Ma’ayanot recently devoted each grade’s Community Time to reflecting on the school’s values and mission, and how they impact each student’s individual journey. Head of School CB Neugroschl shared stories of her own experiences as a high school student, and students examined key phrases from Ma’ayanot’s mission statement, such as “Ma’ayanot prepares graduates who lead lives shaped by Halakha, Avodat Hashem and Torah learning; who strive to personalize Torah scholarship and achieve academic success.” Students shared how they see, and envision, these values actualized in the school, and heard closing words from their grade mashpia (religious advisor).

The discussion “showed me the real mission and purpose of Ma’ayanot and its atmosphere,” said freshman Aliza Mermelstein. Neugroschl later told students, “I was blown away by your honest and thoughtful ideas about how our school mission is meaningful to you, and I am eager to continue our conversation.”

Neugroschl and Ninth Grade Dean Nina Bieler followed up with focus groups of students who volunteered to share their experiences and ideas about how to best make Ma’ayanot’s values visible in the arenas of tzniut and dress code, as well as COVID-19 protocols. Conducting student focus groups is itself modeling and fulfilling key aspects of the mission statement, such as “Ma’ayanot prepares graduates who pursue their passion and leadership voice; who value each person, their ideas and experiences with empathy and respect.”

Sophomore Aleeza Goldberg said, “It was so interesting to hear how Mrs. Neugroschl’s experience was different from mine. Ma’ayanot made me the person I am today. I really appreciate our relationships with teachers and our co-curriculars and opportunities we have to grow.” Freshmen Talia Katz and Ayelet Eisikowitz agreed: “We appreciate that Mrs. Neugroschl built on her own high school experience to give us a great experience and support us to be our best selves.”