B"H
August 20, 2023 / 3 Elul 5783
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Back to School is finally here!
Our team has been back on campus this past week engaging in professional learning to enhance our practices this year. Energy is high and we cannot wait to welcome your students back in a few short days! We look forward to partnering with you. This week’s newsletter includes exciting updates on new members of our team and reminders of important upcoming events. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions.
— Chaya Kenigsberg + Whitney Hurwitz
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Early-Start Discovery Class |
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We are pleased to announce an after-school Improv & Theatre Games class will begin Wednesday, Aug 30 in partnership with the J Performing Arts Space. Instructor Megan Muscato will lead this introduction to theatre basics and the importance of ensemble in a fun, inclusive, and silly way. |
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Class dates: 8/30, 9/6, 9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/15, 11/29, 12/6 (No class: 10/4. 11/8, 11/22, 12/13)
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Stay tuned for our complete Fall roster of Discovery Programs — the majority of which begin mid-September. |
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We are so excited to welcome these amazing new AYA teammates: |
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Kristen Schroder
Kindergarten General Studies
I am so happy to be at AYA this year. I started my educational path as a two-way immersion (Spanish model) teacher and have taught Kinder through 5th grade here in the United States. I taught abroad in Costa Rica and China for several years. Most recently, I have been a program coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program in Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. I am so excited to be returning to the classroom as a kindergarten general studies teacher! When I'm not in the classroom, my love of adventure will find me traveling, trying new plant combinations in my veg garden, teaching my dogs, cats, or chickens new tricks, or trying new foods. I am the person who, while waiting in line at the grocery store, will ask "What is that and how do you cook it?" and will always, always pet your dog!
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Megan Wolicki
2nd Grade Judaic Studies
I'm looking forward to the year at AYA! My family and I moved here from New Jersey a little over two months ago. I’ve been involved in education for nine years in both the general and Judaic studies departments. I have a bachelors and masters in special education and have a teachers certificate through New York State. I have 2 daughters — a 2.5 year old and a 1 month old as well as a big dog.
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Eden Shimon
3rd Grade Judaic Studies
Shalom! I was born and raised in Dallas. Growing up, I was part of a big, lively family that included two phenomenal parents, six incredible sisters, and two awesome brothers. The bonds we formed taught me the value of achdut and the importance of family!
After high school, I took a gap year and embarked on an unforgettable journey to Jerusalem. Living in such a Kadosh city allowed me to immerse myself in Yahadut and feel connected to my roots, broadening my perspective, and shaping my personal growth.
I'm now pursuing a degree fueled by my passion for Business and Finance! But that's not all—I've found an exciting opportunity to share my love for Israel and Yahadut as a Third Grade Judaic Studies teacher! It's a role I am beyond excited for as it allows me to combine my passion for education with my love for Judaism. I am excited to be inspiring young minds in the classroom and eager to make a positive difference in the lives of those around me.
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Nicolette Luna
4th Grade General Studies
Hi! My education career in 2012 in Southwest Louisiana. Through various roles at the campus level, I developed a passion for ensuring education is equitable for all students. In my last role, I joined the Personalized Learning (PL) department for Dallas ISD central staff, supporting campuses implementing their PL vision and leading innovation in the district. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, being with my dog Milo, working out, reading, cheering on my favorite sports team, and traveling.
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Alma Knutson
5th Grade General Studies
I am so excited to join the AYA community for my sixth year of teaching 5h Grade! I am originally from Maryland, but chose to leave the east coast to attend the University of Michigan, where I earned a B.A. in history and German. Upon graduating, I joined Teach For America and relocated to Oklahoma City, where I taught in both public and charter schools for five years. During the pandemic, I took advantage of the opportunity to attend Johns Hopkins University remotely and attain a Master of Science in Education. Last spring, I made the decision to move to Dallas and stumbled upon the amazing opportunity to come work with AYA! I am so excited to be here and look forward to getting the school year started!
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Laetitia Maruani
5th Grade Judaic Studies
Hey there, I'm proud to say I’m from Dallas and also an Akiba elementary alumni. I kicked off my learning adventure at Touro College in Chicago, diving into Health Sciences and Judaic Studies. But that wasn't enough – I hopped over to the Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration at Yeshiva University for an extra dose of wisdom. Teaching's my passion, and I've had the chance to work in schools and Jewish outreach programs in Florida, New Jersey, and New York. I love making learning an exciting journey filled with creativity and art. Get ready for a classroom where laughter, growth, and fun blend together – I'm here to make your year an unforgettable adventure!
