Strelitz- September 2024

ISSUE 01

SEPTEMBER 2024

STRELITZ

In this issue

Strelitz Magazine- September 2024 This quarterly publication is dedicated to the alumni, families, and friends of the Strelitz International Academy.

2 Head of School’s Message

Our Team:

3 Board of Trustees- President’s Message

Head of School: Heather Moore Director of Advancement: Carin Simon Admissions and Marketing Manager: Ally St. Pierre

4 Shaping the Future 5 Let Go to Let Grow!

6 Gearing Up for Another Successful Year!

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, #180, Virginia Beach, Virginia, 23462

7

The Power of Collaborative Learning at Strelitz International Academy

9 Rosh Hashanah Phone: (757) 424- 4327 Website: www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org

11

Little Hands Exploring a Big World

13

A Swinging Success at the 36th Annual Strelitz International Golf Tournament

15

Strelitz Moments

17

Ada R. Michaels Faculty Development Fund Faculty Book Shelf Survey Says!

18 Gifts and Pledges for the 2023- 2024 School Year 22 Flash From the Past!

1 September 2024

Head of School’s Message

Heather Moore Welcome Back to School: Embracing Growth, Innovation, and the Future

This will be a valuable opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to engage in discussions about how we can support our children’s growth and development.

Please mark your calendars for this important event—more details will be shared soon!

As we embark on another exciting academic year at Strelitz, we are thrilled to share updates on key initiatives that reflect our commitment to the continuous growth of our students, school, and community. This issue of Strelitz Magazine will spotlight several Preparing for IB Reauthorization significant projects shaping the future of (2025-2026) our institution.

As an IB World School, we are proud of Embracing Futurist Thinking: Antonio the rigorous, holistic education we Viva and Our Board provide. This year marks the beginning of our preparation for the IB This year, we are fortunate to reauthorization process, which will take collaborate with Antonio Viva, a thought place during the 2025-2026 academic leader in futurist thinking. Together with year. While the reauthorization is still a our Board, Antonio is helping us explore couple of years away, we are dedicated forward-thinking strategies to prepare to ensuring that we meet and exceed the our students for the challenges of IB standards that support inquiry-based tomorrow. By examining global trends learning, intercultural understanding, in education and the evolving skills and global-mindedness. students need in a rapidly changing world, we are focused on ensuring that The reauthorization process will involve a Strelitz remains a pioneer in innovative comprehensive review of our programs, educational practices. practices, and curriculum, and we look forward to engaging our entire school Through this partnership, we aim to community in this important process. create a dynamic learning environment that not only nurtures academic success Reimagining Our Playground: Naturebut also equips students with the critical Inspired Play Spaces thinking, adaptability, and creativity required to thrive in the future.

Next fall, we will begin construction on an exciting project to overhaul our Launching the Let Grow Initiative playground, creating a more natural and enriching play environment for our We are excited that SIA has joined the students. This new playground will be Let Grow movement. This program designed to inspire imagination, promotes independence and resilience exploration, and physical activity, in students, empowering them to take integrating natural elements to provide a on age-appropriate challenges that sensory-rich experience. foster confidence and personal responsibility. The Let Grow initiative The aim is to create a space that not only encourages both teachers and parents supports physical development but also to give students the space to grow fosters creativity, social interaction, and a through unstructured, self-directed play connection with nature. We look forward and problem-solving activities. to sharing updates on this As part of this initiative, we are thrilled transformation as plans progress and we to welcome Lenore Skenazy, founder of receive approval from the Sandler Family the Let Grow movement and author of Campus Committee.

Free-Range Kids, to our school on November 21, 2024. Lenore will share her insights on how fostering independence in children leads to stronger, more resilient individuals.

Building for the Future: Endowment Campaign Looking to the future, we are laying the groundwork for launching an endowment campaign. This effort will help secure long-term financial sustainability and provide the resources necessary to support our growing programs, scholarships, and innovative initiatives. Our goal is to ensure that Strelitz continues to be a leading educational institution, able to offer exceptional opportunities for all students.

We invite our community to be part of this transformational effort, and we will be sharing more details in the coming months on how you can contribute to the success of this campaign.

A Year of Possibilities As we begin this new school year, we are energized by the many initiatives and projects underway at Strelitz. From embracing futurist thinking and fostering student independence through Let Grow to enhancing our campus with nature-inspired spaces and preparing for future growth, we are committed to providing the best possible educational experience for our students.

We thank you for your continued support and look forward to a year filled with innovation, growth, and endless possibilities.

Welcome back to Strelitz!

Warm Regards, Heather Moore Head of School Strelitz International Academy 2

Board of Trustees President’s Message

Meet Our New Board of Trustees President...

Amy Weinstein Amy Weinstein became President of the Strelitz International Academy Board of Trustees in May 2024. We recently had the opportunity to sit down with our new President of the Board of Trustees to discuss a variety of topics, including the future of Strelitz and her favorite SIA traditions. Here’s a brief but insightful look at the leader guiding our school’s future.

Tell us about yourself!

Hi! My name is Amy Weinstein, and I am mom to Avi (4th grade) and Daniella (2nd grade) and wife to Eliot. I currently work as the Development Strategist at the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, and have worked in development, fundraising and marketing for the last 15 years. I grew up in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania and met my husband at Bucknell University, then spent a few years living in Philly while I got my MSW at UPenn. I’m a huge Philadelphia sports fan (E-A-G-L-E-S!) and I am an avid reader - my family only recently got me into audio books. My favorite time of year is Thanksgiving week because my entire family is together, so it’s very loud, but we have a ton of food all week (Chinese food night, Italian food night, Jewish food night, etc.), there are lots of coordinated outfits, and lots of amazing memories every year.

