| A Journey of Learning and Discovery | Fall 2023
Magazine
Contents 3 4 6 12 16 18 22
Letter to the Community
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We Stand with Israel Around Campus
18 4
The Future is in Our Hands Learning Community
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Climbing to their Full Potential Beyond the Classroom
2023–2024 Board of Trustees President
Trustees
Micah Goldstein
Mara Berman Barbie Bregen Lauren Spanjer Bricks Steven Cohen Elizabeth Davis Mark Edelstein Julia Galanti Susan Goldberg Murray Goldman Billie Greenberg Jonathan Habif Lisa Haynor Bennett Kaplan Debbie Kurzweil David Herskovits Brad Ladden Meryl Macune Rob Perkins
Vice Presidents Jeff Hopkins Kevin Levingston Brian Mand
Secretary Stanley Sonenshine
Treasurer Russell Falkenstein
Immediate Past President Lisa Freedman
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Josh Perlstein Amy Robinson Michelle Rosenberg Stacy Rothberg Carol Rubin Linda Selig Emily Silberman Jason Tessler Evan Toporek Beth Warner
Trustees for Life (in order of appointment) William Breman (z’l) Jay Davis Sidney Kirschner (z’l) Dulcy Davis Rosenberg Ann Davis
Past Presidents (in order of service) Jan Epstein (1990-1992) Carol Nemo (1990-1996) Dean Benamy (1996-1999) Harriet Zoller (1999-2000) Bryan Fields (2000-2003) Ben Sillins (2003-2005) Billie Greenberg (2005-2007) Tonia Sellers (2007-2011) Sam Tuck (2011-2014) Debbie Kurzweil (2014-2016) Jon Leven (2016-2018) Evan Toporek (2018-2020) Lisa Freedman (2020-2023)
Dear Davis Academy Families,
W
e write this letter during an emotional time for our entire community. While this issue of The Journey magazine celebrates the incredible learning, vibrant experiences, and emotional and spiritual growth of our students during our first semester, it also marks the attacks on Israel, the outbreak of war, and the rise of antisemitism across the globe. As individuals, we are impacted in our own unique way. Those of us who are Israeli or have relatives, friends, and personal connections in Israel are directly affected in ways that could not have been imagined. Each of our students is impacted to a differing degree, reflecting their age, developmental maturity, and their family’s engagement. Our almost 1,500 graduates, while at varying stages of life, are experiencing the tragic news from Israel and feelings of uncertainty in their own way at their high schools, college campuses, and workplaces across the country. As we each mourn the loss of life and share in the shock and sadness of the situation, we also share feelings of connectedness, strength, and hope, knowing that we are not alone. We can be assured that our sacred work continues at The Davis Academy as we nurture the next generation of proud, spirited and educated Jews. This Journey magazine illustrates how we continue to focus on what we do best—loving and educating our students and caring for one another. The pages ahead highlight how our students are engaged in various Israelthemed discussions, prayers, and tzedakah drives and are creating Israeli flags, crafting cards for their Israeli teachers, and writing letters to Israeli soldiers. At the same time, you will read about how they are also setting athletic records, conducting podcasts with renowned authors, presenting innovative projects at educational conferences, and having amazing learning experiences beyond the classroom and even beyond Atlanta. We continue to count each day as a blessing, providing our children with a sense of normalcy, growth, and joy. And this commitment now includes creating the same opportunities for a small number of Israeli children who are suddenly, unexpectedly, temporarily residing in Atlanta. All of this reflects the essence of The Davis Academy and the important role that our school plays in ensuring the future of the Jewish people. Love of Judaism and Israel starts with love right here at home, and together, we are Living Our Values Every day. The commitment of our administration, faculty, staff, and Board leadership to ensuring a vibrant, safe, and nurturing environment for our students and our entire community is unwavering.
Amy Shafron Head of School
Amy Shafron Head of School
Micah Goldstein President, Board of Trustees
Love of Judaism and Israel starts with love right here at home, and together, we are Living Our Values Every day.
