2023-2024 Annual Report : simplebooklet.com

Thank you for another exciting year with the Sage Center atSage Hill School! The Hamoui Family Sage Center forInnovative Curriculum continues to be a cornerstone of thestudent experience, offering unique programs that empowerour scholars to become creative, compassionate andcourageous participants of both local and globalcommunities.At the start of the 2023-2024 school year, the Sage Center hadan opportunity to connect with faculty and staff around theidea of Belonging. Research for our presentation confirmed thecommonly understood notion that a students’ sense ofbelonging correlates to their motivation and academicsuccess. While we continue to strive to create an environmentof belonging, belonging is neither our starting nor ending goal.It is simply the pathway on our students’ journey towarddiscovering, uncovering and creating who they are and whothey want to become. While no two paths will look the same, our hope is that throughour unique and diverse programs and the care of our team,each student will emerge as a dynamic thinker who not onlyshapes our school but also aspires to shape the world weinhabit, in the best ways possible. This past year, we set ambitious goals and I am incrediblygrateful to the Sage Center team, each and every faculty &staff member, and all the parent volunteers that made ourwork possible. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to our Headof School, Patricia Merz, and our Assistant Head of School forAcademics, Matthew Balossi, for their continued guidance andleadership. I encourage you all to engage with the Sage Center and divedeeper into our initiatives as you explore the Annual Report. Ihope to see many of you next year as you attend a SpeakerSeries event, offer an internship, participate in the annualColloquium or just stop by our offices to say hello.WELCOMEMESSAGESincerely, Sanan Shirinian (she/her)Sage Center DirectorSanan ShirinianPAGE 04

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Throughout the year, the Sage Center hosted 8 Sage Center Days during which students, faculty,staff, and parents started the morning together as a community in our gym. These mornings werean opportunity to take part in different cultural traditions, learn more about the diversecommunities among us, and highlight the voices and talents of our students. OCTOBER: MORNINGSSAGE CENTERThe morning opened withcelebratory karaoke fromSage Advocates ofMulticultural Education(SAME), performing “BornThis Way” by Lady Gaga.After karaoke, SageCenter Director SananShirinian introduced themorning and its purpose:to celebrate and supportLGBTQ+ members of theSage Hill Community.Dr. Feland, the LGBTQ+ affinity group facilitator, introduced senior Allyssa Picasso, who shared theirindependent service learning project, focused on raising awareness around LGBTQ+ youth inSpanish-speaking communities. Dr. Ishii then introduced "Celebrating You for You." This video,celebrating self-love and acceptance of one’s own identity, was made in collaboration withmembers of our LGBTQ+ Affinity group as well as many student and faculty allies within our SageHill community. Each of the quotes featured are taken directly from students to elevate theirexperiences and voices around being part of the LGBTQ+ community. SEPTEMBER: The first Sage Center Day was an orientation tohelp familiarize our students with all SageCenter programming. We kicked off with aspecial keynote speaker, former lawyer andStanford Dean turned best-selling author, JulieLythcott-Haims. Haims delivered a powerfulmessage to our students about taking agencyin their own lives and following a path that istrue to them. SCAN TO WATCH THE VIDEOPAGE 06

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NOVEMBER:This month was in celebration of Diwali, theFestival of Lights! Students from the South AsianAffinity Group (SAAG) took center stage toshare how their families celebrate the holiday,noting special traditions and practices theypartake in during Diwali. We also enjoyed afestive dance performance from Joya KaziEntertainment. Our sincere gratitude to ourSAAG Facilitator, Dr. Nisha Kunte, and theparents who helped decorate and preparedsweet treats for all of our students as they leftfor their Service Learning rotations. DECEMBER: The last Sage Center Day of 2023 featured anincredible performance from our Jazz Band,followed by instrumental, song, and poetryperformances from our Performing Arts to Healservice learning group. Students also shared whatmusic, art, theater and poetry means to them. Dr. Dodson led the morning performances,alongside the rest of the arts faculty who inspireour students and encourage their creativity. Thank you students for sharing your passion and talents with the Sage Hill community! JANUARY: We began with a celebratory presentation fromour Jewish Affinity Group. The evening ofJanuary 24 began the holiday ט ָב ְ ׁש ִּב ו״ט (TuBiShvat) — referred to as the Jewish Earth Dayor "New Year of the Trees." Using a treemetaphor, the group highlighted the landscapeof linguistic, religious and ethnic diversity withinJewish communities worldwide. Thispresentation aimed to highlight the diversemakeup of these communities and tocelebrate their complexity andinterconnectedness. We finished the morning by watching a short clip of students and facultysharing their Happy New Year wishes in several different languages spokenaround Sage Hill. To share their culture, everyone was invited to take a piece of challah, a ceremonial AshkenaziJewish bread, as they headed out for Service Learning. As challah is traditionally covered with aspecial cloth, group members individually prepared patches, which were then sewn together into aunified challah cover. This collective effort symbolized their unity as a group of diverse Jewishstudents at Sage Hill. SCAN TO WATCH THE VIDEOPAGE 07

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FEBRUARY: On this very special Valentine’s Day, our SageCenter Day kicked off with the theme of LovingOur Differences. The morning celebrationfeatured a song performance by sophomoreCamila Garduno Mora, followed by the excitingannouncement of a new Affinity Group for nextyear dedicated to students with disabilities.Students Noah Jimenez and Ben Haworth werejoined by Learning Specialist April Leavenworthto provide words of encouragement forstudents looking to connect and support one another, regardless of differences in ability. Students then watched a short video featuring community members whoshared things they love about themselves, from accents, to managinganxiety, to curiosity! To end the morning, community members were givensmall Valentine’s treats with positive affirmations on them. MARCH:In celebration of Women’s History Month,Science Department Chair Mrs. Anie Robinsontook the stage to perform Toccata, bycomposer Aram Khachaturyan. She wasfollowed by a special video montage honoringpioneering women in different sports and SageHill athletes who will follow in their footsteps. Ninth grader Maya Desai then performed anoriginal poem with themes of recognizing ourdifferences and coming of age, titled “I Like toThink I Know a Few Things.” SCAN TO WATCH THE VIDEOPAGE 08

