Welcome from Dani Steiner, Head of School

Welcome from Dani Steiner, Head of School
September 2007
Elul 5767

Dear Parents,

I am proud and excited to begin the 2007-2008 school year, my second as Head of School. School is first and foremost a place for learning. Students learn about the world surrounding them from many sources. They learn about themselves, their abilities, their identities and their function as part of a team.

The adults at the school are also learning. It is written in the mishna, Avot (4:1): “Ben Zoma taught: Who is wise, one who learns from all persons. As it is written: from all my teachers have I gained understanding.” The Hebrew word that is used here for teachers is Melamdai מלמדי (the one whom I learned from), and not Morai מורי (my teachers) or Rabanai רבנים (my Rabbis), meaning anyone can teach me something - even a small child. At JCDS RI, we attempt to teach with an open mindedness that allows us to listen and learn from our students as well.

Judaism is a culture of learning. To be a Jew is to value learning and through that to develop yourself into a better person. I hope this year will be a growing year full of learning for all of us. We, as parents, should consider ourselves learners. By modeling good learning, and by being open to new ideas and new approaches, we will most likely become better parents.

Our school is a community of learners even for our faculty. We are very happy to welcome our new curriculum coach who is joining our school this year. Lucille Andolfo, will work with the faculty and teach the teachers. We had many faculty members attending professional development workshops and trainings this summer. As part of a two year administrative training, Rabbi Levine spent an entire month at JTS (Jewish Theological Seminary) in New York.

Let me finish with a few announcements:

• Welcome to all our new families! I encourage all returning families to make contact with our new families and invite them to be part of our community.

• Betsy Singer Cable’s new job title, Director of Student Support Services, reflects more clearly Betsy’s responsibilities at JCDSRI. We are so happy to have her working with us and we wish her another successful year.

• We would like to start classes ON TIME! Please bring your children to school between 7:45-8:00 a.m. Lessons will start at 8 o’clock sharp.

• Personal thanks to all the faculty and administration who worked hard throughout the summer to prepare for the upcoming school year.

• Special thanks to the group of parents who beautifully painted the parking/play area. Special thanks to Laura Mernoff for coordinating the artwork.

• Special thanks, also, to the Parent Association for the beautiful reception which took place on the first day. The PA is also responsible for the fall mums and flower boxes which are hanging on the fence along Taft Avenue.
  Yishar Coach to everybody that was involved in the opening day celebration. Huge success!

Please consider joining us at the tribute to Charlie Samdperil that the school will sponsor on Sept. 30. It will be a unique, exciting moment combining community, education and leadership through honoring a great leader of Rhode Island.

Shabbat Shalom

Dani Steiner

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