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Community Day School Student Qualifies for Debate Championship

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Middle School Debate Team, under the guidance of teacher Michael Podolsky, recently attended and excelled during its third Incubate Debate Tournament of the school year, which was held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla. Community Day School (CDS) is celebrating one particular success: seventh-grader Matisse Cantero has qualified for Incubate.Champs, which will bring the top students from the Incubate Debate regions across Florida and South Carolina to the championship in Jacksonville, Fla. in early April. Other CDS students excelled during the competition as well. Sixth-grader Ava Chapman earned her way to the semi-finals. Seventh-grader Logan Curie, sixth-grader Benny Labinger, and eighth-grader Erik Sinift were recognized with E.M. Hemingway Nobility Awards for most-improved from the first to the second rounds of the tournament; Sinift and sixth-grader David Turner both made it into the Tribunal Round for commendable performances in the preliminary rounds; and Turner’s team won its room for the Tribunal Round. During the competition, middle and high school students competed alongside each other.  Competitors are judged by panels of elected officials, members of the judiciary, civil servants, college professors, first responders, members of the armed forces, and faith-based leaders. Incubate Debate operates competitive debate regions in Florida and South Carolina that collectively host no-cost debate tournaments every school year. Students from all backgrounds come together to debate timely and timeless topics that relate to the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs, current events and issues, and the economy. Cantero, who lives in Sarasota with his parents, older brother, three guinea pigs and two parakeets, is currently hard at work preparing for the championships. In addition to debate, the 13-year-old also enjoys playing basketball, watching anime, and expanding his adventurous palate. There will be a “last chance” qualifier tournament in Sarasota on March 9; several Community Day students will participate, in hopes of joining Cantero for the Incubate.Champs in April. To learn more about the school, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.

 

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Community Day School Student Qualifies for Debate Championship

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Middle School Debate Team, under the guidance of teacher Michael Podolsky, recently attended and excelled during its third Incubate Debate Tournament of the school year, which was held at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Fla.

Community Day School is celebrating one particular success: seventh-grader Matisse Cantero has qualified for Incubate.Champs, which will bring the top students from the Incubate Debate regions across Florida and South Carolina to the championship in Jacksonville, Fla. in early April.

Other CDS students excelled during the competition as well. Sixth-grader Ava Chapman earned her way to the semi-finals. Seventh-grader Logan Curie, sixth-grader Benny Labinger, and eighth-grader Erik Sinift were recognized with E.M. Hemingway Nobility Awards for most-improved from the first to the second rounds of the tournament; Sinift and sixth-grader David Turner both made it into the Tribunal Round for commendable performances in the preliminary rounds; and Turner’s team won its room for the Tribunal Round.

During the competition, middle and high school students competed alongside each other. Competitors are judged by panels of elected officials, members of the judiciary, civil servants, college professors, first responders, members of the armed forces, and faith-based leaders.

Incubate Debate operates competitive debate regions in Florida and South Carolina that collectively host no-cost debate tournaments every school year. Students from all backgrounds come together to debate timely and timeless topics that relate to the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs, current events and issues, and the economy.

“Debate provides opportunities to build self-confidence while learning about public speaking, how to structure an argument, how to do research, and to learn how to debate opposite sides of an issue in a respectful and amicable manner – even if you don't agree one iota!”” said Podolsky. “A very important goal of the program is individual improvement; being better at the end of the day from where you started even if you did not receive an award.”

Cantero, who lives in Sarasota with his parents, older brother, three guinea pigs and two parakeets, is currently hard at work preparing for the championships. In addition to debate, the 13-year-old also enjoys playing basketball, watching anime, and expanding his adventurous palate.

There will be a “last chance” qualifier tournament in Sarasota on March 9; several Community Day students will participate, in hopes of joining Cantero for the Incubate Champs in April.

To learn more about the school, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.

About Hershorin Schiff Community Day School
The mission of the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, which serves students in preschool through eighth grade, is to impact the world by creating a community where children of all faiths demonstrate integrity, academic excellence, and a desire to improve the world. Community Day offers a rigorous, project-based academic program in a diverse and vibrant learning environment rooted in the Jewish values of honesty, integrity, mutual trust and respect. For more information, visit the website, communityday.org, or call (941) 552-2770.

 

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Community Day School to Offer New 5th Grade Bridge Program

Data clearly shows that 5th grade is a pivotal point in children’s development at which they are ready to move beyond the framework for elementary school but benefit from a specialized bridge program to make the transition to middle school less stressful and more successful. Backed by ample research, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) is proud to offer a new program, called 5th Grade Bridge. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the private school’s 5th grade will neither be a part of the elementary nor middle school but rather a transitional year between the two. Studies show that introducing specific changes – such as the use of lockers, switching classrooms for at least one class period, teaching more advanced problem-solving, study techniques, organizational, and executive functioning skills (to help students “learn how to learn”), and giving students more space to flex their increasing autonomy – as significant factors in ensuring that students will be able to hit the ground running in 6th grade … and beyond. Like a traditional classroom, CDS’s 5th grade will have a primary teacher – Joannie Bloch, who has taught 5th grade at CDS for many years, will serve in this role – for both homeroom and the humanities. Students will begin the process of switching rooms for classes such as math, science, and foreign language, more akin to a traditional middle school schedule. Also like middle school, students will utilize individual lockers throughout the day and be able to participate in many middle school activities, such as athletics, select art offerings, leadership activities, and certain speakers and presentations. They will also have access to certain elective classes in the second and third trimesters. This program will be overseen by CDS’s Elementary Director, Barbara O’Brien, with its Middle School Director, Dr. Vincent Miller, also involved in many aspects of the curriculum. As the year progresses, Dr. Miller will engage with more intensively with the program to begin the process of getting to know each 5th-grade family/child and introduce them to CDS’s middle school program. CDS will offer two upcoming Elementary School Open Houses to assist families in learning more about the 5th Grade Bridge program, on January 30 at 6:30 p.m. (in person), and February 13 at 9:30 a.m. (virtual). To register for one of these sessions, visit communityday.org/admissions/open-houses.
CDS is located at 4335 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota. To learn more, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770. 

 

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Community Day School Offers New 5th Grade Bridge Program

Data clearly shows that 5th grade is a pivotal point in children’s development at which they are ready to move beyond the framework for elementary school but benefit from a specialized bridge program to make the transition to middle school less stressful and more successful.

Backed by ample research, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) is proud to offer a new program, called 5th Grade Bridge. Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, the private school’s 5th grade will neither be a part of the elementary nor middle school but rather a transitional year between the two.

Studies show that introducing specific changes – such as the use of lockers, switching classrooms for at least one class period, teaching more advanced problem-solving, study techniques, organizational, and executive functioning skills (to help students “learn how to learn”), and giving students more space to flex their increasing autonomy – as significant factors in ensuring that students will be able to hit the ground running in 6th grade … and beyond.

Like a traditional classroom, CDS’s 5th grade will have a primary teacher – Joannie Bloch, who has taught 5th grade at CDS for many years, will serve in this role – for both homeroom and the humanities. Students will begin the process of switching rooms for classes such as math, science, and foreign language, more akin to a traditional middle school schedule. Also like middle school, students will utilize individual lockers throughout the day and be able to participate in many middle school activities, such as athletics, select art offerings, leadership activities, and certain speakers and presentations. They will also have access to certain elective classes in the second and third trimesters.

This program will be overseen by CDS’s Elementary Director, Barbara O’Brien, with its Middle School Director, Dr. Vincent Miller, also involved in many aspects of the curriculum. As the year progresses, Dr. Miller will engage with more intensively with the program to begin the process of getting to know each 5th-grade family/child and introduce them to CDS’s middle school program.

“For many children, the transition between elementary and middle school can be challenging: socially, emotionally, and academically. These challenges can affect student achievement well into middle school and even beyond,” said CDS Head of School Dan Ceaser. “Our goal for the 5th Grade Bridge program is to provide a variety of supports and help students develop the skills they need in order to reduce anxiety and increase independence so that they are set up for success in their middle school years.”

CDS will offer two upcoming Elementary School Open Houses to assist families in learning more about the 5th Grade Bridge program, on January 30 at 6:30 p.m. (in person), and February 13 at 9:30 a.m. (virtual). To register for one of these sessions, visit communityday.org/admissions/open-houses.

