Dear Davis Academy Families,
This issue of The Journey magazine celebrates the incredible learning, vibrant experiences and emotional and spiritual growth of our students during the first semester of the 2024-2025 school year.
While we write this message during difficult times for the Jewish people, it is the sweetness of the voices of children singing, laughing, praying and learning every day at The Davis Academy that reminds us that together we are ensuring a strong and bright future. We continue to count each day at Davis as a blessing, fulfilling our sacred work of nurturing the next generation of proud, spirited and educated Jews. Though there is sadness and uncertainty with the ongoing situation in Israel and antisemitism here at home and across the globe, the purpose of The Davis Academy has perhaps never been clearer or more imperative.
We are empowering our kids to live by our values, to love Israel, to be proud and confident in their Jewish identities and to understand that we are part of something larger than ourselves.
Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh
All of Israel are responsible for one another.
Our school’s new music video (see page 5), and the many photos and stories featured in the pages ahead, bring this Talmudic teaching to life, through the special experiences that are unique to Davis.
Our children begin each school day singing Hatikvah and proudly reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. They are participating in competitive athletics and in art exhibits, performing in musical concerts, writing persuasive essays, organizing tzedakah drives and interviewing experts for their own podcasts. They are coding and creating apps and engaging in important Israel-themed and election-themed discussions. They are accessing amazing learning experiences beyond the classroom, and beyond Atlanta, and believe it or not, are even presenting (yes, they are the presenters) at a professional educators’ conference!
And you’ll read about our incredible faculty who continue to further their own professional learning and growth, all while meeting the emotional, academic, physical, spiritual and social needs of our students. We believe that when teachers are lifelong learners too, they ultimately thrive, and are best able to inspire our students to reach their own highest potential.
Our Davis Academy kehillah (community) is growing. And thriving. We know we are responsible for ourselves, for each other and for helping make the world a better place. What could be more hopeful than that?
Amy Shafron Head of School
Micah Goldstein President, Board of Trustees
2024–2025 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
President
Micah Goldstein
Vice Presidents
Jeff Hopkins
Kevin Levingston
Stacy Rothberg
Secretary
Jason Tessler
Treasurer
Russell Falkenstein
Immediate
Past President
Lisa Freedman
Trustees
Abby Bechler Karsch
Barbie Bregen
Lauren Spanjer Bricks
Steven Cohen
Elizabeth Davis
Mark Edelstein
Julia Galanti
Susan Goldberg
Murray Goldman
Jonathan Habif
Lisa Haynor
Bennett Kaplan
Lee Katz
David Herskovits
Brad Ladden
Meryl Macune
Rob Perkins
Josh Perlstein
Amy Robinson
Karen Rogow
Michelle Rosenberg
Carol Rubin
Emily Silberman
Stanley Sonenshine
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)
from The Davis Academy A Gift of Music & Hope
Kol yisrael arevim zeh bazeh
All of Israel are responsible for one another.
he Davis Academy proudly released a new music video, “Kol Yisrael,” to honor the spirit of the Jewish people, past, present and future. The video was intentionally released on Simchat Torah, which also marked the one year anniversary of the attack on Israel.
This year’s holiday brought a unique mix of joy and solemn reflection. As almost 1000 students, families, and staff members gathered at Davis to mark Simchat Torah—the joyful conclusion of the annual cycle of reading the Torah—there were also moments of pause to remember those who are still being held in Gaza and to acknowledge our sadness about the ongoing conflict in Israel. Simchat Torah is a powerful reminder of the resilience, hope and joy that are at the heart of the Jewish tradition—a tradition sustained by its teachings and the unwavering bond among its people.
Our unity is our strength. Even in challenging moments in history, we remain committed to building a better world for our children and future generations.
“Kol Yisrael” captures this spirit beautifully. It celebrates the Jewish people, past, present, and future. Based on timeless teachings from our traditions infused with the irresistible joy of children singing and celebrating their heritage, The Davis Academy offers Kol Yisrael in RESPONSE to the challenges of our time, in AFFIRMATION of the courage and strength of so many, and as a GIFT to all who care about humanity and our shared yearning to build a world of peace.
We are proud of this meaningful and collaborative project which brings together the beautiful voices and smiles of our students, original music created by Rabbi Micah and the video production expertise of several of our Davis alum, Leo Falkenstein ‘05 and Michael Rosenberg ‘05 at Consume Media.
