This quarterly publication is dedicated to the alumni, families, and friends of the Strelitz International Academy.
Our Team:
Head of School: Heather Moore
Director of Advancement: Carin Simon
Admissions and Marketing Manager: Ally St. Pierre
5000 Corporate Woods Drive, #180, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462
Phone: (757) 424- 4327
Website: www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org In this issue
SIA’s New Recording Studio Brings Student Voices to Life 2 3 7 6 9 11 5 13 10 15 20 21
Head of School’s Message
The Power of Predictability: The Rhythm of our Days
Celebrating Who We Are, Shaping Who We’ll Become: Our IB® Journey
Fifth Grade and Tefillah
A New Chapter in Reading: Kindergarten to PY2 Embark on an Amplify CKLA Journey
Social Emotional Learning at SIA
Support Jewish Day Schools in Tidewater and Get a Tax Break
Driving Success Despite the Weather: The Bob Josephberg Classic
Strelitz Moments
Philanthropy Report: 2024 - 2025
Lights, Camera, Podcast!
Get Ready for the 3rd Annual Strelitz Fall Festival Fall Family Fun for the Entire Tidewater Community
Scan the QR code to checkout our new online Spirit Wear store! Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!
Head of School’s Message
Celebrating 70 Years with a Bright Start to the School Year
This year marks a truly special milestone for Strelitz International Academy as we celebrate 70 years of excellence in education. With such a rich history, it is fitting that our new school year has begun with incredible energy, innovation, and a sense of excitement for the future.
We are proud to introduce several new initiatives designed to enhance student learning, growth, and community connection:
A New Reading Series (Grades K–2): Our youngest learners are diving into a brand-new, research-based reading program that builds strong literacy skills and fosters a lifelong love of reading.
MAP Growth Testing: By implementing this nationally recognized assessment tool, we are better able to measure individual student progress and personalize instruction, ensuring each child is supported in reaching their fullest potential
A Natural Playground Under Construction: Work has begun on our brand-new natural playground, designed to spark creativity, imagination, and joy in play. This exciting project will give students a space that reflects our belief in the importance of outdoor learning and exploration.
New Safety Patrol: Our fifth grade students are taking on leadership roles as part of a newly launched Safety Patrol program, helping create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
Broadcast Studio and Podcasting: This year, SIA unveiled its new broadcast studio thanks to the Tidewater Jewish Foundation’s Community Impact Grant award. Students are producing school news and podcasts. We’ve also launched a Student Podcast Club, giving students a voice and a platform to share their ideas with our community.
Looking beyond campus, SIA is taking bold steps to ensure its legacy for generations to come. We have officially launched an endowment campaign with a goal of raising $3+ million, which will bring our endowment to $6 million. This historic effort will secure the financial foundation of SIA so that future students can benefit from the same innovative, values-driven education that has shaped our community for 70 years.
As part of our anniversary celebration, I am excited to host a brand-new podcast series entitled “70 Years and 70 Voices.” In this series, I will interview founders, alumni, faculty, and current students. Together, we will reflect on the vision that started our school, celebrate the stories of those who have been shaped by it, and imagine what education might look like in the year 2095—70 years into the future.
The beginning of this school year has already shown us that SIA is a school both rooted in tradition and unafraid to embrace the future. As we celebrate 70 years, we honor our past, embrace the present, and boldly imagine the decades ahead.
Warm regards,
Heather Moore Head of School
Strelitz International Academy 2
Heather Moore guiding students of the S.I.A. Podcast Club on how to select a title for their upcoming show.
The Power of Predictability: The Rhythm of our Days by Elyssa Brinn, Early
Years Director
The beginning of a new school year brings fresh excitement: new teachers, new friends, and new routines. For young children, all of this change can feel both wonderful and overwhelming. One of the best ways we can help children settle into their new environment is by offering them a strong sense of predictability. When children know what to expect, they feel safe, confident, and ready to learn.
Routines Matter
For young children, routines are far more than a way to organize the day, they are the building blocks of security and confidence. Predictable patterns give children a sense of safety, easing anxiety by helping them know what to expect. As they become familiar with the flow of the day, they also gain independence with important self-help skills like putting away backpacks, washing hands, and moving through transitions. A routine-rich environment frees children’s energy for what truly matters: exploring, playing, and learning rather than feeling uncertain or worried. With clear expectations in place, transitions become calmer, smoother, and less likely to spark challenging behaviors.
