JKHA middle school joined together over Zoom the day after the riots at the Capitol to discuss the events that transpired. Middle School Principal Ms. Levenson went over the background of the events and explained the process of certifying the election with the Electoral College. She discussed the difference between peaceful and non-peaceful protests, including ones that the country was founded on. She emphasized that the students are witnesses to American history. Ms. Levenson stressed to students the importance of civility when we disagree with people and the need to listen respectfully to each other when debating topics and opinions. The assembly set the tone for how the violent protests were addressed throughout the day in social studies classes, including discussing the events in relation to our political system, freedom of speech and how to be an informed citizen. Students who have been learning about early American history were able to discuss the historical significance of what took place and compare it to what they have been learning about in their classrooms.

Lower School Principal Rabbi Srolovitz met with third and fourth grade students to discuss the events. Together with the students they explored the differences between peaceful protests and the riots that took place. Rabbi Srolovitz described that every American citizen should feel confident to make his or her voice heard and that every voice matters, but each voice must come from a place of mutual respect and a desire to hear another side.