2/5/2021 Head of School Weekly Message

Dear DKJA Community,
 
As we approach the one-year mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am overwhelmed with pride over how our DKJA community has rallied together to adapt to the fast-changing dynamics of the pandemic. Despite all of the change that has occurred, DKJA’s commitment to providing an education of extraordinary power and purpose has never wavered. In fact, we have used this unprecedented time to create new opportunities to ensure the ongoing success of both our students and the school. 
 
When the pandemic began, we were able to quickly and seamlessly pivot to a remote learning platform. The feedback from our families showed that our students were able to successfully continue their education from home while continuing to thrive. In fact, I was contacted by many heads of schools who had heard about this remarkable transition to remote learning and wanted to understand how we created this experience for students, faculty, and staff.
 
Perhaps one of the best things to come from our ability to connect with our community virtually is our first-ever virtual Grandparents and Special Friends Month. While it is difficult to not have our grandparents and special friends together on campus for our traditional one-day event, it is perhaps a blessing that we are now celebrating throughout the entire month of February, and have widened our reach to grandparents and special friends throughout the world who are able to log in to a class from the comfort of their own home. During a time when so many people are feeling disconnected, it is an honor and a privilege to be able to invite our grandparents and special friends to engage with our students and staff in this special way. Please be on the lookout for weekly emails that will feature the upcoming classes along with the corresponding Zoom links. 
 
Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l once said, “If you want to save the Jewish future, you have to build Jewish day schools—there is no other way.” I am continuously proud of our DKJA Eagles for how strong and resilient they are, as well as our entire DKJA community for working together to ensure our students continue to receive an outstanding Jewish education.
 
Wishing our entire community a restful weekend. 
 
Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
Head of School
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