I've become the President of the Board of Trustees.
Check out my new blog at:
presidentkadima.blogspot.com
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
What Happens Now?
The blog went silent.
It went silent because, well, we've got a new Head of School, and so, the search for the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy is over.
We're all very excited that Bill Cohen will be serving as our new leader. In recent discussions we've had, Bill has confirmed our sense of him: he will be a strong, effective, capable, and wise leader for Kadima, who will shepherd the school to even greater levels of success.
During the next several months, before he starts in July, the school administration and lay leadership will be working with Bill to ease his transition to the Kadima community so when he officially starts his new job in July, 2009, he'll hit the ground running. Brett Grauman, our capable Treasurer, will be serving as the Transition Coordinator; he'll be overseeing the transition process during the next several weeks. I'll still be involved in an advisory role, too.
This whole process was intensely educational, and we were extremely lucky to have a Search Committee that was dedicated and effective in finding Bill Cohen and bringing him to lead Kadima.
Now the future begins.
It went silent because, well, we've got a new Head of School, and so, the search for the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy is over.
We're all very excited that Bill Cohen will be serving as our new leader. In recent discussions we've had, Bill has confirmed our sense of him: he will be a strong, effective, capable, and wise leader for Kadima, who will shepherd the school to even greater levels of success.
During the next several months, before he starts in July, the school administration and lay leadership will be working with Bill to ease his transition to the Kadima community so when he officially starts his new job in July, 2009, he'll hit the ground running. Brett Grauman, our capable Treasurer, will be serving as the Transition Coordinator; he'll be overseeing the transition process during the next several weeks. I'll still be involved in an advisory role, too.
This whole process was intensely educational, and we were extremely lucky to have a Search Committee that was dedicated and effective in finding Bill Cohen and bringing him to lead Kadima.
Now the future begins.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thanks to the Committee.
Before it closes up shop completely, I want to be sure and thank our great Head of School Search Committee members. They are:
Shawn Evenhaim, President, KHA
Mark Teitelbaum, Executive Vice-President, KHA
Brett Grauman, Vice-President, Finance, KHA
Natalie Spiewak, President, KHA PTO
Rabbi Richard Camras, Shomrei Torah Synagogue
Rabbi Stewart Vogel, Temple Aliyah
Howard Wang, Founding Director, Sierra Canyon School
Elana Zimmerman, former President, New Community Jewish High School, and parent of KHA alumnae
Leora Raikin, parent of KHA student
Mari Siegel, Member of Faculty, KHA
Each of these individuals gave of their selves--in time, energy, and commitment--with the goal of finding the best Head of School candidate for Kadima.
I honor their commitment, their opinions, their honesty, and their wisdom.
The school's debt to them is enormous.
Shawn Evenhaim, President, KHA
Mark Teitelbaum, Executive Vice-President, KHA
Brett Grauman, Vice-President, Finance, KHA
Natalie Spiewak, President, KHA PTO
Rabbi Richard Camras, Shomrei Torah Synagogue
Rabbi Stewart Vogel, Temple Aliyah
Howard Wang, Founding Director, Sierra Canyon School
Elana Zimmerman, former President, New Community Jewish High School, and parent of KHA alumnae
Leora Raikin, parent of KHA student
Mari Siegel, Member of Faculty, KHA
Each of these individuals gave of their selves--in time, energy, and commitment--with the goal of finding the best Head of School candidate for Kadima.
I honor their commitment, their opinions, their honesty, and their wisdom.
The school's debt to them is enormous.
Whither the Blog?
Lots of entries, today.
Now that we've hired a new Head of School, it would appear that we don't need this blog anymore. But that's not true. The next several months--before Bill takes over in July--will be a time of transition, and there will be a variety of issues we can talk about on this blog. So for now, I intend on continuing to blog about matters related to the transition, and other related issues.
So keep checking for updates.
Now that we've hired a new Head of School, it would appear that we don't need this blog anymore. But that's not true. The next several months--before Bill takes over in July--will be a time of transition, and there will be a variety of issues we can talk about on this blog. So for now, I intend on continuing to blog about matters related to the transition, and other related issues.
So keep checking for updates.
What happens now?
With the announcement that Bill Cohen is Head of School-Elect, the Search Committee is now out of business, but the Transition Committee is forming, and it will spend the next several months working with Bill on, unsurprisingly, transition issues. Bill doesn't take over as Head of School until July 1, but we want him to hit the ground running when he arrives.
Our new principal, Yuri Hronsky, is actively working on planning for next year. Yuri is meeting with parents--and especially parents of the elementary school-- to discuss his new role as principal of the entire school.
It is an exciting time. With a new leader on deck, and a new principal taking over the entire school, it is a time of change, of planning, of innovation, and most of all, of immense hope and potential.
Hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek!
Our new principal, Yuri Hronsky, is actively working on planning for next year. Yuri is meeting with parents--and especially parents of the elementary school-- to discuss his new role as principal of the entire school.
It is an exciting time. With a new leader on deck, and a new principal taking over the entire school, it is a time of change, of planning, of innovation, and most of all, of immense hope and potential.
Hazak, hazak, ve-nithazek!
About Bill Cohen.
Kadima today also, in addition to the announcement below, issued the following biography about its new Head of School:
MEET BILL COHEN
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Bill Cohen struck a chord with the Search Committee when,
quoting the words of Ahavah Rabah, as he wrote: “Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot. (To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….). These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.” Bill then discussed how learning, teaching, guarding and doing are all critical in serving a school as a successful Head of School. Bill’s vision for Jewish day school education—a program that completely integrates general and Judaic studies in an environment that is also recognizes and nurtures the spiritual, immediately revealed to the Committee that Bill would be a special candidate for Kadima’s Head of School position.
Through all of our interviews and discussions, Bill demonstrated that he is more than just statements of educational theory. He is a doer; he understands the realities of educational
administration—for many years teaching a year-long graduate school course revolving around
Educational Administration at the American Jewish University—and he understands that a
school can only realize its true potential when the various parts of the school community—
students, teachers, administrators and parents—work together to realize their shared hopes and
dreams for the school and its students.
Bill brings a record of educational excellence to Kadima. He led Los Angeles Hebrew High
School for nine years. During that time, student enrollment dramatically increased, as did
community support for the school. The school was rebuilt into a jewel of the community: a self
sustaining, educationally excellent, and professionally led educational institution. Through sheer
hard work, Bill’s team developed an invigorated educational program, and motivated all of the
key constituencies of the organization—administrators, teachers, students, parents and Board—
such that when it was time for Bill to join the independent day school world, the school
continued to be energized, successful and effective.
