Now in its third year, the Fall Festival has become a beloved school tradition. Open to the entire community, the campus transforms into a festive autumn wonderland filled with hay bales, pumpkins, colorful leaves, and laughter. Families enjoyed pony rides, hayrides, inflatables, crafts, and games—all while celebrating the warmth of Jewish community and connection.

 This year’s event was truly a community effort, as parents, faculty, and SIA alumni worked to make the day a success. With the help of generous sponsors, the Fall Festival served not only as a joyful family gathering but also as an important fundraiser supporting SIA’s mission of providing outstanding Jewish and International Baccalaureate education.

 As SIA proudly celebrates its 70th year of inspiring generations of young learners, the Fall Festival has become a meaningful new tradition—one that highlights the values of family, community, and joyful learning.

 Mark calendars for next year’s Strelitz Fall Festival on Sunday, October 25, 2026. 

Carin Simon is director of advancement at Strelitz International Academy.

SIA Thanks Fall Festival Sponsors:

Festival Sponsor

• Sheila & Bob Josephberg

Pony Ride Sponsors

• Beth Sholom Village

• Southern Bank

• Ellen and Bill Wagner

Petting Zoo Sponsors

• Embrace Counseling Program

• Alan and Esther Fleder Foundation

• Jewish Family Service

• Heather and Doug Moore

• Sara Jo and Joel Rubin

• Elyssa Brinn, in Honor of Early Years Faculty

• The Stockpot

• Amy and Eliot Weinstein

• WoogWorks

Carnival Game Sponsors

• Jennifer Waldholtz and Greg Antonucci

• Randall Decker Buntin

• Allison and Bill Carden

• Nicole and Aaron Glassman

• Eleanore and Michael Goldstein

• HOTWORX Virginia Beach – Red Mill

• Dawn and Jack Kaye

• Mike Simon Construction Corp.

• Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids

• Vandelay Industries

Harvest Sponsors

• Donita Lozada

• The Seeman Family

 The funds raised play a crucial role in supporting the future of Jewish education and leadership in Tidewater by ensuring financial stability, scholarship opportunities, and programming excellence. 

 The day began with opening remarks from Tim Thornton, Tournament co-chair and SIA parent: “My family has been part of SIA since my son was just three months old. This community has given us so much over the years and seeing all of you come together to support the school is a reminder of how special it really is.” 

 While the rain added an extra challenge on the course, players embraced the conditions with enthusiasm, keeping spirits high throughout the tournament. Tournament highlights included a delicious lunch and dinner catered by the Cardo Cafe, hole-in-one competitions, where golfers had the chance to win a Mercedes-Benz Sedan and SUV, courtesy of Charles Barker Automotive and Towne Insurance.

  The Bob Josephberg Classic continues to provide a meaningful way for current and former SIA parents, alumni, and friends to come together in support of the school. Many sponsors have stood by SIA since the early days of the tournament, reflecting the strong partnerships that sustain its mission.

 The winners of the 1st Flight were the Copy Fax Team – Jay Serrao, Chris Williams, Bob Merkle, and Rob Merkle.

 Next year’s 38th Annual Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament is slated for Wednesday, September 2, 2026 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club.

Carin Simon, SIA’s director of advancement, may be reached at 757-424-4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org.

At Strelitz International Academy, fall is a season bursting with joy, tradition, and community spirit. From decorating the sukkah and harvesting the school’s vibrant Fall Garden to exploring handson seasonal activities, this time of year is filled with wonder for students. 

 That magic comes alive for the entire Tidewater community at the 3rd Annual SIA Fall Festival.

What to expect:

•Bring the entire family for a day packed with unforgettable fun. Children of all ages will delight in pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, and classic carnival games. PJ Library, Camp JCC, Konikoff Center of Learning, and Jewish Family Service will add their own creative programming to keep the excitement going all day long.

•Food and festivities
No festival is complete without delicious bites. A variety of kosher festival favorites such as hotdogs and hamburgers will be available—perfect for a mid-day meal or a quick snack between adventures.

•Fun with purpose
More than just a celebration, the Fall Festival is a vital fundraiser for Strelitz International Academy. Every sponsorship, wristband, and raffle ticket helps fuel innovative learning and enrich the lives of the school’s students. With raffle baskets brimming with prizes and sponsorship opportunities at every level, there are countless ways to show support.

