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Message from the Head of School
What a week we’ve had!
It’s hard to believe we are heading into November, but as you know, we move at a fast pace at DKJA. Among the highlights of the week were our very successful Community Open House events for lower, middle, and high school families.
The warmth of our school family atmosphere permeated at the events, despite the brisk chill in the air outside! We really are more than a school…a family.
Message from the Director of Admissions
Dear DKJA Families,
This is our first full week of school this month, and what a month it has been! We have reflected on the past year, we hav e made atonement, and now we are moving forward with determination, courage, and high spirits! Next week is a momentous week for us – not only as Americans, as we vote in an historic election for a new president, but as a Donna Klein Jewish Academy family, with over 700 happy contented K-12 students.
We hosted our first Community Open House last Sunday, welcomed a “full house”and received many compliments about our school, staff, and program – about which we are very proud. Also held this week were our annual Open House for parents of students who currently attend the Zale pre-school, and our Community Open House for high school students.
During this exciting time, our current high school students are receiving their acceptances to colleges from all around the country. The cycle continues as we also have begun enrolling kindergartners for the 2009-2010 academic year! People are buzzing about our school, and so they should. As this message reaches you, I will be embarking upon a very exciting recruiting trip to South Africa, where I will be meeting with prospective families, and visiting schools in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Our name, our challenging academic program and excellent reputation are internationally known. Our educational triad of Jewish living, learning, and academic achievement demonstrates our commitment to providing a learning environment rich in the “values added” that sets us apart.
We look forward to an exciting future with optimism, hope, and our commitment to excellence.
Shabbat Shalom to you all,
Hilary Arenstein
Director of Admissions
Development News
Did You Know You Can Make Your Annual Fund Gift to DKJA Online?
Utilizing the “DKJA On Line Donation Form” is a fast, safe way to make your Annual Fund gift! Simply go to the DKJA website at www.dkja.org and log onto the Eagle’s Net. Click on “Support DKJA” and then select “Make an On Line Gift”. Please contact Kim Strobis, Director of Development, by calling 561-852-3397 or by e-mail at strobisk@dkja.org if you have any questions. In advance, we thank you for your support!
Donna Klein Jewish Academy and Tiffany & Co. to Celebrate Judy Levis Markhoff
On Monday evening, November 10, 2008, DKJA and Tiffany & Co. will join together to celebrate one of our community’s brightest diamonds, Judy Levis Markhoff. Tiffany & Co., Town Center, will preview the dazzling Celebration Ring Collection in honor of Judy Levis Markhoff (shown at right) at a cocktail reception exclusively for families, friends, and benefactors of our school.
“We are honored to recognize Judy Levis Markhoff for all she has done for our community,” states Head of School Karen Feller, “and we appreciate the generosity of Tiffany & Co. for hosting what is sure to be a spectacular evening.” Since permanently moving to Delray Beach with her husband, Paul, more than five years ago, Judy Levis Markhoff has distinguished herself as one of our area’s leading philanthropists. Carrying on her family’s philanthropic legacy is vitally important to Judy, who describes herself as a “woman that was born to give.” Judy Levis Markhoff truly leads by example, and our community has been the fortunate and grateful recipient of her time, talent, and treasure. DKJA and Tiffany & Co. are honored to celebrate this remarkable woman of valor.
Students Get Ready to 'Vote'
 On November 4, 2008, DKJA will be hosting the Presidential Vote for grades K-12. Director of Technology Janice Odesnik will be setting up a computerized program that was arranged through the Claire & Emanuel G. Rosenblatt Technology Program K-12. The program will enable students to experience an electronic online mock election. Each student will use a unique identifier to cast their votes, and the system will only allow for one vote per student.
In the high school, Mr. Shaun Stabler will facilitate students casting their votes using laptops in their classrooms. The middle school students will use the computer lab under the supervision of Mr. Michael Luetjen, and the lower school students will vote using the computers in their classrooms. The election will be active from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p m., and the results of the DKJA election will be announced before the end of the school day on November 4, 2008.
Lower School Highlights
Lower school students have been busy lately! Here are a few highlights from the past week:
Singing Spectacular
Congratulations to fourth-grader Romy Miller (shown at right), who is headed to Tampa to perform in the All-State Elementary Chorus. Romy, a member of the DKJA Chorus, will perform with other talented singers from throughout Florida in a concert for the Florida Music Educators Association at the Tampa Convention Center on January 8, 2009. Hats off to the following DKJA students who also auditioned: Sydney Altschul, Keanna Lesser, Meredith Levin, and Lielle Elisha.
Sukkah Fun
On October 19, 2008, kindergartners enjoyed a a sukkah party with Morah (teacher) Maikhor and Morah Marcovich. Morah Maikhor welcomed children and their families into the sukkah at her home. They enjoyed singing, eating, and fulfilling the mitzvah of shaking the lulav and etrog as they recited the prayers. (See photo, bottom right).
Proud Moment for First-graders!
The first-grade received the first Parsha (Beresheet) from the Torah. It is tradition to have something sweet to eat when we begin to study Torah. Each child was given a lollipop along with the book of Genesis so that the study of Torah will be sweet and it will promote a desire to learn more and more. (See photo, bottom left).
