I've been away on a much needed vacation.
Keep checking this spot for important news about Kadima.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
The democratic process...
Last night's Board meeting was tiring, especially since I was fighting some kind of virus. But again, it showed that our Board is functioning well. We have individuals dedicated to making Kadima better, and we also have people with strong opinions.
At heart, I am a democrat (small "d"). This means that, within reason, I prefer to send things to the Board for discussion and determination rather than merely dictating results. This can be difficult, since often times when you do this, you can't control the result, and the Board may come to a different conclusion than what you think is best. But I firmly believe that having the Board decide things is critical to create an engaged Board, and an engaged Board, as we are seeing this year, is a Board that strongly participates and supports the school.
But democracy can be messy, especially when there are strong personalities involved. As a lawyer, I am not averse to argument; indeed, I believe in the legal system which is based upon the idea that the adversarial process often (but not always) can lead to the best result. So, I welcome debate in Board meetings. I think that people need to have the chance to be heard, and I believe that, ultimately, after reasoned debate, the group will generally come to the best conclusion. My experience thus far with the Kadima Board has proven this to be the case. Our Board is engaged, we have substantive discussions at our meetings, we have excellent attendance, our committees are working, and for the first time we have 100% participation by the Board in our annual giving campaign. Indeed, last night, we did something we've never done; we handed out names for solicitation calls, and people actually took them, and I believe will make the calls.
One of the projects that we've been working on is revising Kadima's bylaws, which, unfortunately, are a bit messy and out of date. Changing bylaws--which are the school's constitution--is a hot button issue, since it tends to bring out underlying concerns from people about the school's governance as well, as unfortunately, personal grievances which can make debate difficult.
The bylaws committee has been working the bylaws, and we've finally developed a working document that is almost completed. But the Committee could not come to consensus on several issues, so I decided to bring these issues to the Board. The Board, after all, will have to approve the bylaws in the end, so if there are problems, we need to know about them now. The discussion was heartfelt, and somewhat emotional. It was a bit difficult--especially since I was firing on less than all cylinders last night--to keep control, but I think that things did not get completely out of hand.
The discussion was interesting and I think that the Committee got some much needed additional guidance. It was also frustrating, since I felt that there are certain legal issues that we did not explain very well, and that this led to unnecessary debates and arguments. Several people seemed not to realize, at least initially, that bylaws set broad principles, and it is critical that we not shackle future boards from taking actions necessary to protect the school.
Indeed, the difficult thing about bylaws, is that we have to develop a system to protect the school against circumstances which are unimaginable. For that reason, bylaws cannot be narrowly tailored. Nor should they be subject to constant amendment.
In the end, while exhausting, the meeting was exactly the kind of meeting that I, the "democrat", believe should occur. No preordained result; proposals that are not half-baked, and reasoned, full discussion, that ultimately leads to better results.
So the bylaws process will continue forward with guidance from the Board. And hopefully, we will have new bylaws soon.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Channukah.
At heart, I am a democrat (small "d"). This means that, within reason, I prefer to send things to the Board for discussion and determination rather than merely dictating results. This can be difficult, since often times when you do this, you can't control the result, and the Board may come to a different conclusion than what you think is best. But I firmly believe that having the Board decide things is critical to create an engaged Board, and an engaged Board, as we are seeing this year, is a Board that strongly participates and supports the school.
But democracy can be messy, especially when there are strong personalities involved. As a lawyer, I am not averse to argument; indeed, I believe in the legal system which is based upon the idea that the adversarial process often (but not always) can lead to the best result. So, I welcome debate in Board meetings. I think that people need to have the chance to be heard, and I believe that, ultimately, after reasoned debate, the group will generally come to the best conclusion. My experience thus far with the Kadima Board has proven this to be the case. Our Board is engaged, we have substantive discussions at our meetings, we have excellent attendance, our committees are working, and for the first time we have 100% participation by the Board in our annual giving campaign. Indeed, last night, we did something we've never done; we handed out names for solicitation calls, and people actually took them, and I believe will make the calls.
One of the projects that we've been working on is revising Kadima's bylaws, which, unfortunately, are a bit messy and out of date. Changing bylaws--which are the school's constitution--is a hot button issue, since it tends to bring out underlying concerns from people about the school's governance as well, as unfortunately, personal grievances which can make debate difficult.
The bylaws committee has been working the bylaws, and we've finally developed a working document that is almost completed. But the Committee could not come to consensus on several issues, so I decided to bring these issues to the Board. The Board, after all, will have to approve the bylaws in the end, so if there are problems, we need to know about them now. The discussion was heartfelt, and somewhat emotional. It was a bit difficult--especially since I was firing on less than all cylinders last night--to keep control, but I think that things did not get completely out of hand.
The discussion was interesting and I think that the Committee got some much needed additional guidance. It was also frustrating, since I felt that there are certain legal issues that we did not explain very well, and that this led to unnecessary debates and arguments. Several people seemed not to realize, at least initially, that bylaws set broad principles, and it is critical that we not shackle future boards from taking actions necessary to protect the school.
Indeed, the difficult thing about bylaws, is that we have to develop a system to protect the school against circumstances which are unimaginable. For that reason, bylaws cannot be narrowly tailored. Nor should they be subject to constant amendment.
In the end, while exhausting, the meeting was exactly the kind of meeting that I, the "democrat", believe should occur. No preordained result; proposals that are not half-baked, and reasoned, full discussion, that ultimately leads to better results.
So the bylaws process will continue forward with guidance from the Board. And hopefully, we will have new bylaws soon.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Channukah.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Happy Channukah and other things...
We're in the middle of Channukah, and Mr. Cohen, our Head of School, pulled this from the archives. It's a story of how Kadima, that small school in Woodland Hills, convinced the Federal government to issue, for the first time ever, a Channukah stamp.
People often forget that Kadima has been educating Jewish children for nearly four decades. We were around in 1970, which, I might add, was the heyday of public school education in the West San Fernando Valley. It is when I started public school, and at the time, there were oodles and oodles of kids in public school; the PTAs were vibrant, and while may have been complaints, people believed in the public schools far more than they do now. There was no busing issue to deflect the school's educational mission; indeed, I'd argue that much of the established Jewish leadership in Los Angeles views Jewish Day Schools somewhat dimly because they were weaned on the values embodied in a public school education. For many who had children in those years before busing and Proposition 13 changed everything, there was strong support for public education; day schools were for primarily the Orthodox. Things, however, have changed.
So it is important to remember that a determined group of people formed a Jewish Day School in 1970 not because they did not believe in public education, but because they believed in Jewish Day School education. At the time, they were tied to a Conservative synagogue (Congregation Beth Kodesh, which later morphed into Shomrei Torah Synagogue).
Through the years, Kadima has morphed from a small Mom and Pop place, to the more professionalized institution it is today. While we've had our struggles over the years--we know about those--we've also had our achievements. And it's important to remember them. Not the least is the fact that school was started in 1970 and has, despite it all, lasted until today.
The fact that Kadima, in 1996, convinced the US Postal Service to issue a Channukah stamp is not, however, at least to this observer, the school's greatest legacy. The school's true mark exists in the legions of students who have passed through Kadima's rooms and hallways, and, taught by some of the greatest teachers ever, have left Kadima not merely as well-educated children, academically prepared to face their future educational programs, but who, in the end, remain cognizant of the many strands of Judaism and Jewish tradition, and use this knowledge to forge a strong sense of themselves and their own vibrant Jewish identities. Kadima graduates, by possessing an academic understanding, a serious study and a spiritual love of Judaism, bring a richness, and leadership to the entire Jewish community. It is this--an influence that will resonate through the generations--that is Kadima's greatest legacy.
Happy Channukah!
We have a Board meeting tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. at the school. All members of the school community are invited.
People often forget that Kadima has been educating Jewish children for nearly four decades. We were around in 1970, which, I might add, was the heyday of public school education in the West San Fernando Valley. It is when I started public school, and at the time, there were oodles and oodles of kids in public school; the PTAs were vibrant, and while may have been complaints, people believed in the public schools far more than they do now. There was no busing issue to deflect the school's educational mission; indeed, I'd argue that much of the established Jewish leadership in Los Angeles views Jewish Day Schools somewhat dimly because they were weaned on the values embodied in a public school education. For many who had children in those years before busing and Proposition 13 changed everything, there was strong support for public education; day schools were for primarily the Orthodox. Things, however, have changed.
So it is important to remember that a determined group of people formed a Jewish Day School in 1970 not because they did not believe in public education, but because they believed in Jewish Day School education. At the time, they were tied to a Conservative synagogue (Congregation Beth Kodesh, which later morphed into Shomrei Torah Synagogue).
Through the years, Kadima has morphed from a small Mom and Pop place, to the more professionalized institution it is today. While we've had our struggles over the years--we know about those--we've also had our achievements. And it's important to remember them. Not the least is the fact that school was started in 1970 and has, despite it all, lasted until today.
The fact that Kadima, in 1996, convinced the US Postal Service to issue a Channukah stamp is not, however, at least to this observer, the school's greatest legacy. The school's true mark exists in the legions of students who have passed through Kadima's rooms and hallways, and, taught by some of the greatest teachers ever, have left Kadima not merely as well-educated children, academically prepared to face their future educational programs, but who, in the end, remain cognizant of the many strands of Judaism and Jewish tradition, and use this knowledge to forge a strong sense of themselves and their own vibrant Jewish identities. Kadima graduates, by possessing an academic understanding, a serious study and a spiritual love of Judaism, bring a richness, and leadership to the entire Jewish community. It is this--an influence that will resonate through the generations--that is Kadima's greatest legacy.
Happy Channukah!
We have a Board meeting tomorrow night at 7:15 p.m. at the school. All members of the school community are invited.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
100%!
With Thanksgiving and some lengthy business trips, I haven't been able to post. But that doesn't mean that Kadima hasn't been busy.
For the first time in recent memory, the Board of Trustees has 100% participation in our Annual Giving effort! This is significant, since it (1) shows that our Board is engaged like it never has been in the past; (2) demonstrates a healthy, vibrant and growing giving campaign.
We are in the process of our calling or families and asking for their support. It isn't easy. No one likes calling others to ask for money, and in these economic times, asking for additional donations is difficult.
But it's absolutely imperative. Like every other school, our tuition does not fully support our program. Simply put, our tuition is too low for the excellent program we offer our families; thus, we have to make up the difference from donations. If we don't, we have to deficit finance, which, while manageable for awhile, ultimately is a self-defeating proposition.
The Board's effort provides a good start for our campaign this year. But we still have a long way to go.
I hope to be writing more about the need for donations, and the reason why tuition doesn't cover all of our costs in the near future.
For the first time in recent memory, the Board of Trustees has 100% participation in our Annual Giving effort! This is significant, since it (1) shows that our Board is engaged like it never has been in the past; (2) demonstrates a healthy, vibrant and growing giving campaign.
We are in the process of our calling or families and asking for their support. It isn't easy. No one likes calling others to ask for money, and in these economic times, asking for additional donations is difficult.
But it's absolutely imperative. Like every other school, our tuition does not fully support our program. Simply put, our tuition is too low for the excellent program we offer our families; thus, we have to make up the difference from donations. If we don't, we have to deficit finance, which, while manageable for awhile, ultimately is a self-defeating proposition.
The Board's effort provides a good start for our campaign this year. But we still have a long way to go.
I hope to be writing more about the need for donations, and the reason why tuition doesn't cover all of our costs in the near future.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Shalom, Mrs. Lunski.
The Kadima community suffered a loss this week, with the recent passing of Aviva Lunski, after a long illness. Mrs. Lunski ("Aviva" to her students) inspired a whole generation of Kadima kindergarten students; she taught Judaic Studies for many years at Kadima until illness sidelined her several years ago.
Mrs. Lunski was an artist, and I'd wager that her students' art projects can be found in family holiday decoration boxes throughout the homes of Kadima families. I know that we still have some of the decorations my son made in Kindergarten. My son was in one of Mrs. Lunski's last classes before her illness, and when we ask who is favorite teachers were at Kadima, he often pauses, looks up with eyes glowing, and says, "Aviva."
Mrs. Lunski had the sensibility and practicality of a sabra, and the first time you met her, you sometimes wondered how she could teach Kindergarten. But as soon as you saw her interact with the kids--respecting them, teaching them, loving them--you knew that her talent for reaching 5 and 6 year olds was truly special. She reached them and taught them so much.
We will remember Mrs. Lunski's art projects, her play "Hannahle" (which was performed annually for years by her students), and most of all, we will cherish her smiles, her hugs, and her love of her students. Perhaps most of all, we will remember the love her students had for her.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Eden Memorial Park.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Mrs. Lunski was an artist, and I'd wager that her students' art projects can be found in family holiday decoration boxes throughout the homes of Kadima families. I know that we still have some of the decorations my son made in Kindergarten. My son was in one of Mrs. Lunski's last classes before her illness, and when we ask who is favorite teachers were at Kadima, he often pauses, looks up with eyes glowing, and says, "Aviva."
Mrs. Lunski had the sensibility and practicality of a sabra, and the first time you met her, you sometimes wondered how she could teach Kindergarten. But as soon as you saw her interact with the kids--respecting them, teaching them, loving them--you knew that her talent for reaching 5 and 6 year olds was truly special. She reached them and taught them so much.
