Faculty and Staff Information
Jennifer Baudy, MSW, LSW Counselor
Jennifer Baudy is beginning her third year as the school guidance counselor. Jennifer holds a Bachelor of History degree from Washington University and has received a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. Jennifer's work experience is marked with dedication to children and their families. She worked in Head Start classrooms promoting the State of Ohio's educational standards for high-risk students. Most recently, Jennifer served as school-based therapist and provided support for a diverse student body. In that position, she conducted mental health assessments, provided ongoing individual counseling, coordinated services with community partners, and facilitated mediation groups. jbaudy@nojds.com
Mery Beit Halahmi B.A. Hebrew Teacher, all grades
Mery comes to us from Israel where she earned her Bachelors degree in Education at the Kibbutzim College in Ramat Aviv. She spent several years teaching special education to children with physical and mental disabilities. Before her studies, Mery was a member of the Golani division of the Israeli Defense Force and spent time traveling across Europe.
Bob Berk, Ph.D. Head of School
Dr. Bob Berk is currently the Head of School at New Orleans Jewish Day School. Bob received his BS from the University of California at San Diego, his M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration from Xavier University in Cincinnati and his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy from Vanderbilt University. After receiving his doctorate, Bob served as Head of School at Akiva Community Day School in Nashville for five years. He has also served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt. In his work, Dr. Berk has focused on the quality of instructional programs, as well as on creating a vibrant Jewish community in the school for students, teachers, parents and Board members alike. In addition, he is passionate about creating programs in social action and continuing education for both parents and alumni. Before beginning his career in educational leadership, Bob taught for 4 years in both private schools and public schools in the Cincinnati area. During his last year of teaching his students were honored as Hometown Heroes by Fox News for their ongoing work in social action. Dr. Berk just completed a two-year term as Vice President for Finance on the executive committee of RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network. bberk@nojds.com
Becka Curry, B.A. Fourth and Fifth Grade Teacher
This is Becka Curry's second year teaching at NOJDS. She currently teaches fourth and fifth grade general studies. Becka received a bachelors degree in French from Furman University, and later continued her studies in education at the University of North Carolina at Wilimington. Becka has been teaching since 2000, beginning her career as a middle school teacher in California. She spent the last five years teaching fifth grade in North Carolina, and is proud to call New Orleans her new home.
Judy Fried, B.A. Kindergarten Teacher
Judy Fried currently teaches Kindergarten at NOJDS. Judy's history at NOJDS dates back to its beginning years teaching Kindergarten for two years before she started her family, as well as first grade teacher and second grade assistant for the last two years. Prior to her connection to the New Orleans Day School, she taught Kindergarten for twelve years at Akiba Academy, a Day School in Dallas, which won a Presidential award for Excellence in Teaching. Upon her arrival in New Orleans in 1994, she held a dual role as Pre-K teacher and Director of Temple Sinai Pre-School. Judy has a Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten Endorsement and a Concentration in Reading from the University of Texas at Austin. She is especially proud to be a parent of a NOJDS graduate and present fourth grader at NOJDS. jfried@nojds.com
Lauren Gisclair, M.A. Music Teacher, Kindergarten Assistant Teacher
Lauren Mouney Gisclair, Music Instructor and Kindergarten Teaching Assistant, is excited to return to NOJDS for her third year. Lauren holds a Bachelor of Music from Indiana University and a Master of Music from Penn State University where she taught voice lessons both privately and in the classroom. In 2004, she taught on the faculty at Mount Carmel Academy and returned this past summer to direct their theatre camp. In addition to teaching, Lauren performs with New Orleans Opera Education as Gretel in Hansel and Gretel. She also maintains a busy schedule as a voice and piano teacher in the New Orleans area. lgisclair@nojds.com
Frieda Lor Judaic Studies
Deb Marsh Director of Admissions and Development
Deb Marsh is a local professional, born and raised in Greater New Orleans. She loves this city and the people in the community. Deb has held the position of Director of Admissions and Development since August 1, 2005. She is proud to count herself as one of two current employees from before the storm who continued through the devastation to rebuild NOJDS. Deb was educated in the public school system and attended UNO. Deb has worked in independent schools for over a decade and has enjoyed her career in the private school sector. Before coming to NOJDS, she spent six years as a development associate at Isidore Newman School and also was the Assistant Director of Summer Programs at Newman. She is proud of her career in education and adores children. Deb Marsh is married and has two grown children. dmarsh@nojds.com
Aleeza Adelman B.A., MJEd Judaic Studies
Aleeza is currently the Judaic Studies teacher at New Orleans Jewish Day School. Aleeza received her Bachelors Degree from Indiana University in Television and Film Production. After graduating from college and working in New York City for a few years, Aleeza went to Israel for three years to study at the Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Aleeza was a member of the 9th Cohort of the Pardes Educators Program, and graduated in June 2010 with a Masters Degree in Jewish Education, specifically Jewish Day School education, and a certificate of Advanced Jewish Studies. Aleeza is excited and proud to be working in the tight-knit community of NOJDS.
