We bid farewell to our graduating eighth graders with mixed emotions. In our tight-knit community, each departure feels like that of a beloved family member. Yet we are also incredibly proud of their accomplishments and growth, and are excited for them to embark on their next chapter, knowing that they have the foundation they need to succeed, friendships to last a lifetime, and a school they can always call home.

Aaron attended Weizmann from kindergarten through 8th grade.  He appreciates the school's size and feels that the experience "changed his life."  Aaron's interests are science, history, and art.  He is currently deciding between Ribet Academy, La Salle, and Gabrielino High Schools.  

Samantha attended Weizmann for kindergarten and 1st grade

and then returned for her 7th and 8th grade years.  She remembers being welcomed back by those she met as a child.  "In this graduating class..." of just four students," Samantha says, "we are more than just 'good friends'.  We started as strangers and ended as siblings." Samantha cherishes "all of the times I have cried tears of laughter."  She will attend Ribet Academy next fall. 

Eitan attended Weizmann for 7th and 8th grades, yet was also a frequent presence on campus as a pre-schooler, when his mom, Wendy Bat-Sarah, was teaching.  He is grateful for the small school setting that enabled him to play major roles as a young student.  Eitan is excited to attend LACHSA (Los Angeles County High School for the Arts) next fall to develop his acting skills and study theater.

Rebecca attended Weizmann for 7th and 8th grades and remembers how friendly everyone was from the start.  "I got to know all 18 of my middle school mates in just a few days... and soon felt like I had known them all of my life."   Rebecca's favorite activity was performing Shakespeare which she previously considered "an un-crackable code."  She will be attending Tarbut V'Torah in Orange County next year. 

In addition to our graduates, it is bittersweet to bid farewell to our students who will be returning to their native countries next year. It has been a joy having Gili (4th) and Hagar (7th) attend Weizmann this year, and an added bonus was the arrival of Ron (4th) and Schirra (7th) in March. It is a blessing that our community is one that graciously welcomes students from abroad and we look forward to staying in touch with these new friends and their families. I feel fortunate knowing that if I find myself in Be'er Sheva or Berlin I have family.

Have a relaxing and rejuvenating summer.

Shabbat Shalom!