School Spotlights

Last month, our Transitional Kindergarten students got hands-on with one of Viewpoint’s newest sustainability initiatives: vermiculture, also known as composting with worms. To kick off the effort, Science Department Chair and Sustainability Coordinator Craig Didden visited our TK classrooms to show how food waste can be transformed into nutrient-rich soil with the help of worms.

During his visits, Mr. Didden guided students through the basics of composting, explaining how the worms break down leftover food into healthy soil. 

“We wanted to start with the youngest kids,” said Didden. “If we can help them understand sustainability early on, that message follows them through the grades and back home to their families.”

Our TK students then had the chance to explore the composting process up close, digging into the soil, getting to know their new worm “classmates,” and discovering how these tiny helpers transform food waste into the rich soil they’ll use for planting in the spring.

“I’ll likely return in about a month to check on the worms,” Didden said. “That way, the kids can see that the worms have settled in successfully, and they’ll get to feed them again.”

This lesson is just the beginning, as Didden plans to expand composting efforts across campus, introducing the practice to more grades and encouraging families to take part in the sustainability effort.

“The goal is to compost as much as possible and compost everything we can,” he added. “It starts with small steps.”

From November 7-9, Middle School students took the stage at the Carlson Family Theater (CFT) for three fully sold-out performances of Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical. Directed and choreographed by Middle and Upper School Theatre Teacher Lisa Roskowinski, with music direction by Middle and Upper School Choral Music Teacher Carrie Dietsch, the production brought Dahl’s story to life with energy, humor, and heart.

Matilda the Musical follows Matilda Wormwood, a girl with astonishing wit, intelligence, and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, Miss Honey. During her first term at school, the two forge a bond as Miss Honey begins to recognize and appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality. However, Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing—the school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull, hates children and just loves to punish those who don’t abide by her rules. But Matilda has courage and cleverness in equal amounts and could be the school pupils’ saving grace.

“In a world where young voices are too often overlooked, Matilda reminds us how vital it is to listen to, and believe in, our children,” Roskowinski said.

Students in the Technical Theatre Program also played a key role, supporting the production behind the scenes and helping transform the CFT into Matilda’s world.

“I can say with certainty that this cast and crew have found magic in abundance. From the first rehearsal to the final curtain call, they’ve poured their hearts into every song, every scene, and every moment of mischief,” added Roskowinski. “They’ve embraced both the humor and heart of Dahl’s world, and in doing so, they’ve reminded us all of the power of storytelling—and the power within ourselves.”

Viewpoint School recognizes The Bradway Family and Niniek Purnomo & Klaus Woizik for their leadership support in the Viewpoint Fund and their symbolic sponsorship of this event as donors in our Chair’s Circle.

From the moment I stepped onto Viewpoint’s campus, I could tell it was a special place. The energy, the people—students, faculty, coaches, families—immediately brought light into my world. I still remember the day I was paired with Travis Kikugawa, Director of College Bound Athletes, as the athletics liaison. We call each other Big T and Lil T. A duo that quickly became a cornerstone of my career. 

This year, I stepped into a new role as Academic Advisor for Athletic Recruiting, where I closely follow the academic progress of our athletes and coordinate support whenever it’s needed. Our program supporting student-athletes continues to grow stronger each year. Whether through monthly workshops or individual meetings, we are focused on expanding access and support around this process.

Working alongside Travis has taught me so much, from understanding the college recruiting landscape to exploring the deeper philosophy behind why we play sports. But more than any technical lesson, what stayed with me most was his approach to character and mindset. His philosophy on college athletics goes far beyond competition. Every day, he models the importance of resilience and mental strength when making the commitment to play at the next level.

Each winter, we host College Athletics Night, an event that brings together coaches, former athletes, and admission professionals to share their insight with the Viewpoint and the greater Los Angeles community. It is one of my favorite moments of the year. Our students get to hear directly from the experts. They learn how to set themselves apart in the recruiting process and hear from alumni who once sat in their seats, now thriving in college athletics thanks to the support and guidance they received at Viewpoint.

One principle we always emphasize is that you have to recruit the schools you want to recruit you. That philosophy has become the foundation of our program—a vision Travis and I share. We are working to grow the programs by increasing awareness among freshmen and sophomores, leading juniors and seniors through tasks that lead to opportunities for exposure, and fostering a community where upperclassmen can mentor younger students through their own experiences.

Our goal is simple: to build a program where every student-athlete feels seen, supported, and inspired to chase their goals—on and off the field.

Three outstanding films created by Viewpoint film students were showcased at the renowned All American High School Film Festival (AAHFF), with one earning a top award for Best Production Design. The event, which took place from October 17-19 in New York City, is recognized as the world’s largest high school film festival. The festival featured a selection of 700+ films out of 2,600 submissions, with only 200 films nominated for various awards. 

Viewpoint’s films selected for screening included:

• Chronicles of Peter and Sean – Samuel Green ’25 (Documentary)
• How It Should Be – Natalie Yerelekian ’25 (Drama)
• The Backseat – Ben Shore ’25 (Drama)

How It Should Be, written and directed by Natalie Yerelekian ’25, won Best Production Design and was selected for the festival’s exclusive “Best of Fest” showcase, a Saturday evening screening reserved for the top films of the event. The film also earned nominations for Best Drama and Female Rising Star, while The Backseat was nominated for Best Sound Design.

“The audience’s reaction was incredible,” said Monica Hoenig, Film Teacher at Viewpoint School. “To see our students’ work shown in front of hundreds of people and feel the laughter, clapping, and cheering was pure joy. We’re so proud of what our filmmakers are creating and how their work continues to stand out among thousands of submissions from around the world.”

Viewpoint has participated in the AAHFF since 2018 and has received awards for the past three years, a testament to the Viewpoint Film Program’s continued excellence in storytelling, technical skill, and collaboration. The festival also offers students the chance to connect with film schools, industry professionals, and peers.

“It was such a powerful experience for the students,” Hoenig said. “Being there together, seeing their work on the big screen, and celebrating their creativity. It’s something I hope even more of our students can experience in the years ahead.” 

Since 1964, Viewpoint’s students have celebrated Great Pumpkin Day, a beloved tradition that continues to bring joy and creativity to the campus each Halloween season. On the morning of Friday, October 31, our youngest students arrived in costume as ghosts, superheroes, princesses, pirates, and more, ready for a day full of frightful fun and school spirit.

After a morning of trick-or-treating around campus, students, parents, faculty, and staff filled the Paul Family Athletic Center (PFAC) for the annual Great Pumpkin Day Assembly. The program opened with remarks from Mrs. Corneau, Mrs. Kessler, and Mr. Shojinaga before each grade took the stage to share their Halloween spirit through song. 

Third Grade students kicked things off with “Pumpkin Jack,” followed by the First Grade performance of “Heffalumps and Woozles.” Fourth Grade students performed “Halloween Witches” on Orff instruments, while Second and Fifth Grade students sang “Ghostbusters” and “Monster Mash.” Kindergarten closed the class performances with “Halloween Parade,” and the assembly concluded with TK students joining together on stage for “Witches’ Brew.”

The program also featured remarks from Head of School Mark McKee, as well as Mrs. Adelman and Mr. Wymer, who thanked everyone who helped make the morning so special. The smiles, laughter, and cheers from the audience captured the magic of this long-standing Viewpoint tradition.

Viewpoint School recognizes The Deng Family and The Gerszt Family for their leadership support in the Viewpoint Fund and their symbolic sponsorship of this event as donors in our Head of School Circle.