What's Going on at Wornick?

8th Grade Trip to Philadelphia and New York City

Our 8th graders recently returned from an incredible trip to Philadelphia and New York City, where they explored historic landmarks, museums, and neighborhoods while also learning about the history and contributions of the Jewish communities. Students visited many sites including the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Museum of Natural History, 9/11 Memorial, the Lower East Side and Crown Heights, and even attended a Broadway show and New York Yankees baseball game. Reflecting on these experiences, students created this slideshow sharing their thoughts, memories, and takeaways from their trip.

7th Grade Tzedakah Project

This week our 7th graders completed their year-long Tzedakah project, guided by a team of English, Social Studies, and Jewish Studies teachers. Each student explored a social issue connected to their personal Jewish values and researched an organization working to address that challenge. Throughout the year, students participated in community service projects and fundraised together as a class. They confidently presented their causes and organizations to classmates, parents, and community members, followed by a closing ceremony where they presented donations to the organizations they chose to support. This project is one of the most meaningful experiences at Wornick, helping students strengthen their Jewish identity and understanding how they can make a positive impact in the world.

Construction Update

The Reconstructing Our Future (ROF) construction project is almost complete! The exterior fins are installed, elevating the sophistication and elegance of our entire campus! The acoustic tiles look amazing in the two new classrooms in the Jan Koum Hub. Dana’s Veranda in our outdoor gathering space is looking inviting. To view more updates and photos, please visit the ROF Updates page on our website.

steadiness, and deep care for our students, families, and professionals, he helped our school not only navigate the challenges of the pandemic and a post-October 7th reality, but also ensure our Wornick school and community emerge stronger than ever. During his tenure, enrollment grew, our campus expanded with inspiring new spaces, and Wornick strengthened its reputation as a thriving, innovative Jewish day school rooted in excellence and community.

To honor Adam and all that he has brought to our Wornick community, we are launching a special tribute initiative with a goal of raising $200,000 for Wornick. We invite our community to make a gift in honor of Adam Eilath to help ensure our school goes from strength to strength.

Zev Rodnitzky (Class of 2022) is preparing to graduate from high school and will be attending Boston University this fall, where he plans to major in Acting. He attended Wornick from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Zev felt very well prepared academically for high school, especially with the accelerated math program that he took at Wornick. He continued to challenge himself academically, taking a rigorous course schedule that included multiple AP courses during his junior and senior years. His favorite class is definitely Drama, having been involved with theater since he was 9 years old, starting at Hillbarn Theater in Foster City.
 

Throughout high school, Zev participated in every musical theater production at Hillsdale and earned several standout roles along the way. As a freshman, he was cast as Nick Bottom in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and later took on lead roles including Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret and the Baker in Into the Woods. He especially values the emotional connection that theater creates between performers and audiences, and appreciates the opportunity to be able to move people through storytelling.
 

Beyond acting, Zev has explored other aspects of theater production. As part of his Advanced Drama class, he wrote and directed a one-act play and also designed the lighting for the performance. To add to his skill set, he has also taken singing and tap dancing lessons. Zev is president of both the Drama Club and the Cinema Critique Club, which he describes as “a book club, but for movies.” And he has been involved in the Culinary Arts Club, Gov4Teens, and the Hillsdale Improvisational Theater (HIT) Squad. Outside of school, he enjoys volunteering at his grandmother’s memory care center, organizing activities and spending time with residents.
 

Looking back, some of Zev's favorite memories of Wornick are from the various outdoor ed trips, especially exploring a cave at the Marin Headlands in 5th grade. He also appreciates the strong friendships that he formed, and still keeps in close touch with some of his Wornick classmates. As Zev prepares for college, he hopes to continue developing his skills as a performer, to enable him to pursue a future career in film or television.

Calling all recent alumni! If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program during the 2026-27 school year starting in August. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

Yom HaShoah, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom HaAtzmaut

This month our community came together to observe several meaningful holidays in the Jewish calendar. We commemorated Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) with a moving ceremony led by our 8th graders, centered on the theme of "Resistance in the Holocaust," featuring stories, prayers, and an interpretive dance. Our Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) service, thoughtfully led by our 7th graders, included prayers, dancing, candlelighting, and stories of courageous fallen soldiers. We concluded with a joyful, all-school Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) celebration filled with a delicious falafel lunch, Israeli dancing, and many fun games and activities!

Back to the 80's Annual Gala

On Sunday, March 22, we gathered to celebrate 40 years of Wornick and honor the spirit of our growing community. Founders, teachers, alumni, parents, and clergy reflected on four decades of memories, shared values, and strong connections. We also honored two pillars of our community, Katie Wolff and Mark Abelson, whose contributions have shaped Wornick into what it is today. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, we raised over $350,000 in support of our school. Click here to view photos from this memorable evening.

Middle School Science Fair and San Mateo County STEM Fair Winners

Earlier this year at our Middle School Science Fair, 6th and 8th graders confidently presented their projects to community members and a panel of judges, showcasing creativity, curiosity, and scientific thinking. Four of these students—6th graders Alma H and Lia K and 8th graders Aviad L and Ofri G—were selected to compete at the San Mateo County STEM Fair. Their hard work paid off, and we are proud to congratulate Alma H and Ofri G, who both earned honorable mentions for their outstanding projects at the county level.

TK/Kindergarten Community Helpers Project

Our TK and Kindergarten students have been exploring the important roles of community helpers through a hands-on, project-based learning experience. As part of their studies, they visited the Foster City police station, where they met police officers, their service dog Drake, and even had the chance to sit inside a police car. Each student selected a community helper to research, learning not only about their job but also about the building where they work. Using a variety of recycled materials, they designed and constructed these buildings. The project culminated in students combining their creations into imaginative cities, which they proudly showcased to parents and community members during a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Reconstructing Our Future Zoom Launch Event

Please RSVP to join us on Zoom as we kickoff the community phase of our Reconstructing Our Future campaign next Wednesday, May 6. You will be guided by school professionals on a virtual tour of the new building, offering a first look at the spaces taking shape. Hear from Head of School Adam Eilath about the vision behind this project and how it will serve our community for generations to come. We will also share an update on our fundraising progress and ways you can be part of this exciting next chapter.