We will remember Mrs. Lunski's art projects, her play "Hannahle" (which was performed annually for years by her students), and most of all, we will cherish her smiles, her hugs, and her love of her students. Perhaps most of all, we will remember the love her students had for her.
The funeral will take place on Wednesday, November 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Eden Memorial Park.
May her memory be for a blessing.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Five Hundred Bucks
At the Board meeting this week, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the administration to implement a plan whereby existing families that refer new families who actually attend the school may be eligible to receive a $500 tuition credit.
But, as you might expect with a plan like this, there is a variety of small print in the plan, and many details and conditions. It's not that we don't want to give a $500 credit, but we just have to make sure that the program is implemented properly and effectively.
Yet, if you know of potential families who might be interested--or should be interested--in coming to Kadima, then send them our way. It may be worth $500 to you.
Shabbat Shalom.
But, as you might expect with a plan like this, there is a variety of small print in the plan, and many details and conditions. It's not that we don't want to give a $500 credit, but we just have to make sure that the program is implemented properly and effectively.
Yet, if you know of potential families who might be interested--or should be interested--in coming to Kadima, then send them our way. It may be worth $500 to you.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
What it's all about!
I know, another message. No messages for weeks, and now they can't stop. But I wanted to share this with everyone, it's from our Head of School:
I wanted to share some highlights from my *last hour* here at Kadima with you. It can be easy to get caught up in the "numbers and business" of Kadima, but here's one great reason to continue to do "what we do".Well said.
At 9:15am, I heard the voices of students singing "Hallelujah" all the way in my office, from the Beit Knesset. At 9:00am each thursday, the 2nd-5th grades join together for a schacharit service. So, I stopped doing the "business" of the school, and went to investigate. And, what did I find....a group of more than sixty students, and their teachers singing and "davening" vibrantly, spiritedly, and with a joy and love of both what they were doing, and their surroundings that you could touch. Rabbi Bluman and Justin Stein (music leader) did a commendable job of moving the service at a great pace, and explaining each of the tefillot with short "kavvanot". Toward the end of the tefillah, the entire group did the AMIDAH using the "weekday nusach". This is exactly as it should be in a Solomon Schechter School, where we distinguish between weekday (chol) and Shabbat tunes. We need to teach them both. Really, I was quite moved by the experience. It helped to remember WHY we struggle with the business of the school until 10:30pm. Hopefully, you can feel it too..
Then, 25 minutes later, I was blessed to join the 1st grade class at their "50s day celebration" (honoring the 50th day of school). The students are all dressed in jeans, t shirts, jackets, poodle skirts, slicked back hair etc...and they danced and swayed and had a great time celebrating the 50s, all topped off by ice cream floats (yes, I know, weird before nutritious and delicious lunch), but a joy for all.
It strikes me, our school is charged with the task of balancing a meaningful Jewish education, with a rigorous program of general studies (language arts, math, science, social studies)* and * to create an environment where our students learn to be great citizens.
It is a quite a task, but KADIMA IS UP FOR IT!
New Core Documents.
Last night, at our Board meeting (which are open to all, and members of the community really should try to attend), the Board, among other things, examined the report of the Core Documents Committee. This was the culmination of a several month effort that began during the summer with the Executive Committee looking at our school and its purpose. It was continued by our Board during its August retreat, wherein they created a special Core Documents Committee to analyze the documents and revise them.
Our EVP, Mark Teitelbaum, led a stellar committee to analyze, listen, revise, revise, listen, revise and revise again, the documents. This is the kind of assignment that can easily fall by the wayside and simply never get done. Mark made sure that this did not happen, and he, along with the entire committee, deserve our thanks. As Kate Krause, a member of the committee said, redrafting the Mission Statement was harder than preparing her college thesis. Nonetheless, through sheer perseverance and hard work, the Committee got the job done.
What's more, the Board really reviewed the work and we had a great discussion about it. There was no rubber stamp, here. In the end, the Board approved the new statements, and our efforts to move forward continue.
Here are the new statements:
Our EVP, Mark Teitelbaum, led a stellar committee to analyze, listen, revise, revise, listen, revise and revise again, the documents. This is the kind of assignment that can easily fall by the wayside and simply never get done. Mark made sure that this did not happen, and he, along with the entire committee, deserve our thanks. As Kate Krause, a member of the committee said, redrafting the Mission Statement was harder than preparing her college thesis. Nonetheless, through sheer perseverance and hard work, the Committee got the job done.
What's more, the Board really reviewed the work and we had a great discussion about it. There was no rubber stamp, here. In the end, the Board approved the new statements, and our efforts to move forward continue.
Here are the new statements:
Statement (Revised 11/09)
Kadima Day School provides an integrated general and Judaic studies education that is comprehensive and academically challenging. Our commitment to educational excellence and Jewish tradition teaches our students to maximize their academic, social, physical and spiritual potentials. A Kadima education instills a strong sense of identity, preparedness for higher education and a commitment to responsible living guided by Jewish ethics and values.
At Kadima we believe that:
At Kadima we believe that:
A modern, well-rounded curriculum that includes technology, Judaic studies, athletics and the arts instills a joy for learning beyond the walls of the classroom.
Active learning engages students to become creative, critical, and analytical thinkers.
Studying Jewish texts contributes to critical and analytical skills that are valuable throughout one's life.
Understanding ritual observance, possessing a love for Israel and studying Judaism develop each student's own Jewish identity and ensures our continuity as a people.
All knowledge is significant; everything we learn can inspire and help us along our respective paths.
A partnership between teachers, staff, parents and the larger community provides the foundation for moral sensitivity and empathy for others, which is essential to achieving one's fullest potential.
------------------------------
The Goal of a Kadima Education
Kadima seeks academic excellence. We believe that the highest level of effort from every member of our community, including students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff, is necessary to provide each student with an excellent education. We believe that an outstanding academic experience is critical to each child's future.
Our curriculum is the foundation of our educational goals. Through our curriculum, we seek to produce graduates who are knowledge driven, literate communicators, self-aware individuals, problem solvers, and collaborative workers.
Knowledge Driven. Fortified with their extensive and comprehensive education, Kadima graduates intrinsically value learning. Kadima encourages its students to desire and seek knowledge throughout their lives. Kadima graduates recognize learning opportunities and actively pursue them, both within and outside the classroom.
Literate Communicators. The fundamental goal of our school is to provide a foundation of learning that will enable students to live successful and meaningful lives. Kadima graduates will: (1) speak fluently and confidently; (2) listen effectively; (3) read and write clearly, competently, and creatively; (4) process, evaluate and analyze critically; and (5) achieve academic proficiency in all disciplines.
Self Aware Individuals. We teach our students to engage in acts of tikun olam (repairing the world) and to live and act with moral sensitivity and empathy toward others. Our students recognize that they must respect themselves and others and contribute not only to the Jewish community, but also to the community at large.
Problem Solvers. Kadima teaches its students to question, think critically, draw conclusions, and apply that knowledge to real life situations. Kadima's academic environment is rigorous - excellence requires nothing less. We give our students the tools to motivate and self-direct so they may achieve their goals.
Collaborative Workers. Kadima is a community. Everything Kadima does stresses the importance of creating a vibrant, supportive community of students, parents and educators. Kadima teaches its students to contribute to group projects as leaders, participants, evaluators, and observers. Kadima students learn how to balance the needs of the individual with those of the community.
As graduates of a Solomon Schechter Day School, Kadima students develop their own deeper understanding of, and commitment to, Judaism. Our students create their own paths to meaningful, intellectual, sound, satisfying and productive lives.
Kadima seeks academic excellence. We believe that the highest level of effort from every member of our community, including students, parents, teachers, administrators and staff, is necessary to provide each student with an excellent education. We believe that an outstanding academic experience is critical to each child's future.
Our curriculum is the foundation of our educational goals. Through our curriculum, we seek to produce graduates who are knowledge driven, literate communicators, self-aware individuals, problem solvers, and collaborative workers.
Knowledge Driven. Fortified with their extensive and comprehensive education, Kadima graduates intrinsically value learning. Kadima encourages its students to desire and seek knowledge throughout their lives. Kadima graduates recognize learning opportunities and actively pursue them, both within and outside the classroom.
Literate Communicators. The fundamental goal of our school is to provide a foundation of learning that will enable students to live successful and meaningful lives. Kadima graduates will: (1) speak fluently and confidently; (2) listen effectively; (3) read and write clearly, competently, and creatively; (4) process, evaluate and analyze critically; and (5) achieve academic proficiency in all disciplines.
Self Aware Individuals. We teach our students to engage in acts of tikun olam (repairing the world) and to live and act with moral sensitivity and empathy toward others. Our students recognize that they must respect themselves and others and contribute not only to the Jewish community, but also to the community at large.
Problem Solvers. Kadima teaches its students to question, think critically, draw conclusions, and apply that knowledge to real life situations. Kadima's academic environment is rigorous - excellence requires nothing less. We give our students the tools to motivate and self-direct so they may achieve their goals.
Collaborative Workers. Kadima is a community. Everything Kadima does stresses the importance of creating a vibrant, supportive community of students, parents and educators. Kadima teaches its students to contribute to group projects as leaders, participants, evaluators, and observers. Kadima students learn how to balance the needs of the individual with those of the community.
As graduates of a Solomon Schechter Day School, Kadima students develop their own deeper understanding of, and commitment to, Judaism. Our students create their own paths to meaningful, intellectual, sound, satisfying and productive lives.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Shameless Self Promotion
Off the Edge of the Earth...NOT!
I haven't been posting for two reasons.
First, a variety of other pressing commitments have interfered with my ability to write. Second, we've been having some serious and deep discussions about Kadima and its strategic planning process. So there just hasn't been time to write.
We have a very important Board meeting tonight. We will be discussing a variety of tuition related issues as well as reviewing the fine work of the Core Documents Committee led by our EVP, Mark Teitelbaum.
Hopefully, I'll have the chance to be effusive about "what's going on" at Kadima soon.
Thanks for your patience.
First, a variety of other pressing commitments have interfered with my ability to write. Second, we've been having some serious and deep discussions about Kadima and its strategic planning process. So there just hasn't been time to write.
We have a very important Board meeting tonight. We will be discussing a variety of tuition related issues as well as reviewing the fine work of the Core Documents Committee led by our EVP, Mark Teitelbaum.
Hopefully, I'll have the chance to be effusive about "what's going on" at Kadima soon.
Thanks for your patience.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Lots going on...
In the past week, we've had several meetings at the school regarding a variety of issues, including:
I hope to write more on all of these topics a bit later in the week.
- Completing plans for our Admissions and Marketing Campaign
- Discussing our Annual Giving Campaign (yep, annual means every year).
- Revising our By Laws
- Revising our Core Documents
I hope to write more on all of these topics a bit later in the week.
Friday, October 30, 2009
More Time.
I had hoped to write about the very interesting marketing meeting we had with our marketing consultant, Marshall Platt on Tuesday night.
However, I've been tied up with some work matters as well as my 19th wedding anniversary and so I've had little time to blog.
___________
Yesterday, as many of you know, there was a shooting at a synagogue in North Hollywood. You can read it about it here and here. According to the authorities, it was not a hate crime; the authorities have little clue what it was about.
Nonetheless, Kadima's administration immediately sprang into action. Our Head of School and administration huddled and took action to go to a security alert, contact the police, and generally heighten the sense of awareness at the school.
We take security extremely seriously at Kadima.
However, I've been tied up with some work matters as well as my 19th wedding anniversary and so I've had little time to blog.
___________
Yesterday, as many of you know, there was a shooting at a synagogue in North Hollywood. You can read it about it here and here. According to the authorities, it was not a hate crime; the authorities have little clue what it was about.
Nonetheless, Kadima's administration immediately sprang into action. Our Head of School and administration huddled and took action to go to a security alert, contact the police, and generally heighten the sense of awareness at the school.
We take security extremely seriously at Kadima.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Marketing.
This Tuesday, the newly named Marketing/Recruitment Committee (as opposed to Marketing/Admissions Committee) will be having what likely will be a seminal meeting in Kadima's history. I may be overstating it a bit, but the Committee will be meeting with Marshall Platt, a marketing coach being provided to us (in part) by the gracious folks at PEJE.
Mr. Platt is a marketing consultant, and we are hoping that he will give the Committee and the Admissions team assistance in branding and marketing the school. We've had a variety of marketing efforts in the past, and some really good ones, but we are hoping that Mr. Platt will be able to provide some focused critical direction and focus to our efforts.
Marketing, however, is just a means to an end. It is not, at least in my non-marketing professional view, an end into itself. In the past, our leadership has been side tracked in blaming various difficulties on the lack of marketing, when the difficulties were more deep rooted. You have to have an excellent product; otherwise, all the marketing in the world won't work. As some one in advertising once said, if the dog won't eat the dogfood, it doesn't matter how good the advertisement is.
We're working on those issues, too, and we've already seen improvements in the look and feel of the campus, the re-focus on differentiated learning, and the efforts to ensure proper discipline in the classroom. If nothing else, the positive buzz at and around the school--which in turn is drowning out and marginalizing the naysayers--is having a great effect. The reality is that great things are happening at Kadima, and that word is getting out.
