What's Going on at Wornick?

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

Meet Joey Fradkin, Wornick Class of 2013

Wornick is proud to share that our very own Joey Fradkin, a 2013 Alumnae, and recent Elon University graduate, is now a fellow in the TALMA program in Israel. With excellent Hebrew, she recently explained the TALMA program on the 12 Channel national TV morning show in Israel. TALMA is the Israel Program for Excellence in English and enables their fellows to teach English in low income schools alongside an Israeli teacher.  

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All former Wornick students are welcome to attend future alumni events! We look forward to being together again soon and our Alumni Committee is starting to plan a winter event. Our next planning meeting is this Wednesday, October 27 at 8:30pm via Zoom. If you would like additional information, please email Esther at egillette@wornickjds.org.

We  ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

We invite you to show your leadership and commitment to Wornick by contributing to Wornick's Chai Excellence Fund. The Chai Excellence Fund is Wornick's annual campaign to support the difference between tuition and operating costs, enabling us to provide our students with innovative and engaging learning experiences. 100% of our board of directors and the professional community have already donated to Wornick's Chai Excellence Fund. Please consider making a gift that is personally meaningful to your family. Much of Wornick's success in reaching its goals relies on a robust development program.

Thanks to an anonymous donor, up to $200,000 will be matched with the following:

All  new gifts  will be matched  1:1

Donations  at or above $3,600  will be matched  1:1

Any gift from a  grandparent  (current or alumni) will be matched  2:1

Any gift from an  alumni student  will be matched  3:1

All gifts/pledges must be secured by December 31, 2021 to be eligible. Pledges must be paid in full by May 31, 2022.

Our school thrives when committed families like yours participate in supporting our school!

If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please visit wornickjds.org/visit for upcoming events including information sessions, a Chanukkah Concert for 3-5 year olds, Open Houses, and more! 

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

Wornick's Honoring Their Lives Project

Every year, our community marks Yom HaShoah, Israel's official Holocaust Memorial Day, through a solemn day of collective mourning. At Wornick, our students from 4th grade and above reflect on this devastating time and its impact on Jewish life and peoplehood. In 8th grade, all of our students study a unit on the Shoah, adding more context to why observing this day is important.

Last year, more than 30 families and Head of School Adam Eilath came together on an evening ahead of Yom HaShoah to share testimonials about family members who were affected by the Holocaust. We know that there are many more stories being carried by members of our community, and we would like to provide an opportunity for those stories to be shared for our students, parents, and community to live into perpetuity for future generations. 

If you would like to share your family's story from the Holocaust in a platform that may be incorporated into our Yom HaShoah program, public website, and 8th grade curriculum, please fill out the following form. We will follow up with all interested participants with more information.

Thank you for helping us to honor their lives so that future generations will always know what happened and what we might be able to learn from this catastrophe. Please complete the form in the link here to let us know if you are interested.  

Meet Erin DeNola

Class of 2007

Upon graduating Wornick, Erin attended Carlmont High and Sonoma State, later pursuing her Master of Science degree in Occupational Therapy at Dominican University. Erin worked as a local OT in a private office and recently opened her own practice, Skilled Therapy and Play Services in San Carlos. Taking a holistic approach to working with children in the clinic, school and home settings, Erin progresses clients in sensory processing, fine motor skills, emotional regulation, executive functioning, and more. 

Erin fondly remembers her time at Wornick and recently started coordinating alumni events with some of her fellow classmates. The first event aimed at alumni 21+ took place at Fieldworks in San Mateo last month, and they plan to meet this fall and for a Friendsgiving in November. Erin sees it as an opportunity for the young Jewish community of past graduates to network, reconnect and mentor one another. The group also plans to start a teenage alumni group to help future Wornick graduates transition into high school. 

All former Wornick students are welcome to attend future events! If you would like additional information, please email Esther at egillette@wornickjds.org

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We  ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

See how our Wornick community is thriving by viewing our year end video here and stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram . 

Wornick is annually recognized by Bay Area Parent  as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org. See a sneak peek at what students are doing this year here.

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
 

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values.

We invite all alumni (21+) to join us at Fieldworks for an alumni reunion on Sunday, June 13 at 2:00pm. We can't wait to see you!

Though you can't be on campus, you can still see what's happening at Wornick this year! See how our Wornick community is thriving by viewing our our video here and stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram. 

Meet Joel Abelson

Class of 1994

From an early age, alumni Joel Abelson knew that he wanted a career in sports. He attended Michigan with the intention of becoming a sports broadcaster, and during his senior year he volunteered to coach basketball. He found his true passion in coaching and interned with the Charlotte Bobcats, a team that would later become the Charlotte Hornets. 

