With less than a week before the Presidential election, COVID cases rising across the country, and controversy over the most recent Supreme Court nomination, it seems like we can’t escape from divisive news. It’s precisely at these times of fracture that we need to devote our energy to building connections and strengthening relationships.
I read the following quote from Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female associate justice of the Supreme Court, “We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone…and whatever happens, is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
As I help students get out of their cars in the morning, listen to discussions in Zoom classrooms, and watch students climb “The Rock” on our playground for the first time, I see the threads connecting students to their parents, teachers, and classmates. Even while mostly virtual, our students engage in acts of social justice, learn what it means to be an anti-racist, dissect owl pellets, and study sustainability. Parents partner with the faculty in both supporting their child’s education and creating virtual social opportunities. Faculty work tirelessly to plan and teach lessons for in-person and virtual learning. Whether it is a student’s first Yavneh experience or a familiar routine for a seasoned Middle School, there is a new-found appreciation for all Yavneh provides each student.
As a new school year starts, as does our fundraising annual cycle. September started our Annual Campaign and, for families, the Chai Challenge. Each family received a letter inviting your financial partnership as together we raise the funds that allow us to continue to provide our exemplary program for all of our students – whether they are in-person or virtual. We remain committed to our fundamental beliefs and focused on relevancy, diversity, dynamic Jewish learning, and community.
While tuition provides the majority of our budget, Yavneh would not exist without the additional support of its families and the community. I encourage you to strengthen our community further by participating in our annual campaign. To make your donation have an even greater impact, as a Yavneh family, your donation will count towards our goal of 100% participation helping reach towards an additional $200,000 for our Annual Campaign. This would be our 7th year reaching 100% family participation in Chai Challenge. If you wish to learn more about making a difference at Yavneh through your donation, please visit our website or reach out to me. I would love to have the opportunity to have a conversation.
In Partnership,
Cindy