Our teachers design daily rhythms that balance structure with flexibility, weaving in predictable songs, cues, and rituals that help children feel secure. You might hear a playful call-andresponse like Morah Monica’s favorite, “When I say chocolate, you say… chip!”—that signals to the class it’s time to shift attention. Visual schedules, hallway markers like Morah Tori’s “stop at the green triangle,” and other consistent transition rituals give children clear expectations and smooth the flow of the day.
Morning routines set the tone for success. In EY4, children enter the classroom, put away their backpacks, take out lunches, and then choose a morning activity. Many classes also use a familiar “clean-up song,” which gives children time to prepare for change and signals that one activity is ending and another is about to begin.
Shared rituals, like morning tefillah and opening circle, also follow a consistent sequence that builds comfort. For example, Morah Jacquie’s EY4 class begins with Mr. B’s Good Morning Song and transitions into tefillah with Noah Aronson’s Am I Awake. These small but reliable patterns help children feel calm, safe, and ready to learn.
When routines are missing, environments can quickly become chaotic. During a recent teacher training, staff experienced this through a playful game where transitions kept changing without warning. While it sparked plenty of laughter, it also built empathy. As one teacher reflected, “If we felt unsettled, imagine how a toddler feels without predictability. It made so much sense.”
At Home: Building Predictability for Your Child
Consistency doesn’t end at the school doors, home routines are just as important. Every family’s day looks different, but simple, repeated patterns can make life feel calmer and more enjoyable. A predictable morning routine not only supports your child’s independence but can also make your mornings run more smoothly. Mealtime rituals and bedtime routines give children something to anticipate and help them look forward to special family connection time.
The school drop-off can often be one of the trickiest transitions of the day. Creating a consistent goodbye ritual—like a set number of hugs, a special handshake, or a simple phrase you repeat each morning—gives your child security and trust in the separation. These small rituals ease the transition from home to school and make the experience more positive for both parent and child.
It’s important to remember that predictability does not mean rigidity. Life with young children will always have surprises, and flexibility is essential. But when the foundation of the day is steady, children have the confidence to explore, learn, and grow. At SIA, routines are never about control, rather they are about comfort. They communicate to every child: “You are safe here.” And in that safety and trust, the children truly flourish.
Paige G. enjoying outdoor time with her class in the Gaga Pitt.
Celebrating Who We Are, Shaping Who We’ll
Become: Our IB® Journey
by Alicia Pahl-Cornelius, IB® Coordinator
This December, we’re looking forward to welcoming a team of International Baccalaureate educators to our school as part of our regular IB® evaluation visit These visits help us reflect on how we’re doing and celebrate the many things that make our school community so special, and we can’t wait to show them what we’ve been up to!
As a Jewish day school that is also an IB® World School, we’re always working to blend strong Jewish values with the global, inquirybased approach of the IB® That means our students aren’t just learning facts, they’re learning how to ask big questions, think critically, and care deeply about the world around them
You’ll hear us talk a lot about the IB® Learner Profile, which includes traits like being Caring, Reflective, Open-Minded, and Principled These aren’t just words on a poster, they’re part of how we help our students grow into thoughtful, kind, and curious people It’s inspiring to see those qualities come to life in the classroom, on the playground, and in the ways our students engage with Jewish learning and tradition
This visit is a chance for us to share what makes our school unique: a place where kids are known and loved, where learning is meaningful, and where Jewish identity and global perspective go hand-in-hand. As much as this visit is a celebration, it’s also a chance for us to take a growth mindset and reflect on where we want to go next We’re not just looking back, we’re looking forward The evaluation team will offer “feed forward,” helpful insights and suggestions to guide our continued growth over the next five years We’re excited to hear their perspective and use it to make our school even stronger As part of the visit, community members including parents, board members, and students will be meeting with the evaluators to share their experiences and help paint a full picture of who we are We’re so grateful for everyone’s partnership and voice in this process, it truly takes a community to grow a great school!
Thank you, as always, for being part of our community, we’re so proud o
Charlie R. in art class, exploring the mixing of colors.
Rocky F. and Blue L. work together identifying shapes.
Bety H., Scarlett S. and Moria K. use their math skills to show their knowledge of values!
Fifth Grade and Tefillah
by Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic Studies Director
Tefillah, prayer, is central to the Judaic Studies curriculum in the Primary Years program. Students at each grade level continue to learn new Tefillot (prayers) as they build their repertoire. Students learn about, and review, the meaning of the different prayers throughout the school year.
