Seriously Proud

Congrats Class of 2020!

Mia Abramovitch Abigail Ahdoot Dara Benbassat Chad Boxer Zenith Davis Eitan Epstein Zachary Faith Meira Farkas Bryan Friedrich Wyatt Golden Nava Herstein Oren Aigen Hill Elizabeth Hoffman Noa Jacoby Gabrielle Kadouri

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Ella Lax Aaron Manzour Jona Mass Tal Nitka Ashton Rabineau Daniella Rief Noach Sakal Lilia Schindelheim Leah Soormaghen Norah Soormaghen Natalie Subero Jonathan Telem Rose Weisner Daniel Werner Bryan Yasherim Tomer Zur

Our graduates were accepted to the following middle schools:

Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School AC Stelle Middle School Berkeley Hall School Chaminade College Preparatory Hesby Oaks Leadership Charter Kadima Day School Milken Community Schools Oakwood School Viewpoint School

VBS Day School has the privilege of guiding students during their formative elementary school years. A source of tremendous pride for our school is seeing how VBSDS alumni navigate the world outside the Day School campus walls, especially as they matriculate to middle school. Across Los Angeles, VBS Day School students have an incredible reputation. They are known for the way they seamlessly transition to middle school with academic ability, confidence, leadership skills, social emotional intelligence and an inherent kindness toward others. While the majority of our graduates choose to continue their education at Jewish middle schools, we celebrate the variety of paths they take. Many of our alums excitedly return to campus each Friday to join our Day

School students for Kabbalat Shabbat. The significance of these alumni choosing to end the week at their Day School “forever home” is something we treasure and makes Shabbat sweeter.

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Honoring Our Community

Congratulations to the teachers, students and community leaders honored by VBSDS in 2019/20!

Morah Teaching Award

Michelle Christians

Michelle Christians is an approachable, hard-working General Studies teacher with a calm demeanor. She truly sets the tone for positivity in her classroom. Michelle is a consummate professional who is determined to always do her best, learn and grow. She strives to meet the needs of all learners and stretches students to achieve heights they never knew possible. A team player, Michelle collaborates with her teaching partners and is hungry for professional development. She empowers, encourages and inspires her students. We are so proud to have Michelle as our 2019/20 Morah Teaching Award recipient and as part of our VBSDS family! 31.

Yossi Dresner Scholarship Award

Liora Steinberg

Given annually to an outstanding student who demonstrates academic excellence, the 2019/20 Yossi Dresner Scholarship award was presented to Liora Steinberg. Liora is a top student who excels across the curriculum. She is enthusiastic, responsible, dedicated and motivated. Liora’s teachers shared that her positive attitude and respectful nature make her “a joy to teach.” She is a terrific communicator and is well respected by her peers and teachers. Liora truly exemplifies the finest Jewish values. Mazel Tov to Liora on this well-deserved honor!

Excellence in Teaching Award:

Exemplary Collaborative Instructors

The Kindergarten Team: Chelsea Manos (General Studies) Rotem Sherf (Judaic Studies & Hebrew) Michelle Stone (General Studies)

This year we were honored to celebrate the kindergarten teaching team for their collaboration, dedication and passion. Below is a poem that was presented to the team, along with the award, in spring 2020. Congratulations to Chelsea, Rotem and Michelle, the recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Award: Exemplary Collaborative instructors.

The ability to work together, Is something we all hold dear. This year this ability was tested, Both from very far and near.

Keeping smiles, optimism, and energy, Beaming, evident, and high. This team was able to connect to students, Providing guidance and the encouragement to try.

How does a five year old Zoom, Focus and attention being a task. These teachers figured it out, Their gifts are sure to last.

Sharing, caring and flexibility, Were the tenets of the day. Chelsea, Michelle and Rotem, Paved the path and led the way. Each one creating relationships Lasting, meaningful, and strong, The families’ happiness and glee, Will last a lifetime long.

Chelsea stepped in to help, At first a long term sub. Her place is now cemented, Due to her fortitude and love.

Michelle is up for anything, With an attitude, “can do”, She laughs and plans and helps to see A program through and through.

Rotem has great ideas And a smile and heart to match, Her love of all things Jewish is palpable, And onto this love the kids do latch.

We thank them for their collaboration, Their willingness to grow, The Dream Team we call them, And now the rest of you know!

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Excellence in Teaching Award: Building Meaningful Connections in a Time of Disconnection

Lisa Suman, Art Specialist

Lisa Suman is known for her creativity, teamwork and dedication. She is kind, patient and always willing to lend a hand. In a time of distance learning, Lisa offered projects that students could easily create at home, including a creative Passover art challenge. Lisa helped with the 2nd grade Master Artist project, the 6th grade Heroes Project, and facilitated the 6th grade Tile Project, always going above and beyond. As one of the student council advisors, Lisa met with officers via Zoom and kept the integrity of Rosh Hodesh dress-up days intact. Her dedication to VBSDS is demonstrated most in her tireless work to create the yearbook each year. She also supervised the expansion and remodel of the new art studio and keeps the lunch program running smoothly. We are proud to have Lisa Suman as the first ever recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award: Connection in a Time of Disconnection.

Rita Reznikoff Leadership Award

Roslyn Grinberg ‘86

The 2019/20 recipient of the Rita Reznikoff Leadership Award was President of the Board of Trustees, Roslyn Grinberg. The award was presented by Head of School Rabbi Deborah Schuldenfrei at the June Board Installation. Roslyn was celebrated for her leadership, commitment to the mission of VBSDS and her steadfast support and partnership with VBSDS staff. The award was especially meaningful because Roslyn, a VBSDS alumnae, recalls Rita Reznikoff with great affection as a model leader. Roslyn’s leadership shone brightly before the pandemic and rose to new heights of inspiration once we pivoted to remote instruction. The Rita Reznikoff Award seeks to honor emerging leaders making a difference in our community. We are so proud to have Roslyn at the helm of our Day School. Her commitment to our mission’s work is inspiring. 34.