CDS is located at 4335 Wilkinson Rd., Sarasota. To learn more, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.

About Hershorin Schiff Community Day School
The mission of the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, which serves students in preschool through eighth grade, is to impact the world by creating a community where children of all faiths demonstrate integrity, academic excellence, and a desire to improve the world. Community Day offers a rigorous, project-based academic program in a diverse and vibrant learning environment rooted in the Jewish values of honesty, integrity, mutual trust and respect. For more information, visit the website, communityday.org, or call (941) 552-2770.

 

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Community Day School Students Excel in Recent Debate Competition

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Middle School Debate Team, under the guidance of teacher Michael Podolsky, recently attended and excelled during their second Incubate Debate Tournament in Lakeland, Fla. During the competition, middle and high school students competed alongside each other and were judged by a panel of elected officials, members of the judiciary, civil servants, college professors, first responders, members of the armed forces, and faith-based leaders. The entire team put in tremendous effort and competed with the utmost passion, debating timely and timeless topics such as the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs, and the economy. Four students emerged with awards, with seventh-grade student Matisse Cantero securing coveted top honors among all middle school competitors and being named an all-around finalist. A trio of sixth graders–Ava Chapman, Benjamin Labinger and Avi Shalev – showed exemplary talent and determination, with Labinger earning second place among the intermediate competitors. “Debate is important in middle school because it gives students the tools to think critically and argue effectively, while also working in a collaborative and cooperative group setting,” said Dr. Vincent Miller, CDS’s Director of Middle School. “By having students discuss and organize their points of view for one side of an argument, they are able to discover new information and put their knowledge into action. Participating in events like these enhances our students' abilities while fostering personal growth and development.” The team is currently busy preparing for its third tournament in Lakeland, Fla. in February, which is the qualifier for the championship tournament to be held in Jacksonville, Fla. in early April. To learn more about the school, which serves students of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.

 

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Learn More about Community Day School Students Excel in Recent Debate Competition
Community Day School Students Excel in Debate Competition

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Middle School Debate Team, under the guidance of teacher Michael Podolsky, recently attended and excelled during their second Incubate Debate Tournament in Lakeland, Fla. During the competition, middle and high school students competed alongside each other and were judged by a panel of elected officials, members of the judiciary, civil servants, college professors, first responders, members of the armed forces, and faith-based leaders.

The entire team put in tremendous effort and competed with the utmost passion, debating timely and timeless topics such as the U.S. Constitution, foreign affairs, and the economy. Four students emerged with awards, with seventh-grade student Matisse Cantero securing coveted top honors among all middle school competitors and being named an all-around finalist. A trio of sixth graders – Ava ChapmanAvi Shalev and Benjamin Labinger – showed exemplary talent and determination, with Labinger earning second place among the intermediate competitors.

“Debate is important in middle school because it gives students the tools to think critically and argue effectively, while also working in a collaborative and cooperative group setting,” said Dr. Vincent Miller, CDS’s Director of Middle School. “By having students discuss and organize their points of view for one side of an argument, they are able to discover new information and put their knowledge into action. Participating in events like these enhances our students' abilities while fostering personal growth and development.”

The team is already busy preparing for their third tournament in Lakeland, Fla. in February, which is the qualifier for the championship tournament to be held in Jacksonville, Fla. in early April.

To learn more about the school, which serves students of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, visit CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.

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Local Artist Creates Beautiful Tribute to Late Jewish Community Leader Mitch Blumenthal

Sarasota’s Jewish community was saddened last summer when Hershorin Schiff Community Day School’s Board Chair, Mitchell Blumenthal, passed away. Upon his death, a gift already in progress – a new cover for one of Community Day’s Sefer Torahs, in honor of the school’s new campus – became a fitting and touching tribute to Mitch and all he did for the school as well as the wider community. Mitch’s parents, Richard and Barbara, commissioned the Torah cover to be created by local multimedia artist and seventh-grade language arts teacher Stephanie Cordone. The Blumenthals were like family to Cordone: they knew each other from their community back in New York and the Blumenthals inspired Cordone to move here 27 years ago. Although not Jewish herself, Cordone built a needlepoint business in New York designing and making creations such as chuppahs, bimah chairs, ark door designs, Torah covers, tallit and more for numerous temples, in partnership with various Sisterhoods. Her very first Judaic commission was making a tallis bag for Mitch in New York in 1977. After he wore his tallis to shul, the word spread throughout the congregation – and beyond – and her part-time business grew. Cordone drew her inspiration for the design of the Torah cover from the family’s love of tradition and Mitch’s well-known love of colorful fashion choices. The vibrant piece features elements such as the sun, water, Noah’s ark and various plant and animal life. In recognition of Mitch’s love of color and tie-dye, the lining of the Torah cover was made from tie-dye fabric. The Torah was first used during a touching Rosh Hashanah service at the school at which the Blumenthal family and Cordone were invited to participate.   She feels honored that the Torah will be used at Community Day, where the core values of inclusion and kindness are so central to the school’s educational philosophy. “It doesn’t matter what your background is, where you came from, what you look like or what you believe – we can all enjoy beautiful art and appreciate each other, regardless of our differences,” Cordone said. “At Community Day School, everyone is valued. That’s how I was brought up: we are all equal in the eyes of God.” Cordone will be retiring from teaching this year and looks forward to continuing her creative pursuits. For more information about Cordone’s Judaica artwork or Community Day School, call 941-552-2770, ext. 212 or visit communityday.org.

 

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Learn More about Local Artist Creates Beautiful Tribute to Late Jewish Community Leader Mitch Blumenthal
Mitch Blumenthal

December 13, 2023 – Sarasota

Sarasota’s Jewish community was saddened last summer when Hershorin Schiff Community Day School’s Board Chair, Mitchell Blumenthal, passed away. Upon his death, a gift already in progress – a new cover for one of Community Day’s Sefer Torahs, in honor of the school’s new campus – became a fitting and touching tribute to Mitch and all he did for the school as well as the wider community.

Mitch’s parents, Richard and Barbara, commissioned the Torah cover to be created by local multimedia artist and seventh-grade language arts teacher Stephanie Cordone. The Blumenthals were like family to Cordone: they knew each other from their community back in New York and the Blumenthals inspired Cordone to move here 27 years ago.

Although not Jewish herself, Cordone built a needlepoint business in New York designing and making creations such as chuppahs, bimah chairs, ark door designs, Torah covers, tallit and more for numerous temples, in partnership with various Sisterhoods. Her very first Judaic commission was making a tallis bag for Mitch in New York in 1977. After he wore his tallis to shul, the word spread throughout the congregation – and beyond – and her part-time business grew.

Cordone drew her inspiration for the design of the Torah cover from the family’s love of tradition and Mitch’s well-known love of colorful fashion choices. The vibrant piece features elements such as the sun, water, Noah’s ark and various plant and animal life. In recognition of Mitch’s love of color and tie-dye, the lining of the Torah cover was made from tie-dye fabric. The Torah was first used during a touching Rosh Hashanah service at the school at which the Blumenthal family and Cordone were invited to participate.  

She feels honored that the Torah will be used at Community Day, where the core values of inclusion and kindness are so central to the school’s educational philosophy.

“It doesn’t matter what your background is, where you came from, what you look like or what you believe – we can all enjoy beautiful art and appreciate each other, regardless of our differences,” Cordone said. “At Community Day School, everyone is valued. That’s how I was brought up: we are all equal in the eyes of God.”

Cordone will be retiring from teaching this year and looks forward to continuing her creative pursuits. 

For more information about Cordone’s Judaica artwork or Community Day School, call 941-552-2770, ext. 212 or visit communityday.org.

 

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Challah showdown: bake-off adds Jewish twist to Halloween | SNN

Community Day School added a Jewish twist to the Halloween season with their annual "Challah-ween Bake-Off Festival." 

Aspiring bakers rolled up their sleeves to create their best challah, which is a special bread in Jewish cuisine and tradition.

The festival always takes place on the Friday after Halloween. 

“What you’re seeing here today is joyful chaos. In preparation for the Jewish Sabbath for Shabbat, every Friday night at sundown, one of the traditional foods that is made is challah,” said Rabbi Michael Shefrin.

Bakers brought their finest challah to be taste-tested by a panel of judges, with a trophy and bragging rights awarded to the winner. 

