6:30pm, May 16, 2019
1140 Park Avenue
Lydia Spinelli will be retiring at the end of this school year, after 41 incredible years with The Brick Church School, 36 years as its Director. During her tenure, the School has grown dramatically – an additional 7 classrooms, 85 students, 19 teachers, 3 specialists, an Associate Director and, just this year, a Twos Program! Financial aid has increased from 5% to 16% of the student body, and exciting new partnerships with The African Dream Academy and Summer Steps have been launched. Brick has also been a pioneer in supporting its teachers through professional development and continuing education, providing opportunities for faculty to study in Reggio Emilia, Italy; Monrovia, Liberia; and countless domestic workshops. All of these programs keep Brick’s teachers inspired and make it an exciting place for our children to learn.
Under Lydia’s extraordinary leadership, and with the generous support of the Brick community, the School has grown into one of the top schools for Early Childhood Education in New York City. It is a school grounded in love, compassion and diversity. Through her work, Lydia has changed countless lives for the better.
On Thursday, May 16, 2019, family and friends of The Brick Church School will gather together in Watson Hall to celebrate Lydia’s remarkable achievements and thank her for launching so many life-long learners! In lieu of gifts, Lydia has requested that donations be made to The Lydia Spinelli Fund for Professional Development. Lydia has chosen this Fund, established in 2003 on her 20th anniversary as Director, to ensure that Brick will always be an exciting place for children to learn. Thank you for your generosity!
Click below to donate or mail a check made out to The Brick Church School to 62 East 92nd Street, New York, NY 10128. Please call Whitney Schwartz at 212-289-5683 if you have any questions.