Micah Goldstein President, Board of Trustees The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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WE STAND WITH ISRAEL
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he Davis Academy’s ties to Israel go back to the earliest days of our school community. Since our school’s founding, we have started each and every day with the singing of Hatikvah, Israel’s National Anthem. Davis Academy students not only study about the State of Israel, but they also dream of the day when they will have the opportunity of a lifetime—to visit Israel and create their own personal, unique, and unshakeable bond. During their years of study, Davis Academy students learn at the feet of Hebrew teachers, many of them Israeli. They sit alongside and share their lives with Israeli classmates. Many of them have personal ties to Israel—family, friends, colleagues. The Davis Academy’s love for Israel is not an abstract love. It is a concrete, tangible, and profound love. We cherish Israel as a community. And, of course, we stand with Israel—now and always. The Israel that we love and cherish is not an idealized Israel. It is the actual, real-life Israel. It is the Israel we see firsthand when we travel there with our 8th graders. It is the Israel where Jewish civilization thrives in unprecedented and inspiring ways, often a direct result of overcoming unprecedented challenges. It is the Israel where diverse people live alongside one another, sometimes in harmony, and sometimes with tension. It is the Israel where democracy empowers every citizen with a voice, often used to criticize and challenge Israel to fulfill its endless potential. It is the Israel that gave shelter to survivors of the Holocaust when so much of the rest of the world turned a cold shoulder, as well as to thousands upon thousands of Jewish refugees under other circumstances. It is the Israel that fights on behalf of every Jew, whether they are Israeli or not. It is the Israel that continues to be a light unto the nations and a force for good in this world. It is the Israel that seeks peace, that believes in peace, and is committed to the practice of hope, Tikvah, even when hope seems to be untenable. So yes, on October 7, 2023, and in the weeks and months that followed, our hearts broke. Not just once, but time and time again. With broken hearts, we reached out and continue to reach out to support Israel and our Israeli family and friends—those we know and those we don’t. As I write these words, the conflict in Israel remains unresolved. We anticipate more grief, more pain, more anguish, and more trauma. Yet we refuse, here at The Davis Academy, to let this pain and suffering be the end of our Israel story. We believe, with all our hearts and souls, with every fiber of our being,
that Israel will emerge from this conflict. We anticipate that there will be a “new normal” for Israel and Israelis once this conflict comes to an end. Whatever that new normal will be, our Israeli family, friends, colleagues, and community, will find The Davis Academy standing alongside Israel, helping to heal, restoring faith, and signaling to the world that the Jewish People stand as one, with Israel as our homeland and as a beacon of light to all the world. —Rabbi Micah Lapidus
At a special all-school Israel Solidarity Shabbat, we shared a morning filled with love and support for Israel. The highlight was a moving performance of ‘Hatikvah,’ featuring the exceptional talent of Jessica Oudin, a Davis parent and a violist with the Atlanta Symphony.
The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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Around Campus Aviation Innovation Takes Flight on Tinkering Tuesday The Tinkering Tuesday program is an opportunity for lower school students to think with their hands and explore creative endeavors centered around an engaging project that integrates innovative design. In one of the sessions, students delved into the world of aviation innovation. They were armed with basic craft supplies and robust propellers to build their own helicopters. They learned how winding a rubber band connected to the propellers stores energy and, once released, how the rubber band powers the propeller blade and the helicopter body. It was very exciting to see how the propellers generate a lift by pushing air downward, allowing the helicopter to fly.
Bridge Engineering Middle school students were challenged to design 3D bridges using Tinkercad software. This activity had a twofold purpose: first, it aimed to impart valuable architectural and engineering skills by challenging students to determine the most effective structures for creating simple bridges. Moreover, this hands-on experience led them through the entire process of 3D printing, from the initial design phase all the way to holding their physical creations. Not only did they learn how to master Tinkercad, but they also cultivated critical thinking skills as they explored ways to enhance, modify, and rigorously test multiple designs.