Bill has spent the last eight months serving as an Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaic
and Hebrew Studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge.
Bill earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Politics from Brandeis University. For nearly ten years after college, Bill worked successfully, on the East Coast, in the real estate and marketing
world, where he learned critical management and business skills that have served him well in the
Jewish educational world. Ultimately, however, Bill decided to pursue a calling in Jewish Education, and earned a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Literature
in Hebrew Letters at the University of Judaism (now the AJU). In addition, Bill has served for many years on the national Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly, currently serving as its Treasurer.
Bill is married to Cheryl, the proud parents of three children, Jonah (10), Ari (6) and Cayla (3), each of whom plan to attend Kadima in the fall of 2009.
MEET BILL COHEN
A native of Boston, Massachusetts, Bill Cohen struck a chord with the Search Committee when,
quoting the words of Ahavah Rabah, as he wrote: “Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot. (To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….). These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.” Bill then discussed how learning, teaching, guarding and doing are all critical in serving a school as a successful Head of School. Bill’s vision for Jewish day school education—a program that completely integrates general and Judaic studies in an environment that is also recognizes and nurtures the spiritual, immediately revealed to the Committee that Bill would be a special candidate for Kadima’s Head of School position.
Through all of our interviews and discussions, Bill demonstrated that he is more than just statements of educational theory. He is a doer; he understands the realities of educational
administration—for many years teaching a year-long graduate school course revolving around
Educational Administration at the American Jewish University—and he understands that a
school can only realize its true potential when the various parts of the school community—
students, teachers, administrators and parents—work together to realize their shared hopes and
dreams for the school and its students.
Bill brings a record of educational excellence to Kadima. He led Los Angeles Hebrew High
School for nine years. During that time, student enrollment dramatically increased, as did
community support for the school. The school was rebuilt into a jewel of the community: a self
sustaining, educationally excellent, and professionally led educational institution. Through sheer
hard work, Bill’s team developed an invigorated educational program, and motivated all of the
key constituencies of the organization—administrators, teachers, students, parents and Board—
such that when it was time for Bill to join the independent day school world, the school
continued to be energized, successful and effective.
Bill has spent the last eight months serving as an Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaic
and Hebrew Studies at the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School in Northridge.
Bill earned his Bachelors of Arts degree in Politics from Brandeis University. For nearly ten years after college, Bill worked successfully, on the East Coast, in the real estate and marketing
world, where he learned critical management and business skills that have served him well in the
Jewish educational world. Ultimately, however, Bill decided to pursue a calling in Jewish Education, and earned a Master of Arts in Education and a Bachelor of Literature
in Hebrew Letters at the University of Judaism (now the AJU). In addition, Bill has served for many years on the national Executive Board of the Jewish Educators Assembly, currently serving as its Treasurer.
Bill is married to Cheryl, the proud parents of three children, Jonah (10), Ari (6) and Cayla (3), each of whom plan to attend Kadima in the fall of 2009.
Bill Cohen, Head of School-Elect
The school issued the following letter today:
February 24, 2009
30 Shevat 5769
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew
Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1,
2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous. It was based upon its own interview of Mr.
Cohen and the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search
Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success,
sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong
character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to
continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West
San Fernando Valley.
Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and
developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head
of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School and transformed the institution
with remarkable results. During his tenure, Bill improved the school’s academic program
and image which led to renewed enthusiasm for the institution . The school experienced
an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of
approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to improve dramatically its
fundraising and financial prowess and success.
During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of
Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely
with the Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel
solely because he views Kadima’s position as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of
serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill
has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University,
where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this
background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described by leaders and
educators in the Jewish community as “phenomenal”, a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a
great motivator who gets things done,” and by a former President of Kadima who knew
well of Bill's work at Hebrew High, "perfect for the job."
Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschlekeit, Bill
recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and
General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in
forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill also understands that the Head of
School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end,
developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers--committed to active learning is
essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.
Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community
High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to
attend Kadima next year.
Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been
selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the
knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima
throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima
community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both
humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”
The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and
parent representatives, engaged in a national search for a new Head of School, seeking the best candidate to lead Kadima. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The
Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and
administrators. Through this process the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the
best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.
Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.
So now it's official. Bill Cohen will be our next "Great Leader" for Kadima Hebrew Academy. Let's all be sure to give Bill and his family an incredible welcome to Kadima.
February 24, 2009
30 Shevat 5769
Dear Friends,
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, it is our pleasure to announce that Kadima Hebrew
Academy has selected William B. Cohen as our new Head of School, beginning July 1,
2009. The Board’s decision was unanimous. It was based upon its own interview of Mr.
Cohen and the enthusiastic and equally unanimous decision of the Head of School Search
Committee. The Committee recognized that Bill’s demonstrated leadership success,
sophisticated educational philosophy, positive energy, deep managerial acumen, strong
character, and compelling vision will provide Kadima with the leadership it needs to
continue to establish itself as a locus for educational and academic excellence in the West
San Fernando Valley.
Bill comes to us with an impressive record of successfully leading, creating, and
developing educational programs and institutions. For nine years, Bill served as the Head
of School/Principal for Los Angeles Hebrew High School and transformed the institution
with remarkable results. During his tenure, Bill improved the school’s academic program
and image which led to renewed enthusiasm for the institution . The school experienced
an unprecedented surge in student population growth, with an increased student body of
approximately 70 percent. Moreover, Bill led the school to improve dramatically its
fundraising and financial prowess and success.
During the past year, Bill has served as an Assistant Head of School and Director of
Hebrew and Judaic Studies of the Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, working closely
with the Rabbi, Hebrew Studies coordinators, and faculty. Bill chose to leave Heschel
solely because he views Kadima’s position as a unique opportunity to fulfill his dream of
serving as the Head of an independent Jewish Day School in Los Angeles. Finally, Bill
has, for seven years, served as a Lecturer in Education at the American Jewish University,
where he teaches graduate level courses in Educational Administration. With this
background, it is not surprising that the Committee heard Bill described by leaders and
educators in the Jewish community as “phenomenal”, a “mensch”, a “true leader”, “a
great motivator who gets things done,” and by a former President of Kadima who knew
well of Bill's work at Hebrew High, "perfect for the job."
Possessing remarkable energy, analytical skills, and most of all, menschlekeit, Bill
recognizes Jewish Day Schools succeed most when they successfully integrate Judaic and
General Studies. He is passionate in his belief that teachers are the “frontline” in
forwarding the school’s educational mission. Bill also understands that the Head of
School is the “guardian” for each of the school’s stakeholders, and is ultimately responsible for the school’s success. Perhaps most importantly, Bill recognizes that, in the end,
developing a community—of students, parents, and teachers--committed to active learning is
essential in the creation of a dynamic, effective, and successful Jewish Day School.
