Dear Middle School Families,

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We are thrilled to have your student(s) join us as we embark on a journey of growth, discovery, and learning, working together to develop exceptional young people who put Jewish values into action. The first week of school is always a special time, full of new beginnings and the chance to make lasting memories.

Our first few days have been filled with:

• welcoming our newest middle schoolers and facilitating their smooth transition from Lower School to Middle School. As I chatted at lunch with our new 5th graders, they shared that they are “loving the freedom” and “enjoying the classes.”

• supporting our 6th and 7th graders as they met their teachers and began exploring the classrooms and curricula, including the new math and Hebrew curricula and textbooks;

• embracing our new 8th grade school leaders as they settle into their fourth floor home for the 2025-26 school year. They are excitedly delving into the challenging academics, sports, and arts, all leading to preparing for Tiyul and providing leadership in all areas of Bernard Zell student life.

Our middle schoolers have begun building new relationships and strengthening long-standing friendships, learning new schedules and exploring new parts of our building, and getting to know their teachers, classroom norms and expectations for the school year. Please know that it is perfectly normal for students to feel a mix of excitement and nerves as they make this transition. Whether they are completely new to the middle school, in a new grade with new teachers, or finally the student leaders of the school, please reassure them that we are here to support them every step of the way!

Middle School is indeed a unique and transformative time for students. This year, you can expect to see your child grow in so many areas:

• independence: students will be provided opportunities to take more responsibility for their own learning and organization;

• curiosity: the curricula will provide a range of topics which will challenge and engage them;

• critical thinking and problem-solving skills: student assignments will provide opportunities for deeper analysis and creative solutions;

• social-emotional learning: students will investigate a curriculum and receive guidance and support for exploring friendships and managing peer relationships;

• academic challenges: the teachers will provide curricula that become more rigorous as the year progresses, building upon the foundation from previous grades, and preparing our students for a demanding high school curriculum and beyond.

We believe in fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment where every student feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.

As always, your partnership will be invaluable. Below are some ways you will be able to support your child(ren).

• Creating structures to support the development of organizational skills: planners, digital shared calendars, strategies for keeping their backpack and locker in order, homework routines, a dedicated, quiet study space with limited technology access.

• Creating safe spaces for your child(ren) to share about their day, both the successes and the challenges.

• Creating options for healthy eating, physical activity and adequate rest.

• Creating space for your child(ren) to solve problems, occasionally fail and try again, and to advocate for themselves.

• Reaching out to teachers if you have questions.

The Middle School faculty and I anticipate a year of joyful growth and respectful collaboration. We look forward to regular communication and encourage you to connect with your child(ren)'s teachers and/or with me to discuss any ideas, questions or concerns.

Kind regards,
Eileen Wasserman, Interim Head of Middle School