1/22/2021 Head of School Message

Dear DKJA Community,

 

I hope you all had a wonderful extended holiday weekend and that your children were able to share with you what they learned about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. We continue to add new students to our DKJA family, and this week our Lower School welcomed two new students from New Jersey. My heart is full watching our DKJA community continue to grow. 

 

On Wednesday, our country’s 46th president and first female vice-president were sworn into office. This historic event had even greater significance given the election of the first woman of color to one of the nation’s highest offices. DKJA continued our time-honored tradition of providing our students in grades 7–12 the option to watch the inauguration under the guidance and facilitation of a teacher. Other students discussed the election during social studies lessons with grade-level appropriate activities in which they learned about the meaning of democracy, the three branches of government, and the requirements for those who serve in office. 

 

As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year as a Leader in Me school, our hope is that our students will find inspiration in learning about the qualities that constitute great leadership. This highly effective leadership program, combined with our Guidance Department’s Kindness Matters initiative, provides our students with the critical thinking skills needed to problem solve and thoughtfully articulate their opinions and beliefs, and shows them that kindness and leadership go hand-in-hand. 

 

It is an exciting time of the year at DKJA with many events and activities planned for the coming weeks. I look forward to participating in these activities with our students and their families. 

 

January 27 - In honor of Tu B’Shevat, DKJA is partnering with the Jewish National Fund (JNF) to plant trees in Israel. For every $18 donated to JNF, a tree will be planted. Additionally, all students are invited to attend virtual Tu B’Shevat musical Seders. Additional information will follow.

 

January 27 - Our Rosenblatt High School students will participate in Minimester, where they will have the opportunity to choose from about 50 in-person and virtual specialty classes. A wide variety of courses will be offered, allowing our students to learn about new things that might encourage their passions and provide guidance for their future. While our RHS Minimester traditionally lasts three days, this year’s event will take place all in one day. 

 

January 27  - All Lower School students and their families are invited to join me for our next virtual Storytime with the Head of School.  I am excited to read one of my favorite stories in honor of Tu B’Shevat. Jill Shoshany, Lower School Principal will be joining us as a special guest. 

 

February 1–February 26 - We are excited for the start of Grandparents and Special Friends Month in just over a week. All Grandparents and Special Friends of our students are invited to take part in virtual grade-level and specialty classes throughout the month of February. Grandparents have been mailed a separate invitation to our February 1 kick-off event. Please click here for a link to the virtual class schedule.

 

Warm wishes for a relaxing weekend.

 

Shabbat Shalom,