The Davis Academy welcomes all to experience the power and joy of “Kol Yisrael” and celebrate the resilience and unity of our community.
Artist: The Davis Academy; Song: Kol Yisrael; Performed By: The Davis Academy Community; Song & Lyrics By: Rabbi Micah Lapidus with Will Robertson; Music Production: Jacob “Spike” Kraus; Vocal Production: Will Robertson/ Gallop Studies; Video Production: Consume Media/Leo Falkenstein & Michael Rosenberg, The Davis Academy Alumni Class of 2005. ©2024 All Rights Reserved.
Around Campus
Connecting Cultures: A Field Trip That Blends History and Literature
The 6th grade took a trip to Ocmulgee National Historic Park as an integration between Language Arts and Social Studies, combining their Native American unit with their reading of the novel I Can Make This Promise Students experienced the culture, history, and surroundings of the tribes who inhabited central and north Georgia. They also made connections between the Jewish and Native American cultures, such as an appreciation and respect for nature, the importance of community, and the value of spirituality, along with learning about the importance of archeological artifacts that have been recovered and preserved. This hands-on experience of integrating Language Arts and Social Studies enriched students’ understanding of the subjects. It highlighted the value of learning beyond the classroom, allowing them to engage with history and culture in a real-world context.
Faculty Creates Everlasting Hope
: A Collective Artwork
To mark the Jewish New Year and the one-year anniversary of the October 7th attack on Israel, The Davis Academy faculty and staff united to create a meaningful artwork capturing this moment in time, one of both joy and sorrow. The infinity symbol in the piece represents solidarity with the hostages being held in Gaza and a commitment to remember those lost, as well as the resilience and courage witnessed. Surrounding this are symbols and messages from Jewish teachings, set on rock-like shapes that signify remembrance and God’s eternal presence, “the Rock of Israel.” The blue hues evoke Israel, Davis, and the mingled feelings of sadness and hope. Rocks hold special significance at Davis, as they are used in our tradition of transferring rocks to mark school days, reciting Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to count our days so that we may acquire a wise and loving heart.”
Tech and Innovation Students Shine in Water Tower Competition
Students in the 6th and 7th grade Tech and Innovation classes showcased their engineering prowess in the Fulton County Model Water Tower Competition. Tasked with designing and building functional water towers, they impressed judges with their creativity, structural and hydraulic efficiency, and design ingenuity. Every participating Davis team earned an award, with the 2nd place advancing to the State Competition this spring! Congratulations to the following students and Mrs. Erin Dunkle, Middle School Technology & Innovation Teacher, for guiding them throughout the process:
• Presentation and Judges’ Choice – “Water Monster” by Ari Sofsky & Sam Klein
• Best Engineering Design – “Aqua Fizz” by David Bricks & Ari Russo
• 3rd Place Overall – “Under Construction” by Jack Peretz & Oliver Brown
• 2nd Place Overall – “Magic School Bus Jr.” by Dylan Rainbow & Jack Solomon
Social Emotional Learning: A Hands-On Lesson in Positivity
The 2nd grade students were excited to receive their personalized “worry stones,” designed during the first week of school and engraved using the school’s GlowForge laser cutter. Inspired by Ashley Spires’ book The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, the class discussed how it’s normal to feel worried when facing challenges. Each student created a unique design, which was then laser-engraved onto their stone. Now kept in their pencil boxes, these stones serve as a reminder that difficult tasks can be overcome and reinforce the power of “yet”—the belief that with time and effort, they can achieve their goals. This meaningful project, now in its second year, involves all of 2nd grade and is part of the school’s back-to-school activities that emphasize perseverance and positivity.
Emerging Artist
We are proud of 8th grader Katie Vogin, whose artwork was featured in the Emerging Artists section at the Blue Stone Arts and Music Festival in Sandy Springs in late September. Along with her artwork Katie’s presented a beautiful reflection around the prompt “Art is…” Here are her words that are as beautiful as her piece: “Art is being creative and letting your mind flow. It’s your ability to make mistakes and fix them. Art is how the world came to be; it’s how buildings were constructed and how previous stories were told. Art is fashionable; it’s how people express themselves and how we spend our time when bored. Art is the way we plate food and the way we decorate our homes and rooms. Art is music, and it can be vibrant and expressive. Art is all around us; it’s how we grew up, and it’s art.”