What inspired you to take on this leadership position at SIA? When I first became involved with the Strelitz International Academy, I was deeply moved by the school's mission to blend academic excellence with Jewish values. The idea that SIA seeks to create lifelong learners and compassionate, caring young people resonated deeply with me as both a parent and a member of the Jewish community. I was motivated to take on this leadership role because I have felt a sense of gratitude for those who built and shaped SIA into this incredible community resource, particularly since the pandemic. I feel a responsibility to ensure that SIA continues to flourish, and I want to be part of the team that thinks about the future in a positive, transformational way. This school is setting such a strong foundation for our children, and I am dedicated to sharing our successes far and wide.

How do you see the school’s role in shaping young minds, especially at such formative stages in early education?

The International Baccalaureate curriculum is recognized for encouraging critical thinking, creativity, and a sense of global responsibility. I see SIA as uniquely positioned to offer a world-class education grounded in both Jewish and international values, preparing our students to excel not just academically, but as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. I’ve also always felt that a school is more than just a place of learning—it’s a community. SIA exemplifies this by creating a close-knit environment where families, educators, and students come together, supporting one another in meaningful ways. At Strelitz, every child is seen and celebrated for their unique strengths and potential - shaping young minds as our students develop skills and confidence every day.

What is your Favorite SIA tradition?

The annual Evening of the Arts! I absolutely love attending this event every year, and watching the students of Strelitz perform with their classes, with their instruments, and as an entire school at the end of the night. Most of all, I find it so heartwarming to see how full the Fleder Multi-Purpose Room is - Evening of the Arts brings an overflowing crowd of family and friends to support SIA Students. The room is bursting at the seams with love and pride, from parents, teachers and the students themselves. Every year is a great surprise to see the artwork on display in the Cardo, and I love the new tradition of front row seats being earned by the top student fundraisers for the Glow Run!

Amy, Eliot, Avi and Daniella at Daniella’s First Grade Siddur Presentation, May 2024.

3 September 2024

Shaping the Future Insights from Our Board of Trustees Retreat

On Sunday, August 25, 2024, Strelitz International Academy Board of Trustees participated in a transformative retreat led by Antonio Viva of Leadership and Design, focusing on futurist thinking and emerging trends in education. Through engaging activities and thought-provoking discussions, we explored innovative strategies to enhance our school’s future.

Antonio guided us in examining how current trends will shape the skills and needs of our students in an ever-evolving world. Collaborative brainstorming and scenario planning allowed us to envision where we see our school in the next five to ten years, highlighting the importance of adaptability and inclusivity.

As we left the retreat, we were energized by the insights gained and committed to translating them into actionable steps. This experience deepened our understanding of educational trends and reinforced our dedication to creating an innovative learning environment. We look forward to working together to achieve our shared vision for the future!

Strelitz International Academy 4

Let Go to Let Grow!

by Rashi Brashevitzky, Judaic Studies Director My email inbox has had an influx of awesome photos from Primary Years parents! One set of photos followed a 5th grader as she shopped for ingredients and then baked a cake from start to finish! Another set of photos showed a 4th grader carefully standing on a ladder as she painted a room purple. I have received photos of a 3rd grader proudly displaying the Slurpee he bought all on his own and photos of kindergarten students washing the dishes! Each photo that pops up in my email brings me joy as I recognize the huge growth taking place within the Primary Years students through the Let Grow initiative.

SIA has chosen to become a Let Grow school in order to help foster independence within our PY students. The Let Grow program encourages students to try new things - on their own - without their parents' help! Learning to do new things on their own also allows children the opportunity to expand their social skills and hone their executive function skills. Learning new skills increases students’ confidence and encourages them to try even more new things.

In early September, I visited each PY classroom to introduce the program and lead a discussion on going out of one’s comfort zone. A wide range of emotions came up for the students as we talked about growing and learning to do things on our own.

Students expressed excitement at having the chance to learn to do something new (and possibly cool!) on their own. Some students’ eyes reflected a little self doubt and skepticism at the very idea of being trusted to do something new independently.

Almost all PY students shared something they would like to learn to do at the end of the introductory sessions. Students will meet again in early October to share their projects, reflect on how it went and how it felt and of course to celebrate success!

Let Grow materials were shared home to parents and parents were encouraged to “let go - to let grow”. Sometimes as parents it is very difficult to take a step back and observe as our children try new things. When the photos of completed projects started to come in, some parents shared that allowing their children the space to grow and try new things was incredibly challenging.

Parents are applauded for taking this necessary step in helping their children grow! As a school, we are very excited to see where Let Grow takes us and are ready to celebrate our growing students.

Fifth grade student Abby W. focused on a furniture project.

5 September 2024

Second grade student Thomas D. making a sandwich on his own.

Brothers Daniel and Gabe S. going on a pet walk independently.

Gearing Up for Another Successful Year!

by Ally St. Pierre Admissions and Marketing Manager

As summer gently faded into fall, our team at the Strelitz International Academy embraced a season of preparation for the upcoming school year. This summer, our professional development was not just about refining our skills; it was about building connections, sharing traditions, and fostering a love for learning that aligns with the International Baccalaureate (IB) philosophy. From meaningful play to outdoor tefillah, we ensured that our summer was rich with experiences that we can’t wait to share with our students.

Meaningful Play:Learning Through Fun Honoring Traditions: Challah Making We kicked off our summer preparation with a focus on As part of honoring our teachers’ and students’ traditions this “meaningful play.” This concept is at the heart of the IB year, we engaged in a special challah-making session lead by curriculum, emphasizing that play is a vital part of learning.

