26 Iyar 5782
Parshat Bechukotai » Candle Lighting 8:09 pm
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High School Graduation
Valedictorian Ben Schussler characteristically expressed his reluctance about speaking at Sunday's graduation ceremony, yet proceeded to thoughtfully extoll the unique academic rigor of a Jewish education at AYA. The Class of 2022 joined in making his case with 18 honors graduates, a pair of Salutatorians, a Division 1 Tennis recruit, and $4 million in scholarship offers.

We are so proud of our seniors!
Adding to the Class of 2022's accolades, Schussler learned this week of his selection for The Atlas Fellowship. This fully-funded, 10-day program will take Ben to Silicon Valley to join with other talented teens in developing big-picture thinking about science, philosophy, and the future. The Atlas Fellowship also includes a generous college scholarship! Mazel tov, Ben!
Year-end Music Video
Our 2022 Bnot Sherut Liav and Noa share this special music video with the AYA community. Thank you, Liav and Noa! You've made such a positive impact on our students — bringing the best of Israel to our campus through your daily example of young Jewish leadership. We will miss you both!
Service Project Success
Our High School Engineering Club took on a service project for a four-legged friend in need by "creating a harness to help [Penelope] walk without her hind legs." Faculty advisor Nichole Gambulos for this student-led club writes: "I am super proud of them of all: Mordechai Weiss, Rivka Guttman, Ethan Gubin, Solomon Prengler, Sarah Schussler, and alumni Ephraim and Yosef Weiss!" Watch video of Penelope's new wheels!
Early Childhood Program parent Sara Dym writes: "There is no possible way to sum up Morah Malka’s almost 40 years teaching, loving and nurturing children in our Early Childhood Program. Saying ‘thank you’ is simply not enough, but we’ll say it anyway. As the end of school nears, we’re soaking up our last days before Morah Malka retires to spend more time with her family. Thank you for everything ❤️ " Watch Morah Malka video
Our K-8th Grade students ran wild with a purpose during Wednesday's fun-run fundraiser for the 2023 8th Grade Israel Trip! Our thanks to everyone who sponsored runners (via MyBooster.org) and to Lower/Middle School coaches Alix Johnson and Chris Thomas for inspiring our student athletes.
Incoming Freshman Class
The Class of 2026 — whose number is still growing — had a fun night of bonding and problem solving at an escape room on Tuesday. We look forward to welcoming our newest 9th Grade class to High School in the fall!
Unified Branding Initiative
Board of Trustees President Laura Burstein writes: "As the year is beginning to wind down, I want to let you know about an exciting project we will be working on over summer and to solicit your participation! In an effort to unify Akiba and Yavneh into our AYA brand, we are creating a unification task force to work on branding initiatives such as school swag, mascot, spirit wear, and sports uniforms. Watch for emails over the next few weeks and throughout the summer to sign up to participate in focus groups and other activities to help us launch the 2022-23 school year in August with a fresh look. We have so many things to be proud of here at AYA and we are excited to take these next steps for the school! In the meantime, if you would like to share any ideas or are interested in being involved in the process, please reach out to me (email)."
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mon, May 30: No School - Memorial Day
7 pm Tue, May 31: 8th Grade Ceremony » Zoom Link
Noon Wed, June 1: Early Dismissal (ECP-8th ONLY) Last Day of School
Fri, June 3: Last Day of High School
June 13-July 22: Camp Kulanu at AYA (No camp July 4) » More info
OUR COMMUNITY
Mazel tov to the Sanders family on the birth of a son and brother for Margot in Early Childhood Program.

Mazel tov to the Geller family on the upcoming wedding of Ari Geller '15 to Gali Sadek in Israel.
Email us your mazel tovs!

Weekly Challah Sale: Our PTO sells Ron the Baker's challah in support of school-wide initiatives. Orders submitted by Tuesday evening are sent home with your child on Fridays.