Bill joins us along with his wife, Cheryl, who is a teacher of Jewish Law at Milken Community
High School, as well as his children, Jonah (10), Ari (6), and Cayla (4), each of whom plans to
attend Kadima next year.
Upon accepting his appointment, Bill said, “It is an incredible honor and privilege to have been
selected as Kadima’s incoming Head of School. I have been highly impressed with both the
knowledge and character of the students, faculty, families and administration of Kadima
throughout my years in Los Angeles, and greatly look forward to joining the entire Kadima
community along with my family. This position is one which fulfills a dream, and I am both
humbled and exhilarated by the opportunity of leading Kadima to a bright and vibrant future.”
The Search Committee, consisting of Trustees, community and Rabbinic leaders, faculty, and
parent representatives, engaged in a national search for a new Head of School, seeking the best candidate to lead Kadima. The Committee received numerous resumes and applications, spoke to several Search Consultants and advisors, and conducted a variety of interviews. The
Committee also solicited and considered the input of parents, faculty members, and
administrators. Through this process the Committee, and the Board, concluded that Bill is the
best candidate to lead Kadima into the future.
Please join us in welcoming Bill, Cheryl, Jonah, Ari and Cayla to the Kadima community.
So now it's official. Bill Cohen will be our next "Great Leader" for Kadima Hebrew Academy. Let's all be sure to give Bill and his family an incredible welcome to Kadima.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Get Those Admissions Contracts In!
This Friday is February 27, which means that enrollment contracts are due. The school has wisely created an incentive for people to get their contracts back on time: a significant discount in tuition. This will be a firm deadline, folks, so if you want to save the $700, return your contracts.
We're doing this for a reason: we need to plan for next year, and we can't do it very well unless we know what our enrollment looks like. So please...return your enrollment renewals (and deposit) by Friday.
And yes, we'll have some exciting Head of School news very soon...check back tomorrow!
We're doing this for a reason: we need to plan for next year, and we can't do it very well unless we know what our enrollment looks like. So please...return your enrollment renewals (and deposit) by Friday.
And yes, we'll have some exciting Head of School news very soon...check back tomorrow!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Silence.
What happened?
All this blogging, a Finalist candidate comes and visits, and then nothing? Not a morsel? Not an off topic comment about the kids or some educational theory?
Stay tuned.
We'll have lots of news very soon.
In the words of J.K Rowling, "...all will be revealed."
All this blogging, a Finalist candidate comes and visits, and then nothing? Not a morsel? Not an off topic comment about the kids or some educational theory?
Stay tuned.
We'll have lots of news very soon.
In the words of J.K Rowling, "...all will be revealed."
Monday, February 16, 2009
Erev Finalist Day.
Tomorrow both Bill Cohen and Kadima Hebrew Academy will have a long day. Bill will be meeting with parents, Head of School, faculty, administration, Finance Committee, Board, and the Search Committee.
It's going to be a long day for everyone.
But it may just be beginning of the future for Kadima Hebrew Academy.
It's going to be a long day for everyone.
But it may just be beginning of the future for Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Getting Ready for Tuesday.
The Staff and Committee are preparing for Tuesday's big event. It will be a long day, as there are many meetings, and we are all anticipating an eventful and exciting day.
We've already received a variety of excellent questions from our parents, and we are looking forward to receiving more. Please feel free to send your questions to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com over the weekend.
Tuesday's meetings will follow a general process, namely there will be an introduction, a summary of the process thus far, and then a statement from Mr. Cohen. After that, there will be time for questions and answers and if time permits, some meeting and greeting. Parents will then have the chance to fill out a short survey form that will be given to the Search Committee for its review.
We hope our parents can attend; this is their chance to weigh in on the selection of the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Shabbat Shalom.
We've already received a variety of excellent questions from our parents, and we are looking forward to receiving more. Please feel free to send your questions to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com over the weekend.
Tuesday's meetings will follow a general process, namely there will be an introduction, a summary of the process thus far, and then a statement from Mr. Cohen. After that, there will be time for questions and answers and if time permits, some meeting and greeting. Parents will then have the chance to fill out a short survey form that will be given to the Search Committee for its review.
We hope our parents can attend; this is their chance to weigh in on the selection of the Next Great Leader of Kadima Hebrew Academy.
Shabbat Shalom.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
We Hear You.
As we have contacted parents about the morning meeting with Mr. Cohen, we've heard some concerns about the need for child care. We hear you. As a result, we will be providing child care from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. for ECC age kids. But again, please RSVP so we know that you're coming and will need child care.
Excitement.
Yesterday, with the announcement that Bill Cohen was a Finalist for the position, the traffic on this blog hit a record, with more than 100 page visits and more than 50 visitors to it. While that's a microscopic number in the blog world, where hits number in the hundreds of thousands, it does reflect that when people want to get some news about the Search, they are beginning to know to look in this space. This was the purpose of the blog, so we're happy it's beginning to work the way we had hoped.
The fact that we now have a name to the Finalist is generating excitement in our community. This is great, and everyone who wants to will have a chance to meet Bill on Tuesday. To our parents, if you have questions for Bill, please try to send them to us in advance, at kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. Also, be sure RSVP that you are coming to the event by notifying Sera at the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or sending her a note at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
But with any impending change, there is always some apprehension, and when you have apprehension, you can get rumors. Ignore them. They almost always are not true. And if there is information that is important, you will read about it here.
More later.
The fact that we now have a name to the Finalist is generating excitement in our community. This is great, and everyone who wants to will have a chance to meet Bill on Tuesday. To our parents, if you have questions for Bill, please try to send them to us in advance, at kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. Also, be sure RSVP that you are coming to the event by notifying Sera at the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or sending her a note at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
But with any impending change, there is always some apprehension, and when you have apprehension, you can get rumors. Ignore them. They almost always are not true. And if there is information that is important, you will read about it here.
More later.
Finalist Day Schedule
We've got an aggressive schedule planned for Bill Cohen's visit this coming Tuesday.
It will include:
It will include:
- Meeting with Parents
- Meeting with Administration
- Meeting with Finance Committee
- Meeting with Board
- Meeting with Faculty
- Meeting with Search Committee
While this schedule will be exhausting for everyone--especially Bill--both Bill and the Committee want him to have the opportunity to meet all of our stakeholders and to get to know the school--and for the school to get to know him.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bill Cohen's Educational Philosophy
As part of the application process, Bill, like our other applicants, submitted a statement of educational philosophy to the Committee for its review. Bill's focused upon the role of the Head of School of Jewish Day School. It follows:
ללמוד וללמד לשמור ולעשות (from Ahavah Rabbah)
Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot
(To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….)
