September 6, 2011
Brawerman East News
Brawerman East News is updated weekly. Get the latest information here.
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Lots of Community Building Opportunities!
Monday, October 10, 2011Brawerman East Social
Everyone has RSVPed for tonight’s social. We are looking forward to seeing (almost) everyone this evening at the Fishman/Zucker home. Don’t forget your potluck item.
Sukkot
On Friday, October 14, the Kindergarteners of Brawerman Elementary School will come together at Brawerman East for a Sukkot program and celebration. Brawerman West Kindergarteners will arrive by bus to join East Kindergarteners for the school day. Kindergarten parents are invited to join us from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to take part in our celebration.
Important information:
- Friday is a normal school day (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.). Please remember to send your child with a lunch. Parents joining us from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. may take their child(ren) with them at 1:00 p.m. However, we will have programming until 2:30 p.m.
- As sharing food is an important part of the Sukkot holiday, we ask all Kindergarteners to bring the following on Friday morning:
- One piece of organic fruit to help create a communal fruit salad. Fruit should be simple to cut (such as a banana) or peel (orange) without a sharp knife. Pre-washed berries are also encouraged.
- Cans of tuna fish and jars of peanut butter to donate to our food pantry.
- Parents who wish to join us: Please RSVP to Alisha at apedowitz@brawerman.org by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 12. Remember to bring a lunch to enjoy a meal in the Sukkah. On Friday, park in the Hobart parking lot.
Brawerman East Coffee
Mark your calendar – the first Brawerman East Coffee will be held on Tuesday, October 18 at 8:30am. See you there.
Sharing in the Classroom
Brawerman East Kindergarteners have worked out a system so that they can share in class. Here is the October and the November calendar. The calendars are also available online.
Book Fair
The 2011 Book Fair is coming to the Temple Campus the week of October 24. Volunteer opportunities are available; sign up now.
On the Horizon
CSA
We are working on establishing a relationship with a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). Families will be able to purchase “boxes” filled with organic, locally farmed, seasonal fruits and vegetables, dropped off here weekly. More information to come!
Parent Teacher Conferences
November 2 – 1:00 p.m. dismissal for Parent Teacher Conferences
November 3 – No School – Parent Teacher Conferences
Dates to Remember
November 11 – School IS IN Session – Veterans Day
November 23 – November 25 – No School - Thanksgiving
Want to Help Build the Brawerman East Community?
Gillian Feldman, Director of Admissions, would love to meet with you to hear your ideas on building the future Brawerman East community. Meet with her on Friday, October 14 at 10:30am (right before the Sukkot program) in the Brawerman East office. If you plan to come, please RSVP to Gillian at gfeldman@brawerman.org.
Lucky Number 19
Monday, October 3, 2011Camp Day
It was great to see so many Brawerman East families at Brawerman’s first ever Family Camp Day yesterday. And remember, students can wear their gray Brawerman Family Camp Day t-shirts to school as part of Brawerman East’s dress code appropriate attire.
The Parking Situation
We are going to continue using the Harvard lot for both morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up until further notice. When renovation begins on the sanctuary, we will transition over to the Hobart lot.
October Holidays
October is chock-full of Jewish celebrations. Here’s the lowdown:
Friday, October 7 – 1:00 p.m. dismissal – Erev Yom Kippur
Thursday, October 13 – No School – Sukkot
Friday, October 14 – School is in Session – Sukkot*
Thursday, October 20 – No School – Sh’mini Atzeret
Friday, October 21 – School is in Session – Simchat Torah
*On Friday, October 14, parents will be invited to spend some time on campus with students and celebrate Sukkot. Details to follow.
Take Me Out to the Book Fair!
The 2011 Book Fair is coming to the Temple Campus the week of October 24. Volunteer opportunities are available; sign up now.
Feeding and Watering Children
September was a month of transitions. Students started their social, emotional and academic Kindergarten evolution. As students grow, so do their appetites. Please check in with your child to see if he/she is satisfied with her/his snack and lunch and whether or not he/she needs more or different food.
Check Out Our Webpage
We’re online. Check out our webpage. It’s a work in progress, and we would love your feedback. If you have ideas for how to make it even better, be in touch. Please note: passwords will come under separate cover.
We Are Now a Charter Class of 19!
We are excited to welcome a new student into our kindergarten class. He visited our class today to get to know everyone, and will officially be a member of the Brawerman East Charter Class starting tomorrow!
BRAWERMAN EAST NEWS
Monday, September 26, 2011New format
In an attempt to meet the needs of our evolving community, we are transforming our blog into a weekly newsletter. We are also attempting to write in a more “e-friendly” format. See if you notice the differences below…
Last day to sign up for Brawerman Family Camp Day and receive a t-shirt
Family + Fun = Camp Day. Sign up for Brawerman Family Camp Day by the end of the day today and receive a free Brawerman Family Camp Day t-shirt. The deadline to sign up for Brawerman Family Camp Day is Wednesday, September 28.
Early Dismissal this Wednesday, September 28
In honor of Rosh HaShanah, students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. this Wednesday, September 28. Shanah tovah—have a good new year!
For future reference, on all early dismissal days, students will be dismissed at 1:00 p.m. You can view upcoming early dismissal days on our online calendar. The next early dismissal day is Friday, October 7 at 1:00 p.m. in observance of Yom Kippur.
Host the first ever Brawerman East social
We are looking for a Brawerman East family willing to host our inaugural Brawerman East social on Monday, October 10 at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Alisha immediately to take advantage of this opportunity.