Fifth grade students maintain a Tefillah Journal. The use of the Tefillah Journal allows students the opportunity to personally reflect on the different Tefillot and find meaning in each of the prayers. Students use writing, drawing and poetry as they reflect in their Tefillah Journals. Students are encouraged to be “risk takers” and share their reflections in class after completing their work.
Niv R.
Lena A. Strelitz International Academy 6
A New Chapter in Reading: Kindergarten to PY2 Embark on
an Amplify CKLA
Journey
by Meredith Carnazza, Primary Years Director
This year in Primary Years General Studies, our Kindergarten through PY2 students have embarked on an exciting new reading journey! We are proud to introduce Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts), a curriculum grounded in the Science of Reading.
The Science of Reading is built on decades of research from cognitive scientists, linguists, and educators. It explains how the brain learns to read through orthographic mapping—the process of connecting letters and sounds to form words that can be stored in memory for instant recognition.
Amplify CKLA emphasizes the five key pillars of reading development:
Phonemic Awareness – hearing and working with the individual sounds in words
Phonics – connecting letters to their corresponding sounds
Fluency – reading with accuracy, speed, and expression
Vocabulary – building a strong knowledge of words
Comprehension – making meaning from text
Through clear, step-by-step instruction and a carefully sequenced approach, Amplify CKLA puts this research into practice, helping students build essential reading skills while developing knowledge over time.
A unique strength of this program is how seamlessly it integrates with our IB® curriculum. The content reinforces and deepens the interdisciplinary themes explored in our IB units, allowing students to strengthen their reading while making meaningful connections across subject areas. This integration nurtures their inquiry, curiosity, and understanding of the world.
We are excited to watch our students grow into confident, capable, and joyful readers throughout the year!
Social Emotional Learning at SIA by Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic Studies Director
Students’ days are filled with a wide range of activities—learning new information, completing assignments, working with peers, choosing what to do at recess, selecting seat mates at lunch, and more. To successfully navigate these moments at school and at home, children rely on executive function skills. Often described as the brain’s “control tower,” these skills help children (and adults!) manage their thoughts, actions, and emotions throughout the day. Strong executive function skills support planning, organization, focus, impulse control, and memory. They allow students to learn effectively, solve problems, build friendships, and handle challenges as they arise. Just like academic subjects, executive function skills can be intentionally taught and strengthened.
This year, PY students are taking part in monthly executive function lessons in our new Social Emotional Learning (SEL) classroom. Each session introduces one skill through our “Executive Function Superheroes,” combining engaging games and activities with practical strategies that teachers and parents can reinforce at school and home. Together, we are building these essential skills as a community to enhance every child’s school experience.
In September, students met “Reflectra,” the superhero for metacognition; thinking about their thinking. Through a storybook and building challenge, they practiced creating a plan, checking in to see if adjustments were needed, and reflecting on their process. Teachers and parents also received tips to help children strengthen these skills beyond the classroom.
Left image: Third grade students
Avalon T., Lior C., Dani W. and Meirav W. working together to reflect.
Right image: Fifth grade students
Hadley K., Niv R. and Mia P. collaborate after their SEL lesson.
Left image: Third grade students
Jackson T., Sara P. and Asher M. work on their executive functioning skills as a team.
Right image: Fourth graders Ben T., Levi F., Daniel S. and Raleigh A. come together to work hard and reflect.
Support Strelitz International Academy Education Tax Credits & Receive
a 65% Virginia State Tax
Support Strelitz International Academy and Receive a 65% Virginia State Tax Credit
Credit
The Tidewater Jewish Foundation (TJF) has Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credits (EISTC) for 2025 to support SIA students. This presents a limited-time opportunity for donors to support Strelitz International Academy while receiving a 65% Virginia state tax credit.
Through the EISTC program, your donation to TJF helps provide critical tuition assistance to Strelitz families from lower- and middle-income households ensuring more children can access a high-quality Jewish and IB education.
The financial benefit to you is substantial
For example: A $10,000 gift could cost you as little as $2,459 after tax benefits*, thanks to the 65% Virginia tax credit plus state and federal charitable deductions
We have a limited number of tax credits available each year, so please reach out as soon as possible. To learn more, contact Carin Simon, 757.424.4329 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org
*Actual costs may vary depending on individual tax circumstances. Consult your tax advisor.