Vote Wornick for Best of the Best!

Wornick has once again made it to the final round of voting in the Best of the Best awards by Bay Area Parent magazine. Last year Wornick won Gold for Best Private Middle School and Silver for Best Private Elementary School on the Peninsula. Please vote for "Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School" in these two categories again this year. Invite your family and friends to vote too! Voting closes on Sunday, May 17.

Congratulations to Rina Mangurten, Director of Jewish Studies, for receiving a

2026 Diller Education Award from the Jewish Federation Bay Area! Rina will be honored at the Jewish Federation's Year in Review event on Sunday, June 14 in San Francisco. For more information and to register to attend, click here.

Why did you decide to become a teacher? Most of my life, I had a variety of adults telling me I should be a teacher and I did my best to avoid it at all costs! I wanted to do a million other things—dance, theatre, publishing, retail, travel. But even as I was doing those other million things, I was always doing some kind of teaching, whether it was tutoring or Hebrew school, it was always in my life. I think the moment I realized I should be a teacher was when I was working in human resources for a system of Charter schools on the east coast. I was sitting in a meeting and had this "aha" moment that I wanted to be IN the classroom more than I wanted to be in that office in a meeting. I immediately started researching different teaching programs and it seemed really natural for me to be a Jewish educator.

What do you like most about teaching? The best part about teaching, especially Jewish Studies, is when you have a student who doesn't know how to engage with Torah or G!d, doesn't know how to answer questions, and maybe isn't even that interested. I love watching that student begin to ask questions, develop connections, and by the end of the year, they are arguing like a Rabbi! I know that by the end of the year that students will be able to engage and challenge the texts in order to make meaning, they just need to be able to come to the subject on their own terms, learn how to engage with it, and explore it through who they are without being told what it should mean to them.

Where did you teach before you came to Wornick? My first real teaching experience in a day school was in Dublin, Ireland where I was the maternity sub for a year. It was such an experience to teach in an education system that is so different to the United States. The school was orthodox but most of the students were not, so it was an interesting balance of having to teach a certain way but also knowing that most of my students needed to relate to the subject a little differently.I student taught in Philadelphia and Detroit at schools that were part of the Conservative movement. Before I joined Wornick, I was at a pluralist community school in St Louis for three years.

What subjects and grades do you teach at Wornick? Do you have any favorite projects/units? Over my time at Wornick, I have taught 4th-7th grades (and a little bit of 8th). My favorite is not a project or a unit but just the every day study of Torah. I love when students notice something about the text, like a weird word or a detail that feels repetitive or irrelevant and it sparks a discussion. Students often ask me if I get bored teaching the same texts or stories, and while I joke with them that I erase my memory at the end of each year, the truth is I never get bored of Torah. When you learn with different individuals, the conversations are different. Each year, each class engages with the text differently and so the meaning being made is exciting from year to year.

What do you think makes Wornick special? What is the most rewarding part of your job? The most rewarding part of being a member of the Wornick community is not just making connections with students and families, but how the connection continues, even if you aren't the classroom teacher any more. I love when students want to tell you something about their life or a Jewish question they have. We have a community of curious learners and I love to be able to watch them grow!

What lessons/skills do you hope students will take with them as they graduate?

My hope is that students understand that Judaism is beautiful and relevant. Each of them are receiving the skills and experience to connect to Jewish text and take those texts with them wherever they go. Their voices matter and our tradition has so much to explore!

What are some of your hobbies and interests? I would say that travel is my hobby! I love exploring places that are remote and difficult to get to, especially if the place is cold and snowy! I also am fascinated by Jewish communities in places that don't feel obvious. I have spent time with Jewish communities in Cuba, Croatia, Ireland, Norway, Scotland, and more! I love to think that wherever you are in the world, you have a home.

Calling all recent alumni! If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join

Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program during the

2026-27 school year starting in August. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Kabbalat HaSiddur

Congratulations to our first graders, who beautifully led their Kabbalat HaSiddur celebration! This year's theme was "Roots of Prayer" and the ceremony included heartfelt personal stories shared by their families, highlighting important people in their lives and meaningful connections to prayer and community. Students shared the special meaning of their given name, and each student was presented with their own Siddur accompanied by a personal message from their parents. We hope that this important milestone inspires them to continue growing in their connection to prayer, tradition, and community.

4th Grade Gold Rush Trip

Our 4th graders experienced California history firsthand on an overnight trip to the Gold Country. They began with a guided tour of the Gold Rush town of Columbia, visiting historic buildings and attending class in a brick schoolhouse. Students learned about the culture of the indigenousMe-Wuk people and how they used natural resources to meet their needs, through engaging hands-on activities. Our young prospectors then stepped into the world of the 1849 Gold Rush, trying mining techniques such as gold panning, rockers, and long toms. To top it off, students got to spend time playing in the snow, making the trip even more memorable!

Math Night

Students and families enjoyed our annual Math Night, an evening of interactive math games, puzzles, and challenges. It was wonderful to see everyone working together to solve problems and explore math in creative ways. Our 7th graders added to the event by preparing and selling dinners to support their year-long Tzedakah Project. This year also featured a special “Math After Dark” experience for 5th–8th grade families, including a tour of the construction site, an engaging math activity for students, and a building update for parents.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

For Tyler Shub (Class of 2022), gymnastics has been a central part of his life since he was just two years old. Practicing nearly every day, the sport helps him stay healthy both physically and mentally. Tyler currently trains about 20 hours per week and says that gymnastics is “where he belongs.” He grew up training at Bayshore Elite and now trains at Stanford Gymnastics. Tyler has also been involved in the sport as both a coach and a judge.