And even if you can’t host, plan on attending. It will be a potluck affair, so start thinking about the dish you’d like to share.
Sukkot
Several years ago, Brawerman Elementary School made the decision to remain open on the second day of Sukkot to make the day more meaningful for students and families. Please mark Friday, October 14 on your calendar and plan on spending some time with your Brawerman East Kindergartener that day if possible. More details to follow.
Party Book
Brawerman’s Second Annual Party Book is live! We’re looking for partiers and hosts. Let the fun begin.
Coffee Reminder
Join us on Tuesday, October 18 at 8:30 a.m. at the Goldman’s house for our first Brawerman East Coffee.
Are you a Brawerman East groupie? If not, you’re missing out. Join the Brawerman East Facebook Group and receive daily (hopefully) insights into the life of a Brawerman East Kindergartener.
Skytyping, Camp Day, and Party Books--Oh My!
Monday, September 19, 2011Skytyping
Ask your Brawerman East Kindergartener about the skytyping show in the sky he/she enjoyed during lunch today. We’re not quite sure what the skytypers were communicating, but we definitely enjoyed watching the five planes type out a message in the sky.
Back to School Night
We can’t wait to see you tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Factor Chapel. We will introduce you to some of the Specialist educators who work with your children on a weekly basis, discuss the Annual Giving Campaign and then adjourn to the Kindergarten classrooms. In the classrooms, Amy Carson and Rachel Utley will guide you through the Kindergarten experience. Light refreshments will be provided.
After working with the Kindergarten teachers, we will gather together again as a community to discuss our Parent Association.
We are looking forward to seeing you tonight at 6:30 p.m. in Factor Chapel.
Brawerman East’s First Tour of the School Year
If you or someone you know is interested in Kindergarten or First Grade at Brawerman East for the 2012 – 2013 school year, sign up online and join us this Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Nadine Breuer, Gillian Feldman and I will tour parents around Brawerman East and the larger Wilshire Boulevard Temple Campus and introduce them to the Brawerman East experience.
Challah
Is something missing from your Shabbat experience? It’s not too late to order Challah. Just stop by Alisha’s desk and fill out a Challah Order Form, and she’ll take care of the rest. A fresh Shabbat Challah is just a form away.
Brawerman Family Camp Day
- Brawerman’s first annual Family Camp Day is coming up on Sunday, October 2, 2011
- This is a fun-filled day for families, teachers, staff and kids of all ages
- Join us at Camp Hess Kramer in Malibu for relaxation, an amazing BBQ lunch and an array of camp activities
- Activities include the rock wall, the ropes course, arts and crafts, hiking, basketball, tennis, volleyball, gaga, a bouncy for the little ones and games with the Brawerman coaches
- Sign up online by Monday, September 26, 2011 in order to get free Brawerman Family Camp Day t-shirt
- The cost of the event is $30 per person; this fee helps cover the cost of the event
- Kids under 3 are free
- This is not a fundraiser; if the cost is a hardship, please talk to Hannah for financial assistance
- We hope to see everyone at Brawerman Family Camp Day for an exciting community- building event
Brawerman’s Second Annual Year-Round Party Book is Live!
The Brawerman Party Book offers you more opportunities than ever to mingle with your Brawerman friends. You won’t want to miss out on incredible parties such as a beach club party, Getty Center tour, kid's dress up tea party, mother/daughter pajama party, KTLA Newsroom tour, and favorites like a day of sailing, sushi dinner under the stars, Grab ‘n’ Go breakfasts for kids, cooking classes and so much more! Spaces are limited and some events will sell out quickly! You are now able to sign up for parties and refer your friends to your favorites by clicking on the Party Book on the Brawerman website.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all this evening at Back to School Night.
THE SECOND WEEK
Monday, September 12, 2011The second week of school is already underway for Brawerman East Kindergarteners!
What’s happening this week?
• Regular school hours (8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) begin.
• Drop off and Pick up on Davidson Patio begin.
• Specialist classes (Art, Ask the Rabbi, Library, Music, P.E., Shabbat and T’filah) begin.
• After school enrichment and supervision begin. Soccer on Tuesdays and Yoga on Thursdays are confirmed. If your child(ren) is (are) staying for enrichment or supervision, please be sure to send them with an after school snack.
Don’t forget to turn in your forms.
•The following forms located in the Student/Parent Handbook are past due:
· Handbook Acknowledgement
· Photo/Video Release
•Don’t forget to read your handbook and discuss it with your child(ren)!
Party Book
Mark your calendars! Sync your blackberrys! The Party Book goes LIVE on September 15, 2011 at 8:00 p.m.!
This year the Brawerman Party Book offers you more opportunities than ever to mingle with your Brawerman friends. You won’t want to miss out on incredible parties such as a beach club party, Getty Center tour, kid's dress up tea party, mother/daughter pajama party, KTLA Newsroom tour, and favorites like a day of sailing, sushi dinner under the stars, basketball night for dads, Grab 'n' Go breakfasts for kids, cooking classes and so much more! On September 15, 2011 at 8:00 p.m., you may sign up for parties by going to the Brawerman website and clicking on the Party Book icon.
Marsha Levin and Roya Milder are waging a campaign to ensure that Brawerman East represents in the Party Book. If you are interested in hosting a party or have any questions about the party book, feel free to contact Marsha or Roya. They will need to know the theme of your party and how many kid and/or adult spaces are available. Roya and Marsha will also need to know the date you would like to host the party. Parties are great community building events and a fun way to contribute to the school. All proceeds from the Party Book go toward the Rabbi Harvey J. and Sybil A. Fields Educational Scholarship Fund. Please help make this Party Book a success and raise needed funds for our school!