Joel knew an acquaintance who was an investor in a minor league basketball team and he was able to get a meeting with David Kahn, former GM of the Minnesota Timberwolves. From this connection, he was able to secure a position with the Tulsa 66ers as an assistant coach. His time in the NBA D-League took him to the Idaho Stampede, Sioux Falls Skyforce and later to the Reno Bighorns as the head coach. Later, Joel would move to New York to become the Director of Basketball Operations for the Westchester Knicks, a feeder team to the New York Knicks. During his time in the NBA, he even helped facilitate the purchase of the Sioux Falls Skyforce by the Miami Heat. 

Joel credits his Jewish education for helping him make connections throughout his career. The Jewish community provided encouragement, support and instilled Jewish values within him. Today, Joel lives in Miami with his college sweetheart and three young children. 

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We ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here.

Wornick is annually recognized by Bay Area Parent  as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org. See a sneak peek at what students are doing this year here.

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
 

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

This month we reflect on our professional community's educational focus groups. Part of a new initiative this year, the groups are organized around the following topics: Diversity, Project-Based Learning, Outdoor Learning, Choices, and Community. The videos below highlight the work within our Diversity group as well as projects that came to fruition within the classroom. 

Meet Ian Ullmann

Class of 2011

It was during the Tzedakah project at Wornick that Ian experienced his sink or swim moment. He pushed himself to persevere through the uncomfortable moments such as asking for donations and presenting to an audience. At Wornick, he learned to find the confidence to come out of his shell and speak in public, a skill that would continue to be refined through his college years.

Following high school at JCHS, Ian felt that he went through the motions as he prepared his college applications. He came to the realization that he was not quite ready to go off to school. Instead, he joined the military Air Force reserve. "It was like a gap year," he says. Ian matured even further and learned the importance of being selfless. The following year, Ian began his undergrad at Bard College. He recently graduated with a degree in history and political science.

Today, Ian still serves our country as a reservist while also working a full time job at College Possible, a unit of AmeriCorps. He is an advocate for education and he is fulfilling his mission by helping students in primarily low-income communities apply for college and sees them through to graduation. Ian is passionate about educational and equity work and sees empowering others as essential to his career journey.

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We  ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

We are excited to welcome Raz Serero '07 and Max Kaplan '07 to our newly formed Alumni Committee! The committee is planning an event for alumni ages 21+ on June 13 from 2-4pm in San Mateo. Please save the date and email alumni@wornickjds.org for more information, or to get involved.

Though you can't be on campus, you can still see what's happening at Wornick this year! See how our Wornick community is thriving by viewing our our video here and stay in touch with us on Facebook and Instagram . 

Wornick is annually recognized by Bay Area Parent  as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org. See a sneak peek at what students are doing this year here.

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

Meet Ariel Light

Class of 2002

Ariel entered college open to exploring other disciplines, but within three days she found herself joining Hillel International, the largest Jewish campus organization in the world. Her sophomore year, she was nominated to join the council and later was voted President. Her work within the organization coupled with her degree in Psychology and Social Action led to her work as a social justice advocate.

She interned with the American Jewish World Service and became a Jeremiah Fellow at the renowned Bend the Arc: A Jewish Partnership for Justice. During this time, she realized the power of action and the impact that every person can have with a "boots on the ground" mentality. Ariel has participated in various peaceful protests advocating for justice, including the Women's March in San Francisco. She believes that creating programming around social justice helps move the work forward. She worked as a Development Associate at Beit T'Shuvah, a residential addiction treatment center with a program focused on Jewish spirituality, psychotherapy and recovery. She later became a Senior Counselor at Diller Teen Fellows (and worked alongside Wornick Jewish Studies teacher Ms. Walklet!). Today, Ariel is the Communications and Operations Specialist at Shalhevet, a Jewish high school in Los Angeles. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Jewish Education - Educational Leadership at the Jewish Theological Seminary.

Ariel believes that her Jewish education at Wornick and beyond shaped the lens with which she views the world. Having the baseline in Jewish education was crucial to her journey. She is profoundly impacted by the concept of tzedakah. "Even opening a door for someone can change their day," she says. "Learning to do things for others, even tiny things, can leave a huge impact on individuals."

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We ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

This spring, Cantor Doron Shapira of Peninsula Sinai Congregation, along with alumni Dr. Nicole Barkhordar ('96), Erin DeNola ('07), Alyssa Feigelson ('13), Bradley Lent ('06), and Josh Nayberg ('06), held the first Alumni Committee Meeting. The goal is to reach out to the greater Wornick alumni community for networking and events. If you are interested in joining the committee, or even just attending an event, please contact Esther Gillette at egillette@wornickjds.org to learn more.

Wornick is annually recognized by  Bay Area Parent  as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org. See a sneak peek at what students are doing this year here.

