Friday, March 16, 2012

Dear Parents,

While the weather is trying to fool us that summer is right around the corner, our students continue to stay focused on their studies during the time of year that many educators believe some of the greatest growth occurs. I was pleased to see so many parents yesterday during conferences and to hear about all of the good work that continues to challenge and engage your daughters/sons. The level of satisfaction that you have with our program is quite remarkable and speaks to the important connection between parent and teacher. Parents who are invested in education, as you clearly are, understand that working in concert with teachers to nurture and develop a learner is the most effective school model.

We are fortunate that The Lippman School model exists despite the current educational climate where, all too often, class size is increasing, specialty programming opportunities are being cut, and creativity and innovation are stifled by standardization. With increased demands on educators, it is also becoming more difficult for teachers in that strained climate to stay connected to parents. It is clear, by our increased enrollment and admissions activity, that parents in our community are interested in sending their children to a school that offers an educationally rich experience and which allows parents such a close partnership with teachers, staff and administration.

Today, we have 75 students enrolled to begin the next school year! In August, 2011 we had 74 enrolled (we have since added several students and enrollment is currently 78). Considering the number of admissions inquires and student visits scheduled in the coming weeks, it is very likely that we will begin school in August 2012, with an enrollment in the mid-80s. This increase is happening in a climate where many private schools continue to suffer enrollment declines, in Northeast Ohio and across the state.

We can only do our good work when we work together. Your support, feedback, concern, and positive word of mouth are making a difference in the experience for your children and are helping our school achieve even greater financial stability through significant enrollment increases. Thank you!

Shabbat Shalom.

Enjoy this lovely weekend!

Sam

Friday, February 24, 2012

Dear Parents,

The following is a note I received from a parent that epitomizes The Lippman School experience. I found this inspiring and hope you do also…

Sam Chestnut

Friday, February 17, 2012

Dear Parents,

Today I had the good fortune of participating in our weekly end of week Shabbat assembly. The students began by singing a song that comes from the Book of Psalms, in Hebrew: Henay MaTov uMaNayim Shevat Achim Gam Yachad which literally translates to: How Good It Is When Brothers Sit Together. But we understand it in the modern world as Sisters And Brothers. Students sang this song as they sat with their buddies. Then a second grade student spoke with pride about the experience of his class donating money to Children's Hospital and noted how the contribution would help toward the medical care of sick children. Towards the end of the experience, Mrs. Greenblatt encouraged the older students to share a positive observation about their buddy's performance on stage as we prepared for our play next week. Younger students were so proud that the older students took note of their good work.

In a short twenty minute community gathering, we celebrated the values we all hold dear, we underscored the importance of leadership and role-modeling, and we shared a strong and meaningful community-building experience. All of this was accomplished not from adult lectures, but instead directly from student leadership and interaction. As I left today's assembly I thought about how truly good it is for our sisters and brothers to sit together in unity and education. I look forward to sitting together with all of our parents Wednesday and Thursday night.

A few important reminders:

• No school Monday, Presidents Days, School Offices Closed
• Late Start Friday, February 24th, 10:00 AM. We will be accepting students at school no earlier than 9:45 AM.

Shabbat Shalom

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, February 10, 2012

Dear Parents,

Did anyone hear our students on 98.1 today as they delivered a $613.94 donation to Children's Hospital in Akron?

For weeks, our 2nd and 3rd grade classes have been posing as "change bandits" each morning collecting coins. Who knew that these small amounts, when put together, could make such a significant contribution towards one of Akron's remarkable hospitals?

I could write paragraphs about how important it is, in a school setting, to infuse these types of opportunities and values in our students. Instead, I will focus on one "cosmic" connection to what transpired today. 613 is an extremely significant number in Judaism. In a traditional sense, this number represents the number of laws that a Jewish person is "commanded" to observe. One of these commandments is "tzedakah" which is often misinterpreted to mean charity. It actually means justice. What does Jewish wisdom say about justice? It says that taking care of the sick and those who are less fortunate is a commandment. This is not something we do because it makes us feel good, but rather it is an obligation to act with justice to make the world a better place for all. Giving charity is one of the ways that we accomplish this critical challenge.

