Annual Report 2020/2021

ANNUAL REPORT 2020 - 2021

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School’s mission is to develop students who are socially and academically prepared to meet their full potential as engaged leaders committed to a life steeped in Jewish ethics and values.

‫חזון בית הספר היהודי רונאלד‬ ‫וורניק הוא להכשיר ולחנך‬ ‫תלמידים שמוכנים מבחינה‬ ‫חברתית ואקדמית ומסוגלים‬ ‫לנצל את מלוא יכולתם ולהיות‬ ‫מנהיגים המעורבים בקהילה‬ ‫ומחויבים לאורח חיים המושתת‬ ‫על מוסר וערכים יהודיים‬

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Larry Pascal, Board President Sarah Blake, Vice President Dr. Rachel Canning, Secretary Daphne Kaufer, Past President Megan Krat, PTO President

Liki Abrams Mina Bressler Andy Fradkin Udi Hoffmann Fran Lent 2

Tamar Miller Dr. Irene Moff Cantor Doron Shapira Jeremy Verba Michael Wornick

HEAD OF SCHOOL NOTE

Supported by our generous community, the Wornick school is thriving as we round the corner to our thirty-sixth year. This past year was one of the most challenging years in recent history and particularly in the world of education.

And yet, our school is in one of its strongest positions ever.

When you set foot on our campus and walk into one of our learning environments, you are instantly inspired. Authentic, loving, and meaningful relationships between students, teachers, and families set a foundation for a learning environment where students are challenged to meet their full potential. It doesn’t take much to observe students grappling with big questions, learning new skills, and developing their capacity to be engaged leaders steeped in timeless Jewish values.

We were fortunate that our community rallied around our school and prioritized the learning experiences of our students this year. Our school was one of the first in our area to offer on campus learning and with the support and generosity of our leaders, educators, families, and community partners we pushed the boundaries of what was possible. Our students completed meaningful service learning, attended immersive camping trips in the wilderness, and engaged in rigorous academic opportunities and robust Jewish experiences that permeate our Wornick experience.

In a dark year, our school was a source of light for so many families. The ability to send their students to school knowing their children were in a warm, welcoming, and challenging learning environment meant the world to our parents. Using the power of Zoom we were able to welcome thousands of guests onto our campus over the course of the year in weekly Tefillot, holiday celebrations, and classroom milestones. Indeed, weekly attendance at our virtual Kabbalat Shabbat became a ritual for so many parents, grandparents, friends, and community members.

As we look to the future, we know that we are positioned to deepen our roots in the North Peninsula Jewish Community. Our school is developing the resources, capacities, and strength to ensure that our school’s impact will be felt for generations to come.

With partnership,

Adam Eilath Head of School

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A YEAR TO REMEMBER FROM ZOOM TO CLASSROOM

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The 2020-2021 school year at Wornick was certainly a year to remember with regard to a safe and healthy return to school, but was also a year in which Wornick truly thrived, and grew its community beyond just the numbers.

The summer of 2020 was focused on planning for a year in which we hoped to have students back on campus, with the modification of indoor and acquisition of outdoor classroom spaces, accompanying technology, health and safety equipment, and personnel. In addition to the purchase of outdoor classrooms, we were able to add and modify ventilation systems, subsidize routine COVID testing and purchase “PPE” for our student and professional communities, provide electronic devices and regular school supplies, like art and PE equipment, for every student to be able to learn and participate remotely. In addition, we invested in our professionals with training on new software and devices, like Redcat classroom audio systems, Zoom, and Seesaw, a classroom to home engagement application.

Fortunately, we were one of the first schools to receive the waiver to open our doors and welcomed students back starting in August. We were able to maintain a rich learning environment with the health and safety of our community at the forefront, giving our students the opportunity to be with each other, learn, and support one another. We completed our year with over 95% of our student population learning on campus and a 14% year over year increase in enrollment.

We were able to continue some of the remarkable programs started the previous spring, and decided to continue our Havdallah, Tefillah, and Kabbalat Shabbat times online so that our greater community could participate. Every week our screens were filled with smiles and signs of good wishes from loved ones to their students from around the world. This last year was also an opportunity for students to work collaboratively on various projects across academic fields of study. For example, our 7th Grade students were able to combine Jewish Studies, Science, and Art by creating an Israel Garden adjacent to outdoor classrooms. In the electives, students were able to combine Social Studies, Peleh Lab, and Art to design and decorate outdoor classrooms with various themes.

In 5th grade, students created a Chanukkiah, combining Jewish Studies and Peleh Lab skills, which was lighted and displayed on the balcony for the greater community to enjoy. Many 4th grade students found themselves immersed in passion projects that were centered on the environment. Two such projects included raising money for wildfire restoration in Sonoma County, and another involved teaching the Kindergarten classes how to plant seeds.