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

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Meet Emmett Verba

Class of 2014

A year ago, it was hard to imagine finding inspiration in anything, but Wornick grad Emmett Verba had an idea. He moved from Colorado back to the Bay Area due to the pandemic to create a first of its kind business. Emmett started Emmett Cooks with fellow Wornick grads Josh Lipson, Max Eisner, and his siblings. Designed to be a "finish in your home" meal delivery kit, they created meal kits with the contents cooked 90% of the way. The business model took off and they moved from cooking at home to cooking in an industrial kitchen. At its height, they prepared and delivered more than 120 servings per week. 

From working in restaurants on both the service and industrial side, Emmett started the business with a solid understanding of what the customer wants and how to distribute it in a way that makes sense. The menus were inspired by flavors around the world including Mediterranean, Southern, Burmese, Japanese, Indian, and more. Along with the selection, Emmett and his team created videos and instructions demonstrating how to finish the last steps to make the gourmet meal complete. They switched menus weekly so they could utilize the freshest, most in season ingredients.

Emmett believes that his time at Wornick helped drive his entrepreneurial spirit. "Wornick emphasized the importance of critical thinking and helped develop design thinking skills," he said. He believes that the more structured critical problem solving processes instilled in Middle School led him to understand marketing and how to consider the end-user throughout the business development process. 

Emmett decided to take the Emmett Cooks concept to Boulder late last year and now leads the Luna Culinary Collective. The business hit the ground running at the beginning of February and continues to grow.

So what's next for Emmett? He will continue to add new menus and products and has aspirations of multiple locations with pickup and delivery. Learn more about this inspirational Wornick grad's business at Luna Culinary Collective and follow the company Instagram page for major food FOMO.

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We ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

Earlier this month, Cantor Doron Shapira of Peninsula Sinai Congregation, along with alumni Dr. Nicole Barkhordar ('96), Erin DeNola ('07), Alyssa Feigelson ('13), Bradley Lent ('06), and Josh Nayberg ('06), held the first Alumni Committee Meeting. The goal is to reach out to the greater Wornick alumni community for networking and events. If you are interested in joining the committee, or even just attending an event, please contact Esther Gillette at egillette@wornickjds.org to learn more.

Wornick is annually recognized by Bay Area Parent as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org. See a sneak peek at what students are doing this year here. 

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

Wornick teachers and staff look for ways that students can connect and engage with things happening in our community and world. Curiosity is encouraged and students are introduced to unique experiences throughout their time at Wornick. Our goal is for curiosity to flourish after their time at Wornick and lead to limitless opportunities for our alumni. Every month we will share unique student experiences on-campus, as well as spotlight an alumni who exemplifies Wornick's values. 

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Julia Green, Class of 2016

Equipped with a sense of wonder, empowered by seeing past limitations, and inspired by her 8th grade trip to Israel, Julia Green graduated from Wornick ready to take on the world. She headed to the newly established Design Tech High School looking to create something new. Along with her friend and former Wornick student Anabelle Gutman, she helped establish a new Global Service Program with an initial trip to India, all while in her freshman year. Founded with the belief that travel should be an integral part of experiential education, this ecotourism program allows teenagers to experience the world while serving others. Though Julia graduated last year, the program is thriving and enables students of all socioeconomic backgrounds to participate.

Julia took a gap year to participate in the Global Citizen program and teach English internationally, but the pandemic cancelled these plans. On the suggestion of a friend, Julia moved to Puerto Rico for 3 months last fall to help volunteer during the pandemic while exploring the ethical issues of travel during a global crisis.

Kismet and her unrelenting sense of curiosity determined Julia's next journey. Soon she will be headed to India to au pair for a family that runs an ethical trekking group, one of her many outdoor passions. With college and post graduate work in the plans, Julia is interested in ethical tourism and wilderness psychotherapy.

Inspired yet? Us too. Follow Julia's adventures as she questions the ethics, social justice, and experiential learning opportunities around global tourism by listening to her podcast Gen Nomadic.

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We ❤️ our Wornick alumni! We would love to hear what you're up to and feature you in a future newsletter. Keep in touch here .

MARCH 7, 2021

You don't want to miss an engaging night filled with joy and laughter during our virtual gala. Our honorees Barbara Jacobs , the iconic first grade teacher Karen Wagshul , and Wornick philanthropist Michael Wornick are looking forward to see you!

6:00 pm Chai Circle Reception

6:30 pm Program with Comedian and Emcee Elon Gold

Enjoy games, comedy, raffles, and so much more!

Registration deadline is Thursday, February 18 

Tribute deadline is Friday, February 12

Wornick is annually recognized by  Bay Area Parent  as a "Best of the Best" independent elementary and middle school. If you know someone who is interested in learning more about how our challenging academics and timeless Jewish values set Wornick Jewish Day School apart, please share this link or connect them with admissions@wornickjds.org.

©2021 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School