Brawerman Family Camp Day
FAMILY + CAMP DAY = FUN! Sign up now for our first ever Brawerman Family Camp Day on Sunday, October 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp Hess Kramer. Delicious food and fun activities are planned for all ages, including the ropes course, basketball, rock wall, archery, arts and crafts, tennis and much more. Sign up now at www.brawerman.org, and you’ll also receive the all–new stylish Brawerman Family Camp Day t-shirt.
Looking forward to next week.
• Join us on Monday, September 19, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. for Back to School Night.
• On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, we will give our first tour of Brawerman East to preview the 2012 – 2013 school year. Feel free to invite your friends who might be interested in our school to sign up for a tour.
• Join the larger Temple community for Soul Sounds Shabbat on Friday, September 23, 2011.
Have a wonderful week!
SUMMER HERE WE COME!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011School’s Out for Summer!
That’s right, kids. Brawerman Elementary School’s last day of school was Thursday, June 16, 2011. The Class of 2011 graduated at 4:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon. It’s hard to believe those sixth graders were kindergartners just seven short years ago! In the not too distant future, the Brawerman East Charter Kindergarten Class will be the Brawerman East Charter Graduating Class. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Determined!
We can’t wait to see you tomorrow, Wednesday, June 22, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at BURNS PARK for our Kindergarten Playdate. Lather on some sunscreen and use the loo before you arrive. (Bathroom facilities are available at the park, but port a potties don’t always measure up to the creature comforts of home facilities.)
Coach Barry, one of Brawerman’s finest P.E. teachers, will be on hand to lead some fun-filled activities and the park playground will be available, too. Pizza and salad (from Z Pizza) will be provided. If your child (or you) has any dietary restrictions, feel free to bring along appropriate food.
We’re looking forward to facilitating an afternoon where your kids get to know one another as classmates at Brawerman East and parents continue to get to know one another, too.
Summer “Vacation”
I head to New York City on Sunday to start a month long learning adventure. Amy, Rachel and I will spend a week at Teachers’ College learning about Writing Workshop from Lucy Calkins herself. Then I will continue on at Columbia and JTS at the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI). I will be out of town from Friday, June 24, 2011 – Sunday, July 23, 2011. As always, I will be reachable via email, but I will take a break from blogging weekly while I am in New York.
In August, Rachel and Amy will be attending the SMART Board Educators’ Academy in Santa Monica, and the three of us will be attending a weeklong Responsive Classroom workshop. The Brawerman East Faculty will be doing a lot of learning this summer!
Afterschool Enrichment
Many of you have been waiting with bated breath to find out about the afterschool enrichment program we will be providing for your children next year. We are working to make available one enrichment activity per afternoon Monday through Thursday, in addition to daily afterschool supervision. The enrichment activities lined up for the first semester include: soccer, yoga, drama and drum circle. These activities have not been finalized, so I would love some feedback. Do these activities meet your child’s needs? Would you prefer different activities? Do you love these ideas? Please let me know as soon as possible.
Jimmy Kimmel Live
It’s not everyday that I get to blog about Jimmy Kimmel, but Brawerman East’s music teacher, Lily Aycud, will be playing trumpet on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday night (6/22) with Matt Nathanson. Check out your child’s future music teacher. Not too shabby if I do say so myself!
I hope you are enjoying your summer. Don’t forget to take some time to read with your child.
WE'RE FAMOUS!
Monday, June 13, 2011The First of Many Shehecheyanus
Thank you so much for joining us last Thursday night at our parent dinner and orientation. We hope you enjoyed meeting each other and getting to know more about Brawerman East.
The evening would not have been possible without the hard work of Cari Levin, Cheryl Garland, Edna Gonzalez, Enrique Enriquez, Jose Arita, Juan Sanchez, Julio Ruiz Lima and Sergio Alvarez. A sincere thank you to everyone who facilitated the fabulous evening.
If you missed out on Thursday evening's festivities, please feel free to get in touch with me. I have a small gift bag of goodies for parents and kids, as well as answers to many of the questions you might have, and I am happy to meet with you at your convenience.
Following Up
One of the serious conversations that resulted from Thursday night's gathering revolved around the (dreaded) dress code. I have included the Brawerman West dress code for your perusal. Please keep in mind that we are working on tweaking the dress code to include more options and are open to your input as well.
On a serious note, I believe strongly in guidelines that are based in best practices and that garner commitment from the community. Over the summer, you will be inundated with information about the practices and procedures that govern our school. Please take your time to understand this information and ask questions if things don't make sense. It is important that you know why we do what we do so that you can support your children in understanding why they have to follow these practices and procedures.
You should have received a blue-stapled photocopy in your bag of Parent Association committees. These are Brawerman West PA committees, not (necessarily) Brawerman East PA committees. Please use the information as just that, information. As we come together as a Parent Association, there are some things we will do the same as Brawerman West, some things we will do differently and some things we will do with Brawerman West. Hopefully, the information provided in these pages will serve to get your creative juices flowing. It is not necessary to sign-up for committees at this time.