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The Sage Center Stars were awarded on Sage Center Days to honor and celebrate individualswithin our school community who have exemplified core competencies known as the Six Cs. Byhighlighting their actions and daily embodiment of these values, we not only acknowledge theircontributions but also inspire others to follow their lead.CROSS-CULTURAL COMPETENCY: Awarded to members of the community wholearn to adapt and thrive in interculturalsettings to learn, communicate, and connectwith people from a variety of backgrounds andbeliefs. Allyssa PicassoRodin ZarrabiSabrina El-GamalStudent Diversity LeadershipConference participantsShaurya MittalAndrew LopezCOLLABORATION:Awarded to members of the community whoare capable of considering and integratingdiverse perspectives while maintaining theirown voice to effectively set and achieve goalsin a group setting.Facilities TeamLisa WillettPhoebe PanRob WolterSophia SunDominic Campeau CREATIVITY:Awarded to members of the community whopursue curiosity and discover the joy ofembracing a risk-taking mindset whilegenerating innovative ideas or works. Fiori LeeMadeline StaggAnnika ShahLauren StoneyTatiana MalekzadehZabelle MartinCOMMUNICATION:Awarded to members of the community whoare able to share and interpret ideas usingreceptive, expressive, and nonverbal languageto gain understanding and discern meaningwhen exchanging thought. Liz AnauldMax RazmjooJustin KlineAmy RayJett KerfootChristian ChanCRITICAL THINKING:Awarded to members of the community whoengage in evidence-based analysis andreflection to problem solve, make connections,and transfer their learning to informjudgements. Frank LinDharma LeRussell QianColby DayAlexa HanMia BuccolaCHARACTER: Awarded to members of the community whouphold integrity and act mindfully in allsituations while understanding that individualchoices impact the greater community.Arden StobartJames KarahaliosNancy XuAlex GomezNatalie SongLauren PopkowskiPAGE 10

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The ninth grade experience is centered around developing a deeper understanding of OrangeCounty’s diverse communities. Throughout the year, students engage with different demographicsaround the county, develop their cross-cultural awareness, and reflect upon the diversity, history,environmental concerns and socio-economic challenges facing residents here. The ninth gradeexperience is foundational in familiarizing students with the world around them before they engagein longer-term service work. LEARNINGSERVICEThe Sage Hill Service Learning program aims to put students’ empathy muscles to use, so they canbecome engaged members of different communities, take interest in the world around them, findmeaning and purpose in giving, & add value to the collective.Service Learning empowers students to become agents of change by cultivating ongoingrelationships with local community partners and finding mutual value in service-based experiences. 9th GradeAt Skyview, a day school thatprimarily servesKindergarten-8th gradechildren who are unhoused,our students run various funactivities and connect over ashared lunch. At the Newport BayConservancy, studentslearn about localenvironmental issues andhelp remove invasive sealavender from the bay. At the Blas Aguilar Adobe,students learn from NativeAmerican activist and storytellerJacque Nunez from the JuanenoBand of Mission Indians, theIndigenous inhabitants of thisland. The experience through theNative American land historywith Ms. Jacque Nunezrevealed the great impact ofhuman interactions with theenvironment over time.Discovering how people in thepast utilized the land to theirbenefit and how theycontinue to shape ourlandscapes today left methinking that our world can bemore efficient and useful withour current state of resources.Maximilian Konovalov ‘27PAGE 11

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At the Collaborative Courts ofOrange County, studentsobserve live proceedings ofdefendants working to becomerehabilitated and also meetwith Judge Cooper to learnmore about the justice systemin O.C. Before I visited the Courts,I had no idea that such alife changing reformprogram existed in mylocal community. I hadthe ability to recognizehow socioeconomicstruggles affect manycommunity members,and witness the power ofeach person to continueto fight past strugglesand make changes intheir own lives.My buddies, Isaiah, Evelyn &Saudy were able to see what itwas like to be in high school. Iwas also able to help themwith their writing andschoolwork, along with actingas a role model for them. Myfavorite part was when webrought Uno to the school andplayed it together. I think it wasimportant because it was agreat learning experience forall of us. Working withelementary school kids is a lotof work but I had a great time.At the Orange County RescueMission, students meet withstaff to hear about the variousservices provided to familiesstruggling with homelessness,as well as serve meals, organizeclothing/personal care, andhelp pack boxes in the donationcenter.At Heroes Hall VeteransMuseum & Exhibit, ourstudents have theopportunity to learn aboutthe lives and stories ofOrange County veterans. Maya Desai ‘27Sage Hill sophomores dive into a year of Service Learning that emphasizes the value of fosteringconnections with kids from our partner schools. Throughout the school year, students, alongsidetheir English teachers and Lead Class Advisor Mrs. Flynn, lead programming with 245 elementarystudents from El Sol Academy, Edward B. Cole Academy and Scholarship Prep Elementary School. 10th GradeBear Balossi ‘26Over the course of our visits to these schools,students build relationships with their 4th gradebuddies through personal narrative writingassignments, games, arts & crafts, outdoor play,and more. Most importantly, they come tounderstand how their buddies depend on theirpresence for each visit and develop a sense ofresponsibility to lead the various daily programs . PAGE 12

