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Home > News & Events > Newsletter > Newsletter Archives > Newsletter Archives 2009 > December 4, 2009
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September 4, 2009
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February 13, 2009
February 6, 2009
January 30, 2009
January 23, 2009
January 9, 2009



Message from the Head of School

Innovation, Values, and Values-Added Are Keys To Success - And We're Successful

Recently, several members of our Administrative team and I had the opportunity to participate in the Florida Council of Independent Schools conference in Orlando. We all came away from the conference with enhanced knowledge in our fields.

Keynote speaker Robert Evans, Ed.D., the author of many articles and books that focus upon educational trends and developments, addressed our audience with an insightful and informational presentation titled, “Why A School Doesn’t Run – Or Change – Like a Business.”

Dr. Evans’ presentation discussed aspects of schools that make them less “changeable” and unaccepting of balancing continuity and innovation.
Schools, many public schools in particular, focus on content and skills, and thus are unable to effectively balance change and continuity, which makes them less effective at preparing students for what awaits them in the 21st century. Independent schools, however, better prepare students through countless “value added programs” that instill: Creativity, Innovation, Critical/Analytical thinking, Self-discipline, Communication, Leadership, Teamwork, and Ethics/Integrity –  the values-added that are so important for success in today’s world. Dr. Evans cited specific examples of why this is the case.

At DKJA, we do all of this, and more, preparing our students for the 21st century, and focusing upon Jewish living, learning, and academic achievement as a way of life.

On Wednesday, our parents and family members were welcomed during classroom visits and Tefilah, and they had the opportunity to be a part of our daily culture and warmth that makes us who we are...a school family. Afterward, many enjoyed the PTO’s beautiful Chanukah Boutique. This is just one example of how we are a family-centered, values-added, successful, nurturing Jewish day school. Thank you for making us more than a school….a family.

Reminder: Tuition Assistance Applications Available Now
Tuition Assistance Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year are now available online. ONLY online applications will be accepted this year.

Shabbat Shalom,
Karen Feller
Head of School


 
Development News

Fourth Annual Tennis Extravaganza Set for Monday, Jan. 11, 2010.

Brochures have been mailed, and information is available at www.dkja.org. For further details, call (561) 852-5007 or send e-mail to epsteinj@dkja.org

Important Holiday Reminders and Information From the Development Office
 
The DKJA Development Office will be closed during the Holiday Vacation (December 21, 2009 – January 4, 2010). To receive a 2009 tax deduction for a gift to the Annual Fund or 2010 Benefit Ball, choose one of the following options:
 
1. Mail your check to the DKJA Development Office, postmarked by December 29,2009.

2. Call the Development Office at (561) 852-5007 by 12:00 noon on Friday, December 18, 2009 to make a gift using a credit card.

3. Make your gift online prior to December 31, 2009 by visiting
www.dkja.org and selecting "Support DKJA-Make An Online Gift."

4. Drop off your check in the Development Office by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, December 18, 2009.

5. Call the Development Office (561-852-5007) to arrange for a gift of stock. If you call during the holiday break, instructions for a stock transfer will be on the answering machine.

If you are age 70 1/2 or older, you can make contributions to Donna Klein Jewish Academy by rolling over funds directly from your IRA without owing any tax on the amount transferred. 


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 for November 1 through November 30, 2009

In Memory of Beloved Grandmother of Pam Weinstein

Beatriz and Harold Jacobsohn

In Memory of Beloved Mother of Gilbert Knauer
Amy and Fred Weiss

In Memory of Jeffrey Chason
Jill Bass
Deborah and Larry Silver

(Continued, CLICK READ MORE)


Lower School Highlights

Derech Eretz Winners Honored

Congratulations to the Derech Eretz Student of the Month winners (pictured left to right) Carly Stagman (September), Justin Chaitoff (October), and Aaron Adler (November). Mazel tov for your demonstrations of outstanding character!













Torah Fair Exhibits on Display…Visitors Welcome

Congratulations and a Yishar Koach to our students and their families for making the annual Torah Fair a success. It is delightful to see a wide variety of topics depicted through a myriad of artistic mediums – a sea of colorful, creative and informative projects, celebrating our vast heritage.  The display will run through December 11, 2009.  Parents are encouraged to stop by to see the projects. Shown at left are Judaic Studies Teacher Shelley Katz and student Eitan Salama viewing the exhibits.



Middle School-High School Highlights

High School Artists Honored
Three High School at DKJA students are state-level winners of the annual Knights of Pythias Poster Contest (held last year). The theme for the 2008-2009 contest was “Volunteer - Make A Difference In Your Community.”

Brenda Berez, a freshman during the 2008-2009 academic year, placed first in the state for her poster entry. She received $250. Lia Cohen, a junior during the 2008-2009 academic year, won second place, and she received $100. Danit Sachi, a freshman during the 2008-2009 academic year, won third place and she received $50.