Shikma Rubin. This activity was more than just baking; it was a Through various activities, we engaged in cooperative games and challenges that sparked creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork. This playful approach set a positive tone for the year,

celebration of culture and values. We discussed how we can integrate these traditions into our lessons, ensuring our students feel connected to their heritage and the wider community.

reminding us that learning can be both fun and impactful.

Tefillah Under the Sky

Essential Training for a Safe Environment In addition to these enriching experiences, we prioritized

In line with our commitment to taking learning outdoors, we held

necessary training in areas such as AED, CPR, and Stop the Bleed.

our tefillah sessions in the fresh air. Surrounded by nature, we found a deeper connection to our prayers and community. This year, we’re dedicated to making outdoor learning a cornerstone of

Equipping ourselves with these vital skills ensures that we can provide a safe environment for our students. It reflects our commitment to their well-being and reinforces the importance of

our teaching, regardless of the weather. We believe that learning in nature enhances curiosity and encourages students to appreciate the world around them.

being prepared in any situation.

Making Memories Together Throughout our summer preparation, we laughed, shared stories,

Sunflower Picking and Thrifting Adventures One of the highlights of our summer was our sunflower-picking

and created lasting memories. These moments of joy and connection will serve as the foundation for a supportive and

field trip at Greenbrier Farms. Amidst the vibrant blooms, we

collaborative school culture this year.

reflected on our roles as educators and how we can nurture our students’ growth. This experience was not just about picking flowers; it symbolized our commitment to cultivating a positive learning environment.

Meanwhile, our Early Years teachers embarked on a thrifting journey that tied beautifully into the IB theme of “Sharing the Planet.” By exploring second-hand shops, we embraced sustainability and the importance of making conscious choices about our resources. These lessons will resonate with our students as we encourage them to think critically about the impact of their actions on the planet.

As we look ahead, we are filled with excitement for the possibilities that await us and our students. By integrating meaningful play, outdoor learning, and a deep respect for our traditions, we are ready to embark on an inspiring journey together. Here’s to a year of growth, exploration, and shared learning as we embrace the adventure ahead.

Strelitz International Academy 6

The Power of Collaborative Learning at Strelitz International Academy

by Janet Jenkins, Primary Years Director

At Strelitz International Academy, collaborative learning is a vital part of nurturing young global citizens. It enhances communication skills by encouraging students to express their ideas clearly and listen to others’ perspectives. This approach also promotes student agency, allowing learners to take ownership of their education by co-creating learning experiences with peers.

A new initiative this year involves cross-grade collaboration through transdisciplinary units of inquiry. Each class is paired with a "buddy class" from a different grade level, creating opportunities for students to collaborate across ages and skill levels. This initiative strengthens connections within our learning community by allowing older students to mentor younger ones, while both groups explore shared inquiries and discover how their learning experiences overlap in meaningful ways.

Through collaboration, students are exposed to diverse perspectives, deepening their understanding of complex issues and fostering international-mindedness. Working together builds empathy and strengthens social connections, as students learn to appreciate each other's contributions and practice conflict resolution.

Collaborative learning also sharpens critical thinking, enabling students to solve problems creatively by considering multiple viewpoints. This mirrors real-world collaboration, preparing students for future roles in a global society. Additionally, it supports lifelong learning by encouraging reflection on both individual and group progress.

At Strelitz International Academy, collaborative learning is more than just a classroom practice—it's a pathway to developing the skills and mindset needed to thrive as global citizens. By working together, our students learn the value of shared knowledge, empathy, and communication, empowering them for the future.

Top Photo: Third graders eagerly collaborate on a hands-on STEM challenge, combining creativity and teamwork to solve problems and explore new ideas.

Bottom Photo: Fifth-grade scholars lead by example as they teach second graders about the Learner Profile attribute of 'Caring,' fostering empathy and kindness within our school community

7 September 2024

Strelitz International Academy 8

The

Shofar

The Shofar is an integral part of the celebration and observance of Rosh Hashanah. Blowing the Shofar on Rosh Hashanah serves as a reminder to each of us to reflect on our ways and see where we can improve as we request a sweet new year. The sound of the Shofar also serves as our way to crown G-d as our King!

When I Hear the Sound of the Shofar, it Tells Me...

Mara G., Grade 3 - “to wake up and do teshivah.”

Avery G., Grade 4-”it’s time for Rosh Hashanah.”

Mimi G., Kindergarten - “to have a good new year.”

Alexa K., Grade 1- “to wake for Rosh Hashanah.”

Ben T., Grade 3 - “that I’m crowning Hashem as king.”

Lena A., Grade 4 - “the new year is here!”

Ella G., Grade 4 - “it’s Rosh Hashanah!”

Palmer W., Grade 2 - “it’s a new year!”

9 September 2024

Rosh Hashanah!

Strelitz International Academy 10

Little Hands Exploring a Big World

by Elyssa Brinn, Early Years Director Exploration is at the heart of our Early Years curriculum, which mirrors this same philosophy in the IB for the Early Years . Allowing little hands to explore independently boosts cognitive, social, and physical development. It’s through this active exploration that children engage their senses, spark their curiosity, and begin to make sense of the world around them. The beginning of the school year in the SIA Early Years Program has been full of opportunities to experiment, question, and create. Tools like provocations, tinker trays, and loose parts, along with outdoor learning opportunities have provided the perfect platforms to support this type of hands-on learning.

