SJCS

Congratulations to our Director of Jewish Learning and Life, Ray Opatowsky! We're excited to share that Ray has earned their Certificate in Israel Education from IsraelLINK! This achievement comes after completing an enriching series of online learning courses, followed by a culminating conference in Los Angeles in partnership with StandWithUs. During the conference, Ray had the incredible opportunity to hear from leaders in the field of education, deepen their knowledge of the IsraelLink curriculum, and connect with educators from all over the United States as part of their cohort. This experience will undoubtedly enhance the vibrant learning environment Ray fosters here, and we can't wait to see how this knowledge will enrich our community's connection to Israel. Mazal Tov, Ray, on this amazing accomplishment!

Our Head of School, David Zimand, serves on the Board of the WASHINGTON FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (WFIS), representing Jewish schools throughout the state. Each year, the WFIS Board spends two days in Olympia, discussing together bills before the State Legislature that could impact independent schools and then meeting with State Legislators to advocate for the interests of our schools, families, and students. We are proud to be a part of this important work. [David (right) is pictured here with Suzie Hanson, ED of WFIS; Aimee Allen, WFIS Board Chair and HoS of Harbor Montessori School; and Ray Wilson, WFIS Board member and HoS of The Northwest School.]

Recently, David Zimand, our head of school, joined our 5th grade Gfanim/????? (“Vines”) class for show and tell, sharing a piece of artwork from Israel that hangs in his office. It features a quote from Janusz Korczak, a heroic (if also tragic) figure during the years of the Nazi Holocaust and also a distinguished pedagogue whose visionary thoughts on teaching influence our educational philosophy at SJCS decades later. During their joint learning, David and the Gfanim students discussed how schools thrive and the invaluable role generous supporters play in helping SJCS be the best SJCS it can be. Ours is a school that invites children into consideration of communal matters, that invites children to dream. And dream they do! Their vision for a vibrant SJCS included waterslides instead of stairs and fireworks at birthday celebrations. As always, we cherish their inquiring minds and kind-spirited suggestions. Your support of SJCS allows us to dream big along with our community, and plant the seeds of hope for a strong SJCS future. If you have not yet made your gift, please visit https://sjcs.net/hope to donate. All new or increased gifts will be matched 1:1, up to $25,000, though December 31. Thank you for your generosity!

Exciting news: SJCS is now EnviroStars-certified! ?? This prestigious designation highlights our commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. Over the past year, our students, staff, and community have worked tirelessly to incorporate eco-friendly initiatives into our daily routines. From reducing waste and conserving energy to promoting recycling and using sustainable materials, every effort has been geared towards making our school a greener place. This achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone at SJCS! A huge thank you to our students, faculty, parents, and community partners for their support and involvement. Together, we’re not just making a difference in our school, but also contributing to a healthier planet for future generations. Let’s continue to work together to build on this success and strive for even greater environmental sustainability. Here’s to a greener future! #Sustainability #GreenSchool #EnvironmentalStewardship

We are excited to announce that Debbie Clement, our technology integrationist and general studies teacher, has become an Apple Certified Trainer! Her dedication to integrating technology into our curriculum enhances the learning experience for all of our students. Debbie is passionate about using innovative tools to inspire creativity and critical thinking in the classroom. Here’s what she has to say about this exciting achievement: "Becoming an Apple Teacher helped me to learn more about how to use and integrate iPads more creatively in the classroom. The training will also help me support other staff in learning about and integrating specific Apple technology into everyday lessons, focusing on giving students more creativity and designing more personal learning experiences. Using iPads in a purposeful way can help students activate prior knowledge, explore topics more deeply, and apply learning to the world around them." Join us in congratulating Debbie on this wonderful accomplishment! We are so proud to have her as part of our SJCS family. #SJCSPride #TechInEducation #AppleCertifiedTrainer

The summer is coming to a close but our Get to Know Us series isn't over yet! ???? Get to know: MG Lentz (she/they), Kindergarten General Studies Lead Teacher First year at SJCS: 2004 I am learning: How to ask more questions How to sustain a joyful, open state of mind and heart How to adapt to swimming in cold water in the Puget Sound Something you might not know about me: I taught self-defense to women and children for 8 years. My favorite color: All of the colors—depends on the mood and season My favorite book: Good Night Moon by Margaret Wise Brown My favorite part about working at SJCS: The supportive and engaged community of families, teachers and staff My favorite SJCS memory: All of the kindergarten plays I think the SJCS community is special because: We embrace innovation and flexible learning environments to better meet the needs of students and the focus is on the whole child, as well as the family and community. My favorite place in Seattle is: Discovery Park This summer I am: Attending a month long retreat at a Buddhist Abbey #SeattleSchool #JewishSchool #JewishValues #GreenLakeSeattle #JewishCommunity