Driving Success Despite the Weather: The Bob Josephberg Classic by
Carin Simon, Director of Advancement
The Strelitz International Academy’s (SIA) 37th Annual Golf Tournament, held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Virginia Beach National Golf Club, proved that not even rainy skies could dampen the spirit of community and generosity. Known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, this signature event remains SIA’s premier annual fundraiser, and this year it raised $145,000 thanks to the incredible support of our tournament sponsors, players and volunteers.
The funds raised play a crucial role in supporting the future of Jewish education and leadership in Tidewater by ensuring financial stability, scholarship opportunities and programming excellence.
The day began with opening remarks from Tim Thornton, Tournament Co-Chair and SIA Parent, before golfers teed off in a Florida best ball format. While the rain added an extra challenge on the course, players embraced the conditions with enthusiasm, keeping spirits high throughout the tournament. Tournament highlights included a delicious lunch and dinner catered by the Cardo Cafe, hole-in-one competitions, where golfers had the chance to win a Mercedes-Benz Sedan and SUV, courtesy of Charles Barker Automotive and Towne Insurance.
“My family has been part of SIA since my son was just three months old. This community has given us so much over the years, and seeing all of you come together to support the school is a reminder of how special it really is,” said Tim Thornton, Tournament Chair.
The Bob Josephberg Classic continues to provide a meaningful way for current and former SIA parents, alumni, and friends to come together in support of the school. Many sponsors have stood by SIA since the early days of the tournament, reflecting the strong partnerships that sustain its mission.
Special thanks to our wonderful golf committee who secured sponsorships and raffle prizes to make this year’s tournament such a success.
Congratulations to the winners of the 1st Flight: Copy Fax Team - Jay Serrao, Chris Williams, Bob Merkle and Rob Merkle.
Save the date for next year’s 38th Annual Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club!
Please join us for SIA’s upcoming Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at the Sandler Family Campus. Business and Family Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Carin Simon, SIA Director of Advancement, at: 757.424.4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org
Strelitz International Academy 20
Jason Hoffman and his Golf team enjoying the SIA Golf Tournament!
The golf team of Ross Bangel & Lonnie Slone pause for a smile, despite the rainy weather!
Volunteers Pati Oliszewski and Nicoli Barto welcome players to the tournament.
Thank you 2025 Golf Tournament Sponsors!
SPONSORS - $5,500
Fairlead
Chip & Alexandra Friedman
Steve & Randi Gordon
David Leon
Jennifer Josephberg
Cindy & Ron Kramer
L.M. Sandler & Sons, Inc.
Deb & Peter Segaloff
John & Renee Strelitz
HOSTS - $4,000
Miles & Sandra Leon
Southern Bank
TowneBank
Wall, Einhorn and Chernitzer, P C
UNDERWRITERS- $3,000
Brad Moses/Towne Insurance
MASTERS-$10,500
Copeland-Klebanoff Family
Josephberg Family
North Beach Plastic Surgery –Dr. Richard Rosenblum, Dr. Alexander Sailon, Dr. Eric
Jablonka, & Dr. Alexandra Tilt, Dr. Joshua Henderson
At Strelitz International Academy, generosity fuels everything we do. During the 2024 -2025 school year, thanks to the remarkable support of our community, we were able to strengthen our school, enhance our programs, and ensure that every student continues to thrive in a nurturing, innovative, and globally-minded environment.
Thank you for supporting the Strelitz International Academy 2023-2024 School Year.
From corporate sponsors to parent, grandparent, faculty and alumni donors, every gift made a meaningful difference. Our Golf Tournament sponsors helped us raise vital funds while building community spirit Fall Festival sponsors supported one of favorite traditions, bringing families together in celebration. Parents led the way through our Parent Campaign, showing extraordinary commitment to SIA’s mission.
This listing reflects gifts & pledges received from July 1, 2023 to June 3, 2024.
Our students energized the Glow Run, turning peer-to-peer fundraising into an exciting success, and our grandparents and community donors provided steadfast support, reminding us that the impact of an SIA education extends across generations.
Together, these contributions not only met immediate needs but also laid the foundation for future growth and excellence. This 2024-2025 Donor Impact Report celebrates the generosity of our community and highlights the many ways your giving strengthens our school.
THANKYOU!
