Donna Klein Jewish Academy
May 27, 2016 - 18 Iyyar 5776 
Weekly Parsha (click here)
Shabbat Candlelighing 7:48 p.m.  
 
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Kol Hakavod to Grinspoon Teacher of Excellence Award Recipient Mrs. Anat Jatwes (above) and DKJA Teacher of the Year Mrs. Stephanie Englander (inset, with Mrs. Jatwes).


"Where do I begin?" This week was full of exciting events that spanned such a broad range of emotions, it's a challenge to put it into words! Our week started with our annual Sports Recognition Night, including a silent auction and spaghetti dinner, which was outstanding. The awards presentations showcased our unique athletics program. A special touch was the presentation of the Golden Eagle Award. Congratulations to the 2016 recipient, senior Bryant Meyer, who was presented with the award by last year's recipient, Taylor Starr, '15 (pictured). Taylor, who just completed her freshman year at the University of Florida, continued the Eagles' tradition of the previous year's winner presenting the award to the new honoree. Kol Havod to all Eagles and Lady Eagles, and to Athletic Director Mr. David Trell and Eagles Athletics Booster Club Chair/Auction Chair Mr. Eric Lipson for making the evening, and the program as a whole, such as success! We are greatly appreciative of the support of Lehman AutoWorld (Ivy and Justin Dash and family), which sponsored the event. Nicely done!

The week continued with a touching luncheon honoring the Holocaust survivors who have given so much of themselves to our students and families, constantly enriching our lives. The honorees joined our eighth-graders and their families, as well as community members, in a wonderful expression of gratitude. The honored guests impressed upon everyone the importance of strength and continuity. The program's student leader was eighth-grader Shaina Goodis, who spoke with poise and maturity beyond her years. Thank you to community Service Coordinator Dr. Yoram Dahav, DKJA parents Mrs. Suzanne Goodis and Ms. Debbie Lipson, LCSW, Holocaust Case Manager with Ruth and Norman Rales Jewish Family Services, and all of our Middle School faculty for endlessly giving of themselves. They ensure that moments like this will forever live in our hearts.

The importance of enjoying our surroundings, reflection and making every moment count were expressed in many unique ways by Holocaust survivors. What a perfect transition to an amazing, significant event that took place Wednesday evening, when we officially opened our new "Gesher Bereshit" Genesis Bridge. The exhibit welcomes all who enter our campus from the rear parking lot and tells them about the seven days of creation, and the story of Adam and Eve. All of the work was created by DKJA students in Kindergarten through 12th grade as part of our new ceramics program.
 
A tour of the installation was held following a ribbon cutting for the exhibit by DKJA parents Hayya and Eric Nathanson, whose generosity, along with donors Dr. Edward and Zerlina Kaplan, enabled the ceramics studio to become a reality.
 
The exhibit is an amazing example of Jewish Studies integration with fine arts at every grade level. The installation was facilitated by the DKJA Legacy Heritage team comprised of Mrs. Anita Schwartz, Mrs. Allie Hasson, Mrs. Betty Maikhor and Mrs. Eilat Asseo Brenner, who participated in an intensive Teacher Institute for the Arts workshop last summer at Camp Stone in Pennsylvania.

The uniqueness of this important program, and ALL of the wonderful lenses through which we experience DKJA, were showcased at Wednesday evening's Board of Trustees Annual Meeting. "A Look Back...A Look to the Future" was our theme. Academics, fine arts, technology, Jewish life, athletics, faculty, our culture of philanthropy, our alumni and our future were brought to life in an outstanding showcase. Special thanks to Mrs. Sharon Kamber, Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement, and the Development Office, for the superb program. Thank you to our exceptional Board of Trustees.

The community was also invited to share our pride as we presented  the prestigious Grinspoon Teacher of Excellence Award. The recipient was Mrs. Anat Jatwes. The award is sponsored by the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County and the Harold Grinspoon Foundation to recognize local teachers who make a lasting impact on the lives of Jewish children, and contribute to excellence in Jewish education. How proud we are!