Kindergarten Lunch and Playdate
You should have received an Evite today inviting you to the upcoming Kindergarten Playdate and Lunch. Many of you probably noticed that the location of the Playdate was listed as Holmby Park. THIS IS INCORRECT. While we are leaning towards using Lake Hollywood Park , we have not decided definitely. If you know of a park that would be more ideal for the event, please let me know by Wednesday, June 15, 2011. And don't forget to mark your calendar for our incoming Kindergarten Playdate and Lunch – Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
We're Famous!
Wilshire Boulevard Temple's Mike Curtis and Jessica Accamando wrote a Press Release that got picked up by news outlets across the country. Check it out here or here or here or here or here or here or here! I even got interviewed by the Jewish Journal!
Not bad for a week's work!
Be in touch.
KADIMA
Monday, June 6, 2011Kadima
Nadine and I were honored to join parents, grandparents, great grandparents and loved ones at Erika J. Glazer’s first Kadima ceremony. Many Brawerman East Charter Class students took a big step forward today, as they graduated from Nursery School and started the next chapter of their journeys. A heart felt mazal tov to graduates and their families!
Summer Fun Days at Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center
Many of you have asked about summer opportunities for your children. Some Glazer alumni will head back to Glazer for some summer fun. “Summer Fun Days” is now available to our entire incoming Brawerman East Charter Kindergarten Class. Planned and supervised by our fabulous Glazer Gesher teachers, this program will include theatre, art, music and much much more… Don’t miss out on this incredible summer experience! “Summer Fun Days” will run from Monday, June 20 through Thursday, July 21 at the Temple Campus from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9:00 a.m. through 12:00 noon on Fridays. (Please note: the Center will be closed on July 4, 2011). Early Morning Drop off and Extended Day will also be available. Contact Felisa at (310) 445-1280 x132 or felisa@wbtla.org for more information!
Parent Dinner and Orientation
I hope you are getting excited about Thursday night! We can’t wait to see you at our Parent Dinner and Orientation this Thursday, June 9 at 7 p.m. on Davidson Patio. You will have an opportunity to learn more about Brawerman East, meet other Charter Class parents and begin to build community. Rachel Utley, Kindergarten co-teacher, and her husband Dan will join us for dinner. Don’t forget to bring canned food and dress appropriately; we will be outdoors, and it can still get cool in the evenings.
Save the Date
A reminder, our incoming Kindergarten Playdate and Lunch is scheduled for Wednesday, June 22, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Join us at a local park (TBD) for a casual get together where you and your child will get to know other incoming Charter Kindergarten families.
On a Personal Note
It is with profound amazement that I share the following news; my partner, Shira, and I are having a baby! Shira is eighteen weeks pregnant. The baby is due on November 4, 2011.
See you all Thursday night.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
Tuesday, MAY 24, 2011Parent Dinner & Orientation
Everyone should have received an Evite Monday to our Parent Dinner & Orientation on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. We will gather on Davidson Patio at 7:00 p.m. Remember that Davidson Patio is outdoors and that evenings in Los Angeles in the beginning of June can still be cool, so dress appropriately. Please RSVP as soon as possible, and don’t forget to bring canned food with you that evening as we begin to build our community. If the June 9 date change does not work for you, you are welcome to join us at the June 6 Brawerman West Parent Dinner & Orientation. Please get in touch with me immediately if you would like to attend the June 6 Dinner & Orientation.
Thank you for getting me photos of the Brawerman East charter kindergarten class. You will see the photos in action when you receive a copy of the kindergarten directory at the Parent Dinner & Orientation. The photos will allow you to literally put faces with names as you get to know the Brawerman East class of 2018!
Preview Tour
We are holding our first preview tour of Brawerman East on Wednesday, May 25, 2011. Because Brawerman East will not be up and running until September, we have invited Erika J. Glazer families who will be eligible for Kindergarten in 2012 to join us on the Irmas campus on Wednesday. Feel free to encourage these families to join us at the tour, but don’t worry, if they miss this tour, there will be plenty of opportunities to tour Brawerman East during the fall.
Many of you are bursting at the seams to connect with other Brawerman East families. People are interested in what others are doing over the summer. As parents make summer plans for their children, Brawerman East parents would like to send their children to some of the same camps, activities and other summer opportunities. Have you considered using our Facebook page to connect with one another until we have the chance to meet in person? It’s a great place to post a question or a comment and to get feedback from others. If you haven’t joined our group yet, why wait another day? If you are a member of the Brawerman East group, why not post a thought?
As always, be in touch.
THIS IS BIG!
Monday, MAY 16, 2011I hope you all had a big weekend! According to the Big Sunday website, this past weekend over 50,000 people gathered together from San Diego to San Francisco to collaborate on over 500 projects statewide. The efforts focused on community service and community building. Seems like a good foundation for more than just a weekend, huh? Maybe even the underpinnings of a new school!
Hosts
A great big thank you to everyone who volunteered to host a Kindergarten coffee; the response was overwhelming. We will be in touch with the lucky individuals, who beat the crowd and got their names in first, but don't you worry, we created a list of everyone who volunteered, so the next time we need hosts, we know who to contact. If you would like to add your name to that list, just let me know.
Photos
A reminder: we need a photo of your child as soon as possible. The deadline is this Wednesday, May 18, 2011. Please submit a color image of your child(ren). Save the file using your child’s first and last name. Although a headshot is preferable, any picture will do. The digital file should have an image resolution of 1024x768. Please email these photos to me by Wednesday.
Santa Monica Pier Family Fun-Raiser
Join us this Thursday, May 19 from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as Brawerman Elementary School and the Early Childhood Centers of Wilshire Boulevard Temple takeover the Santa Monica Pier for an afternoon of Fun(d) Raising. You haven't seen anything until you see the entire elementary school and both early childhood centers gather at the Santa Monica pier to join in games, rides and community building as we raise money to support the schools’ scholarship fund. We hope you will join us there.
