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Message from the Head of School
B'ruchim Habayim
Welcome…The Doors Are Always Open
Over the past couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to "show off" our school and children to visitors, and of course, to our proud grandparents. Visitors from many walks of life, such as professionals from a Broward County Jewish day school, and a women’s organization from the community, have toured our newly renovated high school, as well as our lower and middle schools. Their reaction to all of what they experience has been overwhelmingly and unanimously glowing. Each person has spoken to me about the happy children and teachers walking the hallways, learning collaboratively, and having an enjoyable experience while learning.
One of our grandparents, Mrs. Floris Leipzig, stated the following, “The tour of the high school was enlightening. Not only did the facility itself service the students so aptly, but the sense of family that we talk about at Donna Klein Jewish Academy was very evident. The students were so comfortable in their roles both with each other and their teachers. In the classrooms that we entered, there was respect and interactive response all the way around. After the tour, we met with two of the students for a question and answer session. Observing and listening to the way in which these students presented themselves only reinforced my feelings about this positive learning environment in which individual differences are recognized and validated. I would hope that more people might take this opportunity to explore the high school.” (Read more about the tour in Development News).
I couldn’t have expressed it better myself! The “value-added” element of what our school provides is truly priceless. Our enrollment is strong, and our students are happy.
To corroborate this, In the October, 29, 2009 online newsletter published by the Wexner Foundation titled I’ve Been Thinking, author Sacha Litman states, “…We’ve studied data from many of our clients and found that those whose perceived quality of services is measurably outstanding are not suffering membership or enrollment drops…” Mr. Litman is an alumnus of the Wexner Graduate Fellowship Program, and the Founder and Principal Consultant of Measuring Success, a strategy consulting firm dedicated to developing quantitative tools and models to enhance organizational effectiveness.
Our “values-added” list is endless. Many of you recently attended our writing workshops for middle school parents and students, lower school Math Night, and high school parent focus meetings. However, walking through the halls while school is in session will remind you why you chose DKJA for your family. In December, you will be invited to participate in some way in the classes of your child(ren). This first-hand experience will remind you about what an extraordinary environment this school provides, and what extraordingary teachers your children have. I invite you to give yourself the gift of seeing the school through your children’s eyes, and you will know why DKJA has grown to have the exceptional reputation it has in the Jewish day school community, and in the independent school world.
NOTE: Tuition Assistances Applications Available November 2, 2009
Tuition Assistance Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year will be available online starting Monday, November 2, 2009. ONLY online applications will be accepted this year.
Reminder: Set your clocks BACK one hour on Saturday night/Sunday morning, when Daylight Savings Time ends.
Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller
Head of School
Development News
Grandparent Focus Group Tours High School
Members of the Grandparent Focus Group, under the leadership of Dr. Elliot and Sharon Burns, enjoyed a tour of the high school led by Admissions Associate Jodi Orshan and Head of School Karen Feller on Friday, October 23, 2009. Following the tour, the group met in the high school library for refreshments and a question and answer session with Student Council Officers Zachary Herbert and Adam Orshan. Additional tours are planned for the future. Please call Associate Director of Development Judith Chason at (561) 852-3273 or send e-mail to chasonj@dkja.org for information on the Grandparent Focus Group.
DKJA Presents…Sharon Glass, 'The Rachael Ray of South Africa'
Internationally-renowned South African Chef Sharon Glass, "The Rachael Ray of South Africa," will present cooking demonstrations on Monday, December 7, 2009 hosted DKJA parent Jill Galel. Two sessions will be presented, one from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, and one from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. Make your reservations early. Limited Seating. Call Cindy Gray at (561) 852-6042 or e-mail grayc@dkja.org to RSVP.
PLEASE NOTE NEW DATE:
DKJA Booster Club 4th Annual Tennis Extravaganza
Monday, January 11, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.
Broken Sound Country Club, Boca Raton
Call Janet Epstein at (561) 852-5007 or send e-mail to epsteinj@dkja.org.
DKJA Tribute Cards
Show a friend or loved one that you care by sending a DKJA Tribute Card. DKJA Tribute Cards are the ideal way to send an expression of sympathy, or a get-well message; recognize a birthday, anniversary, bar or bat mitzvah, or birth; and to honor a teacher or acknowledge another special occasion while supporting DKJA. For Tributes, call (561) 852-5007 or e-mail Janet Epstein at epsteinj@dkja.org. Please note: a minimum gift of $18 is suggested. For your convenience, the Development Office will gladly bill you quarterly.
Tributes from October 1 through October 31, 2009
In Honor of Michael Beckerman
Etta and Raymond Zimmerman
In Memory of Jeffrey Brasch
Hilary and Andrew Arenstein
Beatriz and Harold Jacobsohn
In Memory of Jeffrey Chason
Roy Apple
Hilary Arenstein
Helene Bieder
Phyllis and Sam Butters
Helene and Jay Eichler
Gilda Forman
Jeannie and Garth Friesen
Marianne Jacobs
Barbara Rifkin and Leslie Lipschutz
Donna and Michael Luetjen
Arlene and Sherwin Mendell
Marlene Meyers
Joan and Stan Miller
Click Read More to Continue
Art News
Artists Wanted!