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Trey King
Middle School Social Studies
I have been teaching middle school since 2002. I graduated from Texas Tech University with a bachelors degree in education. For the past 10 years I have taught English language arts. I am very excited to be joining AYA and I am looking forward to an excellent year!
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Jamie Wiser
Middle School Science
Hi! I’m so excited to be joining AYA as the new middle school science teacher. I’ve spent the past 16 years teaching high school science and I’m looking forward to starting something new. I can’t wait to meet my students and share my love of science with them!
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Tess Richter
Speech Language Pathologist (all ages)
Hi! I’m originally from San Antonio and moved to Dallas after receiving my bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from the University of Alabama.Before joining the team, I served students in the Dallas area ages 3 to 18 in the public and charter school settings. I’m excited to leverage my seven years of experience, specializing in refining articulation, expanding student’s expressive and receptive language, social understanding and communication skills. I’m known as "Mrs. T "by my students and am dedicated to helping students relate and communicate with others. I’m passionate about empowering individuals through effective communication. I look forward to guiding the students of AYA through their communication journey with the aim to equip them with the essential skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
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We are excited to announce some veteran AYA staff taking on new positions at the Schultz Rosenberg Campus. |
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Sarah Rosen,
Middle School Director of Campus Life and Math Instructor
Howdy, AYA. I am both honored and humbled to make sure that our teachers and students walk away with spectacular memories this year, whether it be through programming, assemblies, StuCo-led events or yearbook. Got a question or concern related to our middle school? Don’t be afraid to holler.
Now. I know what everyone’s thinking - does this mean that there’s no longer going to be a “slightly terrifying” math teacher roaming the halls of our middle school? Wishful thinking, my friends. Wishful thinking. I will still be in the classroom (my happy place) teaching three sections of math in collaboration with my better half, Mrs. Guzman. I can’t wait! In the hopes of opening up and letting you all know a little bit more about me, I’ll end with two truths and a lie.
1. Chaya K. made me upload a headshot of myself to attach to this bio.
2. Whitney H. made me upload a headshot of myself to attach to this bio.
3. I’m insanely photogenic.
Wishing our AYA community nothing but awesomesauce as we start what is bound to be a great year of learning.
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Lauren Fine
Dyslexia Specialist
Hi! I’m starting my 13th year at AYA. I graduated with a Speech, Language and Hearing degree from the University of Kansas. This year, I am taking on a new role as one of our dyslexia specialists. Over the summer I was trained in Take Flight and I can’t wait to share this amazing program with all of the students who have the super power of dyslexia!
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Jared Katz
K-8 P.E. and Technology
Hi! My name is Jared and this year, I am super excited to be taking on a new role at AYA in the Athletics and Technology departments. After exclusively working with 5h Grade last year, I cannot wait to work with each and every student in K-8!
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6-6:30 pm Mon, Aug 21: Kindergarten Back to School Night
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Tue, Aug 22 — Lower School Building
Kindergarten-2nd Grade: 9:30-9:50 am
3rd-5th Grade: 10-10:20 am
We'd like to offer an opportunity for students and parents to visit their new classrooms before the first day of school. Teachers will be there to say hello, but formal presentations will happen at Back to School Night (Tue, Aug 29).
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10:45-11:45 am Tue, Aug 22 — Middle School Building
We'd like to welcome parents and incoming Middle School students to our campus! We will meet with parents for an information session while students meet their advisors and set up their lockers (we know decorating lockers is a big Middle School perk, so feel free to bring some locker decor!)
8 am Wed, Aug 23: K-8 First Day of School
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3-4:30 pm Sun, Aug 27 — Pollman Hall
Join us for sweet treats and warm reunions as the AYA PTO welcomes our community back to school!
6 pm Tue, Aug 29: LS/MS Back to School Night
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7 pm Wed, Sept 20 — Middle School Beit Midrash
All AYA parents are invited to join our Judaic Studies educators for a discussion
of the Jewish month and upcoming holidays. Light refreshments will be served. » RSVP
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Challah may be ordered directly from Ron the Baker (email). Orders will be delivered to your child in their classroom on Friday morning to bring home.
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AkibaYavneh.org QuickLinks |
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Support Jewish Education at AYA |
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