There was also challah braiding and a mouthwatering challah "schmear" bar.

Judges and contestants were a mix of students and school and Jewish community leaders. 

“We judge them on how they look, taste, smell. It’s just a fun, hands-on day of learning and it’s a celebration of how diverse our community really is,” said Head of School Dan Ceaser.

The festival wasn't all about the delicious bread. Students also spread love and hope by creating cards for the school's "Cards for Peace" initiative, sent to Israeli soldiers. 

“We’re just celebrating and trying to make peace for Israel,” said a Community Day School student.

The "Challah-ween Bake-Off Festival" has been a tradition for the past 6 to 7 years, and the school has no plans to stop it.

“Every culture, every tradition has bread, everybody breaks bread. It’s something that even if it looks different or tastes slightly different, it’s something we can all share. So it’s just a great way to sort of live our mission, which is bring kids from different faiths, backgrounds, experiences together and share a common experience,” said Ceaser. 

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Furry friend inspires learning in Sarasota school | SNN

A wave of happiness and inspiration sweeps through the halls of the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School in Sarasota and it’s all thanks to a furry new addition.

The school and its students have found the secret ingredient to success. It comes in the form of Jax the Therapy Dog.

Jax makes appearances in reading groups and acts as a muse for writing projects all while easing anxiety around the school.

The idea to bring a furry friend in traces back to a 2021 student research project.

A group of 5th graders posed the question: how were people with neurodiverse and physical challenges viewed and treated prior to the Industrial Revolution versus today?

One student group explored pet therapy and its impact on people with physical learning disabilities. 

Their well-informed pitch to school leadership made it happen, and the school said the results have been impressive.

“When there is tests and things that our kids are feeling anxious, he often times just seems to know. Anxiety, he lessens that, they’re just happier to come to school,” said teacher and Jax’s owner Joannie Bloch.

One student agreed, adding, “I feel like whenever someone sees Jax, it brings like a bunch of positivity.” Another student continued, “everyone is more excited when he’s here.”

The school said Jax’s presence aligns perfectly with their emphasis on social-emotional learning and project-based education.

They said not only does he bring happiness to students, but he also serves as an inspiration for writing assignments.

“We have a Jax January coming up in fourth grade and they’re going to be making dog ears and they’re going to be writing and reading about dogs. So, it spurs ideas,” said Bloch.


Jax's journey began about a year ago when he was just 6 months old.

“He’d like run around the classroom and we would be like, sit in a circle and we’d all throw the toy and he’d come running back,” said a 7th grade student at Community Day School about Jax’s early days in class.

Now, Jax participates in reading groups on Mondays and enjoys recess with students on Mondays and Fridays, primarily with fifth graders.

Students say they’d like to see this idea live on at the Community Day School and hope to see other schools adopt the idea.

“It's been working so far so, probably keep him in the same grade, like right before they go to middle school so they feel better about school,” said a 7th grade student.

Another added on saying, “yeah, definitely brings a lot more positivity to our school.”

A third student agreed saying, “and maybe even in other schools.”

Community Day School said their plan is to expand Jax’s time on campus, and allow him to interact with students of all ages in the coming months. 

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Community Shofar Factory attendees make ram's horn trumpets | YourObserver

After Emily Kaufman finished the Sept. 10 craft session, she had something she'd wanted for years.

She now had a shofar, a ram's horn trumpet and traditional Jewish musical instrument used to signify victory and celebration.

“I am very excited to have a personal shofar for our new year," she said, while enjoying the event with her family. "I have been wanting one since high school, 35 years ago."

The Community Shofar Factory saw families come together to make their own shofars. The event was presented through a partnership between Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, Chabad of Downtown SRQ and Chabad Lubavitch Of Sarasota & Manatee Counties.

Click HERE to read more in The Observer.

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Community Day School Announces 2023-2024 Board of Trustees

School's volunteer leaders represent a diverse array of faiths and perspectives and offer expertise and experience in a wide range of professional specialties.

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School – a Jewish day school that serves children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade – has announced its 2023-2024 board of trustees, which is charged with safeguarding and upholding the mission of the school and supporting the educational experience for its more than 300 students. President of the Board is Rachel Saltzberg, Vice President is Barbara Rodkin, Melissa Walsh is Treasurer, and Robert Landman is Secretary. 

Ongoing trustees are Lori Dorman, Esq., Gregory Farrington, Ph.D., Lillian Lincoln Lambert, Rabbi Michael Shefrin, Rick Siegel and Fred Starling. Richard Hershorin is a Lifetime Member; with the recent and untimely death of former board President Mitch Blumenthal, the board granted him Lifetime Member status posthumously.

In the wake of Blumenthal's passing, longtime CDS leader Rachel Saltzberg has returned to the role of President of the Board. Saltzberg is the proud parent of three Community Day School graduates  – she has been involved with the school since arriving in Sarasota in 2004 with her husband and newborn daughter. Saltzberg graduated from McGill University with a degree in Industrial Relations, received her Graduate Gemology Certificate from the Gemological Institute of America, and her Master of Business Administration from the Zicklin School of Business at Baruch College. She has served the school in many capacities, professional and volunteer.

New to the board this year are:

Colleen Blumenthal, MAI, who has been appraising real estate and consulting owners and investors for over 30 years, specializing in seniors housing and healthcare since 1992. In addition to her duties as Chief Operating Officer of HealthTrust, she has served as the task force lead on the American Seniors Housing Association’s State of Seniors Housing for the last 15 years and is a member of ULI’s Senior Housing Council. She, her late husband, Mitch, and the Blumenthal family have long been involved with the school as leaders and philanthropists.

Benjamin Edelman is a newscast producer at WWSB ABC7 News in Sarasota, where he produces the 5 p.m. show. He's a Sarasota native who graduated from Community Day School in 2011; he earned his Bachelor of Science in Motion Pictures from the University of Miami in 2019. In 2020, he directed the horror/comedy feature film "Santastein," which is currently gearing up for a 2023 festival run. Edelman can also be seen on ABC7's morning lifestyle show, "Suncoast View," every month for his movie review segments.

Nikhil "Nik" Joshi, Esq. is a Florida Bar, Board Certified as a specialist in Labor and Employment Law. Practicing since 1997, he has over two decades of experience representing employers and business owners, and takes pride in providing thoughtful, pragmatic advice and counsel to his clients. A native Floridian and proud alum of the University of Florida “Gator Nation,” he is active in many different community groups and charitable organizations.

Returning to the board is Dr. Wendy Katz, B.S., M.A., ED.S, Ed.D. For more than 40 years, Katz has served as a teacher, principal, mentor and administrator at the K-12 level in the public school system in Sarasota County as well as serving as a consultant to multiple independent schools from pre-K-12. She has been a visionary leader at Community Day School, serving for a time as interim director and continuing in recent years as a valued resource as the school has evolved and grown. In 2019, Katz was recognized with the CDS Goldie Feldman Award; proceeds from the event seeded the Wendy J. Katz Scholarship Fund, which assists deserving students who embody the qualities of non-traditional learners.

The board of trustees at Community Day School are responsible for setting policy, long-range planning, and financial management. Board members share a passionate commitment and dedication to the school’s mission and support the school with their time, experience, vision and resources. Current members of the board of trustees come from across the community and represent a diverse array of faiths and perspectives. Trustees have expertise and experience in education, law, business, finance, marketing, and development.

"The vision and leadership of the current board will be critical as we strategically shift our focus from moving to and upgrading our school campus to onboarding our new Middle School Director and strengthening our middle school program, expanding our Blumenthal Passport to Israel program – which includes the post-pandemic relaunch of our Israel student exchange initiatives, and intensifying our project-based learning curriculum, among other efforts, " said Head of School Dan Ceaser. "We are grateful to our continuing board members, welcome our new leaders, and are looking forward to an exciting and successful 2023-2024 school year."

For more about Community Day School, visit communityday.org or call 941-552-2770.

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Community Day School Approved for Student and Exchange Visitor Program

After an extensive, months-long process, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School – a Jewish day school that serves children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade – has been approved for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This approval allows the school to accept international students in grades K-8 under a special academic visa.

The program will complement Community Day’s already diverse community, with families representing 40 different nationalities. Community Day’s “inclusivity in action” helps to prepare students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy as well as to become empathetic and empowered leaders in combating intolerance in high school, college and beyond.