Artists are encouraged to submit entries for the “Draw a Cover for MUSIC K-8 Magazine Contest.” The magazine is used lower school music classes.
Deadline: Jan. 22, 2010
The rules for the contest are:
• Any music student in kindergarten through grade eight may enter each year’s contest one time only.
• The winner will receive a check for $200.
• Each entry must be the work of one student. No collaborative entries allowed.
• The subject may be anything musical. Please note that we are not able to consider copied, traced, or copyrighted characters or pictures.
• Any 2-dimensional medium, such as ink, watercolors, crayons, or markers may be used.
• Computer art is acceptable if the work is completely original.
• Artwork must be in vertical format and entirely within the frame lines on the cover template.
• Only original artwork will be considered (no photo copies or photographs.)
Please see Mrs. Mart for materials! Best of luck
Art Supplies Needed
Middle school art classes are in need of clean panty hose, stockings or knee highs in any color for upcoming art project. They will be turned into an amazing sculpture (see example at right).
Additionally, sports magazines and fashion magazines are needed for an upcoming collage art project. Please send items to Mrs. Routman.
Wizard of Oz Auditions Next Week
DKJA's school musical, the Wizard of Oz, will be presented Saturday, March 6, 2010 at 8:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 7, 2010 at 1 p.m., in Zinman Hall. Auditions for the show are fast approaching! Click here for details!
Lower School Highlights
Fourth-grader Accepted into Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County

Fourth-grader Zachary Vlessing auditioned for and was accepted into the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County in April. Zachary, 9, began playing the cello in the DKJA orchestra in 2006. In doing so, he is continuing a family legacy of musical talent. Zachary’s interest in music was inspired by his grandfather, a retired cardiologist who has been playing the cello for more than 30 years. The fourth-grader began performing in the DKJA orchestra in its inaugural year, which has allowed him to develop his skills at a young age. Mazel Tov!
Middle School Highlights
Fifth Grade Visits Menorah House
On Friday, October 23, 2009, two fifth-grade classes visited with the residents of Menorah House. Students sang songs and prayers, created colorful artwork about the Jewish holidays, and learned about residents' lives. An incredible connection was made between the fifth graders and the elderly people they visited.
'The Lot' Captivates Judaic Studies Classes
On Monday, October 26, 2009, the brand new spacious multi-purpose room in the DKJA high school building was nearly filled to capacity with eight, ninth, and tenth graders eager to have their many questions about Jewish concepts, laws, and customs addressed.
Throughout the school year, students articulate thought-provoking questions during Judaic Studies class, but time isn’t always available to delve into the topics immediately. For this reason, there is a special box (“The Lot”) in Mrs. Gurspan’s eighth-grade classroom into which students may “park” any questions that they have about any aspect of Judaism. These items then are discussed at a future time. Eighth-graders were joined by the ninth and tenth graders who submitted questions of their own as well.
High School Highlights
Israeli Soldier Speaks to High School
Izzy Ezagui, a 21-year-old hero, and former resident of Aventura, made Aliyah with his family three years ago. He volunteered to join the IDF as part of a combat infantry unit. In January of 2009, Izzy was critically injured when a mortar shell landed on his tent. He lost his left arm above the elbow when the terrorist rocket exploded next to him. At last week’s Town Meeting, Izzy spoke to students about the founding of One Family Fund organization, which has distributed over $20 Million in direct aid to victims of terror in Israel for the past eight years. One Family Fund provides the emotional, financial, legal, and material support necessary to rebuild shattered lives. Izzy discussed moving to Israel and volunteering for the Army. Eventually, Izzy will be fitted with a robotic arm, made possible through the One Family Fund.
Make a Note. . . Save the Date
Order Yearbooks and Salutations Early!
The yearbook salutation deadline is right around the corner….don’t miss out on the opportunity to honor your child and support the school. Click here for the salutation form and the yearbook order form.
Grandparents’ & Special Friends’ Day
Friday, February 12, 2010
DKJA's 26th Benefit Ball & Auction
Saturday, March 13, 2010 after sundown at the Polo Club Boca Raton
Join the Adolph & Rose Levis JCC-DKJA Instructional Soccer League for ages 4 – 10.
Click here for details.
The Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County Presents the 5th Annual Dottie Lipson Educational Journey
Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 9:30 AM
Click here for more information.
Upcoming Events at Temple Beth El of Boca Raton
Lunch & Learn - Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 12:00 noon
Current events and how they affect the Jewish People
Veteran’s Day Shabbat
Featuring Sarah Schechter, the first female rabbi in the U.S. Air Force
Friday, November 6, 2009 at 8 p.m.
For more information, please call (561) 391-8900.
B'nai Torah Congregation Rock Shabbat
DKJA families are invited to a light kiddush after the service. Click here for information.
Boca Raton Synagogue West's "Blow Out Bowling"
Click here for information.
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