2024-2025 ANNUALGIVING BYLEVEL
Friend $500 - $999
Prophet
$50,000+
Anonymous
Celia Krichman*
Sara Jo & Joel Rubin
United Jewish Federation of Tidewater
Visionary
$20,000 - $49,999
Dozoretz Family Fund
Cindy & Ron Kramer
Laura & Jerrold Miller
Deb & Peter Segaloff
Renee & John Strelitz
Trailblazer
10,000 - $19,999
Ann & Robert Copeland
Alexandra & Chip Friedman
Givens Group - Ed Reed
Mark Gordon
Sheila & Bob Josephberg
Sandra & Miles Leon
North Beach Plastic SurgeryDr. Richard Rosenblum, Dr.
Alexander Sailon, Dr. Eric M.
Jablonka, Dr. Alexandra Tilt, Dr. Joshua Henderson
Innovator
$5,000 - $9,999
Roslyn & Michael Barney
Armond & Rose Caplan Foundaton
Richard S Glasser Foundation
Jill & Allen Goldstein
Steven B. Sandler
Jennifer Josephberg
David Leon
Lori & Scott Tabakin
Tidewater Jewish Foundation
Ellen and Bill Wagner
Leader - $2,500 - $4,999
Beth Sholom Village
Rashi & Levi Brashevitzky
Libby & Albert Kaplan* Restricted Fund
Jodi & Jay Klebanoff
Southern Bank
Krug Foundation Fund
Heather & Doug Moore
Townebank
Wall, Einhorn, Chernitzer, P.C.
Doris Waranch
Herbert L. Weinberg End. Fund
Benefactor- $1,000 - $2,499
Allegra
MBCS EZBooks - Nan Zhang & Chris
Arney
Babbi & Brad Bangel
Helen Jayne & Melvin Barr* Phil Fund
Brith Sholom Center
The Dodge Family
Susan Einhorn
Kristy & Adam Foleck/ The Foleck Center
Claire & Marvin Friedberg
Harbor Group International
Benjamin Goldberg Foundation
Wendy Goldberg
Daniel Gordon
Sharon & Michael Grossman
Helen G. Gifford Foundation
Sharon Hurwitz
Beth & Nathan Jaffe
Joan & Eric Joffe
KPMG
Payday
Atlantic Union Bank
Andrew Nusbaum
National Disaster Solutions
Shikma & Daniel Rubin
The Saal Family
Levi Washburn
Bret A Washburn
Amy & Eliot Weinstein
Stephen Wohlgemuth & Holly Puritz
Rachel and Marc Abrams
Across Oceans & Generations
Amitay -Claudius Families
Amy and Andy Gladstein
Anonymous
Universal Pest & Termite, Inc.
Jamie & Peter Baker
Jewish Family Services of Tidewater
Bill & Allison Carden
David and Elyse Cardon
Scott Debb
Leora and Nathan Drory
Mariska and John Gibson
Aaron & Nikki Glassman
Dr. Jamie Golden
Virginia Beach Obstetrics and Gynecology
Jason & Denise Hoffman
Vandelay Industries
Mimi & Warren Karesh*
Restricted Fund
Deborah Kaufman
Hercules Fence Co.
The Stockpot
David & Adel Kruger*
Restricted Fund
Sarah Laibstain
SL Nusbaum Realty Co.
Southern Bank
Bay Disposal
Paul and Stephanie Peck
Kathy Hyman Rosenbach*
Tutorial Assistance Fund
The Rosenbaum Family
Richard & Laure Saunders
Seeman Family
Alan & Sallie Shapiro
Palms Associates
Carin & Mike Simon
Altmeyer Funeral Home
Stein Investment Group
Lawrence Steingold
Udaghan Family
Steve and Megan Zuckerman
2024-2025 ANNUALGIVING BYLEVEL
Lindsey & Todd Aftel
Michelle and Joseph Anderson
Delyse Anderson
Virginia Business Systems
Anonymous
Jennifer Waldholtz & Greg
Antonucci
Ashlyn Archer
Abraham Ashkenazi
Frieden Wealth Management
Susan & Jon Becker
Sharkey's Cut for Kids
Heddy and Michael Belman
Jenn & Dave Belman
IHOP - Kempsville & Landstown
Amos and Marcia Berkovich
April and Jeffrey Blair
Dr. and Mrs. Herbert Brewer
Elyssa Brinn
Susannah Broegler
PNC Bank
Sharon and Dan Cohen
Michelle Cooper
Randall, Caldwell and Nolan Buntin
Debra L DuFlo
Haja Dumbuya
Frankie Edmonson, Portsmouth
Commissioner of the Revenue
Lisa Kremers
Alan & Esther Fleder Foundation
Richard & Janice Foleck
Sands Anderson P C
Beverly and Alan Frieden
Alan & Wendy Gladstein
Ross Glasser
Nanci Glassman
Carly Glikman
W.C. Goldberg & Company, PC
Steven Goldstein
Eleanore A Goldstein
Sandra & Howard Gordon
Harry and Joyce Graber
Teresa Greer
Mid-Atlantic Dermatology- Dr.