Tyler attended Wornick from 2nd through 8th grade and has many fond memories. One of his favorites was the opportunity to observe Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) followed by celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) during the 8th grade Israel trip.

After graduating from Wornick, Tyler attended Hillsdale High School, where he felt well prepared academically and earned excellent grades during his freshman and sophomore years. He transferred to The Kehillah School for his junior and senior years, which he found to be a better fit for him. During the weekly Heart Work program at Kehillah, described as a time dedicated for reflection, well-being, and personal growth, Tyler participates in the Siddur Minyan continuing a tradition of regular prayer that began during his time at Wornick.

Tyler is very excited to have accepted an offer to join the gymnastics team at Simpson College in Iowa, one of only 15 colleges in the U.S. that offer a NCAA men’s gymnastics program, and he is looking forward to competing at the collegiate level. Tyler currently competes in all six events, with floor, vault, and rings being his strongest. Recently, he won first place on rings at the West Coast Classic in California and tied for first place in vault at the Horton Challenge in Texas. To see Tyler in action, visit his YouTube channel.

Although he has not yet decided on a college major, Tyler is considering business, engineering, or psychology. Outside of gymnastics, he enjoys hiking, biking, and rock climbing. He says that his dream job would be to perform in Cirque du Soleil. This summer, Tyler will be competing on Team USA at the Maccabi Games in Israel. His sister, Lorelai, will also attend as a member of the volleyball team, and Tyler hopes other members of their family will be able to join and cheer them on.

Calling all recent alumni!If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join

Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program during the

2026-27 school year starting in August. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.organd let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in thecategories of Best PrivateElementary SchoolandBest PrivateMiddle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2026 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

It's time to party like it's 1986! Join us for an evening of celebration, community, and philanthropy as we relive the decade where it all

began and honor the incredible impact of the past 40 years.

Think classic 80's prom vibes and a night worthy of a reunion dance!

Sunday, March 22nd at 6 pm

Crowne Plaza Hotel, Foster City

Register today! Early bird pricing ends on March 1!

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

5th Grade Aliyah L'Torah

Our fifth grade students proudly led Tefillah and read from the Torah during their Aliyah L’Torah ceremony, marking an important milestone in their Jewish learning. Over several months, they prepared diligently with their Wornick teachers, Head of School Adam Eilath, and Rabbi Doron Shapira, choosing to chant their Torah portions using either Ashkenazi or Sephardic trope. Studentsled the service and prayers with confidence and enthusiasm. Due to our campus construction project, this year’s event was graciously hosted by Peninsula Sinai Congregation.

8th Grade Antisemitism Event

On Holocaust Remembrance Day, our eighth graders led a powerful community learning event focused on understanding and confronting antisemitism.Students shared the history of antisemitism and thoughtfully led small group discussions, using examples to explain how to recognize antisemitism. The program also featured a meaningful presentation from a Wornick alum, and her mother Keren-Or Reiss from the Bay Area Jewish Coalition, on how to stand up and respond when incidents occur. We also heard thoughts from Head of School Adam Eilath, Oleg Ivanov from StandWithUs, and Foster City Mayor Art Kiesel.

Middle School Science Fair

Sixth and eighth grade students conducted independent research projects for our annual Science Fair Night, organizing their findings on detailed and engaging presentation boards. During the event, they shared their research process and results with fellow students, families, and members of the community. A panel of volunteer judges evaluated each project,and the top finishers will be invited to participate in the San Mateo County STEM Fair.

IN REMEMBRANCE

At Wornick we are deeply saddened to learn about the unexpected passing of former Wornick student Lizzie Moore z"l. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends.

As her parents shared on Facebook:

"She was a bright light who had a great impact on so many. She was a champion for social justice and fought to defend the rights of those who had few resources. Lizzie was a loyal friend and family member with an amazing sense of humor. We will miss her everyday and will cherish the memories we have of her."

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Briah Urman (Class of 2022) is currently a senior at San Mateo High School, where she has embraced both the academic and extracurricular opportunities of a large public high school. She felt thatthe transition was made easier by her involvement in band, especially the friends that she made during band camp. Briah definitely felt well-prepared academically, and particularly enjoys math and science, completing several AP courses in those subjects.

Music has been central to Briah's life since Kindergarten when she began taking after-school piano lessons at Wornick. She started playing trombone in 3rd grade, and trumpet in 6th grade. Briah chose these brass instruments because she always wanted to be in a marching band, after watching the University of Michigan marching band on television. Her passion even led her to research the history of marching bands for an independent learning project in eighth grade at Wornick.

She realized her goal of joining a marching band in high school, and is currently the drum major of the San Mateo High School marching band. In this role, Briah marches in the front during parades, holding a mace and managing the tempo, pace, and direction of the band. Under her leadership, theband earned 3rd place at the 2025 Santa Cruz Band Review in October and 2nd place at both the San Francisco Italian Heritage Parade and the Tournament of Champions Band Review in November. Briah has also participated in individual drum major competitions during the band reviews. This spring, she will march with the band down Main Street at Disneyland Park and in the Hillsborough Memorial Day Parade.In addition to marching band,Briah also plays in the school jazz band where she enjoys playing big band music, and the pep band during football games.

Briah is also very involved in the theater program at San Mateo High School, where she has been working on the tech crew for all four years, as well as playing in the pit orchestra. For the most recent production of Les Miserables, Briah stepped into the role of set designer, using 3D modeling software to plan and design all of the sets for the show. She was even spotlighted in a television interview about the school's theater program on CBS News Bay Area. See the video here.