Our Get to Know Us series continues! Meet our new Interim Art Specialist, Gabby! Get to Know: Gabby Bloom (she/her), Interim Art Specialist First year at SJCS: 2024 I am learning: To speak Hebrew and Spanish better Something you might not know about me: I was born in Abancay, Peru. My favorite color: Bubblegum pink My favorite book: The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls My favorite part about working at SJCS: I am looking forward to teaching students new art techniques and getting to see my kids during the school day. My favorite SJCS memory: The first day of school. The energy is exciting and I love the family photos every year! I think the SJCS community is special because: The community is very inclusive. Everybody is welcoming and kind to others. Everyone is accepted and appreciated for who they are. My favorite place in Seattle is: Green Lake, there is so much to so there This summer I am: Reading, spending time with my family and friends, and painting the walls in our home fun colors. #SeattleSchool #JewishSchool #JewishValues #GreenLakeSeattle #JewishCommunity

This summer, we so proud to share our SJCS staff Get to Know Us series! ???? Get to know: Julie Weisbrod (she/her), Inclusive Educational Specialist First year at SJCS: 2023 I am learning: How to find the best chocolate chip cookie in Seattle, I moved here in June 2023 and have been on the hunt since. I am open to any bakeries or recommendations others may have :) Something you might not know about me: My eyes change color depending on what I am wearing My favorite color: Sky blue My favorite book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr My favorite part about working at SJCS: The opportunity to make connections with all my colleagues and working in all the classrooms as well. I am lucky to collaborate with so many amazing people and teach exceptional students. My favorite SJCS memory: The 5th grade's play, the 3rd/4th grade's poetry event, the 1st/2nd grade whale symposium, and the kindergarten's play. I think the SJCS community is special because: The families are so supportive and involved that our school wouldn't be what is without them. My favorite place in Seattle is: Kerry Park and Green Lake (it's a tie!) This summer I am: Paddleboarding, hiking, venturing up to Whidbey Island, relaxing, and soaking up all the sun a Washington summer can give us. #SeattleSchool #JewishSchool #JewishValues #GreenLakeSeattle #JewishCommunity #JewishPluralism

Our learning community is made special by the people in it ???? Get to know SJCS in our summer series! Get to know: Ross Diamond (he/him), Director of Admissions and Marketing First year at SJCS: 2023 I am learning: About the different places to enjoy nature in the state of Washington Something you might not know about me: I love juggling and making big bubbles. My favorite color: Tekhelet/???? (Bright Blue) My favorite book: The Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson My favorite part about working at SJCS: I get to commute by bike with my son and make an impact on the success of his school. My favorite SJCS memory: Gathering together at the Chanukah/?????? celebration in 2023 was incredibly powerful. Hearing our students' voices in song and then singing with our whole community was powerful and inspiring. I think the SJCS community is special because: The SJCS community has welcomed my family with open arms since we moved here. This Jewish community is special in a way that I have not experienced in other places. My favorite place in Seattle is: Burke-Gilman Trail This summer I am: Traveling regionally to spend time with my family in nature and on the water #SeattleSchool #JewishSchool #JewishValues #GreenLakeSeattle #JewishCommunity #SchoolCommunity #JewishPluralism

Get to know SJCS staff this summer! ???? Get to know: Joshua Gladstein (he/him), Occupational Therapist First year at SJCS: 2023 I am learning: How to be a dad! Something you might not know about me: I love board games! My favorite color: Green My favorite book: Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson My favorite part about working at SJCS: Getting to be a part of the Seattle Jewish community My favorite SJCS memory: Meeting the SJCS mascot [Sasson HaSna'ee/???? ????? (Sasson the Squirrel)] for the first time! I think the SJCS community is special because: As such a small school, it is amazing to see everyone from the back office to the kindergarten students engage with one another in purposeful and meaningful ways. Every single member of the SJCS team acts like a family, cares about one another, and grows from the meaningful relationship. My favorite place in Seattle is: Seward Park Loop This summer I am: Going to spend as much time as I can with my wife, son, and dog while hiking, swimming, and playing all sorts of fun games =) #SeattleSchool #JewishSchool #JewishValues #GreenLakeSeattle #JewishCommunity