In TK, the students had an amazing opportunity to raise chicks. For the first time on campus, students were able to learn how to take care of incubating eggs, watch them hatch, feed, and care for chicks before they found permanent homes with families. The entire community was happy to share in this special adventure.

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First Day of School TK Starts On Campus Learning

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Annual Gala

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4th Grade Gold Rush Overnight on Campus

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20/2021 All Grades Welcomed Back to On Campus Learning

Outdoor Socials Community Shabbat Dinner

Weekly Kabbalat Shabbat

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Purim Celebration Community Chanukkah Celebration

Science Fair

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations

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5th-8th Grades Portola Redwoods 3-night Field Trips

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Last Day of School

Incoming TK/K Playdate 5

8th Grade Graduation and 5th Grade Promotion On Campus

WORNICK LEARNING IN ACTION

Academics at Wornick are more than just our core curriculum. It takes into account the social-emotional well-being of every child. From elementary school through middle school, children are provided with the necessary knowledge, attitudes, and skills for self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The program is based on the principle that children have the innate capacity to find solutions imperative for their own success.

Math, Science, Literacy and the Language Arts, Social Studies, Hebrew, Jewish Studies, Peleh Lab/Maker’s Space, PE, and the arts comprise our core curriculum. Common Core Standards are used for our Literacy and Mathematics programs, while Next Generation Science Standards guide our science program. Wornick students learn to be curious, ask questions, and find answers. In 2021, eight students competed in the San Mateo County STEM Fair, and four students were awarded at the event.

Critical thinking, discovery learning, a questioning stance, and a growth mindset are the foundations of intellectual growth in every grade. The curriculum values creativity as well, from developing a piece of fiction or creating visual art to the more transformative creativity of finding a new solution for a persistent problem.

In 2020-2021 school, we have modeled Project-Based Learning with the 7th Grade Tzedakah project, and the 5th Grade Artist Project. In the 2021-22 school year, we are excited to have our entire professional community become Project-Based Learning certified. This adds an additional layer to our curriculum. PBL is a teaching method where students acquire both knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, and complex question, problem, or challenge. These projects engage the students in solving real-world problems while creating engaging, innovative energy among the entire classroom community.

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CONGRATULATIONS CLASS OF 2021

56% of the 2020 graduation class are taking an accelerated math in their first year of high school and 94.4% are attending their high school of choice.

Recent Wornick alumni have attended the following high schools: • Aragon High School • Burlingame High School • Capuchino High School • Carlmont High School • Castilleja School • Crystal Springs Uplands • Design Tech High School • Everest High School • Gunn High School • Hillsdale High School • Interlochen Arts Academy

• Jewish Community High School • Kehillah Jewish High School • Lick Wilmerding High School • Lowell High School • Menlo High School • Mercy High School • Millbrook School • Notre Dame High School • Nueva High School • Pinewood School • Saint Francis High Shcool

• San Mateo High School • Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts • Sequoia High School • Serra High School • Summit High School • Stuart Hall High School • TIDE Academy • Woodside High School

Recent Wornick alumni have attended the following colleges and universities for undergraduate and graduate degrees: • Bard College • Boston University • Brandeis University • Cal Poly • Caltech • Chapman College • Columbia University • Cornell University • Dartmouth • Elon University • Emory University • Georgetown University • Harvard University • Harvey Mudd College • Hebrew Union College • Indiana University • Johns Hopkins University • McGill University • MIT • New York University

• Northeastern • Northern Arizona University • Northwestern • Occidental College • Oregon State University • Pitzer College • Princeton University • Purdue University • Reed University • Rhode Island School of Design • Scripps College • Seattle University • Stanford University • Syracuse University • Technion • Tel Aviv University • Tulane University • University of Arizona • University of California

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• University of Chicago • University of Colorado Boulder • University of Denver • University of Judaism • University of Maryland • University of Massachusetts • University of Michigan • University of North Carolina • University of Oregon • University of San Diego • University of Southern California • University of Utah • University of Wisconsin-Madison • Vanderbilt University • Wake Forest University • Washington University in St. Louis • Wesleyan University • Western Michigan State • Yale University

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT ERIN DENOLA & HARRY WORNICK Upon graduating from Wornick in 2007, Erin attended Carlmont High and Sonoma State, later pursuing her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Dominican University. Erin worked as a local OT in a private office and recently opened her own practice, Skilled Therapy and Play Services in San Carlos. Taking a holistic approach to working with children in the clinic, school, and home settings, Erin progresses clients in sensory processing, fine motor skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and more.

Erin Denola ‘07

Erin fondly remembers her time at Wornick and recently started coordinating alumni events with some of her fellow classmates. The first event in June 2021 aimed at alumni 21+ took place at Fieldworks in San Mateo, and they plan to meet again for a Friendsgiving in November. Erin sees it as an opportunity for the young Jewish community of past graduates to network, reconnect, and mentor one another. The group also plans to start a teenage alumni group to help future Wornick graduates transition into high school.