To support the Third Annual Strelitz Fall Festival, celebrating young families in Tidewater, contact Carin Simon, director of advancement, at csimon@strelitzacademy.org or 757-424-4327, ext. 4189.

For more information and to buy a Children’s Festival Activity Wristband, go to https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/fall-festival/.

Members of the SIA Class of 2025 will attend:
Academy for Discovery at Lakewood (IB
Middle Years Program)
Cape Henry Collegiate
Great Neck Middle School
Greenbrier Middle School
Landstown Middle School
Norfolk Academy
Plaza Middle School IB Middle Years
Program
The Williams School

Strelitz International Academy alumni return for Annual Senior Sendoff

When the SIA Class of 2018 received their invite to attend a Senior Year Reunion in May, they were hesitant to respond. Many had not recently seen each other. As they arrived, welcomed by their fifth-grade graduation picture, they immediately reconnected and reminisced about their fond memories during their time at SIA, which was then Hebrew Academy of Tidewater.

The students were thrilled to reconnect with each other over pizza and an Edible Arrangement generously donated by the Rivera Family. While many of the grads had visited the Sandler Family Campus since graduation, most had not seen each other or teachers in some time. The excitement was palpable as they observed the changes in the school, shared memories, and enthusiastically greeted former teachers while exploring their old classrooms.

Current SIA students enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the visiting alumni, asking questions about their experiences in middle and high school. The alumni, now recent graduates from Cape Henry Collegiate, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, Tidewater Collegiate Academy, and First Colonial High School, were quizzed by students to see if they remembered their Hebrew and math facts.

The once young students have grown into accomplished and well-spoken adults with bright futures ahead. SIA is immensely proud to have provided these students with a strong Jewish and academic foundation.

SIA (HAT) graduates are entering the following programs:

Allegheny College following
Gap Year in Israel
American University
Christopher Newport
University
Florida Atlantic University
George Mason University
James Madison University
Massachusetts Maritime
Academy
Old Dominion University
Radford University

Themed raffle baskets created by SIA classes lined the Campus Cardo.  From a Vacation Basket to a Self-Care Basket and even a Pet Care Basket, families purchased tickets in hopes of winning their favorite. The grand drawing for the baskets took place at the end of the festival, keeping everyone on their toes, adding a burst of anticipation to wrap up the day.

As people stepped out of the Cardo doors, they were greeted with scarecrows, hay bales, pumpkins, and two live scarecrow juggler and stilt walkers.  

Admission included unlimited access to carnival games, pony rides, and train rides looping around the campus white top. Fresh kosher hot dogs, burgers, popcorn, and other treats kept families fueled for all the fun.

 The entire community pitched in to bring the event to life, with parents, faculty, and volunteers coordinating setup, check-in, and food stations, while SIA alumni and community teens ran the lively carnival games. Generous sponsors helped make the Strelitz Fall Festival a fantastic fundraiser and a heartwarming community event. In addition to games and food, the festival showed the power of unity, with volunteers from local groups such as Congregation Beth El’s Bogrim program and Tallwood High School’s Israel Club helping support the festivities. One highlight was the chance for alumni and their families to reconnect with each other and with the SIA faculty, reflecting the lasting bonds within the Strelitz community.

Next year’s Strelitz Fall Festival will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025.  

Carin Simon is director of advancement for Strelitz International Academy.

Strelitz International Academy Fall Festival Sponsors

Fall is a season of excitement at Strelitz International Academy. From decorating the sukkah and harvesting its fall garden to enjoying seasonal sensory experiences, this time of year holds special meaning for SIA students. 

What began as the “Falling into Shabbat” event for the school’s Early Years program has blossomed into something bigger. After last year’s successful inaugural event with almost 800 people attending, the 2nd Annual Strelitz International Academy Fall Festival promises to be even more spectacular. 

Designed for families of all ages, the event will feature activities such as pony rides, train rides, a petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, and more. Community partners, including PJ Library, Camp JCC, Konikoff Center of Learning, and Jewish Family Service, will offer additional engaging programming throughout the day.

The festival’s menu options will include a variety of kosher fare, including hotdogs and popcorn. 

While the Fall Festival is all about fun, it’s also a vital fundraiser for the Strelitz International Academy. Proceeds from sponsorships, wristbands sales, and themed raffle baskets with prizes will directly benefit students and programs. Sponsorship opportunities are available at all levels, allowing businesses and individuals to support the growth of this vibrant learning community.