The rigorous approval process involves the submission of numerous forms, site visits from Homeland Security, sworn affidavits, and more. While Community Day School has, for many years, hosted international students under “associate [short-term] enrollment” terms, it has not been authorized to enroll students for a full course of study.

SEVP certification allows Community Day School to issue Forms I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," to prospective international students who have met the admissions criteria and have been accepted to attend CDS for a full program of study. A Form I-20 provides these students with an opportunity to apply for a specific visa to enter the United States for the sole purpose of academic study at Community Day School. 

International students studying in the U.S. under an academic visa are closely monitored for their academic progress and must maintain student status at the school. Should all visa requirements be met, these students are also eligible to continue – with successful application/acceptance – to a SEVP-certified high school, college, or university. By providing the mechanism for these student visitors to learn at CDS, the school offers a mutually-beneficial opportunity for both the international students and the CDS student body.

“At Community Day, we are committed to admitting diverse students who possess the motivation, ability and character that would enable them to succeed in our school community,” said Head of School Dan Ceaser. “For many years, our students have benefited from opportunities to learn about and share religious values and traditions from around the world; we believe there is no better way to build bridges of mutual understanding and respect than to work, learn and play alongside children from other places and cultures.”

Community Day School’s proud, purposeful diversity and project-based curriculum empowers students to learn about and share religious and cultural values and traditions from around the world. High standards for academics and behavior create a courteous and respectful learning environment that values the beliefs and rights of every member of our community. The SEVP approval will serve to further enhance Community Day School’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

For more about Community Day School, visit communityday.org.

 

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Community Day School hires first-ever Middle School Director

After an exhaustive national search, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School – a Jewish day school that serves children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade – has hired its first-ever dedicated Middle School Director. Dr. Vincent Miller, a former private school administrator and 2020 Polk County Teacher of the Year, will begin his tenure with Community Day School in July.

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BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL Hershorin Schiff Community Day School

BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School

We wish our kids could sit down to study science with Ms. Frizzle. How amazing would studying the solar system be if you could hop on your magic school bus and ride it into space? While Sarasota might not have any enchanted transportation (that we know of), we've got plenty of private schools that are out of this world!

Click here to read more on Pages 98 - 100 and Page 113.

Learn More about BEST PRIVATE SCHOOL Hershorin Schiff Community Day School
CDS Wins Best Private School

Best of SRQ Private Schools
Hershorin Schiff Community Day School

Going to school as a kid is essentially a full-time job and for parents picking the perfect education can be overwhelming. Luckily, our readers make it easy to narrow it down by voting for their favorite private schools. In a landslide win, COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL - HERSHORIN SCHIFF COMMUNITY DAY SCHOOL wins Platinum with over 500 votes. CARDINAL MOONEY CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL did the right calculations to end up our Gold winner. OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY proved to be the perfect playground as a Silver stand-out while SARASOTA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL spelling-B'd their way to Bronze.

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Community Day School Hosts a Performance of The Children’s March

On March 1, the 5th-8th graders at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School enjoyed a performance of “The Children’s March” with The Choral Artists of Sarasota, conducted by Artistic Director Joseph Holt. Charlene Hunter-Gault – a civil rights activist, journalist, and former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio – narrated the program via video.

Community Day School was the only school in Sarasota County to host the event. A public performance took place on March 5 at Church of the Palms.

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Community Day School learns from 'The Children's March' presentation Live performance of historical piece by The Choral Artists of Sarasota showcases the power of student advocacy and peaceful protest

On March 1, the 5th-8th graders at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School enjoyed a performance of "The Children's March" with The Choral Artists of Sarasota, conducted by Artistic Director Joseph Holt. Charlene Hunter-Gault – a civil rights activist, journalist, and former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio – narrated the program via video.

Community Day School was the only school in Sarasota County to host the event. A public performance took place on March 5 at Church of the Palms.

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Community Day School learns from ‘The Children’s March’ presentation

On March 1, the 5th-8th graders at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School enjoyed a performance of “The Children’s March” with The Choral Artists of Sarasota, conducted by Artistic Director Joseph Holt. Charlene Hunter-Gault – a civil rights activist, journalist, and former foreign correspondent for National Public Radio – narrated the program via video.

Community Day School was the only school in Sarasota County to host the event. A public performance took place on March 5 at Church of the Palms.

Click here to read more.

 

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Education is the antidote to hate

By now most of us have seen and read about the fallout from the recent antisemitic rant by Ye, the artist formerly known as Kanye West.

This issue is larger than the increasingly overt use of antisemitic slander by public figures – it’s also about the perpetuation of negative stereotypes and the use of threats among their followers. We know these statements of hate are finding a receptive audience: just days ago a message declaring  “Kanye is right about the Jews” was projected on an electronic video board at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville and displayed elsewhere across that city.

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Community Day School receives Community Impact Grant for media center

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has received an $8,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County to help fund books and technology for its Janis Kaplan Multicultural Media Center.

Dan Ceaser, Community Day’s head of school, said when CDS secured a permanent campus in Sarasota one year ago, installing a state-of-the-art multicultural media center directed by a qualified media specialist was top on its wish list.

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Community Day School Appoints Two New Members to its Board of Trustees

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently appointed Dr. Jesse Ehrlich and Rabbi Michael Shefrin to its board of trustees, a committed group of leaders who continue to guide the school after its success moving onto its new campus in 2021. According to Mitch Blumenthal, who serves as president of Community Day School’s board of trustees, the board is entrusted with the responsibility of creating school policies, as well as financial and strategic planning for long-term success.

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Community Day School Receives Community Impact Grant From the Community Foundation of Sarasota County

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) announced that it has received an $8,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County. The grant will help fund books and technology for its Janis Kaplan Multicultural Media Center. Dan Ceaser, Community Day’s head of school, explains that, when CDS secured a permanent campus in Sarasota one year ago, installing a state-of-the-art multicultural media center directed by a qualified media specialist was top on its wish list.

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Community Day School Appoints Director of Early Childhood Education Programs

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) recently appointed Tracey Bortz as its director of Early Childhood Education Center programs. Bortz had previously served as the director of early childhood education at the Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike, Ohio. According to Dan Ceaser, CDS’s Head of School, Bortz was chosen as the result of a nationwide search that took place over a period of six months. “Our search committee sought a veteran leader who has a clear appreciation for diversity and the teaching of universal values to students of all faiths through Jewish values, traditions, and practice,” says Ceaser.

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School Leader Chosen to Serve on the Alumni Council of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

Dan Ceaser, the Head of School of Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, was recently selected to serve on the Alumni Council of the Harvard Graduate School of Education (HGSE). Ceaser’s term begins on July 1 and will run for four years. The Alumni Council is an international committee of highly accomplished Harvard Graduate School of Education alumni selected by Harvard to provide a valuable connection between the university and its growing network of alumni.

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Community Day School Welcomes New Hebrew and Judaic Studies Educator

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) recently welcomed Rinat Heiman as its new Hebrew and Judaic studies instructor. Heiman had previously served in this position at Temple Sinai from 1994 to 2013 and, more recently, as a private bar and bat mitzvah teacher. Beginning as early as 14 months old, all students at CDS are offered classes in both Hebrew and cultural Jewish studies.

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A Work of Faith and a Labor of Love: Community Day School Receives a Holy Ark for its Sanctuary

Great work can have small beginnings. For some, that’s a proverbial truth. For Parrish resident Dr. Steve Hiller, it’s a personal experience. The great work he recently created began with a simple request. He was asked if he could build an “Aron Kodesh” for Community Day School’s new sanctuary. Aron Kodesh means “holy ark” In Hebrew—an ornamental chamber for the Torah scrolls.

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Community Day School Students Celebrate Reading

April 29, 2022 – Sarasota

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School students gathered on Thursday, April 21, to celebrate reading at the 4th Annual Janis Kaplan Author’s Day. This year’s event featured recipients of the Sydney Taylor Book Awards, which are presented annually by the Association of Jewish Libraries to outstanding books for children and teens that authentically portray the Jewish experience..

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Banning books mocks the intelligence of young readers

The American Library Association reported a total of 330 “book challenges” in 2021. These weren’t for “fringe” texts but for books on recommended reading lists that had been rigorously approved for school libraries. The complaints came from parents, “concerned citizens” groups, school board officials, activists, religious organizations, lawmakers and lawyers.

