School Spotlights

For over two decades, Viewpoint’s Seventh Grade trip to Howland’s Landing on Catalina Island has been a beloved tradition to kick off the school year. This year, 74 students embarked on the three-day adventure from September 25-27, filled with outdoor education, environmental exploration, and team-building activities.

Under the guidance of the Catalina Environmental Leadership Program (CELP), students participated in hands-on lessons that reinforced their life sciences curriculum while fostering personal growth and friendships.

“Gregg Kessler, our Seventh Grade science teacher, has led this trip 24 times, and we’ve developed an incredible partnership with the camp,” said Julia Strull, Assistant Head of Middle School and Retreat Coordinator. “It’s amazing to see how transformative this experience is for students.”

“I’ve always felt Catalina is the perfect place for our Seventh Graders,” added Kessler. “Having worked there myself, I know the impact the island’s natural environment can have on students.”

Upon arrival, students dove into activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, composting, and gardening. Night snorkeling, a highlight of the trip, allowed them to witness bioluminescence and nocturnal marine life. While sustainability lessons were part of the program, the main focus was on building friendships and confidence through shared challenges.

“This trip pushes kids out of their comfort zones,” Strull noted. “One student, initially hesitant to snorkel, ended up being the first in line for the night snorkel. It was a real moment of growth.”

The trip also reinforced the Seventh Grade’s life science curriculum, with students observing wildlife like bald eagles, foxes, and deer in their natural habitats.

“The educational aspect is huge,” Strull said. “Students get to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-life experiences in nature. Whether it’s seeing ocean creatures up close or learning about island ecosystems, it’s an invaluable experience.”

Looking ahead, Strull and Kessler are eagerly anticipating next year’s trip, with the dates already secured.

“We lock in September each year because the conditions are ideal,” Kessler explained. “The warmer, clearer water and perfect weather make this the best time for the trip.”

Strull added, “It’s a tradition we look forward to every year, and our long-standing relationship with the camp ensures our students get the best possible experience.”

Spirit Week at Viewpoint is a cherished tradition that unites the entire school community. From our youngest TK students to seniors, this week-long series of events celebrates the fall sports season and provides an opportunity to show our Patriot Pride.

Throughout the week, Middle and Upper School students embraced Spirit Week with a variety of themed days. Upper School themes included Blackout Day, Jersey Day, Squad Day and Adam Sandler Day. Our Middle Schoolers participated with their own themes such as Pajama Day, Western Day, Wacky Wednesday, Sports Jersey Day. Both divisions concluded the week by proudly wearing their Class Colors.

On-campus activities included field games, poster-making, and a pie-eating contest. The week concluded with energetic pep rallies in the PFAC for Middle and Upper School. The Upper School pep rally was led by students part of the spirit group, The Navy, who helped set the mood and announced our Homecoming Court in ninth through twelfth grades. Both assemblies featured performances from our pep band, Viewpoint Dance Company, and Middle and Upper School cheerleaders.

Primary and Lower School students enjoyed VSSA-led Spirit Day activities, including a family poster decorating and pizza party with over 80 attendees at Juan Bautista de Anza Park, as well as celebrating Jersey Day with popsicle treats. Spirit Week concluded with a pep rally featuring a performance by the Primary and Lower School chorus and a visit from Upper School athletes. Our football team engaged the younger students by helping them try on shoulder pads and helmets before leading a fun-filled relay race. They also joined in a "roll the ball over the line" game in the gym, adding to the excitement.

"The most rewarding part is definitely seeing the kids’ faces light up and watching their excitement as they look up to the older students,” said Jenn Halpern, Spirit Chair for TK-12. “I really enjoy being on campus and experiencing it all through their eyes."

Up next is the Homecoming Football Game on Friday, November 1, at Calabasas High School vs. Brentwood School. We hope to see our whole community there to support our football team and be a part of this annual Viewpoint tradition. 