The winners are shown at left. Awards were presented during the November 20, 2009 Town Meeting.



Bruchim Haba’im Lakitah Aa P’ila! Welcome to the Pro-active Hebrew Classroom

By Morah Jennifer Young, Hebrew Teacher

Fifth-graders are very enthusiastic  about singing their new Hebrew song, Shir Yisraeli, which is translated as “Israeli Song.”  Every morning, they begin their Hebrew classes by singing a beautiful and uplifting song about Israel. Students had the opportunity to explore different Jewish cultures and backgrounds.  Shir Yisraeli emphasizes the importance of unity and acceptance.  Jewish people may look, act and sound different, yet we all gather together in Eretz Yisrael to embrace our heritage, languge, and culture. (Photo at right).

Learning About the World...

In geography classes, students are making presentations on North American countries. They researched countries, focusing on economy, government, history, climate, tourist industry, and other things relating to geography. Sixth-graders enjoyed learning about Canada from guest speaker and parent Mr. Serge Butman, who discussed the Canadian political system, and its similarities vs. differences to the American political system. He emphasized the nationalist movement in the province of Quebec and language issues that face Canadian society in general.




NJHS Applications Due Dec. 14
Applications for the National Junior Honor Society can be found in the Student Life section on Eagle’s Net.
* Students must have a minimum of an overall B (85) average based on the last two report cards and the current interim in order to qualify.
* Students must meet the criteria for service, leadership, character and citizenship.
* A letter giving an example of good character, as well as a letter verifying the student's leadership efforts, must be submitted along with the application.
* Applications must be completed by the student.
* Applications are expected to be handed in fully completed. 
(Incomplete applications will not be reviewed and the student will not be considered for acceptance to the National Junior Honor Society.
* Applications are due on Monday, December 14, 2009.



Make A Note...Save The Date

DKJA Chanukah Performance at Town Center Mall, Thursday December 17, 2009 at 4:30 p.m.
Come out and celebrate while supporting the DKJA Performing Arts Department ! A fantastic evening of entertainment awaits!


PTO Book Fair Next Week
The PTO Book Fair will take place from Dec. 7 - Dec. 10 in the Library. Each grade will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair once. Click here for the schedule and click here for events pertaining to the Book Fair.

Parent Workshop December 10, 2009: “Inspiring Resilience in our Children”
 Click here for flyer.


The Boca Girls Club…A New and Exciting Youth Group for Girls Ages 8-15
This Youth Group is being formed through Chabad of West Boca. It is for Jewish girls in the area ages 8 to 15 and of all levels of observance.  The purpose of the club is to provide a fun, positive place for girls to enjoy activities each month while being mentored by positive role models  The first event is with Chanukah in mind, and participants will be making Chanukah gifts, having a pizza party, and making doughnuts for dessert. RSVP’s are required! Please click here for the flyer and RSVP information.

Order Yearbooks Early!
Note: ad (salutation) space for the yearbook is SOLD OUT. Click here for the yearbook order form.

Fourth Annual Tennis Extravaganza
Monday, January 11, 2010
Click here to order tickets online now!

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. 
Only a few spots remain for the 4-year-old and 5-year-old age group of the JCC-DKJA Soccer League. Spots remain open for the other age groups. Sponsorship opportunities also are available. Sign up today! Click here for details.

The Adolph & Rose Levis JCC Adult Department
Sandler Sage-ing™ Institute presents “7 Steps to Loving Life After Divorce” with Melinda Freiman, Divorce Coach
Monday, January 11, 2010 from
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Click here for details. Cost is  $10 per person. For information call Kathy Slutsky at (561) 558-250. Click here for details.
• Optional workshops may be available


B'nai Torah Congregation

2010 Concert and Cultural Arts Series Kick-Off Event
Featuring Debbie Friedman Wednesday, January 6, 2010 at 6 p.m.
Special Family-Friendly Start time!
Tickets are available for purchase at www.DKJAstore.com  and will be placed in your child's backback prior to the event. A portion of all tickets sold through the DKJA Shuk will benefit the DKJA Annual Fund. B'nai Torah members may also purchase  tickets  at the  member price  at the synagogue. Click here for more information.


Barnes & Noble Book Fair, December 5 through 9, 2009. Click here for details.

Family Shabbat Dinner for DKJA Families, Friday, January 22, 2010
Rock Shabbat is at 5:00 p.m., Kabbalat Shabbat services are at 6:00 p.m., which will then be followed by a festive Family Shabbat Dinner! Click here for details.

Temple Beth El
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 – January 19, 2010 at 12:00 noon
A look at how the Jewish nation lived under foreign rule and other religions through the ages. For more information, please call (561) 391-8900.

Congregation Shaarei Kodesh
Understanding Prayer 101 presented by Congregation Shaarei Kodesh. Click here for details.


  
  
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