Provocations are meant to provoke thought, curiosity, and discussion. They can be as simple as a collection of natural objects, such as pinecones and leaves, or a setup of small figurines and mirrors to inspire storytelling. Many times these provocations come from things the children find while exploring outdoors, or items they bring into the classroom. The goal of these provocations is to invite children to explore materials in a way that is open-ended, allowing them to draw their own conclusions and develop problem-solving skills during moments of uninterrupted play. During this year’s Professional Development Week, our Early Years teachers took a field trip to local thrift stores in search of new provocations for the classroom. They returned with an array of treasures, including musical instruments, tinker trays, and much more!

Tinker trays and loose parts are invaluable tools for fostering creativity, fine motor skills, and spatial awareness. Loose parts—items such as wooden blocks, corks, shells, and fabric scraps are items that give children the freedom to construct, deconstruct, and rebuild.

This type of play nurtures imagination, as children decide how to use these items in unique ways that reflect their own thought processes. Tinker trays, which are curated collections of small, intriguing objects, encourage children to explore patterns, symmetry, and design. Both loose parts and tinker trays promote agency, as children are given the opportunity to direct their own play, make decisions, and test their ideas. In the Early Years Program, classes explore our Makerspace to gather materials, design, and build.

Recently, an EY3 group used loose parts to construct an apple tree for Rosh Hashanah, applying their knowledge of tree parts to this hands-on project.

Outdoor learning is a powerful exploration tool in early childhood education. Spaces like mud kitchens, sand areas, and gardens create opportunities for sensory play, scientific inquiry, and collaboration. Mud kitchens, for example, not only enhance tactile and imaginative play but also support early math and language skills as children mix, measure, and engage in pretend cooking scenarios.

Playing in the rain, splashing in puddles, and exploring wet textures can teach children resilience and adaptability. These experiences also connect to social emotional learning by helping them embrace changing conditions, encouraging problem-solving and developing a positive attitude toward new challenges. The Early Years Program has embraced outdoor learning in new and exciting ways this year. To ensure children are prepared for all-weather exploration, the classroom supply list now includes rain gear and boots, making outdoor adventures a regular part of the day. One EY4 student, after a joyful puddle-jumping session, enthusiastically declared it the “best day ever!” Beyond splashing in puddles, classes are frequently spotted enjoying story time and snacking outdoors, creating a rich environment for learning and play that extends far beyond the classroom walls.

Exploration through provocations, loose parts, and outdoor activities touches on nearly every area of development. Fine and gross motor skills are strengthened as children manipulate objects, pour water, or build structures. Cognitive skills are engaged as they hypothesize outcomes, strategize during play, and test and retest their theories. Social-emotional development is supported as they negotiate roles, share materials, and communicate ideas with peers. This type of play also promotes self-regulation and patience, as children encounter small frustrations and learn to work through them independently. These experiences not only engage children’s natural curiosity but also equip them with a broad range of skills that will serve them well beyond their early years.

11 September 2024

Strelitz International Academy 12

A Swinging Success at the 36th Annual Strelitz International Golf Tournament!

by Carin Simon, Director of Advancement The Strelitz International Academy's (SIA) 36th Annual Golf Tournament, held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Virginia Beach National Golf Club, proved to be another hole-in-one event. Known as the Bob Josephberg Classic, this tournament remains SIA’s premier annual fundraiser, and this year’s event raised nearly $150,000 thanks to the incredible generosity of 82 sponsors and 102 tournament participants.

These funds play a crucial role in supporting the future of Jewish education and leadership in Tidewater by ensuring financial sustainability and expanding access for all SIA students.

Amy Weinstein, Board Chair and Head of School Heather Moore, drove around the course greeting players and distributing cool neck towels to beat the heat. Heather Moore, Head of School expressed deep appreciation for the event’s success,

Congratulations to the winners of the 1st flight Miles Leon, Ben Leon, Wes Bourdon, and Eddie Bourdon, and all other tournament participants! SIA extends its

The event kicked off with opening remarks from David Leon and Babbi Bangel, SIA Golf Tournament Co-Chairs, before

highlighting the importance of the funds raised in light of the school’s remarkable enrollment growth over the past five

tremendous success.

participants teed off in a Florida best ball tournament format. Excitement filled the air as players had a chance to win luxury

years. “This tournament provides critical funding that allows us to offer more scholarships to our expanding student

prizes—a brand new Mercedes Sedan and

body. We are incredibly thankful to our

Mercedes SUV —courtesy of Charles Barker Automotive and Towne Insurance,

donors, whose support helps us deliver a robust Jewish and International

Club!

during the highly anticipated hole-in-one

Baccalaureate (IB) education to our

Please join us for SIA’s upcoming Annual

competition.

students.”

Fall Festival on Sunday, October 27,

“We are truly grateful for the continued

Participants were treated to a delicious

dedication and generosity of our

boxed lunch and a post-play reception

2024 at the Sandler Family Campus.

Business and Family Sponsorship opportunities are available.

community and business partners,” said Leon, one of the co-chairs. “It’s inspiring to

catered by Cardo Cafe. Additionally, the tournament featured a Silent Auction with

see both familiar and new faces each year

exclusive items, including hand-crafted

enjoying a fun day on the course while supporting SIA’s mission. Our entire school community extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this our most successful fundraising event yet.”

pens generously donated by Steve Wohlgemuth of WoogWorks, and a bottle of Weller Wheated Bourbon donated by Levi Washburn, both of which contributed to the overall fundraising efforts.

757.424.4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org

Golf Team- SIA Dads: Brandon Terkletaub, Tal Aviv, Bill Carden, Ryan Miller

One of two Ladies Teams- Patti Seeman, Terri Kraley, Tracey Garbers, Brigitte Gottlieb

Winning Team- Wes Bourdon, Eddie Bourdon, Miles Leon, Ben Leon Strelitz International Academy 20

13 September 2024

sincere thanks to the sponsors, players, and volunteers who made the day a

Save the date for next year’s 37th Annual Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Virginia Beach National Golf

For more information, contact Carin Simon, SIA Director of Advancement, at:

Thank you 2024 Golf Tournament Sponsors!