Michael Gross
Liora Gurvitz
Maury Handel
Sara Hart
Evelyn HIrsch
Patricia F Hodges
Shayna Horwitz
Bernadette Hunter
Constance Jacobson
Carol & Joel Jason
Janet Jenkins in honor of the teachers
Christopher Kaprielian
Aaron and Melissa Kass
Janet & Billy Kass
Techark
Avery Kerr
Davenport-Lefcoe
Andy and Esther Kline
Lyudmila Komarovsky
Howard & Alma Laderberg*
Restricted Fund
Cathi Laderberg
Jody and David Laibstain
Carol Laibstain
HartElectric
Jay Legum
Ina Mirman and Marty Leiderman
Elaine Levenson
Edward Levy
Elizabeth Lindberg
Joan London
The Lozada Family
Marco Magdaluyo
Linda Mandler
Nancy Loewenberg & Richard
Marten
Cheryl McAuley
No Frill Grill
Angelea Sanchez Miller
Rocio A. Morales
Alyssa Muhlendorf
S L Nusbaum Insurance Company
H D Oliver Funeral Apts Inc
Alicia Pahl Cornelius
Drs Peluso & Savage - Eastern Virginia
Orthodontics
Primis Mortgage - Jerry Pollak
Kristen Powers
Rashkind Family Foundation
Cynthia Redeker
Vanessa Rendón-Cazarez
WhoRiddle
Lavette Ricks
David Ropp
Michael & Nicole Rosenblum
Eilene Rosenblum
Arielle Salasky
Domingo H Sanchez
Librada Sanchez
Susan & Eric Schwartzman
The Randy Shapiro Family
Larry & Leslie Siegel
Abrams Realty
Arleen Sobel
Edward (Jim) Soltz
The Spindel Agency
Hannahle Spitze
St Pierre Family
Burle Stromberg
Moe Sullivan
Jacqueline Sullivan
Elizabeth Taylor
Terkeltaub Family
Tim Thornton, RW Towne Realty
Neil Turner
Gregory E Wagner
Michael Wagner
Jody Wagner
Lisa & Adam Walker
Irina Washburn
Coastal Material Handling
Debra A Weinstein
Harry & Miriam Weisberg* Family Fund
Cheryl White
Melissa Wohlgemuth
Peter Wohlgemuth
Leah Wohlgemuth
Zach Wohlgemuth
Sinead Wohlgemuth
Michael Yaary
2024-2025 ANNUALGIVING BYLEVEL
Volunteer - Up to $100
Robert Ackermann
Jenna Aiken-Ritzmann
Deborah Albero-Darata
Jake Kneller
Gabriela Kocerha
Rochelle Aviv
B'nai Israel Congregation
Leeat Bachar
Whitney Barca
Jean M Beasley
Danielle Beck
Denean Blanks
Charin Borrero Lopez
Wilson Bowers
Nicole Bowers
Linsey Bowers
Marilyn R Broyles
Alexandria Burke
Joel Cadwell
Meredith Carnaza
Leigh Casson
Leonard Casson
Angela Christabel
Kane and Christina
Terri Cimino
Jill Cohen
Jessica and Joshua Cohen
Jeff Cohen
Britt D'Amico
Stephen Deitz
Piper Do
Amanda Drake
Bianca Dreuitt
Jessica Dumm
Heather Dutton
Sam and Chris Epstein
Lisa Erichsen
Heather M Felch
Marley Ferraro
Raul Fiveash
Margaret and David Forman
Jessica Friend
Adina Gadell
Racey Garbers
David Geller
Mairin Genova
Monica Gerand
Beverly & Amitai Gershon
Dani Gershon
Trisha Mallek
Todd Mallek
Charlotte Maloney
Shana Martin
Eric Giannettino
Abby Glaser
Hen Glikman
Hillary and Damian Gordon
Gregory Gordon
Julie Grantz
Jennifer Greene
Constance Greer
Yael Haas
Kathy Harvey-Jones
Briana Hoffman
Elizabeth Hoffman
Jaime Irving
Andrea & Avidan Itzhak
Kyra Jones
Danielle Jones
Nancy Kaplan
Alexandra Kaprielian
Lizabeth Kaprielian
Jonah Kass
Mindy Katz
Dawn & Jack Kaye
Michelle Kingsland
Emily Casson
Leslie Kneller
Mark and Brenda Kozak
Terri Kraly
Courtney Kreicar
Karina Kremen
Deborah Kurtz
Jessica Laderberg
Cathy Laderberg
Jacquie Lam
Naomi Lavelle
Adam Lefkowitz
Ross Legum
Adam Leiderman
Betty Ann Levin
Rebecca Levitt
Rabbi Gary and Sara Litt
Julia Ludwig
Cristina B Magdaluyo
Frances Magdaluyo
Chrissy Magdaluyo
Shannon Mahrt
Janet Mercadante
Mrs. Marlene Miller
Ashley Noell
Rachel Murdock
Matthew Murdock
Christianne Nesbitt
Evan Nied
Molly Nizhnikov
Ashley Noell
Jo Nossen
Ariel Oliszewski & Pati Menda
Rena Parr
Hannah Plate
Marquel Price
David & Rona Proser
Colby Raymond
Tida Reveley
Andrew Reyes
Henry Rhone
Kara Rivers
Missy Robertson
Lynette Rodriguez
Jennifer Rodriguez
Jeremy Ruberg
Matthew Sachs
Veronica Samonte