Harry Wornick, grandson of the school’s namesake and generous philanthropists Ronald z”l and Anita Wornick, graduated from the K-5 then-named Jewish Day School of the North Peninsula in 2000, attended Nueva Middle School, and later graduated from Burlingame High School. He studied at the prestigious Harvey Mudd College and earned a degree in Engineering. Today he is Lead Project Manager at Quartzy, an online lab management platform and scientific research supply marketplace.

Harry Wornick ‘00

During his time in college and into his mid-20’s, Harry focused on his career and networking, spending time with friends and family, and outdoor adventures.

Inspired by the work of his grandparents and family, in his late 20’s he began to look outside of his circle and get more involved in the Jewish community. For the past decade, a member of the Wornick family has always been on the Wornick board, including his father when Harry attended Wornick and more recently, his uncles Jonathan and Michael. When his uncle Michael shared with the family that he was retiring from the board, the school’s mission resonated with Harry.

Honored to be considered, Harry was recently confirmed and will begin his first term in the 2021-2022 school year.

When he thinks of his time at Wornick, he remembers a meaningful part of his life where he made personal connections with the Jewish community. He learned how to become a leader, grew to understand the impact of his actions on the world, developed social-emotional skills, and grew in his connection to timeless Jewish values. He looks forward to serving the school and continuing the indelible legacy his grandparents have on the Jewish community of the Bay Area and beyond.

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

Wornick is an inclusive community that welcomes the entire family to join in our celebrations and events.

Last summer, after our world turned upside down, we continued to meet every Friday to celebrate together Kabbalat Shabbat. We believe that Wornick is more than a school and its impact is felt beyond our walls and our students.

Wornick’s community is an engaged school community grounded in connection, belonging, and shared experiences. During the school year, we had more than 100 community wide online events like weekly Tefillah, Havdallah, and Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations with the addition of family and friends from around the world.

TOP 5 ISAAC ZONES’ LOVED SONGS Ken Yehi Ratzon Ometz Lev Oseh Shalom Ocho Candelikahs Pharaoh, Pharaoh

‫כן יהי רצון‬ ‫אומץ לב‬ ‫עושה שלום‬ ‫אוצ׳ו קנדאליקס‬ ‫ פרעה‬,‫פרעה‬

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GENERATIONS CELEBRATION

This year, grandparents and special friends were invited to join (remotely) our community for a unique experience with their students. More than 600 people from California, the US, Canada, Israel, Australia, and all over the world joined our students. It was a heartwarming opportunity for students to dance, share their projects, and celebrate with their loved ones in this annual tradition.

Grandparents wore their “Wornick Superfan” gear, shared photos, and bestowed their wisdom and advice for our students and the greater Wornick community. They spoke of the value of family, gave suggestions on how to be a Mensch, encouraged our students to remain positive and resilient, and sent their love from afar. We are so blessed to have grandparents and special friends joining us for this beautiful, annual event!

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PTO COMMUNITY EVENTS

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School Parent Teacher Organization did not stand still this last year. Between holiday events and class social events, they are our school’s beating heart. With the partnership of our professional community, they organized and executed a school-wide Shabbat Dinner, Chanukkah cookie decorating, challah baking, and WornickFest. In addition, they provided endless love and appreciation towards our professional community.

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This March, more than 425 people gathered virtually to celebrate Wornick’s Ometz Lev - Courageous Hearts Gala, honoring Barbara Jacobs, Karen Wagshul, and Michael Wornick. Inspired by song leader Isaac Zones’ original song played during virtual Kabbalat Shabbat, Ometz Lev was the wisdom repeated by our community every week and a natural fit for the event.

Barbara Jacobs

Karen Wagshul

Michael Wornick

In a year of adversity, our community demonstrated adaptability and resilience. We would like to thank our vibrant community for giving us confidence and the support for building a new brighter and stronger future together, and help raise more than $200,000 during this extraordinary event.

Community is society with a human face –the place where we know we’re not alone.

Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z”l

Comedian Elon Gold emceed the interactive night in which our community laughed, teared up, and came together to support Wornick’s mission.

Missed out?

See a clip of the event here.

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FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Thanks to the dedication of our community we have exceeded our annual fundraising goal by 112% for this school year and raised over $740,000. These funds allow us to provide financial assistance to families in need, investment in key health and safety measures, enhance our curriculum, and provide outstanding professional development to our teachers.

We are thankful that 100% of our families, professional community, and board made contributions to our school in addition to over 170 donors consisting of current and alumni parents, grandparents, alumni, professionals, and dear members of the greater community, who demonstrated kindness and generosity through their meaningful gifts.