SPONSORS - $5,500 Fairlead Steve & Randi Gordon David Leon Jennifer Josephberg Cindy & Ron Kramer L.M. Sandler & Sons, Inc. Deb & Peter Segaloff John & Renee Strelitz

MASTERS - $10,500 Copeland-Klebanoff Family Josephberg Family North Beach Plastic Surgery – Dr. Richard Rosenblum, Dr. Alexander Sailon, Dr. Eric Jablonka, & Dr. Alexandra Tilt

HOLES- $400 Alan & Esther Fleder Foundation Frieden Seery Nuckols & Hahn P.C. Glassman Family

Andy & Esther Kline

Drs. Peluso & Savage - Eastern Virginia Orthodontics Frankie Edmonson, Portsmouth Commissioner of the Revenue Eric Joffe Construction - Eric Joffe & Mike Simon Frieden Wealth Management H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments BIRDIES- $750 HOSTS - $4,000 Jason & Denise Hoffman Altmeyer Funeral Home Miles & Sandra Leon IHOP - Kempsville & Princess Anne Amitay and Claudius Families The Jason Family TowneBank Bay Disposal Janet Jenkins in Honor of SIA Teachers Wall, Einhorn and Chernitzer, P.C. Marisk & John Gibson No Frill Grill Givens Group Rashkind Family UNDERWRITERS- $3,000 Payday Hercules Fence Brad Moses/Towne Insurance PNC Bank Jodi & Jay Klebanoff Primis Mortgage - Jerry Pollack Nathan Drory/Charles Barker Automotive MBCS EZBooks Rubin Communications Southern Bank The Moore Family in Honor of Faculty & Seeman Family Staff Randy Shapiro EAGLES- $1,200 Palms Associates MidAtlantic Dermatology Center - Dr. Michael Brad & Babbi Bangel S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Gross Beth Sholom Village Mike Simon - Abrams Realty Lawrence Steingold S.L. Nusbaum Insurance Agency, Inc. Claire & Marvin Friedberg Stein Investment Group The Spindel Agency Daniel Gordon & Family TechArk Harbor Group International Tim Thornton - Berkshire Hathaway Home HOLES- $400 Beth & Nathan Jaffe Services Abrams Family Jewish Family Service Jacob & Utomwen Uduaghan Atlantic Union Bank KPMG LLP W.C. Goldberg & Company, PC Avraham Ashkenazi Amy & Eliot Weinstein National Disaster Solutions WoogWorks Michael & Roslyn Barney The Saal Family Megan & Steve Zuckerman Jon & Susan Becker

Levi & Palmer Washburn

Bill & Allison Carden David & Elyse Cardon Coastal Material Handling Davenport / Lefcoe

Tournament Volunteers: Lisa Apperson, Nina Kruger, Amy Weinstein

Tournament Volunteers Pati Olizewski and Head of School, Heather Moore.

Strelitz International Academy 14

1

2

3

4

Strelitz Moments 1. Mrs. Hubert with Alexa K., Leo B. and Zara M. at

2. Theo and Henry T. on the first day of the 2024-

the annual Back to School Meet and Greet. Excited

2025 school year. They are ready to see what the

to kick off another great school year!

new school year will bring!

3. Brynn W. and her Mom at the first Early Years

4. Roma C. and Scarlett S. enjoying the annual SIA

Shabbat Sing-along of the school year. The sing-along

Family Pasta Dinner. This year there were two bounce

was held outside on the white top and had a tailgate

houses that everyone enjoyed, and of course some

theme!

delicious pasta, salad and brownies!

15 September 2024

5

6

7

5. SIA Moms Jennifer A. and Courtney F. enjoying the

8

6. Leni C. wears her rain boots and rain jacket and

annual Welcome Back Breakfast in September.

swings in the rain. We are prepared to go outside

7. Wesley M. focusing and working hard on building

8. Second graders welcomed Otis, a CHKD therapy

his brick tower!

dog to SIA as part of there “Who We Are” unit.

everyday, even in the rain!

Strelitz International Academy 16

Ada R. Michaels Faculty Development Fund Thanks to a generous grant by past Head of School Ada R. Michaels, our teachers have been able to participate in exceptional professional development opportunities. The Ada R. Michaels Faculty Development Fund supports faculty members in attending classes, workshops, and conferences, ensuring they stay at the forefront of education. This initiative empowers our teachers to bring innovative practices into the classroom, enhancing the learning experience for all students. We're excited to see the positive impact this will have on our school community.

“This summer I was chosen for an Ada R. Michaels Foundation scholarship to attend a professional development conference. I attended the 2024 VAIS Teaching & Learning Institute. This was a two day conference featuring various educational experts, including Dr. Ranjini M. JohnBull from Johns Hopkins University, who specializes in culturally relevant pedagogy and NeuroEducation. Her lecture focused on the influence of teacher expectations, biases, and instructional practices on student learning outcomes, highlighting the importance of selfefficacy and cultural competence for educators. This experience broadened my perspective and inspired me to explore additional instructional strategies for diverse learners.s. Thank you so much to the foundation for this wonderful opportunity!”- Hannah Plate, Primary Years Kindergarten Teacher “From September 15 to 20, I attended the Conscious Discipline Institute: Birth to Five Years in Orlando, FL, where I learned and practiced various skills to create a safe and connected classroom environment. A key principle of the Conscious Discipline methodology is that climate and culture significantly impact achievement, emphasizing the importance of fostering an optimal environment for everyone involved, which we refer to as the School Family. During the conference, we participated in small groups that promoted team building, connection, and collaboration, all while forming our own School Family. I had the incredible opportunity to meet and converse with Dr. Becky Bailey, the founder of Conscious Discipline, and I connected with remarkable educators from across the country working in diverse early childhood education settings. I'm immensely grateful for the support I received to attend through the Ada R. Michaels Faculty Development Fund from SIA for 2024-2025 and from the Early Years program, as the connections I made during this trip have profoundly impacted my growth as an educator, and I'm eager to share everything I've learned with SIA.”- Tori Troutman, Early Years Toddler Teacher

Faculty Book Shelf

Survey Says!