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Care for Women and Childrenwas a really educationalexperience. Not only was it greatto find ways to help, it made memore aware as to how much isbeing done to support thesecommunities. We were able toplay with the children at the OCRescue Mission, give goody bagsto nurses at a women’s hospital,organize the clothes at a thriftstore, and so much more.The upperclassman Service Learning program provides endless possibilities for our students toengage in meaningful service work. Built upon the foundations and diverse experiences of their firsttwo years, 11th and 12th graders are equipped to propose and pursue more distinct projects in smallergroups. Students are challenged to first identify a need in their local or wider community. Then, they thinkabout how this need may align with their interest areas and unique skill sets they have to offer. During the 2023-2024 school year, upperclassmen participated in 40 different Faculty Led Projectsand Independent Projects that served a variety of different needs around Orange County andbeyond. Projects ranged from our annual Girls Empowerment Movement (GEMfest), to knittingblankets for veterans, political advocacy, helping train houseless individuals for running marathons,visiting the elderly for music workshops, recycling initiatives, and much more. 11th/12th GradesArden Stobart, ‘24What the World NeedsWhat You LoveWhat You’re Good AtPAGE 13

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What a hugely rewardingopportunity our students receiveeach month to serve alongsidelike-minded partner organizationslike Bracken’s Kitchen, who mirrorand model the compassion andexcellence we value within ourSage community. Our kids are outin the community contributing inreal and meaningful ways. Tocombat food insecurity, Bracken’sKitchen has served in the pastyear nearly 2,000,000 million freemeals, hundreds of which havebeen prepared and packaged bySage Hill students.Our Service Learning program encompasses many moving parts and its success wouldn’t be possiblewithout our dedicated Lead Class Advisors (LCAs), and faculty/staff advisors that accompany studentson each rotation and help oversee their projects. Our deepest gratitude to Elizabeth Anauld (NinthGrade Dean), Alyssa Flynn (10th Grade LCA), Elizabeth Chung (11th Grade LCA) and Jennifer Rothman(12th Grade LCA) for their support with our Service Learning program! Boyd JordenEnglish teacher & Bracken’s Kitchen Service Learning AdvisorPAGE 14

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ChileHawaiiVancouver IslandPoetic SurfingCosta RicaOuter BanksMoroccoCorsicaNew ZealandJapanSAGESPRING ATSpring at Sage is one of our global education and experiential learning programs. Immediatelyfollowing final exams in the Spring, all students and faculty spend a week or more participating inlocal seminars or group travel around the world. Spring at Sage offerings are designed with purpose and intention for students to explore currentissues, diverse cultures, local initiatives, and global institutions beyond the traditional classroom.Seminars offer students an opportunity to explore unique topics that they don’t typically engage withthrough their coursework. Travel destinations are selected annually with a guiding learning objectiveat the center of each itinerary, as well as with our Global Pillars of Education in mind. The GlobalPillars of Education at Sage Hill School are the five interlinked guiding concepts we believe currentgenerations must engage with to become impactful and conscientious leaders of our world. Civic EngagementEquity & JusticeInnovationSustainabilityLeadershipGlobal PillarsStudents explore local community entities such asNGOs, small businesses, and political groups that have adirect impact on shaping the direction of their country.Students unpack how modern societies work to rectifyhistorical injustices and create new systems, policies,and norms to foster more democratic practices.Students learn about the process of developing andimplementing creative ideas or technologies that addresscomplex challenges in a society and help drive progress.Students engage with local leaders of privateand public entities to explore effectiveleadership practices and strategies.Students explore how certain systems helpmeet the needs of current and futuregenerations with ecosystems, natural resources,and cultural preservation in mind.PAGE 15

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Costa RicaWhat contributes to the success ofgovernmental and non-governmentalconservation initiatives?ChileWhat are the present-day and mostpressing consequences of climatechange?CorsicaHow does a small island function as apiece of a larger highly innovative andglobalized nation?MoroccoWhat factors contribute to the interplayof cultures and languages across time?JapanTo what extent does artistic expressioninfluence and shape cultural identity, andhow is it conserved and safeguarded?New ZealandHow does a small island function as apiece of a larger highly innovative andglobalized nation?HawaiiWhat could be learned from traditionalpractices of navigation and exploration?Outer BanksWhat impact does the tradition of tellingmyths and legends have on the localpopulation?Vancouver IslandHow do the natural surroundings of alocation intersect with the historicalexperiences of its inhabitants? PAGE 16

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Poetic SurfingWhat can I learn about myself, others, and ourworld through surfing, camping, writing, andreflection? "The Art of Critiquing" seminar focused onwriting and presenting effective criticismsfor museums, movies, and food.Art of CritiquingStudents built their own electric guitarfrom scratch, including sanding,painting, and electronic assembly.Build Your own Electric GuitarStudents learned how the human brainthrives using gamified software anddissecting brains. Brain Odyssey:Neuroscience 101The End or a NewBeginning: Cars in the 21stCenturyStudents learned about carmechanics, different engine types, carhistory, and hosted a “Cars & Coffee”event on campus.Wall Street 101Students learned about and analyzedthe stock market, using a live stockstimulator to track fluctuations!Active OCStudents experienced new anddifferent ways to be active all acrossOrange County.Engineering Discovery Marble ProjectStudents crafted a life-size marble runusing hardware and household itemsto experience engineering firsthand!PAGE 17

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Game OnStudents learned various games, includingrules and strategies.History, Government, and LawAll Around YouStudents learned about the legal system,social justice, and advocacy throughconversations with guest speakers andvisits to various Orange County sites.How To Do StuffStudents learn survival skills includinghow to start a fire, how to change a tire,and much more.Just SingStudents learned the power of their uniquesinging voice through group lessons.Marine Life InventoryStudents collected and catalogued a varietyof local marine life inventory.Math in MoviesStudents analyzed math in movies, solvedproblems, and presented about the films.Nature WritingStudents spent time in nature, craftingliterary pieces to reflect their experiencein the natural environment around them.Sewing at SageStudents learned how to sew a variety ofitems including three unique pieces ofclothing.Storytelling Through FilmStudents learned the art of filmmakingby producing their very own creativeshort films and clips highlighting the2024 Spring at Sage offerings.Students learned about and analyzedthe stock market, using a live stockstimulator to track fluctuations!BookbindingPAGE 18