Lighting the Way with Robots, Code, and Creativity
In the Creative Robotics Club, students explored programming concepts like “conditional statements” and “operators.” They applied these skills to program a robot that can follow both a line path and a light path. Utilizing the robot’s built-in light sensor, they wrote a program that detects light levels and triggers the motors accordingly. Along the way, they practiced debugging and refining their code to improve performance. In the Creative Robotics Club, students not only have fun and enhance their programming abilities but also build critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and creativity.
Mechina’s Mindfulness
In Mechina: Kindergarten-Prep, Ms. Goldstein’s 4 year old students are benefitting from their mindfulness yoga sessions! Students learn how to calm their minds, focus their attention, and connect with their bodies through fun and engaging activities. Practicing mindfulness yoga at this age is incredibly beneficial, helping young children develop emotional regulation, improve concentration, and build self-awareness. These skills not only support their wellbeing but also lay a strong foundation for their social and emotional development. The students look forward to each session, finding joy and peace in this special time.
Can an Accurate Algorithm Outsmart a Human Pilot?
Fifth-grade students put this question to the test as they explored the accuracy and efficiency of algorithms. Using the scientific method, students created hypotheses to determine whether a drone piloted by their own code or one controlled by human maneuvers could more efficiently navigate an obstacle course. Through this engaging experiment, students discovered the realworld power of algorithms, learning how precision and logical thinking play crucial
2024 Election Highlights
As voters were casting their ballots on November 5th during our country’s 60th presidential election, our students celebrated the importance of voice and choice, embracing Jewish values of citizenship and civic duty inspired by the saying Al tifros min hatzibur (do not separate oneself from the community). Students of all ages, dressed in red, white, and blue, entered mock polling stations to enthusiastically cast their votes for their school-wide dessert favorite and preferred Israel-based tzedakah project. Lower School students explored an interactive museum, “The Road to the White House,” and heard firsthand from local political reporter and Da dad, Greg Bluestein. Middle School students engaged in discussions and lessons on key voter issues, the electoral college, and media influence, culminating in the excitement of watching real-time election results in their “election headquarters.”
Pumpkins for Our Pumpkins
The kindergarten team welcomed all their families to their annual “Pumpkins for our Pumpkins” event with great excitement. In literacy, students learn all about pumpkins, read fiction and non-fiction stories, and study the different parts of a pumpkin. To wrap up the unit, they invited parents to join their children at school for a special pumpkin-themed STEAM morning. Together, they measured pumpkins, tested whether they sink or float, colored pumpkin pictures, weighed pumpkins using a balance beam and scale, and counted pumpkin seeds. It was fun for the whole family with hands-on learning blending science, math, engineering, and art!
Fall Season Athletics - Go Lions!
The Davis Academy’s fall athletes closed the season on a high note across all sports: Boys Soccer team secured a 4th place in the MAAC Championship, guided by Coaches Phil Wyatt and Jake Wilkens; Ultimate Frisbee, Coach Dykstra’s team wrapped up the season with two wins and a standout reputation for sportsmanship; in Cross Country boys placed 6th and girls placed 7th at the MAAC Championships, fueled by the support of Coaches Coffey and Campbell; and Volleyball teams spiked their way through a strong season—C team finished an unbeatable 7-0, B team held strong at 4-7, and A team wrapped up at 5-4, just missing playoffs with coaches Grossman, Brown, Campbell, and Edwards leading every step of the way! The Davis Academy community is incredibly proud of each athlete’s dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Go Lions!
Tech Pioneers Hatch Big Ideas at Emory’s Innovation Hub
The middle school Tech Pioneers and the 7th grade technology exploratory students traveled to Emory University’s The Hatchery, a design thinking and maker space experience, where they toured the facilities and learned about innovation and entrepreneurship from Emory’s innovator in residence and renowned neuroscientist, Dr. Stuart Zola. Inspired by Dr. Zola’s insights, students left with new perspectives on creative problem-solving and the impact of technology on shaping the future.
Fifth Grade Focus on Statistics
Davis parent Leah Gottesman led an exciting and educational session on statistics for our 5th grade math students. Mrs. Gottesman, who teaches statistics in the Psychology Department at Oglethorpe University, brought her professional expertise into the classroom, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. During the lesson, students explored key statistics topics including data collection, analysis, probability, and interpreting graphs— building on skills they have been learning through their coursework and projects on measures of central tendency and interpreting and creating different graphic representations of data. Mrs. Gottesman guided the students through a real-world application, showing them how statistics are used in everyday life. Her hands-on approach made the lesson not only enriching but also incredibly fun for the students. We are so grateful for her time and dedication to enhancing our students’ learning experience!