Thank you for participating in our Parent Satisfaction Survey last year. We truly value your feedback and wanted to share some of the key results with you. Moving forward, we’re excited to use this feedback to grow in areas where we can improve and continue to shine in the areas where we excel.

In "Imaginable," author Jane McGonigal invites readers to unlock their creative potential and envision a brighter future through the power of imagination. Our Head of School, Heather Moore, highly recommends this thought-provoking book, emphasizing its relevance to both personal growth and fostering innovation in education. With inspiring insights and practical exercises, "Imaginable" encourages us to dream big and turn those dreams into reality!

17 September 2024

We're thrilled to share that 9 out of 10 people recommend the Strelitz International Academy!

Thank you to our wonderful community for your support and trust in our mission to provide an exceptional learning environment.

We're proud to share that 97% of our school families say that Strelitz International Academy plays a crucial role in their child's development.

Thank you for trusting us to nurture and guide your children on their learning journey!

97%

We're excited to share that 97% of our school families rated themselves as highly comfortable with our safety and security protocols. We’re grateful for your confidence in our efforts to keep our community safe!

97%

Gifts and Pledges for the 2023- 2024 School Year Prophet $50,000+ Anonymous Cindy & Ron Kramer Peter & Deb Segaloff United Jewish Federation of Tidewater Righteous $20,000 - $49,999 Dozoretz Family Fund Celia K. Krichman* Charitable Trust Laura & Jerrold Miller Renee & John Strelitz Tidewater Jewish Foundation Leader $10,000 - $19,999 Ann & Robert Copeland Givens Group, Inc. Edward & Anne Kramer Daniel Gordon Mark Gordon Sheila & Robert Josephberg North Beach Plastic Surgery Dr. Richard Rosenblum Dr. Eric Jablonka, Dr. Alexander Sailon, Dr. Alexandra Tilt Chairman $5,000 - $9,999 The Armond and Rose Caplan* Foundation Jon & Susan Becker Richard S. Glasser* Family Foundation “Do the right thing, the right way for the right reason.”

Randi & Steven Gordon Jennifer Josephberg Arnold Leon* Sandra & Miles Leon Steven B. Sandler Scott & Lori Tabakin Model $2,500 - $4,999 Rashi & Levi Brashevitzky Herbert L. Weinberg End. Fund Libbie Kaplan* Jodi & Jay Klebanoff Krug Foundation Heather & Douglas Moore Southern Bank TowneBank Ellen & Bill Wagner Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, P.C. Doris Waranch Bret & Lisa Washburn

Teacher $1,000 - $2,499 Xunyun Zhang & Chris Arney Babbi & Brad Bangel Benjamin Goldberg Foundation Beth Berman & Daniel Griff Beth Sholom Village Brith Sholom Center of Virginia, Inc. Steve Dodge & Melanie Brown East Coast Enterprise/Panduit - Levi Washburn Susan Einhorn in memory of Marty Einhorn John Finguerra Kristy & Adam Foleck Claire & Marvin Friedberg Annonymous Wendy Goldberg Sharon & Michael Grossman Harbor Group International Helen Jayne & Melvin Barr* Sharon Hurwitz Beth and Nathan Jaffe Eric & Joan Joffe KPMG Sarah Laibstain David Leon National Disaster Solutions Andrew Nusbaum Shikma & Danny Rubin Ruth's Chris Steak House Shelley & Lonnie Slone Lawrence Steingold Utomwen & Jacob Uduaghan Friend $500 - $999 Rachel & Marc Abrams Amitay & Claudius Families Avraham & Karen Ashkenazi Jamie & Peter Baker Anonymous Michael and Roslyn Barney Bay Disposal Heddy and Mike Belman Marcia & Amos Berkovich Brossman Family Marilyn Buxbaum Bill & Allison Carden David & Elyse Cardon Josh Cohen Cooper Hurley Injury Lawyers David & Adel Kruger* Restricted Fund Leora & Nathan Drory

Robert & Alicia London Friedman Janice & Richard Foleck Len Futerman & Ilene Goldstein Givens Group Aaron & Nikki Glassman Hercules Fence Co. Janet Jenkins Jewish Family Service of Tidewater Betsy & Ed Karotkin Jonah Kass Joan Kaplan London Kathy Hyman Rosenbach* Tutorial Fund Deborah Kaufman Nina Kruger Carol & Robert Laibstain Sharon Lipton Rick & Karen Lombart Mid-Atlantic Dermatology Karen Minkoff Paul & Stephanie Peck Palms Associates Marc & Nancy Samuels S.L. Nusbaum Realty Co. Amelia & Ivan Schiff Patti & Paul Seeman Sentara + Optima Health Sallie & Alan Shapiro Stein Investment Group TechArk The Stockpot Vandelay Industries Virginia Wealth Management Bruce & Baila Waldholtz Amy & Eliot Weinstein Steve & Megan Zuckerman Student $100- $499 Abrams Realty - Mike Simon Alan & Esther Fleder* Helen Aleck Jennifer Rush & Jason Alper Alperin Law Firm Altmeyer Funeral Home Allena & Neil Anglen Anonymous Carol Ashinoff Atlantic Union Bank Ross & Lindsay Bangel Dave Berridge William Bickel Jackey & Joel Bieber April and Jeffrey Blair