Although she has already received some college acceptances, Briah is still waiting to make a final decision. Wherever she chooses, she looks forward to playing in a college marching band and plans to major in Mechanical Engineering.

Calling all recent alumni!If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join

Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program. We especially need help on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email togesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.organd let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in thecategories of Best PrivateElementary SchoolandBest PrivateMiddle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2026 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Boys Basketball Wins League Championship!

Our 7th/8th grade boys basketball team capped off an incredible undefeated season with a league championship victory! Game after game, this team demonstrated commitment, teamwork, and school spirit. Their hard work and determination truly paid off. Congratulations to the players and coaching staff, we are all so proud of you! GO RAMS!

Music Program at Wornick

Wornick has a very robust music program, led by Andrea Duran, Director of Arts Education. The curriculum is sequential, intentionally building musical skills and introducing new instruments as students progress from TK/Kindergarten through 5th grade. In middle school, students can deepen their experience through an elective class that frequently involves

creating and managing their own band. To see our music program in action, watch this video.

World Hanukkiah Contest

This year Wornick entered the World Hanukkiah Competition, an international celebration bringing together Jewish schools from around the world, and we finished in the top 10! This year's theme was Habayta (Home) and our Hanukkiah is dedicated to the idea of returning home, reflecting the ongoing journey of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel and

the building of a Jewish home there. To learn more about the interdisciplinary approach to building Wornick's Hanukkiah, watch this video.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Jillian Osheroff (Class of 2012) is deeply engaged in the Jewish community through her position as Programs Manager at Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco. In this role, she plans and oversees programs for young adults, seniors, and the women’s group, creating meaningful opportunities for connection and learning. She is also helping to facilitate an upcoming German government–sponsored trip to Germany for North American Jews, designed to provide an immersive exploration of contemporary German society, Jewish life, and the country’s ongoing work of remembrance.

Jillian credits Wornick for providing a strong educational foundation, strengthening her Jewish identity, and building the confidence to speak up and express her ideas. Some of Jillian's favorite memories from her time at Wornick include dancing to "Floorfiller" by A*Teens in the talent show, playing flag football on the field, and being a witch in her class's performance of Macbeth. She continues to stay in touch with several of her classmates to this day.

After graduating from Wornick, Jillian attended San Mateo High School where she was president of Jew Crew and stayed involved in the Jewish community and BBYO. She began her college career at Indiana University, then returned home and attended the College of San Mateo before transferring to the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology.

Taking some inspiration from her childhood experiences participating in focus groups, she accepted a job at Curion, a market research company.Jillian worked on several interesting studies involving products such as ice cream, yogurt, guacamole, and pet food. During her time there, Jillian also served as head of culture, and realized that she really enjoyed that part of her job that involved organizing team building activities and the positivity that it provided.

So Jillian started to look for jobs that felt more meaningful and would have a community impact, when she found the position at Congregation Emanu-El. She enjoys planning a wide range of events and finds the work very rewarding, taking pride in helping participants feel personally fulfilled and more connected to their community.Some of her favorite events that she has planned are a global mixer with JDC Entwine, a Lunch & Learn on The House of Love and Prayer, and a Young Zionist Yom HaAtzmaut party. She also organizes the monthly Late Shabbat, a festive evening of prayer, food and music, that regularly attracts 200-300 young adults. Jillian is especially excited when she sees fellow Wornick alumni attending her events!

In her free time, Jillian enjoys running around the neighborhood, is currently reading a book about the history of Chinese food in America, and loves traveling. She recently took trips to Finland, Latvia, and the Caribbean.

Calling all recent alumni! If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

• Stay in Touch —If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doinghere. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.
• Join Wornick's Alumni Network—"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.
• Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher —We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.
• Community Babysitting Resources—If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please completethis formthat is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in thecategories of Best PrivateElementary SchoolandBest PrivateMiddle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2026 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Generations Celebration

Over 250 Wornick community members joined us for this annual event, filling our campus with warmth and genuine joy as they enjoyed student presentations, songs, classroom visits, and interactive activities. Guests were also treated to a sneak peek at our construction site, where they saw the exciting progress taking shape on our campus.

To view photos from this special day, click here.

4th Grade Plant Adaptation Project

As part of an interdisciplinary, project-based learning unit, 4th graders explored the connection between Science and Social Studies through the study of plant adaptations and California’s diverse regions. Watch this video to learn more about this engaging and creative project.

Video Storytelling and Production

In this hands-on Middle School elective, students learn about effective storytelling methods to engage audiences, including scripting, sequencing, and visual composition. Then they use these skills to produce their own weekly news program. Click here to learn more and see some examples of their work.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Lise Quan - TK/Kindergarten Teacher

Why did you decide to become a teacher,and what do you like most about teaching?

I have always enjoyed teaching whether it be sports or education. TK/Kindergarten is my favorite age and my favorite moment is when kids realize they can read! That "aha" moment is pure magic!

Where did you teach before you came to Wornick? My husband and I moved from San Diego last year after 20 years in Encinitas. I have been a teacher for over 20 years both as a classroom teacher and as an academic specialist working with students who have learning differences. I also worked for many years supporting neurodivergent children. I was a kindergarten teacher last year at Tessellations School for gifted students. My teaching background began with roots in Montessori education and I have carried that with me throughout the years and in all types of classrooms.

What subjects and grades do you teach at Wornick? Do you have any favorite projects/units? I teach TK/Kindergarten in KA with Ms. D. I love teaching literacy and doing art and craft projects with my class.

What do you think makes Wornick special? What is the most rewarding part of your job? Wornick is unique in its curriculum combining literacy,math and science with Jewish Studies. You have a wonderful mix of families from all over the world! My hope is that students in my class will develop a love of learning,strong self confidence and independence,and they have fun every day.