Parent Dinner and Orientation
We are looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. for our inaugural Brawerman East parent dinner and orientation. Please note: this is a date and time change from the original schedule sent out to you in the welcome letter. We will no longer be meeting on June 6 at 6:30 PM; instead, we will convene on Thursday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Temple Campus. More details to follow…
Gillian Feldman
I am thrilled to announce that Gillian Feldman will join the Brawerman Elementary School Administrative team as the Director of Admissions. Next year, Maxine Keith will serve as Principal and Assistant Head of School of Brawerman West, and Gillian will step into the role of Director of Admissions. She will work as the Director of Admissions for both Brawerman West and Brawerman East. Having Gillian on board as the Director of Admissions will be a huge asset for Brawerman East. Her talent as an educator and her natural ability to gauge best fit for students and families will be indispensible. Please join me in welcoming Gillian to the administrative team and to Brawerman East!
As always, be in touch with whatever is on your mind.
FEELING THE SPIRIT
WEDNESDAY, MAY 11, 2011I hope you have had a chance to read through last week’s blog entry; it contains many important dates and times. Several of you raised some concerns that I would like to address.
Date and Time Corrections
Next year, school will start at 8:30 a.m. The letter that you received in the mail and last week’s blog entry indicated that school started at 8:10 a.m. This is incorrect. Please note: for the 2011-2012 school year, school will begin at 8:30 a.m.
One of the hardest logistical jobs we have is coordinating events among the Early Childhood Centers, Brawerman East, Brawerman West, the Religious Schools and the larger Temple community. The Parent Dinner/Orientation scheduled for Monday, June 6, 2011 is scheduled on the same day as the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center Kadima. Because the Kadima is happening during the day, we did not anticipate a conflict. As it turns out, many families made plans to continue the celebration into the evening. In order to meet our incoming families’ needs, we have rescheduled our Parent Dinner/Orientation. The Parent Dinner/Orientation is now scheduled to take place on Thursday, June 9, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the Temple Campus. You will receive more details about the event closer to June 9, but I wanted you to have the correct date and time as soon as possible. We are looking forward to seeing you then.
Meet Rachel Utley
On Friday afternoon, we hired our Kindergarten co-teacher! Let me introduce you to Rachel Utley. Originally from the Philadelphia area, Rachel has always enjoyed working with children in both formal and informal settings. In 2009, after graduating from the William Davidson School for Jewish Education in New York City, Rachel worked as a Jewish studies first grade assistant teacher at Gross Schechter Day School in Cleveland, Ohio. While completing her undergraduate and graduate work, she served as a lead teacher in a number of religious schools in Los Angeles, New Jersey and New York. Rachel loved spending her summers at Camp Ramah in the Poconos serving as both a unit head for ages two to six and a Hebrew teacher. In 2004 and 2005, Rachel was the program director of Calgary, Canada's local JCC day camp where she implemented a new Shabbat program on Friday afternoons. For the past year, Rachel and her husband, Dan, have lived in Jerusalem, Israel where she is an afternoon teacher in a local Israeli Kindergarten. In her spare time, Rachel enjoys reading, Israeli dancing and spending time with her husband and four siblings. She is looking forward to returning to Los Angeles this summer and is very excited to join the team at Brawerman East Elementary School. Amy, Rachel and I have already started our journey together as Brawerman East’s charter educators.
Feeling the Spirit?
If you can’t wait to show your Brawerman East spirit, perhaps you would like to host a Kindergarten Coffee. The first semester Kindergarten Coffee will be held on Tuesday, October 18, 2011. The second semester Kindergarten Coffee will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2012. Please be in touch if you are interested in hosting one of these coffees. Thank you to the Berkow family for volunteering to host the Kindergarten Social!
Big Sunday
This Sunday, May 15, 2011, you have the opportunity to join Los Angelenos across the city in an effort to make the world a better place. Volunteer opportunities are available at both the Temple and the Irmas campuses. Check out the Temple website for more information.
Photographs
In preparation for next year, we need a photograph of your student. Please submit a color image of your child(ren). Save the file using your child’s first and last name. This should be a digital file with an image resolution of 1024 x 768. Please email these photos to me no later than Wednesday, May 18, 2011.
Feel free to stop by the rabbinic suite on Thursday. Both Nadine and I will be around and would love to say hi!
I'M BACK!
TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2011I trust you have been waiting with bated breath for my name to pop up in your inbox. Although it’s been weeks since I have been in touch, don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten about you. I am on a Boeing 767 right now, heading back to Los Angeles. I just finished attending orientation for the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI) I will be attending in New York City over the summer. I am amped up with new ideas and new professional connections that will help in creating a vibrant school.
Although I have been on a blogging hiatus, Nadine and I have been hard at work on bringing Brawerman East to fruition. I am honored and excited to announce that our charter class is full. Over the past month, the initial interest people demonstrated in Brawerman East turned into commitment, and we will start the 2011-2012 school year with 21 students!
Meet Amy Carson
I am also thrilled to announce we have hired our founding Kindergarten teacher, Amy Carson. Amy grew up in Chicago, went to college in Boston and has lived in New York since 2004. She is excited to continue her tour of the United States' major cities when she and her husband, Joshua, move to Los Angeles this summer.