When I asked a student how much money was raised and he told me the amount, you can imagine that it sent a positive "chill" through my nervous system. There are times in life when serendipity, or if you believe, larger forces at work, reinforce a positive moment. Today I (and others on staff) had that experience. Of course our school has highly effective educators, a terrific curriculum, and remarkable technology, all terrific school qualities. However, what do we want most for our sons and daughters to experience through learning? We want them to understand that their contributions in this world can have an important impact on other people and the world around us. We want them to act using their "lens of justice" as they become young adults, and we want them to feel a sense of positive obligation to better themselves through meaningful work. This will propel them into adulthood with well-grounded purpose and an enlightened perspective.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, February 3, 2012

Dear parents,

I must confess, this was a busy week for me. I think bullet points will provide the most effective means of communication today (and will allow me to make it to Shabbat Dinner on time tonight):

• We have received well over 60 re-enrollment and new applications for next school year. Reaching this number on February 3rd is a new and significant milestone for our school.
• Just this week we had over 5 additional inquiries, our admissions season continues to build on very positive momentum.
  • These two early admission season factors provide us real data that suggests what we expected: another year of increased enrollment at Lippman is extremely likely!
• Please encourage anyone you know who has a potential Kindergarten student to RSVP (have them call the office) for our Discover Kindergarten Program on Tuesday night.
• The school has received a grant to update important marketing materials. On Tuesday, February 7th, a professional photographer will be on site for a half day "shoot" using our own students. Please have your children wear solid color shirts (avoid logos and stripes) on that day.
• Attached to this email is a flier about a multicultural cookbook that our middle school students are creating. Thank you parents -Churice Gross and Liz Slesnick- who are collaborating on this project to support our students trip to Montana in May! You will see there is a call to action from any family who has recipe to include.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, January 20, 2012

Dear Parents,

Today we hosted several families during our Open House. When we meet new parents we ask them how they heard about our great school. More than one mentioned very positive word of mouth referrals from current families. We appreciate all of your work as informal school ambassadors. Your testimonials offer prospective families an authentic understanding of the impact that Lippman has on its students. Thanks for "spreading the word!"

As a reminder, Jan. 31st is both the deadline to receive an early re-enrollment $200 tuition discount, and the first round deadline for submitting financial aid.

Finally, a note from our Art Teacher Mr. Cheistwer (Mr. C.):

Parents, we are currently working on a couple of projects in various grades utilizing knitting or crochet yarn and newspaper. If you have some which you would like to share with us, please send it with your child on Monday.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend.

Enjoy the snow!

Sam

Friday, January 13, 2012

Dear Parents,

As you may know, I teach a current events class each week. In the last two weeks we have spent some time talking about the political process as the Republican caucuses are underway. It has been fascinating for me to observe how thoughtful our students are as they consider abstract questions like:

"Why did "x" candidate do so well in IOWA and so poorly in New Hampshire?"

"What would you predict for South Carolina?"

"How might the jobs, industries and professions more typical of a region influence how one votes?"

We have had lively discussion, great questions, and terrific insights offered by our students. In addition, the level of respect and interest they give one another is remarkable. These qualities speak directly to an educational environment that fosters creative and analytical thinking and where each student's voice and perspective is honored. I left class on Wednesday personally energized and thinking quite simply, yet profoundly, "What a great school!"

Below is a message from our Spring Event chair, Trish Crane. Please read her note. It offers more opportunities to get involved and explains the purpose of the Auction Donation Form.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

The Lippman School's Spring Fundraiser is fast approaching!

Any successful auction needs attendees and great volunteers!

Please join us for an informational meeting Monday, January 23rd at 7 p.m. Desserts and refreshments will be provided. We will share with you what this event is about and the fun you can have by joining us!

Also, any successful auction needs auction items!

Wherever you go and whatever you do, think auction gifts. Did you meet someone at a holiday party who would be willing to donate an experience or item to the auction? Shopping at your favorite store? Getting your hair or nails done? Have a favorite restaurant? Ask those providers if they would be willing to provide a gift certificate to the auction-the exposure and advertising in the Lippman community will only help their businesses.

Print the auction donation form as many times as you need!

Please RSVP or direct any questions before the meeting to Trish Crane at TCCrane123@aol.com or Ceil Cohen in the School Office at ccohen@thelippmanschool.org

Hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Dear Parents,

Tonight, some of us will celebrate the first night of Chanukah. This holiday recognizes the historical triumph of the Maccabees, a small army, against the large Greek army. The Maccabees fought for, and won, their right to religious freedom. At this time, some consider the importance of standing against those who persecute others because of religious orientation, or more generally, the importance of holding on to one's identity, even in the face of a dominant culture. The lessons of this holiday can be universally applied to any of us as we consider our unique differences.