What lessons/skills do you hope students will take with them from TK/Kindergarten? I hope my students will have a strong sense of self in their abilities,be kind and respectful human beings,and leave TK/Kindergarten with the joy of learning.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I am a competitive track cyclist. I went to the Masters World Championships in France last year and won a silver and bronze. I love surfing and vacationing with my family in Kauai. I enjoy eating and trying new foods. I am a proud Canadian and grew up in Vancouver British Columbia. I still enjoy snowboarding every winter in Calgary,Alberta where my parents now live. My husband is a middle school teacher and we have 2 cats that we rescued when we moved to Santa Clara last year.

Calling all recent alumni!If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles,we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

• Stay in Touch —If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.organd let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.
• Join Wornick's Alumni Network — "What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.
• Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher — We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.
• Community Babysitting Resources — If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in thecategories of Best Private Elementary School andBest Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

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HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Wings of Hope

Wornick students, parents, and professionals came together to take part in the worldwide “Wings of Hope” project by creating large wings with recycled toys to symbolize hope, resilience, and life. The original "Wings of Hope" was created in July 2023 by Livnat Kutz z''l and members of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. Inspired by their vision, this beautiful community art project celebrates creativity, sustainability, and our enduring love and connection with Israel.

Simchat Torah

We had a joyous all-school celebration of Simchat Torah, a holiday marking the completion and immediate restart of the annual Torah reading cycle. During a beautiful ceremony led by our 8th graders, the Torah was unrolled, giving each class a chance to walk past and look inside the scroll. We invited Middle School students to read from various portions as well as some professionals who had not read Torah since their Bar/Bat Mitzvah, modeling leadership for our students. It was especially meaningful this year as it coincided with the morning that the remaining Israeli hostages were released, a profoundly moving moment for our entire community. Our celebration concluded with lots of singing and dancing!

Reconstructing Our Future Update

Our Reconstructing Our Future campaign, which includes a capital expansion and improvements and fund for the future, is transforming our campus into an even more vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and connection. Since breaking ground in June, our construction team has been hard at work with demolition, foundation work, and concrete pouring. We are excited to watch as the building starts to take shape! For more information about this transformative project, please visit https://www.wornickjds.org/rof.

IN REMEMBRANCE

Daniel Naroditsky playing in a chess tournament in 2016. (Wikimedia Commons)

At Wornick we are so saddened to hear about the passing of former Wornick student Daniel Naroditsky z"l. While his time at Wornick was some years ago, he will be fondly remembered by former classmates and teachers who remember his kindness and love of learning. His love of chess was evident early on, even beating his teacher-opponent in an after-school chess class, as well as his enthusiasm for reading and playing games, and willingness to teach others. His soft-spoken manner and critical thinking skills were a "teacher's delight" and an inspiration to fellow classmates. Everyone was thrilled to see him soar with every success.

We invite you to read this reflection from 1st grade teacher Karen Wagshul. And we all send our love and condolences to his mother Elena and brother Alan on their profound loss. May his memory be a blessing.

Join us for a lively evening of Texas Hold’em, a brisket dinner, drinks, and big prizes like Meta glasses and Giants tickets! This year, we’ll honor David “Dudu” Haviv z”l, one of Poker Night’s founders, whose spirit and love for community made this event a Wornick favorite. Tickets are on sale now!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Nicole Francis, who now works right next door as PJCC’s Senior Director of Early Childhood Education, Youth, & Family Engagement, graduated from Wornick in 1996. In her current position, she supports children’s growth through preschool education, afterschool programs, and camp experiences. Nicole credits her education and experience at Wornick as inspiring her to choose a career in education. She says that Wornick provided a strong foundation for her that has only grown over time. One personal value that Nicole attributes to her Jewish day school education is the importance of community, and Nicole says that she always knew she would find herself in some kind of community oriented role.

After attending Wornick (which at the time only went through 5th grade), Nicole went on to Ralston Middle School, Carlmont High School, and then UC Santa Barbara, where she majored in Sociology. She later earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Notre Dame de Namur University.

Some of Nicole's fondest memories from Wornick are playing Gaga in the multi-purpose room using tables turned on their sides (but luckily current students now have a real Gaga pit!), seeing Ms. Jacobs at Gesher, working on a computer for the first time with Mrs. Seligman in third grade, enjoying the plays that students would put on for the whole school based on a Torah story with a hint of humor, her graduation production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and how everyone felt like family.

Now Nicole gets to relive some of those memories as her daughter is a student at Wornick. She’s especially impressed by how the Hebrew language program has evolved, strengthening her daughter’s vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. A fun coincidence is that one of Nicole’s former classmates also has a daughter at Wornick, and their children have become best friends! Nicole keeps in touch with some teachers from as early as first and second grade who still send postcards to her. She made many amazing friendships at Wornick, and is hoping to help organize an alumni reunion sometime soon, maybe including a tour of the new building once it is completed.

In her free time Nicole enjoys spending time with friends and family, hanging out with her daughter and their 100 lb labrador Skye, crafting such as decorating a Siddur cover for her daughter, watching comedy shows, and advocating for Type 1 diabetes awareness and education.

Calling all recent alumni! If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join

Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program. We especially need help on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in the categories of Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

ANNUAL REPORT

We are excited to share that our 2024-25 Annual Report is now available! The report highlights the programs and accomplishments of the past year, including examples of students engaged in innovative project-based learning, as well as the ways in which we are living out our Guiding Principles. It also showcases our vibrant school community, the generosity of our donors, and our exciting Reconstructing our Future campaign. We invite you to read the report celebrating another incredible school year!

