Seriously Innovative

In March, while our school campus closed, our Virtual VBSDS doors remained wide open. The adaptability and innovation shown by our faculty and staff, students, and families shined, as the school immediately pivoted to a distance learning model that was engaging, interactive and strategic. Within just one day, students were immersed in an enriching program of both live and asynchronous learning opportunities. Their excitement to learn remained steadfast, as they found new ways to connect with friends, classmates and teachers. Teachers continued to focus on social emotional wellbeing each morning with a check-in, ensuring space to express feelings of uncertainty, anxiety, worry and even joy! Students also learned to focus on their own growth mindsets. Even though certain milestones couldn’t be celebrated in person, our community was able to gather virtually and uphold the meaningful moments of several events, including the 4th grade California play, the Shane Gold 1st Grade Siddur Ceremony, the 2nd grade Torah Ceremony, Student Council elections and 6th grade Havdalah. The Virtual VBSDS experience proved to all that learning, traditions, and the importance of community extend far beyond the walls of the classroom.

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Our 6th grade graduates and their families gathered together in their cars at Brandeis Bardin’s House of the Book to celebrate a meaningful, out-of-the-box culmination experience. Music filled the air as our sixth graders walked across the stage with their own “theme song” music blasting and received their diplomas. They were met with honks of joy. It was an energizing and memorable morning for all.

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Beginning in the fall, we embarked upon a school-wide quest to walk to Israel. As part of social emotional learning, twice a week students stretched their legs and exercised their bodies and brains, walking and clocking miles, determined to meet our destination. Brain research proves that physical activity and blood moving through the body leads to greater readiness to learn. When we pivoted to distance learning, students continued walking and we logged miles virtually. By the end of the school year, we reached our goal and made it to Israel! This was an innovative and intergrated exercise in both Judaic studies and physical education. It allowed students to release some energy and be better prepared to learn in the classroom and from home.

Our family was so impressed by VBSDS’ ability to pivot overnight to virtual learning. In a time of so much uncertainty, Virtual VBSDS provided a unique sense of routine, comfort and safety. The curriculum’s continued focus on social emotional wellbeing and community building made all of the difference for our entire household.