But we do need to improve our marketing strategies. And we're hoping that Mr. Platt will provide the wisdom we need to increase our marketing success. I'm looking forward to an interesting meeting. I will be eager to hear what our various marketing experts (including, but not limited, to Mr. Platt) have to say about how to get the word out about the great things happening at Kadima.
Mr. Platt is a marketing consultant, and we are hoping that he will give the Committee and the Admissions team assistance in branding and marketing the school. We've had a variety of marketing efforts in the past, and some really good ones, but we are hoping that Mr. Platt will be able to provide some focused critical direction and focus to our efforts.
Marketing, however, is just a means to an end. It is not, at least in my non-marketing professional view, an end into itself. In the past, our leadership has been side tracked in blaming various difficulties on the lack of marketing, when the difficulties were more deep rooted. You have to have an excellent product; otherwise, all the marketing in the world won't work. As some one in advertising once said, if the dog won't eat the dogfood, it doesn't matter how good the advertisement is.
We're working on those issues, too, and we've already seen improvements in the look and feel of the campus, the re-focus on differentiated learning, and the efforts to ensure proper discipline in the classroom. If nothing else, the positive buzz at and around the school--which in turn is drowning out and marginalizing the naysayers--is having a great effect. The reality is that great things are happening at Kadima, and that word is getting out.
But we do need to improve our marketing strategies. And we're hoping that Mr. Platt will provide the wisdom we need to increase our marketing success. I'm looking forward to an interesting meeting. I will be eager to hear what our various marketing experts (including, but not limited, to Mr. Platt) have to say about how to get the word out about the great things happening at Kadima.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Reflections of a Board Meeting.
Every now and then there are ads, usually for cars or some other large product, in which the product is shown only behind a curtain or under a drop cloth. The advertisement essentially says that something new is coming, and well, we're not going to tell you what it is.
The other night, Kadima's board, after a spirited discussion and ultimately a vote, decided to change the school's name. But I can't tell you what it is. It's not a hard and fast secret, but we want to have a big roll out, and we can't do that just yet.
But the new name (don't worry, it has Kadima in it) represents an opportunity for the school to reintroduce itself to the community. This has been a year of changes for the school (new Head of School, new President, new Board members, new principal, etc.) and soon a new name. In making these changes, the leadership is acutely aware of Kadima's traditions, but also aware that certain changes and course corrections are necessary to assure the school's future success. The name is part of making clear that this is a new Kadima; a school that stands on the shoulders of its forty years of accomplishments, but now will reach even higher levels of achievement.
The meeting was also significant--at least for me--because it was the second Board meeting in which we talked seriously and effectively about school issues. Virtually everyone in the meeting participated and provided important contributions to the discussion, whether it was about finances, marketing, or recent school events. I have served on a variety of boards in the past, and I have always believed that by providing Board members with information, by inviting them to participate in the process, and by encouraging spirited, but reasoned and respectful debate, the board can work better and more effectively. I have been on too many Boards where the only information is that "everything is fine" or "there is a car wash fundraiser this weekend" and little of substance. Such bland meetings usually drive out the best board members, because smart and committed leaders usually have better things to do than listen to trivialities. As President, I am constantly working to try and present an agenda for our meetings that provides critical information to our members, and invites the Board to make important decisions for the school. Moreover, we've been very open and honest with our Board members about the school's strengths and weaknesses, and through their hard work, Board members are exemplifying the belief that an open, informed, and collaborative Board works best.
Our Board meetings are open, and I urge members of our community to attend. They are worthwhile and interesting.
One final, and probably the most important point. At the meeting, it was announced that the entire Executive Committee, for the first time, made their pledges to the annual campaign before the official rolling out of the campaign. I am honored to serve with ECOM members who have agreed to make their gifts before the campaign actually begins. Their gifts demonstrate their commitment to and their leadership of the Kadima community. Most of all, their decision to make their pledges now exemplifies the leadership's belief that Kadima's future remains bright and vibrant.
Shabbat Shalom.
The other night, Kadima's board, after a spirited discussion and ultimately a vote, decided to change the school's name. But I can't tell you what it is. It's not a hard and fast secret, but we want to have a big roll out, and we can't do that just yet.
But the new name (don't worry, it has Kadima in it) represents an opportunity for the school to reintroduce itself to the community. This has been a year of changes for the school (new Head of School, new President, new Board members, new principal, etc.) and soon a new name. In making these changes, the leadership is acutely aware of Kadima's traditions, but also aware that certain changes and course corrections are necessary to assure the school's future success. The name is part of making clear that this is a new Kadima; a school that stands on the shoulders of its forty years of accomplishments, but now will reach even higher levels of achievement.
The meeting was also significant--at least for me--because it was the second Board meeting in which we talked seriously and effectively about school issues. Virtually everyone in the meeting participated and provided important contributions to the discussion, whether it was about finances, marketing, or recent school events. I have served on a variety of boards in the past, and I have always believed that by providing Board members with information, by inviting them to participate in the process, and by encouraging spirited, but reasoned and respectful debate, the board can work better and more effectively. I have been on too many Boards where the only information is that "everything is fine" or "there is a car wash fundraiser this weekend" and little of substance. Such bland meetings usually drive out the best board members, because smart and committed leaders usually have better things to do than listen to trivialities. As President, I am constantly working to try and present an agenda for our meetings that provides critical information to our members, and invites the Board to make important decisions for the school. Moreover, we've been very open and honest with our Board members about the school's strengths and weaknesses, and through their hard work, Board members are exemplifying the belief that an open, informed, and collaborative Board works best.
Our Board meetings are open, and I urge members of our community to attend. They are worthwhile and interesting.
One final, and probably the most important point. At the meeting, it was announced that the entire Executive Committee, for the first time, made their pledges to the annual campaign before the official rolling out of the campaign. I am honored to serve with ECOM members who have agreed to make their gifts before the campaign actually begins. Their gifts demonstrate their commitment to and their leadership of the Kadima community. Most of all, their decision to make their pledges now exemplifies the leadership's belief that Kadima's future remains bright and vibrant.
Shabbat Shalom.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Board Meeting Tonight: 7:15 p.m.
At 7:15 p.m. this evening, in the school library, we will be having our monthly Board meeting. Our Board meetings are open to the community; however, there may be times when we adjourn into executive session to discuss particularly sensitive legal, financial or personnel matters.
On our agenda this evening we will be discussing, among other things, whether to change the name of the school.
I urge everyone interested in the school to attend tonight's meeting. While only Board members can vote, all are welcome to come to the meeting and participate.
On our agenda this evening we will be discussing, among other things, whether to change the name of the school.
I urge everyone interested in the school to attend tonight's meeting. While only Board members can vote, all are welcome to come to the meeting and participate.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Development Meeting.
Last night, I attended an excellent meeting of our Development Committee, led by our excellent Development Vice President, Rabbi Jay Strear and our equally excellent Development Director, Franci Levine-Grater. Franci is a Kadima alumna and is a living example of the success of our school.
Development (like change) is one of the hard things we consistently must manage at Kadima. As a private school, we have to raise the funds to operate the school and plan for its future. In the best of times this is difficult, in the Great Recession, it can be extraordinarily challenging.
But after last night's meeting, I know that Kadima will be in good hands on the development front. Jay does this type of work professionally, and brings a level of management expertise to our fund raising strategy that we haven't seen in quite awhile. Franci possesses the sharp mind, strong will, and charisma that it is essential for success in this area. As a team, they will work terrifically together and provide the assistance for the Board and the Head of School to work to raise the funds the school needs.
Of course, Jay and Franci can't raise the money by themselves. Fiscal responsibility and accountability--raising money--is a core duty of the Board of Trustees, and it will be the Board, guided by Jay, Franci, and others, that will have to do the heavy lifting involved to ensure that Kadima is financially sound.
Last night was a great start.
Development (like change) is one of the hard things we consistently must manage at Kadima. As a private school, we have to raise the funds to operate the school and plan for its future. In the best of times this is difficult, in the Great Recession, it can be extraordinarily challenging.
But after last night's meeting, I know that Kadima will be in good hands on the development front. Jay does this type of work professionally, and brings a level of management expertise to our fund raising strategy that we haven't seen in quite awhile. Franci possesses the sharp mind, strong will, and charisma that it is essential for success in this area. As a team, they will work terrifically together and provide the assistance for the Board and the Head of School to work to raise the funds the school needs.
Of course, Jay and Franci can't raise the money by themselves. Fiscal responsibility and accountability--raising money--is a core duty of the Board of Trustees, and it will be the Board, guided by Jay, Franci, and others, that will have to do the heavy lifting involved to ensure that Kadima is financially sound.
Last night was a great start.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Whirlwind.
Updated--October 20, 2009.
The last several days have been a bit of a whirlwind.
Last week, we learned that our principal, Yuri Hronsky, had accepted a position as Head of School at Heschel West Day School, beginning next year. Yuri is an integral part of our administration, serving as the principal of the school, and having previously ran the middle school. As you might expect, for a school like Kadima that has been through much change lately, the announcement that Yuri is leaving was disappointing to many of us. We had hoped that he would be part of our team for some time. But it is not uncommon for people to move on when opportunity knocks.
But just as opportunity knocked for Yuri, so it has for Kadima. Bill Cohen, our head of school, will be searching for the best principal we can find. It really is a chance for us to continue our effort to move forward and place in that position a strong academic leader for the school.
Change is hard. It is much easier to be just keep things the way they are. But it remains fundamental to Kadima's future success. Yet, the leadership recognizes that only through conducting our own critical thinking and analysis (we don't just want our school to teach these values, we have to exercise them ourselves), can we continue to work to make Kadima a unique place, where academic values permeate both general and Judaic studies, a place where kids learn to question and analyze, to live and to love, all guided by the wisdom of Torah.
The last several days have been a bit of a whirlwind.
Last week, we learned that our principal, Yuri Hronsky, had accepted a position as Head of School at Heschel West Day School, beginning next year. Yuri is an integral part of our administration, serving as the principal of the school, and having previously ran the middle school. As you might expect, for a school like Kadima that has been through much change lately, the announcement that Yuri is leaving was disappointing to many of us. We had hoped that he would be part of our team for some time. But it is not uncommon for people to move on when opportunity knocks.
But just as opportunity knocked for Yuri, so it has for Kadima. Bill Cohen, our head of school, will be searching for the best principal we can find. It really is a chance for us to continue our effort to move forward and place in that position a strong academic leader for the school.
Change is hard. It is much easier to be just keep things the way they are. But it remains fundamental to Kadima's future success. Yet, the leadership recognizes that only through conducting our own critical thinking and analysis (we don't just want our school to teach these values, we have to exercise them ourselves), can we continue to work to make Kadima a unique place, where academic values permeate both general and Judaic studies, a place where kids learn to question and analyze, to live and to love, all guided by the wisdom of Torah.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Important Announcement Today.
As many of you may know, the school announced that Yuri will be leaving as principal at the end of the school year.
I'll have more about this in the days ahead, and certainly after Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
I'll have more about this in the days ahead, and certainly after Shabbat.
Shabbat Shalom.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Magazines!!!
Based upon early calculations, it appears that the Kadima community has responded spectacularly to our magazine drive. While we don't have final figures yet, we do know that we surpassed our goal of selling more than $15,000 in magazines. Kadima gets half of the gross value sold, so this is an excellent boost to Kadima's PTO and their efforts to support the school.
Kol HaKavod to the students and parents who sold magazines!
[And to my wife, Laura-Beth, who organized the effort!]
Kol HaKavod to the students and parents who sold magazines!
[And to my wife, Laura-Beth, who organized the effort!]
Monday, October 12, 2009
Preparing for College in Kindergarten.
This past summer The Economist had an article about private schools that flew in the face of everything we're seeing in the Los Angeles day school community: the Economist wrote that despite the recession, private schools were doing just fine, thank you. Of course, if you look at the Jewish Day School world, the information is just the opposite: the recession threatens the very existence of schools throughout the country. Hence, PEJE's decision to refocus itself toward a macro vision of promoting best practices instead of a micro vision of helping specific schools.
In his recent blog, Pat Bassett, the head of NAIS, notes the distinction between parochial and independent schools, writing:
But this is disingenuous. Both are equally important. Our parents (and many of these same parents who mock academic rigor) send their children to private schools precisely because they hope that it will both help their kids get into the best college for their students and provide a values oriented environment. I think that discounting academic rigor is a big mistake; one of Kadima's strengths, historically, is that our program is academic, is rigorous, and does prepare kids for college. We shouldn't shy away from this; we shouldn't be afraid to say that Kadima is an academic institution.
Yes, we must never forget that our schools are based and committed to certain sacred and Jewish values; and we must never forget that forging a sacred community for our parents and children is essential for our success; however, at the same time, we must also never forget that our parents, in the end, send their kids to private school because they want their kids to reach their highest academic potential. We must make sure that our program both provides values and academic excellence.
At Kadima, we're striving to do just that.