Expenses

Revenue Other Operating Income (2%)

Other Operating Expenses

Tuition & Fees

Annual Fundraising

Grants Includes Forgiven PPP Loan

Faculty & Administration

Professional Development, Technology, & Education Supplies Building Occupancy & Security FY Unaudited Financials

Chai Circle is a designation given to a benevolent group of donors who have demonstrated their commitment to the entire Wornick community at the Heroes level and above. We would like to thank everyone who joined this prestigious circle and participated in our first Chai Circle event on Leadership, Judaism, and Silicon Valley, and our VIP Gala reception. Your annual contribution makes a significant impact on our community, supports our students’ learning, enables our teachers’ development, and keeps our community vibrant.

SAVE THE DATES Upcoming Chai Circle Events: Sunday 10/3/2021, and Sunday 1/23/2022 More details to come...

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ANNUAL COMMUNITY GIVING * Donors who have consistently contributed to Wornick JDS for 9 years or more! $25,000+ Dreamers / Cholmim / ‫חולמים‬

$3,600+ Heroes / Giborim / ‫גיבורים‬

Anonymous * Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco * Koret Foundation Fran and Bobby Lent * Levine-Lent Family Foundation * Anita and Ronald C. Wornick z”l *

Anonymous (4) Howard and Adrienne Abrams * Beth Freeman and Maury Alcheck * Amina and Chip Canter Francesca Eastman and Edward Goodstein Miriam and Nadav Grossinger Lea Grinberg-Korczyn and Oded Korczyn Annie O’Donnell and RM Karr Janet and Rennie Karr Nomi and Michael Moradzadeh Florencia and Alejandro Resnik Haggit and Eran Sandhaus Limeng and Eylon Stroh Salma Khan and Michael Wornick

$10,000+ Visionaries / Hogim / ‫הוגים‬ Gilah and Mark Abelson * Abe and Edith Ballonoff Foundation Mina and Dan Bressler Andy Fradkin * Barbara Jacobs * Allison and Mark Javitch Ha Nguyen and Cary Kletter * Rachel Canning and Soheil Motamed * The Aaron and Marie Blackman Foundation * Katie and Mike Wolff *

$1,800+ Guardians / Tomchim / ‫תומכים‬ Anonymous Judy and Mike Canning Emily and Dave Fisher Robin and Peter Gruen Jennifer Ackerman and Rabbi Corey Helfand * Georgina Vasiloudis and Daniel Herman Holly and Steve Heyman * Jim Joseph Foundation Megan and Harrison Krat Heather Cahan and Kartik Krishnan Elissa and Scott McQuaid Beth and Charles Pascal Daisy and RM Pellant Benna and Keith Posehn Sheri and Paul Robbins Emily and Jim Scheinman * Lori Silverstein * Taube Family Foundation Wendy and Jeremy Verba * Zev Yaroslavsky

$5,000+ Leaders / Manhigim / ‫מנהיגים‬ Liki and Joe Abrams Daphne Kaufer and Ram Bartov Sarah and Jordan Blake Hilary DeLorenzo Lauren Wilner and Adam Eilath Cindy Rogoway and Joe Goldberg Audrey Muller-Hartwig and David Hartwig Tamar and Jonathan Miller * Irene and Stephen Moff * Rebecca and David Rodnitzky Catherine Lau and Scott Silverglate Katie and Jeremy Sinaikin Alison Morantz and Daniel Wohl Liron Tapiro-Yehudai and Offer Yehudai

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$1,000+ Creators / Yotzrim / ‫יוצרים‬

Elon Gold Dana and Marty Izenson * Joanne and Jeff Jagoda Ruth Krat Corinne and Paul Lipman * Lori and Raymond Liu Gita and Claude Nahum Shani and Larry Pascal Danielle and Marat Shub Helene Chokron Garneau and Andrew Straus Hava and Raziel Ungar ‘93 * Yifah Yaron and Steve Villareale Kristin Nawoczenski and James Wassil

Anonymous Lida and Jamshid Bakhshi Rabbi Sarah Shulman and Nathaniel Bankirer Sigal and Asaf Bareket Joyce and Joseph Behar * Judy and David Bressler Consulate General of Israel Rochelle and Mervyn Danker * Rika and Tibor Fabian Jesykah Forkash Sarkissian and Arin Sarkissian Olga and Seth Goldberg Lee Lior Hoffmann and Udi Hoffmann Elana Jagoda Kaye and Saul Kaye Linda and Robert Kiss * Meredith and Eran Liron Sora Lei and Don Newman * Caren and Robin Neydavoud * Sharon Golan-Paz and Sagi Paz Sabina and Roman Polnar Michelle Mandel and Simon Reading * Ilanit and Noam Rimon Martin Robinson Ellen and Gerald Saliman * Jocelyn and Cantor Doron Shapira Cindy and Phil Strause Svetlana Tamir Ruderman and Or Tamir Margie and Rabbi Irvin Ungar * Cynthia and Ken Wornick * Harry Wornick ‘00

