DKJA Weekly Message

Dear DKJA Community, 

 

Thank you to those who joined us for Grandparents and Special Friends week. For the second year in a row, we were pleased to provide an experience that allowed grandparents and special friends from around the world the opportunity to virtually “step into” their grandchildren’s classrooms. While we miss having our guests and students under one roof, I am so proud of our entire team for creating a week-long celebration that evoked a spirit of togetherness. I am hopeful that next year we will be able to celebrate in person. 

Dear DKJA Community, 

As I sat down to write my HaShavua message, I found myself reflecting on this week’s parsha. Parsha Beshlach tells the story of the miracle experienced by the children of Israel while escaping Egypt. Wandering through the desert and suffering from hunger and thirst, the Israelites found themselves trapped between Pharaoh's army and the sea. Just when they felt all hope was lost, Moses lifted his staff, the seas parted, and the Israelites were able to escape. This powerful parsha continues to remind us that obstacles can provide opportunities for miracles.

Dear DKJA Community, 

We all breathed a collective sigh of relief this week upon hearing the news that the hostages in the Colleyville synagogue were free and unharmed. This incident reminds us of our school’s responsibility to continue to teach our children the importance of Israel advocacy, how to combat antisemitism, and our commitment to “never forget.” 

Dear DKJA Community, 

This week, DKJA had the privilege of hosting members of the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) accreditation team as the final step of our reaccreditation process. Aside from ensuring that DKJA continues to meet a high level of standards established by FCIS, the reaccreditation process provides our school with a unique opportunity to actively reflect on the school’s accomplishments and achievements and to work collaboratively as a team in the development of new and innovative programming for all divisions. I am happy to share with you that the preliminary report commended our school on not only meeting all the standards but also for exceeding expectations in many key areas.  

Dear DKJA Community,

 

Dear DKJA Community,

 

It has been another week full of learning, growth, and togetherness at Donna Klein Jewish Academy. Members of the Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School Anti-Defamation League (ADL) team spoke to our 7th and 8th graders about the importance of standing up to bullying of any kind not only on our campus but also in our community. Our 5th and 6th-grade students will have their own assembly after winter break. The team, composed of students, also discussed the organization and our involvement as a school as ADL will be coming to the middle school next semester. Donna Klein Jewish Academy is proud to be a designated No Place for Hate® school through the Anti-Defamation League, and this school year marks our 10-year anniversary in partnership with this organization.

Dear DKJA Community, 

Dear DKJA Community,

It is my great pleasure to wish our entire community a Happy Hanukkah filled with love and light. As we light our hanukkiah, we are lighting up not only our homes but our community and the world. It has been such a joy to watch our school celebrate Hanukkah this week. We started with a disco-themed dress-down day, where we were inspired to “Glow Crazy and Light Up DKJA'' in honor of the holiday. Our students had a lot of fun, and I loved seeing all of the creative outfits!  The festivities continued throughout the week with division and classroom celebrations. A special thank you to our PTO for sending Chanukah treats for our faculty and students. 

Dear DKJA Community,

During the month of February, students in all grade levels will be commemorating Black History Month through a variety of lessons, activities, and discussions. As part of DKJA’s commitment to Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), it is essential that our children continuously learn about the history of our country, in an effort to remove racial barriers and work towards unifying our diverse community. In addition, the month of February has also been designated as Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month, with the goal of creating an atmosphere of inclusion for all and welcoming the disabled into our community. As we continue to emphasize a holistic educational experience rooted in Jewish values, the inclusion of activities and discussions related to these topics helps our children fulfill the mitzvah of lifelong learning.