Here’s to the next forty years!

 

 

James Kilcourse
Chair, Board of Trustees

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Letter from the Head of School

October 2024

Dear Westmark Family and Friends,

The 2023–2024 school year marked forty years since a group of East Coast parents and educators headed west to establish Landmark West School. Years before the term neurodiversity was even coined, they created a place where learning differently was celebrated. As I begin my tenth year at what is now Westmark School, I am honored that together as a community, we carry forward their vision. 

This past year, we built upon the foundation laid long ago—by breaking ground! I am grateful to the philanthropists who championed the Lower School Campus, where our youngest Westmark Lions can benefit from evidence-based intervention early in their lives. My gratitude extends to our Lower School students and teachers. You have filled the campus with love and learning.

As transformational as this year was, it was also a time to recommit to our longstanding mission. Thanks to your contributions to the Westmark Fund, Spring Gala, and other fundraising campaigns, we stayed true to what distinguishes a Westmark education:

• Class sizes and curricula that optimized learning throughout the year
• More than 100 hours of faculty training in the latest translational research and LD best practices
• Sold-out performances and creative visual art and film
• Exciting sports seasons, topped off by three league championships
• Dozens of horizon-expanding field trips, retreats, and service learning
• Expert college counseling leading to impressive matriculations by our seniors
• Facility improvements and tech upgrades
• And, most importantly, students who made remarkable strides in their educational journeys throughout the year. Your generosity has ensured that their daily accomplishments are as worthy of celebration as any milestone in our history.

Forty years ago, the School’s first yearbook was dedicated to “all the people who took the risk to become part of a new beginning.” As you review this Report on Philanthropy and look back at the year of giving, please accept my gratitude for supporting our Westmark Lions and applauding the new beginnings they mark each and every day.

 

 

Claudia Koochek
Head of School