CESJDS Links Blog

A guest blog sharing the voices, wisdom, and insights of the CESJDS community.

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High School Perspective (February) - Brett Kugler
Brett Kugler Z'man Kodesh Leader and High School Learning Specialist

I often ponder a line from a British poem entitled “The Mask of Anarchy” which states:

Rise like Lions after slumber

In unvanquishable number-

Shake your chains to earth like dew

Which in sleep had fallen on you
Ye are many-they are few.”

This poem, written by Percy Bysshe Shelley, speaks of freedom through nonviolence. Not only is this poem relevant in today’s political climate, in finding ways to bring positive change through nonviolence, but I also believe it rings true to the goals of our Z’man Kodesh program.

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Principals Perspective (January) - Dr. Eliana Lipsky
Dr, Eliana Lipsky

On Wednesday, our nation witnessed both a centuries old tradition as President Joe Biden was sworn into office. Our nation also witnessed a historic moment in our country when Vice President Kamala Harris - the first ever African American, South Asian, and woman to be elected Vice President - was sworn into her office. The theme of this historic week that resonated in the Middle School? Empathy and commonalities; themes central to our Middle School curriculum. 

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Principals Perspective (January) - Rabbi Matthew Bellas
Rabbi Matthew Bellas

As we welcomed in the New Year of 2021, we also made the exciting transition into our two full days hybrid program for grades 1-4. This was a much-anticipated move for everyone in the community, students, and families especially as well as teachers. On behalf of the administration, I want to express once again our gratitude to our families for staying committed to our school and community as we navigated and continue make our way through these uncharted waters of a global pandemic.

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Reflections from the NAIS’s People of Color Conference (PoCC)
Kim Sherk and Deby Kijak, Diversity Coordinators

In December of 2020, a group of seven faculty members and one tenth grader had the opportunity to participate in the NAIS’s People of Color Conference (PoCC) and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). This conference is the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools' commitment to equity and justice in teaching and learning.

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Principal's Perspective (December) - Dr. Eliana Lipsky
Dr. Eliana Lipsky

Heading into winter break feels distinctly different this year. Usually, this is a time when families are getting ready to travel to near and far off places for a break from “real life” or to visit with loved ones who we have not seen for awhile. We create goals and expectations for what we want to accomplish over break and plans for how we will do just that. As in every other moment during these last nine months, we are heading into a strange version of a familiar moment in our lives with plans cast aside for a more “COVID-19” friendly one. 

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