CDLH 36th Anniversary Spring Gala

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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).

History of the School

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.