Save the Date: Moana Jr. Spring 2025
Set sail for a magical adventure! The Davis Academy performing arts team is preparing for an all-school production of Moana Jr., coming to the stage on March 23 & 24, 2025. Moana Jr. is a vibrant, heartwarming musical adaptation of Disney’s beloved 2016 animated film, following a fearless Polynesian girl on her adventurous journey to save her island and discover her true destiny. Don’t miss this spectacular performance!
Students Design a Map of a Dystopian Society
As part of their study of The Giver, sixth-grade students created a community map based on clues from the story, bringing this unique dystopian world to life. This activity was especially interesting as it challenged students to think critically about the differences between the novel’s society and the values we uphold today. In designing the map, students practiced cooperation, negotiation, and analytical skills, enhancing their understanding of the novel’s themes while working together to interpret the story’s world.
Beyond the Classroom
Together we are building stronger families and raising children with heart, wisdom, and purpose.
Essential to our students’ success is the parent-school partnership. As we continue to expand the student experience—ensuring that each child has the academic, social-emotional and spiritual foundation to become their best, unique self—The Davis Academy acknowledges that we are “in this together.” Neither parents nor school alone can prepare a child for life’s challenges and opportunities.
In this spirit, this fall we established the Davis Parenting Network, an initiative designed to further deepen our partnership and offer our families valuable resources, community connections and the benefit of Davis’ expertise in child development. Knowing that parenthood is both rewarding and challenging, the Davis Parenting Network, coordinated by longstanding school counselor Andra Lefkovits, is intended to provide impactful programs and resources to help Davis parents on their parenting journey.
The Parenting Network will not only expand on the incredible work already being done within our school community but will also bring new opportunities and expertise to our families. Some of the programs offered so far this fall are here, and this is just the beginning of what we hope will be an ever-growing, dynamic resource for parents:
• Parent Passport Program: A Guide for New Families
• Transition to Middle School: A Survival Guide for 6th-Grade Parents
• Transition to High School Program for 8th Grade Parents
• Communication 101 with Parenting Coach Cari Newman Screens & Scones: Creating Healthy Digital Habits for 2nd & 3rd Grade Parents
Stay
Hi, I’m Andra
and it’s an honor to be part of this new initiative and to connect with parents in such a meaningful way. Having spent the last 17 years as a middle school counselor at The Davis Academy, and now in my 18th year, I’ve been fortunate to witness the growth and success of countless students. As a parent of two Davis alumni, both now in college, I also understand firsthand the journey of raising children within this special community. What excites me most about the Davis Parenting Network is to bring parents together—to connect them with expert speakers, valuable resources, and the strong support systems we have here at Davis. My primary goal is to create a welcoming, nurturing space where they can find the connections and insights needed to support their parenting journey. I look forward to working alongside all our parents.
What Davis Parents Say…
“Cari Newman’s presentation (Communication 101 The Art of Communication With Our Kids) was informative and relevant. Her delivery of the material was engaging. It included citing research, providing an easy-to-follow handout, sharing real-life personal and professional examples, and showing a sense of humor. This was relatable to me and resonated so well that I started implementing her recommendations with both my 1st grader and 11th grader that same day. I appreciate that The Davis Academy offers parent education and connection opportunities like this, and I look forward to attending future programs.”
– Hilary U., Davis Current and Alumni Parent
– Andra Lefkovits, Parenting Network Coordinator
“Listening to and interacting with Cari Newman was such a breath of fresh air as a parent of three in a wide range of ages. I appreciated how she was able to provide some suggestions for small, easy changes in talking to a child that can actually make such a big difference. Sometimes, we get so bogged down in the day-to-day that we don’t stop and think about more effective ways to communicate with our kids.”
– Amy R., Davis Parent
“I absolutely loved the Cari Neman talk. I learned so much. Her topics were relevant and helpful. I could relate to everything she said and have been able to utilize her tips with my kids.”