Strelitz International Academy 18

Gifts and Pledges for the 2023- 2024 School Year Justin & Denean Blanks Nicole & Nelson Bowers Vincent Bowhers in honor of Marissa Simon Bruce Breit Elyssa Brinn Susannah Broegler Ellie & Lenny Brooke Ilyse Brooks Anna Fox & Cameron Burnette Terri Cimino James Claudius Jill Cohen Complete Medicine Mark Cummings Lindsey Nusbaum & Rad Davenport Davenport Lefcoe Rodney Duckworth & Patricia Cook Eastern Virginia Orthodontics - Anthony R. Peluso, DDS; Ross A. Savage, DMD Frankie Edmondson, Portsmouth Commissioner of the Revenue Wissam El Hage Sarah and Mark Enochs Eric Joffe Construction Corp.

Esther and Andy Kline Faggert & Frieden, P.C. Marion Finkbinder Mona & Jeffrey Flax Beverly & Alan Frieden Frieden Wealth Management Katherine George Jasmine Gilad Amitay Wendy & Alan Gladstein Jacob Glasser Nanci & Myron Glassman Jamie Golden & Chris Hassan Ellie & Mike Goldstein Steven Goldstein Kerrel Gomes & Katherine Sommer Erik & Samantha Gordon Sandra & Howard Gordon Babara Gordon Andrew Gottlieb Joyce & Harry Graber Teresa & David Greer Constance Greer

19 September 2024

H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts, Inc. Shirley Schulwolf Hainer Harry & Miriam Weisberg* Stuart & Mickey Held Evelyn Hirsch Howard & Alma Laderberg* Adam Howell-Smith Richard & Robin Howett Bernadette Hunter Jason Family John Decker Real Estate Trisha Kaprielian Aaron & Melissa Kass Janet & Billy Kass Martha Kinsella Jay Legum Martin & Ina Mirman Leiderman Mary Livingston Stephanie Calliott & Don London Joan London Bruce Longman Martin Lowenberg Donita Lozada Joseph Lust Levi and Aidel Margolin Shmuel Margolin Menachem Margolin Debbie Oswalt & Mark Rubin MBCS CPAs, PC Cheryl McAuley Rebecca McClurkin-Lyles Robert Merhige Amanda Moll Rocio Morales No Frill Grill Kathleen Ogen Partners in Construction Andrew Auerbach & John Hoy Shana Paul Payday Payroll PNC Bank Deborah Pollack Michael Poole Holly Puritz & Steve Wohlgemuth Rashkind Family Foundation Lavette Ricks Deborah & David Rippard Ron & Kathy Schikevitz Family Foundation Jennifer Rosenbaum

Nicole & Michael Rosenblum Eilene Rosenblum Sara Jo & Joel Rubin Rubin Communications S.L. Nusbaum Insurance Agency, Inc. Terri & Lonny Sarfan Susan & Eric Schwartzman Naomi Limor Sedek Randy Shapiro Leslie & Larry Siegel Larry Sifen Louis Silverman Carin & Mike Simon Nancy & Sandy Simon Arlene Sobel Brian Sommer Robert Spohn Joslyn & Ariel Stein Ruth & Ludwig Sternlicht Ally & Tim St. Pierre Burle & Robin Stromberg Maureen Sullivan Surge Adventure Park Kay & Larry Taub Elizabeth Taylor Marcy & Paul Terkeltaub Brandon & Callah Terkeltaub The Spindel Agency The West Hoffman Investment Group of Wells Fargo Advisors Tim Thornton of Berkshire Hathaway RW Town Realty Towne Benefits Neil & Khimberlyn Turner Universal Pest & Termite, Inc. Janice & Leonard Utt Joshua and Holly Utt Virginia Business Systems Kelsey Volentine W.C. Goldberg & Company Deanna Wagner Michael Wagner Jennifer Waldholtz & Greg Antonucci Lisa & Adam Walker Irina Washburn Bart Washburn Sharon & Michael Wasserberg Steven Wasserberg Wasserberg Family Aaron Weinstein Debbie Weinstein Scott Wolf Amy & Frank Zelenka

Gifts and Pledges for the 2023- 2024 School Year Volunteer- Up to $100 Kimberly Hunstad Andie & Avidan Itzhak Jack Stein Memorial Fund Jaynie Jackson Dipal & Suraj Jaisinghani Amy Jasson Shelley Johnson Leah Johnson Danielle Jones Rachel Jordan Sylvia Kaplan Lizabeth Kaprielian Christopher Kaprielian Alene & Ron Kaufman Dawn & Jack Kaye Sarah Keasey Denise Keil Ellen & Richard Kitay Michael & Milla Komarovsky Brenda & Mark Kozak Terri Kraly Bracha Kramer Sarah Kruger Rachel Krupnick Gary Kudym Deborah Krutz Kyran Lacy Cathi Laderberg Jacquie Lam Debbie LaRosa Amalia Lauria Amy Lazovitz Shane & Jack Lefkowitz Adam Leiderman Bo and Josh Lepchitz Betty Ann & Scott Levin Robert Levinson Rebecca Levitt Amy Levy Jamie Lewis Rabbi and Sara Litt Alexandra Little Patricia Little Susan Livingston Cary Livingston Keith Livingston Halye Livingston Nancy Loeb Ian & Megan Lord Julie Lovelace Julia Ludwig Michael & Karin Ludwig