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Storytelling Through Social MediaStudents learned how to create socialmedia posts, heard from guest speakersabout storytelling, and helped documentSpring at Sage for the school Instagram. Students designed, built, and launchedtheir very own model rockets.Students engaged in discussions and playedgames that promote equity and justice.Fair PlayStudents learned the art of mindfulness andthe joy of Djembe drumming with a specialguest teacher from Senegal.Students worked alongside localfirefighters to become Teen CertifiedEmergency Responder Trained (TEENCERT-Certifed), CPR, and Stop the Bleed.Teen CERT & CPRDjembe Drumming & Mindful ArtsRobotics & RocketryVideo Game MusicProductionStudents learned how to produce theirown music for video games using editingsoftware and electronic keyboards.Students built and assembled their ownpinball machines.Pinball WizardsPAGE 19

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COURSESDESIGNATEDWe continue to grow our Sage Center Designated Course (SCD) program in new and exciting wayseach year. In addition to new SCD course offerings, cohort members took time this year to dive intothe exploration of DEI standards for use within their classrooms. Instructors within the cohortindividually selected standards from the Learning for Justice organization focused on one of fourcategories: Identity, Diversity, Justice, or Action. With support from the Sage Center, instructorspiloted these standards throughout the Fall and early Spring, gathering information on theirobservations and findings. Lessons delivered using the standards yielded higher engagement fromstudents and deeper connections to the content, especially when student’s identities were reflectedin the covered materials.Curriculum DevelopmentAnother significant development came in the form of added honors designations for a selection ofour Sage Center Designated Courses, an effect which will begin in the 2024-2025 school year. Below you will find a departmental list of all Sage Center Designated Courses: Honors Sage Center Designated CoursesEnglishEnglish II English IV Brave NewWorlds English IV Music andMemory HistoryPatterns of Civilization Principles of Business Honors Ethnic Studies Ethics and PoliticalPhilosophy MathFinancial Literacy Data Fluency ScienceHuman Anatomyand Physiology 3D Design, Modeling& Fabrication Marine ScienceOrganic ChemistryEngineering WorldLanguagesLatin III Chinese III French III Spanish IV ArtsString/Guitar/Wind Ensemble + Honors Theatre II: Acting StylesHonors Theatre EnsembleDance IIIHonors Dance IVHonors Dance EnsembleFundamentals of Art IICeramics IIDigital Art IIVocal Ensemble + Honors Honors Art Lab PAGE 20

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INTERNSHIP PROGRAMSAGE HILLThe core objective of the SHIP curriculum is to empower our students toexpress themselves confidently and professionally, particularly whendiscussing their personal interests, aspirations, and accomplishments. Thisprogram includes career readiness workshops, resume reviews, mockinterviews, and career panels featuring industry experts.(SHIP)Pre-SHIP (9th Grade)By utilizing the Find Your Grind Educational platform, ninth grade students participate in self-pacedonline modules that lead to self-discovery, uncovering more about themselves, their passions,talents, and aspirations. The program aims to equip the students with the necessary resources andabilities to excel in SHIP Level 1 & 2. Career PanelsDuring the year, students had the opportunityto interact with professionals from diversecareer fields and learn about what it takes tobe successful in that industry. The careerpanelists highlighted the importance ofpursuing an education, exploring your creativeside, and seeing success as something that isdefined beyond classroom achievements. Media, Production & Entertainment Stacey AdamsAllen AdhamMadison Gordon-Lavaee ‘10Moderated by Emily Chen ‘25Medical FieldEdward J. Yun, M.D.Amber M. Burnette, M.D.Prabh Grewal, D.D.S.Moderated by Justin Kline ‘26Statistical Machine LearningDr. Babak ShahbabaPAGE 21

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In the 2023-2024 academic year, ourdedicated parent volunteers conducted 170resume review sessions, offering invaluablefeedback on content, formatting, and overallpresentation. In each session, the reviewersprovided enhancement suggestions thatempowered our students to more effectivelyshowcase their skills and accomplishments.Beyond practical advice, these reviews servedas a significant learning opportunity, helpingstudents deepen their understanding ofeffective communication and presentation.Resume ReviewsMock interviews are simulated practicesessions that closely mimic real job andinternship interviews. During the past year, 140students participated in these mockinterviews, where they were asked commoninterview questions and received constructivefeedback on their performance. This processenabled them to refine their interview skills,boost their confidence, and make necessaryimprovements before attending actualinterviews for internship or student leadershippositions.Mock Interviews170Resumes Reviewed140Mock InterviewsConductedPAGE 22