These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.
“Lilmod” the learning of the students, is the action and activity which all of the constituencies of the school must work in concert to achieve. The best type of learning, be it General or Judaic Studies, is authentic, active, and relevant. Students respond best when they are introduced to text, concepts, and curriculum to which they understand some type of connection. In a Jewish day school, there are opportunities for integration in learning between Judaic and General studies. When this type of integration occurs, students are able to make connections between “secular” and Judaic subjects in a meaningful way, allowing them to deepen their knowledge on multiple levels. “Active learning” means that teachers provide students with activities for learning. The amount of frontal lecture, along with questions to be answered by one student, should be limited to absolute necessity. Cooperative learning (chevruta, in Judaic studies) should be encouraged. The highest form of learning happens when a student is given an opportunity to teach what they have learned. According to Mel Silberman’s “Active Learning Credo”:
What I hear, I forget.
What I hear and see, I remember a little.
What I hear, see and ask questions about or discuss, I begin to understand.
What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge and skill.
What I teach to another, I master.
Authentic assessment is crucial in a day school, in order to ensure that the school’s learning goals are being met. The best learning occurs when Howard Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” are taken into consideration. When it comes to the study of classical Jewish texts (Bible, Mishnah/Talmud) a three level approach will be encouraged:
First Level: Pshat—What does the text say in Hebrew (key words and phrases) and
English?
Second Level: Midrash—How have the sages, beginning with the Talmud and ending with today’s “wise” men and women, interpreted the text? What questions have they had regarding the text? Has the meaning of the “pshat” changed over time?
Third Level: Personal Midrash—How does the study of the pshat (level one) and midrash (level two) inform my life? How do these studies change and inform my decision making today? What is the relevance of this study to my life?
Utilizing this three level approach, students, beginning in elementary school are able to engage in the classic Jewish conversation of the last two thousand years. The ultimate learning goal is to engage students so that they will become “life-long” learners.
U’lilamed: To teach. The school faculty is the “front line” in our first mission, to learn. Faculty must be given every possible opportunity to create viable learning experiences. We should ensure that our faculty are given appropriate professional development opportunities. We should, in all subject areas, understand that our curriculum is dynamic and therefore, we will continually seek programs that are “best practice” and most appropriate for our student body. Faculty deserve continual support, supervision and feedback. Faculty should work in partnership with department heads to continually hone their skills, and advance their practices as times, and learning technologies, progress. The buy-in of the faculty, into the mission of the school, is essential for the type of learning discussed above to become a reality.
L’shmor: To guard. The role of the Head of school is to be the “guardian” of each of the school’s key constituencies: students, parents, faculty, support staff, and Board of Trustees. While the relationship is unique to each of the constituencies, the Head of School must balance vision and leadership with communications and management. By “guardian” I would suggest that the Head of School will be the ultimate “decision-maker” when it comes to each of these constituencies, in their relationship to the school, except for the Board of Trustees. The Head of School is the guardian: managing, leading, inspiring, and holding each of the school’s leadership/management team members accountable for their responsibilities.
La’asot: To do. A Head of school must be aware that they are a role model to the entire school community. Each action which is taken can have impact, either constructive or destructive. At the foundation of any healthy school, is a governance team consisting of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School. Working as partners, collaboratively, with shared purpose and mutual respect, the Board of Trustees and the School Head must develop long and short term plans for creating excellence within the school community. Through the adoption of appropriate school policies and strategic plans (The Board) and the implementation of those policies (the School Head), the vision of the governance team can be realized.
Incredible things are possible when the right “match” is made between a school community, a Board of Trustees, and a Head of School.
ללמוד וללמד לשמור ולעשות (from Ahavah Rabbah)
Lilmod, u’lilamed, lishmor, v’laasot
(To learn, to teach, to guard and to do….)
These inspiring words, from the shacharit service, inform my vision of the appropriate role of a Jewish Day School’s Head of School.
“Lilmod” the learning of the students, is the action and activity which all of the constituencies of the school must work in concert to achieve. The best type of learning, be it General or Judaic Studies, is authentic, active, and relevant. Students respond best when they are introduced to text, concepts, and curriculum to which they understand some type of connection. In a Jewish day school, there are opportunities for integration in learning between Judaic and General studies. When this type of integration occurs, students are able to make connections between “secular” and Judaic subjects in a meaningful way, allowing them to deepen their knowledge on multiple levels. “Active learning” means that teachers provide students with activities for learning. The amount of frontal lecture, along with questions to be answered by one student, should be limited to absolute necessity. Cooperative learning (chevruta, in Judaic studies) should be encouraged. The highest form of learning happens when a student is given an opportunity to teach what they have learned. According to Mel Silberman’s “Active Learning Credo”:
What I hear, I forget.
What I hear and see, I remember a little.
What I hear, see and ask questions about or discuss, I begin to understand.
What I hear, see, discuss, and do, I acquire knowledge and skill.
What I teach to another, I master.
Authentic assessment is crucial in a day school, in order to ensure that the school’s learning goals are being met. The best learning occurs when Howard Gardner’s “multiple intelligences” are taken into consideration. When it comes to the study of classical Jewish texts (Bible, Mishnah/Talmud) a three level approach will be encouraged:
First Level: Pshat—What does the text say in Hebrew (key words and phrases) and
English?
Second Level: Midrash—How have the sages, beginning with the Talmud and ending with today’s “wise” men and women, interpreted the text? What questions have they had regarding the text? Has the meaning of the “pshat” changed over time?
Third Level: Personal Midrash—How does the study of the pshat (level one) and midrash (level two) inform my life? How do these studies change and inform my decision making today? What is the relevance of this study to my life?
Utilizing this three level approach, students, beginning in elementary school are able to engage in the classic Jewish conversation of the last two thousand years. The ultimate learning goal is to engage students so that they will become “life-long” learners.
U’lilamed: To teach. The school faculty is the “front line” in our first mission, to learn. Faculty must be given every possible opportunity to create viable learning experiences. We should ensure that our faculty are given appropriate professional development opportunities. We should, in all subject areas, understand that our curriculum is dynamic and therefore, we will continually seek programs that are “best practice” and most appropriate for our student body. Faculty deserve continual support, supervision and feedback. Faculty should work in partnership with department heads to continually hone their skills, and advance their practices as times, and learning technologies, progress. The buy-in of the faculty, into the mission of the school, is essential for the type of learning discussed above to become a reality.
