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“
Renewing the Sacred Relationship"
D’var Kesher
March 3, 2017/ 5
Adar, 5777
Parashat Terumah/
Exodus 25:1-27:19
Greetings!
To me, the word “enrollment" - the process of registering students to a school - conjures up a heavily bureaucratic and mechanical process. No, that does not come anywhere close to capturing what the process is really about at a Jewish day school, and at CJDS in particular. Choosing to re-enroll your child in our immersive Jewish education that provides students and their families with sophisticated and truly joyous tools for engaging in Jewish American life, as both Jews and Americans, is such a deeper experience than any sort of “registration.” It is about recommitting to a genuine and sacred relationship based on mutual trust and respect. It is about remembering all the things we love about one another, not unlike a renewal of vows.
So I want to take the opportunity at this so-called "re-enrollment season," to call it what it really is: Sacred Relationship Renewal Season. And I want to thank each and every one of you for choosing to continue to partner with us in the growth of your children. We have received a great response to the Early Bird Deadline for renewing your connection and trust in CJDS. We have an exciting year ahead, with a host of new initiatives already in motion for the coming 2017-18 year. These emerged, in large part, from listening carefully to what you, our parent partners, feel you need most to help raise bright, kind, centered, joyful, independent, and socially conscious children for this complex time in which we live. There are more to come, but here are a sample of enriching changes that we are planning for next year:
- Thanks to a seed donation from current parents, we are extremely excited about working towards bringing a Makerspace to CJDS, a playful STEAM innovation lab that would engage all our students K-6, in robotics and other science and engineering project based learning that call upon problem solving, invention, and imagination
- Various Parenting Workshops (“Empowering Parents to Empower Children as Learners,” “Internet Safety,” and others)
- Alumni parent events (we are already planning for a gathering this term for parents whose children graduated May 2016. They have expressed a strong desire to reconnect and do some meaningful and interactive CJDS learning together.)
- New and rich opportunities to increase the ways in which individual students can be challenged and stimulated
- New and rich opportunities to increase the ways in which individual students learning can be supported
- We launched the first student-centered fundraising workshop around the 6th Grade Trip to Philadelphia: A Journey to the State of Independence, to empower sixth graders with leadership skills to conceive of, plan, strategize and execute a fundraising campaign to realize specific and worthy goals.
- We are developing a fifth grade Real Life Learning Lab that uses Columbus as its textbook!
- CJDS is close to contracting with a leading advertising firm who will help us broadcast the amazing story and vision of CJDS in bold, compelling, and memorable ways,.
In setting tuition for the coming school year, the CJDS Committee was mindful of our ambitious educational goals. Next school year’s single payment tuition is $16,900 (this represents an 8% increase from the tuition that has not changed in several years, of $15,600). CJDS tuition falls directly within the range of regional Jewish day schools. Because we believe firmly that a comprehensive Jewish education is both a privilege and a right to every family seeking our exciting, joyful combination of progressive Jewish and general education under one roof, we are determined never to let the full cost of tuition to become a barrier.
As such, it is important to know that with the tuition raise, tuition still does not cover the real cost of educating each child, which is over $23,000. We deliver a stellar program, a Judaic experience rich in music, culture and tradition, and an intensely warm and loving learning community. The fact that we can do all that and have a competitive tuition is remarkable. From Kindergarten through the important sixth grade year, Columbus Jewish Day School provides great value. Enrollment agreements and deposits are now due, so please submit those in order for us to plan for next year!
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We are grateful for your partnership during this exciting time at Columbus Jewish Day School. On behalf of the whole leadership team, I extend thanks to all the parents and community members who shared important feedback with us about how to ever improve our educational experience at CJDS.
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Indeed, please call or email me to share your ideas and thoughts about ways in which we can improve our teaching and learning, the quality of our community, or systems of communication. I would be grateful for your ideas and input; please write to me at: tzelkowicz@cjds.org or call the school to set up an appointment so we can meet in person.
Thank you for the privilege of joining together with us to raise the wise, soulful, confident Jewish leaders of tomorrow. I look forward to continuing our exciting building together next year!
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Tamara Kruglov, current CJDS parent of 2nd grader and 4th grader, shares:
"Quite often people ask me why CJDS? And when I think about it, the easiest answer that comes to my mind is that this school has become the second home to my two children. Each day they leave one home to go to another, to greet their family and spend a significant part of the day as a small community, as a harmonious group of individuals aiming to be outstanding, each in his/her own, unique way. One other answer is: a peace of mind that your child is in good hands while you, a parent, are not around.
Our children are the light of life, motivation to go on, inspiration to achieve impossible. As responsible parents, we care about their development and growth, and that is why the choice of school is one of the most critical decisions a parent can make. Yes, it is important what grades they will have at the end of school year, and where they stand academically, but also who they are becoming as humans, what values they acquire daily, what choices they learn to make.
