On Sunday, Westchester Day School hosted its Open House for early childhood (2-year-old Tots and ganon) through eighth grade. Head of School Rabbi Dani Rockoff, and other members of the educational leadership team, shared with parents the highlights of the WDS mission, vision, curriculum and approach to engaged learning that happens both in the classroom and around the beautiful waterfront campus. A panel of students and recent graduates shared what is special about WDS—the themes of kindness, menschlichkeit, inclusivity, supportive environment and religious and academic prep for high school resonated with all in the room.

Younger children participated in sensory experiences, STEAM activities, singing and a puppet show with the ganon and kindergarten educators; while first through fifth grade students participated in a simulation FUNdations and Ivrit lesson. All prospective students had a fantastic time painting with leaves on canvas with the art specialist, and manipulating small robots through a maze with STEAM specialists. This was just a glimpse of what a typical day at WDS entails.

This year, WDS is celebrating 75 years of Jewish day school excellence, and takes great price in our longstanding and rich heritage—including a significant number of second and even third generation WDS families; prospective and current families could be seen in Alumni Hall, excitedly identifying parents, aunts, uncles and grandparents in class photos that date back to the school’s founding in 1948. There was no doubt the administration, faculty, students and parent volunteers showcased the beauty and uniqueness of a WDS education, and why it continues to stand out m’dor l’dor—from generation to generation: warmth, and academic excellence—all in an atmosphere that inspires religious growth within a committed Modern Orthodox hashkafa.