– Heather L., Davis Parent
at the Core of the DAVIS EXPERIENCE Spiritual Development
By Rabbi Micah Lapidus, Director of Jewish and Hebrew Studies
Teachers and parents who are a part of our Davis Academy Kehillah share the joy of watching our children grow and develop. After all, the growth and development of children from infancy through adolescence is nothing short of miraculous. Think of a time when you saw your child do something that had previously been beyond their ability—taking their first step, writing their name, playing a musical instrument, speaking in front of a crowd. These are the moments we cherish as parents and teachers. These are moments when a child’s growth and development announces itself to us, to the world, and most significantly, to the child himself or herself. As teachers and parents, we are more than witnesses; we play an active role in nurturing the growth and development of our children. On the one hand, nurturing our children’s growth and development comes easily and is intuitive. But a deeper investigation reveals that it also requires mindfulness, dedication, and sophistication to help our children reach their full potential. The development that takes place during childhood has been an object of fascination not just for parents and teachers, but also for scientists and social scientists. How exactly does a child learn to walk? How does a child learn to hold a fork or a spoon? Form a word? Express an emotion? Distinguish right
Fourth grader Emma participates in the Tashlich ritual during Rosh Hashanah, symbolically casting away her mistakes into the river with genuine intention for selfimprovement and a renewed sense of purpose. This meaningful moment allowed her to embrace personal growth while connecting deeply with nature, friends and community, inspiring her to carry these reflections forward into the new year.
from wrong? Grasp and articulate abstract concepts like time, space, and maybe even God? And how exactly do we know if a child is, or is not, meeting developmental benchmarks successfully?
As parents raising children today, we benefit from the vast amount of research and resources that exist to help us make sure that our children are meeting developmental benchmarks and developing into healthy and whole human beings. But what if there are blindspots in the research? What if there’s a shortage of resources in one vital area of childhood development? As it turns out, there is a shortage of research as well as resources when it comes to the spiritual development of children. Many parents and teachers aren’t even aware that there is such a thing! For reasons that go beyond the scope of what this article allows me to discuss the spiritual development of children is, for too many of us, an overlooked yet critical area when it comes to the
wholeness and wellbeing of our kids. But not so at The Davis Academy.
Why is the spiritual development of children an overlooked priority? For starters, children develop in many ways, some obvious, some less obvious. By its nature, physical development is easiest to observe. But what about emotional development? What about moral development? The more subtle the developmental area, the harder it can be to know whether our children are meeting their developmental benchmarks. Spiritual development is the most subtle of all and therefore the hardest to assess. While subtle, it is also critical to a child’s well-being that they have opportunities to cultivate and develop their spirituality. Spiritual development has been linked to an array of benefits ranging from physical well-being to resilience to the avoidance of negative behaviors up to and including self-harm.
Another reason why the spiritual development of children is an overlooked priority is due to confusion about what spirituality actually is, let alone why it is vital to a child’s well-being or how to support a child’s spiritual growth.
So here’s a simple description of spirituality that we can use to help clear things up. Spirituality arises and is intimately tied to feelings of connectedness. Spirituality is the quality and feeling of connectedness. Perhaps to ourselves, to other people, to nature, to certain ideas or convictions, and even to God, spirituality is all about connection. Spirituality arises when we seek to understand, to connect, to
“The spiritual development of children is an overlooked yet critical area when it comes to the wholeness and wellbeing of our kids.”
create meaning, and to live with love in our hearts and the desire to act in good and redemptive ways for the betterment of all creation.
As a rabbi and educator, I find this description of spirituality to be incredibly empowering, as well as “Very Davis.” Everywhere I look at The Davis Academy, I see children developing their ability to make connections—to one another, to their teachers, to their Jewish heritage, to their interests and passions, and so much more. The experience of connection at The Davis Academy is pervasive. It’s a part of everything that we do. For that reason, I am confident in making the argument that The Davis Academy excels at nurturing the spiritual development of children. While many schools never discuss spirituality and consider spirituality to be
beyond the mandate of their mission, spirituality is at the heart of The Davis Academy. I believe that this is a beautiful thing not only for our children but for all of us and for our world. In a world where connections are often fraying or non-existent, where a sense of loneliness and alienation is reported by so many, our children are given the gift of developing their spirituality, the gift of knowing that they are connected to so many and in so many different ways, and to things larger than themselves. As a result, our students are happier, healthier, more well-rounded, and more whole than they would otherwise be. And since our children are our greatest blessing, we owe them nothing less than to continue to nurture their spiritual development each and every day.
Investing in Teachers Great Expectations:
By Stacy Brown, Director of Innovation and Professional Learning
At The Davis Academy, we take great pride in our commitment to continuous learning and growth. Our goal is to bring the latest research to inform best instructional practices to our teachers while fostering a reflective learning process. Each year, we work together to gather the latest data to ensure that our practices remain current and impactful to prepare our students for the future. We stay engaged with the broader educational community by connecting with our professional learning networks, reading new publications, and attending and presenting at conferences.
