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Message from the Head of School
 I’d like to take a moment from our very busy lives to offer a bit of congratulatory news to our DKJA Family. As you may know, our internationally acclaimed school was recently the subject of case study work for the AVI CHAI Foundation. AVI CHAI is “…committed to the perpetuation of the Jewish people, Judaism, and the centrality of the State of Israel to the Jewish people."
Recently, I was pleased to learn that this case study has been used in educational materials for such organizations as RAVSAK (the Jewish Day School Network), the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, and at educational institutions including Hebrew University, and Harvard. Additionally, it’s been presented around the globe in locations such as Australia. According to AVI CHAI, the response has been consistently positive. In fact,  AVI CHAI is researching ways in which the materials may be used as part of a school-based development process.
DKJA was identified as an excellent example of a Jewish day school that has developed a reputation for high quality practices.I am very proud to report this, although I must say, I’m not one bit surprised. Thanks to each and every member of our school family. We truly do pride ourselves on Jewish Living, Learning, and Academic Achievement.
We end this week with a special feeling of pride in our fantastic High School at DKJA District 6 champion soccer team! The Eagles were victorious in the final two play-off games. The team defeated opponents Fort Lauderdale Christian in the finals with a score of 2-0; and in the semi-finals, the Eagles defeated Weinbaum Yeshiva High School 3-2. In the final itself, the boys played their best game this season, which was deemed "faultless in every area" by Coach Robin Spencer. The team held strong throughout the game. I was proud not only of the stellar performances, but of the amazing support of our students, parents, alumni, and faculty who came out to cheer for the team last night. This is the first district championship for the High School at DKJA. Mazel Tov!
Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller
Head of School
Newsletter Archives
Message from the Associate Head of School
SAVE THE DATE
L'Dor V'Dor - From Generation to Generation
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day will be held on Friday, February 13, 2009. We are proud to announce our 2009 Chairpersons, who truly epitomize the meaning of this very special day...
Parents: Marianne and Eric Altschul
Grandparents:Karen and Larry Altschul and Judy and Judge Norman Bennett
Great Grandmother: Dorothy Blonder
Shown in photo at right: The Altschul family
MAKE A NOTE
New This Year! DKJA Introduces Grandparent Organization
Under the guidance of Associate Head of School Sharon Kamber, planning has begun for the formation of a DKJA Grandparent Outreach Program. We are privileged to have Dr. Elliot Burns, Immediate Past President of B’nai Torah Congregation and a grandfather of two DKJA students as chair of this new initiative. Dr. Burns shares that..."We are pleased that this group will come together to enhance the support system to our students, teachers and parents to augment the outstanding efforts of the PTO, and to create grandparent programming and volunteer activities within our school. There are many opportunities to serve as mentors, volunteer in the classroom, assist with the PTO Shuk, and help with other areas. Most of all, our group will give the school a multi-generational perspective on enhancing our children's day-to-day activities."
For those parents who would like to assist, please contact Sharon Kamber, Associate Head of School, at (561) 852-3317 or send e-mail to kambers@dkja.org. Dr. Elliot H. Burns can be reached at (561) 218-9236 (home) or, by e-mail at bocaburns@aol.com. Please indicate your name, address, telephone number, community, e-mail address (if any), out-of-state address if applicable, and telephone number.
Sincerely, Sharon Kamber
Associate Head of School
Shown in photo at right; Dr. Elliot and Sharon Burns
"He who acquires knowledge without imparting it
to others is like a flower in the desert where there is
no one to enjoy it..."
Pirkei Avot
New Eagles' Magnets Are Here!
 Our new Eagles' car magnets are here! All donors to the DKJA Annual Fund receive a magnet. Please contact the Development Office at (561) 852-5007 to make your gift so that you can proudly display your school spirit with a DKJA Eagles magnet!
Lower School Highlights
Learning about the holidays was an interactive experience for lower school students, shown here. 