School administrators fought these challenges. But they didn’t always win, and they’re fighting more challenges today.

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Sarasota students donate hundreds of dollars to help orphan refugees from Ukraine

SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Students at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School in Sarasota have seen the devastation surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and wanted to find a way to help.

“I got an email a few weeks back from the fifth grade,” said Head of School Dan Ceaser. “The fifth grade said we understand and we are watching what is going on in Ukraine and our hearts are hurting and we want to do something.”

At the end of each school year, students donate all of the “tzedakah” or charitable funds they raise to a nonprofit or cause of their choice. This year was a bit different; the students wanted to act now.

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 Sarasota students donate money to orphan refugees fleeing Ukraine

SARASOTA, FLA. — Students at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School raised money to help orphans who left their country to find safety during the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Joannie Bloch, a 5th-grade teacher at Community Day School, said her students were curious about current events and the world around them.

A month ago, one of her students asked, "Why do we learn about history if it happened in the past?" Weeks later, she said her students became worried about the families fleeing Ukraine.

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Suncoast students help pay for safe evacuation of Ukrainian orphans

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) - Students in the Suncoast are working to ease the pain in Ukraine. 300 students at the Community Day School in Sarasota are connected with an orphanage in Ukraine and via Zoom to Rabbi Mendi Wolf at the Congregation housing the orphans in Europe.

For 52 hours, the group ran buses and evacuated the children from Ukraine. 83 children are safe from the war in Berlin, Germany and now they have new friends in Sarasota, Fla.

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 OPINION: Banning books mocks the intelligence of young readers

Ray Bradbury envisioned a dystopian America in his classic novel, “Fahrenheit 451” – a future America where those in power banned books in an attempt to control what and how others should think.

Sadly, this isn’t science fiction. A wave of book-banning is happening today, and not during some bleak tomorrow. If you’re an adult reader, it’s easy to miss. But grownups aren’t the censors’ target – young readers are, and over the last few years America’s school libraries have become battlegrounds.

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Community Day School Students Donate to Orphanage in Ukraine

The funds will be used for food, shelter, and other necessities for 83 orphans who fled Ukraine to Germany.

The horrifying pictures emerging from the Russian invasion of Ukraine inspired 300 students from Hershorin Schiff Community Day School (CDS) to act. Dan Ceaser, Community Day’s head of school, said that the crisis quickly became an urgent topic of discussion throughout the campus. After meeting with Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz with Chabad Lubavitch of Sarasota and Manatee Counties, the students decided to donate all the “tzedakah,” or charitable funds they had raised, to an orphanage based out of Odessa, Ukraine.

To read more, click HERE

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Pizmon celebrates Jewish music with students at Community Day School

Pizmon, a Jewish a cappella group of students from Columbia University, Barnard College, and the Jewish Theological Seminary, visited Hershorin Schiff Community Day School on Friday, February 11.

Group members held morning workshops with Community Day School's kindergarten to eighth-grade students and performed a concert of liturgical pieces, Israeli rock and pop, and Yiddish music later in the day. The group's name comes from a Hebrew word meaning "chorus" or "refrain of a song" and its mission is to share Jewish music with diverse communities across the globe.

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Community Day School pushing forward with new campus

Throughout the pandemic, a dedicated group of people have been hard at work raising millions of dollars to provide teachers and students with the best possible learning environment.

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School is now in the final weeks of construction of their new campus on Wilkinson Road in Sarasota. In just a few weeks, they will welcome in more than 250 kindergarten through eighth-grade students into the new school.

“I’ve never seen our teachers so excited and almost giddy about the new learning opportunities they can build in these new spaces,” said Dan Ceaser, the head of school.

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Community Day School students build a home for their feathered friends

Students at the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently stepped out of the classroom and into the garden to help build a home for a family of four.

Seventh and eighth-grade students first planned the home using geometry and algebra. They then priced materials before finally using saws to cut the lumber necessary for the home.

Working together, they put up wall by wall until they had completed a two-story home that fit the family’s needs: a large living space and individual bedrooms.

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Community Day School students get to the ‘heart’ of the matter

"Community Day School is noted for its rigorous academic program, distinguished by hands-on learning and partnerships with area organizations that help to bring learning to life." - Sarasota Herald-Tribune

On March 19, middle school students at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School participated in sheep heart dissections, led by local cardiology specialist (and Community Day parent) Dr. Vivek Kumar.

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Community Day School Raises Millions, Builds New School in Months

In just four months, a school has taken shape on the corner of Wilkinson and McIntosh roads. The future home of the Hershorin-Schiff Community Day School is under construction, with the global pandemic doing nothing to slow it down. 

It's been a whirlwind year for Community Day School. In just 11 months, the school raised more than $5.5 million, purchased a nine-acre site and began construction on a 45,000-square-foot facility. This summer, the school will move from its current site at Temple Beth Sholom, and in August the new building will open to the 300 students enrolled at the kindergarten-through-eighth-grade school. 

And it all came about because of – not just in spite of – COVID-19. 

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Community Day School Partnership Aims to Lower Barriers to Early Childhood Education

As Hershorin Schiff Community Day School prepares for its move to a new, nearly nine-acre campus in central Sarasota for the 2021-2022 school year, it has recently partnered with Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to lower barriers to enrollment and ensure more families are able to benefit from the school’s academic excellence and purposeful pluralism. Barancik Foundation has awarded $100,000 to bolster the school’s existing scholarship program for low-income families and another $50,000 to serve as a match to expand early learning efforts. “Community Day School has enhanced its reputation for outstanding educational programming and remain focused on being a diverse and inclusive school,” said Teri A Hansen, President and CEO of Barancik Foundation. “These efforts ensure more students will have the benefit from an exceptional education, especially those who need it most.”

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Community Day School Expands to New Campus

When a family outgrows its one-bedroom apartment, it looks for a new space in which to grow.

The same thing is happening at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, just on a larger scale.

The school, which enrolls 270 students from 12 months to eighth grade, will move from 1050 S. Tuttle Ave. to the intersection of Wilkinson and McIntosh roads, giving it a capacity of 300 students and additional facilities.

The new location will not only offer the school a chance for expansion, but it also will be more centrally located in the county, which Head of School Dan Ceaser said would allow the campus to serve more families throughout the county.

Since Hershorin Schiff became an independent community day school five years ago, the demand has tripled.

“We’ve just outgrown the campus,” Ceaser said. “We’ve been renting it, and it’s been a dream of our board of trustees for us to own our own space, and we’ve been working toward that goal for several years.”

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CDS Students Honor Healthcare Heroes

On February 11, the students at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School enjoyed the annual Panther Pride / Spirit Day, with various activities to build teamwork and showcase school spirit, with the added bonus of a Valentine’s Day-related “Ahavantine” community service project to help spread some love. (“Ahava” means “love” in Hebrew.)

This year’s community service activity featured the making of “Healthcare Hero Bags” in appreciation of those on the front lines of the pandemic who are working to protect our community from infection and heal those who fall ill. 

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Community Day School Receives Visionary Gift for New Campus

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, a Sarasota private Jewish day school that serves children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, has received a gift of $500,000 from Barbara and Gary Rodkin in support of its “Owning Our Future” campaign. The contribution will name The Rodkin Family Lower School Building – the preschool – on the school’s new 8.8-acre campus, the former Suncoast School for Innovative Studies / Temple Baptist Church property at the corner of McIntosh and Wilkinson Roads. Community Day School plans to open at the new location for the 2021-2022 school year.

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Community Day School Hosts Groundbreaking Celebration at New Campus

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently hosted a “Beyond the Groundbreaking” celebration on the site of its new school campus in central Sarasota. The school purchased the 8.8-acre property—the site of the former Suncoast School for Innovative Studies/Temple Baptist Church—last year, and the larger footprint will enable Community Day to accommodate families on waitlists, achieve greater financial independence, and be convenient for families throughout Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch. The new facilities will be ready in time for the 2021-2022 school year. Learn more.