Over the past 12 months, this process has led us to focus on three key areas for professional development this fall: AI in Education, Writing Instruction, and Student Engagement.
AI in Education
In 2023, we launched professional learning for our teaching team introducing AI’s possibilities, suggesting AI uses in the classroom, and showcasing chatbot creation tools that serve as customized learning partners. Since then, we have strengthened our commitment to developing ethical technology users. During the pandemic, the World Health Organization used the term “infodemic” to describe the overwhelming amount of news shared in the digital world and the difficulty of determining the real versus the fake (Prothero). The continued influx of content on digital platforms means there is an even greater need to prioritize the teaching of media literacy skills. To support these efforts, we recently hosted renowned educator and author John Spencer [ 1] from Oregon for an all-day interactive workshop with our entire faculty. John reaffirmed that the most innovative tool is the teacher. As noted by John Spencer, teachers have an ethical responsibility to equip our students with the tools, resources, and knowledge to effectively leverage AI personally and academically. Our faculty members continue to attend Atlanta Area Technology Educators (AATE) and Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) events, where we learn from AI experts around the globe and bring that knowledge back to our teaching teams. While our faculty is wielding AI to organize curriculum more efficiently, we are integrating AI usage into the student experience so they may learn effective and ethical usage models as well.
Writing Instruction
Our focus on writing instruction also evolves with intentionality. Through vertical curriculum planning, we ensure our students are exposed to various writing genres, from expository to narrative. By the time they graduate from The Davis Academy, our students will have the linguistic and semantic knowledge to craft complex, thesis-driven pieces, drawing informed conclusions about the world around them. Fourth grade Social Studies students participate in a collaborative project facilitated by Melissa Shenk, Librarian and Instructional Technology Specialist, to integrate research into their study of the fifty states. Drawing on their research skills, students create multimedia projects featuring factual information about each state, accessible through unique QR codes. As they explore the history of Jamestown, they further enhance their multimedia abilities by coding animated scenes that illustrate a subtopic from Early American Civilization, bringing their narrative writing to life [ 2]. Meanwhile, in seventh grade, our literature curriculum features Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird with
students engaging in two significant writing projects based on this text. By first developing an expository essay analyzing the author’s thoughtful character naming and exploring the symbolism behind these choices and secondly crafting a persuasive essay examining Atticus Finch’s heroic qualities, or lack thereof, supporting their arguments with textual evidence, students deepen their understanding of the novel and also hone their analytical and argumentative writing skills [ 3]. As Lower School DLC teacher, Tasha Biron, stated “We utilize intentional writing instruction, integrating explicit skills development with social-emotional learning, metacognition, and self-regulation. Teachers phase out scaffolding as students internalize the writing process, and transition from learning to write to writing to learn. As part of a knowledge-building
curriculum, writing across content areas bolsters comprehension, retention, vocabulary acquisition, engagement, and critical thinking.”
Student Engagement
Our approach to creating ideal learning environments that cater to the diverse needs of our students is grounded in current research and best practices, including a strong focus on multi-sensory instruction. Over the past two summers, our teachers have participated in more than 500 hours of OrtonGillingham training, equipping them with strategies to support all students through tactile, auditory, and visual learning methods. This training allows us to better meet the needs of diverse learners, particularly in areas such as reading and comprehension, ensuring
that every student can engage with the curriculum in meaningful ways [ 4]. We have also brought in experts to work with our faculty on the Zones of Regulation, an approach that helps students identify and manage their emotions, leading to more productive learning environments. Additionally, recognizing that research has shown that incorporating physical activity into the school day enhances cognitive function, faculty have learned the importance of movement and brain breaks in maintaining student focus and engagement and have explored a variety of strategies to integrate movement seamlessly into the classroom [ 5]. By focusing on student engagement and continuously adapting and enhancing our instructional practices, including using innovative approaches such as gamified coding activities that engage students in hands-on fraction exploration [ 6] or manipulating realmath problems virtually [ 7], we foster deeper student involvement and create environments where all students can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
In addition to these three key areas for formal professional development offered to our entire faculty, individual teachers continue to be supported in their pursuit of advanced degrees and of learning
opportunities locally and around the world. Most recently, Daniel Jones, our Technology & Innovation Strategist, traveled to Ohio to attend the Fab Lab conference, where he explored game design, prototyping, and engineering in the classroom [ 8] PE teachers Sean Coffey and Colin Campbell traveled to Jekyll Island for the Share the Wealth Conference. Rabbi Micah Lapidus participated in the Shalom Hartman Institute’s Wellspring Summit for Educators in Jerusalem [ 9], focusing on best practices and approaches to teaching about Israel and the ongoing conflict. At the same time, The Davis Academy is currently supporting several teachers who are continuing their education in pursuit of advanced degrees, including Third Grade teacher Adriane Schneider [ 10], who is working toward a master’s focused on new literacies, and Fourth Grade teacher Joey Goldman [ 11], who is pursuing a Masters of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education. Mr. Goldman recently expressed his gratitude for the opportunity “to embark on such a journey of growth and personal fulfillment.”
