2010 5th Grade Class Gift
Posted by Levey Day School in News on June 3, 2010
Door Mural
By: The 2010 Levey Day School 5th grade class and Morah Camille
At Levey Day School we emphasize the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah (making a mitzvah as beautiful as possible).
Each year our graduating class creates a beautiful Jewish gift to leave behind. The class of 2010 took it upon themselves, guided by their Judaic/Hebrew teacher (an artist as well as a teacher), to create a mural filled with words of Torah around the door through which we enter and leave our school, reminding us that Torah is always present for us.
2010 Levey Day School 5th Grade Class Gift - Door Mural
The words surrounding the door are taken from Moses’ blessing to the tribes of Israel just before they crossed over the Jordan River into the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 28:3 & 6):
“Blessed shall you be in the city and blessed shall you be in the field.”
“Blessed shall you be in your comings and blessed shall you be in your goings.”
The words in the sun include the Sh’ma and the end of the Amidah prayer:
“Hear O Israel, Ha-shem is our God, Ha-shem is One.”
“Open my heart to Your Torah and my soul will pursue Your mitzvot.”
The words that wind around the moon, sun and stars are from Genesis 1:14-18, the 4th day in the creation story:
“Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate day from night; they shall serve as signs for the set times, the days and the years, and they shall serve as lights in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth. And it was so. God made the two great lights, the greater light to dominate the day and the lesser light to dominate the night and the stars. And God set them in the expanse of the sky to shine upon the earth, to dominate the day and the night, and to separate light from darkness.”
The imagery corresponds to the words: sun, moon, stars, field and city. The field is a field of barley since we were working close to the holiday of Shavuot. The city is meant to be Portland and the water, the Back Cove many of us drive past as we approach Levey each morning. The forsythia is a continuation of the one outside the door in our very own Torah garden. The tulips were in full bloom outside as we worked on our painted garden.
We offer this gift to Levey, with appreciation to Temple Beth El, and hope that you enjoy what we’ve created.
2010 Levey Day School 5th Grade Class Gift - Door Mural
Levey Day School Announces New Director
Posted by Levey Day School in News on April 29, 2010
Northern New England’s only Jewish day school is embracing the new decade with a new leader — a spiritual scholar with a talent for teaching, a gift for nurturing and a passion for lifelong learning.
Dr. Stephen Simons has been tapped to take over as director of Levey Day School in Portland.
Dr. Stephen R. Simons
“It is a great honor to be entrusted with this sacred endeavor,” says Simons, an award-winning educator from Massachusetts, who looks forward to “providing a nurturing environment in which children from many backgrounds may thrive and grow morally and spiritually as well as academically.”
Most recently, Simons was director of education at Congregation Mishkan Tefila in Chestnut Hill, Mass., where he focused on intergenerational programs involving children and families.
This ability to connect with people of all ages was one of the primary qualities that made him a standout candidate, according to members of Levey’s search committee.
He was selected from among dozens of applicants worldwide to succeed retiring director Ellie Miller, who has guided Levey for seven years, bringing “stability and growth to the school, overseeing expansion from second grade to fifth and the excellent secular and Judaic curricula,” says Carol Eisenberg, president of the Levey Day School board of directors.
Former students say Simons is an inspiring educator who instills a love of learning that lasts long after they leave the classroom.
Simons officially assumes the Levey directorship on July 1, 2010, and says he is looking forward to continuing to develop the K-5 school, which he calls “an academy of excellence in secular as well as Jewish teaching and learning.”
For more than half a century, Levey has offered strong academic programming combined with moral and spiritual development, and a focus on Jewish values like kindness and responsibility.
Levey Family Fun Day & Auction 2010 Roundup
Posted by Levey Day School in Auction, News on April 13, 2010
Our 2010 Auction and Family Fun Day was a huge success.
From the delicious food (prepared by Levey parents), the exciting wildlife presentation and arts & crafts projects for the kids, and the fabulous items donated by area businesses and artists for our silent auction there was something for everyone.
$14,000 was raised to benefit the school.
Thanks to the many donors and volunteers who made it all possible.