In his recent blog, Pat Bassett, the head of NAIS, notes the distinction between parochial and independent schools, writing:
"So, what we’ve found in the US and Britain is largely a fierce commitment to private schools, even during hard times. This commitment is especially true for independent schools in the US — schools whose attrition is near normal nominal rates, in stark contrast to enrollment attrition in parochial schools, where attrition has become in many locales debilitating, as the system’s funds have dried up and where the socio-economic base doesn’t have the family reserves to sustain children in the schools" (emphasis added).Bassett writes that while "at the deepest level", parents remain committed to the values of an independent school, something more is going on: parents are also deeply interested in the college preparatory aspects of the program, even at the elementary school level. Bassett states:
"So, what is driving the loyalty to independent schools? At the deepest levels, NAIS believes that independent school families appreciate the value-set of our schools, see the peer attitudes/ kid culture as affirming of an orientation necessary for success, appreciate the culture and climate the faculty instill in terms of “knowing and valuing” each child, and, in this particular moment of economic uncertainty, accordingly commit to whatever it takes to keep their children safe and secure in a familiar and working educational setting. In short, parents seems to have concluded, “Let’s sacrifice as needed to keep the kids in their school so we at least don’t have to worry about their well-being, while we sort out how to hold the rest of our economic lives together.”But Bassett also notes that commitment to independent schools involves something more than just a commitment to certain values. Indeed, parochial schools are all about values education, but they are struggling. Bassett thus states:
"All NAIS schools that I know of are "college-prep" schools, including the elementary schools, and the Montessori and Waldorf schools, and even the LD schools, by which I mean that parents choose our schools because they want their kids to go to college and to be successful there . . .So we shouldn't be at all defensive about being "college-prep" as one of our primary calling cards; we should be much clearer in our marketing of all schools, including elementary schools, that “college-prep” is what we do, in additional to a myriad of other no less important but less easily trackable outcomes" (emphasis added).I think that Bassett has it right. I have been in countless meetings with community members and others who downplay academic rigor and mock those parents who want their kids to attend the "best" college for their children. They say that "getting Johnny into the best college" isn't important, but knowing about tikkun olam is.
But this is disingenuous. Both are equally important. Our parents (and many of these same parents who mock academic rigor) send their children to private schools precisely because they hope that it will both help their kids get into the best college for their students and provide a values oriented environment. I think that discounting academic rigor is a big mistake; one of Kadima's strengths, historically, is that our program is academic, is rigorous, and does prepare kids for college. We shouldn't shy away from this; we shouldn't be afraid to say that Kadima is an academic institution.
Yes, we must never forget that our schools are based and committed to certain sacred and Jewish values; and we must never forget that forging a sacred community for our parents and children is essential for our success; however, at the same time, we must also never forget that our parents, in the end, send their kids to private school because they want their kids to reach their highest academic potential. We must make sure that our program both provides values and academic excellence.
At Kadima, we're striving to do just that.
Friday, October 9, 2009
PEJE Changes Direction.
The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education was founded about 20 years ago in an effort to foster Jewish Day School education. It provides a compendium of best practice materials, as well as various grants to Day School institutions. Kadima, in fact, has been blessed to get a variety of PEJE grants; they've come in the form of admissions experts, general consultants, and marketing specialists. We have a marketing consultant meeting with our marketing committee at the end of the month.
But with the Great Recession, things change, including PEJE. As a result, PEJE has decided to narrow its focus toward general sustainability of Jewish Day School educaiton. Its efforts will focus upon Head of School Development, Strategic Lay Leadership Development, and Financial Sustainability. PEJE puts it this way:
"While PEJE invested its resources during its first 12 years in seeding new schools and
building the capacity of existing schools, the new reality calls for higher-level leadership that focuses on sustaining the growth day schools have already achieved. Engaging school leaders, industry consultants, and Jewish communal leadership with PEJE experts in our strategic planning process, we identified three critical levers for day school sustainability: inspiring professional leadership, strategic board governance, and financial sustainability."
Of most important, is PEJE's statement that:
"To ensure the greatest impact for day schools, PEJE will be working at the regional and national levels with federations, denominational networks, foundations, central education agencies, and philanthropists."
In other words, the days of individual schools--like Kadima--receiving grants is over. PEJE will be focusing its efforts on a broader level, and apparently will not provide the detailed assistance it previously has. This also means that we will increase pressure upon us to raise our own funds. It also means that Kadima cannot go it alone; the big money and the big contributions may flow through major organizations, including the Jewish Federation and its BJE. We may need to reconsider our connection (or lack thereof) with the BJE.
It will be interesting to see how PEJE's change of direction influences day schools. PEJE has been a big player in Jewish Day Schools in the past; the future may be different.
But with the Great Recession, things change, including PEJE. As a result, PEJE has decided to narrow its focus toward general sustainability of Jewish Day School educaiton. Its efforts will focus upon Head of School Development, Strategic Lay Leadership Development, and Financial Sustainability. PEJE puts it this way:
"While PEJE invested its resources during its first 12 years in seeding new schools and
building the capacity of existing schools, the new reality calls for higher-level leadership that focuses on sustaining the growth day schools have already achieved. Engaging school leaders, industry consultants, and Jewish communal leadership with PEJE experts in our strategic planning process, we identified three critical levers for day school sustainability: inspiring professional leadership, strategic board governance, and financial sustainability."
Of most important, is PEJE's statement that:
"To ensure the greatest impact for day schools, PEJE will be working at the regional and national levels with federations, denominational networks, foundations, central education agencies, and philanthropists."
In other words, the days of individual schools--like Kadima--receiving grants is over. PEJE will be focusing its efforts on a broader level, and apparently will not provide the detailed assistance it previously has. This also means that we will increase pressure upon us to raise our own funds. It also means that Kadima cannot go it alone; the big money and the big contributions may flow through major organizations, including the Jewish Federation and its BJE. We may need to reconsider our connection (or lack thereof) with the BJE.
It will be interesting to see how PEJE's change of direction influences day schools. PEJE has been a big player in Jewish Day Schools in the past; the future may be different.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Buy Magazines.
We are approaching the end of Kadima's magazine drive, and we need to sell more magazines. To ensure excellence, we need the best of everything, and the best of everything costs money. Lots of it. Buying magazines during our magazine drive is an easy way to relax, get informed, or improve your mind (depending upon the magazine you read) and also a great way to support Kadima. Here's how you do it:
1. Click http://www.qsp.com/store/Index.aspx
2. Enter Kadima’s School Number: 425005037
- Order magazines
- Enter your child’s name or any current Kadima student’s name at the end of the transaction so that the student earns prizes.
Back.
I disappeared for about three weeks, and along with my absence, so did the traffic to the blog. I suspect we'll get more traffic over the next several weeks since there is a reference to the blog on the Kadima website. We will also put a regular message in the Kol Echad referencing the blog. If you have feedback on the blog, please let me know.
But enough about what hasn't been happening.
Shanah Tovah and Sukkot Sameach.
With the holidays and my day job, there has been little time for blogging. But that doesn't mean that people haven't been busy at Kadima. We've been running a magazine drive, and I urge everyone to participate in it.
Moreover, over the past several weeks, our Board Committees have been meeting, and preparing reports for review by the Board at the next Board meeting on October 21. Everyone is welcome to come to Board meetings, although there may be sections of the meeting in which we go into Executive Session, the meetings are open to the Community. I urge everyone to attend.
Since my last posting, our Marketing Committee, chaired by Rich Abronson (our Secretary) and Bronwyn Spencer, held a great meeting to discuss the Name issue and bring a recommendation to the Executive Committee and Board for approval. They did not come to consensus on the exact name, but did decide on a few possible options. The Admissions team did a great job in vetting names and researching them. We hope that by the end of our October meeting, we will have a new name for Kadima. It will include Kadima, but may have something instead of "Hebrew Academy" after it.
Pam Teitelbaum led a difficult, but important, discussion regarding our By Laws in our By Laws Committee. Kadima has had a set of By Laws that needs revision, and has struggled over the past several years to complete the revision. Dave Leon and Richard Spencer are going through the By Laws to clean them up; in our next By Law meeting, we will be discussing several structural issues. We hope to complete the process and bring it to the Board by November.
At its retreat in August, the Board asked me, as President, to appoint a Core Documents Committee, to examine Kadima's mission statement, and, "modernize" it. I asked our Executive Vice President, Mark Teitelbaum, to lead a team of thinkers, and they met last night to discuss the Mission Statement. In one night, they accomplished a great deal, and I think that we are our way to defining Kadima in a sharp, incisive, and persuasive way. We're hoping to have something to submit to the Board soon.
Meanwhile, this Thursday, October 8, we'll be installing Bill Cohen, our Head of School at our annual Sukkot Under the Stars Program. I urge all to attend. It will be a great evening, and a wonderful chance to hear some words of wisdom from Bill, and to show support for your school.
And please check this spot for, hopefully, more frequent updates as to what is going on at Kadima. I'll try to update more frequently in the days ahead.
See you on Thursday night at the Kadima sukkah!
But enough about what hasn't been happening.
Shanah Tovah and Sukkot Sameach.
With the holidays and my day job, there has been little time for blogging. But that doesn't mean that people haven't been busy at Kadima. We've been running a magazine drive, and I urge everyone to participate in it.
Moreover, over the past several weeks, our Board Committees have been meeting, and preparing reports for review by the Board at the next Board meeting on October 21. Everyone is welcome to come to Board meetings, although there may be sections of the meeting in which we go into Executive Session, the meetings are open to the Community. I urge everyone to attend.
Since my last posting, our Marketing Committee, chaired by Rich Abronson (our Secretary) and Bronwyn Spencer, held a great meeting to discuss the Name issue and bring a recommendation to the Executive Committee and Board for approval. They did not come to consensus on the exact name, but did decide on a few possible options. The Admissions team did a great job in vetting names and researching them. We hope that by the end of our October meeting, we will have a new name for Kadima. It will include Kadima, but may have something instead of "Hebrew Academy" after it.
Pam Teitelbaum led a difficult, but important, discussion regarding our By Laws in our By Laws Committee. Kadima has had a set of By Laws that needs revision, and has struggled over the past several years to complete the revision. Dave Leon and Richard Spencer are going through the By Laws to clean them up; in our next By Law meeting, we will be discussing several structural issues. We hope to complete the process and bring it to the Board by November.
At its retreat in August, the Board asked me, as President, to appoint a Core Documents Committee, to examine Kadima's mission statement, and, "modernize" it. I asked our Executive Vice President, Mark Teitelbaum, to lead a team of thinkers, and they met last night to discuss the Mission Statement. In one night, they accomplished a great deal, and I think that we are our way to defining Kadima in a sharp, incisive, and persuasive way. We're hoping to have something to submit to the Board soon.
Meanwhile, this Thursday, October 8, we'll be installing Bill Cohen, our Head of School at our annual Sukkot Under the Stars Program. I urge all to attend. It will be a great evening, and a wonderful chance to hear some words of wisdom from Bill, and to show support for your school.
And please check this spot for, hopefully, more frequent updates as to what is going on at Kadima. I'll try to update more frequently in the days ahead.
See you on Thursday night at the Kadima sukkah!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Names.
Juliet: What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet.
Romeo and Juliet, (II, ii, 1-2).
Although Juliet argued that names were not important, her fate, along with poor Romeo's, showed that, unfortunately, they are. Names can define institutions. Sometimes people will not even look at a school because the name creates a negative preconception.
So it is with Kadima Hebrew Academy. Last night, the Board reviewed a recommendation from our Admissions Directors (Michelle Starkman and Karen Pery--who are absolutely excellent directors) asking the Board to consider modifying the school's name. The Admissions staff pointed out that the phrase Hebrew Academy often leads people to believe that we are an Orthodox school when we are not; unfortunately, these same people will not even come visit us because of their incorrect perception.
This led to the Board's first substantive discussion of the year. While the Board could have voted to adopt some of the proffered choices (i.e., Kadima Day School, Kadima Academy, Kadima Jewish Day School)--there was no discussion about removing the name Kadima--the Board decided to send the issue to the Marketing Committee for further analysis and discussion, and to obtain the Committee' s recommendation. It was a great discussion (no yelling) and great example of good board practice: a question was debated, and the decision reached (unanimously) to have the Marketing Committee look at it and then send it back to the Board for a final decision.
The discussion revealed two essential points: Kadima will remain Kadima. But what comes after that most important title may change. Or it may not. We shall see.
It was a wonderful meeting. We discharged our old Board. We honored Shawn Evenhaim for his four years of incredible service and commitment to the school (presenting him with a Shofar as a token of appreciation, and pointing out that he often has been a Shofar for Kadima, urging us forward toward success). Next, Rabbi Vogel installed the new Board and urged us forward toward success.
After the ceremonies, we heard detailed reports from our Vice Presidents and the PTO, and there were a variety of questions and answers. And then we discussed the name.
It was an excellent meeting.
We have an excellent group of leaders on the Board; I am honored to serve with them.
Shana Tova!
By any other name would smell as sweet.
Romeo and Juliet, (II, ii, 1-2).
Although Juliet argued that names were not important, her fate, along with poor Romeo's, showed that, unfortunately, they are. Names can define institutions. Sometimes people will not even look at a school because the name creates a negative preconception.
So it is with Kadima Hebrew Academy. Last night, the Board reviewed a recommendation from our Admissions Directors (Michelle Starkman and Karen Pery--who are absolutely excellent directors) asking the Board to consider modifying the school's name. The Admissions staff pointed out that the phrase Hebrew Academy often leads people to believe that we are an Orthodox school when we are not; unfortunately, these same people will not even come visit us because of their incorrect perception.