Jessican Perlman, B.A., MAT 1st Grade
Jessica Perlman is very excited to be teaching first grade at NOJDS. She earned a BA in English from the University of Rhode Island, and an MAT from the DeLeT program at Brandeis University. Prior to NOJDS, Jessica worked at The Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island and The South Area Solomon Schechter Day School, teaching in pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade classrooms. Additionally, Jessica worked as a reporter for the Rhode Island Jewish Voice and Herald, and was employed at Temple Am David in Warwick, RI where she taught the Eunice Zeidman (E.Z.) primary class, and led Tot Shabbat services.
Anna Salomon, MAT General Studies, 2nd and 3rd grade
Anna Salomon has a BA in early childhood studies, an MA in Jewish studies with a certificate in Jewish non-profit management from Gratz College, and an MAT from the DeLeT program at Brandeis. She has previous experience teaching, as well as working with kids of all ages in informal education and programming. Anna and her husband Peter have three beautiful sons, Adin (4.5), Josh (8), and Andy (12). asalomon@nojds.com
Debbie Schlackman, MLS Library-Media Specialist
Debbie Schlackman has a Bachelor of Music degree from Jacksonville University and a Master of Library Science degree from Florida State University. She is beginning her 15th year as the librarian for the Day School. Debbie is also the technology coordinator and teaches computer skills classes. She is active with Gates of Prayer Sisterhood and Women of Reform Judaism. She is married to Jonathan and has two children, Lisa Podolsky (29) married to Paul and living in Chicago (and new grandson Jack!), and Mark (26) a third year law student at Tulane University. dschlackman@nojds.com
Lauren Ungar, M.A. Assistant Teacher and Marketing Associate
Mrs. Lauren Ungar is an Assistant Teacher for second through fifth grades in Language Arts and is the NOJDS Marketing Associate. Lauren came to New Orleans in 2005 to attend Loyola University New Orleans where she earned her Bachelor Degree in English Creative Writing. Last year, Lauren earned her Masters Degree in English Rhetoric and Composition at the University of New Orleans. Lauren has professional experience with publication production, graphic and signage design, and website management. She is knowledgeable of cutting-edge marketing tools and strategies and coordinates NOJDS’ community programming events.
Heidi Vizelberg, B.S. General Studies, Pre-K
Mrs. Heidi Vizelberg is the current Pre Kindergarten teacher of the New Orleans Jewish Day School. After earning a Bachelor of the Sciences in Elementary Education from Indiana University in 1981, Heidi started her teaching career. A former Kindergarten teacher at the New Orleans Free School, she was honored as Teacher of the Year and Ranking Teacher. Since 1981, she has taught Pre Kindergarten through Second grades in several New Orleans area schools, including Aurora Gardens Academy, Metairie Park Country Day, Gates of Prayer Nursery School, and now New Orleans Jewish Day School. Heidi also worked for a local tutoring company and continues to tutor privately in her home. Heidi is active at Congregation Gates of Prayer and is currently serving on the Board of Trustees. She is married to Igor and they have one son, Maxbetter, who proudly attended NOJDS for 8 years. He is now a freshman at Harvard. hvizelberg@nojds.com
Teachers preparing for 2011-2012 Year:(from Left) Bob Berk, Becka Curry, Aleeza Adelman, Jessica Pearlman, Heidi Vizelberg, Judy Fried, Mery Beit Halahmi, and Lauren Ungar
Blog
In addressing a group of students at a Jewish day school in Boston, Susannah Heschel commented that “it is not enough to be a Jew, but [it is necessary] to stand for Jewish principles. Heschel, the daughter of Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, learned at a young age what it meant to stand for Jewish principles. She has vivid memories of her father receiving a telegram from Dr. Martin Luther King asking Heschel to travel to Selma, Alabama to join in a march that would become one of the enduring symbols of the fight for civil rights. Heschel stood for Jewish principles in his fight for civil rights. Almost fifty years later we can do the same.
This Monday we have an opportunity to march in this year’s parade honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his tremendous legacy. Our presence will do more than just honor King’s legacy; it will also make a statement that tikkun olam is more than acts of charity. Indeed, working for justice by removing the cause of social problems is equally as worthy. Our participation in the march makes the statement that our community can be an effective agent for change. Please join us at 9:45 on Monday, January 16th at Congo Square. In the words of Rabbi Heschel, we will ‘pray with our feet.’
