January 9, 2025

K-Term

Dear Kehillah Families,


I'm writing with exciting details about the launch of K-Term Immersive Week, which will take place from Tuesday, January 21 to Friday, January 24. As a reminder (see "K-Term"), this innovative four-day program offers students unique opportunities to dive deep into cross-disciplinary learning experiences across every aspect of our program. 


This Friday, Dean of Academics Richard Brownstone will inform students which immersive experience they'll be participating in. While we've worked diligently to place students in the choices they selected, we appreciate everyone's flexibility and enthusiasm as we've worked to create balanced groups for each immersive.

Several of our immersives will include off-campus components, including Aikido: Philosophy and Practice, The Joy of Public Transit in the Bay Area, Asian American Immigration in the Bay Area, and Nature Spa – Finding Wellness through Mindfulness, Wellness, and Outdoor Exploration. If your student is participating in one of these programs, you'll receive waiver forms shortly that will need to be signed and returned. 


As a quick reminder:

  • K-Term is a graduation requirement and is graded on a pass/fail basis. The core of this experience centers on engagement and participation, as students immerse themselves in making, designing, writing, producing, cooking, researching, exploring, coding, and much much more. 
  • Regular attendance is required, and students are expected to fully participate while maintaining the highest standards of behavior and representing our school community positively.
  • The school day during K-Term will run from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, though some immersives may extend beyond these hours depending on their specific activities and locations. We expect the time to fly by!


As we prepare for this exciting week of innovative learning, we look forward to seeing our students challenge themselves, discover new interests, and engage with subjects in creative ways. K-Term truly embodies our commitment to an education that turns traditional education on its head through hands-on learning experiences that foster a joy of learning for its own sake. 



You'll receive any additional details very soon specific to your student's assigned immersive, including necessary forms and schedules. If you have any questions in the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact any member of our K-Term Team: History Teacher Scott Legallet, Spanish Teacher Teresa Fradejas, Dean of Academics Richard Brownstone, or myself.


Best,

Dr. Roy Danovitch

Associate Head of School

LA Fires

We know many in our community have family and friends currently affected by the fires raging across Los Angeles County and we hope your loved ones are safe. Kehillah has offered support to our peer schools in that area and leaders of our 9th-grade trip, which has a focus on service, will be exploring ways to be directly helpful during their time in LA. We will keep you informed. Stepping up when others need us is aligned with the Jewish value of Gemilut Chasadim (גמילות חסדים): acts of loving-kindness. In Jewish tradition, this encompasses a wide range of selfless acts, such as visiting the sick, comforting mourners, and offering hospitality. Unlike tzedakah, which often involves financial giving, gemilut chasadim emphasizes personal involvement and actions. We are proud of Kehillah and the many ways in which we exemplify this important humanistic value.

Updates & Announcements

2025-26 School Year Noon Release & No School Days

Get a head start! Our 2025-26 School Year Noon Release & No School Days calendar is out now.


Be sure to note them on your calendar and stay ready for any early releases or closures!

Important Reminder: Parking Lot Protocol

In order to keep our Kehillah community safe and relieve congestion during drop-off and pick-up times, please see “Important Reminder: Parking Lot Protocol."


If you need a valid parking pass, please fill out the Kehillah Access & Vehicle Registration Request Form below. Passes are processed on Sundays and will be available with Elaine on Mondays.

Kehillah Access & Vehicle Registration Request Form

Reminder: JCC Expectations for Students

As shared in an email from our Director of Student Life Megan Miraglia on Monday, January 6, the Oshman Family JCC is an extension of our Kehillah campus, and all expectations outlined in the Student/Parent Handbook apply there as well. While many students consistently show positive, professional behavior, we must ensure all students uphold our community standards.


Access to the Oshman Family JCC is a privilege. With support from Oshman Family JCC staff, we’ll be closely monitoring behavior to ensure these standards are met. Thank you to the many students who already demonstrate professionalism and respect — keep it up!

Spring Athletics

Spring into the semester with the excitement of the spring sports season! This season features boys volleyball, co-ed track, tennis, and baseball. It’s a fun, laid-back opportunity to stay active, build skills, and be part of a team.


Interested students should submit the Spring Sports Interest Form and complete all required Athletic Forms before participating. Team meetings begin Tuesday, March 18, with practices starting Thursday, March 20.


Please click below to view the full letter from Director of Athletics Coach Ryan Greenfield for more details, important dates, and forms.