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Sharing the Magic: Tefillah with Mechina Everyone gets to experience the magic of The Davis Academy! Mechina parents were invited to learn alongside their children during a special “Tefillah and Kehillah” session in the beautiful outdoor Nature Sanctuary. Sessions like this one allow our parents to share a meaningful experience with their children, fostering a sense of togetherness and deepening their connection to the Davis kehillah (community).
Unleashing Creativity with New Technology Students dove into the realm of innovation with the exciting introduction of our state-of-the-art wood laser-cutting machine. This advanced technology opens up limitless creative possibilities, and our fourth-grade students will begin exploring its potential. In language arts they will connect the reading of Cynthia Lord’s “Handful of Stars” to their use of the machine to craft hexagonal shapes, which they will assemble into a honeycomb component to create a symbolic beehive to correspond with the novel. Each student will paint their piece, contributing to the engineering of a meaningful beehive that represents themes of friendship and service found in the story.
Eighth Graders Master the Pop Art Revolution Eighth graders explored the world of the Pop Art movement, which celebrated everyday consumer products as “high art.” To bring this concept to life, they utilized the grid method, skillfully crafting beverage label backgrounds and rendering intricate drawings of crushed cans with shading techniques. Although the project’s complexity surpassed their grade level, Mrs. Ganz was confident in the abilities of her talented students. Their dedication and skill were truly remarkable, resulting in mesmerizing artwork! The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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Simchat Torah Celebration The entire Davis Academy community came together to celebrate Simchat Torah, one of the most special highlights of the year. Mechina 8th-grade students, faculty, staff, parents, grandparents, and friends were literally wrapped in the words of Torah in the Lower School gym.
Stepping Back in Time: Second Continental Congress Reenactment Eighth-grade students stepped back in time as they reenacted the Second Continental Congress, guided by the leadership of “George Washington” (Mr. Barry, Middle School Social Studies Teacher). In a remarkable display of historical immersion, our students assumed the roles of colonial delegates representing the 13 British colonies. The Congress buzzed with animated debates on subjects ranging from taxation, military strategies, and trade policies to the pressing question of whether they should declare independence from the grip of Great Britain.
Fostering Friendships and Learning Through Mentorship The Book Buddies program is a one-ofa-kind initiative where older students step into the role of mentors, creating special connections with their younger peers. Mechina students have the opportunity to observe their older friends in action, not only demonstrating excellent reading skills but also the true spirit of friendship. The enthusiasm is tangible as fifth graders embrace this opportunity to shine as peer models in this heartwarming experience.
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Go Lions! A
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What a remarkable fall season in Davis Athletics! The boys’ cross country (A) team was led by 7th grader Nate Richmond, who became the first-ever individual Davis Academy Cross Country Champion (the team placed 5th out of 9 teams). On the girls’ side, 7th grader Chloe Coffey led the team, finishing 12th and moving up to second on The Davis Academy All-Time list (the team placed 6th). In volleyball, teams (B) and (C) finished strong, and the A team (D) finished 2nd in Division 1 in the MAAC Conference. In addition, the boys’ soccer team (E) completed the MAAC Championship in 5th place, and the frisbee (F) team secured three wins in the season and truly shined with incredible sportsmanship. Congratulations to all participating athletes and all Coaches for leading the teams: Coach Matt Barry and Coach Sean Coffey (cross country), Coach Jenna Grossman, Coach Ty Brown, and Coach Colin Campbell (volleyball), Coach Phil Wyatt and Coach Matt Cross (soccer), and Coach James Dykstra (frisbee).
Science, Art, and Learning in the Sukkah Sukkot was a joyous holiday and a time of great celebration at The Davis Academy. Students in Mechina through 8th grade decorated our two beautiful sukkot on both campuses, drawing their inspiration from the tzedek (righteousness/social action) themes in each grade level’s curriculum. Students welcomed families and guests to sing and spend time together as a kehillah. In addition, some students enjoyed classes in the sukkah, created edible sukkot and even conducted science labs. While doing all of these activities, they focused on the simple blessings of family, health, and shelter, making Sukkot truly live up to its name: the season of our rejoicing.