Lessons about Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot captured students' attention! A highlight was decorating the Sukkah with festive fruits, vegetables, and decorations before shaking the Lulav.
Click "Read More" for more photos.
DKJA Student Receives Special Honor
Fourth-grader Jacob Wander was recognized with a special honor fo r his dedication and conscientious attitude as a shofar blower. Every day for the month preceding the High Holy Days, Jacob, a proficient shofar blower, arrived punctually in the school office prior to the reading of morning announcements. He proudly blew loud, clear blasts to “awaken” students about the importance of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
“Jacob was recognized for his passion, love, and intent when it came to blowing the shofar,” said Principal of Lower School Judaic Studies Yafa Levit.
Jacob also was pictured in a recent issue of the Boca News demonstrating his skills.
“It’s something I always love to do,” Jacob said. Photo courtesy of Melissa Korman.
Middle School Highlights
Eighth-graders in Mrs. Susan Gurspan’s Judaic Studies classes produced beautiful research projects about the meaning and significance of their Hebrew names. Many students did not know why they had been given their Hebrew na mes, and, of those who did know after whom they were named, many knew little or nothing about their namesakes’ characteristics and life experiences.
This project, entitled, “What’s in a Name?” provided students with the motivation to discover interesting information about their names through parent and relative interviews as well as online research. Included in the bulletin board display of their reports (located in the middle school corridor) are some students’ verbatim comments expressing their personal reactions to learning about the beauty and history of their names…
Mr. Amer Randell Receives Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award
Sixth-grade Judaic Studies teacher Amer Randell recently was honored for his dedication to leadership and mentoring others. Mr. Randell was presented with the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Educat ion on September 25, 2008.
He received a monetary award to further his education, and a recognition plaque, at a presentation hosted by the Jewish Education Commission/Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. Mr. Randell, like each and every one of our valued team of educators, is a shining example of excellence in leadership. At right: Mr. Randell, with Marilyn Nachman of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County, at the awards presentation ceremony.
Guest Artist Visits Middle School
Seventh-graders were given an inside look at the art of creating an animated television show when they had the privilege of hosting Mr. Phil Kimmelman as a special guest speaker. Mr. Kimmelman is the grandfather of seventh -grader Alex Kimmelman and the producer and animator of the Schoolhouse Rock educational cartoon series. Mr. Kimmelman is also responsible for the creation of such advertising icons as the Trix rabbit and Tony the Tiger. The original Schoolhouse Rock program received eight Emmy nominations and won four Emmys.
Shown at right: Mr. Phil Kimmelman and his grandson, Alex.
High School at DKJA Happenings
Peer Mentor Program Instills Confidence in Students
"Few things in the world are more powerful than a positive push. A smile. A word of optimism and hope. A "you can do it" when things are tough."
--Richard M. De Vos
The mentor program at our high school does exactly what De Vos shares in his quote above. As our ninth-grade students begin the next phase of their lives, we as a school want to help them feel connected the minute they start high school. We feel that through such connections our students will feel supported and prepared to have a successful high school experience.
Upcoming College Visits
10/20/08 11:45am Bentley College
10/23/08 11:45am Brandeis University
10/23/08 11:45am Southern Methodist Univ.
10/24/08 11:45am University of Hartford
10/24/08 11:45am Boston University
10/24/08 11:45am Lesley University
10/28/08 11:45am Connecticut College
10/28/08 11:45am Curry College
10/28/08 11:45am Tulane University
10/29/08 11:45am Goucher College
10/30/08 11:45am Northeastern University
10/31/08 11:45am Smith College
10/31/08 11:45am Syracuse University
11/3/08 11:45am University of South Florida
Yearbook News! Order Early and Save!
Orders placed October 1, 2008-March 31, 2009 are $65.00
Orders placed after March 31, 2009 are $75.00
Community Service Update
 Representatives from many community organizations recently visited DKJA to inform students about the many opportunities to give of themselves that are available. Those interested in registering for Community Service should contact Dr. Yoram Dahav at dahavy@dkja.org.nbsp;
Make a note…DKJA’s Annual Family Mitzvah Day takes place on Sunday, February 22, 2008 at organizations throughout the community and on our campus.
