Although it is for nearly five decades that I have been actively engaged in preparing for a new school term, each season when summer wanes I get anxious about the first day of school and find it nearly impossible to sleep.  I revel in deciding not only what I will wear the first day, but in what new and exciting opportunities lay ahead.   It is a gift to be able to embark anew each year, to be afforded the ability to start over with another year of promise and possibility.

This week as I stood outside and greeted our students and their families, I was filled with a sense of pride at what the faculty and I have prepared for the 2013-14 school year.  I was filled with happiness watching our returning students come back a bit taller and with much nourished souls from the summer break.  I was filled with much gratitude for the blessing of 16 new students and their families who have enhanced our community with their commitment and passion to our school.

Please join me in welcoming:

Kindergartners -

Stevie, his mom Andrea and dad Eric (returning parents/family)

Sara, her mom Ale and dad Leo

Eden, her mom Maya and dad Noah (returning parents/family)

Isabella, her mom Lisa and dad Mark

Judah, his mom Erinn and dad Jacob

Alan, his mom Angie and dad Shlomi

Ruta, her mom Tal and dad Oded

Daniel, his mom Neta and dad Yaakov

First Graders -

Zoe, her mom Christine and dad Chris

Tria, her mom Rupica and dad Timothy

Keren, her mom Erika

Third Grader -

Christian, his mom Christine and dad Chris

Fourth Graders -

Neila, her mom Erika

Quinn, his mom Laura and dad Chris

Fifth Grader -

Alexandra, her mom Christine and dad Chris

Sixth Grader -

Michael, his mom Carol and dad Jack

May the New Year bring all of us much good fortune, significant growth, and much success and satisfaction in our accomplishments.

L'Shanah Tovah/Shabbat Shalom!