Big News.

Last week, Bill Cohen, our Head of School, made two big announcements:

1. We've hired our new General Studies Principal, Kristi Combs. Ms. Combs hails from Tucson, Arizona, and will be moving, along with her husband and two children, to California during the summer. In announcing Kristi's hiring, Bill said:

Kristi is a master educator who has spent many years leading teams of General
Studies teachers in such areas as: Differentiated instruction, Understanding by Design, and cooperative learning. For three years, she served as the Director of Professional Development at a private school in Arizona, and she has a Master of Education in Curriculum Design and Instruction and a Bachelors of Science degree. Most importantly, Kristi is warm, engaging, and has been described as a "star" by those who have worked with her over the past decade.

In the brief time I met Kristi, she struck me as someone with tremendous energy who really understands pedagogy. She recognizes the importance of consistency, accountability and success in education, and will have a hugely beneficial impact to our school.

2. We've also hired our new Judaic Studies Principal, Michal Rozenberg-Yalovsky. In announcing Michal's appoint, Bill said:

Our new Hebrew and Judaic Studies Principal will be Michal
Rozenberg-Yalovsky. Michal grew up in Israel, and moved to Los
Angeles about a decade ago. For the last seven years, Michal has
served as Principal and Program Director at Congregation Or Ami in
Calabasas. During her tenure, Michal created a dynamic Hebrew and
Judaic Studies program which more than doubled in size. In addition,
Michal served as the program Director at Hadassim Junior High School
before moving to the US. Michal has received her Masters Degree in
Education from the American Jewish University, and she also earned a
Master of Arts in Cognitive Psychology from Tel Aviv University.
Michal loves technology, and looks forward to integrating Technology
into our Hebrew and Judaic Studies program. Michal, her husband, and
two children, recently moved to a new home in West Hills.

I'd add that Michal, who was raised in a secular Israeli family, but rediscovered Jewish life in America, possesses the skills to build upon Kadima's already excellent Judaic Studies program and maintain its strong connection to Israel. She is a great fit for our school and its program.

Both Michal and Kristi are tremendous additions to Kadima and we look forward to having them join our team this summer.