Tradition. Our traditions mean a lot to me. Playing football on Thanksgiving. Aunt Jean’s gefilte fish. Potatoes on Lag B’Omer. Grilling hot dogs and burgers on the 4th of July. Eating in our sukkah. Some of these traditions I look forward to every year. Others – like Aunt Jean’s gefilte fish – I look back upon fondly and wish they were still part of my life.
I also admire other people’s traditions. While traveling in Africa many years ago I took part in a New Year’s Eve tradition of dancing to African music long into the night. The sense of community that this brought forth was similar to how I feel every year on Simchat Torah when our community dances with the Torahs. Dancing to the drum beat was a once in a lifetime event for me – it was wonderful, but I never adopted it as my own tradition.
This week I learned from one of our families about a birthday tradition in India. I love its simplicity. When a child has a birthday the parents bring cake to the school, but not for the student’s classmates as we do in the United States. Instead, the parents bring the cake for the teachers. This is such a profound statement to make. On the day that parents celebrate their child’s birthday they also honor their child’s teacher. Thank you to the Garg family for sharing one of their traditions with us. I love the message and I hope to adopt it as my own.
On Monday evening we hosted a panel of experts to discuss The Blessing of a B-, by Wendy Mogel. Dr. Mogel’s book about using Jewish teachings to raise resilient teenagers has lessons that can apply to all of us, regardless of the age of our children. Many poignant comments stick in my mind as I reflect back on the wisdom that Deena Gerber, Dr. Lynn Parker and Rabbi Alexis Berk shared with us on Monday night, but two points stick with me most of all.
First, Hasidic thought teaches the idea of balance. We are taught to keep two pieces of paper in our pockets at all times. On the first piece, we should write, “I am but a speck of dust.” On the other, “The world was created for me.” These two clearly contradictory images speak to a great tension in Jewish thought and to a dilemma inherent in child raising. We want our children to see the divine in everything – including themselves. We want them to be proud, confident, sure of their contribution to this world. Yet, we also want them to understand each person’s role in interconnected world. We worry about selfish behavior and arrogance. Mogel reminds us that we must strive to help our children learn that they are both holy and ordinary. Both qualities have value in childrearing.
The second point that sticks with me surrounds the idea of creating two lists of behaviors. The first list includes items that are that are non-negotiable. The second list includes behaviors that are unpleasant, but may be ignored, for the sake of minimizing conflict between parents and their teens or pre-teens. Some parents may place cursing on the absolutely unacceptable list, but they are able to ignore it when their child rolls his or her eyes at them. The purpose of the list is not to give your children areas where they are allowed to misbehave. Rather, Mogel suggests that parents use such lists as ways to help avoid second guessing themselves about whether they are asking too much, enough or not enough of their teen. Parents who know their non-negotiables up front are better able to respond to behavior in a consistent manner with the confidence of their convictions behind them.
Wish that you had attended on Monday evening? We still have a few copies of Mogel’s book available for purchase for the subsidized price of $10. Other adult education opportunities are coming up through our Berenson Library programming. Stay tuned for more information.
Thanks to everyone who joined us at our Picnic in the Park yesterday. It turned out to be a great way to relax and enjoy each other’s company after Yom Kippur. Two stories that I would like to share:
- A lot of the kids really enjoyed the treasure hunt. Groups of kids (and at least one adult) had to run around the park going from clue to clue. The treasure hunt ended back by the picnic blankets and the kids were each able to pick out a prize. Once finished, about half the kids asked if they could do it again. When we said sure – but not for an additional prize – most of them wanted to do it again anyway. Neat.
- What could be better than tossing around a football on a beautiful day? Lots of football and Frisbee games sprung up yesterday, but my favorite game demonstrated just why I love this community. One teacher, one second grade girl, one fourth grade boy and one 6th grade girl who is an alum. Different ages, different football ability, one happy group.
Did you miss the picnic? No worries, our Sukkah Dinner is Monday, October 17th. The evening promises to be a lot of fun: food, friends, music and relaxation. Current students, alumni and extended family members are all welcome!
Every morning I have the privilege of standing outside to greet kids as they walk into NOJDS. It is my favorite part of my day. What could be better than opening car doors for a whole bunch of smiling kids?