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Students who complete the SHIP requirements gain access to an extensive list of internship andshadow day opportunities throughout Orange County and surrounding areas.Internships & Shadow Days77157Internship Positions OfferedShadow DayOpportunitiesWe would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team ofparent volunteers who dedicated their time and expertise to support ourstudents with resume reviews, mock interviews, and provide shadowing orinternship opportunities. We are immensely grateful for your support. Neda AmanatFaye AnEmily BallBarbara BalossiPengling ChanCatie ChaseJoline ChenElaine ChienLeslie CoreaMark EllisSam EsmailiShveta GoelWhitney GomezLovee GrewalJennifer HueyNicole ImbergerAgnes JuangNicole KlineJames LeeSeung LeeJoy LinKolyo MilchevTeresa MoeMehdi PanahiAbhilasha PatelChristina ParkSheila SwaroopAyesha SoniZheng SunLynne Thiel-StronerRandy Scott WongMonica WongEdward YunRui ZhangPAGE 23Alfred House ProductionsAltaiAnthology InteriorsAnthology InteriorsAvasantCamp Galileo CERRAGAPCity of Irvine - CouncilmemberTammy Kim's OfficeCity of Irvine - CouncilmemberMike Carroll's OfficeCorona Oral Surgery & ImplantCenterGirls, Inc.Guldjian Fasel Law FirmHigher Ground Youth and FamilyServicesHoap HealthImperial DermatologyKaiser PermanenteL.A. Gauge EngineeringLil DribblersMAGELLA Medical GroupMeals on Wheels Mission Dental Implant CenterNVISIONPacific SymphonyReal Estate InvestmentReal Estate JourneyRichard Nixon Presidential LibrarySage Hill School - Athletics SetpointSherman Library & GardensSouthern Orange County PediatricAssociatesThe Boeing CompanyThe VineTiE Young Entrepreneurs (TYE)UCI Samueli School of EngineeringUCI Trevor School of Arts UCI Paul Merage School of BusinessUCI School of Medicine USC Shoah FoundationVF EngineeringWoodbridge OptometryWorking WardrobesXYZiesZena MedicalPartner Companies & Organizations:Thank YouA special thank you to the SHIP Parent Co-chairs Allison Eckstrom, Samina Mansuri, and Amy Parekhfor their leadership, invaluable support, and dedication to the program.

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SERIESSPEAKERThe Sage Center Speaker Series empowers our students and community to be agents of changeby developing connections with multidisciplinary storytellers and professionals that inspire futureendeavors.Every year, we extend invitations to esteemed and motivating speakers to share their stories andexpertise. This school year we were privileged to welcome two external guest speakers and to hosttwo internal curriculum nights. Through these engagements with seasoned professionals, we aimto sustain a culture of learning, ignite inspiration, and facilitate meaningful dialogue for ourstudents and community.I want you to take a genuineinterest in who they [students]are and actually help themfigure out what they are goodat and what they love. Look forthe spark of interest in themand fan the flames of theirinterests.JULIE LYTHCOTT-HAIMS In September, we hostededucator, lawyer, and best-selling author Julie Lythcott-Haims as our first guestspeaker. She serves onnumerous nonprofit boardswhose work focuses onequity, education, youth,wellness, and the arts.During the morning of ourSage Center Orientation,Julie spoke to the entirestudent body about theimportance of following acareer path that they love inlife. That evening, shepacked the Kazu FukudaBlack Box Theater and spoketo parents about how toraise successful adultswithout overparenting. PAGE 24

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AI is injecting itself into so many other facets of our lives thatit’s really interesting. The only way you can keep up with it is tonot focus on the platforms but to focus on the curiosity—tohear about these things and try them for yourself.ROHIT BHARGAVA At the start of the second semester, we hostedRohit Bhargava for an evening discussion on'Artificial Intelligence & The Future Normal.' He is athree-time Wall Street Journal and USA Todaybestselling author of nine books and is widelyconsidered one of the most entertaining andoriginal speakers on marketing, innovation,diversity and trends shaping the “future normal."Rohit spoke on his mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. Curriculum NightsIn February, we had our first Curriculum Night,“Navigating the Curriculum at Sage Hill” forrising 10th grade families. Families of current9th graders joined key administrators andfaculty as they helped students and parentsfully understand the updated Sage Hillcurriculum. This presentation also guidedcurrent 9th grade families to select classes forthe 10th grade and beyond with the assistanceof student moderators Alexia Beyrath (’26),Noah Jimenez (’25) and Serena Chao (’24) . In April, we held our second Curriculum Night,“Navigating the Transition to Sage Hill” forincoming 9th grade families. This event wastailored specifically to provide incoming 9thgrade families with valuable insights into thetransition process and discover the resourcesavailable to ensure a successful start at SageHill. From academic offerings to extracurricularopportunities, this event guided incomingfamilies through the essential aspects of life atSage Hill.Navigating the Curriculum at Sage Hill (ForRising 10th Grade Families)Navigating the Transition to Sage Hill (ForIncoming 9th Grade Families)Embarking on the journey to high school is a significant milestone for both students and familiesalike. As students transition to and navigate within Sage Hill School, we recognize the importance ofproviding a smooth and supportive experience for all involved.PAGE 25

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COLLOQUIUMANNUAL On January 17, the Sage Center launched its first annual Colloquium series around the topic ofGenocide Studies. Each year, beginning in the second semester, the Sage Center will offer a dynamicnew mini-course that amplifies content to elevate a global consciousness.The first of three sessions of this year’s colloquium focused on the years-long struggle to adopt thenew term and concept of Genocide (genos + cide), that was, until 1948, a crime without a name.Students also studied the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crimeof Genocide, the legal parameters within the international court systems along with theirshortcomings, and distinguishing key concepts such as genocide, war crimes, crimes againsthumanity, and more. The second session unpacked the moral and ethicaldimensions of genocide, considering how groups ofpeople become capable of committing state-sponsored violence, while also questioning thebystander effect. Students also used virtual realityheadsets to engage in pre-recorded conversations witha genocide survivor. The third session examined how the media plays apivotal role in shaping the narrative around massatrocities and the impact propaganda has on dictatingglobal perceptions. The course ended on a hopeful notearound large-scale humanitarian responses andinterventions that have taken place. This inaugural cohort concluded the Colloquium with avisit to the Armenian Genocide Monument in Montebello,Calif., and Holocaust Museum LA. These culminatingexperiences at a public memorial site and museumunderscored the power of communal gathering spaceswhere visitors can pay their respects; symbolizingpreservation of collective memory, providing a sense ofhealing, and much more. As a community devoted to inquiry and seeking truths,we understand that the greatest movement towardchange begins within the minds of our students. 16 students earned a certificate of completion forfulfilling the requirements of the 2024 Colloquium.PAGE 26