Amy’s education and professional experience have always been centered on her love of children. Amy received her Bachelor of Arts in Developmental Psychology from Harvard and her master’s degree in Early Childhood Leadership from Bank Street College of Education. She has taught various grade levels during her career as an educator, but her true love is Kindergarten. Amy also spent several years conducting research on early childhood education policies at Teachers College, Columbia University. For the past five years, Amy has been teaching at Rodeph Sholom School, a reform Jewish day school on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Amy is thrilled to be joining the Brawerman East team and looks forward to meeting the entire community soon! I know you all will join me in welcoming Amy to Brawerman East.
Dates to Remember
You should have received a letter via snail mail welcoming you to Brawerman East. Just in case you missed it, here are the highlights:
• The school year begins on Tuesday, September 6, 2011
• Kindergarten hours the first week of school (Tuesday, September 6 – Friday, September 9, 2011) are 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
• Beginning Monday, September 12, 2011 regular Kindergarten hours are 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
• Parent Dinner/Orientation (parents only) – Monday, June 6, 2011, 6:30 p.m.
• Incoming Kindergarten Playdate/Lunch – Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 11:00 a.m.
• Meet Your Teachers – Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon
• Back to School Night – Monday, September 19, 2011
• Kindergarten Coffees – Tuesday, October 18, 2011 and Wednesday, February 8, 2012
• Kindergarten Parent Social – Thursday, November 17, 2011
• If you do not wish to be included in our school directory, please contact Tricia by Friday, May 6, 2011. If we do not hear from you, your information will be included.
I think this makes up for the communication drought. As always, be in touch with any questions, comments or ideas. And don’t forget to check us out on Facebook!
HIATUS
MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2011I will be signing off for several weeks. In accordance with the Los Angeles Independent School Consortium we belong to, we have agreed to engage in ethical admissions practices. One component of this commitment includes abstaining from contacting prospective parents after notification letters have been received.
As I mentioned last week, we mailed out Brawerman East notification letters on Friday, March 25, 2011. Most prospective Brawerman East families should receive their letters today. In addition to containing your admission status (accepted, waitlisted, not accepted), the letter also contains financial aid information if applicable. Please note: the deadline to apply for financial aid was February 18, 2011.
Contracts and deposits are due no later than Tuesday, April 12, 2011. If you would like to turn your contract and deposit into Nadine in person, she will be at the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. If you would like to turn your contract and deposit into Hannah in person, she will be at the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Contracts and deposits can be sent to the Brawerman Elementary School office at any time.
In addition to returning your contract and deposit, please email Maxine as soon as you make a decision about whether or not your child will be attending Brawerman East.
You are welcome to be in touch with Nadine, Maxine or me at any point in the next several weeks. We know how daunting this process can be and are here to help in any way we can.
The next time I blog, my readers will be the parents of the Brawerman East charter class. How cool is that!
NOTIFICATIONS
MONDAY, MARCH 22, 2011As many of you know, notification letters from Los Angeles area independent schools will be mailed out this Friday, March 25, 2011. Nadine, Maxine and I are working arduously on our end to meet this deadline. Brawerman East applicants can expect to receive notification letters by early next week. This letter will include your admission status (accepted, waitlisted, not accepted), as well as financial aid information if applicable. Please note: the deadline to apply for financial aid was February 18, 2011.
Brawerman Elementary School is part of a consortium of independent schools in Los Angeles that is committed to ethical admission practices. As a member of this consortium, we agree that once notification letters have been sent, we will not initiate visits for groups or individuals. Additionally, we agree not to contact applicants or applicant families after notification letters have been mailed.
Contracts and deposits are due no later than Tuesday, April 12, 2011. If you would like to turn your contract and deposit into Nadine in person, she will be at the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center on Wednesday, March 30, 2011. If you would like to turn your contract and deposit into Hannah in person, she will be at the Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Contracts and deposits can be sent to the Brawerman Elementary School office at any time.
In addition to returning your contract and deposit, please email Maxine as soon as you make a decision about whether or not your child will be attending Brawerman East.
We are excited about this next phase of creating Brawerman East. As always, please be in touch with any questions or concerns.
LUXURIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2011I am struck by the ease with which one can be Jewish in Los Angeles. As I read that opening sentence back to myself, I wonder how it will resonate with you and what the consequences of this effortlessness are.
As I drove to PURIMland on Sunday, I passed four other Purim carnivals along the way. And not to worry, if you didn't celebrate Purim this past weekend, there are still plenty of opportunities to celebrate this weekend. After all, the actual dates of Purim this year are March 19-20.
This morning, the entire Brawerman student body boarded busses and headed north on PCH to Camp Hess Kramer. Camp Hess Kramer is one of two camps located in Malibu that is owned by Wilshire Boulevard Temple. Students will spend the day soaking up all that is Jewish camping.
On Thursday, a delegation of sixth graders will head off on an adventure of a lifetime to Israel. They will join up with students from our twin school, the Ussishkin School, to explore a country they have studied historically, religiously and spiritually. The trip will serve as both a capstone experience to each student's Brawerman career, as well as an inaugural event marking the beginning of the next chapter in each child's Jewish journey.
So in just one week, a Brawerman sixth grader could celebrate Purim at PURIMland, enjoy a day at Camp Hess Kramer, fly to Israel and land in time to revel in the Purim festivities there.