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Community Shabbat Picnic

We welcome each school year with the tradition of gathering for Shabbat. At our annual Community Shabbat Picnic families joined together for blessings, songs, a performance by our 4th graders, art activities, and Israeli dancing. It was a joyful evening filled with connection, celebration, and community spirit. Thank you to our amazing PTO, dedicated parent volunteers, Wornick professionals, and all of the families who joined us in making this event such a success!

Rosh Hashanah

Our community came together for a joyful celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year. This all-school gathering was a meaningful time as we shared blessings, listened to the shofar, and enjoyed special student presentations. As we look ahead, the holiday also reflects our wishes for a school year filled with learning, growth, and many more community celebrations like this one. We wish all of our families a very happy, sweet, and peaceful new year!

Shinshinim Alma and Yonatan

For the fifth year in a row, Wornick is proud to welcome two Shinshinim, Alma and Yonatan, who are volunteering in our community before beginning their service in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). We are excited for the energy, warmth, and deep connection to Israel that they bring to our school. Already, Alma and Yonatan have been busy engaging with students, supporting classrooms, and planning fun activities. Families who would like to host the Shinshinim for a meal, gathering, or outing are invited to sign up via this Google calendar or contact Morah Rani at rsolomon@wornickjds.org.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alystar Sacks ('07) is a proud alumna who attended Wornick from Kindergarten-8th grade, and was part of one of the school's first middle school classes. She credits Wornick with instilling in her the value of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world), which has guided her throughout her career. The 7th grade Tzedakah project left a lasting impression on her, sparking a passion for philanthropy and inspiring her path in the nonprofit sector. As she reflects, “Thanks to Wornick, the Jewish community has always felt like home.”

During high school, Alystar was deeply involved in BBYO, serving as president of her chapter. She went on to attend the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), where she continued to use her interpersonal skills working as a Resident Assistant for three years, and graduating with a bachelor's degree in Sociology. One of her proudest accomplishments was bringing two Holocaust survivors to speak on campus; the recording of their presentation is now archived in the UCSC library, enabling people to continue to hear their stories. Alystar also earned a master’s degree in Public Policy and Philosophy from the London School of Economics.

Her first job after returning to California was working for Hillel at UCSC as the Senior Associate of Leadership and Engagement. Alystar's favorite role was designing and leading a class she called Tikkun Olam 101. She even had students work on a Tzedakah project inspired by Wornick where they heard presentations from different nonprofits and then Alystar encouraged them to donate all or part of the stipend that they received for attending the course.

Alystar continued her work in the Jewish community at the JCC East Bay and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). At the JCC, she planned community events, managed programs related to social justice, and designed a leadership development fellowship for young professionals. At the ADL, as Assistant Regional Director, she led incident response efforts before and after October 7, delivered educational presentations on antisemitism, and oversaw the regional cohort of the Glass Leadership Institute, a program that empowers young professional leaders to fight hate and extremism in their communities. She also serves on the HR committee of the Board of San Francisco Hillel.

Drawing on her experience designing leadership programs, Alystar recently launched her own company, Aspire Brighter, which she describes as "career coaching for young people who want to change the world." She helps clients define their dream careers, build confidence in their interviewing skills, and find ways to use their talents to make a positive impact. Alystar would love to support fellow Wornick community members; to learn more about her services, visit her website. In her free time, Alystar enjoys hiking, camping, going to the beach, paddle boarding, making music, and hanging out with her cat.

Calling all recent alumni! If you are currently in high school and taking on any leadership roles, we would love to hear about it! Please let us know at marketing@wornickjds.org.

SPREAD THE WORD

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
We are looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher, our after school care program. We especially need help on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week, please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey
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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in the categories of Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

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HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Congratulations to the Wornick class of 2025!

We wish our newest alumni well as they move on to attend high schools including Aragon, Carlmont, Crystal Springs, Hillsdale, Kehillah, Sacred Heart,

San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Serra, and TIDE Academy.

We are so proud of you and can't wait to see what you do next!

Congratulations to the Wornick Class of 2021 who graduated from high school this year!

We wish them all the best on the next steps of their journey, including college and service in the IDF. Some of the colleges they will be attending are

Brown University, Cal Poly SLO, College of San Mateo, Dartmouth, Portland State University, St. Mary's Moraga, University of Auckland NZ, UC Berkeley,

UCLA, University of Denver, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, University of Washington, and Washington University St. Louis.

Reconstructing Our Future - Project Update

Our campus renovation is officially underway! Demolition has begun on the Ulam Gadol, Beit Midrash, Kitchen, Front Offices, and the Rose Garden, marking the start of this exciting transformation. The next step will be drilling micropiles to provide the foundation for the new construction. We’re excited to see our new campus take shape and thank you to

everyone helping turn this vision into reality. To view construction photos, click here.

Wornick wins for the 4th year in a row!

We are very excited to announce that for the 4th year in a row Wornick has won medals in Bay Area Parent's magazine Best of the Best contest. This year we were awarded the gold medal for the Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula and the silver medal for the Best Private Elementary School on the Peninsula. Thanks to all of our dedicated professionals, our supportive families, and everyone who voted!

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Sophia Wornick is one of the newest members of Wornick's Board of Trustees. She attended Wornick in elementary school and is the granddaughter of Anita and Ronald z"l Wornick, our school's namesake. Sophia looks forward to engaging with students, fostering a strong sense of community, supporting school initiatives, and finding meaningful ways to connect with fellow alumni like herself.

When Sophia started at Wornick the school was located in San Mateo and she remembers the move to the current Foster City campus. She has enjoyed watching it grow through the years, and is excited about the new renovation taking place this year. Sophia describes her time at Wornick as some of her most formative years, filled with warm memories especially the weekly Kabbalat Shabbat celebrations, 1st grade with teacher Karen Wagshul, and Kindergarten with teacher Suzi Roberts. She still remains close with her best friend from Wornick.