This led to the Board's first substantive discussion of the year. While the Board could have voted to adopt some of the proffered choices (i.e., Kadima Day School, Kadima Academy, Kadima Jewish Day School)--there was no discussion about removing the name Kadima--the Board decided to send the issue to the Marketing Committee for further analysis and discussion, and to obtain the Committee' s recommendation. It was a great discussion (no yelling) and great example of good board practice: a question was debated, and the decision reached (unanimously) to have the Marketing Committee look at it and then send it back to the Board for a final decision.
The discussion revealed two essential points: Kadima will remain Kadima. But what comes after that most important title may change. Or it may not. We shall see.
It was a wonderful meeting. We discharged our old Board. We honored Shawn Evenhaim for his four years of incredible service and commitment to the school (presenting him with a Shofar as a token of appreciation, and pointing out that he often has been a Shofar for Kadima, urging us forward toward success). Next, Rabbi Vogel installed the new Board and urged us forward toward success.
After the ceremonies, we heard detailed reports from our Vice Presidents and the PTO, and there were a variety of questions and answers. And then we discussed the name.
It was an excellent meeting.
We have an excellent group of leaders on the Board; I am honored to serve with them.
Shana Tova!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Board Meeting on September 16.
Welcome to all of you visiting as a result of the mention of the blog in the Kol Echad. I urge you to scroll down. I've been writing throughout the summer, and you may find some interesting stuff.
We have our first regular Board meeting on September 16, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.
Rabbi Stewart Vogel, of Temple Aliyah, will be formally installing the new Board, and we will be honoring our immediate past president, Shawn Evenhaim.
In addition to all of that, we will be having our regular reports, discussing our enrollment, and also discussing a proposal to consider modifying the school's name. Yep, you read that right. We will be having a discussion regarding the school's name. Don't worry; we will always be Kadima. What follows may, however, change a bit. But the Board will make that decision, not me.
Everyone is welcome to attend our Board meetings. So come on and find out what is going on at the school and see how the Board works.
We have our first regular Board meeting on September 16, 2009 at 7:15 p.m.
Rabbi Stewart Vogel, of Temple Aliyah, will be formally installing the new Board, and we will be honoring our immediate past president, Shawn Evenhaim.
In addition to all of that, we will be having our regular reports, discussing our enrollment, and also discussing a proposal to consider modifying the school's name. Yep, you read that right. We will be having a discussion regarding the school's name. Don't worry; we will always be Kadima. What follows may, however, change a bit. But the Board will make that decision, not me.
Everyone is welcome to attend our Board meetings. So come on and find out what is going on at the school and see how the Board works.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Blue Ribbon and Memory.
This has nothing to do with Kadima.
Two days ago, I learned that I won First Place in the Cookies/Biscotti contest at the 2009 Los Angeles County Fair. I saw the display last night, and there it was, my mandelbread on a plate, with a blue ribbon next to it. I am very pleased.
I used my late mother's mandelbread recipe, so really I share the honor with her. I was shocked to have won; the competition is often fierce in these contests with the usual suspects often taking home most of the ribbons.
The mandelbread was my Mom's signature dish, and one that everyone loved. We even referenced it on her memorial plaque. When I started baking as a hobby several years ago, I refused to make the mandelbread, even though my Mom gladly shared the recipe with anyone who asked. It was her dish, and hers alone.
When she suddenly passed away in March, 2008, we were going through her house and I found her recipe trove. My Mom was many wonderful things, but she was not particularly organized. So there were scraps of papers everywhere. Strangely, only a few weeks before she died, I asked her where her recipes were, and she said that they were in an overstuffed book "on the shelf." After her passing, I miraculously found the "Book", and in it was the mandelbread recipe. There was a scrap of oil stained legal paper, in my Mom's handwriting, containing the recipe. It was the primary source document.
The first time I made the recipe it did not come out right. My Mom's instructions were vague and somewhat unclear. I thought I'd never be able to replicate it. It was only when I realized that I had to mix everything by hand, and not by standmixer was I successful. I made the recipe, and sure enough, the flavor and texture was perfect--just how I remembered it. My Mom often brought the mandelbread when she visited someone's house (her doctors at City of Hope called her the "Cookie Lady" because she always brought mandelbread to her appointments) and she would routinely give us tubs full of the stuff. Having the mandelbread in our house was a way of knowing that she was with us.
Now that she's gone, I've made the mandelbread and several other recipes that she used to make. In doing so, we not only honor her memory, but she remains a "tasty" part of our lives. Food can do this. It can trigger deep memories in special ways. The mandelbread does this, as do a few other of my Mom's baked goods. So does my wife's chicken soup.
While I am ecstatic at winning the competition, the victory really is a tribute to my Mom, Sandra Sholkoff. Although she is gone, her recipes and baking lives on.
May her memory always be for a blessing.
I'll be back next week with some more news about Kadima.
Shabbat Shalom.
Two days ago, I learned that I won First Place in the Cookies/Biscotti contest at the 2009 Los Angeles County Fair. I saw the display last night, and there it was, my mandelbread on a plate, with a blue ribbon next to it. I am very pleased.
I used my late mother's mandelbread recipe, so really I share the honor with her. I was shocked to have won; the competition is often fierce in these contests with the usual suspects often taking home most of the ribbons.
The mandelbread was my Mom's signature dish, and one that everyone loved. We even referenced it on her memorial plaque. When I started baking as a hobby several years ago, I refused to make the mandelbread, even though my Mom gladly shared the recipe with anyone who asked. It was her dish, and hers alone.
When she suddenly passed away in March, 2008, we were going through her house and I found her recipe trove. My Mom was many wonderful things, but she was not particularly organized. So there were scraps of papers everywhere. Strangely, only a few weeks before she died, I asked her where her recipes were, and she said that they were in an overstuffed book "on the shelf." After her passing, I miraculously found the "Book", and in it was the mandelbread recipe. There was a scrap of oil stained legal paper, in my Mom's handwriting, containing the recipe. It was the primary source document.
The first time I made the recipe it did not come out right. My Mom's instructions were vague and somewhat unclear. I thought I'd never be able to replicate it. It was only when I realized that I had to mix everything by hand, and not by standmixer was I successful. I made the recipe, and sure enough, the flavor and texture was perfect--just how I remembered it. My Mom often brought the mandelbread when she visited someone's house (her doctors at City of Hope called her the "Cookie Lady" because she always brought mandelbread to her appointments) and she would routinely give us tubs full of the stuff. Having the mandelbread in our house was a way of knowing that she was with us.
Now that she's gone, I've made the mandelbread and several other recipes that she used to make. In doing so, we not only honor her memory, but she remains a "tasty" part of our lives. Food can do this. It can trigger deep memories in special ways. The mandelbread does this, as do a few other of my Mom's baked goods. So does my wife's chicken soup.
While I am ecstatic at winning the competition, the victory really is a tribute to my Mom, Sandra Sholkoff. Although she is gone, her recipes and baking lives on.
May her memory always be for a blessing.
I'll be back next week with some more news about Kadima.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
New Families!
At our Executive Committee meeting this morning, we learned from the Head of School that we have nearly 70 new families joining Kadima this year. In the year of the Great Recession, the fact that we have this many new families committed to Jewish education--and a Kadima education--is the strongest sign that our organization is truly moving forward.
I don't sugarcoat things and I can't say that I don't wish we had more students. We've got some smaller classes, but we've also got ones that are filling up. But for the first time in memory, our Admissions Team--Michelle Starkman and Karen Pery--aided by the rest of the administrative team including our business manager, Arnold Rudnick--nailed their targets. This is critical. Our operational budget is based upon a somewhat amorphous target number of students; if we come in below this number, it means that we will have even higher fundraising numbers. When we miss badly, it can create serious budgetary problems.
This year the team hit their number. This fact, and the fact that they have attracted a significant number of new students (and a huge number of new sixth graders which is truly significant) demonstrates their commitment to excellence and hard work. It shows their professionalism. The Admissions Staff is one of those jobs that gets no respect. If the numbers are down, everyone blames them. If the numbers are up, it is because of the great things that everyone does. But Karen and Michelle deserve a hearty Kol HaKovod. They really did well this year.
And so did everyone else. The administration--Bill, Yuri and Mickey--all pushed very hard to demonstrate that Kadima is on the right track. And we did it with a new adherence to process, procedure and professionalism.
In a year of upheaval, in a year of so much change, we are showing that with a new team at the helm, with new enthusiasm and new clarity of purpose, with a commitment to professionalism and best practices in everything we do, we are poised for greatness.
Kadima!
I don't sugarcoat things and I can't say that I don't wish we had more students. We've got some smaller classes, but we've also got ones that are filling up. But for the first time in memory, our Admissions Team--Michelle Starkman and Karen Pery--aided by the rest of the administrative team including our business manager, Arnold Rudnick--nailed their targets. This is critical. Our operational budget is based upon a somewhat amorphous target number of students; if we come in below this number, it means that we will have even higher fundraising numbers. When we miss badly, it can create serious budgetary problems.
This year the team hit their number. This fact, and the fact that they have attracted a significant number of new students (and a huge number of new sixth graders which is truly significant) demonstrates their commitment to excellence and hard work. It shows their professionalism. The Admissions Staff is one of those jobs that gets no respect. If the numbers are down, everyone blames them. If the numbers are up, it is because of the great things that everyone does. But Karen and Michelle deserve a hearty Kol HaKovod. They really did well this year.
And so did everyone else. The administration--Bill, Yuri and Mickey--all pushed very hard to demonstrate that Kadima is on the right track. And we did it with a new adherence to process, procedure and professionalism.
In a year of upheaval, in a year of so much change, we are showing that with a new team at the helm, with new enthusiasm and new clarity of purpose, with a commitment to professionalism and best practices in everything we do, we are poised for greatness.
Kadima!
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Hope and Glory.
There is always something special about the first day of school. While dropping of my seventh grader, yesterday, I could feel the anticipation and excitement in the air. The kids and the parents were happy and energized. The staff was running around, welcoming and organizing; it was a day filled with hope, potential, and wonder.
I walked around a bit and watched the elementary school kids do the Pledge of Allegence and sing Hatikva. The parents were lingering and everyone was saying hello to returning families and friends. The school leadership was out and about, with Bill, Yuri and Mickey greeting everyone. Pictures were being snapped by parents as they dropped off their kids and wished them well for a new school year. The PTO had a wonderful coffee reception for parents as everyone shared their excitement for the year.
There is something wonderful and special about the first day of school.
I walked around a bit and watched the elementary school kids do the Pledge of Allegence and sing Hatikva. The parents were lingering and everyone was saying hello to returning families and friends. The school leadership was out and about, with Bill, Yuri and Mickey greeting everyone. Pictures were being snapped by parents as they dropped off their kids and wished them well for a new school year. The PTO had a wonderful coffee reception for parents as everyone shared their excitement for the year.
There is something wonderful and special about the first day of school.
Monday, September 7, 2009
The School Year Begins...
Well, the summer's over. The coals on the barbecue are cooling; the picnics are wrapping up, and everyone's getting ready for the big day.
It's been quite a summer for Kadima and its Board. In the past few months, our new Head of School has started, our Board has rebooted the mission and vision for the school, we've hired a new ECC Director, a new Rabbi, and a new Director of Development. It's been quite an eventful few months.
So, on Tuesday begins Kadima's new adventure for 2009-2010. We've still got a lot of work ahead of us, and much to do.
Welcome to all of our new students and families, and welcome back to all of our returning students and families.
Go KADIMA!
It's been quite a summer for Kadima and its Board. In the past few months, our new Head of School has started, our Board has rebooted the mission and vision for the school, we've hired a new ECC Director, a new Rabbi, and a new Director of Development. It's been quite an eventful few months.
So, on Tuesday begins Kadima's new adventure for 2009-2010. We've still got a lot of work ahead of us, and much to do.
Welcome to all of our new students and families, and welcome back to all of our returning students and families.
Go KADIMA!
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
What a Day!
Last Sunday, the Board of Trustees met for about six hours. We discussed what the Board does, how it does it, and where we are now as a school. We discussed some brutal facts and how we plan to move the school forward. We heard presentations from our Head of School--who was simply excellent--and Rabbi Jay Strear, our VP of Advancement. I also spoke about process and where we are from a lay perspective.
Rabbi Strear presented five recommendations from the Executive Committee for the Board of Trustees to examine, discuss, and then approve or reject. The Board, I am happy to say, unanimously approved all five recommendations. And I am also very proud to report that the Board asked lots of questions and did not simply rubber stamp the findings and recommendations of the Executive Committee.
I want to publish the recommendations, but am having trouble inputting them into the blog. Instead, I will summarize the first three--which are the key ones--below. The last two relate two Board responsibilities.
The Big Three are as follows:
Unity
The first recommendation directs the Head of School to implement a single, consistent and unified program throughout the school, from ECC to 8th Grade. We cannot, the Board determined, have a school that offers one type of program in nursery school, one type of program in elementary school, and one type of program in middle school.
Rigor and Critical Thinking
The second recommendation directs the Head of School to implement an educational program characterized, in all respects, by academic rigor and critical thinking. This will be a Solomon Schechter program; a program that emphasizes knowledge and commitment as well as rigor and critical thinking in all areas, both secular and Jewish studies.