RIGHT: Donna Klein Jewish Academy’s Community Service Department volunteers created sweet treat packages to welcome Rosh Hashanah. Shown here with sweets, including apples – which are traditionally eaten in celebration of the Jewish New Year – are (back row, left to right): Eden and Rachel Elkarif. Front row (left to right): Shanie Elkarif, Gil Elkarif, and Jordan Saitowitz. The packages were delivered to the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC).
Mark Your Calendar
PTO Dates and Information To Remember...
On November 6, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. in Zinman Hall, the PTO will have its first Open PTO board Meeting. This meeting is open to all parents who wish to attend. Parents may come over right after drop-off. The meeting will begin promptly at 8:00am.
This year, the PTO is offering Sally Foster gift wrap online only. Remember, 50% of every purchase comes right back to DKJA. All you have to do is follow three easy steps: 1. Go to the Sally Foster Website www.sallyfoster.com; 2. Make your purchase selections; 3. Enter DKJA's account number 308905 when prompted during checkout.Your order will be shipped directly to you.
Reminder...Box Tops for Education are always needed. DKJA will receive.10 cents for every Box Top stamp that is turned in.
DKJA Will Host Musical Concert With Rick Recht on Friday, November 14, 2008
Visit www.rickrecht.com for details.
Life In A Jar Coming to Zinman Hall
On November 9, 2008, Jews around the world will remember the sad events of November 1938, when many synagogues were vandalized and burned down in Europe, and which is now known as Kristallnacht (Night of the Broken Crystal). In commemoration of the 70 year anniversary of Kristallnacht, and in an effort to share a remarkable story of faith, hope, and compassion, two Jewish day schools in Boca Raton have joined efforts to bring to South Florida the story of Irena Sendler, a Catholic Polish woman who saved 2,500 Jewish children from the Holocaust. The story will be told through the internationally acclaimed play, Life In A Jar. Performances will be on Saturday, November 8, 2008 at 8 p.m.Sunday, November 9, 2008 at 10 a.m. and at 1 p. m.
The performances will be presented through a community partnership between Hillel Day School and Donna Klein Jewish Academy of Boca Raton. Tickets for the family-oriented presentation are $5 per person for Hillel Day School and DKJA students and families; $10 for community members. Tickets are available for sale www.dkjastore.com (by credit card), or by contacting yeladot@aol.com..
Holiday Camp Dates Announced for the Future Hoop Stars Program
The first session is from December 22 through December 24, 2008 at St. Andrew’s School The second session is from December 29 through December 31, 2008 at the Adolph and RoseLevis JCC. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go to www.futurehoopstars.com, call Coach Andy Russo at (561)866-4566 or send e-mail to coachrusso@futurehoopstars.com.
Admissions Update - Community Open Houses Next Week
The Admissions Department welcomes families to our upcoming Community Open Houses, which are scheduled as follows:
Grades K-8
Sunday, Oct. 26, 2008
10:00 a.m.
DKJA School Lobby
RSVP to 561-852-6004
Grades 9-12
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
7:00 p.m.
High School at DKJA
RSVP to 561-558-2583
Youth Soccer League Kicks Off
DKJA will kick off its new Soccer League for third and fourth-graders beginning October 26, 2008.The League gets together on Sunday mornings, from either 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.The cost to join is $110 per child.
Youth Soccer League Registration Form
DKJA Invites Parents to Technology Seminars
The Claire & Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Technology Program K-12 invites parents to attend our newly introduced Technology Enrichment Seminars, which will be presented by DKJA Technology teacher Michael Luetjen. . Two “Hands On, How To” Sessions will cover a variety of topics. Please fill out the attached flyer (click on Technology Registration Form below this article in blue), and register for these informative sessions.
DKJA Technology Registration Form
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