Whether stopping by with little ones before naptime or arriving after Sunday School, there will be plenty of activities to enjoy.

To support the Second Annual Strelitz Fall Festival, celebrating young families in Tidewater, contact Carin Simon, director of advancement, atcsimon@strelitzacademy.org or 757-424-4327, ext. 4189.

 For more information and to purchase a Children’s Festival Activity Wristband, go to
https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/fall-festival/.

These funds play a crucial role in supporting the future of Jewish education and leadership in Tidewater by ensuring financial sustainability and expanding access for all SIA students.

The event kicked off with opening remarks from David Leon and Babbi Bangel, SIA Golf Tournament co-chairs, before participants teed off in a Florida best ball tournament format. Players had a chance to win luxury prizes—a brand new Mercedes Sedan and Mercedes SUV —courtesy of Charles Barker Automotive and Towne Insurance, during the highly anticipated hole-in- one competition.

“We are truly grateful for the continued dedication and generosity of our community and business partners,” said Leon. “It’s inspiring to see both familiar and new faces each year enjoying a fun day on the course while supporting SIA’s mission.

Our entire school community extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making this our most successful fundraising event yet.” Amy Weinstein, SIA board chair and Heather Moore, SIA head of school, drove around the course greeting players and distributing cool neck towels to beat the heat. Moore expressed deep appreciation for the event’s success, highlighting the importance of the funds raised in light of the school’s remarkable enrollment growth over the past five years. “This tournament provides critical funding that allows us to offer more scholarships to our expanding student body. We are incredibly thankful to our donors, whose support helps us deliver a robust Jewish and International Baccalaureate (IB) education to our students.”

Participants were treated to a delicious, boxed lunch and a post-play reception catered by Cardo Cafe.
The tournament also featured a Silent Auction with items such as hand-crafted pens generously donated by Steve Wohlgemuth of WoogWorks, and a bottle of Weller Wheated Bourbon donated by Levi Washburn, both of which contributed to the overall fundraising efforts.

The winners of the 1st flight were Miles Leon, Ben Leon, Wes Bourdon, and Eddie Bourdon. SIA extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, players, and volunteers who made the day a tremendous success.

Save the date for next year’s 37th Annual Strelitz International Academy Golf Tournament on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at Virginia Beach National Golf Club.

SIA’s upcoming Annual Fall Festival takes place on Sunday, October 27 at the Sandler Family Campus.

For more information, contact Carin Simon, SIA director of advancement, at 757-424-4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.

SIA Thanks 2024 Golf Sponsors

The students are headed to:
Baylor University
College of Charleston
Young Judaea Year Course in Israel
Dartmouth
Hollins University
Syracuse
University of Central Florida
University of South Carolina
University of Virginia
William & Mary

HAT/Strelitz alumni are requested to send updated contact information to Carin Simon, director of advancement, at csimon@strelitzacademy.org in order to keep in touch.

The festivities launched with a series of Spirit Days throughout January to motivate families to fundraise. Each week featured a unique theme, encouraging students, teachers, and staff to showcase their SIA School Spirit – all aimed to build excitement and a sense of togetherness within the school community.

The fundraising initiative’s highlight was the student Glow Run. In the Sandler Family Campus’ dark gym, black lights and a glow light track created a fun and exciting atmosphere. Students circulated between the “Glow Up” stations with glow sticks, paint and neon tattoos, and running around the glow track while cheering on their friends to energizing music.

In addition to the Glow Run, Strelitz International Academy implemented a family-driven fundraising component, encouraging families to contact their extended networks, friends, and colleagues, seeking donations to support the school. This collaborative effort ensured that the fundraising initiative extended beyond the school walls, creating a network that amplified the campaign’s impact.

By leveraging the power of personal connections, Strelitz International Academy reached its fundraising goals. SIA supporters Renee and John Strelitz generously contributed a $25,000 match campaign to further SIA Family Fundraising. Thanks to motivational videos, text solicitations, and old-fashioned phone calls to friends and extended family, SIA students and parents raised more than $33,000.

Strelitz International Academy’s Glow Run was not just about raising funds; it was about illuminating the spirit of the school community. As families raised dollars for the school, they also contributed its bright future.

Strelitz International Academy is Tidewater’s Community Jewish Day School serving infants through grade 5. To learn more about the school, go to strelitzinternationalacademy.org.

Carin Simon is director of advancement at Strelitz International Academy.