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Community Day School Announces 2020 - 2021 Board of Trustees

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has announced its 2020-2021 board of trustees, which is charged with safeguarding and upholding the mission of the school. Co-chairs of the board are Mitch Blumenthal and Rachel Saltzberg, Robert Landman is Treasurer, and Stacey Edelman is Secretary. Trustees are David Chessler, Andrew Cohen, Gregory Farrington, Ph.D, Rev. Kelly Fitzgerald, Rabbi Elaine Glickman, Wilma Hamilton, Dr. Wendy Katz, Lillian Lincoln Lambert, and Betty Rosenthal. Richard Hershorin is a Lifetime Member. New to the board this year is Barbara Rodkin. "The vision and leadership of the current board will be critical as we are immersed in the massive fundraising and planning effort to support the move to our new campus," said Head of School Dan Ceaser. "We are grateful to our continuing board members and to Barbara for their dedication, time and resources in ensuring our success, particularly at this pivotal time."

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Hershorin Schiff Community Day School Receives $300,000 Donation for New Campus

The Hershorin Schiff Community Day School has received a $300,000 donation from an anonymous family foundation in support of its “Owning Our Future” campaign.

The gift is designated for the gymnasium on the school’s new 8.8-acre campus – the former Suncoast School for Innovative Studies/Temple Baptist Church property at McIntosh and Wilkinson roads.

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Community Day School Helps Families Celebrate Hanukkah Safely

Leaders at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School - with the support of several community partners - planned Hanukkah activities as well as virtual celebrations during the holiday's eight days that enabled school families of all faiths to share in the joy and fun of the holiday while keeping everyone safe and distanced due to COVID-19.

Chabad of Sarasota provided hanukkiah (nine-branch menorahs that hold the candles to be lit each night) for families that didn't already have one; dreidels and gelt from the Sisterhood at Temple Beth Sholom; and "Hannukits" from the Jewish Federation of Sarasota County and PJ Library!

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Community Day School Preparing For Move To New School Campus

In spite of the pandemic, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School – a Sarasota private Jewish day school that serves children of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade – has announced its plans to move next year and has already raised millions in support of the effort.

The school has purchased a new campus – the former Suncoast School for Innovative Studies/Temple Baptist Church property at the corner of McIntosh and Wilkinson Roads – and broken ground on new construction. Its recently-launched $8.8 million “Owning Our Future” campaign will fund upgrades to the current spaces and the construction of two new buildings as well as assist with ongoing annual needs.

The school plans to move onto its new, nearly 9-acre site, for the 2021-2022 school year.

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Community Day School Opens Safely and With Flexibility

Community Day School began in-person, on-campus and remote "Adaptive" Learning on August 17, 2020. Pre-K - 8th grade families are able to choose the learning method that is best for their student on a day-by-day basis, meaning that students can shift between in-person and Adaptive learning as-needed. Click the button below to see a news story from Suncoast News Network about the ways that Community Day and other private schools are keeping students as healthy and safe as possible for the 2020-2021 school year.

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Community Day School Hires Staff Rabbi

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School is pleased to announce that it has hired Rabbi Anat Moskowitz to work on staff. She will serve in a part-time capacity, performing outreach to the community and leading K-8 Shabbat services as well as assisting with the planning of special services and events, advising on curriculum, and guiding students, families, and teachers on Judaic issues and beyond.

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Community Day School Receives Grant Through COVID-19 Response Initiative

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School recently received a “Software and Learning Equipment” grant of $5,000 from Gulf Coast Community Foundation and Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Initiative. This grant has funded training and the purchase of technology that is helping Community Day School to remain accessible for all of its families, whether they choose in-person or virtual learning for their students.“With the Google technology, students who opt for virtual learning can feel like they’ve got a seat in the front row of a classroom,” said head of school Dan Ceaser.

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Community Day School Receives $12,000 Donation for Air Filtration Units

Thanks to supporters Ed and Betty Rosenthal, through the Rosenthal Roots Family Foundation’s “Go Green” program, Hershorin Schiff Community Day School will receive Aerus air filtration units in time for the 2020-2021 school year. A gift of $12,000 has enabled the purchase of 24 Aerus Pure & Clean units to be placed in classrooms throughout the school. The Pure & Clean devices reduce airborne contaminants and freshen air in otherwise stale-prone environments. 

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Community Day School Receives $50,000 for Scholarships

The COVID-19 crisis has hit many area families financially, with reduced hours, lost jobs and shuttered businesses. At Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, a local private Jewish day school serving students of all faiths in preschool through eighth grade, there are students now at risk of not being able to afford tuition costs. Thanks to a generous gift of $50,000 from the Eliza and Hugh Culverhouse Family Foundation, starting in the 2020-2021 school year, Community Day School will have a bigger safety net for families who may never have needed scholarship support in the past.

Two funds of $25,000 have been created through the gift from the Culverhouse Family Foundation. The Eliza Perlmutter Culverhouse Scholarship Fund will provide need-based assistance for qualified families. The Eliza Perlmutter Culverhouse Assistance Fund for Educators will offer need-based assistance for qualified families for the children of educators.

Read More at SRQ Magazine!

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Sue Rosin Receives Goldie Feldman Award

Hershorin Schiff Community Day School honored longtime former preschool teacher, school parent and grandparent,
and all-around mensch Sue Rosin, Sunday January 19, 2020 at Michael’s on East ballroom.

She was recognized for her years of volunteering with the school’s literacy program and her dedicated service as a featured reader during the annual Dr. Seuss Day.

Event highlights included a delicious brunch, presentations by family and friends, and a special performance by students in Rosin’s honor. Proceeds from the day supported learning resources and literacy programs at the school.

See more from this special event here!

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Preschool Visits UTC Holidays on the Green

Our preschool students had an unforgettable day at The Mall at University Town Center this week! Every student was invited to join in on the fun as they went sledding, decorated cookies, rode on the carousel, and enjoyed lunch on the lawn. Thank you to everyone at The Mall at University Town Center, as well as the staff of Holidays on the Green who made this event a smashing success!

See some of the fun here!

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CDS Veterans Day Shabbat

Our upper school students honored CDS family members who served in the United States Armed Forces this morning with a special Veteran's Day Shabbat service. Temple Beth Sholom Sarasota provided the Sanctuary space, Rabbi Michael Werbow led the Shabbat, and Gary Reinstrom from The First Brass Sarasota played "Taps."

It was an exceptional morning thanking those who served!

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CDS Students Visit Islamic Society

A group of Hershorin Schiff Community Day School middle school students, in partnership with the Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN), visited the Islamic Society of Sarasota and Bradenton to tour its school and mosque and view an afternoon prayer.

It was a day of sharing – faith, traditions, and food – as well as an opportunity to experience new perspectives. WIN is a group of women representing a variety of religious orientations as well as indigenous and spiritual traditions. The group works to eradicate stereotypes and prejudice in order to promote our common humanity and build a peaceful world. Community Day students have enjoyed and benefited from getting together with WIN for the past four years.

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State Rep. Margaret Good visits students from Community Day School

In late September, seventh and eighth-grade students from private Jewish day school Hershorin Schiff Community Day School traveled to Tallahassee for a tour of our state capitol – a trip that has been enjoyed by middle schoolers at Community Day for many years. Unfortunately this year, the state legislature was not in session when the students visited, so they didn't have the opportunity to meet with local elected officials.

In order to facilitate face time with these young constituents, Representative Margaret Good, District 72 (D-Sarasota) visited them on October 2. Rep. Good discussed her motivations for getting involved in politics, explained how the process and calendar works in the Florida House, and then engaged in a rigorous Q&A with the students about some of the pressing issues facing our area. Topics included water quality issues, gun control, school safety, and her take on the challenges of serving in the minority party, especially as the country has become so polarized.

Rep. Good - who noted that she either wanted to be President or a major league baseball player when she was young - emphasized that she works to bridge difference by staying focused on the issues. She said she's happy to get things done, even if she doesn't get credit for it. Although many of the students' questions focused on the frustration of seeing legislators not executing the will of the people (particularly with regard to the 2014 Florida Water and Land Conservation Initiative and background checks, which are overwhelmingly supported by voters of both parties), Rep. Good noted that she is heartened by the rising support for environmental issues on all sides of the aisle.

Rep. Good was asked how kids can get involved with issues that they care about and she encouraged them to stay in touch with elected officials, to write letters and to protest. She is heartened to see young people getting involved and speaking out - she noted that there are 35 high school and college interns involved with her office because they want to make a difference.

