Each spring, our community comes together in support of a meaningful initiative that strengthens and enriches the NPES experience. We are thrilled to share that this year’s $20K in 20 Days Spring Appeal was an incredible success, raising more than $42,630 in support of our students, faculty, and staff.

What made this year especially meaningful was that the focus was chosen by our Class of 2026. We are deeply grateful to this class for helping establish what we hope becomes a lasting NPES tradition – where each graduating class helps shape and inspire the Spring Appeal. After a thoughtful conversation, our 8th graders shared a strong desire to both celebrate their teachers and expand learning beyond the classroom. As a result, this year’s appeal will support:

Faculty and staff appreciation and recognition – honoring the educators who make NPES so special, including:

• Sustaining our faculty/staff summer enrichment grant program, LEAPP
• Providing meaningful one-off expressions of gratitude when faculty/staff go above and beyond
• Funding additional professional development opportunities by expanding our existing budget for faculty/staff growth
• Sustaining our graduate school tuition contribution program for faculty/staff (up to $2,500 per year)

Place-based learning opportunities – expanding student experiences through service learning, field studies, and real-world engagement, including:

• Helping NPES offset the ever-increasing cost of transporting students around the city
• Supporting administrative expenses connected to place-based learning programs
• Supporting our learning services partners in recognition of their work with students
• Assisting with incidental costs for additional chaperones and substitute teachers when students are learning off campus
• Providing meals and other neighborhood-based experiences during designated cultural outings

The Class of 2026 felt strongly about both priorities and chose to split the funds evenly between these two important areas.

We are also incredibly grateful to our 8th-grade families, who established a $15,000 Legacy Challenge Gift that helped build momentum and inspire participation throughout the campaign.

Thank you to everyone who donated, pledged, shared, and supported this student-led initiative. Your generosity not only honors our incredible faculty and staff, but also enriches the educational journey for every NPES student.

Most importantly, thank you to the Class of 2026 for the meaningful legacy you leave behind. Your leadership, gratitude, and vision helped make this campaign such a tremendous success.

As we celebrate the success of this year’s Spring Appeal, we are honored to recognize the generous donors (as of 5/27/26):  

Anthonisz, Alison and Gareth*
Aaronson, Rachel and Dan*
Bird, Jan
Do, Cynthia and Van*
Elangovan, Shanti and Siva*
Ford, Eowyn and Matt*
Gwinn, Peter and Hall, Emily*
Haigh, James and Harisha (DAF - US Charitable Gift Trust)
Harris, Rebecca
Herman, Andrew and Braff, Carolyn 
Hogstrom, Erik and Tanzi, Grey
Hotaling, Rhodi and Jessie*
Holcomb, Erin and Scott*
Inserra, Judy and Mark
Intercontinental Exchange (McSween, Andrew and Molly)
Johnson, Christopher and Mallory
Levoff, Jeffrey*
McSween, Andrew and Molly
Meador, Matthew and Denes-Meador, Anita 
Melnyk, Carla
Miller, Jennie and Jonathan*
Moren, Matt and Feit, Rosemary* 
Petti, Stephanie and David*
Sieracki, Marci and Jeff*
Simic, Goran and Emer*
Sinnott, Nick and Wise, Sharon*
Toedt, Lauren
Vandersluis, Megan
Webb, Julie
Weiss, Bryan and Irena*
Westhoff, Jessica and Bryan*

*Class of 2026 Family/Caregiver