SIA | Jewish News

SIA celebrates Class of 2025 • Strelitz International Academy alumni return

Carin Simon — Thu, 10 Jul 2025 19:57:38 +0000

Graduation is always a meaningful and emotional milestone at Strelitz International Academy. For the fifth-grade students, some of whom have been part of the SIA community since infancy, it marks a moment to reflect on their growth and prepare to spread their wings as they head to middle school.

On Wednesday, June 5, SIA hosted its annual graduation ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of the Class of 2025. Head of School Heather Moore opened the program with reflections on the past year’s successes and shared some future plans, including the launch of a special Endowment Campaign.

Emma Belman, president of the Student Government Association, delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of her classmates. She reflected on their International Baccalaureate Final Exhibition Project (which focused on health and wellness) and expressed gratitude to all the teachers, past and present, who guided them throughout their journey.

“As we move on to middle school,” Emma said, “we take with us the lessons we’ve learned, the friendships we’ve made, and the memories we’ll always treasure. We’ve grown, not just in height, but in our minds and hearts. Over the years, we’ve become more like a family, sharing laughter, challenges, and so many exciting moments together.”

This year’s Commencement Speaker was Tamir Zach, an SIA Class of 2018 alum and a recent graduate of Norfolk Academy’s Class of 2025.

Offering heartfelt wisdom and encouragement to the graduates, drawing on his own experiences and fond memories of SIA, he said, “I always have a place here, a home and a family. Every time I walk through the doors of the school, I’m welcomed by smiling faces and warm hugs from the teachers I know and love, followed by meaningful conversations with Mrs. Rodriguez and Ms. Moe. It’s a feeling I can’t describe in words. SIA is not only a place of learning, but a place of connection.”

The graduation ceremony was a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of an SIA education—grounded in community, compassion, and a love of lifelong learning.

Class of 2025 Class: Zeeva Cooper, Emma Belman, Micah Kass, Charles Claudius, Jaxon Gordon, Zane Uduaghan, William Salyer, Calanit Warren, Benson Cost, Abby Walker, Grayce Burnette, and Ari Smith.

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.

Ilan Rivera, Nate Simon, Aaron Alofer, Jack Poorman, Tamir Zach, Ariana Dail, Ophir Newman, and Emily Leon.

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

Inspired and energized: Bringing Prizmah Conference insights back to Strelitz International Academy

SIA Staff — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:28:54 +0000

Carin Simon, Strelitz International Academy’s director of development, and Ally St. Pierre, SIA’s admissions manager, recently attended the 2025 Prizmah Conference in Boston, Massachusetts. This gathering brought together Jewish day school leaders from across the country, providing a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

Throughout the conference, the SIA team participated in inspiring workshops and discussions on innovative strategies in education, community building, and school advancement. The team explored new approaches to strengthening its admissions process, fostering deeper engagement with families, and enhancing development efforts to support the long-term success of the school.

One of the most powerful takeaways was the emphasis on collaboration and the sharing of best practices among Jewish day schools. SIA’s team returned energized and full of fresh ideas — from creative ways to showcase the school’s unique IB® approach to building a more vibrant and inclusive school culture.

By implementing the strategies and insights gained at Prizmah, SIA aims to further enrich the educational experience offered at the school and to deepen the partnerships with families and community

Celebrating grandparents and grandfriends at Strelitz International Academy

Carin Simon — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 19:39:56 +0000

A heartfelt celebration that brings together students, families, and friends to honor the special bonds between generations, Strelitz International Academy’s annual Grandparents and Grandfriends Day achieved its goals. The event was marked by warmth, gratitude, and the inspiring voices of SIA’s students, who opened the gathering with a rendition of One Day. Their performance set the tone for a day filled with reflection, connection, and celebration.

Amy Weinstein, president of the school’s board of directors, welcomed everyone and emphasized the unique role grandparents and family friends play in shaping the lives of the school’s young learners. “Grandparents have a profound influence on their grandchildren, shaping their lives in the most meaningful ways,” she said.

Grandparents and Grandfriends Day capped off an especially meaningful week at SIA, which included an all-school Friendsgiving and a successful food drive benefiting Jewish Family Service. These events highlighted the school’s commitment to core values such as kindness, generosity, and a shared dedication to making the world a better place – principles that are integral to the fabric of the SIA community, fostering an environment where students learn while they grow as compassionate and engaged individuals.

