1/28/2022 Head of School Message

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.  

Some of the areas highlighted as being truly exceptional included the caring and respectful quality of the teacher-student relationships, our ability to provide an engaging and vertically-aligned culture across all grade levels, a commitment to enrich the school environment through the inclusion of performing and visual art opportunities, and the cross-curricular capstone experiences offered to our students in 8th and 12th grades. It was also noted that DKJA actively incorporates the mission and vision of the school through our regular integration of academic and personal skills combined with the development of Jewish identity and values. I know you join me in offering an enthusiastic Kol Hakavod to all of our faculty, staff, and administrators who took pride in showcasing our amazing school. We look forward to receiving the final FCIS report in the coming weeks. 

Yesterday, the DKJA community joined the world in commemorating International Holocaust Remembrance Day. On this day and every day, we honor the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust, as well as the millions of other victims who lost their lives during this atrocity. Our campus has a beautiful Holocaust remembrance pavilion just steps away from the Claire & Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School where students, faculty, and staff can reflect and gather together for discussions as part of DKJA’s mission to ensure that our students and community “never forget.” We are grateful to the Federation for creating this special area for our school community. 

A reminder to our community that Grandparents and Special Friends Week will be taking place from Monday, February 7 through Friday, February 11. During this special week, we will be bringing our grandparents and other special friends together from all over the world to virtually bond with their grandchildren and visit their classrooms. Please see the flyer below for more information as well as additional upcoming events.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful weekend, 

Shabbat Shalom,
Helena Levine
Head of School
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