This coming year, which is the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment (giving women the right to vote), Rep. Good hopes to get the Equal Rights Amendment ratified in Florida so that the country can move closer to amending the U.S. Constitution.

When her visit was concluded, Rep. Good was presented with a gift bag from the school and thanked enthusiastically by the students, attending teachers and school leadership.

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In the News: Community Day Students Celebrate Rosh Hashanah

Community Day School Students of all ages celebrated Rosh Hashanah with acts of love, kindness, and community to welcome in the new year!

The kindergarten, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades visited local retirement facility Aviva to sing, take part in a tashlich ceremony, and enjoy some delicious apples and honey with residents. 

Our middle school students welcomed middle schoolers from St. Martha's Catholic School, where they shared about the holiday and special traditions with the students. 

The day was a beautiful opportunity for intergenerational and interfaith connections. 

See this article from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for more details!

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7th and 8th Grade Learning Expedition to the State Capital

Our 7th and 8th grade students spent several days in Tallahassee learning about the Florida state  government.

Over the course of three days, the students visited the Historic Capitol building, took a tour of Florida State University, stopped in to the FSU College of Fine Arts' museum, toured the mural-covered House of Representatives Chamber, and took part in a mock oral argument program at the Florida Supreme Court!

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5th and 6th Grade Students Build Leadership Skills

The 5th and 6th grade students took an overnight trip to the Pathfinders Outdoor Education center, where they focused on teamwork, leadership, and engaging with others to gain new perspectives during challenging situations.

While engaging in exciting activities like canoeing, ropes course climbing, and nighttime nature walks, students discovered how to investigate things that make them nervous while also learning firsthand how their actions affect others around them. The students found that by examining their fears, they were better able to manage and face the challenges at hand! It was a successful learning experience for all.

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CDS In the News: Students Donate to Chabad of Sarasota

Community Day School students were featured in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune for their donation to Hurricane Dorian relief efforts. A quote from the article is below:

"A group of students at Hershorin Schiff Community Day School asked their head of school what they could do to help.

He put the question back on them.

'What do you think?' said Head of School Dan Cesar.

They talked about the obvious — clothes and food drives — but decided the situation in the Bahamas required urgency.

'We didn’t want to wait,” Cesar said. “We wanted to be able to get something to them as quickly as we could.'

The brainstorming pupils at the 270-member Jewish day school that serves children in preschool through eighth grade suggested they use the student fund, fattened over a year with loose change totaling $250, and sent it to victims. They call the weekly giving a Tzedakah, a Hebrew word meaning 'justice.'

'We hopped into the van at lunch, and I took the eighth-graders to meet Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz,' Cesar said. 'He talked to the kids and said they are doing good work.'

'To me, it is very touching to see young people of your age reaching out so far — you’ve never met those people, you don’t know if you ever will in your lifetime, yet you feel obligated to show that you care and can help,' Rabbi Steinmetz told the students. 'In that way, you’ve fulfilled the word mitzvah, the commandment of Tzedakah. You didn’t just do something charitable, you did justice. If someone, somewhere is suffering, you’ve shown that you suffer, too.'

Student Maya Werbow said, 'This is our world, and we have to be responsible. If it had happened to us, the people of the Bahamas would help us.'"

Read the full article here.

Learn More about CDS In the News: Students Donate to Chabad of Sarasota
Quote from Head of School about Community Day's commitment to diversity.

Head of School, Dan Ceaser, was featured in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune regarding Community Day School's commitment to diversity and inclusivity. Ceaser highlighted the positive results experienced by the student body and staff as a result of these initiatives while encouraging educators and legislators throughout the state to implement policies that will support LGBTQ students and families. 

The article is below:

Two state lawmakers recently filed bills banning discrimination against gay, lesbian, transgender and disabled students by private schools that receive public funds from Florida’s scholarship and voucher programs.

Current state law bans discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, but it enables private schools — including some faith-based institutions — to have policies asserting that gay students can be expelled, or that gay, lesbian and transgender families may be barred from enrolling.

At Hershorin Schiff Community Day School, we strongly support programs that enable greater school choice for Florida families while firmly disavowing policies that exclude students from educational opportunities simply based on who they are. We believe that such policies are shortsighted, cruel and inconsistent with any institution that espouses a values-based mission.

We live in a world that is data-driven and the data is clear: LGBTQ adults and children, as well as children raised in LGBTQ homes, are subject to a level of discrimination that should not be tolerated in a civilized society.

According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s “2018 LGBTQ Youth Report,” LGBTQ youth are twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted, and four in 10 LGBTQ youth say the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBTQ people. Just five percent say all of their teachers and school staff are supportive of LGBTQ people.

Nearly five years ago, our school was established as an independent institution with a mission that emphasizes the values of diversity and pluralism alongside academic rigor and leadership.

Students learn about and share religious values and traditions from around the world while benefiting from a courteous and respectful learning environment that values the beliefs and the rights of every member of our community.

At Community Day, core to our mission is helping shape the next generation to lead the fight against anti-Semitism, racism and sexual, gender and cultural discrimination. We aren’t just teaching students a traditional core curriculum — we’re giving them the tools to build a better world.

As educators, we can all agree that kids need to learn reading, writing and math as well as social and employability skills. But we also need to create safe spaces for children and share the responsibility for raising a generation that is better able to handle the challenges of our society.

In our schools and communities, there are easy steps we can take to address discrimination:

• Although topics such as sexual orientation and gender identity may be uncomfortable to talk about, we need to discuss these issues openly, and acknowledge that discrimination happens.

• Make our classrooms more inclusive. This can mean avoiding the use of gendered language, allowing students and families to self-identify, making sure facilities are accessible for all students, and showing you’re an LGBTQ ally.

• Take advantage of free community resources. We asked ALSO Youth to do an “inclusivity audit” to see how we were doing and identify opportunities to do more and better.

• Walk the talk. Aggressively pursue inclusivity and kindness and actively confront those who speak or behave in a way that is antithetical to those values.

When it comes to education, equity and inclusion, no school — public, private or faith-based — should be allowed an “out.” Independent schools, in particular, have the autonomy, authority and responsibility to lead in this arena. What better use of our faith-based foundation than to teach inclusivity, love and an appreciation of others?

Leviticus 19:18 reads, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s a lesson that many educators in private schools across the state would do well to heed.

Read the article on the Sarasota Herald Tribune website.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity.

Learn More about Diversity Spotlight: Inclusivity in Action
The C3 Project Accepted to the Sarasota Film Festival

The C3 Project showcases how Community Day School and Visible Men Academy worked together last year through improvisation, spoken word, and play. This documentary short about the two diverse schools exemplifies their unique cultures while celebrating diversity. The Asolo Repertory Theatre led activities to help the 22 participating students explore personal identity and find commonality through theater. Show times are April 8, 3:30 p.m. at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium and again on Friday, April 12, 8 p.m. during the "Florida Showcase 1 Shorts" at Auditorium 3 of the Regal Hollywood Stadium 11. To reserve tickets for a showtime of The C3 Project, go to the Sarasota Film Festival website: sarasotafilmfestival.com.

Learn More about The C3 Project Accepted to the Sarasota Film Festival
Day at the Museum

Pre-kindergarten classes traveled to the South Florida Museum for an exciting learning expedition!  Students were exposed to natural and cultural Florida history from the prehistoric to the present. Highlights included a planetarium view of our solar system as well as below water views of real manatees. The children were each assigned a letter and asked to find things beginning with their letter as they walked through the exhibits. Guided lessons also included making observations about a variety of rocks and fossils. The large mammoth skeleton just beyond the front lobby was met with much contemplation from these young scholars. Our students loved being out on the town together and departing from their regular school environment. Even the novelty of traveling with their friends in the carpool caravan was very intriguing! As usual, learning expeditions at CDS are bountiful!

Learn More about Day at the Museum
Stronger Than Hate

We have reached the end of an inspirational school-wide week celebrating the power of a random act of kindness. The slogan, "Stronger Than Hate" was birthed out of the desire to spread love after the Tree of Life tragedy in Pittsburg, PA. Our school community stands with our friends in Squirrel Hill to send a powerful message of love to the world. Students have been encouraged to think about how we can show kindness to others in our community. They have been given kindness cards to pass out explaining this mission and calling on others to pay it forward. First graders made inspirational posters with a recipient in mind. Our second-grade class hid hand painted rocks at the bayfront to brighten someone's day. Numerous discussions held over morning advisory have sparked deeds to show care, kindness and empathy to others.