The day’s festivities were made possible through the generous support of Beth Sholom Village, the event’s sponsor. “We are so honored to have Beth Sholom Village’s support each year,” Weinstein noted. “Together, we’re shaping not just the future of our students, but the future of our community and our world.”

As the event concluded, attendees were invited to visit classrooms and spend quality time with their students, further strengthening the bonds that make the SIA community so special.

For more information on the Strelitz International Academy, contact Carin Simon, director of advancement, at csimon@strelitzacademy.org or www.strelitzacademy.org.

Levi Foleck with his grandparents, Rick and Janice Foleck.

Willa Crutchfield with her grandparents, Leonard and Mary Jane.

Theo Trem with his grandmother, Natalie Trem.

Calanit Warren with her grandfather, Jay Warren.

Strelitz International Academy awarded prestigious VAIS Accreditation

Ally St. Pierre — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:54:33 +0000

An independent school serving students from infants and toddlers through kindergarten and then to 5th grade, Strelitz International Academy recently earned full accreditation from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized at the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation. VAIS also is recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE).

Strelitz International Academy was established in 1955 to provide exceptional education in Tidewater. As the first Primary Years International Baccalaureate (IB®) World School in the area, SIA offers a specialized curriculum that is both challenging and globally focused. The academy prioritizes inquiry-based learning to inspire and encourage students to explore within and beyond classroom walls. With a diverse student body and a dedication to building a rich, inclusive community, SIA works to nurture the next generation of compassionate and knowledgeable global citizens.

“Parents can be sure that when choosing a VAIS-accredited school for their children that the school has been through an intense period of self-reflection and evaluation which strengthens the entire institution,” says Betsy Hunroe, executive director of VAIS. The voluntary accreditation process is a rigorous undertaking involving a comprehensive self-study, including input from all school constituents. A team of peer evaluators from VAIS member schools spends several days on campus reviewing the self-study report, documentation, and curriculum, meeting with administrators, trustees, students, parents, and teachers, and observing campus life. The team concludes the in-depth visit with a detailed written assessment. The finalized report is then submitted for accreditation approval by the VAIS board of directors.

“At Strelitz International Academy, we take great pride in our commitment to excellence, and accreditation serves as validation of our ongoing efforts to maintain and exceed the highest standards of educational quality,” says Heather Moore, SIA head of school.

“Our VAIS visit presented an opportunity for us to showcase the exceptional work of our dedicated faculty, staff, and students. It was a chance for us to celebrate our achievements and reflect on areas for growth and improvement,” says Moore. “I encourage every member of our community to take pride in our collective accomplishments and to continue supporting our shared vision of educational excellence. Together, we will ensure that Strelitz International Academy remains a beacon of excellence in education, setting a standard that distinguishes us from others in the region.”

To learn more about SIA, visit https://strelitzinternationalacademy.org/. To learn more about VAIS accreditation and its member schools, visit www.vais.org.

SIA receives TJF grant for Stop the Bleed and first aid kits

Jewish News VA — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 18:52:52 +0000

A recent Tidewater Jewish Foundation grant enabled Strelitz International Academy to purchase 50 enhanced emergency first aid and Stop the Bleed kits, significantly improving and enhancing the school’s emergency preparedness and response capabilities.

In addition to the 25 emergency first aid and 25 Stop the Bleed kits, TJF’s grant helps fund comprehensive staff training and materials. Certified professionals are leading multiple training sessions for all staff members, covering the use of both the enhanced first aid and Stop the Bleed kits to ensure that staff are confident and capable in handling various medical emergencies.

The presence of these enhanced first aid and Stop the Bleed kits in every classroom along with comprehensive staff training has the potential to drastically reduce response times during medical emergencies, allowing for prompt and effective intervention, according to Eleanore Goldstein, BSN, RN SIA school nurse.

In addition, “parents and community members have expressed greater confidence in the academy’s preparedness, reinforcing trust in our commitment to student safety and well-being,” says Heather Moore, SIA head of school.

“The funding from Tidewater Jewish Foundation has had a profound impact on the safety and emergency preparedness of Strelitz International Academy,” says Jason D. Capossere, security director for the Sandler Family Campus. “By equipping each classroom with critical emergency kits and providing thorough training for staff, we have significantly enhanced our ability to respond to emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tidewater Jewish Foundation for this generous support,” says Moore.

“This investment in our school’s safety infrastructure has made a lasting difference, and we look forward to continuing this partnership in fostering a secure and nurturing educational environment.”