aaeds/blog

Dear Parents:

It was wonderful to see our families gather together last night for Back-to-School night. We began the evening in the Labowe outdoor chapel, adorned with twinkling lights, and heard from the leadership of our community on a variety of topics before heading to the classrooms for a deeper look at what our students will accomplish this year. 

Our wonderful new president of the Day School Governing Board, Kristin Weiss, welcomed our parents and shared a desire to get to know each of our families more deeply. The Synagogue Executive Director, Eric Nicastro, described the connection between our school and the greater community of Adat Ari El, and reminded us that we are not only a part of a Day School community, but of a larger community, as well. The lovely PA presidents, Leora Smith and Natalie Sirin, shared a picture of the exciting upcoming events and described ways for our families to get more involved. Eric Chafetz, our new Judaic Studies Director, led our parents in a “prayer for our students”.

Our Head of School, Shara Peters, discussed the state of our School, including how we welcomed 22 new families into the Day School this year. Shara introduced the concept of Giving at ADAT and a timeline for fundraising throughout the year. She also presented this year's theme determined by our faculty, based on our vision statement: “I am a difference maker.” In our earliest days of school, each grade has spent time discussing what it means to make a difference for themselves, their classroom, school, city, nation, and global community. Then, as parents went to their children's classrooms, our General and Judaic Studies teachers shared how their class interpreted the idea of being a difference maker and how that would guide their curriculum throughout the year:

“In TK, we are difference makers because we take care of our classrooms.”

“In K, we we are difference makers who help others grow.”

“In 1st Grade, we are difference makers who care for others.”

“In 2nd Grade, we are difference makers by being innovators and positive members of the community.”

“In 3rd Grade, we are difference makers by being good friends and believing that each of us can change the world.”

“In 4th Grade, we are difference makers who leave places better than we found them.”

“In 5th Grade, we are difference makers who face challenges with empathy for ourselves and others.”

“In 6th Grade, we are difference makers and role models who inspire others.”

Our evening closed with our parents having the chance to meet our Hebrew Subject Head, Math Department Head, Art Teacher, Dance Teacher, Music Teacher, P.E. Teacher/Athletics Director, Strings Orchestra Teacher, Science Teacher, and Technology Teacher, who shared their impressive knowledge and credentials, while describing what their children would learn this year.

It was wonderful to see our families leave the evening with smiles on their faces �" excited for themselves and their children about the school year ahead!

We cannot wait to see how our students develop as difference makers, as well and are looking forward to a sweet new year.

L'Shana Tova!

Lauren Quient
Academic Director