At The Lippman School, the importance of our individual differences is a fundamental lesson and value. It informs our work each day and is a primary component of our values-based curriculum. Each child is seen as an individual, full of unique promise and potential. As you light the candles for the first time tonight, or as you prepare for and celebrate your family's other unique celebrations and traditions, consider this important lesson. We are fortunate that our students attend such a terrific school with a remarkable staff that uses this, and other shared values, to guide their work each day.

We are pleased to announce that in the last three weeks we have accepted three new students into our school. Our current enrollment is 77. Additionally, we have held many tours of our school in recent weeks and are beginning a strong recruitment effort for our ECE families.

Finally, at Lippman we stay close to our alums and are happy to share positive news about their accomplishments. This weekend, Jaron Kanfer, who attended our entire K-8th Grade Program (I was his middle school math teacher), opened a new business in Miami, a retail store named, UNKNWN. The opening was a huge success, and we wish Jaron all of the best in this exciting new project.

Please keep us informed of alumni activities, as we'd like to stay connected and celebrate their successes.

The school office will be open form 9 - 2 Dec. 21, 27, 28. I will be out of town, visiting with family in Seattle with occasional email access.

I hope that your break is restful and your holidays meaningful.

Sam

Friday, December 9, 2011

Dear Parents,

Be sure to make arrangements to attend our "step up" night on Tuesday night, December 13th at 5:30 in our atrium. This is an important opportunity to learn about the remarkable curricular and extra-curricular opportunities available at Lippman. We will begin at 5:30 when I will offer a short "state of the school" and talk about significant initiatives underway planned for this year and next. I will also share our tuition structure and early incentive deadlines for the 2012-2013 school year re-enrollment. Following a full group presentation, you will spend time in your child's 2012-2013 classroom to learn more about the next step on your Lippman journey. We strongly encourage your participation and are offering child care (toilet-trained children only) free of charge through the Shaw JCC. To take advantage of this opportunity please call the JCC babysitting room to make a reservation 330-835-0033. **They will not accept walk-ins or reservations the day of the event.**

Attached, please find a note from Trish Crane, alum parent and prior Lippman Board President, who has graciously offered to chair our spring auction. This document includes information about the event, which promises to be a terrific fund raising and community building experience, and opportunities to get involved to support out school.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, December 2, 2011

Dear Parents,

As I watched our Russian celebration last night it was evident to me that our students were enriched through a learning experience that will help them grow as students, performers, public speakers, and citizens of the world. The difference between a singular experience -the "one-off" assembly that we all experienced as children that is still all too common today- and the immersion program that we witnessed last night, is striking to say the least. When you consider the multi-sensory, multi-disciplined, cultural immersion experience, and the high quality work that our students created with such pride, knowledge and sophistication, it is impossible to quantify the numerous and significant life lessons that have been instilled in our students. These are the types of opportunities that you can only experience as a student at Lippman.

As we enter the month of December, we look forward to many more learning opportunities for your children to develop as students and community-minded citizens. It is also the time of year that we begin to plan for the next school year. On Tuesday night, December 13th at 5:30 in our atrium, we will hold a "step up" night where you will learn about the remarkable curricular and extra-curricular opportunities available at Lippman. We will begin at 5:30 when I will offer a short "state of the school" and talk about significant initiatives underway planned for this year and next. I will also share our tuition structure and early incentive deadlines for the 2012-2013 school year re-enrollment. Following a full group presentation, you will spend time in your child's 2012-2013 classroom to learn more about the next step on your Lippman journey. We strongly encourage your participation and are offering child care (toilet-trained children only) free of charge through the Shaw JCC. To take advantage of this opportunity please call the JCC babysitting room to make a reservation 330-835-0033. **They will not accept walk-ins or reservations the day of the event.**

Several parents have asked about recess policy for going outside. We are in the process of creating more formal guidelines, however, as a staff we discussed the following last week: we will make all efforts to go outside; only rain, excessive mud, or bitter cold should keep us indoors. Please be sure that your children always have proper gear for being outside for up to 30 minutes during the winter weather.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, November 4, 2011

Dear Parents,

There is significant, growing interest in the Lippman School-Northern Cheyenne educational program. We have already received roughly 40 RSVP's for the community event on Thursday, November 10th at 6:30 pm. Our students will learn with Dr. Littlebear, Norma Wolfchief Gorneau, and Barbara Braided Hair during that school day; the evening event is an opportunity for you. I hope to see many of you there.