View Spring Athletics Letter

Important Events and Dates

💻 Attention Span: Restoring Balance and Focus, with Dr. Gloria Mark (Common Ground Speaker Series)

Thursday, January 9 from 7:00 to 8:15 PM

Virtual Zoom Event


Struggling to stay focused in today’s tech-driven world? Digital distractions can disrupt our attention and balance, but there’s hope. Join Dr. Gloria Mark, the Chancellor's Professor Emerita of Informatics at UC Irvine and author of Attention Span, as she shares decades of research on how digital media impacts our lives. Discover practical strategies to make peace with your devices, reclaim your focus, and enhance your well-being.

Learn More & Register

☕️ Kikar Coffee

Friday, January 10 from 8:30 to 10:00 AM

In the Second Floor Student Lounge


We’re excited to welcome back special guest author/journalist/speaker Harlan Cohen, who will join us via Zoom to share insights from his “Best First Year” program.


This session’s topic: “Parenting for a Beautiful Bon Voyage: Making the Most of the Final Semester with Your Senior.” Learn how Kehillah seniors and their parents can navigate the transition beyond high school with confidence and clarity.


Please note, the location has moved from Kikar to the second-floor student lounge. Be there to pick up your senior parenting survival kit!

RSVP

🎶 The Whiffenpoofs Lunchtime Concert! (Student Programming)

Friday, January 10 from 12:00 to 12:45 PM

Multi-Purpose Room (MPR)


Students, join us for lunch & a concert from The Whiffenpoofs, one of the nation's premier a cappella groups from Yale University!

Virtual Senior Project Information Session 

Wednesday, January 15 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM


We are excited to invite you to next week’s information session focusing on senior projects. This information session will be an overview of what senior projects are, the timeline of the senior project process, and project guidelines and expectations.


The virtual session will be recorded and distributed for those who may not be able to attend.

Senior Project Information Session

Zoom Meeting Information

Meeting ID: 965 3083 9733

Passcode: seniors

Noon Release (End of Quarter 2 / Semester 1)

Friday, January 17

No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) 

Monday, January 20

K-Term Immersives (Required for All Students - All Day Programming)

Tuesday, January 21 to Friday, January 24

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Book Club: The Pressured Child by Dr. Michael Thompson

Wednesday, March 19 from 9:15 to 10:30 AM

Admin Lounge


Join us for an IN-PERSON Book Club session with Dr. Michael Thompson. Dr. Thompson is the author of The Pressured Child: Freeing Our Kids from Performance Overdrive and Helping Them Find Success in School and Life, an insightful book that explores the challenges kids face in today’s schools. 


Remember our Book Club Rule: If You Skim, You are In! 


Dr. Thompson will also do a presentation on the same day in the evening — details for this event are coming soon!


We look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP

KPA Corner

🎉 Tickets on Sale Now for the Kehillah Birthday Gala!

Saturday, January 25 from 6:30 to 10:30 PM

Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club


Save the Date! The Kehillah Birthday Gala is just 16 days away — join us on Saturday, January 25, for a memorable evening of celebration, community, and supporting this year’s Fund-a-Need: Teacher Enrichment. Enjoy delicious food, live entertainment, and exciting auctions while connecting with our community.


The Gala team is also seeking Underwriters and Donors to help make this night a success. Email Elana Manson or Roxanne Cohen with questions or to get involved.


📸 Stay in the loop! Follow @KehillahGala on Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes previews, and exciting announcements.


We can’t wait to celebrate together! 🎊

Buy Your Tickets Now

Before You Go...

📖 Parent Book Club: Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina with Dr. Brian Egdorf


Kick off the New Year with Anna Karenina! Join English Teacher Dr. Brian Egdorf for a three-part literary journey through Tolstoy’s masterpiece. Connect with fellow Kehillah parents via Google Meet for lectures, discussions, and insights.


Recommended Edition: Marian Schwartz translation (Yale University Press) – but any edition works! Russian speakers can even read the original.


Session Schedule (7:00 to 8:00 PM):

  • Thursday, January 16 – Read pages 1–54
  • Thursday, February 13 – Parts I–III
  • Thursday, March 20 – Parts IV–VIII


The Google Meet link will be sent prior to the session times to those who RSVP below.


Join any or all sessions—don’t worry if you’re behind! Questions? Reach out to Dr. Egdorf.

RSVP
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Key Dates

Who to Contact

School Calendar

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