Silent Auction Table
The Accidental Klezmorim
Wildlife Encounters Traveling Zoo
Levey Day School Auction 2010 - Auction Tables
Admiring the Jewelry
Wild Animal Show for the Children
Looking at Schools
Posted by Levey Day School in News on January 1, 2010
Greater Portland is home to a number of excellent public and private elementary schools. If you are looking for the school that is the best fit for your child and your family, I hope you will consider Levey Day School. Maybe Levey hasn’t made it onto your list yet because you think it costs too much for you to afford, or you think it’s “too Jewish” for your family, or you simply don’t know much about it. Levey, the region’s only Jewish day school, might surprise you with its ethnic and religious diversity. Our families are Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, and unaffiliated Jews, as well as non-Jews. Perhaps you don’t know that we offer immersion foreign language. You might be surprised that our program spans pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with a creative and challenging secular program taught in small classes that allow for individualization. Levey is also committed to making its education affordable, and with the generous support of the Jewish community our tuition is a fraction of other private schools, with financial aid available for kindergarten through fifth grade.
My husband and I have been so pleased with our seventh-grade daughter’s success in a large public middle school, which we credit in large measure to her excellent preparation at Levey. We are enjoying watching our fourth-grade daughter blossoming into an impressive student at Levey, and we look forward to sending our two-year-old son, who already says he’s going to Levey Day School “when I’m big.” Look below for what some other parents have to say about what a special school and community Levey is, then come visit us and consider applying for admission.
—-Carol Eisenberg, Peaks island
There isn’t just one reason our son Alex is at Levey, there are many, and together they form a perfect learning environment. First, all of the teachers, both secular and Judaic, are fabulous. They are not only extremely able at teaching the fundamentals and encouraging creativity, they can tailor curriculum to the individual student’s abilities because of the small class size. Second, the children in Alex’s class are lovely, well-behaved (usually), and always eager to learn. We believe that no matter how terrific the teacher is, his or her efforts will not be fruitful if the class is not enthusiastic and focused. Finally, the whole environment is nurturing. As you would expect, the teachers and administrators are kind and helpful, but so are the children to each other. We believe this is a result of the children learning important ethical lessons in their Judaica classes, and the parents at Levey viewing these lessons as important. Levey is not only equipping our child with an excellent education, it is also giving him an understanding of what it means to be a mensch.
–Eva & Halsey Frank,
parents of Alex, 5th grade
As the parent of one highly successful Levey graduate, as well as a current fourth grader, I cannot sing the Day School’s praises loudly enough. My sixth grader has made a wonderful transition to a public middle school this year. She is succeeding academically, socially, as well as in extra-curricular activities. As much as she is enjoying Wescott Junior High and its faculty, she still mentions Levey Day School as her favorite school, and the teachers as her favorites, also. My children have not only received the benefits of an extensive and solid secular curriculum, but also a terrific Judaic experience as well. Congregants at our synagogue are constantly amazed by their knowledge of Hebrew, and of the service, and my answer is always “the Day School.” Even more importantly, I feel that because of the smaller class sizes, the teachers at Levey have done so much to nurture their neshama, their soul. All of the faculty and staff at Levey truly care about the students, and always go the extra mile to give them the individual attention and help that they need. I cannot encourage you enough to consider Levey Day School for your children, it is truly an excellent opportunity not just for the kids, but for your entire family.
–Melissa Montefel,
mother of Isabel and Brianna, graduates
The school has helped grow a strong sense of Jewish heritage and pride in our children, which was a primary goal. Sam loves his kindergarten class, and is thriving. He is equally comfortable with secular and Judaic studies, thanks to Morah Debbie’s loving guidance. Caitlin adores her teachers, and revels in the new discoveries she makes with Morah Marissa and Morah Kristen. Her yiddishkheit is getting stronger and more deeply ingrained through her time with Morah Camille and Moreh Steve. We hoped to find a nurturing learning environment which could challenge our kids, and Levey provides it.
–Lliam Harrison & Carol Nemeroff,
parents of Caitlin, graduate and Sam, kindergarten, 4th grade
To really appreciate the magic at Levey, you should watch a science class and see third-graders building electric circuits, sing morning prayers with our enthusiastic group, or visit around the snack table with Morah Debbie Kanter and the kindergarten. Call us at 774-7676 to schedule a visit.