$360+ Partners / Shutafim / ‫שותפים‬

$540+ Influencers / Mashpiyim / ‫משפיעים‬ Anonymous Martha and Michael Adler * Keren-Or Reiss and Erez Angel Marcia and Steve Barkoff Pam and Douglas Bodin * Corine and Robert Brouwer Akanksha Arun and Pravin Chandra Danielle and Vincent Chiaro Irina Fayngersh and Shai Deljo Rima and Levan Devy Cynthia and Joshua Dunetz Marie Markon Edel and Nathan Edel Barbara Engler * Barbara and Joel Gereboff * Gail and Harvey Glasser *

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Mira and Jacob Abramovich Elise and Ariel Beliak Celia Benavides and Silvino Segura Nadin Mayblum-Boaz and Yoav Boaz * Lew Boxer and William DuBord Alex and Ethan Cheever Lorraine and Noah Cohen * Mimi and Rabbi Nathaniel Ezray * Linda and Glenn Feldman Madeline and Bob Flanagan * Esther and Troy Gillette * Laurie Hepler * Suzy Kosh Catherine and Adam Koss ‘90 Mimi and Lee Kravetz Katherine and Benn Lancman Janet and Robert Liggett Joanne and Michael Mandel * Monica and Kenneth Oestreich Dawn and Ankur Rathi Yael and Moshe Safran Sandy Schlesinger Florette Schwartz * Hila and Tzach Segal * Kimberly and Amir Shalom Esther and Barry Sherman Lael Culiner and Josh Smith Deborah and Leor Stern * Roselyne Swig * Carissa Tonner Cyndi and Scott Urman * Dannielle and Michael Weil Ellen Weinstein and Fred Weiner * Cristina and Jonathan Wornick

Up to $359 Friends / Chaverim / ‫חברים‬ Anonymous (15) Norma Adjmi Ela and Marty Alexander * Rita and Barry Altman Atria at Foster Square Edna Avraham * Sarah Kelman and Hanan Beliak Lynn and Haim Beliak Dana and David Ben Ari Shannon Klagholz and Aklile Berhanu Debella Katie and Eliahu Berkovitch Vici Blackman * Susan and Milton Blake Ronit Solomon Bleier and Itay Bleier Valeriya Pasynkova and Gennadiy Blinder * Emily and Henrik Blixt Jennifer Blumenfeld Miriam and Arthur Bodin * Nika Bogoslovsky Deanne Bray Courtney Brenner Sandra Bretz Sarah Brown Lisa Brown Sara Calonico Janet and Stanton Canter Katya Carothers Elyse and Ben Cheever Ryan and Barry Chernick Roxanne and David Cohen * Miriam and Fred Cohn Edwin and Edna Colloff Beth Cousens Liza and Stuart Cristol-Deman * Edie Culiner Jodi Darby Sharon Deutch Marion and Harold Dinitz Meaghan Dittemer Andrea Duran Corine Edwards Silvia and Ron Eilath Hadar and Gilad Elazar Maayan Cohen and Avi Elfassy Sharron and Elias Emergui * Rafi Esterson Linor and Eyran Eylon Rebecca Schwartz and Roger Feigelson * Phoenix and Josh Feinbloom Carin and Paul Feldman Silke and Jason Feldman Marian and David Finkelstein Carol and Marcos Frid Harold Friedman Marianne Gabelman-Wilner Irina Belobrov and Steve Gaysinskiy *

Paul Geduldig Shirley and Byron Goldberg Daphne Korth and Randy Goldberg Michelle and Miles Goldstein Sheila and Jim Greeley Ryan Greeley Heather and Eric Green Tracey and Scott Green Danny Grossman Tamy Guberek and Daniel Guzman Simona and Isaac Habib Shoshi Naymann and Dudu Habib Tzofit and Yogev Hadad Nicole and Michael Haire * Susan Hamlin * Benjamin Hanna Jeanie Hanson Sharon Blau Hartley and Scott Hartley Michael Hayat Hannah Healy Alice Do and Zachary Hertz Maham Daher and Naef Imam Janie and Michael Jacobs Cheryl and Richard Jacobs Gary Javitch Yingying Lang and Ming Jiang Orlee Engler Kahn and Jeffrey Kahn Stacy and Ronald Kahn Ron Kardos Rachel Kardos Janice Katz Vered Gani-Katzir and Gil Katzir Suzanne and Larry Kaye Eugenia Wan and Danny Keh Anna and Konstantin Kelenson Amy Kellogg Jacqueline Nguyen and Jim Kelman Merav and Lior Keren Judy Thalheimer and Brian Kirshner * Marilyn Kletter * Avital and Isaac Koren Andrea Renner and Shlomi Kramer Genevieve and Alex Kras Terri and Jim Kravetz Tali Kreindler Erica Lance Mara and David Langer * Natasha Kehimkar and Derek Lau Roxane and Michael Lederman Elinor Leib-Nahum Yona Kifer and Doron Lemze Bradley Lent ‘06 Sherril Shapiro and Arthur Levitt Diana Starr and Oren Levy Caroline Levy * Naomi and Benjamin Levy Adi and Tomer Magid * Jeffrey and Terrie Manchester

