Parent Partnerships

During the first week of school, Viewpoint and its parent volunteer group, the VSSA, hosted its annual Community Life Breakfast, a long-standing and beloved tradition and joyous event. 

In addition to welcoming new and returning families, attendees were presented with volunteer opportunities for the year all in one place. 

“It’s a privilege to welcome both new and returning families and kick off the year. Our Community Life Breakfast offers a unique opportunity to unite, engage, and discover how we can all contribute to making this a wonderful environment for our children,” shared Mona Smart, VSSA Primary and Lower School President.

Upon arrival at the Calabasas Country Club, attendees were able to grab coffee and breakfast while socializing with each other and making new connections. From Homecoming and Book Far, to Luncheons, Parent Education, and Employee Appreciation, attendees discovered all the ways they can get involved and make a difference. They also learned more about joining our Parent/Guardian Diversity Council, and volunteering for our Viewpoint Fund.

Following breakfast, everyone took their seats for a program that featured welcome remarks and updates from VSSA Co-Presidents Mona Smart and Diana Putzer, Head of School Mark McKee, Board Chair Andy Kieffer, and Heads of Enrollment, Diversity, and Advancement, Laurel Baker Tew, Patricia Jackson, and Olivia Powell respectively. 

"As we begin the new school year, the optimism at Viewpoint is undeniable. This fresh start brings new faces, opportunities, and a chance to build on the traditions that make our community special,” shared Putzer. “Whether supporting events like Homecoming and Splash Bash or volunteering as a room parent, every contribution helps nurture the hope and promise that our students embody at every stage of their journey."

Head of School Mark McKee echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the crucial role of collective efficacy in the success of the school community.

"When we work together, we accomplish things that would be nearly impossible alone," McKee noted. "Your child will experience this throughout the school year, and as they become part of a community united by shared values and strategies, the real power of collective efficacy will become evident. At its heart, the love of learning is deeply rooted in this collective strength.”

We are excited to partner with our dedicated new and returning parent volunteers this school year as we continue to advance our mission of preparing students to be World Ready.

From Monday, June 3 to Tuesday, June 4, the Primary and Lower School campus was alive with the sounds of laughter and cheering as students, teachers, administrators, and parents participated in the second annual Viewpoint School Service Association (VSSA) Spirit Games. This highly anticipated event, the brainchild of former VSSA co-president Lizzie Harari, brought together TK through Fifth Grade students for a friendly and spirited competition.

"At the end of the day, it's all about the joy we bring to children's faces. That's our main focus," shared Harari. "This event teaches them extremely valuable character traits, and it's wonderful to see them embrace these lessons wholeheartedly."

This year’s Spirit Games included a charitable component for the first time, supporting the Agoura Pony Baseball Champions League—a baseball league for children with special needs. Primary and Lower School students raised $1,000 by selling white wristbands to symbolize unity. The Fourth Grade Student Action Committee led this effort, highlighting their commitment to community service.

“We know the Spirit Games are really fun and community-building, but we wanted to have a greater purpose bigger than ourselves,” said Tracy Wymer, Assistant Head of Lower School. “Bringing everyone together for one singular cause made this year’s event truly special.”

The Spirit Games kicked off with an exciting Opening Day Ceremony on Monday afternoon, where students were divided into three teams—red, blue, and yellow. Each team included a mix of all grade levels from TK to Fifth Grade.

Throughout the event, students competed in various sporting activities, including an obstacle course, soccer relay, scooter relay, baton relay, corner pocket, target toss, and musical spots. These activities showcased their leadership, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The goal of the Spirit Games was not only to provide a range of fun events but also to instill in students the values of winning with humility and losing with grace.

On Tuesday, June 4, the Spirit Games continued throughout the day, culminating in a medal ceremony where the first, second, and third-place teams were announced. Every child received a medal in recognition of their participation and efforts, and they were rewarded with a half-day of school the following day. The results were as follows:

• First place (gold): Blue team

• Second place (silver): Yellow team

• Third place (bronze): Red team

A beloved tradition, the Annual VSSA Spring Luncheon recognizes the community service and social justice achievements of Viewpoint Upper School leaders while supporting our parent volunteer activities for students and faculty.