Sophia attended the University of Kansas where she studied Marketing Communications. She brings a wealth of experience in marketing and event planning, having worked with major companies including Glassdoor, Twilio, and currently Databricks, where she serves as a Field Marketing Program Manager.

Beyond her professional life, Sophia enjoys attending music concerts as well as skiing in Tahoe. She is a big football fan, participating in two Fantasy Football leagues, and cheering for her favorite team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Sophia is also a fan of the San Francisco Giants and often attends games, bringing along her own scorebook to keep track of every play.

Sophia remains active in the Jewish community through her volunteer work with Birthright, speaking at several of their fundraising events, and regularly hosting Shabbat dinners with friends. Joining the Wornick Board reminds Sophia of the Hebrew expression L'dor vador meaning "from generation to generation" as she continues her family's legacy of dedication and support for the Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School.

SPREAD THE WORD

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
Gesher is looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher. Gesher runs from 3:30-6 pm Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

medals by Bay Area Parent in the categories of Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the 4th year in a row!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Ginger Slonaker Featured in Art Exhibit

Wornick's talented art teacher Ginger Slonaker has been selected for an exhibition titled "Metamorphosis: Evolving Identities" which includes work representing transformation, growth, and self-discovery through various mediums. This event is organized by the Redwood City Parks and Arts Foundation, in collaboration with the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative.

To learn more about the exhibit and the artists, click here.

7th Grade "Life in Medieval Europe"

After studying the Middle Ages and Crusades, 7th graders led an interactive presentation about life in Medieval Europe. They participated in a debate about the Middle Ages and Crusades, and then transformed their classrooms into a Medieval Jewish Ghetto complete with a synagogue, school, wedding site, and cemetery for parents and community members to explore. Learn more by watching this video.

Yom HaShoah V'HaGevurah

6th graders led a powerful and moving ceremony to observe Yom HaShoah V'HaGevurah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day) featuring monologues, prayers, songs, and a meaningful dance centered around this year’s theme "Resistance in the Holocaust." Afterward students and adults gathered in small discussion groups to reflect on stories of hope

and resilience from the Jewish ghettos, To see highlights, watch this video.

Vote Wornick for Best of the Best

Wornick has once again made it to the final round of voting in the Best of the Best awards by Bay Area Parent magazine. We are proud to have been awarded Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the past three years! Please vote for Wornick Jewish Day School as Best Private Elementary School and Best

Private Middle School using this link. Invite your family and friends to vote too! Voting closes on Sunday, May 11.

TEACHER SPOTLIGHT

Kristine Van Dusen - Middle School Humanities Teacher

Why did you decide to become a teacher, and what do you like most about teaching?

I decided to become a teacher after first pursuing a career in children's television, where I worked as a writer and producer on animated series including The Adventures of Paddington Bear, Mona the Vampire, and Caillou, and then raising a family. I really only discovered I wanted to be a teacher by becoming a student again, when I went to grad school to study English literature. It was during a teaching practicum that I first experienced that "aha!" moment where a light bulb switches on inside a student's head and they become excited to share the new ideas dancing around in there. I knew then that I wanted to witness that moment over and over. So I guess you could say I only decided to become a teacher by teaching! To me, one of the best things about teaching is that it can be a two-way street and some of the greatest moments in teaching come when my students teach me.

Where did you teach before you came to Wornick?

Just prior to teaching at Wornick, I was a humanities teacher at Fusion Academy Berkeley. I taught English, History, and French to students in grades 6-12. Before that I taught composition to freshmen college students and tutored reading and writing at San Francisco State University. I've also had a lot of different writing jobs over the years as a TV screenwriter, editor, and translator, a freelance blogger, a book reviewer, a research writer, and a business writer. Probably the weirdest writing job I ever had was translating a French cartoon called "Potatoes and Dragons." It was about potatoes...and dragons.

What subjects and grades do you teach at Wornick? Do you have any favorite projects/units?

I teach English Language Arts to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. My favorite projects tend to be the ones that the students seem most inspired by. I love seeing them really sink their teeth into a challenge. A highlight in 6th grade this year has been observing the growth of their individual writers' voices especially with their essays on The Giver. Our class discussions on that novel were so animated and thoughtful and it was great seeing that come across in their writing. Guiding 7th graders as they learned to harness their powers of persuasion to convince the community to donate to causes near and dear to their hearts with their Tzedakah Project essays was also incredibly rewarding. In 8th grade, the whole of our unit devoted to Elie Wiesel's Holocaust memoir Night was a profound and deeply moving experience, particularly the students' final projects where they interviewed family members, researched survivors, and created artistic response pieces, all around the theme of bearing witness. They approached this difficult subject matter with sensitivity, creativity, and care, demonstrating a maturity that reinforced my belief in the power of literature to foster both empathy and understanding.

What do you think makes Wornick special? What is the most rewarding part of your job?

Wornick is such a caring and supportive community. As a new teacher, I've been overwhelmed by the warm welcome I've received from everyone — staff, parents, and students alike. Colleagues have generously shared resources, offered guidance, and just generally been there for my million and one questions. This culture of kindness and support makes Wornick truly special. The most rewarding parts of my job are collaboration and connection with colleagues, community members, and students at every level. These relationships and interactions remind me daily why I chose to teach at Wornick.

What lessons/skills do you hope students will take with them as they graduate?

I hope my students will leave Wornick as effective, confident communicators with a strong sense of their own voices as writers and thinkers. I want them to recognize that there is a value to their unique, individual expression that technology simply cannot reproduce. Above all, I hope they understand that writing is thinking — a process that clarifies and deepens their understanding of themselves and the world around them. I hope they will appreciate the power of language, both their own and others, to delight, to inform, to persuade, and ultimately, to change the world.