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Nurture Celebrates its First Birthday! Last year, in honor of the school’s 30th anniversary and as part of our commitment to the broader Atlanta community, The Davis Academy introduced a new community initiative known as “Nurture.” Over the past year, Nurture has provided unique programs and resources aimed at engaging, connecting, and assisting families with young children across greater Atlanta. Its success has been remarkable, and we are excited to continue growing. We recently marked this milestone with an amazing birthday celebration alongside many little ones from across the community, their families, Davis student ambassadors, community partners, and our advisory council members. Happy 1st birthday, Nurture! To learn more about Nurture, visit www.nurtureatlanta.org.
Shinshinim Spread Love and Support for Israel Introducing our Shinshinim, Shira and Matan! These young Israeli high school graduates are spending a gap year in Atlanta before their military service. Every year, visiting Shinshinim bring their passion for Israel to life at our school through art, music, dance, and holiday celebrations. This year, their role takes on added significance as they actively engage with our Davis and Atlanta communities in supporting Israel during a time of war. Among their various initiatives, one immediate response involved organizing a letter-writing campaign by students to send messages of support to soldiers in Israel. These letters were transmitted directly through WhatsApp and were warmly received with profound appreciation and love. Thank you to Matan and Shira for everything you do at Davis and in our community!
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2nd Annual Davis Day of Service We welcomed guests of all ages to participate in our 2nd Annual Davis Day of Service, a day designed to recognize the importance of giving back, an integral component of The Davis Academy’s mission. Helpers of all ages, from Mechina students to alumni to our grandparents, worked with local charities, making a difference in our community. There were activities for Lions of all ages to honor our school’s value of Tzedek, including caring for rescued animals, “rescuing” bagels for the homeless and packing food for people in need.
Grandparents and Special Friends Day Our annual Grandparents and Special Friends Day is one of the most anticipated days of the school year at The Davis Academy. We were happy to welcome hundreds of grandparents and special friends for activities on both campuses. We are so grateful to the many guests who traveled from near and far to visit and learn alongside our students. Their presence filled not only our hallways and classrooms but also our hearts and spirits.
Save the Date: Aladdin Jr. Get ready for a dazzling show! The Davis Academy performing arts team is in full swing, preparing for an enchanting all-school production of Aladdin Jr., coming to the stage on March 17 & 18, 2024. Get ready to be transported into the mesmerizing world of Aladdin Jr., a magical experience that combines the best of both the 1992 Academy Award®-winning film and the 2014 hit Broadway show about the “diamond in the rough” street rat who learns that his true worth lies deep within. Don’t miss this spectacular performance! The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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The
FUTURE is in
Our Hands
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Mechina students programming robot. Below: Kindergarten creating anglerfish lures out of circuits. Left: Second grade team project building magnetic circuits. Opposite: Sixth graders explore space with VR.
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a leader in education in the metro Atlanta area, we are responsible for cultivating students as future thought leaders, innovators, creators, and problem solvers. Additionally, we prioritize social and emotional acumen to ensure our students are well-equipped to navigate the unexpected. We lean into this responsibility with a strong teaching community devoted to the cause. While we cannot predict with certainty which occupations will be most in demand in the year 2040, we can anticipate successful skill sets and investigate the world around us to analyze the aptitudes that may be most valued for the future. With this in mind, we have developed a diverse curriculum that challenges our students to adapt and prepare for an unknown future. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs 2023 Insight Report, several critical skills will be invaluable for success and economic growth. These skills include the following: • Analytical thinking • Creative thinking • Resilience, flexibility, and agility • Motivation and self-awareness • Curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning • Dependability • Empathy • Active listening • Leadership • Social influence • Quality control
When imprinted within young learners, each of the above skill sets generates thoughtful leaders with strong fortitude in both their moral fiber and expertise. With this in mind, we prioritize learning opportunities that influence our students to become versatile, thoughtful individuals who can confidently steer us into the future. At The Davis Academy, we cultivate these skills with strategic intent across the continuum of each grade level. Mechina students, for instance, develop a foundation for computational thinking skills through sequencing activities that integrate engineering with robotics and imaginative storytelling to create algorithms demonstrating cause and effect (A). As part of the ocean life unit in science, explore the survival strategies of organisms in the ocean depths. For their culminating project, they craft anglerfish equipped with glowing lures to attract their prey. Students enhance the lure by adding a circuit, simulating the captivating glow that lures prey close enough for the anglerfish to grasp with its sharp, pointed teeth (B). In first-grade Social Studies, students learn about The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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...WE PRIORITIZE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES THAT INFLUENCE OUR STUDENTS TO BECOME VERSATILE, THOUGHTFUL INDIVIDUALS WHO CAN CONFIDENTLY STEER US INTO THE FUTURE.
