The School Year Begins...

This past summer, the livin' was not easy. I was extremely busy with my day job, and so I wasn't able to opine or pontificate as much as usual on Kadima, day school education and other matters. So there was little time to write blog entries.

Tomorrow is the first day of school, and like the first day of Spring, it is on the first day of school that hope springs eternal. The shoes are new, the papers blank, and the clothes unruffled. Everyone still has the potential for straight As and to become the starting quarterback. For everyone, it is the time when we all start anew, and commit ourselves to a year of learning, friendship, community and growth.

It's the same for Board members. Yesterday, the Board of Trustees had its retreat, and unlike a year ago, where the theme was "Ch-changes..." the theme this year was "Forward to Greatness." We discussed how over the past year--a year of change, of upheaval, and of renewed commitment--we had firmly and unequivocally established a foundation for Kadima's continued excellence into the future. We heard remarkable presentations from Bill Cohen, Kristi Combs and Michal Yalovsky about their plans for the year, and everyone was just agog with excitement.

Ms. Combs, our General Studies Principal, detailed her plan for ensuring excellence in our secular educational program. Ms. Combs described how we will be monitoring our program so we know that our program is working and that our kids are achieving the best they can achieve. Ms. Combs made clear that for her, educational excellence is a continuing process. We will not rely upon our reputation or our perceived strengths; we will consistently review our ourselves and our efforts so we know that our program is outstanding and so we can prove it to our community. Ms. Combs recognized that this is hard work; but if we want to continue to ensure that Kadima's educational product maintains its value, we must remain vigilant.

Ms. Yalovsky was similarly impressive. She made clear that Judaic Studies is not the frosting on the educational cake at Kadima; it is part of the cake itself. Ms. Yalovsky pointed stated that our Judaic Studies program will remain professional in all respects; as a result, our kids will not only enjoy living Jewish lives; they will become learned Jews. Moreover, Ms. Yalovsky pointed out that Kadima will be refining and improving its curriculum so that the Judaic Studies portion of the program continues to be as equally meaningful, rigorous, and vibrant as the General Studies curriculum.

Finally, Bill indicated that he continues to move Kadima's master plan forward, and we continue our forty year journey of excellence in Jewish and General Studies education. His effort leading our community over the last year has been extraordinary.

This is going to be an amazing school year for Kadima and our community.

Be part of it.