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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). The philosophy behind Evergreen Charter School is to prepare children to live
in a global community, one that respects and values the dignity of all and prepares children for success in school and life.
Evergreen Charter School
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.
E
The mission of the Evergreen Charter School (ECS) is to nurture the intellectual, physi-
cal and social development of children, through a comprehensive program that promotes
academic excellence and prepares its students for success in school and in life.
I promise to respect myself, respect others and respect our earth’s resources.
I pledge to protect the Earth, respect the web of life upon it, and to honor
the dignity of every member of our global family. One planet, one people,
one world, in harmony, with peace, freedom and justice for all.
Evergreen Mission
Evergreen Promise
Evergreen Pledge