Above: First graders use block coding to strengthen geography skills. Below: Third graders use MinecraftEDU to design and build a Native American village. Left: Fourth graders engage in a digital game design.
United States landmarks. Strengthening geography skills, students use block coding manipulatives to map out the correct route to these landmarks by creating a sequential code. If their code results in taking a wrong turn, the team works together to “debug” the program. As they advocate for solutions to improve the team’s code, they refine communication skills and practice resilience and social influence to impact the quality of their code. This hands-on activity requires a commitment to problem-solving to fulfill their motivation to reach their final destination (C). Second graders study rocks and minerals. As a culminating project, students work in small teams using magnetic circuits to complete hands-on challenges related to the
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content that they have learned. Integrating motors, switches, and sensors, they engineer a solution to a specific question posed to their team and to do so, they must tap into creative thinking, active listening, and curiosity to ensure quality control for a successful end product (D). Third graders, after completing a Native American unit, engage with the MinecraftEDU metaverse to collaboratively design and build a Native American village using resources and materials that would have been available to the Cherokee. Digital citizenship skills are reinforced as students learn to navigate a virtual world as independent engineers working together to achieve a larger goal (E). Students in 4th grade Technology Exploratory are engaged in
a digital game design unit in which they use colored blocks to represent digital pixels as part of character and level design for a self-made video game. Students integrate game design elements, such as the objective, storytelling, strategy, aesthetics, and a balance between rigor and ease, to create a positive gaming experience after undergoing a peer review process (F). Fifth graders in Tech Exploratory fly drones to explore principles of flight. Students learn about lift and how it influences aviation control. Students compare and contrast different types of aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, and drones. They explore precision flying by navigating a variety of skill challenges in order to determine the most skilled pilots (G). Early on in their middle school experience, sixthgraders simulate the Apollo mission with the Apollo Quest virtual reality app. Through this interactive technology, students assist in the Apollo mission launch sequence of the lunar orbit and engage with elements that allow them to control the lunar module landing. Following this unit, sixth-grade students use this technology with the Titans of Space application to take a virtual tour through the solar system, bringing experiential learning to life as they explore the planets and their unique characteristics (H). Seventh graders explore cells with the Merge cube technology tool, which overlays artificial objects in the real world through augmented reality. With this technology, students simulate being within cell walls to investigate five types of cells from every kingdom (I). Eighth graders leverage our partnership with The Social Institute to examine the influence that generative artificial intelligence may have on the future and the ethical uses of this technology. These engaging and gamified lessons prepare our eighth graders to be positive role models who harness the power of innovative technology for good. Our mission to support the students’ growth and learning continues even after graduation (J). As we are invested in the future of our Davis graduates, our school presents Davis alums with the Tzedek grant opportunity to support an innovative idea that serves the community at large, encouraging graduates to nurture a legacy as strong Jewish leaders. As we reflect on the data offered in the 2023 World Economic Forum Report, along the grade level continuum, the above
Above: Fifth graders study the principles of flight with drones. Below left: Seventh graders explore cells with augmented reality. Below right: Eighth graders examine the ethical use of generative AI.