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

This is no doubt unsurprising for an English teacher, but I really, really do love books and reading! Curled up with a good book, and my cat Apollo, is where you're most likely to find me when I have free time. My favorite writer is the 19th century British woman novelist George Eliot -- I have a plush Dodo in my classroom named Dorothea in honor of one of her characters -- but I love novels, poetry, and short stories from all times and places. When I'm not reading, I love going for long walks with my husband and our dog Byron (named after the 18th-Century poet Lord Byron). I have two grown up children who both live in Vancouver, Canada who I try to spend time with whenever I can.

SPREAD THE WORD

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

Alumni! Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!
Gesher is looking for a couple of people who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher. Gesher runs from 3:30-6 pm Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 https://www.wornickjds.org/admissions/begin-your-wornick-journey to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

We are proud to have been awarded

Bay Area Parent's Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula for the 3rd year in a row!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School

HAPPENINGS AT WORNICK

Purim Celebration

Our school was filled with joy and excitement as we celebrated Purim together! Students and professionals came dressed in a variety of colorful costumes. In the classrooms,students made their own groggers and Mishloach Manot bags to share with their classmates. Then everyone came together to enjoy a lively Megillah reading and hilarious Purim Shpiel, along with musical student performances. The festivities continued with fun carnival games and activities!

Annual Gala - Wonders of Wornick

On Sunday, March 9 our community came together for a truly magical evening! The event was filled with delicious food, heartfelt tributes to our amazing honorees, and unforgettable moments. It was an incredible celebration of everything that makes Wornick so special. To make the evening even more exciting, we raised over $270,0 in tickets sales, sponsorships, donations, and the silent auction! Click here to view more photos from the Annual Gala.

Kabbalat HaSiddur

First graders gave a beautiful performance during our Kabbalat HaSiddur ceremony, where they proudly recited all of the morning prayers and shared their meanings. Each student was presented with their very own Siddur with a decorated cover and dedication from their parents. The ceremony concluded with a meaningful moment as the students gathered under a tallit to receive a special blessing from their parents and the community.

Aliyah L'Torah

Fifth graders recently led our Aliyah L'Torah service where they read from the Torah for the very first time, marking an exciting and meaningful step in their Jewish learning. They showed poise and confidence as they led the prayers and chanted their Torah portions. It was a special moment for the students, their families, and the entire school community, who came together to celebrate this important milestone.

Artist Hanoch Piven Visits Wornick

We were very excited to welcome back Israeli artist and author Hanoch Piven! Famous for his imaginative collages made from everyday objects, Mr. Piven shared insights into his unique creative process. He then led hands-on workshops where students, parents, and professionals had the opportunity to explore their own creativity to design imaginative pieces of art.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Brad Lent graduated from Wornick in 2006, as a member of the second class to graduate from Wornick's new middle school at the time. He credits Wornick with instilling in him a proud Jewish identity and strong moral values—qualities he describes as lifelong blessings. Some of his favorite memories include raising money for the San Francisco Food Bank as part of the 7th grade Tzedakah Project, having Ms. Wagshul as his 1st grade teacher, and running races on the field with Head of School Mr. Danker at recess.

After Wornick, Brad attended Kehillah in Palo Alto. He then spent a gap year in Israel, participating in a Mechina, a pre-army academy for Israelis, and joining a Budokan Krav Maga program. During his college years, Brad earned an EMT license and worked for several years in emergency medical services. He has a B.A. in Anthropology from University of California, Santa Cruz. In addition to his academic achievements, Brad holds a private pilot license from the FAA.

More recently, Brad obtained his real estate license and now works at Pacific Crest Properties, helping clients buy and sell homes throughout the Bay Area. He also serves as the Facilities Manager at Chabad of the North Peninsula in San Mateo, overseeing building maintenance, design, landscaping, security, and inspections. Brad started at this position right before October 7, 2023 and feels that his involvement at Chabad has definitely strengthened his connection to the Jewish community.

Brad is engaged to his fiancée Lynelle, and they are looking forward to celebrating their wedding later this year. In his free time, he enjoys working out at the gym, surfing, and cooking. Brad keeps in touch with some of his classmates from Wornick, including ones that he met in Kindergarten, who are still among his closest friends.

SPREAD THE WORD

Help Someone Begin Their Wornick Journey

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 our Begin Your Wornick Journey page to learn more or email admissions@wornickjds.org.

Calling All Alumni!

If you (or your child) are a Wornick graduate, send us your updated contact information to stay in touch and for upcoming Wornick events. Please email alumni@wornickjds.org and let us know how and what you are doing here. We would love to hear from you! And if you (or your child) are currently a student in college, please send their email and mailing address to alumni@wornickjds.org.

Growing Wornick's Alumni Network

"What you know" is very important but "who you know" doesn't hurt! Please be sure to connect with fellow alumni on LinkedIn. Log in and find us at Wornick/North Peninsula Jewish Day School.

Alumni! Next School Year, Come Have Fun and Get Paid to Work in Gesher!

Gesher is looking for a few energetic alumni who would love to join Ms. Wagshul in Gesher in the 25-26 school year. Gesher runs from 3:30-6 pm Mondays through Thursdays, and on Fridays from 3-6 pm. If you would be interested in volunteering or working 1-3 afternoons per week please let us know with an email to gesher@wornickjds.org.

Community Babysitting Resources

If you or your teen is interested in making themselves available to Wornick families as a babysitting resource, please complete this form that is maintained on our secure portal for enrolled families. Please note that this a community resource only, and families should do their due diligence when hiring any babysitters. This list is not owned by Wornick and Wornick is not endorsing any individual on the list.

We are proud to have been awarded

Bay Area Parent's

Best Private Elementary School and Best Private Middle School on the Peninsula!

©2025 Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School