Through a grant request we submitted to the Jewish Community Board of Akron, the school has received a significant grant to support this partnership. The flier is attached. Please continue to invite and/or forward the flier to people you think might benefit from attending and learning more about our school programs. I can assure you that it is a rare and remarkable opportunity to learn with these great people.

On November 11th, at 10:30, we will commemorate Veterans Day by honoring veterans and people currently serving in our armed forces. Dr. Stephens (father of Cale and Jacob) will be honored as we recognize his deployment scheduled for later this year. If someone in your family is a veteran or on active duty and would also be willing to participate in our assembly, please contact Linda Brotsky or Sarah Greenblatt. Their participation would help our students understand the critical role that these citizens play in our society.

Finally, it is with mixed emotions that I am communicating a staffing change that will take effect after the New Year. Patti Fields, who has been offered an expanded art role with her other employer, The Ratner School, in Cleveland, will be leaving her position with us. In her short, but significant one and a half years with Lippman, she has built an exceptionally strong art program on the foundation laid by Karen Halpern, our previous long-tenured art instructor. However, this opportunity offers her family more opportunity and as such, we wish her all the best.

Patti and I have worked together for many years and share a similar philosophy in art education. She will help me consider how we continue to build on the positive momentum found in this program. Given the timing of this change, we will advertise for a long-term sub from January 3rd until June 8th. This will allow for program continuity and transition at the same time that we can evaluate how to best facilitate our visual arts education program in the 2012-2013 school year.

As always, if you have any questions, please contact me.

Shabbat shalom.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Dear Parents,

Today's communication will focus on a variety of important updates - some that require a response from you:

• On November 3rd we will be holding our In-Service and Conference Day. There is no school. In your child's backpack is a yellow note with the time of your conference. We require a signature from you so that we know you are aware of the time and will attend the conference.
• This weekend, the PTT invites you to a "friend-raiser" : Lace up your boots, grab a water bottle and stroll on over to F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm located at 1828 Smith Road in Akron. Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 23rd, 2:00-4:00 p.m. All Lippman families are invited for free Cider & Donuts at 2 p.m. Group hikes leave at 2:30ish (or when the donuts run out). R.S.V.P. to Melissa Yovichin at mjyovichin@hotmail.com
• Friday, November 4th begins our 3:00 early dismissals on Fridays. We do this to facilitate observance of Shabbat which begins at sundown. Shabbat begins early during the winter months due to the early sunset. These early dismissals will continue through February 24th. There are no busses on early dismissal days. Please be sure to pick students up on time as many staff are preparing for Shabbat, which can begin as early as 4:50 in the winter.
• It is not too late to sign-up for The Lippman School/JCC annual benefit on November 5th honoring Stuart and Sheri Glauberman. For more information and to RSVP please visit the Annual Auction page
• Mark your calendar for the kickoff event for The Lippman School Northern Cheyenne educational program on November 10th at 6:30 pm. Also, please invite and/or forward the flier to people you think might benefit from attending and learning more about our school programs.
• On November 11th, at 10:30, we will commemorate Veterans Day by honoring veterans and people currently serving in our armed forces. Dr. Stephens (father of Cale and Jacob) will be honored as we recognize his deployment scheduled for later this year. If someone in your family is a veteran or on active duty and would also be willing to participate in our assembly, please contact Linda Brotsky or Sarah Greenblatt. Their participation will help our students understand the critical role that these citizens play in our society.
• Ten parents participated in our "coffee and learn" program today about the holiday of Succot and Simchat Torah. It was a very lively conversation that focused on how the teachings and rituals associated with this holiday help us connect with nature and the seasonal cycles related to harvest. The holiday culminates this Thursday/Friday with the final reading in the Torah (5 Books of Moses) and then beginning again with chapter one of Genesis. This teaches us that learning is never complete and is cyclical. Our next learning experience will be a field trip to one of the synagogues/temples in town.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Dear Parents,

On Tuesday night our school hosted fifty community members and educators in a program about children of the holocaust. We heard from Dr. Luckert a curator at the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C., and from five people who were children survivors. It was a remarkable program. Several of us, who have attended many Holocaust education programs over the years, agreed that it was one of the most powerful programs of its type that we had experienced.