Accountability
The third recommendation directs the Head of School to prepare metrics to determine if the program is meeting its stated goals. We recognize that we cannot simply say that we produce academic success for our students; we have to demonstrate it through clear and unequivocal metrics.
Unity, Commitment, Rigor, Critical Thinking, and Accountability.
We now have a vision: an educational program that is rigorous and triggers critical thinking; a program that embraces community and demands commitment from all of us.
This will form the pathway to Kadima's future success.
Rabbi Strear presented five recommendations from the Executive Committee for the Board of Trustees to examine, discuss, and then approve or reject. The Board, I am happy to say, unanimously approved all five recommendations. And I am also very proud to report that the Board asked lots of questions and did not simply rubber stamp the findings and recommendations of the Executive Committee.
I want to publish the recommendations, but am having trouble inputting them into the blog. Instead, I will summarize the first three--which are the key ones--below. The last two relate two Board responsibilities.
The Big Three are as follows:
Unity
The first recommendation directs the Head of School to implement a single, consistent and unified program throughout the school, from ECC to 8th Grade. We cannot, the Board determined, have a school that offers one type of program in nursery school, one type of program in elementary school, and one type of program in middle school.
Rigor and Critical Thinking
The second recommendation directs the Head of School to implement an educational program characterized, in all respects, by academic rigor and critical thinking. This will be a Solomon Schechter program; a program that emphasizes knowledge and commitment as well as rigor and critical thinking in all areas, both secular and Jewish studies.
Accountability
The third recommendation directs the Head of School to prepare metrics to determine if the program is meeting its stated goals. We recognize that we cannot simply say that we produce academic success for our students; we have to demonstrate it through clear and unequivocal metrics.
Unity, Commitment, Rigor, Critical Thinking, and Accountability.
We now have a vision: an educational program that is rigorous and triggers critical thinking; a program that embraces community and demands commitment from all of us.
This will form the pathway to Kadima's future success.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Retreat!
On Sunday, August 30, 2009, the Board is having its annual Board retreat. I'll be blogging about it later in the week, but it should be a very interesting and worthwhile day for the Board, for Bill, and for Kadima.
After 12 hours of discussions, the Executive Committee has made five findings and recommendations for the Board to adopt that go to the heart of the type of school we want Kadima to be. We know that this year is critical to the school's success, and we want to do things right. So we've given a lot of thought to the kind of school we think needs to exist, and will be working on making Kadima that kind of place.
We've got much work ahead of us.
After 12 hours of discussions, the Executive Committee has made five findings and recommendations for the Board to adopt that go to the heart of the type of school we want Kadima to be. We know that this year is critical to the school's success, and we want to do things right. So we've given a lot of thought to the kind of school we think needs to exist, and will be working on making Kadima that kind of place.
We've got much work ahead of us.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Check out the handball courts!
If you've been around the school this summer, you might have seen the new paint job on the handball courts. They've been painted light blue and now have the Kadima logo.
There's two reasons we did this. First, it looks better, but second, and more importantly, it is important that we are all proud of our school. We all spend an awful lot of money to send our kids to the school, so it is important that we all support it, not only financially, but also with our hearts. When you see the logo on the handball courts, and likely also see several of the kids playing "two touch" on them, remember that the work we're doing at the school is sacred; it is the work of educating our future. And remember to show the same kind of caring and commitment to the school that you would your own family; once we all do this, Kadima will truly be a special place of learning and community that we all seek it to be.
There's two reasons we did this. First, it looks better, but second, and more importantly, it is important that we are all proud of our school. We all spend an awful lot of money to send our kids to the school, so it is important that we all support it, not only financially, but also with our hearts. When you see the logo on the handball courts, and likely also see several of the kids playing "two touch" on them, remember that the work we're doing at the school is sacred; it is the work of educating our future. And remember to show the same kind of caring and commitment to the school that you would your own family; once we all do this, Kadima will truly be a special place of learning and community that we all seek it to be.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Standardized Tests.
The California Department of Education this morning released the results from its annual round of standardized tests. You can see the press release here. This is a big deal for the public schools, not only for bragging rights, but if the schools fail to improve or meet certain standards, they may lose funding pursuant to provisions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
It's also a big deal because many parents and others look at test scores to determine how well their school is doing. This is highly controversial, since educators will tell you-and tell you again--that test scores are only one measure of how well a school is educating its students. It is also the easiest measure for most of us to understand. It doesn't take an educational psychologist to look at test scores and see that one school did better than another school. It is far more difficult--and may in fact, take an educational psychologist--to discern whether a school is adequately educating students without using objective metrics like test scores.
At Kadima, we don't do CST testing, but we do conduct standardized testing provided by the Educational Research Bureau, and the tests are customarily known as ERBs. The ERBs are given by independent schools nationwide, and this allows for Kadima to compare itself to a variety of other similar and dissimilar schools. It also allows the administration and staff to review our program every year. Still, the ERBs, as our principal, Yuri Hronsky says, form but one measurement of how the students are doing and more importantly, how Kadima is doing in its core mission of educating our children. It is not, however, the only measurement.
Our Middle School families recently received ERB results from this past year; our elementary school parents can receive them by contacting the school. Either way, I strongly encourage all parents to meet with the school administration to examine their students' test results. It is important that you look beyond the score--regardless of whether the score is stellar or whether it is something else--and fully understand it. And at Kadima, the administration is there for to help you through this process.
We'll be talking more about test scores, ERBs and other metrics in the weeks ahead.
It's also a big deal because many parents and others look at test scores to determine how well their school is doing. This is highly controversial, since educators will tell you-and tell you again--that test scores are only one measure of how well a school is educating its students. It is also the easiest measure for most of us to understand. It doesn't take an educational psychologist to look at test scores and see that one school did better than another school. It is far more difficult--and may in fact, take an educational psychologist--to discern whether a school is adequately educating students without using objective metrics like test scores.
At Kadima, we don't do CST testing, but we do conduct standardized testing provided by the Educational Research Bureau, and the tests are customarily known as ERBs. The ERBs are given by independent schools nationwide, and this allows for Kadima to compare itself to a variety of other similar and dissimilar schools. It also allows the administration and staff to review our program every year. Still, the ERBs, as our principal, Yuri Hronsky says, form but one measurement of how the students are doing and more importantly, how Kadima is doing in its core mission of educating our children. It is not, however, the only measurement.
Our Middle School families recently received ERB results from this past year; our elementary school parents can receive them by contacting the school. Either way, I strongly encourage all parents to meet with the school administration to examine their students' test results. It is important that you look beyond the score--regardless of whether the score is stellar or whether it is something else--and fully understand it. And at Kadima, the administration is there for to help you through this process.
We'll be talking more about test scores, ERBs and other metrics in the weeks ahead.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Rudy's Back and How to Save Some Money Buying Lunch.
By now you've received the word that Rudy Gonzales, our long time former chef of the Kadima Kitchen, is returning to the school for this coming year. Rudy worked at La Scala for decades and spent years after that working for Kadima. His unique personality and great food have been a mainstay for generations of Kadima kids. We're glad to have him back.
If you're like my son, you eat a hot lunch at school almost every day. In fact, for years, Avi would say that the one of the best things about the school was the food in the cafeteria. That and the sports program. And the teachers. And the kids. But it was Rudy's food that really got him going. It was hot, tasty and kosher. If you're also like many of us, with busy mornings, it's great having the ability to avoid packing a lunch everyday. We're lucky to have a great kitchen and a great chef for our kids.
This year, for those of you with kids like Avi who buy lunch almost every day, we have a plan whereby you can purchase a whole semester's worth of lunch for about a 13 percent discount. This means that if your child gets a hot lunch 90 percent of the time, you've paid only 87 percent the cost (i.e., you've saved 3 percent) if you purchased lunches on a bimonthly basis. If your child eats more than that, then you save even more money.
In other words, the semester plan is really a good deal if your kid, like mine, eats hot lunch almost every day at school. It's a great way to save some money, avoid the hassle of lunch calendars, and also ensure that your child has a hot, healthy, nutritious, delicious and kosher lunch every day.
Think about it.
If you're like my son, you eat a hot lunch at school almost every day. In fact, for years, Avi would say that the one of the best things about the school was the food in the cafeteria. That and the sports program. And the teachers. And the kids. But it was Rudy's food that really got him going. It was hot, tasty and kosher. If you're also like many of us, with busy mornings, it's great having the ability to avoid packing a lunch everyday. We're lucky to have a great kitchen and a great chef for our kids.
This year, for those of you with kids like Avi who buy lunch almost every day, we have a plan whereby you can purchase a whole semester's worth of lunch for about a 13 percent discount. This means that if your child gets a hot lunch 90 percent of the time, you've paid only 87 percent the cost (i.e., you've saved 3 percent) if you purchased lunches on a bimonthly basis. If your child eats more than that, then you save even more money.
In other words, the semester plan is really a good deal if your kid, like mine, eats hot lunch almost every day at school. It's a great way to save some money, avoid the hassle of lunch calendars, and also ensure that your child has a hot, healthy, nutritious, delicious and kosher lunch every day.
Think about it.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Kadimawear.
For years people have often wondered how they get something to wear with a Kadima logo on it.
Now you can with a few clicks. And the school will get 3% of the value of every purchase.
If you click here you will go to the Land's End site. Once there, then click on the "school uniforms" tab (you need select the size you want). That will take you to the school uniform site, and smack in the middle there is a "cloud" in the picture that says, "Look up your preferred school." Click on the cloud and then search for Kadima. Once you've found Kadima, you can buy anything in the school uniforms tab and add a Kadima logo to it.
NO, we don't have uniforms. But you can order polo shirts, backpacks, jackets, and other things and have the Kadima logo embroidered on to it.
So show your support of Kadima and start wearing your Kadimawear!
Now you can with a few clicks. And the school will get 3% of the value of every purchase.
If you click here you will go to the Land's End site. Once there, then click on the "school uniforms" tab (you need select the size you want). That will take you to the school uniform site, and smack in the middle there is a "cloud" in the picture that says, "Look up your preferred school." Click on the cloud and then search for Kadima. Once you've found Kadima, you can buy anything in the school uniforms tab and add a Kadima logo to it.
NO, we don't have uniforms. But you can order polo shirts, backpacks, jackets, and other things and have the Kadima logo embroidered on to it.
So show your support of Kadima and start wearing your Kadimawear!
Friday, August 7, 2009
Randi Riddle: New ECC Director
We've got some exciting news: Randi Riddle has joined the administration as Kadima's new Early Childhood Center Director.
This is really tremendous and a great opportunity for Randi and for Kadima. I know Randi from my years on the Executive Committee at Temple Aliyah, where Randi served for decades in various capacities in the Temple Aliyah ECE program. For approximately 7 years, until about two years ago, Randi was the Director of the wildly successful program at Temple Aliyah.
This really represents a new beginning for our pre-school program. Randi will bring direction, vision, and a successful track record. She will create a program that connects with the rest of the school's program and provides an excellent entry point for small children and their families beginning their journey of excellence, critical thinking, community and meaningful participation in Jewish life that are the hallmarks of a Kadima education.
It's very big news.
This is really tremendous and a great opportunity for Randi and for Kadima. I know Randi from my years on the Executive Committee at Temple Aliyah, where Randi served for decades in various capacities in the Temple Aliyah ECE program. For approximately 7 years, until about two years ago, Randi was the Director of the wildly successful program at Temple Aliyah.
This really represents a new beginning for our pre-school program. Randi will bring direction, vision, and a successful track record. She will create a program that connects with the rest of the school's program and provides an excellent entry point for small children and their families beginning their journey of excellence, critical thinking, community and meaningful participation in Jewish life that are the hallmarks of a Kadima education.
It's very big news.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wrestling.
The past two weeks have been busy with day job. But we've still been busy. There's just been less time to blog.
Last night, the School's Executive Committee had its summer meeting. We had a lot to discuss. Four and a half hours of things to discuss. And we got a lot accomplished, most of which is very exciting, including discussing new personnel. There's lots going on Kadima this year, and every week it seems as though there is something new and exciting happening. Last night was no exception.
People often wonder happens at these meetings. I do, too, sometimes. Last night, we met and discussed the new pre-school director, dealt with budgetary and financial issues, got an update on our by law revision, examined some changes to the lunch program, discussed the hiring of the new school rabbi, and then spent a great deal of time discussing our upcoming retreat and most significantly, this thorny issue of school philosophy and vision.
Philosophy and vision, as I've already written about, is hard stuff. Once you get past the generalities and banalities of "excellence" and "life long learners"--both of which are important but hardly represent novel thinking for a school--it gets harder to really articulate who you are as a school and what you want to be. When you add cultural and philosophical differences, the conversation gets really interesting.
But it is tough stuff. And we're wrestling with it. Trying to define something beyond generalities is a bit like nailing jello to the wall, but our wrestling is good and will make us stronger. Wrestling, after all, is how Jacob became Israel.
Tomorrow night our summer work continues as Bill Cohen and I will be meeting with the co-presidents of the PTO.
Last night, the School's Executive Committee had its summer meeting. We had a lot to discuss. Four and a half hours of things to discuss. And we got a lot accomplished, most of which is very exciting, including discussing new personnel. There's lots going on Kadima this year, and every week it seems as though there is something new and exciting happening. Last night was no exception.
