As the end of the school year approaches, social distancing continues to be the new normal. Many schools and families will not be able to partake in large-scale graduations. This is especially heartbreaking for Yeshivat He’Atid, which is celebrating its first graduating class. However, this past Sunday, the administrators got together and drove by every He’Atid graduate’s house. They had music blasting from their cars. Each child received a cap and gown and a personalized lawn sign. Surrounding neighbors came out and were cheering and singing along. The smiles on the children’s faces were priceless.
Our family has been privileged to be with Yeshivat He’Atid since it opened its doors eight years ago. It seems like yesterday that we attended parlor meetings in the Distenfeld house. Gershon’s vision of an affordable yeshiva education blossomed into a school that embraces the individual student’s learning style. Through their project-based learning model they incorporate technology that helps develop analytical thinking and nurtures each student’s unique talents. The teachers are committed to providing high quality Jewish and secular education through blended learning. They combine face-to-face teaching with online learning to meet the individual educational needs of the students.
The eighth grade class is made up of students who have been with the school since the start as well as those who have joined along the way. They are a close-knit group who have all benefited from the educational model that is unique to Yeshivat He’Atid. The parents have had faith in the school administrators and board members throughout the years and have witnessed the school grow by leaps and bounds. They watched as their children received their first siddur and later chumash. They watched as their kids moved from the “little house” on Washington Avenue to the state-of-the-art building that houses over 550 students. They marched along proudly as their children attended their first Israel Day Parade. They formed the very first parents’ association and spearheaded countless events and programs. Now, with much nachat they will be zoche to partake in the biggest achievement in the history of the school; watching as their children become the first Yeshivat He’Atid graduates.
Wishing all the graduates and their families mazel tov and much success in their future endeavors.
Shani Balsam is a Yeshivat He’Atid parent.
