Dear Students and Families, 

The start of a new school year is kind of like going to the premiere of a new movie; you may have seen the previews or acquainted yourself with the actors (and perhaps you have some Twizzlers™), but the action only happens once the curtains open and showtime begins!

Alas, this analogy may fail for a few reasons – first, we're not sure how many people still go to the theater anymore (cheers to those who still do!), and second, Kehillah students are not mere spectators watching someone else’s movie.

Kehillah students are the actors, artists, participants, and protagonists, and our community is the space where they can write their own stories and star in their own movies, in collaboration with supportive peers and dedicated faculty.

With that, we welcome you to the beginning of the 2023-24 school year –one that has no official movie title but does have a genre: transformation and possibility. These two words capture our joint commitment to your child’s growth as a learner, leader, and fully-engaged human being. 

In this newsletter, you’ll learn about the incredible new faculty joining Kehillah (hailing from Honolulu, DC, and more!), and the events, programs, and highlights to look out for over the next month – including the Kehillah Kick-off Picnic on August 17. 

As always, we’ll be here to answer all of your questions and build toward an Oscar-winning school year!

Daisy Pellant, Head of School

Roy Danovitch, Associate Head of School

The annual forms and Kinnus forms, hosted in PowerSchool, are integral to a safe and smooth opening of the school year. See our Registration Information page for more instructions on how to complete these forms.

New for 2023-24

We warmly welcome new Academic and Operational Faculty who are joining members of our Kehillah community. Their fresh perspectives and unique insights will add dynamism to our already-fantastic team. 

As we shared recently, Kehillah is transitioning its lunch service to be provided through Tony Caters to You, in partnership with the JCC. Their menu options will include meat, vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, (all allergens will be listed) and weekly specials will be published in advance. While the Café food will not be kosher, there will be prepackaged kosher options available to purchase each day at the JCC Café. 

We appreciate your patience as we continue to update our website. Please navigate our website for important information about the school year, including:

• Our Kehillah Calendar, the best resource for special schedules and events.

• The Community Resources page for important parent information.

• Looking for a past electronic newsletter? Find them at the RAMfolio.

Save the Dates

An event for the entire family and faculty alike. We will join together to indulge in good food and great company and enjoy one of the last hoorahs of summer. All freshmen and transfer students (grades 10-12) will also have an opportunity to meet their buddies for the year. 

August 17

5 - 7 pm

We use New Student Orientation to share important information and to build community with all new students (9th-grade and transfers). The event will include a review of the daily schedule and the systems and processes they will be using as Kehillah students. Students will need their laptops for this session.

August 18

9 am - 12 pm

Seniors, join our college counselors in preparing for the college application season. Bring your computer and any questions you have about the college application process.

August 15 - 16

2 - 4 pm

A Shabbat the seniors will not forget. Starting off celebrating everything Class of 2024 with a senior-only overnight at beautiful Walden West in Saratoga.

August 18 -19

It is a Kehillah tradition to start the year off with Kinnus, an all-school retreat. This time is spent on team building, community engagement, service, and celebration!

August 21 - 22

Academic classes begin on August 23. Students will receive their full schedules on August 14.

August 23

8:30 am

Join the Kehillah Parent Association for a special Shabbat dinner. This evening of togetherness and celebration will be a time to enjoy a delicious meal, foster community connections, and engage in meaningful conversations.

August 25

5:00 - 7:00 pm

Similar to our New Student Orientation, we use New Parent Orientation to highlight our community to parents of our newest students. Enjoy light refreshments and an evening of learning.

August 31

7 pm

Curious about the KPA? Check out this dynamic team an hour before the start of Back to School night for their first meeting of the year. Attend this no-pressure meeting, and see what awesome events the KPA has in store!

September 7

6 pm

Come experience Kehillah, meet our faculty, and learn more about the academic program.

September 7

7 pm

Forms and Important Information

Athletic Director Ryan Greenfield shares an important note about the required athletics forms and the program more broadly.

Please take a moment to review our Student/Parent Handbook. The sign-off receipt is found in the annual forms.

Kehillah provides a shuttle between the Palo Alto Caltrain Station located at 95 University Avenue and Kehillah. Your fair-share cost for this unlimited shuttle will be $1,050.00 for the entire school year.

If you are interested in this service for your child, please click Shuttle Signups and submit the form. Make checks payable to Kehillah Jewish High School. Please indicate “Shuttle” on the check and submit it to the Business Office by Wednesday, August 16, 2023. Note: There will be no credits or refunds.

See the Caltrain Timetable for individual train schedules from your area.

Questions about Shuttle Service? Contact Jay Dosanjh.

Questions about payment? Contact Sofya Osipov. 

Kehillah is proud to foster a culture of giving throughout our programs. The Kehillah Fund is the school’s top fundraising priority and allows the school flexibility to support upgrades where they are needed most. It provides essential resources necessary for every Kehillah student to enjoy a unique, robust, and dynamic learning experience. Gifts of all sizes collectively make an incredible impact and are tax-deductible.

Teachers will let students know what they need for their specific classes during the first days of school. Meanwhile, see our booklist for the required texts for each class. Students will also need a laptop.

In the Community

A guaranteed evening of fun and great soccer! Bring friends and family to this awesome MLS game against the LA Galaxy.

Schedule of events:

4:30 pm - Parking Lots Open

• Traditional Tailgate with Kosher BBQ (Tailgate Lot)

5:30 pm - Gates Open

• Arrive and enter through the Audi Gate (near section 113)
• Receive a free kippah and wristband at the Audi Gate

7:30 pm - Kick-off

Things to do

• Tailgate
• Sky Lounge
• Food Trucks
• Kids Zone
• Check out the vendor area, and stop by the Jewish Heritage Night booths
• Watch the Consulate General make the first goal (between 7-7:30 pm)