examples provide a small sample of the innovative learning opportunities that our students experience to best prepare them for success into the future. Currently, the fastest-growing roles include knowledge in artificial intelligence and machine learning, sustainability specialists, data scientists, information security analysts, and renewable energy engineers. Skills that are growing in importance include cognitive skills, complex problem-solving skills, creative thinking, technology literacy, self-efficacy, and social and emotional competencies. Our learning experiences are driven by these global needs, preparing our students to live the value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Source: World Economic Forum. “Future of Jobs Report 2023.” World Economic Forum, May 2023, www3.weforum.org/docs/WEF_Future_ of_Jobs_2023.pdf. Accessed 11 Oct. 2023.
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Learning Community Visiting Author Series
Students had the extraordinary opportunity to connect with renowned authors, enriching their understanding of the creative writing process and deepening their appreciation for literature. Todd Parr, a celebrated author and illustrator, delighted our Mechina through 2nd-grade students with his engaging session. His remarkable contributions to over 60 children’s books, including New York Times bestsellers like The I Love You Book, The Earth Book, and The Thankful Book, made for a memorable experience. Fifth graders had a wonderful Zoom session with author Carol Matas, who discussed her experience as a novelist and her historical fiction book, “The War Within.” Lastly, our middle school students had the privilege of hosting New York Times best-selling author Carl Hiaasen, who shared his inspiration for writing and discussed his latest book, “Wrecker.”
Todd Parr, interviewed by Lyla Wilensky and Hunter Schlam.
Author Podcasts Fourth grade students had the opportunity to develop their research, organizational and presentation skills with the privilege of interviewing Carl Hiassen and Todd Parr, adding to the great collection of The Davis Academy’s Author Podcast Series on SoundCloud. Scan the QR codes to listen to the wonderful interviews.
Photo courtesy of Robyn K.
Carl Hiaasen, interviewed by Zachary Rubin and Brooke Bluestein.
Davis Parent University: Fall Culinary Experience Parents gathered for a fun evening at the MJCCA to participate in a hands-on cooking class, where they crafted a delectable Thanksgiving feast. Together, they learned how to prepare a delightful menu featuring dishes like roasted brussel sprouts with pomegranate molasses, broccoli and wild rice casserole, sangria cranberry sauce, and roasted root vegetable pizza. The aromas, the laughter, and the satisfaction of savoring a splendid meal made this culinary experience truly exceptional! Thank you to our PTO for creating community building experiences for our parents.
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The Impact of Orton Gillingham Training
Grandparents Lunch and Learn
During our most recent Grandparents Lunch and Learn session, Davis grandparents had the opportunity to learn with Dr. Randolph Martin, a distinguished Professor of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Mount Sinai Medical Center and Professor Emeritus of Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. Dr. Martin shared invaluable insights and recommendations on maintaining good health and extending one’s lifespan. Grandparent Committee Co-Chairs Robin Blass and Renee Werbin help organize events like this, offering our grandparent community a great opportunity to connect and learn.
Mechina through Fifth Grade has transitioned its literacy program to the science-based literacy instruction of Orton Gillingham. This methodology utilizes Phonemic instruction, encouraging the use of all senses, and has proven to be the most effective way to teach students to read - regardless of a student’s individual reading level. All of our Lower School teachers have engaged in 30 hours of training to learn how to properly maximize the wonderful benefits and tools of Orton Gillingham. The implementation has been guided by Julie Weiser, DLC Coordinator and Literacy Specialist.
Davis Students Present at GaETC Conference
Middle School Tech Pioneers proudly presented their innovative project, Davis AR Sandscape, at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC). Their creation seamlessly merges topography and augmented reality, drawing inspiration from programs originated at UC Davis. It utilizes a layer of white sand as a dynamic projection surface, exhibiting a topographic map that adapts to shifts in the sand’s terrain. The sand’s contours are continually scanned and updated in real-time using an XBOX Kinect sensor, reflecting the user’s everchanging landscape. The project was a showstopper, leaving attendees marveling at the innovative fusion of technology and topography.