People often wonder happens at these meetings. I do, too, sometimes. Last night, we met and discussed the new pre-school director, dealt with budgetary and financial issues, got an update on our by law revision, examined some changes to the lunch program, discussed the hiring of the new school rabbi, and then spent a great deal of time discussing our upcoming retreat and most significantly, this thorny issue of school philosophy and vision.
Philosophy and vision, as I've already written about, is hard stuff. Once you get past the generalities and banalities of "excellence" and "life long learners"--both of which are important but hardly represent novel thinking for a school--it gets harder to really articulate who you are as a school and what you want to be. When you add cultural and philosophical differences, the conversation gets really interesting.
But it is tough stuff. And we're wrestling with it. Trying to define something beyond generalities is a bit like nailing jello to the wall, but our wrestling is good and will make us stronger. Wrestling, after all, is how Jacob became Israel.
Tomorrow night our summer work continues as Bill Cohen and I will be meeting with the co-presidents of the PTO.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Vickie.
For nearly a decade, Kadima has run smoothly primarily because of the efforts of our office manager, Vickie Barocas. Vickie is the most efficient person I have ever met. She is organized, knowledgeable, and supremely talented. Yet, she is purely a "back of the house" person. Few parents or members of our community know what she does or how good at it she is.
Most importantly, Vickie is one of the nicest people on the planet. She not only manages Kadima efficiently, she does it nicely, professionally, and with care. She always wants to help everyone else.
Now she needs our help. Last week, Vickie became seriously ill.
Please keep her in your prayers. Her Hebrew name is Chaya bat Kallah.
Most importantly, Vickie is one of the nicest people on the planet. She not only manages Kadima efficiently, she does it nicely, professionally, and with care. She always wants to help everyone else.
Now she needs our help. Last week, Vickie became seriously ill.
Please keep her in your prayers. Her Hebrew name is Chaya bat Kallah.
Schechter, again.
The Executive Committee, plus Rabbi Camras (a member of our Board), had a great meeting last week to discuss school philosophy and the issue of being a Solomon Schechter School. Kadima, after all, is a Solomon Schechter School. We've talked before about what this means; two articulations of the Schechter difference are here and here.
Kadima Heschel West Middle School was not a Schechter School. But since the middle school is now part of Kadima again, we're examining the Schechter issue. We recognize that we can't have a middle school and an elementary school with different philosophies.
It was a great discussion. We wrestled with cultural differences, the meaning of Conservative Judaism, and all sorts of issues. The Executive Committee is meeting this week to continue to the discussion so we can present it to the Board in late August at our Board retreat.
Kadima Heschel West Middle School was not a Schechter School. But since the middle school is now part of Kadima again, we're examining the Schechter issue. We recognize that we can't have a middle school and an elementary school with different philosophies.
It was a great discussion. We wrestled with cultural differences, the meaning of Conservative Judaism, and all sorts of issues. The Executive Committee is meeting this week to continue to the discussion so we can present it to the Board in late August at our Board retreat.
Monday, July 20, 2009
YU Study Says Day School Boards Could Do Better.
A recent study by Yeshiva University, entitled Survey of the Governance Practices of Jewish Day Schools argues that Day School Boards could do better in financial planning and fundraising. The study is based upon survey data from Day School presidents.
You can read more about the study here, here, and here.
It raises some interesting questions about Boards, Board members, and how schools function. I'll be commenting about the study's findings in the near future.
You can read more about the study here, here, and here.
It raises some interesting questions about Boards, Board members, and how schools function. I'll be commenting about the study's findings in the near future.
What Do Trustees Do?
Now that we know what the Board does as a whole, here are some thoughts about what Board Trustees do--again from the Schechter Association and NAIS.
The following principles of good practice are set forth to provide a common perspective on the individual responsibilities of members of the Board of Trustees.
The following principles of good practice are set forth to provide a common perspective on the individual responsibilities of members of the Board of Trustees.
- A trustee helps define and actively supports and promotes the school’s mission both in the school and in the broader community.
- A trustee holds the institution in trust and preserves its institutional integrity as a Jewish Day School. A trustee acts with the realization that the school is held in trust for future generations of Jews.
- A trustee is knowledgeable about the school’s mission and goals as well as current operations and issues.
- A trustee attends meetings regularly, is well prepared and participates fully in all matters.
- A trustee acts so as to preserve the schools institutional integrity as a Jewish Day School affiliated with the Conservative Movement.
- An individual trustee does not become involved in specific management, personnel or curricular issues.
- Once a vote is taken, a trustee accepts and publicly supports board decisions and always respects board confidentiality.
- A trustee guards against conflict of interest, whether business related to personal.
- A trustee takes care to separate the interests of the school from the specific needs of a particular child or constituency.
- A trustee will actively participate in committees of the board.
- A trustee has the responsibility to support the school and its Head and to demonstrate that support within the community.
- Trustees are expected to show their support for the school by attending major school functions.
- A trustee who learns of an issue has the obligation to bring it to the Head of School, or to the board President, and must not deal with the situation individually.
- A trustee contributes to the development program of the school, including financial support and active involvement in major fundraising activities.
- Each trustee, as well as the treasurer and the finance committee, has the fiduciary responsibility to the school for sound financial management.
- A trustee works to strengthen the school’s relationship to the local Jewish community, through active participation in synagogue, Federation or other Jewish communal organizations.
What Do Boards Do?
Before I started serving on the Board, I often wondered what exactly occurred in those meetings and what the Board actually did to run the school. Here's one view, from the Solomon Schechter Day School Association:
The board is the guardian of the school’s mission. It is the responsibility of the board to ensure that the mission is appropriate, relevant and vital to our school community. The board monitors the success of the school in fulfilling its mission and by establishing policies reflective of the mission. The following principles lay forth the responsibilities of the board. The board and the head work in partnership in fulfilling these principles.
- Authority and fiduciary responsibility is vested in the board as a whole.
- The board defines a clear statement of the school’s mission.
- The board reviews the mission on a regular basis.
- The Board relates to faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community according to the ethical standards of Judaism. It seeks out Jewish knowledge to inform its practice.
- The Board is guided by the realization that it holds the school in trust for future generations of Jews and that a fundamental purpose of the school is the Jewish education of parents, children and staff.
- The Board in its policy making and practices reflects the fact that the school operates within the parameters set forth by Jewish law (halakhah) as interpreted by the Conservative Movement, Conservative Jewish practice, and the Rabbi or Rabbis chosen by the school as its rabbinic advisor(s),i.e., mara(marei) d’atra.
- The board reviews and maintains by-laws, and establishes policies and practices consistent with the mission on recommendation of the head and pertinent committees.
- The board is accountable for the financial well-being of the school, including capital assets, operating budgets, fundraising and endowments.
- The board provides and secures financial support necessary to ensure the continued strength and viability of the school.
- The board and administration are partners in the well being of the school. While the focus of the board’s energy is on policy and the administration implements policy, in a healthy, creative partnership, the Board and administration share ideas in appropriate ways with each other and together deliberate about the future directions of the school.
- The board selects, supports and nurtures the head.
- A committee of the board conducts a written annual evaluation of the performance of the head and works with the head to establish goals for the following year.
- The board evaluates itself annually and establishes goals for the following year.
- The board establishes a strategic plan for the school.
- The board works to ensure all its members are actively involved in the work of the board and its committees.
- The composition of the board reflects a balance of expertise and perspectives needed to achieve the mission of the school.
- The board is actively involved in its own education and in ongoing leadership development.
- The board keeps full and accurate records of its meetings, committees and policies.
- The board assures compliance with applicable laws and regulations and minimizes exposure to legal action.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
The Stockdale Paradox.
As any conscientious newly elected president would, I've been reading a variety of material on organizational leadership. In particular, on my long commute to my day job, I've been listening to Jim Collins' Good to Great. (The Los Angeles Public Library is the mother lode when it comes to books on tape, and they make it easy to find and get the books or tapes you want. And my office is accross the street from the Central Library, so getting access to knowledge is easy). My wife Laura-Beth, who used to be a Senior Vice President of Consumer Marketing at a major financial institution, has spoken about the book, as has Rabbi Camras, one of our Board members.
It's an interesting book, although like many "advice" or "how to" books, much of the time is spent justifying why you should listen to the advice given in the book, instead of just providing the advice. So some of the book is ballast. In any event, much of the book is self-evident (or was to my wife, who said that many of the recommendations were obvious to her based upon her nearly two decades in the corporate world), and the book, written in 2001, now is a bit suspect. Several of the "great companies" no longer exist. In particular, Collins mentions Circuit City and FannieMae, both of whom, well, are no longer great, and in the case of Circuit City, are no longer anything at all.
But during this morning's commute Collins spoke about the Stockdate Paradox, named for James Stockdale, a navy admiral who was held prisoner in Vietnam for eight years. Those of you who followed my old blog will recall that I linked footage of Stockdale's less than impressive turn as Ross Perot's Vice Presidential candidate. Stockdale told Collins that the ones that did not survive in the Hanoi prison camp were the optimists; the ones that believed that they would be released in a matter of months when it was clear that they would not be. Conversely, the ones that survived were the ones that believed that they would survive, but also did not ignore that the struggle would be horrific and thus tried to deal with the facts on the ground. This is, Collins says, the Stockdale Paradox. It is the idea that in addition to having faith in the ultimate ability of the organization to prevail and thrive, the organization and its leaders must possess the discipline to confront the "brutal facts." Hence the paradox: on the one hand, you have to believe that you will succeed; on the other hand, you can't ignore the brutal facts before you.
This resonated with me as I thought about Kadima. We have a great school. We have a great purpose and a great vision (more on that, later). We've got a great new HOS and and we've got a good program, and we are working to make it the best. But we can't ignore our challenges. And we won't. Collins makes clear that an organization can only become great if it both has faith in the merits of its underlying vision and purpose, and the intestinal fortitude to look at the facts realistically and honestly.
When I think of our Board, I know that we will be spending time this year examing and aligning the school's purpose, and being honest with ourselves and our constituencies about what we need to improve. And how we must all work to improve the school. While the Board are the fiduciaries and leaders of the school, Kadima cannot succeed without the help and commitment of everyone at the school.
It's an interesting book, although like many "advice" or "how to" books, much of the time is spent justifying why you should listen to the advice given in the book, instead of just providing the advice. So some of the book is ballast. In any event, much of the book is self-evident (or was to my wife, who said that many of the recommendations were obvious to her based upon her nearly two decades in the corporate world), and the book, written in 2001, now is a bit suspect. Several of the "great companies" no longer exist. In particular, Collins mentions Circuit City and FannieMae, both of whom, well, are no longer great, and in the case of Circuit City, are no longer anything at all.
But during this morning's commute Collins spoke about the Stockdate Paradox, named for James Stockdale, a navy admiral who was held prisoner in Vietnam for eight years. Those of you who followed my old blog will recall that I linked footage of Stockdale's less than impressive turn as Ross Perot's Vice Presidential candidate. Stockdale told Collins that the ones that did not survive in the Hanoi prison camp were the optimists; the ones that believed that they would be released in a matter of months when it was clear that they would not be. Conversely, the ones that survived were the ones that believed that they would survive, but also did not ignore that the struggle would be horrific and thus tried to deal with the facts on the ground. This is, Collins says, the Stockdale Paradox. It is the idea that in addition to having faith in the ultimate ability of the organization to prevail and thrive, the organization and its leaders must possess the discipline to confront the "brutal facts." Hence the paradox: on the one hand, you have to believe that you will succeed; on the other hand, you can't ignore the brutal facts before you.
This resonated with me as I thought about Kadima. We have a great school. We have a great purpose and a great vision (more on that, later). We've got a great new HOS and and we've got a good program, and we are working to make it the best. But we can't ignore our challenges. And we won't. Collins makes clear that an organization can only become great if it both has faith in the merits of its underlying vision and purpose, and the intestinal fortitude to look at the facts realistically and honestly.
When I think of our Board, I know that we will be spending time this year examing and aligning the school's purpose, and being honest with ourselves and our constituencies about what we need to improve. And how we must all work to improve the school. While the Board are the fiduciaries and leaders of the school, Kadima cannot succeed without the help and commitment of everyone at the school.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Committees and Structure.
Sorry about the dearth of posting. I know that silence is a good way to kill a blog, but it is summertime, and the livin's easy...
But we haven't been sitting in the sun having an umbrella drink. Rather, over the last two weeks, I, along with Bill Cohen, have had the chance to meet with several of our Vice Presidents as we all plan for 2009-2010. It is terrific to be part of a committed and competent leadership team. Each of these individuals is dedicated to promoting Kadima's welfare, and working to improve the performance of their various portfolios. We've got a great team, and we're working hard to meet a variety of important goals for the school.
But we haven't been sitting in the sun having an umbrella drink. Rather, over the last two weeks, I, along with Bill Cohen, have had the chance to meet with several of our Vice Presidents as we all plan for 2009-2010. It is terrific to be part of a committed and competent leadership team. Each of these individuals is dedicated to promoting Kadima's welfare, and working to improve the performance of their various portfolios. We've got a great team, and we're working hard to meet a variety of important goals for the school.