One unique element is that we set up a live video-conferencing link to Chief Dull Knife College on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana. Several Tribal Leaders, including two who will be here in November, participated in the conference. This type of cross-cultural programming is a great strength of our educational model. After the program, one of the tribal leaders wrote to tell me about the impact that this experience had on her. I asked her permission to share her note with people in our community. It is included below.

Also, attached to this email is a flier for our November 10th event here on campus with the Northern Cheyenne tribal leaders. We are inviting anyone from the community to attend. Please share this flier with people whom you think may be interested in learning more about this specific program or generally about The Lippman School and our educational programming.

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, October 7, 2011

Dear Parents,

Tonight begins the most sacred Jewish Holiday of the year, Yom Kippur (translates as Day of Atonement).

This is considered the "crescendo" of a month of introspection, culminating in the 10 days of repentance and asking of forgiveness between the New Year (Rosh Hashannah) and today. It is customary, though there are many exceptions, to fast for 25 hours (no food or water) so that we can more fully concentrate on our self-reflections and not be distracted by our typical routines. If you know someone who is fasting you can wish them "an easy fast" or continue to wish people a "Happy New Year".

At today's assembly, students were asked to think about things they were sorry for, and as a community we apologized in six different languages (French, Chinese, Hebrew, English, Spanish and Sign Language). The list of languages came from our own students whose families also speak these languages at home. This was a very powerful message about diversity even within our own small community, and that all people, in all languages, can say "sorry" and strive to do better.

This week in my current events class, we watched the documentary "Not In Our Town" which described Billings, Montana in the mid-1990's when there was a rash of hate crimes against Jews, African Americans and Native Americans. Ultimately, the film conveyed a very positive message about how the voice of many good citizens stood up against a small, but organized supremacist group. It was one of the more spirited and provocative conversations we've had in class this year. It demonstrated to me that our students understand the importance of supporting one another, that difference in the world promotes creative, compassionate, and enlightened thinking, and that we all have an obligation to stand up for those who are victims of discrimination. I left the class personally inspired.

I wish those who are fasting an easy fast.

Have a good weekend.

Sam

Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Dear Parents,

As we approach the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) which begins at sundown tonight, it is customary to reflect on the previous year. We challenge ourselves to learn from our experiencesl and increase our positive contributions in the coming year. Jewish philosophy places a great emphasis on the notion of free will, that our actions do matter, and that we are responsible for our actions.

This value permeates the Lippman School's educational philosophy. We are constantly looking for positive opportunities to demonstrate to students how their actions and work help them to develop as students and citizens. We also translate this lesson for students so they understand how this can have a positive effect on their peers and community.

Yesterday, I sat down to eat in our lunch room with our 2nd - 8th grade students. You may be surprised to know that it was a remarkably pleasant experience! Everyone was sitting with friends, enjoying their lunch, socializing, and there were smiles all around. When students were asked to give the lunch room supervisor their attention they easily transitioned back into the school day. One of the best places to evaluate how well a student community is functioning is to observe lunch, one of the least structured times of the day. As I watched this "organic" community function so easily I was reminded that our students and families understand the value of community and have chosen to attend The Lippman School, at least in part, to develop this ethic.

As I reflect personally on the New Year, I am eager to continue this educational journey together and am excited about the learning yet to unfold for us all.

Happy New Year,

Sam

Friday, September 16, 2011

Dear Parents,

It was very nice to see so many of you at the Back To School Night and our annual Pancake Breakfast. Thank you PTT and parent volunteers for all of your hard work!

I wanted to follow up with you about one of the larger school initiatives I mentioned on Tuesday night. I spoke with my friends on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Montana and they are very interested in building a relationship with our school and community. For those of you interested in learning more about a project I facilitate with Middle School students on the Northern Cheyenne reservation click here.

You will be hearing more about a new initiative with The Northern Cheyenne specific to our school and this community very soon...