The impact of excellent teachers on our students is invaluable! We see that every day. We are so fortunate to have a truly outstanding team of educators at DKJA. Each and every one is worthy of recognition, but last night, we had the honor of recognizing one teacher who is a true testament to 100 percent excellence, 100 percent of the time. Mrs. Stephanie Englander was honored with the DKJA Teacher of the Year Award, and we could not be happier! Kol Hakavod!

May we CONTINUE to go from strength to strength. I wish you a safe, peaceful and restful Shabbat, and a meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend as we honor those who served our country.

Sincerely,
Helena Levine
Head of School 
   
NEWS FROM THE OFFICE OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT

By Scott Ball, Director of Development
 


I am proud to report that our ALL IN campaign is still going strong. As you may have heard at our Annual Meeting, our school is strong, vibrant and embracing a path for the future. However, we have not reached our participation goal. In honor of our Lev Tov theme, I cannot think of a better act of kindness than giving to the school your children attend. If you have not made your ALL IN donation, please show your support for your children, faculty and community (click here).  

I also encourage you to join us at the upcoming events listed here. Click here. 
 
   
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SGA OFFICERS FOR 2016-17


SGA Executive Officers for the upcoming school year the following: President - Noah Rubin, Vice President - Levi Stein, Treasurer - Josh Rosenblatt, Secretary - Jordan Greenbaum and Parliamentarian - Dana Levine.
 
Seventh grade will be represented by Chloe Field, Lea Toledano, Jacob Poller, Coby Russo and Maya Melamed. Eighth-grade will be represented by Yakov Wahnich, Jonathan Rosenberg, Madeline Weinstein, Scott Houtkin and Aaron Brenner.  

HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK - LAG B'OMER 

In honor of commemorating Lag B'Omer, all divisions participated in a variety of activities. Lower School students enjoyed relay games. Unlike the children of Israel of long ago, who played outside so they could fool the Roman soldiers while another group of children studied Torah with their rabbi inside a cave, DKJA students played inside in a cool, comfortable gym, knowing that they have the freedom to study Torah at any time on any day. 
 
Middle Schools students enjoyed the day with a range of activities. Fifth-graders experienced a memorable celebration with 4,000 students at the Hard Rock arena, marking Unity Day for Jewish students in South Florida. Other activities included pool activities, a constructing a spaghetti and marshmallow tower during a challenge activity and testing knowledge with a great online quiz.

Claire and Emanuel G. Rosenblatt High School students enjoyed a unique color war (please watch the video included.)

   
CONGRATULATIONS TO ROSENBLATT HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2016


Rosenblatt High School seniors are eagerly anticipating their graduation on Sunday, June 5th, as you can see in this short video. This year's graduating class is the largest in school history! Click here for a list of college acceptances.

Many Rosenblatt High School students are embarking on a variety of summer learning programs. Click here for the impressive programs they will be attending.   
  
   
PTO REMINDS YOU...END OF YEAR TEACHER AND STAFF GIFTS

As another great year comes to a close, we want to thank all of our amazing teachers and staff at DKJA. If you would like to contribute to the PTO End of Year Teacher and Staff Gift collection, you can either pay online at www.DKJAStore.com or come visit us in the Shuk.  Please note that this gift is distributed to all of the teachers, specials teachers and administrative staff at the school.

The suggested gift amount per child is $50, but any amount will be accepted and your child's name will be printed on the card that each teacher and staff member receives with their gift. Thank you!   
  
 
AVOID THE SUMMER SLIDE - LEARNING CENTER OFFERS SUMMER SUPPORT PROGRAM

The Learning Center is here to prevent the "summer slide." Summer is a time of fun and relaxation. It is also a great time to ensure that students are ready for success in the coming school year. DKJA's learning specialists will customize the summer program for your child based on his/her needs.
 
Please check our program details and the session sign up sheet - click here.

   
DKJA ORCHESTRA IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING STUDENTS FOR THE
2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR

The DKJA Orchestra is currently accepting students for the 2016-2017 school year.
Take advantage of this excellent opportunity that will provide your child with the
benefits of the "Orchestral Experience." Enrollment is limited.

 Click here to enroll online .  


For information contact Mr. Correa at (561) 852-3381 or visit  www.dkja.org > Eagles' Net > Orchestra. 
 

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Donna Klein Jewish Academy
561-852-3300
[email protected]
http://www.dkja.org