L’shmor: To guard. The role of the Head of school is to be the “guardian” of each of the school’s key constituencies: students, parents, faculty, support staff, and Board of Trustees. While the relationship is unique to each of the constituencies, the Head of School must balance vision and leadership with communications and management. By “guardian” I would suggest that the Head of School will be the ultimate “decision-maker” when it comes to each of these constituencies, in their relationship to the school, except for the Board of Trustees. The Head of School is the guardian: managing, leading, inspiring, and holding each of the school’s leadership/management team members accountable for their responsibilities.
La’asot: To do. A Head of school must be aware that they are a role model to the entire school community. Each action which is taken can have impact, either constructive or destructive. At the foundation of any healthy school, is a governance team consisting of the Board of Trustees and the Head of School. Working as partners, collaboratively, with shared purpose and mutual respect, the Board of Trustees and the School Head must develop long and short term plans for creating excellence within the school community. Through the adoption of appropriate school policies and strategic plans (The Board) and the implementation of those policies (the School Head), the vision of the governance team can be realized.
Incredible things are possible when the right “match” is made between a school community, a Board of Trustees, and a Head of School.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
And the Candidate is...
We promised we'd give the information as soon as we could, and here it is:
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently an Assistant Head of School/Director of Judaic and Hebrew Studies at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 a.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently an Assistant Head of School/Director of Judaic and Hebrew Studies at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 a.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
Monday, February 9, 2009
What Are We Supposed To Ask?
As part of the Finalist process, we are hoping that our stakeholders will ask a variety of questions of our candidate. We have already met with the candidate several times, but having outside perspectives is extremely important. For our parents, we hope that you will submit your questions in advance to kadimaheadsearch@gmail.com. For those who have not submitted their questions in advance, we will have paper and pencils to submit your questions in writing. We will the read the questions to the candidate. It is important to remember that this meeting is not a full-fledged interview. It is chance for you to listen to the candidate's thoughts about Kadima and its future, and for you to ask questions of the candidates. By having the questions in advance, and by only permitting written questions, we can best control the flow of the meeting and ensure that the candidate and our parents can spend their time together productively.
But what should you ask? As an employment lawyer during the day, I usually talk what should you not ask. In this case, you should ask what you feel is important to you as parents of our students. It is not helpful to ask questions such as "why is it so expensive?" or "Will you change the math book that we are using?" Instead, you may want to ask questions in the following areas:
But what should you ask? As an employment lawyer during the day, I usually talk what should you not ask. In this case, you should ask what you feel is important to you as parents of our students. It is not helpful to ask questions such as "why is it so expensive?" or "Will you change the math book that we are using?" Instead, you may want to ask questions in the following areas:
- Leadership Issues (What is your style of leadership? What has been your greatest professional challenge? Tell us about an unpopular decision you made and how you gained acceptance for it?).
- The Role of a Head of School (What is your philosophy regarding integrating Jewish and general studies? Why should a family send their kids to Jewish Day School? How do you build trust and good relationships in the school? How would handle a problem student?).
- Educational Leadership (How would you ensure that our general studies program remains competitive with the best schools in the area? What do you believe are the hallmarks of an effective Judaic Studies curriculum?).
- Community Relationships (How would you go about strengthening Kadima's image in the community?).
- Other Topics (Why do you want this job? What are your goals for Kadima? In the next 18 months? In the next three years?).
More Information On Finalist Day.
With emails sent out about February 17 and excitement starting to starting build, we want to provide you with some more background regarding the events of February 17 and how the process will proceed.
The candidate will be arriving early to meet with a variety of Kadima stakeholders, from the Head of School to the faculty to the administration to the parents. This is a two way street; both our stakeholders will be looking at the candidate, and the candidate will be looking at Kadima. As NAIS puts it:
"Finalist visits are intended to benefit both the Search Committee and the candidate. Beyond their mutual need for the candidate to see and be seen by key constituencies, both have important questions that deserve answers and both are in the decisionmaking mode."
In view of this, we are seeking to have the candidate meet as many people as possible in a one day period. This means lots of meetings and not a lot of flexibility as to timing.
We've already received some indication that parents are frustrated that we're not having an evening session. We just couldn't set up an evening meeting and still complete everything in one day. I know that this is frustrating for people, but there was no other way to set up the schedule. We hoped by ending the parents' session at 9:00 a.m., we could meet most people's schedules.
For those that cannot attend, you should know that once the Head is hired, there will be ample times for meeting and greeting the new head.
The candidate will be arriving early to meet with a variety of Kadima stakeholders, from the Head of School to the faculty to the administration to the parents. This is a two way street; both our stakeholders will be looking at the candidate, and the candidate will be looking at Kadima. As NAIS puts it:
"Finalist visits are intended to benefit both the Search Committee and the candidate. Beyond their mutual need for the candidate to see and be seen by key constituencies, both have important questions that deserve answers and both are in the decisionmaking mode."
In view of this, we are seeking to have the candidate meet as many people as possible in a one day period. This means lots of meetings and not a lot of flexibility as to timing.
We've already received some indication that parents are frustrated that we're not having an evening session. We just couldn't set up an evening meeting and still complete everything in one day. I know that this is frustrating for people, but there was no other way to set up the schedule. We hoped by ending the parents' session at 9:00 a.m., we could meet most people's schedules.
For those that cannot attend, you should know that once the Head is hired, there will be ample times for meeting and greeting the new head.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Finally, a Finalist!
The blog has been silent for nearly a week--great way to lose all of the readership--but this was because there were a variety of discussions and meetings going involving the search process. We simply had to keep them confidential.
This is really an important day for the school, for the candidate, and for everyone associated with the process.
We'll provide further details about the candidate, soon.
For now, enjoy Shabbat.
But now we have some very big news:
On February 17, 2009,
As we have stated from the beginning of the search process, we want our parents to have an opportunity to participate in the search process. To that end, from 7:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on February 17, parents will have the opportunity to meet the Finalist candidate, learn about the candidate, and ask the candidate questions. In addition, at the conclusion of the meeting, parents will be given the opportunity to complete a survey form to provide your opinion and comments to the Search Committee.
We will be providing parents with additional information about the meeting and about the candidate as we get closer to February 17. In order to participate in the meeting, however, parents need to RSVP to the Kadima office at 818.346.0849 or email sera@kadimaacademy.org and indicate that they will be attending.
This is really an important day for the school, for the candidate, and for everyone associated with the process.
We'll provide further details about the candidate, soon.
For now, enjoy Shabbat.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Vision: The Jewish Journal Leads With Kadima's Tuition Partnership Plan!
The lead story in the Jewish Journal this week concerns the high cost of Jewish Day School. And the lead in the story is about Kadima.