Middle School Highlights
Students Celebrate Simchat Torah
 Middle school students recently enjoyed one of Judaism’s most joyous celebrations, Simchat Torah. Simchat Torah celebrates the annual completion of the Shabbat Torah reading cycle. After Middle School Principal of Judaic Studies Rabbi Berkson explained the meaning of the holiday and its customs, the students marched and danced around the auditorium with the school's Torah scrolls. When the march was complete, the st udents gathered around the Bima, and a canopy of Tallitot (plural of Tallit) was held above them while they recited the Torah blessings. Finally, the students took turns rolling the scroll back to the beginning, the Book of Genesis, where the weekly cycle will begin again. Rabbi Berkson stated, “The objective of the event was for the students to experience first hand the exciting rituals of the holiday. I hope that this model event will encourage them to actively participate in the actual Simchat Torah celebration in their communities.”
High School Highlights
Message from the High School Principal
It has been a very busy and eventful semester so far at the high school. Our students have been visited by admissions counselors from eighteen colleges and universities. Election fever has definitely struck the high school. Professor Robert Watson, Coordinator of the American Studies Program at Lynn University, spoke at a town meeting on the historic choices facing the American electorate. We have several meetings coming up in the near future. On November 5, 2008, we have our next Parent Centered Meeting, at which Mindy Agler, LMHC, will speak about how to talk to teens about drug and alcohol use. I certainly would encourage all parents to attend our parent centered meetings. Our guidance counselor, Helena Levine, goes to considerable effort to make sure that the discussions center on topics that should be of interest to all parents of teenagers. On November 10, 2008, we will have a workshop for all high school parents on college financial planning, led by Norman Stolack, of Franklin Benefit Services, Inc. On November 17, 2008, a representative from the Alexander Muss High School in Israel will address seniors and their parents on our senior year experience in Israel.
We look forward to these exciting programs.
Sincerely,
Stephen Thompson, Ph.D.
Principal, The HIgh School at DKJA
Community Service Highlights
Students ‘Paint Their Hearts Out’ to Help the Community
On Sunday, October 26, 2008, 18 energetic students, along with two DKJA parents, Gina Cayne and Pam Tuttleman, rolled up their sleeves and painted the home of a family in need as part of a community service activity organized through the Paint Your Heart Out organization. This activity was organized by Community Service Coordinator Dr. Yoram Dahav.
“It was amazing to see the feeling of camaraderie that this day engendered. Our students, ranging from grades 7 through 12, worked together painting trims, outdoor walls, the shed and awning,” said Miriam Engel, H.S. Director of Judaic Studies and Jewish Life. “The students worked low on the ground, standing and on ladders, doing whatever was necessary. They did so with such kavod! This was a mitzvah, where the results of their input were seen immediately, and gratitude was expressed by the family. Not only were they doing a big mitzvah, but they had such an enjoyable time.”
Make A Note...Save The Date!
Annie Auditions
Auditions will be held next week for Annie.
Save the Date…. Performances for Annie are scheduled as follows: Saturday, February 28, 2009 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 1, 2009 at 1 p.m. in Zinman Hall.
The PTO Open Board Meeting Re-scheduled
The new date for the PTO Open Board Meeting is Wednesday, November 5, 2008. The meeting will take place in Zinman Hall.
Picture Re-takes
Picture re-takes will be done on Friday, November 7, 2008.
Donna Klein Jewish Academy 25th Annual Benefit Ball & Auction
New This Year…Our very own DKJA “Best Of “DirectoryLook for the DKJA “Best Of” Directory Survey coming soon to your e-mailbox! Please help us by returning the survey as soon as possible. Thank you for your participation in helping to make our 25th Annual Benefit Ball & Auction another great  success!
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day
Did you remember to to update your grandparents, great-grandparents, and special friends information? Our 15th annual Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day will take place on February 13, 2009. Please be sure to update contact information by November 3, 2008 so that your loved ones will receive information about the event. Click here to update your information.
JCC Camp Open House
JCC Camp Ted Weisberg will hold its 2009 Camp Open House on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Zinman Hall. Contact perleg@levisjcc.org for information.
CongregationB’nai Torah Warmly Welcomes DKJA Families Families to the Following Events
Barnes & Noble
1400 Glades Road
Saturday, December 6
7:00 p.m. Kosher Wine and Food Tasting at Whole Foods Market (next to Barnes & Noble)
8:00 p.m. Dessert and Discussion with Rabbi Steinhardt
Please join Rabbi Steinhardt for an enlightening evening.
Sunday, December 7
9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Crafts for Children
11:00 am “How to Raise an Entitlement-Free Child” with Karen Deerwester, Ed. S.
Karen Deerwester, Ed.S., the Mommy and Me Director of the Ruth and Edward Taubman Early Childhood Center of B’nai Torah Congregation of Boca Raton and owner of Family Time Coaching & Consulting, offers inspiration and support to parents and professionals in all aspects of “living with children”. Please join us for an intimate and informative opportunity with parenting expert Karen Deerwester Ed. S. for invaluable insight on how to raise an entitlement-free child, as set forth in her soon to be released book about raising an entitlement-free child.
Holiday Camp Dates Announced for the Future Hoop Stars Program
This program focuses on improving your basketball skills with FUNdamentals for boys and girls ages 6 to 14.Two and three day holiday sessions are available.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 Rose Levis JCC. Sessions are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. A healthy snack and lunch are included in the $175 per session price. Go to www.futurehoopstars.com and click the camp icons for further information, or call Coach Andy Russo at (561)866-4566. E-mail can be sent to coachrusso@futurehoopstars.com.
The Jewish National Fund Will Present the Following Event
November 6, 2008
Tree of Life™ Award dinner honoring Alan J. Levy and FAU President Frank Brogan
at The DCOTA, 6:30pm; for more information call Pam Ramos, JNF Boca Raton at 561-447-9733
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