Kadima Independent Day School to Succeed Beth Israel Day School in San Diego

Kadima Independent Day School announced today that the final steps have been completed to open as a new school and begin taking enrollment for the 2006/07 school year.

San Diego, CA (PRWEB) February 1, 2006 -- Kadima Independent Day School (K.I.D.S.) announced today that the final steps have been completed to open as a new school and begin taking enrollment for the 2006/07 school year. K.I.D.S. is the successor to the current Beth Israel Day School (B.I.D.S.), and will assume operations at the end of the current school year. B.I.D.S has been operated by Congregation Beth Israel since 1981. The new K.I.D.S. will run independently of Congregation Beth Israel while continuing to occupy classrooms and facilities at the synagogue’s location.

The school will maintain its traditions of small class sizes, a loving and nurturing environment, instruction tailored to the individual needs of each student, and a strong curriculum in both secular and Jewish studies. K.I.D.S. will serve an expanded community of Jewish families representing multiple Jewish affiliations.

“We now have our own board of directors composed of community leaders, educators, and parents,” said Buddy Voit, president of the Kadima school board. “This allows us to reach out more effectively to all of the Jewish community. For instance, we’ve created a Rabbinic advisory council comprised of many of the community clergy who will become actively involved with our students.”

As part of its repositioning, K.I.D.S. has named recognized education expert

Dr. Cecile B. Jordan as its new principal. Dr. Jordan recently completed 18 years as executive director of the San Diego Agency for Jewish Education. She has also served as a day school principal, supplementary school principal and teacher in public and private schools throughout the country. She has a Doctor of Education degree in administration and supervision,

Master of Arts in Hebrew culture and education, and Master of Science in elementary education.

“Excellent schools require seasoned and experienced educational leaders,”

said Josh Elkins, executive director of Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE). “In Dr. Cecile Jordan, K.I.D.S. has found a professional with deep and varied experience who can provide the kind of leadership which will help propel K.I.D.S. forward. PEJE stands ready to be a supportive partner, helping K.I.D.S. access the expertise and latest knowledge associated with Jewish day school excellence.”

Dr. Jordan and the entire staff at K.I.D.S. have begun preparing for the upcoming school year, which begins in July.

“I am looking forward to engaging with teachers and helping them enrich and strengthen the educational program that currently exists at the school,” said Dr. Jordan. “We will continue to nurture each child and help him or her develop individual strengths and talents. Our parents, who are our partners in education, will continue to help us link Jewish values and education between the home, the school and the community.”

“We are happy that devoted day school parents are working toward continuing the school,” said Barbara Haworth, Congregation Beth Israel president. “We encourage our members to consider K.I.D.S. for their children and grandchildren.”

About K.I.D.S.

Kadima Independent Day School (K.I.D.S.) of San Diego (formerly Beth Israel Day School, which opened in 1981) offers an enriching educational curriculum for children from Junior Kindergarten through 5th grade. The philosophy behind K.I.D.S. is to give each child the opportunity and support to grow in an environment that is developmentally appropriate and sensitive to his or her needs. Class sizes are small, providing constant personal attention and interaction between teachers and students. The environment is both nurturing and challenging, fostering each child's intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. K.I.D.S. is committed to academic excellence and to the cultivation of Jewish knowledge, values and skills in accordance with the views of progressive Judaism. Jewish studies are blended into the general curriculum areas throughout the day. K.I.D.S. encourages each child to have a positive sense of self, responsibility to others and belief that Judaism is a way of life consistent with values that enrich our world. For additional information, please call KIDS at (858) 450-3222 or log on to www.KIDSsd.org.

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