Good things are happening at Kadima.
There's more excitement to come.
On a chilly night in early December, crowds of parents filed into the auditorium at Kadima Hebrew Academy/Kadima Heschel West Middle School, chatting and clutching cups of coffee. The atmosphere was almost festive as finance committee chair Brett Grauman stood at the podium, framed by blue tinsel Stars of David.
“Jewish education should not be only for the wealthy,” Grauman said. “We understand what our families are going through; Kadima is feeling it, too.”
Scattered murmurs rose from the audience as he unveiled the highlight of the assembly — lower tuition rates for the 2009-2010 school year. Through a partnership of parents and donors subsidizing the cut, yearly costs for students in grades K-8 would be reduced between 19 percent and 22 percent.
The economic conditions that necessitated the rare move echoed the story of that week’s parsha, said the school’s Rabbi Avi Navah, in which Jacob flees his home to escape his brother’s wrath and finds himself wandering in the wilderness toward an unfamiliar place.
“He is lonely, frightened, insecure and unsure about his future,” Navah told the roomful of parents and teachers. “This story shows that we in the Jewish community should expect highs and lows.”
You can read the entire story, here.Good things are happening at Kadima.
There's more excitement to come.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Big News: Yuri Hronsky Is Our Principal.
Today, Kadima announced that Yuri Hronsky, our present middle school principal, has agreed to serve as Kadima's principal for 2009-2010. This is absolutely wonderful news for Kadima and its community.
Yuri came to Kadima as part of the merger of the middle school, and we're lucky to have him. Not only is Yuri smart and knowledgeable, but he's a mensch. He "gets" Jewish Day School education. With Yuri as our principal, we can rest assured that even in these somewhat tumultuous times, Kadima's educational program will be anchored by one of the best teachers and educational leaders around.
As middle school principal, Yuri combined the best features of the Kadima and Heschel West programs; he implemented a program that is one of the best in the city. We look forward to him providing educational and curricular support to our new Head of School in the years ahead.
This is really great news for the Kadima community.
Yasher Koach, Yuri!
Yuri came to Kadima as part of the merger of the middle school, and we're lucky to have him. Not only is Yuri smart and knowledgeable, but he's a mensch. He "gets" Jewish Day School education. With Yuri as our principal, we can rest assured that even in these somewhat tumultuous times, Kadima's educational program will be anchored by one of the best teachers and educational leaders around.
As middle school principal, Yuri combined the best features of the Kadima and Heschel West programs; he implemented a program that is one of the best in the city. We look forward to him providing educational and curricular support to our new Head of School in the years ahead.
This is really great news for the Kadima community.
Yasher Koach, Yuri!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
And The Candidate Is...
We promised we'd give the information as soon as we could, and here it is:
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently the Assistant Head of School at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 p.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
We are pleased to announce that the Search Committee has unanimously selected Bill Cohen to be a Finalist for the position of Head of School of Kadima. As we have already announced, Bill will be visiting Kadima all day on February 17, 2009.
Bill is presently the Assistant Head of School at Abraham Joshua Heschel Day School, in Northridge, California. A native of Boston, Bill graduated from Brandeis University in 1986 with a major in Politics, and received his Master of Arts Degree in Education from the Fingerhut School of Education of the University of Judaism (now American Jewish University). Bill served as the principal/head of school of Los Angeles Hebrew High School for nine years, during which time he improved the enrollment of the school by more than 70 percent. In addition to serving as the Assistant Head at Heschel, Bill also teaches Educational Administration at the American Jewish University.
We are very excited about Bill being a Finalist for the Head of School position. He's excited, too. We believe that Bill offers the combination of educational insight, management skill, and leadership acumen that will take Kadima to even greater levels of success.
Take the opportunity on Tuesday, February 17, to come meet Bill. The program for parents starts at 7:45 p.m. Be sure to RSVP to Sera at sera@kadimaacademy.org.
Stay tuned for more information.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Who Runs the School?
With so many rumors running about, we realize that maybe we haven't been completely clear about our understanding of the role of the Head of School, and in particular, how we see our new Head of School.
We want to be clear. We are looking for a Head of School who will examine every facet of Kadima's program and environment, and will, exercising the Head's knowledge, skill and leadership, ensure that Kadima's program thrives into the future as the preeminent Jewish Day School in our area. As Board members, we have a generalized vision for Kadima--that it be a locus for serious Jewish education in our community--but that vision will gradually change as the new Head learns more about Kadima and works with the Board to grow Kadima for the future. Kadima, after the Head starts, will ultimately reflect the shared vision of the new Head and the Board.
We also want to be clear that we are looking for a strong Head; we are looking for someone who will recognize what works and will not hesitate to fix what does not. We want someone who will be unafraid to make necessary change; we are not looking for sychophant. Within the general ambit of being a Jewish Day School, we have no sacred cows. Granted, before making wholesale changes, the Head will need to lead the Board to a shared vision and wisdom supporting those changes--otherwise any suggested changes will fail. But the Board intends to hire a Head that will look at everything. This means that everything will be up for discussion, but in the end, in certain fields--staffing, curriculum, management--the Head will have complete carte blanche to make whatever changes the Head wants, provided it meets the Board's and the Head's shared vision for the school.
This is why getting the right Head of School is so important. Our Board does not run the school; the Head of School runs the school. And we are fully prepared to support the new Head's efforts to make our school better.
This is all very exciting. Some of it may be difficult, but change is hard. But in the end, if we do it right, Kadima--and all it has stood for during the past 40 years--will thrive.
We want to be clear. We are looking for a Head of School who will examine every facet of Kadima's program and environment, and will, exercising the Head's knowledge, skill and leadership, ensure that Kadima's program thrives into the future as the preeminent Jewish Day School in our area. As Board members, we have a generalized vision for Kadima--that it be a locus for serious Jewish education in our community--but that vision will gradually change as the new Head learns more about Kadima and works with the Board to grow Kadima for the future. Kadima, after the Head starts, will ultimately reflect the shared vision of the new Head and the Board.
We also want to be clear that we are looking for a strong Head; we are looking for someone who will recognize what works and will not hesitate to fix what does not. We want someone who will be unafraid to make necessary change; we are not looking for sychophant. Within the general ambit of being a Jewish Day School, we have no sacred cows. Granted, before making wholesale changes, the Head will need to lead the Board to a shared vision and wisdom supporting those changes--otherwise any suggested changes will fail. But the Board intends to hire a Head that will look at everything. This means that everything will be up for discussion, but in the end, in certain fields--staffing, curriculum, management--the Head will have complete carte blanche to make whatever changes the Head wants, provided it meets the Board's and the Head's shared vision for the school.