A “party with a purpose,” this year's event was at The Barn at Cielo Farms in Malibu, generously donated by the Hirsch family for the third year running. Attendees had the opportunity to connect with one another in a spectacular setting, enjoy a curated shopping experience and raffle, and hear from Upper School singers and award recipients. The program kicked off with solo performances by Upper School Concert Choir members Laurel Eith '24, Gracie Wilkins '24, Jasper Crenshaw '24, and Morgan Omordia '24.

"I found it truly heartwarming that we managed to have our seniors perform at this year's event," said Debbie Garner, Co-Chair of the VSSA Spring Luncheon. "Their participation added a beautiful touch. This occasion is about honoring our graduating class, and having them there to represent their peers made it even more special."

President and Head of School Mark McKee delivered a warm welcome, followed by a presentation of awards by Rhody Davis, Director of College Counseling, and Patrica Jackson, Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life. 

Riley Lashever '24 received the 2024 Community Service Award, established by the VSSA to recognize a student's contribution to service and the Viewpoint School community. 

"When I've done community service outside of school, it's incredible to see how even the smallest gestures can brighten someone's day,” said Lashever. “It's about realizing our potential and leveraging our resources to the fullest, even within a small school community. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others."

Sundiata Enuke '24 and George Alcantar Jr. '24 were presented with this year's Social Justice, Ethics, and Leadership Award. Instituted in 2018, this accolade acknowledges activist-minded junior or senior students dedicated to utilizing ethics, leadership, and innovation to address systemic and organizational inequities within our school and the broader community.

“Social justice is essentially empathy in action. I was drawn to filmmaking because of its power to shape perceptions and prompt deeper reflection. Growing up, I saw the media often portraying black people negatively, and I sought an escape from that narrative,” said Enuke. “Film became my medium to offer positive representation and share stories beyond suffering. For me, social justice isn't a separate pursuit. It’s embedded in everything I do.”

“This award highlights the value of hard work and determination. Being a leader, resource, and support for others is integral to who I am. Receiving this award empowers me and fuels my passion even more,” added Alcantar.

This annual event is a testament to our School’s mission to deliver world-ready graduates who are ready to serve and ready to make a difference.

At Viewpoint, a commitment to community service starts with our youngest students, and carries through every division. Serving our greater community is inspired every day by teachers, staff, and parent volunteers.

On February 8, the Viewpoint School Student Association (VSSA) hosted its highly anticipated Annual Book Fair from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Barnes and Noble in Calabasas. The event brought together book lovers and supporters to celebrate the joy of reading and learning, with proceeds from in-store purchases benefiting VSSA initiatives aimed at supporting student and faculty activities.

Throughout the day, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities. Starting at 10:00 a.m., guests were invited to participate in a lively book chat hosted by Viewpoint's Director of Libraries, Sarah Davis, accompanied by complimentary coffee and baked goods. Following this, Dr. Tanya Altmann led a thought-provoking discussion and signing session featuring her collection of books. 

“The Book Fair is more than just a fundraiser; it's a social gathering uniting the entire school community, from TK to Upper School, around a shared passion for books,” said Natalie Meir, VSSA Book Fair Chair. “Parents also feel connected to the school by volunteering, mingling with other parents, and supporting the VSSA.”

Later in the afternoon, visitors had the chance to enjoy guest author appearances and readings. The day concluded with a series of student performances, including cheerleading routines, musical performances by the Suzuki Strings and Primo Orchestra, and stunning solo performances by our student singers and musicians, Ella Haim '27, Julian Dans '25, Daphne Huffman '26, Laurel Eith '24, Jasper Crenshaw '24, Ella Crenshaw '26, Marissa Shurgot '26, and Gabriella Scher '30, showcasing the diverse talents within the Viewpoint community.

Rosti in Calabasas also generously donated a portion of their sales to the VSSA throughout the main event. The Book Fair ran through Monday, February 12, providing an opportunity for members of the Viewpoint community and beyond to continue showing their support.