Adar 5776/February 2016
Message from the Executive Director:

There has been a wonderful set of responses, thus far, to the news of the launch of " NewOrg."  As a Schechter community we have had multiple opportunities to begin the conversation about this transformation of the field means for our schools, for Schechter and for the field.  We held a well-attended virtual "Town Hall" last month (the recording of which is available upon request), I  blogged about it at length, and we have had occasion to provide a number of in-person field briefings.  The feedback we have received has been overwhelmingly positive with appropriate concern that those things "Schechter" we hold dear be protected and given opportunity to thrive in NewOrg.  We encourage you to keep the questions and comments coming and that you look forward to field-wide NewOrg communications beginning soon.

We continue to prioritize being in our schools and February visits will include the  Solomon Schechter School of Queens (NY),  Golda Och Academy (NJ), and the  Solomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County (NJ).  We head West in March (LA, Vegas & the Bay) and more are being scheduled.  If you are not on the list and would like to be, do let us know. 

For the here and now, the Schechter Day School Network remains a service organization.  Over the next five months, we essentially have but one job: to help our schools be their very best selves. All the rest is commentary. 

Kol tuv, Jon

To read Jon's blog, click  here.
FREE Professional Development Opportunity with Keshet

Join SDSN and Keshet for a free professional development opportunity! This webinar is geared toward
Schechter day schools professionals looking to take initial steps in exploring LGBT inclusion from a Jewish perspective, and how it applies to their work

The session facilitators will start by establishing a shared language for discussing inclusion by examining core LGBT terms and concepts, including the distinct but related categories of sex, gender, and sexual orientation.

Next, we will use Keshet's Seven Jewish Values for Inclusive Community as a jumping off point for talking about how LGBT inclusion connects with Jewish tradition, values, culture, and text

The session will wrap up with a brainstorm about how to apply what you learned to your home community and your own professional role

No previous experience or training in LGBT inclusion necessary - all Schechter professionals are welcome!

April 6, 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ET
Click  here to register!

edJEWcon:
Share Ideas and Feedback with Other Educators!
Are you creating content that you'd like to share with other Jewish day school educators? Are you looking to connect with others in a similar school environment to get feedback and bounce ideas? 

At edJEWcon, we believe sharing is the foundation of our social world. It is "the fabric of education and the building block of networking, growing and moving forward."

We made a system for educators to connect with the new edJEWcon website! 

Read, comment on, and make your own posts. Share, reflect, and grow as an educator and a professional. Sign-up is easy, and membership is free!

edJEWcon's mission is to build a vibrant network of educators, growing and learning together. We encourage you to seize this opportunity to connect with other professionals in your field!



And if you are subscribed to our bi-weekly (every other  Monday ) newsletter featuring curated, annotated content, we hope it's a useful and enjoyable part of your learning journey. If you're not yet subscribed, fill out the form  here , and you shall receive! 

Save the Date: Jewish Educator's Institute

MakerXPO: Tech Event for All Ages!

The  Maker XPO is an event not to be missed! Schechter is happy to support our colleagues at the I.D.E.A. Schools Network in celebrating the Maker Movement with a day of exploration and innovation. 

Join with educators and families from the NY/NJ Metro area and witness e lectronics and circuitry, app creation, 3-D printing, videography, micro-green planting, sensors, secret knock detectors, design thinking, a fail forward lab, and more!

Beginners, intermediate, and advanced dabblers in technology are all welcome!

When: March, 6, 2016, from 11 am to 5 pm
Where: Yavneh Academy in Paramus, NJ

For more information and to register, click here!
In This Issue
Employment Opportunities 

Robbins Hebrew Academy

Ontario, Canada

Rabbi-In-Residence

 

Kellman Brown Academy

Voorhees, NJ

Full & Part Time Lower Elementary Teachers

 

P lease see our  website for more job opportunities!
Celebration of the Hebrew Language
Hagigah Ivrit  - t he biggest celebration of the Hebrew language ever held in North America. 

The festival will feature a broad array of events - literary, culinary, musical, cinematic, educational, and more!

There are also special programs for seniors, teachers, teens, children, and everyone in between that will engage their audiences in the beauty and history of the Hebrew language and culture. 

It's not too late to participate!

Check out Hagigah's website to find groups and ideas for you to organize your own event at little or no cost!

Festival dates:
March 6-20, 2016
Aleinu Leshabe'ach
Are you an experienced day school teacher?  Aleinu Leshabe'ach II  is the program for you!

At this intensive, interactive conference, you will:  

Thanks to the AVI CHAI Foundation, the program cost has been reduced to
$350, including room and board, and all transportation.

- June 19-24 (Sun-Fri)
- Capital Camps Retreat Center, Waynesboro, PA. 

For more information, see
www.pardes.org.il/aleinu or contact Susan@Pardes.org.il
Parasha Adventures with SloMo - New Curricula for Jewish Educators!

The TALI Education Fund brings you Parasha Adventures with SlowMo for students learning Hebrew.

Students will love to follow along as SloMo the turtle introduces a theme from the parasha!

Each unit will help children understand the verses with engaging class activities in Hebrewcomic strips, poems, songs, art, puzzles, stories about life in Israel, and so much more!

Each unit also includes:
- A handout for parents with suggestions for discussions around the Shabbat table and joint activities.
- A teacher's guide with pedagogic suggestions from the fields of Jewish studies and Hebrew language.

See examples here!

For more information please contact Margalit Kavenstock at  marhebrew5@gmail.com    
or  Zohara Haiman at  Zohara@tali.org.il
Ivriyon: Hebrew Immersion Institute for Day School Educators
Immerse yourself in Hebrew in NYC!  July 5 - July 28, 2016

The Ivriyon summer institute prepares day school educators to teach Judaic subjects engagingly and effectively in Hebrew. 

The program combines intensive language immersion with powerful learning experiences to strengthen educators' Hebrew language skills.

For more information visit 
e mail  ivriyon@jtsa.edu,  
or  call (212) 280-6007.
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