CESJDS Links Blog

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

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Principal & Head of School Remarks - Aba Marcus and Sara Marcus 5th Grade Siddur Ceremony and Siyyum 2025
Rabbi Matthew Bellas

"Ask a good question. Learn something new. Be kind to everyone." These guiding words shaped the Class of 2032’s 5th Grade Siddur Ceremony and Siyyum, held on June 11 at B’nai Israel.

In moving speeches, Rabbi Mitch Malkus and Rebecca Prigal reflected on the growth, strength, and light our students have shown throughout their Lower School journey—celebrating not just academic milestones, but the values and character that define a CESJDS graduate.

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Principals Perspective (December 2024) - Ms. Cassandra Batson
Ms. Cassandra Batson

Something I have always valued and embraced as an educator is student voice and the perspective adolescents have about the world around them. It may not always be easy to hear our students’ feedback and their thoughts about how things are going, but we need to. Students’ perception is their reality. We need to acknowledge that and work with it, even if it does not align with our own perceptions of what takes place. Only then, will we begin to understand how best to address students’ academic, social, and emotional needs at school. At CESJDS, student empowerment is also an important aspect of our School’s educational philosophy.

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Principals Perspective (October 2024) - Rabbi Matthew Bellas
Rabbi Matthew Bellas

Research shows that children thrive in environments where they feel secure and know what to expect. Predictable routines can significantly reduce anxiety in children, allowing them to focus better on learning and social interactions. When children know what comes next in their day, they can allocate their mental energy to exploration and learning rather than worrying about uncertainty.

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