This is why getting the right Head of School is so important. Our Board does not run the school; the Head of School runs the school. And we are fully prepared to support the new Head's efforts to make our school better.
This is all very exciting. Some of it may be difficult, but change is hard. But in the end, if we do it right, Kadima--and all it has stood for during the past 40 years--will thrive.
Rumors, Rumors, Rumors.
There are rumors rampant throughout the school about "what is going on" with the school and the search and just about everything else. One of the reasons we started this blog was, at least for Head of School issues, it provides an easy way for people get the actual facts and not have to rely upon rumors. Unfortunately, because of the nature of the search, as well as the need for the author to spend a few moments every now and then on his day job, there has to be a quiet time. We're in that time, and the unfortunate result is that, well, now there's all sorts of rumors flying about.
We've heard a bunch of them, and let me tell you, when you actually know the facts, and you hear some of the rumors, you scratch your head and wonder. It is important for people not to trust the rumors, but to rely solely upon official sources of news. Sometimes the rumors are based upon events that occurred months ago, and are no longer accurate. Other times, the rumors are clearly just made up by someone.
We recently heard that the word on the street was that our Head of School was leaving because she did not want to lower our tuition and that the Board did, so the Board fired her. This is categorically false. Indeed, the Head of School announced her departure before the Board ever decided to lower the tuition; the two issues had absolutely nothing to do with each other!
Don't listen to rumors.
We can tell you that we should have some concrete news about the search process in less than a week.
More later.
We've heard a bunch of them, and let me tell you, when you actually know the facts, and you hear some of the rumors, you scratch your head and wonder. It is important for people not to trust the rumors, but to rely solely upon official sources of news. Sometimes the rumors are based upon events that occurred months ago, and are no longer accurate. Other times, the rumors are clearly just made up by someone.
We recently heard that the word on the street was that our Head of School was leaving because she did not want to lower our tuition and that the Board did, so the Board fired her. This is categorically false. Indeed, the Head of School announced her departure before the Board ever decided to lower the tuition; the two issues had absolutely nothing to do with each other!
Don't listen to rumors.
We can tell you that we should have some concrete news about the search process in less than a week.
More later.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
The Admissions Process Continues.
Even with the inauguration of a new President, and even with the Head search underway, the admissions process continues at Kadima. There is an Open House at the school today; I'd encourage people to stop by if they have the chance.
Here's the word from Michele Starkman, KHWMS's admissions director:
Here's the word from Michele Starkman, KHWMS's admissions director:
Last month, we all learned of the Community Tuition Partnership, which lowered our tuition commitment for our kids enrolled in grades K-8. To help Kadima continue on its path of making Jewish day school education more accessible to families, I ask for your help – not to worry, what you have to do is really simple – tell your friends, family members, and neighbors about Kadima and how wonderful a Jewish day school education is. Better yet, invite your friends to see the school in action! On Wednesday, January 21 at 9:30 there is an open house scheduled. Come for coffee and bring a friend.
For additional information, contact Karen Pery, Director of Admissions at 818/346-0849 x339 or admissions@kadimaacademy.org.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Kadima and Daniel Webster.
Last night the Kadima Board met to discuss a variety of serious issues facing the school. We can't go into these issues now; hopefully, we will be able to discuss them soon. However, as I was listening to the discussion, I was struck at the sense of love and devotion our Board members have for Kadima: they discussed their aspirations for the school, and how they love its culture, and how Kadima possesses significant meaning in their lives. For many of us, the school is not just a school; it is part of our lives. Kadima is not merely the place we send our children to learn; it has become a reflection of our own dreams and aspirations.
As I listened to the heartfelt expressions of Board members, I recalled from my old U.S. History classes the famous statement by Daniel Webster in the argument in Dartmouth College v. Woodward, in which Webster urged the Court to prohibit the state from taking over the school because it would change the fundamental nature of the institution. Webster said:
"It is, sir, as I have said, a small college. And yet there are those who love it!"
The same can be said of Kadima. It is a small school. And even with all of its many issues and struggles, we all love it.
We plan to report some significant Search Committee news within the next two weeks.
As I listened to the heartfelt expressions of Board members, I recalled from my old U.S. History classes the famous statement by Daniel Webster in the argument in Dartmouth College v. Woodward, in which Webster urged the Court to prohibit the state from taking over the school because it would change the fundamental nature of the institution. Webster said:
"It is, sir, as I have said, a small college. And yet there are those who love it!"
The same can be said of Kadima. It is a small school. And even with all of its many issues and struggles, we all love it.
We plan to report some significant Search Committee news within the next two weeks.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Stand By.
One of the easiest ways to lose readership to a blog is to stop posting messages. We've haven't posted for a few days because, while there are a variety of things going on, they all still have to remain confidential.
As a result, we have two choices: we can pontificate a bit about the theoretical and academic issues surrounding independent schools and Head of School searches, or we can stay silent. We've chosen the latter course for now.
But keep looking. We will have some substantive information on line soon.
As a result, we have two choices: we can pontificate a bit about the theoretical and academic issues surrounding independent schools and Head of School searches, or we can stay silent. We've chosen the latter course for now.
But keep looking. We will have some substantive information on line soon.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Credit Where Credit Is Due.
While I've previously talked about the great technology program at KHWMS, I did not mention that the whole idea for a blog about the Search Committee's effort came from my sixth grade son. While I'm happy that my son came up with the idea, that's really not the point. The point is that the primary reason he was able to develop the idea of using a blog is because he is enrolled in KHWMS's great technology program.
So he (and KHWMS) get the credit. I'll take responsibility for any errors or mistake in content.
So he (and KHWMS) get the credit. I'll take responsibility for any errors or mistake in content.
Too Much Information?
The nature of any employment search requires balancing a variety of factors. On the one hand, we have to be extremely discreet and work in the shadows: we are likely interviewing candidates that have present jobs, and do not want to reveal to their employers that they may be seeking new positions. The best way to handle this is to respect confidentiality so much that no one has any idea about what the Committee is doing until we present our Final Candidate(s) for review by the larger school community. On the other hand, if we take that approach, and no one outside the Committee has any idea what is going on, it creates its own problems. Nature abhors a vacuum, so rumors can get started, and this can create a negative environment which in turn undermines the search process. In addition, people not on the Committee need to know that the Committee is, in fact, doing something.
We've tried a balanced approach with this blog. We are providing as much information as we can, but also engaging in a variety of actions on a confidential basis. If someone wants to know nothing, they need not check our blog. However, for those who do want to have an idea about what is happening, they can read the blog. We think that this works well.