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Elizabeth and Richard Marchasin * Esty and Rabbi Yossi Marcus Karol and Jacob Markowitz Ninette and George Medovoy Paula and Ken Meier Lee Neidle Leslie and Peter Mertz Karen Moen Naftuli Moster Alix and Idan Nakav Michelle Newburgh Kendrice Newman Susanne and Carl Nielson Pamela O’Donnell Carrie and Bob Parecki Shirley Pascal Cynthia Pellegrini * Aimee Poljanac PSC Cantorial Music Fund Jamil Pura Tamar Rabinowitz Sandra Steiner and Aaron Rackoff Charles Rashall Michael Robinson Donna and Robert Rodnitzky Ana Revolledo and Juan Romero Stephanie and Barry Rosekind Terrie and Gene Rosengarden Amy Rabbino and Neal Rubin * Shari Rubin-Rick Kyle-Bryn Samovar Dorothy Saxe * Rebekah Schechtman Lisa and Ellis Schoichet Noa and Gil Shapira Maia Tchetchik-Sharir and Amnon Sharir * Yarden Shalom Shaul and Barel Shaul Daniel Shefer * Melissa Shefer * Sandy Shepler Luba Kisilyuk and Russell Shturman * Inna Meklin and Bronislov Slepnyov Polina Pasynkova-Slepnyov and Roman Slepnyov Ginger and Steve Slonaker Ellen and Paul Snider Oranit Mayer and Sam Snowden * Susan Solomon Madeleine Steckley ‘10 Karen Stern Caroline Stimpson Joe Straus Nicole Barr and Steven Stupp Jennifer and Marc Taxay * Carol and Bob Tessler Marcy Kawadler and Daryl Thomas * Tim Thornell Dorothy Thornton

Miriam and Rabbi Perry Tirschwell Anna and David Tolioupov Marijo and Robert VanDyke Viktoriya and Paul Volfovski Karen Wagshul * Lara Walklet Ashley Walter Heidi Yu and Chen Wang Irene Weisman Francine and Steve Weiss Efrat and Nadav Weizmann Fattin and Jordan Wekselman Karen and George Wolff * Yan and Mark Wu Maya and Yaron Yaniv Inbar and Ofer Yizhar-Barnea Isaac Zones

Corporate Matching and Sponsors Adobe Apple Inc. Arch Insurance * Clif Bar & Company Corporation Delphix Genentech * Gilead Sachs Goldman Google Inc. * IBM

Kerns Fine Jewelry LinkedIn Oracle Pfizer Salesforce Service Now Sony Interactive Entertainment Spero Ventures Visa * VMWare Foundation Xilinx

* Donors who have consistently contributed to Wornick JDS for 9 years or more!

We have tried to be as accurate as possible and apologize for any errors that may appear in our listing. Please contact Haggit Sandhaus at 650-378-2621 or hsandhaus@wornickjds.org for changes to future listings. Thank you!

“During these unprecedented times, Wornick has done amazing work to successfully keep our children safe and learning. I give to Wornick to financially support the school’s goals and continued success, and to show my gratitude and appreciation for Wornick’s unparalleled level of commitment to quality care and education for our children.”

Hilary De Lorenzo, Parent

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“I give to Wornick because teaching the next generation to love and celebrate Jewish life is important to me. I give to support the success of the school that has been a second home to my family, and I give because I am blessed to be a part of this community. I will continue to give to help Wornick remain a strong and financially sustainable organization.”

Dr. Heather Cahan, Parent

“This school is a special place and the team has not only delivered on providing an amazing educational experience for the kids but they have made everyone in the community feel relevant and connected. Every dollar donated allows the school to continue to fulfill our mission. Wornick JDS had redefined what it means to be a community Jewish Day School and everyone has really stepped up to support each other when we needed it the most.”

Larry Pascal, Parent and Board Chair

“Wornick is the Jewish center in the North Peninsula! Therefore it’s our obligation to assure its continuity. Furthermore, Wornick prepares our children to become future leaders and better people in their communities. I am proud of Wornick JDS and willing to commit myself to make sure the school is strong and financially stable.”

Dudu Habib, Parent

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IN LOVING MEMORY RONALD C. WORNICK

Mr. Wornick was a true visionary, and his life story is aligned in every way with the mission of Wornick Jewish Day School. His core values of community building, leadership, prosperity, intellectual rigor, and a love of tradition and creativity, are values that we hope our students will continue to embody.