Now that the school year is well underway, we begin our recruitment plan in earnest for families to consider choosing The Lippman School. I want to share some "un-quantified" qualitative findings from my meetings with families that might help our admissions efforts. Many families who are new to our school have chosen Lippman because they live in West Akron and believe strongly in our Global Studies model that teaches Spanish from K-8th Grade. My sense about the types of families and professionals who chose to live in West Akron and raise a family (I am one myself), is that—regardless of "political" sensibilities or religious affiliation—they have an open outlook about the world. Our parents want their children to learn about other cultures, and when possible, from people who represent those cultures. They are interested in a superior educational program that has a strong values-based approach, and greatly appreciate the ability to send their students to a school located in the city of Akron.

While there are certainly other admissions strategies to target the communities we serve, I want to capitalize on this trend as we begin to consider our admissions season. We are creating a "West Akron admissions task force." I want to invite any parent who is interested in "brainstorming" about creating a grassroots marketing initiative in West Akron to participate in a meeting.

Regardless of your ability to participate in this effort, word of mouth is absolutely the most positive component of any recruitment strategy. Sharing your enthusiasm and positive experience at Lippman with others and encouraging them to learn more about the school goes a long way to help our efforts.

• Wednesday, September 21 Coffee and Learn with Sarah Greenblatt and me.
• Wednesday, September 28th is a 2:00 p.m. early dismissal.
  Akron, Copley and Revere buses will not provide transportation home for our students. Canton van will provide transportation.
  Please remember, if you would like to use the Aftercare at the JCC, you must register at least 24 hours in advance. You may call Diane Galizio at: 330.835.0043. If your child will use Aftercare, please let the office know.

Any questions please call the school office.

Shabbat Shalom,

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, September 9, 2011

Dear Parents,

As we end another productive week at The Lippman School, our students have clearly and comfortably settled into the important routines and expectations of the school day. We are also enjoying the unique opportunities that our intimate and enriched environment offers. Today, there was a "frenzied" gingerbread cookie hunt that took our Kindergarten students from class to class. This week, our middle school students used PH meters to test the acidity of pond water. I also observed a Core Values class speak about our responsibility to help those in need.

• Remember Tuesday September 13th at 6:30 is our Back to School Night. During this evening you will hear from our excellent teaching staff about what they have planned for our students this year. I wanted to recognize that this is a voting day for primary elections. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and hope that you are able to find the time to vote, sometime between 6:30 am and 6:30 pm. Voting is an important lesson in citizenship for your children.
• During Back to School Night, we will be distributing a parent roster. If you want to opt out of allowing other parents having your home address and phone, please let Ceil know ASAP. Also, we do our best to keep all information accurate and current. If there is an error please let us know and we will send an update to our parents.
• You have received an invitation to our first "Shabbat" dinner (Reservation Form). Throughout the year you will be invited to participate in a variety of cultural experiences, some Jewish (like Shabbat) and some from other cultures. These opportunities help build community and allow you to learn more about some of the "Global Perspective" that our school experience offers all of our students. A Shabbat dinner is a time to be with family and friends to recognize and mark the end of a week filled with work and the beginning of a time for rest. We celebrate with food, ritual and song. Please join us!
• You have, and will continue to receive, updates about some fundraisers that help support our school. You will hear more about this in the future, but I wanted to address the need for fundraising in a school where tuition is assessed. We recognize, particularly for those not familiar with how independent schools typically function, that it may seem odd to pay tuition and then be asked to support the school with additional dollars. You should know that our current tuition of $7800 is not even 50% of the actual costs of educating a child in our school. The gap between tuition and these real costs is met through fundraising and grant opportunities. In the coming weeks, you will see a calendar of opportunities to help support our school. From "box tops" to an Annual Fund, to benefit events, we offer a variety of ways for parents and friends to give back to this school. We hope you will consider participating. If you have more questions about this, please contact me.
• Two fundraising events on the calendar for this year that you will hear more about:
  • The Annual Lippman School/Jewish Community Center Benefit, Nov. 5th at Fairlawn Country Club
  • A Spring Event to support The Lippman School, the evening of March 31st

Shabbat Shalom,

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Friday, September 2, 2011

Dear Parents,

In the last two days I have participated in a variety of meetings that demonstrate the importance of community and the passion for participating in The Lippman School learning community. Last night, I met with our Board of Trustees. Some trustees spoke about their many years of dedication to the school and participation on our Board. Others, who just joined spoke about their specific interest in this new educational model. One Trustee, an Akron community member and business leader with no direct affiliation our school, noted that in this community there is a specific and important niche for this school-a values-based school with a Global Studies approach that appeals to diverse families.

