At Bernard Zell, our mission has always been clear: To develop exceptional young people who put Jewish values into action. As our students navigate the exciting and dynamic 5th - 8th grade years, they experience a powerful period of intellectual growth and self-discovery. To deepen our commitment to student well-being and community, ensuring that every student is met where they are and fully supported as they navigate these transformative years, we are thrilled to introduce our new Middle School Grade-Level Dean Program.

Working in tandem with our Director of Student Life, Middle School faculty, advisors, and administration, the Grade-Level Deans will support students on their journey from 5th grade to 8th grade, with a goal of experiencing a balanced, inclusive, and joyful school environment, grounded in the principles of Responsive Classroom, Collaborative Problem Solving, and Restorative Practices.

The Middle School Grade-Level Dean Program is designed to directly reflect our core school values and enhance the whole-child approach that defines a Bernard Zell education:

• Cultivating Community & Belonging: Grade-Level Deans will serve as dedicated anchors for each grade level, nurturing a culture where every student feels seen, valued, and connected. By prioritizing relational trust, our deans will help strengthen the partnership between students, faculty, and families.

• Living with Integrity & Compassion: Adolescence is a time of learning how to make ethical choices and navigate complex social dynamics. Grade-Level Deans will mentor students in developing emotional intelligence, practicing Kavod (respect), and understanding what it means to be a true mensch—someone who acts with kindness, empathy, and integrity in every setting.

• Inspiring Curiosity & Academic Resilience: Success in middle school requires both academic rigor and character development. Grade-Level Deans will work closely with advisors and subject-area teachers to encourage the development of critical thinking skills, to support students taking ownership of their learning, and to teach our students how to "fail forward" with confidence and resilience.

• Leading the Way & Celebrating Jewish Identity: As our students prepare to become active leaders in their communities, the Grade-Level Deans will guide them in putting Jewish values into action—whether through service learning (Tikkun Olam) opportunities, student leadership initiatives, or exploring their personal connection to Jewish tradition and heritage.

On a daily basis, the Grade-Level Deans’ focus  will include proactive advisory coordination, grade-level programming, individual support and timely communication between all constituencies (teachers, advisors, administration, and parents).

• Grade-Level Advisory: Grade-Level Deans will collaborate with our Director of Student Life to lead the creation and implementation of our middle school advisory curriculum, focusing on social-emotional learning (SEL),  peer-to-peer relationships, conflict resolution skills, and personal growth. This program will be tailored specifically to the developmental needs of each grade.

• Student Life & Activities: From field trips and special events to academic milestones, the Grade-Level Deans will manage the cadence of activities to maintain a healthy, manageable rhythm for students and faculty alike in each specific grade.

• Guidance: The Grade-Level Deans will support the advisors and the faculty in the implementation of the Middle School "Student in Good Standing" policies and the Peer-to-Peer framework, guiding students through behavioral and social challenges with consistency and compassion.

• Communication: Each Dean will act as a dedicated point of connection and communication between students, teachers, advisors, and parents, focusing on developing and maintaining strong partnerships and clear communication across our entire community. By prioritizing relational trust, our deans will help strengthen the partnership between students, faculty, and families.

By embedding this mentorship into the middle school experience, the Middle School Grade-Level Dean Program ensures that as our students progress toward graduation, they embody the qualities of our Portrait of a Graduate: creative and critical thinkers, compassionate and kind human beings, resilient and resourceful individuals, and active leaders.

Please join me in welcoming our 2026-27  Middle School Grade-Level Deans:

Mali Barak - 5th grade

Josh Mather - 6th grade

Sam Puchalski -  7th grade

Jen Schmidt - 8th grade

Middle School parents, please stay tuned for an invitation to meet with the Grade-Level Deans as we begin the school year. As always, we are grateful for our parents’ partnership and shared commitment to our school community. 

We are Looking forward to welcoming everyone back to campus on Friday, August 28 at our Classroom Preview Day!