When it comes to showing appreciation, it’s tough to beat the creativity, warmth and sweetness extended by Rabbi Uzi Beer, principal of the JEC lower school. As a send-off to his faculty and staff on the last day of class before mid-winter vacation, he and his assistant principals Mrs. Faigy Leiter and Dr. Goldie Grossman set up a mouth-watering hot chocolate bar in the teachers’ room, complete with assorted hot chocolate and other hot beverage options and an array of toppings that had teachers smiling from ear to ear.

“It’s amazing to feel so appreciated,” shared kindergarten teacher Morah Sarah Karp. Primer teacher Morah Shana Weisman agreed. “Something that seems small makes such a huge difference to all of us,” she said.

As faculty and staff congregated in the teachers’ room for one final toast before the end of the day, Rabbi Beer congratulated them on a tremendous first half of the year. “This is just one small way of recognizing and giving back to you and saying thanks,” he said.