For Alexa Jeong ’25, storytelling is in her DNA. Inspired from a young age by her exposure to the entertainment industry, she has spent her Upper School years honing her craft as a filmmaker. Now, her latest film, “Crescendo,” is nominated for the California Student Young Filmmaker Award at the Burbank International Film Festival (BIFF), screening tonight at the AMC Burbank 16.

"Watching my dad in movies and TV shows always fascinated me, especially the behind-the-scenes work," Jeong said. "When I was younger, I made little iMovies, and once I realized Viewpoint offered film classes, I couldn’t wait to dive in."

Jeong has been a part of Viewpoint’s Film Program since the start of Upper School. During her Junior year, she had the opportunity to write, direct, produce, and edit her own film in her Film III course—a full-circle moment that brought her journey back to the inspiration behind it all: her father.

“My inspiration for ‘Crescendo’ came from my dad's story of wanting to be an actor, but his parents—like many immigrant parents—believed the American dream meant financial security and a stable career. The arts didn’t fit that ideal,” Jeong explained. “I’ve heard similar stories from other Asian Americans whose parents are hesitant about them pursuing creative fields. I wanted to give those voices a platform.”

“It was clear from the start that this story came from a deeply personal place," said Film Teacher Monica Hoenig. "The details reflected the experiences of growing up and transitioning from high school to the working world. What struck me most was that Alexa wasn’t telling her own story, but her father’s—drawing from her family’s history. It’s rare to see a student take that kind of approach.”

“Crescendo” has resonated far beyond the Viewpoint community, earning acceptance into seven film festivals and recently winning the Best Writing Award at the Calabasas Film Festival on September 22. Tonight, she’s hopeful that number will grow to two.

“I was thrilled to hear my film was nominated for the California Student Young Filmmaker Award,” Jeong said. “This is the first short film I’ve made at Viewpoint that’s been submitted to festivals, so it means a lot to me that it’s being recognized.”

Congratulations to Alexa Jeong ’25 on this remarkable achievement! We wish her continued success tonight and in all her future endeavors.

Viewpoint School’s Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Life commemorated Hispanic Heritage Month with a school-wide celebration across all divisions, featuring traditional treats and activities, music, and opportunities to learn more about Hispanic culture. 

For Primary and Lower School, parent volunteers organized an engaging display outside Helfand’s Harvest. The festive tables were adorned with cultural items, flags, and posters, while students received small giveaways and enjoyed a curated playlist of energizing music.

Meanwhile, Middle School students enjoyed a lively performance by the Upper School Jazz Ensemble, alongside a trio of musicians playing Latin/Pop music influenced by Flamenco. The celebration featured traditional foods from various Latin American countries, provided by parent volunteers on Webster Patio, with churros from Kitchins’ Kitchen. Students also participated in a Lotería game, as well as a language and coloring activity led by Spanish teacher Christine Harnist.

In the Upper School, students embraced a variety of interactive activities, including a piñata event, karaoke, bracelet-making, and a Lotería competition. They also took part in a Flag Picture Name Game, where they matched flags with country names, adding an educational twist to the celebration.

These events fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of Hispanic heritage while bringing the community together in celebration, reflecting Viewpoint’s commitment to honoring unity in diversity.

Our student filmmakers won two of the top awards at the eleventh annual Calabasas Film Festival (CFF) on Sunday, September 22. The CFF, which ran from September 18-22, brought together current and former Viewpoint students, including renowned cinematographer Eric Steelberg ’95. Steelberg also was awarded a certificate of merit from the City of Calabasas on Friday, September 20.

“Eric is one of the students who created the Film program at Viewpoint,” said Catherine Dunn, Department Chair of Film and Video. “Eric’s passion and talent for cinematography was evident from those early days and he continued to be as invested in the program even after he graduated, returning to mentor many of our students’ Film IV shoots.”