As a Jewish educator, there is both great luxury and great responsibility that comes with this ease. I don't have to spend as much time worrying about the big stuff; I know that students will have ample opportunities to live Judaism. There will be holidays to celebrate, life cycle events to mark and cultural events in which to participate. So it is my job to dig deeper. I must do more than skim the surface. There is so much that is compelling about Judaism, and there are so many ways to use Judaic content to transform education. The luxury of living in a place like Los Angeles where so many of the basics are taken care of is that we can dig into the possibilities.
SHABBAT, BRAWERMAN STYLE
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2011On Friday night, over 400 members of the Brawerman community joined together for Shabbat Across Brawerman. Brawerman families, alumni and faculty hosted other Brawerman families, alumni and faculty to celebrate Shabbat. Although the actual dining experience ranged from home cooked meals to take out and potlucks to catered affairs, the sentiment was the same – Brawerman is about so much more than just a quality education.
On Saturday night, a smaller group of Brawerman stakeholders joined together to bring in the week, Brawerman style. We congregated on the field at the Irmas Campus for a picnic, followed by Israeli dance and Havdalah candle making. At nightfall when three stars were visible in the sky, we gathered in a circle to celebrate Havdalah.
Shabbat Across Brawerman marked the beginning of a new tradition for Brawerman West. The parents on the Jewish Celebrations committee played an instrumental role in bringing Shabbat Across Brawerman to our community. Judging by its reception, Shabbat Across Brawerman will become a tradition that will last for years into the future.
Thinking about potential Brawerman East/Parent partnerships and the resulting outcomes is so exciting. I look forward to the possibilities!
COMMUNITY OF LEARNERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 1, 2011If I could choose my own title, I'd call myself the Head Learner of Brawerman East. Roland Barth coined the phrase "Head Learner" as the role a principal plays in a school that is a community of learners. The Head Learner's job is to engage in, display and model the behaviors she wants to see emulated in students and teachers. I spent this past week in DC as Brawerman East's Head Learner.
The collective brain power gathered together at the National Harbor to discuss education was awe inspiring. Elizabeth Coleman, president of Bennington College, riffed on Thomas Jefferson's statement that, "If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be." Coleman condemned the squandering of ethical resources, arguing that education must operate within a framework of values that draws connections between learning and life. Much of what Coleman discussed resonates with what makes Brawerman (and will make Brawerman East) such an incredible place to learn. The integration of the Judaic with the secular gives us the ethical framework that a school needs to be successful.
Maxine and I spent Monday morning at Glazer casually observing students. It is always fascinating to see how kids respond to us the second time around and on their own turf. Some are naturally intrigued. Some keep a safe distance. Others are more skilled observers than we! We were also able to take some time to screen kids who missed the formal screening earlier this month.
As the admissions process continues, please stay in touch. If you have not met with Maxine yet, make an appointment as soon as possible. As questions or ideas occur, feel free to ask.
LOOKING FOR GREAT TEACHERS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2011I am on my way to Washington, DC to attend the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) conference. The week will be filled with opportunities to learn with leading national and international educators. I look forward to connecting with people who have inspired me as a teacher and a learner and to brainstorm Brawerman East and all of its possibilities.
While at NAIS, I will take advantage of the national context to recruit and interview potential Brawerman East (and Brawerman West) teachers. Teachers from around the country attend the NAIS conference each year to obtain the best jobs at the most competitive independent schools across the country.
Last week, I received a phone call from Fran Urman, the Director of the Day School Leadership Training Institute (DSLTI). DSLTI is one of the preeminent Jewish day school administrative training programs in the country. As a member of the seventh cohort of DSLTI, I will spend a year learning with my peers across the country. The program includes a three-week summer session at Columbia University, several weekend institutes and my very own veteran day school administrator mentor for the year. Perhaps most importantly, I will create a network of Jewish day school professionals to call on for professional support and development. I am really looking forward to this opportunity!
Although I am not at Brawerman East this week, Nadine and Maxine are still hard at work on Brawerman East. The financial aid application deadline has passed. If you missed the deadline, it is imperative that you get in touch with Maxine immediately. Maxine and/or I continue to visit Nursery Schools. It we have not seen your child in her/his "natural environment" yet, we will do so sometime in the next couple of weeks. We also have a visit to Glazer scheduled, so that we have the opportunity for an informal observation of Glazer applicants, too.
Have a great week!
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR KIDS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2011On Thursday, we had our “It’s Not Too Late” tour of Brawerman East. Applicant families who hadn’t yet had a chance to see Brawerman East and families who missed the application deadline got the opportunity to see the school. Although we don’t have any more tours scheduled, we would be happy to show off Brawerman East on an individual basis to anyone who is interested. In addition, if you haven’t seen Brawerman West, a tour of the West campus might help give you a fuller picture of what Brawerman East will be like. I would be happy to show you around!
Friday marked another Brawerman East milestone: our first screening play date. For a moment, I allowed myself to dream about what Brawerman East would be like if our entire screening play date became our founding kindergarten class. What an amazing thought!
Maxine and I really enjoyed getting to know your children during the play date. We observed your kids in the informal setting of the playground as well as the more structured venue of the classroom. Youngsters got to play, draw, write, tell stories and listen to a book. It is always interesting to connect parents with children and to see how our observations mesh with the information parents provide.
If your child missed the screening play date, we will make alternative arrangements to screen your child. During the month of February and perhaps into the beginning of March, Maxine and I will continue to visit non-Erika J. Glazer applicants at their home Nursery Schools. These visits give us the opportunity to see your child in a comfortable environment and to talk to the teachers who know your child the best.