Camille Davidson awarded the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education
Posted by Levey Day School in News on June 15, 2009
Camille Davidson
Camille Davidson, Levey Day School Hebrew Studies teacher, received the prestigious Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education. The Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education is awarded to Jewish educators who demonstrate exceptional achievement in Jewish education while making a significant impact on their students and the community. The award offers national recognition and a monetary award which is to be used for professional development.
Preview the complete list of winners of the Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award for Excellence in Jewish Education.
About Grinspoon-Steinhardt
The Harold Grinspoon Foundation and Jewish Life Network/Steinhardt Foundation, in partnership with JESNA, announce an annual Grinspoon- Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education. Designed to recognize, honor, and support, outstanding classroom Jewish educators on the local level, these awards are presented to professionals in communities across North America in conjunction with their central agencies for Jewish education or federations.
Grinspoon-Steinhardt Awards for Excellence in Jewish Education
Levey Family Fun Day & Auction 2009 : A Huge Success
Posted by Levey Day School in Auction, News on June 14, 2009
Levey Day School celebrated its auction in March with over 150 people.
Levey Day School would like to thank all of those people who attended and purchased items as well as the auction donors and sponsors.
So many come together to make Levey Day School such a special community. Recently the efforts of many have been focused on
fundraising for Levey, and I want to congratulate them on a terrific Family Fun Day and Auction. This wonderfully successful event included a silent auction of hundreds of donated goods and services, a delicious kosher luncheon, and children’s entertainment.
Of course an essential reason for our success was the generosity of the donors who provided items to be auctioned. Levey Day School wishes to thank all of the businesses and individuals who generously donated to this year’s auction. Thank you so much for supporting Levey Day School and helping make our auction a success! We hope that the Jewish Community will patronize the businesses, and express our collective appreciation to all the donors for their support of our school and our community.
Levey Day School is committed to keeping its tuition affordable, so that the school remains accessible to all interested families. Just over one third of all students qualify for and receive some scholarship assistance based on independently assessed need. Because costs will always exceed tuition income, Levey depends on charitable donations to operate the school.
Levey Day School
A Community Jewish Day School
AAA of Northern New England
Acorn Productions
Akari Hair Salon
Amato’s
Andrew Kaplan
Ann Rogers
Anonymous
Anthony’s Italian Kitchen
Aprill Newman
Arlene Weiss
Art Night Out
Artist and Craftsman Supply
Ash Cove Pottery
Aubuchon Hardware
Back Bay Bicycle
Barbara Dichter
Barry Saltz, DDS
Beam Wine Estates
Becky’s Diner
Belted Cow
Beth Park
Big Sky Bread
Camille Davidson
Camp Ketcha
Caravan Beads and Fiber
Casco Bay Frames
Casco Bay Lines
Casco Bay Movers
Casco Bay YMCA
Cathy Prichard
Central Yarn Shop
Chaison-LaPine Family
Children’s Museum of Maine
Classy Chassie
Couleur Collection
Cross Jewelers
Cumberland County Gymnastics
Custombuilt
d. cole jewelers
David Dubinsky
Davida Newman
David’s Creative Cuisine
Debbie Kanter
Down Front
Eastern Carpet Cleaning
Eastland Park Hotel
Eastland Shoe Mfg. Corp.
Edgecomb Potters
Eileen Kalikow
Elaine & Yofred Isajar
Elizabeth Lemieux
Elizabeth Rosen
Ellen Froncek
Ellie and Charlie Miller
Envy Hair Salon
Eva & Alex Frank
Eva & Laura Frand
Falmouth Physical Therapy
Foreside Co.