Showcasing major film premieres, including Steelberg’s Saturday Night, student films, and documentaries, the CFF featured seven films from Viewpoint. From more than 100 submissions, our students won:

• Outstanding Achievement in Editing: Minus Daisy, written, directed, edited and lighting by Sam Green ’25, produced by Kamari Paschall ’25, Director of Photography - Landon  Beauchamp-Domeyer ‘25. Sound - Nathan Danese ’25 and Derek Kessler ’26, Cast - Anthony Chun and Greg Chun 

• Outstanding Achievement in Writing: Crescendo, written, directed, produced, and edited by Alexa Jeong ’25, Photography - Natalie Yerelekian ’25, Assistant Director - Julian Dans ’25, Sound -  Zooey Jeong ’25, Lighting - Kamari Paschall ’25

Film Teacher Monica Hoenig was thrilled by the students’ success in the competition and shared her thoughts on the importance of the CFF to her students:

“The Calabasas Film Festival’s mission is to showcase quality films from high school students, honoring their innovative storytelling. As a teacher and mentor, my job is to guide and support these talented students, helping them bring their creative visions to life. This journey has been instrumental in their personal and artistic growth, boosting their critical thinking, creativity, and confidence - skills that are valuable in any career, not only filmmaking. Our film program has been recognized with numerous awards, highlighting the exceptional talent and hard work of our students. Screening our films at the CFF is a proud moment for all of us, and I’m thrilled to see their efforts celebrated on such a big stage. “

The Student Films Shown at CFF:

• To the Max

  • Director, Editor - Sundiata Enuke ’24, Producer - Dylan DeCesare ’24, Writer - Sundiata Enuke ’24, Editor - Eden Spalding ’24, Lighting Design, Music - Madison Grimes-Waynes ’24

• Minus Daisy

  • Director, Writer, Editor, Lighting - Sam Green ’25, written, Producer - Kamari Paschall ’25, Director of Photography - Landon  Beauchamp-Domeyer ‘25. Sound - Nathan Danese ’25 and Derek Kessler ’26, Cast - Anthony Chun and Greg Chun 

• Throwaway

  • Director, Producer, Writer, Editor - Zooey Jeong ’25, Producer, Assistant Editor, and Sound Recorder - Alexa Jeong ’25, Director of Photography - Connor Wycoff ’25, Assistant Director - Natalie Yerelekian ’25, Lighting - KJ Paschall ’25

• The Sound of Fury & Solace

  • Director, Writer – Connor Wycoff ’25,  First Unit Director of Photography – Sam Green ‘25,  Second Unit Director of Photography – Connor Wycoff ’25, Assistant Director – Ben Shore ’25, Sound Recordist – Jordana Heubusch ’25,  Gaffer – Ava Burkin ’25, Script Supervisor – Natalie Yerelekian ’25, Cast: Damian Melendez-Galeano ’25, Nonie Shore, Dr. Wachowski, Erin Wycoff

• Blind Date

  • Director, Producer, Writer, Production Design - Nathan Danese ’25, Producer and First AD - Zoey Jeong ’25, Director of Photography - Jackson Barth ’25, Assistant Camera - Derek Kessler ’26, Lighting/Gaffer - Sam Green ’25, Sound Recordist - KJ Paschall ’25, Script Supervisor - Ava Burkin ’25, Cast - Damian Melendez-Galeano ’25, Riley Brown ’26, Antony Zakari ’24, Sherry Danese 

• Crescendo

  • Director, Producer, Writer, Editor  - Alexa Jeong  ’25, Director of Photography - Natalie Yerelekian ’25, Assistant Director - Julian Dans ’25, Sound -  Zooey Jeong ’25,  Lighting - Kamari Paschall ’25

• Puppets Seatbelt PSA

  • Director, Producer, Writer - Noah DeFanti ’26, Producer, Writer - Rachel Huang ’26, Producer, Camera, Editing - Mac Ladin ’26, Cast - Rachel Huang ’26, Noah De Fanti ’26, Mac Ladin ’26

Viewpoint School has built a strong relationship with the Calabasas Film Festival since it was established. The festival is a Calabasas City-sponsored event that provides the community an opportunity to connect. We were honored to be asked by founders and co-founders in 2014 to submit student films to the very first Calabasas Film Festival, and we have not missed a year since, proudly representing Viewpoint. Our students look forward to the festival every year as it is the first of their festival circuit that kicks off the school year with a great community-building event.