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JewishLatinxLGBTQ+Lesbian, Gay,Bisexual,Transgender,Queer BSUBlack StudentUnionMENAMiddle-Eastern/North AfricanMulti-RacialSouthAsianGROUPSAFFINITYAffinity Groups at Sage Hill are a gathering space for students who share a common identity tocome together, celebrate, connect, and support one another based on their unique cultural or otheridentity-based experiences. Part of our mission is to nurture our diverse community and provide environments for healthyidentity development on campus. Alongside the existing spaces for Asian American/Pacific Islander(AAPI); Black Student Union (BSU); Jewish; Latinx; Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer(LGBTQ+); Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) students; and Multiracial, this school year saw thelaunch of a new South Asian Affinity Group. AAPIAsian American/Pacific IslanderPAGE 27

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MENA has provided me with a community of people at school who havesimilar experiences and traditions as me at home. The experience of beingpart of this group allows me to express and preserve my traditions, which isespecially important in a school as diverse as ours. It gives me space to sharemy opinions on current events that occur where my family is from withoutexperiencing judgment. What I love most about our small, yet mighty affinitygroup is that we have the opportunity to share our culture to the wider schoolcommunity and educate them on the richness of the MENA region as a whole.“Something that I really enjoy about being inthe Jewish Affinity Group is being able toconnect with people who I share similaritieswith. There aren’t very many Jewish peopleon campus, so having a group where we canrelate to one another and share our strugglesand experiences is very important to me. Thisgroup also allows me to experience otherparts of my culture, which I appreciate.” - Julia Ball, ‘26“My favorite parts of being in the BSU areconnecting with other students and teacherswho share my experiences, as well as playinggames and eating good food. The BSU inparticular is so supportive and I always feellike I can share without being judged. Someof my favorite moments are asking abouthair care routines and playing “Growing UpBlack Memes”. I also appreciate how we taketime at the beginning of each meeting tocheck in about our days. This affinity grouphas given me the opportunity to meet peoplein different grades and see more friendlyfaces in the hallways. I will always be gratefulfor these amazing people who have trulyhelped me embrace my identity.”-Jamie Roosevelt ‘24Thank you to our supportive Affinity Group facilitators for offering these important spaces for ourstudents: Annalise Miyashiro, Sydney Smith, Sara Graham, Cassandra Fuenmayor, Jeffrey Feland,Sanan Shirinian, and Nisha Kunte. - Rodin Zarrabi, ‘25- Student from LGBTQ+ Affinity Group“I love the community of people I'vefound who can relate to myexperiences and thoughts. It givesme a better sense of belonging. Itfeels freeing to know that who youare is valid, is true, is seen andcelebrated and loved. It feels likeyou’re not alone. It feels safe.” PAGE 28

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NIGHTSPARENT & FAMILYOver the course of the year, the Sage Center, in collaboration with Affinity Group facilitators, hosted aseries of parent and family nights designed to foster community, networking, and celebration of sharedidentities. These events served as spaces for building connections and providing a sense of belongingwithin the diverse Sage Hill community.The Latinx and Black Student Union Parent Nights were held during the first quarter, followed by a LatinxFamily Night & Shabbat Dinner for Jewish families. The events were filled with vibrant conversations,cultural exchanges, and a shared commitment to supporting their children's educational journeys. Bycreating opportunities where families can share their traditions and experiences, Sage Hill celebratesdiversity and fosters deeper engagement with the school. It has been such a joy to bring parentsand families of Latinx students tocampus. There is so much power inconnection and these events helpparents and families come togetherand experience the sense ofcommunity that Sage Hill offers. I alsobelieve these events help our minoritycommunities feel a sense of belongingand ownership on campus. Studentscan take pride in sharing family recipesand laughing over a piñata in townsquare.Cassie FuenmayorCollege Counselor & Latinx FacilitatorPAGE 29

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The Sage Advocates for Multicultural Education (SAME) isa student leadership group that partners with the SageCenter for various initiatives pertaining to diversity andinclusion. SAME student leaders hold weekly meetings with Ms.Shirinian and Mrs. Graham to plan their work, whichincludes town meeting announcements about culturalholidays, articles for the Bolt, working with their freshmanadvisories, and much more. This year, SAME introduced anew program called “Discussions Unfiltered.” The groupled three discussions on topics of Affirmative Action: howthe recent Supreme Court ruling may or may not impactcollege admissions and what equity factors are there tobe considered; Free Speech: what constitutes freespeech versus hate speech, who ultimately decides; andFeminism: post-third wave women’s movements andwhat modern day feminism looks like. Through Discussions Unfiltered, students spent theirlunch hour having a respectful and intelligentconversation over current topics that interest them. MULTICULTURAL EDUCATION SAGE ADVOCATES FORPAGE 30

