Space of Mind's No Place for Hate Prom - by Amanda Brooke

 The compliments are overflowing regarding the beautiful, positive energy and attitudes our students embodied and exuded at Space of Mind's No Place for Hate Prom in the Vintage Gymnasium at Old School Square in Delray Beach.  The prom's theme, "Where Everyone is Royalty," was exemplified by our five No Place for Hate Club members: Sydney Altschul, Aaron Fils, Hannah Wolf, Macayla Gritz and Emily Azoalos who were full of grace and inclusive kindness, as well as contagious positive energy and FUN!!  The dancing was non-stop, even the chaperones (Ms. Delbo and Ms. Brooke) enjoyed the out-of-school time to relax and have fun with the students who bring us so much pride.  The students and faculty academically work together in school at DKJA; however, it is just as important to connect with others by participating in important community events too.

It is not just the DKJA community who recognize how special, amazing, and remarkable our students are, other adults: from chaperones, to the DJs, to the photographer, all could not say enough to Ms. Delbo and Ms. Brooke about how poised, respectful, happy, celebratory, and inclusive our students are. And how our kids "brought the party, without them it would not have been much of a dance at all."   Sydney Altschul complimented the Promtract they each signed pledging their non-judgment of others in this space.  She said that signing it meant something real to her and she felt free to dance and enjoy herself in a safe space where she did not feel judged nor did she judge others; she just had fun!

Our students attitudes and behavior was infectious.  I was so proud to see the way that they welcomed all students and modeled the lessons and strategies they teach to others as part of the Peer Trainings on "How to be an Ally! 

It is with great pride and joy that I share with you the high level of integrity our students demonstrate when representing our school in our community.

Yom HaAtzmaut - by Abe Waserstein

 Today the RHS Hebrew Honor Society had the privilege to celebrate the joyous occasion of Yom HaAtzmaut along with the high school and middle school students at Donna Klein Jewish Academy. From singing, to dancing, and learning as a group, today’s celebration of Israel’s 67^th birthday was truly magnificent! The Hebrew Honor Society coordinated, with the assistance of Lydia Zafrir and Eilat Brenner, an event consisting of different booths representing diverse aspects of Israeli culture and history. These events included an interactive trivia game regarding Israel’s history, Israeli folk dancing, Israeli cooking, blue and white name bracelet making, Hamsa decoration, and an interactive map activity to showcase the geographic structure of Israel, and of course, Israeli salad and tahini making. There was no better way to celebrate the 67^th year of Israel’s establishment than with the Donna Klein Jewish Academy family!

Allie Rose Wins a Prestigious Award at the College Board! - by Anita Schwartz

11^th grade art student, Allie Rose was selected as one of the 18 winners of the College Board’s Call for Artists! With over 800 submissions received, her painting, “Creating the Lion”, was identified as being masterfully created and for having an outstanding interpretation of the College Board purpose statement — to challenge all students to own their future. Her original artwork will be displayed at the College Board’s New York Office for two years as a constant reminder to staff and visitors of the voices and creative expressions of students.

As a winner of the Call for Artists project, Allie will receive an award of $500.00. 

2015 Artistic Discovery Art Competition - by Anita Schwartz

On Friday April 17, Congressman Ted Deutch hosted the 2015 Artistic Discovery Art Competition for high school students in Florida's 21^st district, at the Gallery Center in Boca Raton. This competition is an annual contest sponsored by the U.S. House of Representatives in which every congressional district selects a winning piece of artwork from a local high school student. 

Daniel Dahoah, Sydney Moed, Allison Sherman and Lena Stein all submitted paintings from their AP Art portfolios.

Although they did not win, we are so proud of the work they have accomplished this year!  They have all become wonderful artists! After the exhibit at the Gallery Center in Boca, their Art teacher, Ms. Anita Schwartz was personally called from the congressman's office and asked if Lena would hang her “grapefruit on tin foil” painting in Mr. Deutch’s office for one year. Congratulations to Lena Stein! What a lovely and deserving honor  this is.

Scholastic Art Contest - Silver Key Winner - by Anita Schwartz

“Mazel Tov! To Lena Stein who won a Silver Key in the Scholastic Art Contest! This is a most prestigious contest and it is really difficult to win. I am so proud of her and the fantastic work she has been doing in AP art this year!” said her art teacher, Anita Schwartz.

Rabbi Marc Labowitz - by Amer Randell

This past Tuesday morning,  as part of the 11^th graders Comparative Judaism curriculum, Rabbi Marc Labowitz, Rabbi of Temple Adath Or , South Florida’s Center for Jewish Renewal, led an unusual Tefilah (prayer) experience at the outdoor sacred space, haMakom. Students’ testimonials indicated that this was a spiritually meaningful Jewish experience, as they enjoyed Rabbi Labowitz’s mellifluous story-telling, guitar playing and personal reflections about finding the positivity and holiness in our everyday lives. The outdoor haMkom space provided the ideal natural setting for this experience, adding a serene ambiance to the students’ experiential learning.