Most mornings I get a few kids who say hello or good morning, some reports about the night before and, yes, some blank stares from kids who are still a little sleepy. This morning, one of the students said, “Why can’t jump rope team be on Tuesday?” His friend asked – with some semblance of disbelief – “You mean you really like jump rope club?” I didn’t really hear the response as they had moved on, but it seemed pretty clear that waiting until Thursday for 25 minutes of jump rope team was just too long a wait…
This morning I joined the 4th and 5th graders on a quick trip to Bayou St. John. One of our Judaic Studies teachers – Mrs. Adelman – prepared a lesson on tashlich, which is typically done on the afternoon of Rosh Hashanah. After Tefillah, the kids spent some time alone thinking about what they may need to apologize for – and to whom – and what sins they may have committed during the past year. They then threw bread into the Bayou to symbolize the throwing away of their sins.
I would like to offer my thanks to Hugo and Lis Kahn who hosted us at their beautiful home on the Bayou. Also, my apologies to the fisherman - the fish seemed pretty full when we left!
Who says art museums can't be fun for 4th and 5th graders? Not our students! Yesterday's field trip was a blast for all of us who went. Our 4th and 5th graders loved their scavenger hunt. Each of them walked excitedly around the museum looking for answers to the clues. They each noticed something different. One student couldn't believe how real the portraits looked - which led to a discussion of what life was like prior to the invention of the camera. Another student felt that the paintings needed better titles. "Girl in Green Dress" might be descriptive, but one has to admit that it isn't very creative. Finally, how about recess (with permission) in the middle of a sculpture garden? Imagine all the places to hide in a great game of hide and seek! Our kids found them all - and found a new way to appreciate art along the way.
I couldn't help but be overwhelmed with a sense of pride as I stood there listening to them sing about peace in front of over 200 people. Each sang with a contagious joy that left a lasting feeling in the room. Congratulations to all of our students who participated!
This morning I joined 15 of our students for the first meeting of our Jump Rope Team. It was great to be part of our inaugural day of morning exercise. I’m looking forward to other before school exercise opportunities…and perhaps after a few days of Jump Rope Team I will be able to do 100 jumps without passing out from exhaustion!
My favorite moment was when he asked the students to share some additional prayers that they might add to Birchot HaShachar - the morning blessings. Our students began by saying that they would like to add 'laasok b'dvrei torah' - the customary blessing that we say before studying Torah. Others wanted to add the Sh'ma.
And what prayer did Rabbi Schiller want to add? Thank you G-d for soccer. With this prayer for a favorite sport he taught our students to reflect on some of G-d's simple creations. Birchot HaShachar reminds us of the miracle of ALL of G-d's creations - both big and small.
NOJDS February Is Jewish Disability Awareness Month and Veguary http://t.co/DOQjzrIx http://t.co/Z4iYskpP
2 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Shabbat Shalom to all our families! Sunday is the Little Rascal's Parade, for children, in Metairie on Veterans Blvd http://t.co/XUEmc1wy
2 days ago via web
NOJDS Click the "Welcome" icon in the left column for information about http://t.co/VXLTdH2O and their donations to NOJDS... http://t.co/v9W653Za
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NOJDS Click the "Welcome" icon in the left collumn for information about http://t.co/VXLTdH2O and their donations to NOJDS... http://t.co/MVT66p1Z
5 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Tomorrow 2, 3, 4, and 5 graders will visit the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra! Wear you uniform tomorrow to go... http://t.co/hfl0tKBx
5 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Happy 100th Day of School! Pre-K through 1st grade made poster boards with 100 objects on them and are wearing... http://t.co/9Cyd4ob3
7 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS @nycnolatrip we hope y'all had a great time in New Orleans! Next time stop by our school. We would love to sing and learn with you.
10 days ago via web
NOJDS 4 & 5 grade learn about burrowing owls as they read the newberry award winning book Hoot. Today they finish making their paper mache owls!
10 days ago via web
NOJDS Good Thursday morning everyone! We woke up to a thunderstorm but it's dying down. The weather will be clear the rest of the day and tomorrow
11 days ago via web
NOJDS Happy Rosh Chodesh (head of the month) visit this link to learn more about Shevat and other Hebrew months.... http://t.co/CVgXgpVy
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NOJDS Teddy Bear Tea for PreK and 1st grade! Welcome to our Gates of Prayer friends who are joining us for Teddy Bear... http://t.co/UP5dNY3R
13 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Good Monday morning NOJDS! Let's start the week off right with a favorite morning song. http://t.co/UlqjF0kD
14 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Good Friday morning NOJDS! Oneg at 2:35 today to celebrate the Shabbat weekend ahead. Remember: Student Council... http://t.co/VEqWCqcS
17 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Check out Dr. Berk's thoughts on Martin Luther King Jr. in his new blog... http://t.co/oJtBogvW
17 days ago via Facebook
NOJDS Visit Sammy Spider author Sylvia Rouss's blog and video hub http://t.co/auoOsOT2 http://t.co/KlJUmLk8
19 days ago via web