Mr. Wornick played a critical role in the establishment of our school in our current home at the North Peninsula Jewish Campus. His generosity, leadership, and sustained advocacy for the future of our school have been instrumental in the success of our community, as well as the PJCC, and North Peninsula Jewish Campus.

He loved visiting the school and seeing his dream of a vibrant Jewish day school in action. He deeply enjoyed interacting with students and professional community members, always displaying his warmth, wit, and a twinkle in his eye.

We send comfort and peace to his entire family, and to the many students, families, professional community members, and individuals who were impacted by his life and leadership.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet.

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School Community

Ron Wornick had a way of making every student feel important. I loved hearing him ask students what they wanted to be when they grew up. Sometimes students had an answer or a direction. In which case, he loved to offer some advice or some words of encouragement. Occasionally a student would say, “I’m not sure,” to which Mr. Wornick remarked “well, you better figure it out!”

I realize that Mr. Wornick expected something from each student at our school. As a first generation American, he understood the sacrifices that those before him made in order to offer him opportunities. He believed that every student needed to understand that those who supported the school and invested in our community’s education did so for a reason. He wanted every student to know that he believed in them and with the right amount of support and hard work, they could accomplish anything.

Adam Eilath, Head of School

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I enjoyed my partnership with Ron. There was so much mutual respect. Our work together showed his commitment to and enthusiastic support of the School and North Peninsula Jewish Campus. His contributions and efforts ensured that the Campus land secured financing to safeguard it for future generations. He also was most generous in supporting financial assistance and scholarships to increase access for all people to participate in Peninsula Jewish Community Center programs. I was always impressed with his thoughtfulness and his and Anita’s appreciation of art and culture. His abundant humor, passion, and generosity, as well as his dedication to family, will be missed by the community and throughout the Bay Area.

Fred Weiner PJCC Interim CEO

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I had the good fortune to get to know Mr. Ronald Wornick throughout the last twelve years. This Renaissance man would look at me with his kind eyes and frequently ask “Dear, what is it about the Wornick Day School kids that makes them so articulate, so adorable and so able to engage adults in conversation?” He really wanted to know what we were doing at the school that made that possible. He cherished those school visits. I remember one such visit when I introduced him to a first or second grade class as “Mr. Wornick” and an earnest student raised his hand and said with great surprise, “You have the same name as my school?”

Ron laughed heartily and just said, “Yes, isn’t that a coincidence.”

As we were growing our Middle School science program and our students began competing locally and regionally in science fairs, Ron visited a class where students were practicing how to present their research to judges. Ron sat intently and patiently listening to each student and always, always offered important pointers. I recall one time, when he kept whispering to me, “If he would only isolate that variable, it would be so much easier for him.” And I whispered back, “He needs to come to that understanding on his own... why don’t you ask him questions that would get him to think about that?” And Ron did just that, and that student had a successful regional win, and is now a scientist in his own right.

The spectacular thing about that session, was that Ron was the sort of person who wanted to know sincerely how to coax an idea from a child without demanding that the child “do it his way.” Ron told stories of his own children that exemplified this as well – he was proud of each of his children’s chosen paths, and so too was he of each of the children at the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School.

I will so miss that “hello dear” whenever I called.

Dr. Barbara Gereboff, Former Head of School

Photo provided by the Peninsula Jewish Community Center

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When the Jewish Day School of the North Peninsula was considering honoring an individual with the name of the school in the early 2000s, only one name emerged: Ronald C. Wornick. It was not because he had facilitated the relocation of the School from San Mateo to an open piece of land in Foster City, or that he supported the creation of a campus of portable classrooms that assured the survival of the School. It was not because he was a leader in the Bay Area Jewish community or that he generously supported several organizations and institutions. It was because he so strikingly embodied and reflected the old world Jewish values and qualities of humility, civility, refinement, graciousness, courtesy, respect, understanding, and kindness. Ron Wornick was a Prince of a Person.

I had the distinct honor and privilege of serving in those years as the principal of the School that bears his name. I well recall the first assembly in the new building with the name change in place and Ron introduced himself to the students whom he addressed. He said, “From now onwards anything I do will reflect on the School and anything you do will reflect on me!” How honored and blessed the School has continued to be as it so proudly carries his name. As his son, Ken, once wrote to me, his father’s dream was a Jewish Day School on the North Peninsula that thrived and flourished. That such a School was named after him gave him enormous gratitude and pride.

We deeply mourn Ron’s passing and extend sincere condolences to Anita, his sons’ Ken (a former school board president), Michael and Jonathan (both former trustees), their wives, Cynthia, Christina, Salma, and his grandchildren, Harry (current trustee), Dennis, Sophia, Leo, and Ezra.

May they all be comforted amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

Mervyn Danker, Former Head of School

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RETIRED PROFESSIONAL MEMBERS VICI BLACKMAN & FRED WEINER

Ms. Blackman has taught at Wornick for twenty years in a variety of roles including as a 3rd grade lead teacher, 5th grade teacher and math coordinator.