I am beyond grateful to this school, to the amazing staff, to parents, to the children for making this an exceptional experience that will stay with all of us for good. I am more than confident that we will proudly enjoy the 'fruits' of the six years these kids have been a part of for years to come. They will carry this experience with them when they move to a Middle & High School, to college and to University, as I am a strong believer that the early years are a foundation for life his foundation has been and will be solidified by CJDS as we observe it every Kabbalat Shabbat, Arts Night, and other school functions. Thank you, CJDS."
- Tamara Kruglov, current CJDS Parent
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Security Update from the Head of School
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Dear CJDS families, faculty and staff,
I am sure that you are all painfully aware that many Jewish organizations in the United States have recently faced phoned-in bomb hoaxes. I want you to know that the safety and security of our children, our employees, and any volunteer or guest on campus is my first priority, which is shared among all of our professionals via their commitment to the school and our love of our students. We are well-practiced with our emergency procedures and protocols and practice them regularly. Moreover, we continue to evaluate and adjust our equipment, infrastructure, and procedures based on the input and feedback of law enforcement and security professionals in our community as well as security professionals from the Columbus Jewish Federation.
You can be assured each day that the professionals here at CJDS and JCC are receiving daily updates from Justin Shaw, Security Advisor with the Columbus Jewish Federation, who obtains current, relevant, and pertinent security information to help us and other Columbus Jewish organizations stay aware. Just today, it was released that an arrest has been made of a Juan Thompson of St. Louis, Missouri, who was charged with communicating at least eight of the recent bomb threats to JCCs. We have been paying careful attention to this development in North America in the past two months. CJDS has an established protocol for dealing with this particular situation, similar to that in place in many organizations.
These hoaxes cause psychological terror and fear, and so we must respond with community, solidarity, and care for one another. I can put it no better than my wonderful colleague, Paul Bernstein, the CEO of Prizmah: Center for Jewish Day Schools, who wrote yesterday:
“We are proud of the resilience and strength of the leaders, teachers, students, and parents at Jewish day schools across America who will not allow fear to take away the joyousness of Jewish education. We are proud that all children have returned to their schools with renewed determination that a Jewish day school education remains the best way to empower Jewish children to assume the authorship and ownership of the Jewish story.
…Jewish day schools provide children with an immersive education that grounds them in the unique culture and values of Judaism while also ensuring they have the skills and resources to be knowledgeable citizens of America.
…As proud Jewish Americans, we call upon federal and local law enforcement to investigate these threats expediently and bring these perpetrators to justice. We call upon leaders at all levels of government to denounce the hatred and make clear that the United States will not countenance anti-Semitism in any form. And, most of all, we call on all Americans to combat hatred and bigotry in all its forms. As we come together to achieve these goals, we are sure that Adar and months to come will be ones filled with the sounds of joyous children.”
As is always the case, please know that my doorway, inbox, and phone are ever-ready to receive your concerns, ideas, and input. Feel free at any time to contact me on this or any other issues regarding the safety, education, experience, growth, and well-being of our precious children.
I, for one, am determined to bring joy into the month of Adar; the month of Purim, a holiday of reversals: from evil to goodness, from pain to joy, from fear to safety. I look forward to eating sweet hamentaschen with you soon.
In care and support,
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As of 2-21-17, we've updated our calendar. For the most up-to-date version of our calendar and a full list of CJDS events:
CLICK HERE!
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Starting in March, please stop by Wednesday mornings, just after drop-off for coffee and conversation with Rabbi Z, 8:30am - 9:00am. This weekly event is an informal chance to think out loud and share reflections and ideas you may have about the school. It's also a chance to discuss topics of interest facing education and Jewish living today.
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
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THIS SUNDAY...
Our very own
Eran Rosenberg
will be at the Bexley Public Library!
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SAVE THE DATE
Friday, May 19: Annual CJDS Butterfly Release
Tuesday, May 23: CJDS 6th Grade Graduation 7:00-8:30pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Sunday, March 5: Hebrew Story Time 2:00-3:00pm at the Bexley Public Library
Monday, March 6:
6th Grade Hamentaschen Bake Sale for Philly!
Bring cash to support our graduating students and enjoy delicious treats they made themselves.
SPRIT WEEK...
Friday, March 10: Costume Parade & Interactive Megillah Reading (With Residents from Wexner Heritage Village)11:00am-12:00pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 10: Purim Celebration Carnival 1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Sunday, March 12: Purim
Friday, March 17 All School Musical Kabbalat Shabbat 1:30-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 24 All School Kabbalat Shabbat (6th grade leads) 1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
Friday, March 31 All School Kabbalat Shabbat 1:40-2:20pm (3rd grade leads) Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium
APRIL
Friday, April 7 All School Kabbalat Shabbat 5th grade leads (1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium)
Monday, April 24: Yom HaShoah 8:45-9:15am (3rd-6th grades)
Friday, April 28 All School Israel Kabbalat Shabbat led by Neta Ben Ezra (1:40-2:20pm Allison Goldberg Senser Gymnasium)
Monday, April 10 - Tuesday April 18
Pesah
(Passover) Break NO SCHOOL OFFICES CLOSED
Wednesday, April 19 Classes Resume
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Pictured above: We welcomed the month of Adar with silliness and joy!
