Upbeat music, teachers with “welcome home” signs, masks and smiling eyes and an array of tents greeted Ma’ayanot students returning to school on August 31 and September 1. Ma’ayanot’s summer planning focused on balancing the fundamental need for safety and health with the warmth, excitement and academic excellence that characterize Ma’ayanot. Rabbi Zev Prince, assistant principal for co-curricular life, explained, “We have a responsibility to our parents, students and faculty to keep them safe and happy. We are striving to be a model of how to safely reopen, and give our students the warm and inclusive experience that they’ve come to expect Ma’ayanot.”

The hard work of the administration and teachers and the technology, student activities, guidance, office and maintenance teams came to fruition with a glorious orientation. Senior Ellie Schron noted, “It’s been way too long, and we’re happy to be back with our friends.” Sophomore Becca Mantell said, “I’m really excited to reconnect with everyone, and start learning again.”

Concluded Head of School CB Neugroschl, “After so many months of planning, it was thrilling to see how happy our students were to be back together. Our time at orientation was focused on empowering everyone in our community to understand the importance of each of their decisions in keeping our school community—and broader community—healthy and safe. While there are many challenges to being in person, there are also such extraordinary, special opportunities and a chance to emphasize on the habits of taking care of each other and being mindful of how our personal decisions impact our community. I am so proud of the creativity and collegiality of the Ma’ayanot faculty in teaching each other and learning new methodologies and pedagogies, and having an open heart and mind when thinking about what our students need.”