Forest Stalker Photography
Fournier’s Olympic Karate Center
Front Room Restaurant & Bar
Full Belly Deli
G.M.Pollack & Sons
Gorham Bike & Ski
Goulding Chiropractic
Great Lost Bear
Greater Portland Landmarks
Grill Room
Haggerty’s
Happy Wheels
Harbor Fish Market
Inn on Peaks Island
Jacqueline’s Tea Room
Jane Page-Conway
Jane Snerson
Jen Judd-McGee
Jet Video and Ice Cream
Joan Steinberg
Johnny’s Restaurant
Julie Goell
Leapin’ Lizards
Levey Day School
Lisa Silverman-Gent
Lois’ Natural Foods
Longfellow Books
Maine Academy of Gymnastics
Maine Audubon
Maine Historical Society
Maine Rock Gym
Maine State Ballet
Maine’s Pantry
Marshall Tinkle
Mekhong Thai
Melissa Montefel
Mexicali Blues
Morah Brenda
Morah Kerry
Morah Lynn
Morah Mary
Moreh Michael
Navigator Publishing
Nemeroff-Harrison Family
Nicole Chaison
Oakhurst Dairy
Ocean of Possibilities
O’Naturals
Oriental Table
Pamela Weiss
Pat Stanton
PCA Great Performances
Pemberton’s Gourmet
Pick & Paint Pottery
Pine Point Record Company
Pizza Joint
Portland Dine Around
Portland Museum of Art
Portland Pilates
Portland Players
Portland Regency Hotel & Restaurant
Portland Sea Dogs
Portland Stage Company
Portland Symphony Orchestra
Queen of Hats
Rainbow Toys
Rejuvenations
Rhonda Berg
Richard Sandifer Photography
Ritz Camera
Rosen Family
Scott Eisenberg
Silly’s Restaurant
Simply Scandinavian Foods
StoryLand
Susan Gatti
Susan’s Fish & Chips
Temple Beth El Sisterhood Giftshop
Thai Pom Restaurant
The Gold Room
The Mane Attraction
The Sunrise Guide
Toby Rosenberg Gallery
Town & Country Hair Fashions
Treehouse Toys, Ltd.
USM Southworth Planetarium
Videoport
VIP Eyes
Walter’s
Weiss-Lemieux Family
Wyler Gallery
Yankee Lanes
Young’s Furniture
Susan Mills
Susie Drucker
Morah Camille
Lifeworks Chiropractic
Karl Shatz & Margaret Hathaway
Foreside Fitness & Tennis
Krigman Family
Caitlin Harrison
Bubbe Lillian
Radtke-Rowe Family
Thank you to the over 170 Maine vendors who provided goods and
services to support the Levey Day School Auction. Please visit their
business establishments and thank them for their support of Levey Day
School.
Levey Day School would like to thank our wonderful auction sponsors:
Principal Sponsors
Law Offices of Joe Bornstein
Harold and Rosalind Kaplan (in
honor of Suzanne Nemeroff)
Benefactors
Halsey and Eva Frank
Patrons
Biddeford and Saco Savings
Donors
Bernstein Shur Sawyer Nelson:
Glenn Israel; Charles Miller;
Richard Smith; Jay Geller;
Leonard Nelson; David Soley;
Jeff Thaler and Bill Welch
Donors
Atlantica Group
Rabbi Alice Dubinsky
Rabbi Carolyn Braun
Filler & Associates
Charles and Elinor Miller
Tom and Elizabeth Rosen
Fran Schneit
Anonymous Donation in Honor of the
Teachers and Staff of Levey Day
School
Individual
Paul and Julie Greene
Jon and Janel Goodman
Anonymous Donation in Honor of
Bubbe Lillian Mofenson
Sam and Bette Novick
Alan and Fran Schneit
Jonathan and Henry Paris
Jonathan Paris and Pamela Weiss: Auction Coordinators
Elizabeth Rosen: Donations Coordinator
Suzanne Nemeroff, Entertainment, MC and Auction Coordinator
Nicole Chaison, Lynn Rowe & Debbie Bornstein: Luncheon Coordinators
Purim Craft Sponsor – Orly and Natan Kahn
Beth Anderson – Day of Auction Coordinator
David Dubinsky – website support
Arren Rosen & Karl Schatz – Publicity
Anne Bergman, Monetary Sponsorship Coordination
Joy Krinsky – Auction program Coordinator
Music: Accidental Klezmorim – Craig Lapine, Director; Glenn Israel,
Peter Blackstone, Perry Newman and Jonathan Radtke
Physical comedy theater featuring the fabulous feats of Michael Trautman
Ellie Miller, Director, Levey Day School
A Special Thanks To: Melissa Finberg, administrative support
Levey Teachers and Students for providing our wonderful centerpieces
Levey friends and parents who participated.
Levey Day School would like to thank our wonderful volunteers:
Levey Day School is approved by the Maine State Department of Education, is a member of the Jewish Community Day School Network (RAVSAK), and is a beneficiary of the Jewish Community Alliance. Levey Day School admits students of any race, color, creed, religion, or national origin.
