First Week Fun: Our Community Comes Alive

"I love school!" - Mila (1st grade) as she was heading to the school bus on Thursday afternoon 

Our first week of school was filled with excitement, energy, and connection as students and teachers settled into the rhythm of a new year. From joyful reunions and welcoming new classmates to diving into engaging classroom activities, our K-8 kehillah (community) quickly came alive with learning and laughter. Highlights included community-building activities, explorations of new curriculum, navigating new schedules, and time spent together in shared spaces that remind us what makes PJA such a special place to learn and grow. It all culminated in our first beautiful Shabbat celebration of the year. 

Here are a few more reflections from PJA students this week. 

“2nd grade is so much fun!" - Clyde (2nd grade) on the first day of school.

"I think people walking into our classroom know they're welcome here. You can tell we value that." - August (5th grade)

While learning about dirt/soil with our Garden Educator, a first-grade student observed that “all the different types of soil are like all the different people in the school.” 
After learning about the 20-minute Kesher period in Middle School, one student responded with "That is like the best thing in the whole world!" Learn more about Kesher in next week’s Spotlight!