Will Lutterman Kendall Mager Seena Mahgerefteh Rachael Mahr Rob Mahrt Shannon Mahrt Gloria Malamud Linda Mandler Rychel Margolin Vivian & Burke Margulies Michaela Martin Michael Martin Orlando Martinez Brigitte May Rodney Mba Brittany McGeoch Donna & Douglas Mendelsohn McGovern Janet Mercadante Kasey Milby Debbie Milby Tanya Miller Marlene Miller Angelea Miller Ashley Mills Alexander Monk Joyce Moore Tiffany Morris Alyssa & Jonathan Muhlendorf Meryl & Sean Mulligan Lauren Murer Lois Neer Christi Nesbitt Evan Nied Darlene Nipper Molly Nizhnikov Ashley Noell Katie Norman Jo Nossen William Nuckolls Jay O'Toole Cassidy Oconnell Tal Ofir Bob Owens Arlene Owens Sherry Owens Pace Bulter Alicia Paul-Cornelius Kym Peacock Nancy Peck Linda Peck and Barry Friedman Harriet & Alan Peltz Elizabeth Pennell Jocelyn Perez Karriem Pierre Hannah Plate Frances Podvoyski

Kristen Powers Margolins of President St. Jennifer Price Rona & David Proser William Pucher Shayesteh Rahimzadeh Colby Raymond Kim Reasland Cynthia Redeker Arsenio Reyes Audrey & Henry Rhone Ben Riley Kelly Rippard Kara Rivers Lynnette Rodriguez Judith & Reuben Rohn Jacob Rothschild Angela Rowe Jake Rubin Jennifer Rueben Jenny Sachs Steven Salazar Veronica Samonte Domingo Sanchez Daniel Saul Malka Schaad Martina Schaler Kathrin Schneider Erica Schumacher Susan Scoby Thais Sebastia Aunt Shainky Linda & Steven Shames Rebecca Sheehan Merrily Sheppard Donna Sherwood Tiffany Shown Lena Sifen Fay Silverman Nate Simon Dolena Sinclair Leora Skolnik Nancy Smit Phyllis Smith Michele Sok Rozee Spiegel Arielle Spitze Andrea Spohn Whitney Spontak Carmen Stacy Stephanie Steerman Lois Steiner Pops & Nana Sullivan Susan Tapper & Nate Segal Strelitz International Academy 20

Gifts and Pledges for the 2023- 2024 School Year William Terrell Courtney Thompson Crystal Ton Anita & Louis Tonelson Jason Van Patten Sara Vega Samantha Vega Sari & Rick Velasco Virginia Ophthamology Liat Vonegloffstein Rhonda Walton Elizabeth & Neil Waranch Courtney Ward Tova & Jay Warren Delores Washburn Mariah Washburn John Washburn Kim Wasserberg Cheryl Wasserberg Sandy & Howard Waters Julie Watson Benita Watts Daniella Weinstein Monique Werby Kimberly West Melissa Wieland Christina Williams Michelle Windom Diane Wood George & Linda Worth Michael & Aly Yaary Carol Yeiser Tina Yomtob Jose Zamorano Krystal Zerwer Dorothy Zimmerman Gifts in Kind Allegra FootPrint Fund Bahama Mia Charles Barker Automotive - Nathan Drory D-Bat Virginia Beach Diamonds Direct Dicks Sporting Goods Green Compass CBD - Nina Kruger Jody’s Popcorn JP Lazerworks Juice Plus+ - Anna Fox Burnette Mark Gonsenhauser Rug & Carpet Superstore Michelle Anderson Nikki Grossman Norfolk Admirals Nothing Bundt Cakes Pinboys at the Beach 21 September 2024

Running Etc. Sarah Kruger & Willam Pucher Segal & Co. Fine Jewelers Sharkey's Cuts for Kids Sharon Hurwitz Simon Family JCC Smiling Creations by Sharon Grossman Sprout The Foleck Center Toddlin’ Around Tidewater Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Virginia Symphony Orchestra Waters Edge Winery Towne Insurance - Brad Moses Life and Legacy The following individuals have made legacy commitments for the benefit of the Strelitz International Academy.

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 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 Leon Jeff & Elayne Littman Paola Matilsky Tanya Miller 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 Endowments The following endowments have been established for the benefit of Strelitz International Academy.

Rachel Abrams Bass Family Memorial 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 Klebanoff Family David & Sophia* Konikoff Cindy & Ron Kramer Family JPN/PEJE Celia Krichman* David Leon Selma & Leon Leach* Scholarship Lorna Legum Rising Star Award 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 * of blessed memory For more information on making a donation to Strelitz International Academy, please visit www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org or contact Carin Simon, Director of Advancement, at csimon@strelitzacademy.org or call 757-424-4327.

Flash from the Past!

Can you identify anyone in the above photograph?

We need your help to identify the students, activity, and time frame for this photo! If you or someone you know recognize the people in the picture, please don't hesitate to contact us at astpierre@strelitzacademy.org with any information you may have.

Identified!

Thank you to everyone who submitted answers to help us identify the students in this picture!

Strelitz International Academy 22

5000 Corporate Woods Drive, Suite 180 Virginia Beach, VA 23462

Let’s Get Social! strelitzinternationalacademy.org/podcast

Most Likes/ Comments

facebook.com/strelitzacademy

@StrelitzAcademy

@strelitzinternationalacademy

linkedin.com/company/strelitz-internationalacademy

Scan Here for More Information!