This morning, I sat in on the first "ParenTeam" meeting. I saw a strong showing from committed parents who want to help support and partner in their children's educational experience. I also met with individual families to hear about their experience at Lippman and what they want for their children as they grow and develop. Please make an appointment with Ceil or Ruthellen if you have not yet to meet with me.

All of these "grown-up" meetings have deepened my appreciation and understanding of the importance of community in our school and how community supports and influences the development of our students.

And what about the students? As the learning is now really underway, I have observed our teachers carefully balance the need for "traditional instruction" which builds critical foundational elements with the opportunity to interact with technology. This enhances and accelerates our students' abilities to integrate information. Not only does this school have remarkable technological infrastructure, but our teachers are well trained, eager to learn more, and highly adept at showing students how to access and manipulate technology as a tool for greater learning. From kindergarten students using I-Pads to learn the alphabet in an interactive learning center, to primary age students using the Smart Board as an interactive visual aid to support story-telling, to our middle school students using "Netbooks" for research and writing; our students are using state-of-the-art technology. More importantly, they are guided by skilled educators using best practices pedagogy.

Today our students were also introduced to their "buddies", setting the expectation that in this community, older students have the responsibility to be positive role models for our younger students. As in many cultures and religions, Judaism places great emphasis upon instilling a positive legacy from one generation to the next ("La'Dor-Va-Dor" in Hebrew). Watching our older students lead their buddy through a "get-to-know-you" exercise was quite moving. This experience was a great conclusion to our first full week together.

Shabbat Shalom.

Have a restful 3 day weekend,

Sam

Friday, August 26, 2011

Dear Parents,

In today’s educational landscape, the opportunity for students to learn in a small independent school is rare and the experience can be life-changing. Students and families have the ability to partner with teaching professionals in ways that are simply impossible in larger settings. The potential of each individual can be realized more easily and students can have carefully guided experiences outside of their comfort zone, helping them to develop their confidence and expand their world-view.

Today I met with each Middle School Student individually. The journey of the middle school student is to explore and develop their unique voice and to set a foundation as they emerge as a confident young adult. I asked them about their hopes, concerns and ideas for this coming year. I also shared with them that there might be a time when I would ask them for some help or advice about a new idea for their educational experience and that we might also work together to solve some problems or challenges. They were overwhelmingly positive about their journey thus far and had many good ideas about how they want to make the most out of the year.

Similarly, I would like to meet with each family unit (absent children) in the coming weeks to hear about what you want for your child(ren) at Lippman. I want to hear about why you chose this school and about your family’s aspirations for the coming years. The partnership between family and school is the cornerstone of small school, independent education and something I believe is critical to maximize the success for each student. Ceil and Ruthellen have access to my calendar. Please make an appointment at your earliest convenience. If your “9-5” time is fully booked, I am happy to meet early in the morning or into the late afternoon or evening.

Thank you in advance for making an appointment. I can assure you that developing a relationship now will help us work with greater clarity to chart the course for your family’s successful experience at The Lippman School.

Shabbat Shalom (A Hebrew phrase generally intended to mean "may your day of no work be peaceful"),

Have a great weekend,

Sam

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Dear Parents,

Today I met all of our students, spoke with many parents, observed classes, saw lunch and recess, taught a middle school current events class, tried to memorize names and just "took in" this educational environment. All I can say is what a fantastic school! What great students, teachers, staff, parents and extended family members!

Through varied administrative roles, I have had the good fortune to observe and experience many public, private, parochial, charter and independent schools. It is easy to measure a school's impact on students through a variety of informal measures. For example:

• organization
• student "on-task" time
• a strong balance between order and nurture
• student "presence" in class (engaged and interested rather than bored or unaware)
• student behavior during the informal times (recess and lunch)
• how new students work with and play with returning students
• the level of respect and care for one another
• the feel of the general school experience (is it like an institution or a welcoming family)

In my first 7 hours "on the job" with our students, I can honestly say that we are off to a terrific start! Today's experience for me was validating to say the least. I hope you and your child(ren) felt equally positive!

Sincerely,

Sam

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