If you haven’t already done so, please make sure you schedule a parent interview with Maxine. These conversations allow us to get to know each other better and to make informed decisions during the admissions process.
Please join us as our Grade 6 players present William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Performances will be held on Monday, February 14 at 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Please note: young children may attend the daytime performance only. RSVP as soon as possible. This is a great way to get a feeling for Brawerman West.
HAPPENINGS
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2011Last week was chock-full of exciting Brawerman East happenings. We gathered together in the Milder home for our inaugural Brawerman East social. Prospective founding families spent time socializing and getting to know one another, learning about Brawerman East’s latest building plans and asking all of the questions that inquiring, prospective parents need to know.
Nadine and I were honored to join Erika J. Glazer Early Childhood Center families on Thursday evening as their children received their Hebrew names. The kids did an amazing job on the bimah. According the Rabbi Leder, he had the best “seat” in the house. From where he stood, he could see all of the parents as they watched their kids. The sanctuary was filled with lots of love Thursday night.
It’s not too late! Are you one of those people who has applied to Brawerman East, but hasn’t taken the tour yet? Perhaps you want to apply to Brawerman East, but the application deadline escaped you. Don’t worry; you can still get in on the action. Join us this Thursday, February 10 at 9:30 a.m. in Meitus Hall for a tour of Brawerman East. Be sure to RSVP for the tour!
We are looking forward to seeing all applicant families on Friday, February 11, 2011 at our student screening play date. You will receive a confirmation email from Maxine Keith, Director of Admissions, reminding you of the details of the day.If you have any questions about the screening play date, please contact Maxine.
It is important to get a feeling for the school you are going to send your child to and the community of which your family is going to become a part. One way to learn more about Brawerman East is to get to know our Brawerman West community. Please join us as our Grade 6 players present William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Performances will be held on Monday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday, February 15 at 10:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Please note: young children may attend daytime performances only. Please RSVP by Wednesday, February 9, 2011.
As always, be in touch with any questions, concerns or ideas. Although there is no mechanism to comment publicly on my blog here, my blog entries are also posted on Facebook where you are welcome to comment, and we can begin to create another level of community.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2011Although the deadline for Brawerman East applications has passed, parents interested in Brawerman East continue to contact us about touring and applying to the school. As a result, we are holding an “It’s Not Too Late” tour of Brawerman East on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. If you or someone you know is interested in Brawerman East, but has not yet seen the school, please contact me to register for the tour. We will be accepting applications on a rolling basis from this point forward.
Nadine and I are excited to welcome our prospective founding parents at our inaugural Brawerman East Social this Tuesday, February 1, 2011. We will gather together to get to know one another and to learn more about Brawerman East. Howard Kaplan, Wilshire Boulevard Temple’s Executive Director, will join us to review the architectural plans for Brawerman East’s new classrooms. Full details about the social have been sent under separate cover. If you are interested in attending the social, but have not RSVPed, please do so as soon as possible. If you are interested in attending the social, but have not received an invitation, please let me know.
Mark your calendars: we will be holding our student screening play date on Friday, February 11, 2011. While students meet with Maxine Keith, Director of Admissions, parents will meet with Nadine Breuer, Head of Schools. You should have received detailed information from Maxine Keith regarding this screening play date. If you have any questions, please be in touch. Also, if you have not already done, be sure to schedule your parent interview with Maxine Keith.
LET'S CONNECT
MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2011To date, we have received twenty-two applications for the 2011-2012 school year! Although the official deadline to turn in applications has passed, we are still looking for a few good students and families who would strengthen our Brawerman East community. If you or someone you know has what it takes to become a founding family of Brawerman East, please be in touch.
Those of you who have already submitted an application should have received an e-vite to our inaugural Brawerman East Social. Please join us on February 1, 2011 as we gather to learn more about Brawerman East and get to know other prospective founding parents. Be sure to RSVP by January 28, 2011 so that we can plan accordingly.
If you have not applied to Brawerman East yet, but would like to attend our Social to meet other prospective founding parents and to learn more about the school, feel free to email me and plan on joining us on February 1, 2011.
Prospective founding parents can also look forward to receiving a phone call from the Brawerman East Mom Squad. Several prospective founding moms have volunteered to reach out to other prospective founding parents to connect and share information and ideas. One of the cornerstones of Brawerman East is community, and the Mom Squad exemplifies this essential element. Take some time to get to know the mom who calls you. Consider getting together for a cup of coffee or making a play date for your kids to get to know each other.
Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page, and, if you haven’t already done so, join the Brawerman Elementary School East Group.
WELCOME
TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2011We’re launching our Brawerman East blog!
The 2010 -2011 academic year has been filled with major milestones in our journey to bring Brawerman East from conception to reality. As Nadine and I meet with stakeholders during this process, one of the most frequent themes that emerges from our conversations is communication. People want to be informed, and we want to make sure that prospective parents, charter class families, community members and other interested parties know all of the exciting things that are happening at Brawerman East.
As we kick off the New Year, we simultaneously enter into a new phase of communication. We have launched a school Facebook page, and we are launching this weekly blog. If you know anyone who might be interested in this information, he/she can sign up using the “sign up” link on the blog page. If you have ideas for topics that should be covered or questions that you would like answered, feel free to be in touch, hbennett@brawerman.org.
Please feel free to bookmark it or you can always find it in the “News” section of our website, brawerman.org.
I look forward to connecting with you in this new and innovative way!
Do you have comments or suggestions regarding this or any other posts on this page? Please simply email hbennett@brawerman.org. We would love to hear from you.