Esabel Samonte
Veronica Samonte
Duane Santee
Caitlin Schaub
Kathrin Schneider
Chelsie Sedillo
Abigail Seeman
Rebecca Sheehan
Luke Shockley
Virginia Shockley
Jason Silverstein
Alexis Singleton
Erica Smith
Katherine Solis
Arielle Spitze
Whitney Spontak
Ashleigh Streeter
Courtney Thompson
Dr and Mrs Louis D Tonelson
Bonnie Traylor
Giovanna Vignale
Elizabeth Waranch
Bart Washburn
Washburn Delores
Christina Williams
Shirley R Williams
Olivia Sauder
Chrystal Willis
Geni Wilson
Liz Yochimowitz
Hila Zach
Amy Zelenka
Krystal Zerwer
2024-2025 ANNUALGIVING BYLEVEL
Gifts in Kind
Charles Barker Automotive - Nathan Drory
Edible Arrangements
Dicks Sporting Goods
Jody’s Popcorn
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Pinboys at the Beach
Running Etc.
Sharkey's Cuts for Kids
Simon Family JCC
Smiling Creations by Sharon Grossman
The Foleck Center
Toddlin’ Around Tidewater
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Towne Insurance - Brad Moses
LEGACY&ENDOWMENTGIFTS
The following individuals have made legacy commitments and endowment gifts for the benefit of the Strelitz International Academy
Life and Legacy
Rachel Abrams
Jasmine Amitay
Anonymous
Leslie Marcus Auerbach
Babbi Bangel
Marcia & Amos Berkovich
Beth Hirsch Berman
Rashi & Levi Brashevitzky
Elyssa Brinn
David Cardon
Ronnie Lynn Jacobs Cohen
Leora & Nathan Drory
Andie Eichelbaum Itzak
Susan & Marty* Einhorn
Kristy & Adam Foleck
Endowments
Rachel Abrams
Bass Family Memorial
Wendi & Gigi Fried
Barb Gelb & Kenny Weinstein
Carly & Chen Glikman
Laura & Keith Goldstein
Laura & Fredric Gross
Howard & Susan Horwitz
Bob & Sheila Josephberg
Erica & Scott Kaplan
Melissa & Aaron Kass
Alene & Ron Kaufman
David & Sofia* Konikoff
David Leon
Jeff & Elayne Littman
Paola Matilsky
Tanya Miller
Harry & Sylvia Belkov* Memorial Scholarship
Leon & Florence Berlin* Memorial
Abraham & Malka Bornstein* Memorial
Julian Colby* Memorial
Bessie Dozoretz* Scholarship
Ronald Dozoretz* Scholarship
Rosa K Frieden* Memorial
Tavia & Freda Gordon* Scholarship
HAT Scholarship
Zena Herod Endowment
Lester & Barbara Horwitz*
Leola Banks Jaffe* Fund
Barry* & Reatha Kantor Scholarship
Carl J.* & Juliet A. Katz Fund
Alene Jo Kaufman Endowment
Heather & Doug Moore
Alyssa & Jonathan Muhlendorf
Erin & Felix Portnoy
Rona & David Proser
Rabbi Arthur & Miriam Brunn Ruberg
Joel & Sara Jo Rubin
Judy Saperstein
Patti & Paul Seeman
Deborah & Peter Segaloff
Renee & John Strelitz
Burle Stromberg
Doris & Seeman* Waranch
Amy & Eliot Weinstein
Ashley & Greg Zittrain
Klebanoff Family
David & Sofia* Konikoff
Cindy & Ron Kramer Family JPN/PEJE
Celia Krichman*
David Leon
Selma & Leon Leach* Scholarship
Lorna Legum Rising Star Award
*ofblessedmemory
Jeff & Elayne Littman
James London* Athletic & Outdoor Program
Marguerite Marx* Jewish History Collection
Ada R. Michaels* Faculty Development
Joel & Sara Jo Rubin
Reba & Sam Sandler* Memorial
Segaloff Family JPN/PEJE
Sarah & Samuel Sonnenberg* Memorial
Harold & Reva Sprung* Technology Endowment
Celia Stern* Fund Teachers’ Endowment
Solomon & Sylvia Yavner* Fund
Lights, Camera, Podcast! SIA’s New Recording Studio Brings Student Voices to Life
by Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager
There’s something exciting happening behind the microphone at Strelitz International Academy! Thanks to a Community Impact Grant from the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, SIA has launched a brand-new recording studio, giving our students a space to create, explore, and share their voices in fun and meaningful ways.