Faculty Professional Development Highlights
Michelle Gimpelevich, Davis Music Teacher, was selected to participate in the Legacy Heritage Training Institute for Teacher Innovation in Israel, where she designed a project to engage all 8th graders in the process of composing, producing, and performing their own Jewish song. Matthew Barry, Middle School Social Studies Teacher, presented “Lessons, Projects, Ideas, Oh My!” a wealth of classroom experiences accumulated over his 19 years of teaching, at the Georgia Council for Social Studies. Daniel Jones, Davis Academy’s Technology and Innovation Strategist, presented “A Tale of Two Prompts,” focused on the effectiveness and ethics of AI, at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC). The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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Climbing to their
FULL POTENTIAL We believe that a well-rounded education includes providing students with a diverse range of opportunities to foster creativity, exploration, and personal growth.
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The Davis Academy, we not only recognize but celebrate the unique qualities of each child, striving to create an environment where their true potential can flourish. Our extensive array of afterschool activities is thoughtfully curated to promote individuality, ignite passions, and cultivate talents, all while fostering deeper connections among peers. This past fall, our diverse activities were more than just extra-curricular; they were designed to be extra-special, tailored to help each student explore their interests and uncover their distinctive capabilities. In our STEM Fundamentals program (A), Mechina through 2nd grade students channeled their creativity into designing structures by constructing innovative structures with Legos, integrating automated components. In the Young Inventors and Maker Club (B) for 3rd through 5th graders, led by Mr. Daniel Jones, the worlds of arts, science, and technology merged as students brought their wildest ideas to life by applying artificial intelligence to create graphics and crafting unique designs using laser-cut wood pieces. Under the guidance of Mrs. Gimpelevich, our Choral Program (C) allowed students to explore the world of voice harmonization, revealing that the magic of
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music extends beyond individual voices, uniting hearts through harmony. This club goes beyond the typical after-school program, as students participate in allschool and community performances representing The Davis Academy. In Ballet and Jazz (D), under the expert instruction of Ms. Caitlyn Schoen, students delved into synchronized movements and rhythms, embracing grace and balance. Yoga (E), led by Ms. Abigail Berger, enabled students to connect with their inner selves, exploring mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation techniques. Within the Chess Club (F) students not only mastered the game but also honed essential life skills, such as logical thinking and decision-making. For those seeking physical challenges, Coach Coffey’s Rock Climbing (pictured left) and Run for Your Life Club (G) provided opportunities for students to develop a healthy lifestyle, along with building strength, confidence, and courage. At The Davis Academy, our after-school programs offer a diverse range of opportunities for our students to explore, develop, and flourish. Our unwavering commitment to nurturing their distinctive abilities and talents ensures that they reach their full potential and become well-rounded, confident individuals. The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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Beyond the Classroom Some of the most impactful and educational opportunities take place outside of the typical learning environment. At The Davis Academy, we’re expanding the learning experience through field trips. A
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A Acknowledging the pivotal role of our educators in shaping the learning experience, we also place great importance on creating exceptional learning environments extending far beyond the classroom. The classroom is just one stop in our students’ daily journey. Davis offers innovative spaces like the innovation and design studio, audio and visual recording studio, science and computer labs, art and music studios, Nature Sanctuary, and spaces equipped for video conferencing with students and experts worldwide. These facilities provide our students with extraordinary educational opportunities. In addition to our exceptional learning spaces, field trips are a fundamental aspect of the Davis educational journey. These excursions provide students with the opportunity to venture beyond the classroom, connecting with the world, stimulating their senses, and bringing their education to life. Our students embark on visits to historical landmarks, engage