She also taught 6th grade mindfulness. She has brought a love of learning, relationship building and mindful classroom culture to her practice as a teacher.

Ms. Blackman feels that it is the right time for her to step away from a permanent position in the classroom. She will however be staying in Foster City and we hope to see her on campus as a substitute teacher from time to time! We wish Ms. Blackman nothing but the best in this next stage of her journey and hope to see her as much as possible.

Fred Weiner, Wornick Day School CFO, retired after fourteen years of service.

On the one hand, we are overjoyed for Fred as he embarks on this new chapter in his life. On the other hand, we are sad about the retirement of a wonderful colleague, trusted advisor, valued staff partner, and friend. During Fred’s tenure, he always promoted teambuilding and his accomplishments are shared with all of the staff who worked with him. Fred helped to purchase the Campus land from the City of Foster City, and provided long-term financial planning for sustaining the our school among other significant contributions.

Fred also played a critical role in Campus improvements as he oversaw the renovation of playgrounds, Wornick’s classrooms, and Peleh Lab. We are very grateful to Fred for his years of tremendous service and leadership. He will be missed and we, of course, wish him and his family well in his next endeavors.

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WORNICK’S PROFESSIONAL COMMUNITY

Ela Alexander * Edna Avraham * Vici Blackman * Pamela Bodin * Nika Bogoslovsky Abbe Braitman * Courtney Brenner Corine Brouwer Sarah Brown Sara Calonico Noah Cohen Meaghan Dittemer Andrea Duran Corine Edwards Adam Eilath Hadar Elazar Rafi Esterson Vered Gani-Katzir Esther Gillette * Nicole Haire *

Dana Izenson * Barbara Jacobs * Merav Keren Suzy Kosh Tali Kreindler Erica Lance Michael Lederman Elinor Leib-Nahum Rina Mangurten Roy Meron Alix Nakav Kristin Nawoczenski Kendrice Newman Annie O’Donnell RM Pellant Cynthia Pellegrini * Rachel Perelman * Shiri Perelman ‘07 Aimee Poljanac Jamil Pura

Sandra Ramirez * Kyle-Bryn Samovar Haggit Sandhaus Rebekah Schechtman Yarden Shalom Shaul Mor Sharon Katz Barel Shaul Ginger Slonaker Ronit Solomon Bleier Madeleine Steckley ‘10 Elyse Steinberger Jennifer Taxay * Dorothy Thornton Carissa Tonner Karen Wagshul * Lara Walklet Ashley Walter Fred Weiner * Katie Wolff Isaac Zones

* Professionals who have been a part of the Wornick community for 10 years or more!

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FUN TRIVIA WORNICK FEUD

Questions were asked of the students at the end of the year, and this is whay they said: What song plays in Wornick students’ heads when Mr. Eilath enters a room?

Popular answers included “My House” and “The Imperial March” from Star Wars.

Which word our students describe Rachel’s hot lunch?

“Delicious” and “Amazing” tied for the top spot.

Which word did they choose to describe Wornick?

Our students overwhelmingly said “Community.”

Which teacher made our students giggle the most?

The most popular answer was Drama Teacher Michael “Bub” Lederman.

What was their most memorable project at Wornick?

The 2nd grade Heroes Project, the 4th grade Gold Rush unit, the 5th grade Cocoa House art project, and 7th grade Tzedakah.

What scents do our students associate with Wornick?

The most popular answer was hot lunch pizza, while other answers included lavender, pencils, and even one student’s response - orange paint.

What was their favorite Zoom moment of the year?

The most popular response was community events, with three students noting the moment they saw their grandparent during Kabbalat Shabbat. One memorable response was, “When we pranked our teacher by changing all of our names to ‘Reconnecting..’.”

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800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City, CA 94404 650.378.2600 :: Wornickjds.org

One People One Heart - Am Echad B’Lev Echad (Project’s name was selected by our Community) In the spring of 2020, Wornick embarked on a community art project that would reflect Wornick’s strength, resilience, and connection during the Covid lockdown. Led by Director of Admissions & Community Engagement, Annie O’Donnell, and Art Specialist, Ginger Slonaker, the vision was to create a piece that every community member contributed to, whose pieces came together to tell the story of this unique time. Families were given squares to decorate with art and words that represented how they felt about Wornick. Ginger transformed these individual contributions that symbolized Zoom squares into the stunning art piece of hands forming a heart, of a community connected though physically distanced.

It is now hangs in the lobby of Wornick Jewish Day School, serving as a daily reminder of the power of our community.

We thank the Jewish Community Federation & Endowment Fund of San Francisco who supported this project through the Community of Belonging Grant.

RONALD C. WORNICK JEWISH DAY SCHOOL INSPIRING CURIOSITY :: SUSTAINING WONDER :: GROWING CONNECTIONS