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Most notably, SAME organized the annual Multicultural Symposium,an event that opens space for diverse ideas under a unifiedpurpose of expanding our thinking. The theme for the Multicultural Symposium 2024 was “Ikigai:Finding Joy Through Purpose”. Originating from Japanese culture,the word “Ikigai” encompasses the idea that one can derivehappiness from embracing their reason for being. The notionemphasizes that it is nourishing for individuals to fuse their talentswith their passions to address greater societal needs. How canindividuals channel knowledge and interest toward makingmeaningful change in their communities? The morning kicked off with Sage Hillalumnae, Judge Carly Edelstein (‘04)who shared her journey of findingpurpose through advocating formarginalized communities within thelegal system. We then participated invarious workshops encompassing awide range of topics around FindingJoy Through Purpose, led by students,faculty, staff and a few special guests. WORKSHOPS/SESSIONSBlaze it ForwardBut First, Montreal! A History of Baseball, Cultural Diffusion,and Civil Rights“You’re not Actually PassionateAbout That:” Accumulation andAlienation in the AnthropoceneCocoa Connoisseurs:Chocolate and Inner HappinessCreating Community Around the Table: Celebrating MultiracialIdentityFinding Joy ThroughArtistic ExpressionFinding Joy Through Lifelong ServiceFeminism in Art: Glass Ceilings, Glass Slippers,and Through the Looking GlassFinding Your Place in a World of Mixed RaceAdvancing Mental WellnessIntentional Living 101: How to Manifest Your Best SelfFinding Joy Through YourChosen CareerCrafting Happiness: Though DIY and DesigningHow LatinX communities use food toconnect, grow, and collectively find joyFrom The Queen’s Gambit to Jessie:The Portrayal of Minority Characters inModern Film and LiteratureFinding Joy Through Dance:Cognitive Improvement and The PsychologyBehind Dynamic ExpressionThe History of KPOP and itsImpacts on BelongingIntersection of ClinicalNeuroscience and TechnologyObjectification of WomenThroughout Art HistoryWomen's Empowerment:Taylor's VersionPAGE 31

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Gaming and Finding Meaning in MinutiaPeace Corps - Finding PurposeThrough ServiceQueercoding in MediaPaws for Purpose: Finding Joy inHuman-Animal ConnectionsThe Joy of HaikuUnited OC and the SDGsThe Joy of Learning AmericanSign Language (ASL) and Deaf CultureYou Are Not Immune toPropaganda: How the MediaMakes the Inhumane NormalYour Voice in Expressing YourselfWhat Is The Job of The Artist: A Dive Into Film and ArtMiddle Eastern DelightsDemocracy Dies in Darkness:The Race to Save AmericanJournalismRunning For a PurposeReimagined Fashion: Purpose Through SustainabilityUrban Graffiti: Criminally Good ArtThe Search For A Homeland:Love is in the Air: How Two Women Followed Their WildestDreams and Broke Glass Ceilings in theProcess of Doing SoNavigating the Entrepreneurial Journey: From Idea to Startup SuccessSynergy of Sciences:Interdisciplinary Methods of Solving Global Health ChallengesThe Art of Meaningful Change:How Martial Arts Leads to Improved Minds and Stronger CommunitiesWhat is "Asian" Culture?:Navigating AAPI Identities and Pop Culture RepresentationNever AgainFinding Purpose Through Telling MyGrandparents’ Stories of Holocaust SurvivalSocial Entrepreneurship in theFashion Industry: The Balance between Profit and Justice ﻲﻨﻃﻮﻣPAGE 32

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TEACH-INS & MORE LUNCH FORUMSThroughout the year, the Sage Center collaborated with various community members - includingstudents, faculty and local guests - to host a series of teach-ins, lunch forums, cultural celebrations,and more. Our first lunch session of the year was held in collaboration with mathematics teacher, Ms. Kelly May,around the topic of Embracing Autism. Students, faculty and staff gathered in Ms. May’s classroom tohear more about her experience surrounding her son’s autism diagnosis, how it’s helped shape heroutlook on things, and how we can all contribute to a world with more tolerance of difference. Mrs. Lisa Willett also led a forum about her experiences in living with Multiple Sclerosis and how itimpacts her outlook on life. She truly inspired us with her resilience and positivity, and challenged us tobe more empathetic toward people we come across whose stories we might not fully know. In his November talk, Mr. Boyd Jorden shed some light on the foster care system in the country, as wellas the surprising number of children in foster care throughout Orange County. He then shared abouthis own journey in fostering and later adopting his children. In October, the Sage Center hosted a lunch meeting for BIPOC faculty and staff to discuss the uniqueexperiences at work related to their identities. In December, we held an inquiry-based learning session for students to deepen their understandingaround the developing crisis in the Middle East. This workshop challenged students to push theirthinking around thoughtful questions, because to better understand the politicization of a conflict firstrequires learning how to ask relevant and meaningful questions. The powerful experience was aimed athelping our students to be curious, reflect, and hold space to process the events unfolding in Israel andPalestine. The questions composed by participants were compiled into a mind map that will helpvisualize and build broader themes around the subject. With the support of their advisor Mrs. Sydney Smith,the Black Student Union (BSU) hosted a series oflunch forums titled the Women of Color Seriesthroughout February, in celebration of Black HistoryMonth. Each lunch forum featured a special guestspeaker who shared their expertise and experiencesnavigating different spaces as women of color,including in aviation, entertainment and arts. PAGE 33

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This year, we also launched a series of optionalCross-Cultural Competency workshops for studentleaders to come together, reflect on their own livedexperience, and offer deep listening to theexperiences of others. Student leaders hold vastresponsibility throughout school life and part of oursupport is in helping develop their leadership skillsrooted in equity and inclusive practice. The 3sessions held focused on: The Story of Our Names,Language & Immigration, and SocioeconomicClass. Students from the MiddleEastern/North African AffinityGroup (MENA) hosted aspecial combination pre-Ramadan and Norooz lunchparty in the McNeill Merz Loft.They presented a slideshowabout the meaning behindeach of the holidays, theninvited their peers to eatshawarma wraps and sweetdesserts, and dance toMiddle Eastern music! With the support of their advisor Mrs. SaraGraham, the Jewish Affinity Group hosted avery special Hanukkah Celebration wherestudents listened to traditional songs,shared how to play dreidel, enjoyedHanukkah gelt, and feasted on sufganiyot. With the support of their advisor Dr. Nisha Kunte,students from the South Asian Affinity Group (SAAG)held a celebration of Holi on the practice field on March13 for all students to participate in! Holi is a popularlyknown Hindu holiday that is a festival of colors, love,and the arrival of Spring. On April 22, the AAPI Affinity Group,alongside their advisor Mrs. AnnaliseMiyashiro, held an early celebrationof Asian Pacific American HeritageMonth for all students andfaculty/staff that included lunch,displays of prominent figures fromthe AAPI community, and funactivities! PAGE 34