Learn More about Stronger Than Hate
Gracias Community Day School

Students in Guatemala thank the Community Day School family for their generous donations. Our third and fourth graders raised money to help victims of the Fuego volcano eruption with sales of Guatemala Grams. Marketing for this service project involved learning about the power of storytelling in motivating an audience to take action. Our students used the Pixar universal story arc to write the story below.  In the end, $850 was raised and sent to these students.  How wonderful for our students to see their vision in helping others come full circle!  As always, we are so proud to see the impact that our students are making around the globe.

Once upon a time, there was an eight-year-old boy named Luis in Escuintle, Guatemala. Every day he played soccer outside with his friends. One day, Volcan De Fuego erupted hot lava. Because of that, his home was destroyed. Because of that, he had to sleep on the floors of the street. Until finally, a small school in Florida, Community Day School, had the vision to help raise funds to support him and his community.

Learn More about Gracias Community Day School
Wendy Katz Honored at 3rd Annual Goldie's Legacy Brunch

Community Day School hosted the 3rd annual Goldie Legacy Brunch honoring local "Champion for all Children" Wendy Katz.  This elegant brunch held at Michael's on the Bay at Selby Gardens included a delicious brunch, mimosa bar and tributes to Dr. Katz. Proceeds from the event will seed the Wendy J. Katz Scholarship Fund, which will assist deserving students who embody the qualities of a non-traditional learner.

Click here to see additional photos and coverage of the event in The Sarasota Observer.

 

Learn More about Wendy Katz Honored at 3rd Annual Goldie's Legacy Brunch
Uncle Mikey's Playground - Now Open!

Preschool students have been enjoying their new outdoor play space and tricycle track since it opened for play last week. This incredible shaded area includes a trike track, Poseidon's hideout, a deconstructed race car, a play cottage, a water trough, and the county garage filling station.  Our commitment to keeping kids outside playing as much as possible just became more fun!  Stop by and see our new outdoor adventure park!

 

Learn More about Uncle Mikey's Playground - Now Open!
Inspiring Future Surgeons at SMH

Nearly every head turned as 12 pint-sized students, dressed appropriately and adorably in blue scrubs, made their way to the Simulation Lab of Sarasota Memorial Hospital. Our kindergartners were privileged to enjoy a morning of learning and lunch thanks to the hospital's community outreach program.  Each child received a cuddly bear and got into protective gear. They explored some cool medical tools and learned about the different ways people can "get fixed" when they are sick. They worked on their teddies, checking heart rates and giving shots, and gently affixing Band-Aids once the injections were done.  The students also enjoyed informative learning demonstrations about robotic surgery and physical therapy.  Perhaps most relatable to our students was learning all the ways the pediatric wing works to make their young patients comfortable including a music and playroom.  The children arrived back to campus full of enthusiasm and stories about their individual bears' treatment plans.  This was certainly a memorable and highly successful learning expedition for some of our youngest students.

 

Learn More about Inspiring Future Surgeons at SMH
CDS School of Excellence

Sarasota's Hershorin Schiff Community Day School was recently presented with the School of Excellence Award from Keep Sarasota County Beautiful in recognition of the school's environmental stewardship curriculum. The award nomination focused on a school-wide cleanup effort at Siesta Beach in March that mixed community service and learning. The school's entire student body heard from environmental experts on topics such as "Understanding Our Tortoises and Sea Turtles," "Sand Investigations," "Erosion, Environmental Issues and Sea Debris" and "Why Worms?" and collected trash to be sorted and studied by Sarasota County scientists. Environmental stewardship is a key component of the curriculum at the school, which offers classes from kindergarten through eighth grade.

Learn More about CDS School of Excellence
Tennis Champs!

Our talented tennis team played the number 2 ranked team, Incarnation, to clinch the championship! Everyone pulled together to make it happen! Congratulations Coach Gina and the Community Day Panthers!
 

Learn More about Tennis Champs!
CDS Second Graders Sing to AVIVA Residents

On the fifth day of Hanukkah, second-graders from Sarasota's Hershorin Schiff Community Day School traveled to Aviva - A Campus for Senior Life to share the joy of the holiday. The students sang Hanukkah songs - including favorites "Oh Chanukah, Oh Chanukah" and "Sevivon Sov Sov Sov" - and interacted with the residents of the facility, benefiting all who participated.

Community Day School and Aviva have enjoyed a warm relationship for some time, with intergenerational programming throughout the school year. Through the Better Together program the past couple of years, middle school students from Community Day and Aviva residents have enjoyed numerous gatherings to celebrate Shabbat and Jewish holidays, share stories, and create memory books and family trees, among other activities. The focus of the Better Together program is to sensitize students to the challenges of the elderly and incorporate Jewish learning and values in their interactions with them.

Longtime second-grade teacher Barbara O'Brien was thrilled for the opportunity to bring her students to Aviva. "Many of our students don't have grandparents here in town and their opportunities to spend time with older people are very limited," she said. "I've found that our kids absolutely light up when we tell them we're going to do something to make other people smile. They definitely enjoyed their time celebrating Hanukkah with their new friends at Aviva."

Learn More about CDS Second Graders Sing to AVIVA Residents
Local Weather Celebrity Bob Harrigan Visits CDS

Our first and second grade students had quite the treat this Monday when local weatherman Bob Harrigan gave an interactive presentation on the science of forecasting! Bob spoke to the students about the ins and outs of weather and answered our students' questions before heading outside to show students the ABC 7 weather tracker van. The crew from ABC 7 kindly left our students with plenty of swag including signed photos of Bob, sunglasses, rulers, pens, and pencils.

Learn More about Local Weather Celebrity Bob Harrigan Visits CDS
Long Table Shabbat

A beautiful night of community and fellowship was had by all recently at our first annual long table family Shabbat dinner. Highlights included the traditional blessings by Rabbi Michael Werbow and the superman prayer from Pastor Kelly Fitzgerald. Many thanks to the Community Day School Parent Association for hosting this incredible night of friendship, food, and fun!

Learn More about Long Table Shabbat
Educating Today's Students for Tomorrow's Future

The middle school STEM drone class kicked off this week with a talk and live demonstration from CDS parent, Tim Nilson. Dr. Webber has big plans for this class. From building drones to exploring the ethics and legality of drones this study is an example of project-based learning at its finest.

Our STEM curriculum keeps pace with modern innovation. The commercial drone market is projected to hit $17bn by 2024: Global Market Insights, Inc.

Thank you to CDS parent Tim Nilson for helping to pilot this program.

Learn More about Educating Today's Students for Tomorrow's Future
If You Give a Chicken a Classroom

Although our chickens live outside in their coop, they have a profound impact on learning throughout the school. Tikkun Olam, repairing the world, is an essential part of our mission and our feathered friends help teach those lessons. The 3rd and 4th graders have been reading chicken themed books to their kindergarten book buddies. This week, they also enjoyed scrambled eggs and pancakes made with the eggs provided by our chickens. 

Learn More about If You Give a Chicken a Classroom
KEHILLAH | COMMUNITY
LIMUD | LEARNING
TZEDEK | JUSTICE
KEHILLAH | COMMUNITY
LIMUD | LEARNING
TZEDEK | JUSTICE
KEHILLAH | COMMUNITY
LIMUD | LEARNING
TZEDEK | JUSTICE
KEHILLAH | COMMUNITY
LIMUD | LEARNING

At a glance

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Map Points

United Kingdom
United States
China
India
Bahamas
Brazil
Canada
Cuba
Czech Republic
Ethiopia
Filipino
France
Guatemala
Hungary
Iran
Israel
Italy
Korea
Latvia
Macedonia
Monaco
Morocco
Nepal
The Netherlands
Panama
Philipines
Puerto Rico
Russian Federation
Serbia
Slovakia
South Vietnam
Sweden
Taiwan
Vietnamese

      For more information on how to use DashPass, click HERE to access the Dashpass YouTube Channel containing instructional videos for Mobile App Users.

 

  

 

38

Countries represented by our families and faculty at CDS

12

Languages spoken at home and in our hallways

10

Religions practiced among our school community

78

Mile zone of attendance that stretches across multiple counties