Summer makes me nostalgic for camp – I spent almost every summer from the ages of 10 to 21 at a Jewish summer camp. Whether it was a day camp at the JCC or a sleep away camp, I loved the song sessions. As many can attest, I don’t have a particularly good singing voice. However, singing always made me feel connected and a part of something bigger than myself.
We’re passed the halfway point of summer – well into the more relaxed rhythm but starting to think about what August will bring. Some students are at camps. Some families are enjoying travel after over a year of being at home. There’s a change in the rhythm of the lives of our staff and faculty as well. Administrative staff work somewhat reduced hours and take some time off for respite. Teachers are also enjoying much needed time off, although most keep more than a toe in the educational water, participating in professional learning opportunities, reading professional literature, and beginning to plan lessons for the start of the year.
I began my summer by attending the California Association of Independent Schools’ Annual Meeting. Usually at a nice resort in Santa Barbara, this year it was on Zoom. Over this two-day conference, I connected with my colleagues, heads of independent schools from across the state, to learn together and discuss relevant issues.
A main topic of discussion this year was how our school communities can heal, re-engage, and emerge even stronger than pre-pandemic. One of the unique aspects of Yavneh is how we come together as a community. While we are still awaiting new guidelines from the county about larger gatherings, we are already planning opportunities to be together including back-to-school events at school, outside community Kabbalat Shabbat, and redesigning our YPA, Yavneh Parent Association. We’re hoping for many opportunities to be together (and even sing) as a community this year.
And in preparation for the beginning of the school year, we ask that each family complete their child’s registration forms. You’ll be receiving an email with your login credentials and an invitation to complete registration for this coming year by signing into Gradelink. Please note that all forms are due by Thursday, August 5th. As a reminder, to be compliant with state and county regulations (and to make sure that everyone is safe), we will be diligent about enforcing the policy that students will NOT be admitted to class until their family has submitted a completed file, including updated family information, releases, acknowledgements and immunization records. Please email Jennifer Carranza with any questions about the registration process. Finally, please save the dates of August 19th and 20th for family conferences.
Wishing you and your family a wonderful second half of summer.