(Courtesy of JFNNJ) As schools struggled to reopen, administrators, staff and families were forced to address issues beyond the usual curriculum and scheduling concerns. Beyond contemplating which students would be placed in which class, which after-school activities would be offered and what programs would enhance the learning experience, countless hours were spent on the logistics of opening school safely during a pandemic.

One of the most pressing needs, in addition to sanitizing equipment and PPE (personal protective equipment), was the need for an easy way to take the temperature of the children and faculty in the building. When Jewish Federation learned that the day schools were searching for this, Debbie Gottlieb, manager of the group purchasing initiative called Kehillah Cooperative, got to work. She researched, negotiated, procured and arranged for the installation of temperature scanners for 10 area day schools.

A rabbi at RYNJ said, “We just couldn’t believe how quickly Federation turned this into a reality for us. And, they negotiated better prices than we ever would have on our own.”

Gottlieb said, “I knew when I heard what the day schools were looking for that Federation could play an important role in making this happen. Our group purchasing initiatives have provided savings on electricity, health insurance, office supplies, security measures and so much more. This technology is brand new, and when everything came together, it was very exciting.”

“As a parent, knowing these scanners are being used every day provides some comfort to us during this period of uncertainty. We are travelling down uncharted waters and it’s great to know that the community came together to support each other,” said a Moriah parent.