By investing in our faculty and upholding great expectations, we create a stellar learning environment that fills our community with unparalleled Davis pride.
Learning Community
Author Podcast Series:
Students Recognized in NPR Challenge
Fifth graders Hannah Goldman and Caleb Lapidus received an Honorable Mention in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge for their engaging interview with former Davis Academy student Grace Wolf (currently a student at Stanford University), as part of our Davis Author Podcast series. Competing among submissions from students nationwide, their podcast earned recognition for its creativity and insight. Scan the QR code to listen to their conversation and celebrate their accomplishment with us—an impressive example of Davis students making a mark on a national scale!
Guest Author Visits
We welcomed award-winning and New York Times bestselling author Chris Grabenstein this fall. He is the author of over five dozen fast-paced, fun, and funny books for children. Mr. Grabenstein presented to our 3rd through 5th grade students, who thoroughly enjoyed his engaging and inspiring presentation about his writing journey.
Professional Development—Technology Integration
Davis Academy faculty participated in an immersive, hands-on technology integration workshop designed by the media and technology team to foster creative teaching approaches. This engaging event featured seven interactive stations, each showcasing innovative tools to boost classroom engagement. Educators explored ways to use VR headsets to “travel” to curriculum-linked destinations, refreshed lesson plans with AI, and guided students in creating stop-motion animations. Additional stations highlighted the Silhouette machine, laser cutter, and 3D printer, allowing teachers to craft tangible learning aids. At the final station, faculty learned to transform everyday objects into interactive computer interfaces. These workshops empowered teachers with new skills for delivering dynamic and meaningful classroom experiences.
Exploring Wisdom with Grandparents & Special Friends
On Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Middle School students and guests participated in a thoughtprovoking intergenerational session called Exploring Wisdom. Together. They explored powerful words from historical figures and cultural icons, sharing why these quotes resonated deeply with each person. This heartfelt exchange created meaningful connections as students and their guests discovered how certain values and insights can transcend age. Some quotes especially touched the older generation, sparking students to reflect on universal truths that unite us across time. Among the quotes shared were: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” — Martin Luther King Jr. and “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today.” — Abraham Lincoln
Student Showcase at Tech Educators Conference
Middle School Tech Pioneers presented their innovative project, the Sensory Navigator, at the Georgia Educational Technology Conference (GaETC) in November. Inspired by traditional walking canes for the visually impaired, students sought to add an additional sensory layer, enabling users to detect obstacles before contact. After researching solutions, they incorporated an ultrasonic sensor, buzzers, and an Arduino to create a prototype capable of detecting objects through sound alerts. The project showcased students’ skills in research, design, and iteration, resulting in impressive prototypes. Their work was a standout at the conference, capturing the attention of educators across Georgia with their creative approach to technology integration.
Davis Faculty: Expert Presenters
Davis Academy faculty regularly share their expertise with educators at both local and national levels. Recently, Middle School Social Studies teacher Matt Barry presented at the Georgia Council for Social Studies, highlighting six key units from the 7th and 8th grade curriculum—such as Climate Change and Civil Rights— and demonstrating their relevance to today’s world. Librarian and Instructional Technology Specialist Melissa Shenk presented at the Georgia Independent School Librarians (GISL) meeting on the Library Ambassador Leadership Program, which empowers students to create event flyers and manage the circulation desk. Additionally, Assistant Principal Ilan Weismark hosted a valuable workshop at Davis on AI integration in schools, collaborating with curriculum coordinators from independent schools as part of the Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools (AAIS) learning network.
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