One of our priorities is to formalize and improve our committee structure. We want to make sure that we have some active committees. Many of these committees relate to fundraising (unfortunately, that's a painful reality for Kadima and every other school--we need to raise funds), but others involve publicity, volunteer organizing, and building and grounds.
I'll be writing about the committees in the coming days, but the idea behind having strong committees is not only to get work done, but also to be an entry point for people to become involved in the school. People who serve on committees not only assist the school, but also develop their own leadership skills and may move up to Board and Executive Committee positions.
Kadima only works if everyone recognizes that they have an obligation to play an active role in building Kadima's success.
I'll be writing about the committees in the coming days, but the idea behind having strong committees is not only to get work done, but also to be an entry point for people to become involved in the school. People who serve on committees not only assist the school, but also develop their own leadership skills and may move up to Board and Executive Committee positions.
Kadima only works if everyone recognizes that they have an obligation to play an active role in building Kadima's success.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Good Citizenship.
One of the things you likely will hear me discussing this year many times is the importance of good citizenship to the success of our school. Good citizenship means bolstering our school--your school really--by supporting the administration and staff, following our rules, and recognizing that you have to commit yourself--beyond the already arduous commitment of paying tuition-- to the institution.
Kadima needs good citizens so it can grow, flourish and succeed. The best schools are those in which parents, students, faculty and staff all believe in the institution, support it, and embrace the school's values and program.
And this is not just me talking. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell discusses, among other things, how certain little steps can create larger social transformations. This certainly can be the case at Kadima. When people see others not caring about the institution--whether this lack of respect manifests itself in violating our parking rules or failing to clean up after themselves during spring fling--the message is stark: people do not care about the institution. And if people don't care about the school, that message will get out, and people will see little reason to keep sending their children to school.
That's why little things matter. It's important to follow Kadima's rules and not seek "special deals." It is important to meet financial deadlines and to follow our rules against double parking. It is important to support our administration and staff and teachers. By embracing the Kadima community instead of focusing our individual ways of avoiding the rules or seeking special deals for ourselves, we foster a commitment and respect to the Kadima community, which in turn creates enthusiasm and joy for our program, and the sense that we are all working together for a greater purpose, which is the creation of an excellent Jewish Day School educational program.
Once we've got a committed, devoted, and enthusiastic community, the word will get out, and and more and more people will come to our school. And that will only lead to greater success for the entire Kadima community.
Kadima needs good citizens so it can grow, flourish and succeed. The best schools are those in which parents, students, faculty and staff all believe in the institution, support it, and embrace the school's values and program.
And this is not just me talking. In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell discusses, among other things, how certain little steps can create larger social transformations. This certainly can be the case at Kadima. When people see others not caring about the institution--whether this lack of respect manifests itself in violating our parking rules or failing to clean up after themselves during spring fling--the message is stark: people do not care about the institution. And if people don't care about the school, that message will get out, and people will see little reason to keep sending their children to school.
That's why little things matter. It's important to follow Kadima's rules and not seek "special deals." It is important to meet financial deadlines and to follow our rules against double parking. It is important to support our administration and staff and teachers. By embracing the Kadima community instead of focusing our individual ways of avoiding the rules or seeking special deals for ourselves, we foster a commitment and respect to the Kadima community, which in turn creates enthusiasm and joy for our program, and the sense that we are all working together for a greater purpose, which is the creation of an excellent Jewish Day School educational program.
Once we've got a committed, devoted, and enthusiastic community, the word will get out, and and more and more people will come to our school. And that will only lead to greater success for the entire Kadima community.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Conservative Judaism and The Educational Process.
Kadima's elementary school is a Solomon Schechter School. This means that the elementary school is, at least formally, associated with Conservative Judaism. The relationship between the school and Conservative Judaism is often confusing and ill-understood, and unpacking and exploring this issue will be one of the first jobs of the new Board.
One of the inherent difficulties is that many people--through no fault of their own--have a limited understanding of Conservative Judaism itself. Thus, if you don't know principles of Conservative Judaism, it is hard to have an understanding of how being a Conservative elementary school can impact the educational process.
I recently read an interesting article by Rabbi Carol Levithan in CJ, the national magazine of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the national group of Conservative synagogues. Writing why she is a Conservative Jew, Rabbi Levithan, states:
"It was the intellectual integrity of the Conservative movement, rooted in Wissenschaft des Judentums (the scientific approach to the study of Judaism), that drew me in. It is a movement courageous enough to acknowledge a scholarship that questions the historical truth of the Exodus of Egypt, for example, while insisting that yitziat Mitzrayim--liberation from bondage-- occupies the higher plane of human aspiration where all are equal. . . .It is a movement of intellectual and ethical rigor that accepts change not for its own sake but for the sake of realizing more fully the transcendent values of our sacred biblical constitution" (emphasis added).
It doesn't take a leap of logic to see how such a philosophy might impact an educational program. If the religious philosophy requires intellectual and ethical rigor, then a school that adheres to this religious philosophy must teach the rigorous and critical thinking skills inherent in a modern liberal arts education. The School must teach science, history, art, literature, math, music, technology and everything else we normally associate with the "secular" side of things because our students need these tools to understand and fullfil their own religious responsibilities to effectively, responsibly and enthusiastically live their Jewish lives. In other words, the school must excel on the secular side because these skills are required for our students to be able to engage in a rigorous Jewish studies program.
The two sides of the program--secular and Jewish--are complementary and must be integrated at every level.
Or so goes the Schechter theory. This is, of course, a much larger discussion, and one that will cut to the core of who Kadima is. And one that the Board hopes to tackle this year.
One of the inherent difficulties is that many people--through no fault of their own--have a limited understanding of Conservative Judaism itself. Thus, if you don't know principles of Conservative Judaism, it is hard to have an understanding of how being a Conservative elementary school can impact the educational process.
I recently read an interesting article by Rabbi Carol Levithan in CJ, the national magazine of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, the national group of Conservative synagogues. Writing why she is a Conservative Jew, Rabbi Levithan, states:
"It was the intellectual integrity of the Conservative movement, rooted in Wissenschaft des Judentums (the scientific approach to the study of Judaism), that drew me in. It is a movement courageous enough to acknowledge a scholarship that questions the historical truth of the Exodus of Egypt, for example, while insisting that yitziat Mitzrayim--liberation from bondage-- occupies the higher plane of human aspiration where all are equal. . . .It is a movement of intellectual and ethical rigor that accepts change not for its own sake but for the sake of realizing more fully the transcendent values of our sacred biblical constitution" (emphasis added).
It doesn't take a leap of logic to see how such a philosophy might impact an educational program. If the religious philosophy requires intellectual and ethical rigor, then a school that adheres to this religious philosophy must teach the rigorous and critical thinking skills inherent in a modern liberal arts education. The School must teach science, history, art, literature, math, music, technology and everything else we normally associate with the "secular" side of things because our students need these tools to understand and fullfil their own religious responsibilities to effectively, responsibly and enthusiastically live their Jewish lives. In other words, the school must excel on the secular side because these skills are required for our students to be able to engage in a rigorous Jewish studies program.
The two sides of the program--secular and Jewish--are complementary and must be integrated at every level.
Or so goes the Schechter theory. This is, of course, a much larger discussion, and one that will cut to the core of who Kadima is. And one that the Board hopes to tackle this year.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Kadima's Mission Statement.
Kadima has a Mission Statement. It was developed about 7 years ago. Here it is:
Kadima Hebrew Academy is dedicated to educating children of diverse backgrounds through a comprehensive Judaic and General Studies curriculum. As a Solomon Schechter school, Kadima is guided by the philosophy and practices of Conservative Judaism that encourages critical thinking and views history as a dynamic process. The curriculum links students to a cumulative tradition that values reading perceptively, reflecting thoughtfully, a fluent command of English and Hebrew language, text literacy and familiarity with the history and traditions of Jews and America. Students are provided with tools and a passion for lifelong learning. By connecting children, families and community, Kadima nurtures compassionate, moral and socially responsible individuals.
Over the next several months, the Board is going to be examining this Mission, unpacking it, and deciding precisely what it means, whether it requires revision, and how we should implement it at the school. One of my primary goals as President is to ensure that the Board and our entire school community understand and embrace the school's Mission, so we can, together with the administration, ensure we are implementing it in the school's classrooms, hallways, lunch tables, and playing fields.
Once we've done this; once we've seen its benefits, we will be better able to share and promote it to the larger community.
Kadima Hebrew Academy is dedicated to educating children of diverse backgrounds through a comprehensive Judaic and General Studies curriculum. As a Solomon Schechter school, Kadima is guided by the philosophy and practices of Conservative Judaism that encourages critical thinking and views history as a dynamic process. The curriculum links students to a cumulative tradition that values reading perceptively, reflecting thoughtfully, a fluent command of English and Hebrew language, text literacy and familiarity with the history and traditions of Jews and America. Students are provided with tools and a passion for lifelong learning. By connecting children, families and community, Kadima nurtures compassionate, moral and socially responsible individuals.
Over the next several months, the Board is going to be examining this Mission, unpacking it, and deciding precisely what it means, whether it requires revision, and how we should implement it at the school. One of my primary goals as President is to ensure that the Board and our entire school community understand and embrace the school's Mission, so we can, together with the administration, ensure we are implementing it in the school's classrooms, hallways, lunch tables, and playing fields.
Once we've done this; once we've seen its benefits, we will be better able to share and promote it to the larger community.
Bill Cohen, Head of School.
Bill Cohen officially starts as Kadima's new Head of School on June 29, 2009. But he's already been on the ground at Kadima for nearly two months. During this time he's been observing the school in action and getting to know our community. By volunteering his time--when he clearly did not have to--and learning about the school before he started, Bill dramatically reduced the time needed to transition into Kadima's next leader. He's been able to learn how Kadima works and see the school--warts and all--in action. Bill recognized that if he hadn't done this, he would not have been able to see the school operating until September. Now he has a head start to plan for next year based upon what he saw during the last few months.
Bill has already begun to impact the school. He's been involved in hiring of new personnel and new positions (as opposed to the rehiring of existing personnel and existing personnel, which was handled by the existing administration). He's made suggestions and comments that come from his fresh perspective as someone who has not been intimately involved in the Kadima community.
And it's clear that Bill's just starting. But we're all very excited to have him at Kadima's helm. He'll be at the school all summer (starting next week). The school is open during the summer, so if you have a moment, be sure to stop by and welcome him to our community.
Bill has already begun to impact the school. He's been involved in hiring of new personnel and new positions (as opposed to the rehiring of existing personnel and existing personnel, which was handled by the existing administration). He's made suggestions and comments that come from his fresh perspective as someone who has not been intimately involved in the Kadima community.
And it's clear that Bill's just starting. But we're all very excited to have him at Kadima's helm. He'll be at the school all summer (starting next week). The school is open during the summer, so if you have a moment, be sure to stop by and welcome him to our community.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Kadima's 2009-2010 Board of Trustees
On June 18, Kadima elected its new Board of Trustees for 2009-2010. I am honored to lead an extremely talented group of committed leaders. They are:
Jack Sholkoff, President
Mark Teitelbaum, Executive Vice President
Brett Grauman, Finance Vice President
Rabbi Jay Strear, Advancement Vice President
Pam Teitelbaum, Board Development Vice President
Meir Ben David, Building and Grounds Vice President
Rich Abronson, Secretary
Shawn Evenhaim, Immediate Past President
Trustees
Adrian Goldstein
Bronwyn Spencer
Richard Spencer
Effi Oren
David Leon
Elinor Glycher
Gary Raikin
Gila Milstein
Hagay Mizrahi
Isaac Oren
Katie Krause
Mike Resnick
Natalie Spiewak
Rabbi Richard Camras
Scott Dreben
Sholeh Assil
Jack Sholkoff, President
Mark Teitelbaum, Executive Vice President
Brett Grauman, Finance Vice President
Rabbi Jay Strear, Advancement Vice President
Pam Teitelbaum, Board Development Vice President
Meir Ben David, Building and Grounds Vice President
Rich Abronson, Secretary
Shawn Evenhaim, Immediate Past President
Trustees
Adrian Goldstein
Bronwyn Spencer
Richard Spencer
Effi Oren
David Leon
Elinor Glycher
Gary Raikin
Gila Milstein
Hagay Mizrahi
Isaac Oren
Katie Krause
Mike Resnick
Natalie Spiewak
Rabbi Richard Camras
Scott Dreben
Sholeh Assil
It Begins...
I am honored to have been elected as Kadima's Board President.
I intend to use this space as a place where we can communicate about Kadima, Board discussions, policy issues, Jewish Day School education, and perhaps various off topics that I might raise from time to time.
As some of you know, my wife Laura-Beth has been recently ill, but is recovering at home. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and caring from the Kadima community toward my family. Our family is grateful to this community, which understands the meaning of community, and importance of taking care of each other.
There will be much more later.
I intend to use this space as a place where we can communicate about Kadima, Board discussions, policy issues, Jewish Day School education, and perhaps various off topics that I might raise from time to time.
As some of you know, my wife Laura-Beth has been recently ill, but is recovering at home. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and caring from the Kadima community toward my family. Our family is grateful to this community, which understands the meaning of community, and importance of taking care of each other.
There will be much more later.
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