CDLH 36th Anniversary Spring Gala

Evergreen Charter School

The concept for Evergreen Charter School was developed by Mr. Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of CÍrculo de la Hispanidad, and Dr. Sarah Brewster, Supervisor of CÍrculo de la Hispanidad. With support from Círculo’s employees, Board of Trustees and friends, Evergreen took form. The Planning Board for Evergreen Charter School included: David Boone, Maritza Meyers, Luis Ras, Eliezer Reyes, Gladys RodrÍguez, Rebecca Sanin, and Gerry Vázquez. Círculo also consulted with Sy Fliegel, Harvey Newman, Frank San Felice, and Linda Vergara. Círculo is thankful for those who contributed to helping the dream for Evergreen become a reality. The vision of Evergreen emerged from many conversations from parents in the community over the years. Mr. Gil Bernardino, Founder and Executive Director of CÍrculo de la Hispanidad, a community based nonprofit organization serving Long Island residents and their families since 1980, wanted to create an educational institution that would meet the needs of children and their families. Dr. Sarah Brewster, with her background in education and social work and her love and respect for the environment, joined with Mr. Gil Bernardino to develop the vision of the charter school. What developed was a concept for a strong academic program coupled with a curriculum that emphasized the environment, and knowledge of a second language (Spanish). History of the School E vergreen Charter School received its charter on January 13, 2009. It was granted its charter by the New York State Education Department Board of Regents to operate an elementary school in Hempstead, Long Island. The school opened with a kindergarten and first grade class of 100 students in the fall of 2009. Since then, it has grown to now serve 300 students from kindergarten to fifth grade. Evergreen is excited to report that starting in the fall of 2016, the school will expand to serve 375 students and will include a sixth grade. E

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