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CONFERENCESSDLC & POCCThe annual Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (PoCC),organized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) took place from Nov. 29-Dec 1 inSt. Louis, MO. Six student leaders and 12 faculty/staff participated on behalf of Sage Hill alongside8,000 peers from independent schools around the country, to engage in dialogue and buildcommunity around the theme of “Gateways to Freedom: A Confluence of Truth, Knowledge, Joy andPower.” The conference featured various dynamic keynotes including Gholdy Muhammad who spokeabout the importance of centering joy in our curriculum, performances by the student choir, affinitygroup meetings, challenging but important conversations, and much more. Upon returning to Orange County, the six student participants presented their greatest takeawaysfrom the conference to all faculty and staff, which has become an annual tradition for our school. One of my biggest takeaways from theconference was that everyone hasdifferent experiences and struggles,which makes everyone’s opinion andfeelings equally important and valid.Noah Jimenez ‘25As a white woman, I was uncertain of theappropriateness of my attendance orhow my presence would be received. It iscertainly an interesting and valuableexercise to suddenly be a minority withina vast group of other educators andexplore the emotions that go along withthat. I learned A LOT, from both thespeakers and other participants. While Iwas impressed with all of the Keynotespeakers, Liza Talusan and LaceySchwartz Delgado are the ones who havestuck with me, and their talks have led meto read and view their other work in themonths following the conference. Thedebrief with our SDLC students on the finalday was perhaps the most profoundexperience of all, and I was so grateful tobe a witness of all that they experiencedduring their time in Saint Louis.Jennifer Scott, English TeacherPAGE 35

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DEVELOPMENTPROFESSIONALOne of the most comprehensive and ongoing training occurs through ourfaculty evaluation cycle that has an embedded component of cross-culturalcompetency and DEI literacy. This series of professional development isknown as SEED (Seeking Equity and Educational Diversity). SEEDEvery year during Opening Meetings, the Sage Centerhas an opportunity to lead important conversationsaround DEI with faculty & staff. On August 15, we led aPD session dedicated to inclusive practice aroundstudent voices. We first heard video and audiotestimonials from 4 students with different identities(Black, Jewish, Middle-Eastern & a Student w/Disabilities) about how their backgrounds shape theirexperience at Sage Hill. We then posed variousquestions around the stories these students sharedand what more we want to learn from them. Opening MeetingThe Sage Center plays a central role in overseeing various professional development opportunitiesfor faculty and staff throughout the year, while also ensuring our own annual professionaldevelopment through trusted organizations and partners. Below are a few of the key professionaldevelopment programs that took place this year: The second half of the session emphasized the psychological and emotional advantages of correctname pronunciation. We learned about what might happen when names are mispronounced ordisregarded. Students who hear their names pronounced correctly at least once a day can feel amuch greater sense of belonging. We closed the session outlining practical ways to begin school withinclusive practices around student names, preferred pronouns, and more. The National SEED Project is a peer-led professionaldevelopment program, led by Dean of School LifeDominic Campeau, and Sage Center Director SananShirinian. Through 7 workshop sessions over the year, weengaged with more than a dozen teachers inconversations around gender, race, class, language,religion, and more. These sessions serve as anopportunity for our faculty to pause and reflect on howeach individual story and experience is shaped, andcreate more intentional inclusivity within our school.PAGE 36

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The impact [of VR] wasimmense. Students reallyenjoyed using the VRheadsets and were able toget a deeper understandingof the topic than if they justlooked it up online. It reallyadded to their experience andmade the learning that muchmore hands-on. For the first time ever this year, students atSage Hill had the opportunity to engage withcutting edge VR headsets right in their ownclassrooms. Biology instructors Tom Ronanand Justin Johnson recently incorporated theVR headsets after a training session with ourDean of Academic Technology, MattVadeboncoeur open to all faculty. Theyworked the VR into a comparative anatomylab between several animal cadavers and avirtual human body. The question was simple:how do the bodily systems of these animalscompare to those within a human? Studentswere able to access a virtual model of thehuman body to make the comparisons usingeight headsets in order to get literally hands-on with their exploration of our own anatomy.This is just a wonderful first step along thepath of our many planned applications forvirtual reality, inside and out of the classroom. Virtual Reality HeadsetsJustin JohnsonScience TeacherDuring our November Faculty/Staff meeting this year, our Learning Specialist April Leavenworthcollaborated with the Sage Center Director for a presentation around supporting NeurodivergentStudents with a focus on mental health. There is a strong connection between Mind, Brain & EducationScience and Belonging. Students who feel seen, understood, and valued will learn better. Developing asense of belonging occurs in many ways and Ms. Shirinian touched on the following three:Relationships, Cognitive Transitions, & Engagement. Ms. Leavenworth then shared some practical toolsfor supporting neurodivergent students in the classroom.Faculty/Staff Meeting PAGE 37

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SUMMER INSTITUTE The Sage Center was excited to share a uniquesummer institute in partnership with CompassEducation, called “A Systems Thinking Approach toNavigating Conflict Spaces”. The institute took place on Tuesday, June 25 andWednesday, June 26 in the Black Box Theater with arange of student, faculty, and staff participants. Systems thinking is a way of making sense of ourcomplex world by analyzing wholes andrelationships rather than seeing things in isolatedparts. This interactive institute offered tools to helpus engage in challenging conversations andunderstand how systems thinking can assist innavigating interactions with people who holddiffering viewpoints.Through tools like the sustainable habits of mind, thesustainability compass, and the systems iceberg,students and educators were able to practicethinking deeply about various complex topics. PAGE 38

2023-2024 Annual Report

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