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A with science exhibits, and immerse themselves in the rich culture, history, and traditions of locations spanning Atlanta, the United States, and Israel. These field trips transcend mere experiences; they serve as transformative learning opportunities. Students not only absorb the knowledge but also engage in thoughtful reflection. They contemplate what they’ve learned, how they collaborated, and how these experiences can positively impact their future endeavors and various contexts. Most importantly, they use their newfound knowledge to shape their personal aspirations and the kind of individuals they aim to become. This fall proved to be nothing short of remarkable. Our eighth graders initiated the year with a truly transformative Leadership retreat at Camp Ramah Darom in Clayton, Georgia (A). This immersive experience ignited a profound sense of inspiration as they engaged in introspection, exploring their passions,
strategies for pursuing them, and ways to create a lasting impact, not only during their final year at The Davis Academy but also as they move forward into the next chapters of their lives. In September, our sixth graders embarked on an extraordinary four-day adventure in Charleston, South Carolina (B), where they delved into the region’s rich history and environmentalism while also exploring leadership and our school’s values in diverse settings. The trip encompassed visits to Fort Sumter, kayaking alongside dolphins, a tour of Boone Hall Plantation, and a poignant visit to the Charleston Holocaust Memorial. Our elementary students also had the opportunity to partake in unique experiences tied to the curriculum in their classes. Fourth graders journeyed to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (C) to engage in the High Holy Day ritual of Tashlich, deepening their understanding of the Jewish New Year. Third graders explored the New Echota Cherokee Capital Historic Site (D), a site
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of profound historical significance in Cherokee Indian history. Second graders visited the Tellus Science Museum (E) to enhance their comprehension of rock formation, while first graders ventured to the Georgia Aquarium (F) to reinforce their commitment to water conservation. Our youngest students delighted in The Rainbow Fish show at the Center of Puppetry Arts (G), sparking meaningful conversations about friendship and empathy. One of the standout moments of the fall was an immersive day of learning that brought together our fourth through eighth-grade students, faculty, staff, and parents. This day exemplified the school’s unwavering commitment to harness the educational power of live theatre. A group of 375 individuals embarked on a remarkable journey to witness a captivating performance of the acclaimed play “Fiddler on the Roof” (H) at the Byers Theatre in the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center. Under the direction of the Tony Award-winning Shuler Hensley, the performance featured exceptional singing, acting, and dancing, set against a stunning backdrop and remarkable lighting design. Following the show, students engaged in classroom activities purposefully designed to delve deeper into the musical’s profound themes of community, family, and tradition.
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Field trips provide students with lasting extensions on the learning they experience in the classroom. Throughout the winter and spring, students will go locally to places like the Atlanta Zoo, CocaCola Museum, and various holy sites of different religions (I). Additionally, our students will journey to Savannah, Birmingham, and Washington, D.C. (J) as we work to foster a global perspective, communitymindedness, and understanding of diverse cultures. This culminates in the transformative trip to Israel (K) that our eighth graders embark on in the spring of their graduation year. This journey brings to life the knowledge and understanding they have gained throughout their time at Davis, making it a truly lifechanging and unparalleled experience.
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2023-2024 Annual Giving Campaign
#PriorityDavis A gift to the Davis Fund is the most important financial contribution we ask of every parent, alumni parent, grandparent, faculty, staff member, alum, and community friend. Please make the Davis Fund a top philanthropic priority for your family.
How You Can Help K K
Pledges can be billed monthly or quarterly, giving you the flexibility to spread out your payments over the course of the year. All pledges for the 2023-2024 campaign must be paid by June 30, 2024. Please scan the QR code below or visit www.davisacademy.org/support.
GIVE ONLINE! Scan the QR code
The Journey Magazine | Fall 2023
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SAVE the DATE
25TH ANNUAL
CO M M U N I TY GOLF TOURNAMENT
In memory of Jon Barkan Monday, May 13, 2024 Golf Club of Georgia Volunteers are encouraged. Sponsorships opportunities available. Contact Lauren Baker at 678-527-3291 or lbaker@davisacademy.org
davisacademy.org/golf
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage
PAID
Atlanta, GA Permit No. 3073