9/11/2020 Head of School Message
Dear DKJA Community,
Just three days ago, we welcomed back our first students to the DKJA campus since closing our doors in
March for in-person learning. I watched as third-grade students proudly walked through the doors and
Kindergarten students began their educational journey.
Yesterday the rest of the Lower School joined us, and today, the sounds of laughter and learning can be heard throughout the hallways. While the opening of the campus may have looked easy to the casual observer, it would not have been possible without the support and hard work of the entire DKJA Leadership Team. By working together to fulfill our school’s vision, DKJA leadership has ensured that even during times of
uncertainty, we can and will continue to provide an outstanding education to our Jewish community while prioritizing the health and safety of all our families, faculty, and staff. Whether you are joining us on campus or logging in for remote learning from your home, this year promises to be the best yet, filled with state-of-the-art technology, creative programming, and a deepened sense of community.
Today we commemorate the 19th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.
For many of us who remember this day vividly, it is somewhat hard to believe that our children are not old enough to remember this tragedy and instead are taught about it as part of a history lesson. While many schools
throughout the country do not include the events of 9/11 in their curriculum, I am proud that DKJA views this day as one that needs to be shared with our children in grade-level and age appropriate ways. Our High School students gathered together today for an assembly led by members of our Student Government, followed by a prayer of remembrance led by Rabbi Lesack.
Thank you to our amazing faculty who helped to organize and support
today’s programming. Community and mindfulness are at the forefront of our Guidance Department’s Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. Yesterday, all families received our first monthly DKJA Guidance Department Newsletter.
This inaugural issue introduces our highly qualified and caring guidance team and highlights many new initiatives and programs planned for the year ahead. A special thank you to our generous donors for helping to support the growth of this important component of your child’s education.
As we end the week, I also want to remind everyone to check Eagles Net daily to stay up to date on important reminders from your child(ren)’s division(s). Thank you to those in our community who shared positive and
thoughtful feedback on our school reopening policies and procedures. I encourage everyone to continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and wear a mask so we can all remain healthy. I look forward to welcoming many of our Middle and High School students back to in-person learning next week and feel confident that our oldest students will continue to be exemplary role models for the rest of our school community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
DKJA Head of School
Back
Just three days ago, we welcomed back our first students to the DKJA campus since closing our doors in
March for in-person learning. I watched as third-grade students proudly walked through the doors and
Kindergarten students began their educational journey.
Yesterday the rest of the Lower School joined us, and today, the sounds of laughter and learning can be heard throughout the hallways. While the opening of the campus may have looked easy to the casual observer, it would not have been possible without the support and hard work of the entire DKJA Leadership Team. By working together to fulfill our school’s vision, DKJA leadership has ensured that even during times of
uncertainty, we can and will continue to provide an outstanding education to our Jewish community while prioritizing the health and safety of all our families, faculty, and staff. Whether you are joining us on campus or logging in for remote learning from your home, this year promises to be the best yet, filled with state-of-the-art technology, creative programming, and a deepened sense of community.
Today we commemorate the 19th anniversary of the tragic events of 9/11.
For many of us who remember this day vividly, it is somewhat hard to believe that our children are not old enough to remember this tragedy and instead are taught about it as part of a history lesson. While many schools
throughout the country do not include the events of 9/11 in their curriculum, I am proud that DKJA views this day as one that needs to be shared with our children in grade-level and age appropriate ways. Our High School students gathered together today for an assembly led by members of our Student Government, followed by a prayer of remembrance led by Rabbi Lesack.
Thank you to our amazing faculty who helped to organize and support
today’s programming. Community and mindfulness are at the forefront of our Guidance Department’s Social and Emotional Learning curriculum. Yesterday, all families received our first monthly DKJA Guidance Department Newsletter.
This inaugural issue introduces our highly qualified and caring guidance team and highlights many new initiatives and programs planned for the year ahead. A special thank you to our generous donors for helping to support the growth of this important component of your child’s education.
As we end the week, I also want to remind everyone to check Eagles Net daily to stay up to date on important reminders from your child(ren)’s division(s). Thank you to those in our community who shared positive and
thoughtful feedback on our school reopening policies and procedures. I encourage everyone to continue to follow the social distancing guidelines and wear a mask so we can all remain healthy. I look forward to welcoming many of our Middle and High School students back to in-person learning next week and feel confident that our oldest students will continue to be exemplary role models for the rest of our school community.
Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
DKJA Head of School
