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Dear Kehillah,
As we head into the winter break and our celebrations of light, I am reflecting on the joy of being a part of this community. Fostered by our dedicated teachers and the strong support from our families, Kehillah is celebrating 25 years of offering values-based, innovative education entwined with transformative personal-growth experiences. Our accomplishments as a school and a community are worth celebrating!
On January 25, 2025 from 6:30 to 10:30 PM we will gather at the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club to celebrate our 25-year journey with a truly special commemoration featuring Emmy and Tony award-winning comedian Alex Edelman as the special guest who will certainly make the evening even more memorable. If you don’t already know about this smart, touching, and very, very funny comedian, look him up.
Don’t miss out — get your tickets before they’re gone!
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What makes this milestone particularly exciting is the opportunity to reunite with fellow members of the Kehillah community – past and present students, board members, dedicated teachers, supportive parents, and countless others who have contributed to the school's success. The gala will not only be a chance to reflect on the school's achievements but also to support our bright future – all while enjoying an evening of good food, laughter, and entertainment from one of comedy's rising stars.
Enjoy the winter break and we will see you in 2025!
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From our community, Kol Hakavod to: | |
- Ms. Liang and Ms. Jordana for being such incredible college counselors! Your support and kindness mean the world, and I’ve loved working with you!
- StuGov for planning an awesome Hoco!
- The sophomores for bringing all the heat during Spirit Week!
- Everyone for persevering through the weeks leading up to Winter Break.
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Spirit Week Highlights
Last week’s Spirit Week was a celebration of fun, creativity, and school pride! Students and staff kicked off the week with a spirited Pep Rally featuring games like Tug of War and Red Light, Green Light.
Throughout the week, Kehillah embraced themed dress-up days, including Class Color Day, Country vs. Country Club, Twin Day, Dress Like a Kehillah Teacher, and Jersey Day. The festivities wrapped up with Saturday’s Homecoming Dance, where the community came together for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and lasting memories.
Thank you to everyone who participated and made Spirit Week such a success!
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🎶 Lunchtime Vibes with The Floaters 🎤
Last week Thursday, Kehillah’s very own student band, The Floaters, filled the campus with music during a special lunchtime concert! Their performance energized the community with catchy tunes and great vibes. We’re proud of our talented student musicians for sharing their passion and creativity with us.
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Winter Concert
Last night, our talented student musicians took the stage for a heartwarming Winter Concert. The evening featured a beautiful selection of performances, highlighting their dedication and musical growth. Families, friends, and community members gathered to enjoy the festive melodies and celebrate the spirit of the season.
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported our students in making this event a memorable musical experience!
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Correction for JFCS Food Drive
In the December 12 N-EWESpaper, it was incorrectly stated that the Jewish Family and Children’s Services (JFCS) Food Drive was organized by the Service Club. The drive is organized by Maya Mazin (9th-grader). We apologize for the error and appreciate Maya's leadership in this important initiative during this season of giving.
How You Can Help: Donations are still being accepted! Please consider contributing non-perishable food items to support the JFCS Food Drive and help those in need this holiday season. Every donation makes a difference!
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Noon Release & No School Days for 2025-26 School Year
Plan ahead! We’ve published key dates for noon release and no school days for the 2025-2026 academic year. Be sure to mark your calendars and stay prepared for early dismissals and school closures.
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Kehillah Athletics - Spring
Spring sports at Kehillah are just around the corner! 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 Coach Ryan for more details, important dates, and forms.
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Important Events and Dates | |
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❄️ Winter Break (No School)
Saturday, December 21 through Monday, January 6
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✡️ Hanukkah (No School) 🕎
Wednesday, December 25 through Thursday, January 2
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🏫 Students Return to School
Tuesday, January 7
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💻 9th & 10th-Grade College Night (Virtual)
Wednesday, January 8 from 6:00 to 7:20 PM
The College Counseling team will introduce the college admissions process, highlighting steps freshmen and sophomores can take now for future success. After the presentation, a panel of college admissions representatives will answer questions.
This program is intended for 9th-grade and 10th-grade parents, with students welcome to attend.
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💻 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, 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.
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☕️ Kikar Coffee
Friday, January 10 from 8:30 to 10:00 AM
Kikar
We’re excited to welcome back special guest Harlan Cohen who will Zoom in 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.
Be there to pick up your senior parenting survival kit!
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🎶 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!
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🎉 Tickets On Sale Now for The Kehillah Annual Gala!
Saturday, January 25 from 6:30 to 10:30 PM
Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club
Join us 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.
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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! 🎊
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📖 Parent Book Club: Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina with Dr. Egdorf
Start the New Year with a literary journey! Join English teacher Dr. Brian Egdorf from January to March for an in-depth exploration of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, one of world literature’s masterpieces. Connect with fellow Kehillah parents through engaging Google Meet sessions featuring brief lectures, discussions, and insights from classic and modern scholarship.
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 PT):
- Thursday, January 16 – Read pages 1–54
- Thursday, February 13 – Read Parts I–IV
- Thursday, March 20 – Read Parts IV–VIII
Join any or all sessions—even if you’re behind on the reading! Questions? Reach out to Dr. Egdorf.
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