The Committee had a great meeting last night which we believe greatly furthered our search efforts. However, this is one of those times that we can say nothing else and must instead keep things confidential.
We've tried a balanced approach with this blog. We are providing as much information as we can, but also engaging in a variety of actions on a confidential basis. If someone wants to know nothing, they need not check our blog. However, for those who do want to have an idea about what is happening, they can read the blog. We think that this works well.
The Committee had a great meeting last night which we believe greatly furthered our search efforts. However, this is one of those times that we can say nothing else and must instead keep things confidential.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
More on Guiding Purposes.
Kadima Hebrew Academy's elementary school is a Solomon Schechter School. The middle school, because it is a joint project with Heschel West, is not. What makes a Schechter School? It's a good question. Rabbi Jim Rogozen, the Head of School of the Gross Schechter Day School, in Ohio, posits one the best explanations I've seen, here. The key language:
Unfortunately, the Schechter brand has lost some of its identity in California. Go East, and many, if not most, stakeholders have a very defined conception of what a Solomon Schechter education means. In Los Angeles, a Solomon Schechter school means that the school is associated with the Conservative Movement and thus more "religious" than a non-Schechter non-Orthodox day school. Of course, defining what the Conservative Movement is presents its own complexities.
This is unfortunate, because the guiding philosophy underpinning the Schechter schools--and Kadima--is quite meaningful.
We need to do a better job of articulating it.
"But there's one more ingredient, one that is intellectually exciting and compelling. In Mishle (Proverbs) 3:6 we read: "B'chol drachecha da'ehu" — "In all of your ways know God." I take this to mean that all avenues of study, all areas of knowledge, can and should be seen as ways to comprehend the wonder of God and of the universe. Put another way, there is no such thing as "secular" or religiously insignificant knowledge; everything we learn can inspire us and help us along our path. It follows, then, that all learning is important (on the global level) and is ultimately impactful (on the personal level)."I think that everyone at Kadima implicitly gets this, regardless of whether they are in the elementary school or the Middle School.
Unfortunately, the Schechter brand has lost some of its identity in California. Go East, and many, if not most, stakeholders have a very defined conception of what a Solomon Schechter education means. In Los Angeles, a Solomon Schechter school means that the school is associated with the Conservative Movement and thus more "religious" than a non-Schechter non-Orthodox day school. Of course, defining what the Conservative Movement is presents its own complexities.
This is unfortunate, because the guiding philosophy underpinning the Schechter schools--and Kadima--is quite meaningful.
We need to do a better job of articulating it.
Kadima on CNN.
Some of our kids wrote to President-Elect Obama. They can be seen reading their letters on CNN.
Stockdale Redux: Who are We and Why Are We Here?
In 1992, highly decorated retired Admiral James Stockdale was running for Vice-President as Ross Perot's running mate. In the Vice-Presidential debate, Admiral Stockdale began his opening statement with the unforgettable words, "Who am I? Why am I here?"
A few days ago, I spent a couple of hours speaking with Nehimia "Nammie" Ichilov, the dynamic Head of School of the King David School in Scottsdale, Arizona. The King David School is lucky to have him. Nammie "gets it" with regard to the issues facing Jewish Day Schools and the importance of each school having its own purpose and raison d'etre. Only when the school knows precisely what it is trying to achieve can it actually work to achieve it. And this centrality of purpose energizes the school community and helps make it successful.
Creating and refining vision is hard stuff. In a 1993 study, David Conley, a professor at the University of Oregon, examined 79 strategic plans of schools. Based upon this review, he created a vanilla mission statement:
"It is the mission of ______________ to enable all students to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a changing global society. This will occur in an environment where diversity is valued and the potential of each student is developed to the fullest, with an emphasis on excellence in all endeavors. This can only occur as a result of a partnership between and among the school district, parents and other community members and agencies."
Conley, and others, however, have found little evidence that such a generic mission statement actually contributes to a school's success, as defined by superior educational performance.
At Kadima, we have a non-vanilla Mission Statement, although it may be a bit outdated and I'd bet that most of our community is not familiar with it. Moreover, in recent years we've struggled a bit with a tendency toward vanilla bromides and confusion about who we are and why we are here. Much of the reason for this is because of the practical difficulties associated with operating an independent Jewish Day School in a rapidly changing environment under extreme economic and other pressures. Simply put, much of the leadership spends its time ensuring that the kids receive an excellent Jewish and secular education and leave Kadima as mensches; as a result, they have little extra time to engage in philosophical discussions.
The hiring of a new Head gives all stakeholders, in conjunction with the new Head of School, the opportunity to engage in some self-examination and reflection. A new Head--and one that is a strong leader-- will work with all stakeholders to help all of us better define Kadima's vision of itself, and clarify the school's central purpose. This will be difficult but rewarding work.
A few days ago, I spent a couple of hours speaking with Nehimia "Nammie" Ichilov, the dynamic Head of School of the King David School in Scottsdale, Arizona. The King David School is lucky to have him. Nammie "gets it" with regard to the issues facing Jewish Day Schools and the importance of each school having its own purpose and raison d'etre. Only when the school knows precisely what it is trying to achieve can it actually work to achieve it. And this centrality of purpose energizes the school community and helps make it successful.
Creating and refining vision is hard stuff. In a 1993 study, David Conley, a professor at the University of Oregon, examined 79 strategic plans of schools. Based upon this review, he created a vanilla mission statement:
"It is the mission of ______________ to enable all students to become responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a changing global society. This will occur in an environment where diversity is valued and the potential of each student is developed to the fullest, with an emphasis on excellence in all endeavors. This can only occur as a result of a partnership between and among the school district, parents and other community members and agencies."
Conley, and others, however, have found little evidence that such a generic mission statement actually contributes to a school's success, as defined by superior educational performance.
At Kadima, we have a non-vanilla Mission Statement, although it may be a bit outdated and I'd bet that most of our community is not familiar with it. Moreover, in recent years we've struggled a bit with a tendency toward vanilla bromides and confusion about who we are and why we are here. Much of the reason for this is because of the practical difficulties associated with operating an independent Jewish Day School in a rapidly changing environment under extreme economic and other pressures. Simply put, much of the leadership spends its time ensuring that the kids receive an excellent Jewish and secular education and leave Kadima as mensches; as a result, they have little extra time to engage in philosophical discussions.
The hiring of a new Head gives all stakeholders, in conjunction with the new Head of School, the opportunity to engage in some self-examination and reflection. A new Head--and one that is a strong leader-- will work with all stakeholders to help all of us better define Kadima's vision of itself, and clarify the school's central purpose. This will be difficult but rewarding work.
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