The moment I woke my kids up for the first day, I knew it was going to be full of Yavneh magic. Within a minute of waking up, I saw their faces light up as they asked, “Is today the first day?” and I answered, “yeah– let’s get dressed!” Fast forward to pulling into the parking lot and seeing the smiles on Aviva and Lauren’s faces in their matching bright pink safety vests as they welcomed everyone to the school year. My third grader took off after a quick picture with the balloon arch in the lobby and went up to class with a few friends, excitedly chatting and clearly happy to be in his daily home away from home. As I walked my new Kindergartener to her Gan Rimon Classroom, she was bouncing and grinning with excitement. We had met her teacher a few days before and Ms. Strader not only loves sparkles, but helped her across the monkey bars– securing a spot in my daughter’s list of favorite people. I watched as she and her new classmates got their backpacks and lunches tucked away in their cubbies and began to form the friendships that I have heard Yavneh Alumni describe as lifelong chosen family. I give her a hug and kiss, tell her I will see her after school, then she’s off to the activity tables.
In the lobby, I grab a cup of coffee and look for a likely group of parents to (hopefully) make some new friends myself. I talked to a bunch of parents and the overwhelming sense of happiness and community reaffirmed what I have known for years: there is something magical about our community and our school. When I asked some parents what their hopes were for this year they all responded that they want their children to feel safe and at home while learning. One wondered how much Hebrew his daughter would learn, another was excitedly looking forward to the camping trip and another was just happy to have another long summer come to a close with the return to a regular routine (me too!).
The opening assembly started another year off with singing and love as we met our newest teachers and cheered for familiar faces. Principal Aviva offered a blessing that each child would be exactly who they are and be blessed by who they are– one of the loveliest prayers I have seen. We sang a Shehechiyanu for the new school year, blessing God for keeping us alive, sustaining us, and bringing us to this moment with Morah Jaime and Margeux leading us. As the children walked out of the room towards their classrooms, I couldn’t help noticing the excitement in the kids walking with their friends and smiling.
Friends, I think it’s going to be an amazing year. I look forward to sharing it with you.
L’Shalom,
Lindsay Roller