From recording the daily news to experimenting with the green screen, our fifth graders have jumped right in—bringing energy, creativity, and confidence to every broadcast. Each morning, they’ve been learning the ins and outs of audio and video production, turning announcements into a lively show that keeps our school community informed and entertained.
The excitement doesn’t stop there! This year, SIA introduced a brand-new Podcast Club for our fourth and fifth graders, who will be producing an original podcast called “Lunchtime Legends.” The club offers students a chance to brainstorm topics, write scripts, interview guests, and learn the art of storytelling through sound. Whether they’re reporting on school events, sharing book recommendations, or chatting about their favorite lunchtime snacks, these young podcasters are already showing that they have something special to say.
The new recording studio is more than just a space—it’s a hub for creativity, collaboration, and confidence-building. We can’t wait to see (and hear!) all the amazing projects our students will create as they continue their recording adventures at SIA.
Get Ready for the 3rd Annual Strelitz Fall Festival Fall Family Fun for the Entire Tidewater Community
by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement
At Strelitz International Academy, fall is a season bursting with joy, tradition, and community spirit! From decorating the sukkah and harvesting our vibrant Fall Garden to exploring hands-on seasonal activities, this time of year is filled with wonder for our students.
That magic comes alive for the whole community at the 3rd Annual SIA Fall Festival on Sunday, October 26, 2025, from 11 AM –3 PM at the Sandler Family Campus.
✨ What to Expect:
Bring the entire family for a day packed with unforgettable fun! Children of all ages will delight in pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and classic carnival games. Our partners—PJ Library, Camp JCC, Konikoff Center of Learning, and Jewish Family Service—will be adding their own creative programming to keep the excitement going all day long.
�� Food & Festivities:
No festival is complete without delicious bites! Treat yourself to a variety of kosher festival favorites like hotdogs and hamburgers— perfect for a mid-day meal or a quick snack between adventures.
�� Fun with Purpose:
More than just a celebration, the Fall Festival is a vital fundraiser for Strelitz International Academy. Every sponsorship, wristband, and raffle ticket helps fuel innovative learning and enrich the lives of our students. With raffle baskets brimming with amazing prizes and sponsorship opportunities at every level, there are countless ways to show your support.
�� Save the Date!
Mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join us for a spectacular day of fall festivities—all while making a meaningful difference for the incredible students of Strelitz International Academy.
If you would like to support the Third Annual Strelitz Fall Festival, celebrating young families in Tidewater, please contact Carin Simon, Director of Advancement: csimon@strelitzacademy.org or 757.424.4327 ext. 4189.
For more information and to buy a Children’s Festival Activity Wristband, please go to https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/fallfestival/
Flash from the Past!
We remember this photo... do you? Can you name the students, the activity, and when it took place? Put your memory to the test! If you’ve got the answers, email us at astpierre@strelitzacademy.org — we’re curious to see who remembers!
Thank you to everyone who submitted answers to help us identify the students in this picture! This picture features SIA alumni Ari Simon, Avi Yashaev and Daniel Yatziv.