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Pictured above: Students enjoyed their classroom themes with silly hair and pajamas. Here, they are in a Tefillah drumming circle
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Pictured above and below: The annual Faculty vs. Students Hockey Game was a BLAST!
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Pictured above: Yasher Koach to Matthew for adding some music to the game!
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Pictured above: The final score, after TWO overtimes... We tied!
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4th grade students are reading from the book of Esther in preparation for Purim.
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Pictured above and below: Our students celebrated Dr. Seuss' birthday this week, reading his books translated in BOTH English and Hebrew.
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Pictured above and below: The 5th and their 1st and 2nd grade buddies always enjoy reading together.
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Pictured above: Hebrew vocabulary comes alive in an engaging way in the halls and classrooms of CJDS
Pictured Below: Music teacher, Mr. Angelo Dunlap, seen here working with 6th grade students. They're sounding strong thanks to some new Guitar instruction this year. Yasher Koach!
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This week, we welcomed Linda Petitt from the Franklin County Water & Soil District. Students learned about global and local growing conditions, and how to balance soil for planting crops. Domestically, there are more than 70,000 different kinds of soil in the United States, with over 400 in Ohio alone. Franklin County is home to 32 different types of soil. Factors that define soil types are the parent material, topography and texture.
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TZEDAKAH PROJECT
Phundraising for Philadelphia!
Join our community this month as we contribute to the 6th Graders fundraising drive for their capstone graduation trip to Philadelphia in May
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6th Grade
Hamentaschen Bake-Off
Sunday, March 5th
2:00pm-4:00pm
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On Sunday, March 5th from 2-4pm, the sixth grade class and their families are invited to CJDS for a special Hamentaschen Bake-Off with Rabbi Z.!
Rabbi Z. will share her special “secret” hamenstaschen recipe!
Siblings and parents are invited (but not required).
This is both a fun-raiser and a fundraiser, all of the baked goods will be sold the next day at CJDS.
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6th Grade
Hamentaschen Bake Sale
Monday, March 6th
$2.00/bag
(CASH ONLY PLEASE)
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For only $2.00 you can enjoy some delicious homemade Kosher Hamentaschen (and support the 6th grade trip to Philadelphia too)!
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COMING SOON!
Dress-UP Spirit Week!
March 13-17
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Kindergarten: Stefanie Zelkind
Grade 1-2: Rayna Weiner and Adam Davis
Grade 3: Merav Dill and Bat-Ami Moses
Grade 4: Maggie Saracheck and Sara Zeigler
Grade 5: Alan Bassik
Grade 6: Ruth Rubin and Jennifer Wasserstrom
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We have daily opportunities to help support our Hot Lunch Program.
Lunch volunteers help set up and serve our catered hot lunch.
Sign Up Today!
Monday - Friday from 11:30-12:30
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ORDER HOT LUNCH TODAY
Ordering will close Sunday, March 5th at 10:00 PM
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We want to know about the life cycle events in your family!
Remember CJDS in your tributes to honor these meaningful events. If you’d like to make a donation, please click here.
CJDS Tribute Cards
CJDS Tribute Cards provide a thoughtful and caring gift for everyone. The income generated by every purchase enhances a child's educational experience at CJDS. You can get the All-Occasion pack year-round. It includes five pre-printed memorial cards and five pre-printed special event cards for only $90. You can also make an individual tribute gift and we will send a Tribute card to the recipient. Tribute cards require seven business days for delivery.
To donate by phone or place a Tribute card order, please email or call our Development Officer Julie Jacobson (jjacobson@cjds.org) at 614-939-5311 extension 3119.
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We Collect Boxtops
Help us reach our goal this year of $1000.00
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AmazonSmile
When you shop at
smile.amazon.com
, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to CJDS.
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The Rewards Add Up
Have you linked CJDS to your Kroger Plus card or Giant Eagle Advantage Card?
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THIS SHABBAT
Boker Tov Tot Purim Shabbat
Congregation Tifereth Israel
March 4, 2017
With special guest Rabbi Dr. Tali Zelkowicz
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Baked Goods Delivered to the Classroom
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Hooray for Challah!
Welcome to the 2016-17 School Year! Once again, we are fortunate for the opportunity to order weekly challahs and baked goods from Matt’s Bakery. It is as easy as "pie" to place your orders. All you need to do is go to the Matts Bakery website to see a full listing of all of their delicious items. All challah and or baked goods will be delivered on Fridays to your child’s classroom.
Have questions? Call or email Matt's directly:
info@matt’sbakery.com or (614) 237-4848
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Order your CJDS Apparel today!
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We have several events and opportunities for you to come to the school. Take a look at our school calendar of events
HERE.
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