In a recent post on a Jewish educators facebook group I belong to called JEDLAB, someone asked this question. “What do you find to be some of the most over-used, cliched words/terms/phrases in Jewish education today? (you know the ones that you hear over and over again that seem to lose their meaning because everyoneContinue reading “Authentic Buzzwords”
Author Archives: Dr. Eliezer Jones
Light It Up!
Last week we had the VTHS Shabbaton and it was amazing. Before I begin let me give a huge shout out to Rabbi Semmel for organizing such a high quality program and to all the Rebbeim and staff who supported the Shabbaton. The first night when we arrived we were greeted with many inches ofContinue reading “Light It Up!”
Living the Talking Points
This year for me has come with many firsts and this week was no different. I was a part of my first VTHS roundtable discussion for parents interested in sending their children to our school. Having no experience in such a presentation I did not know what to expect. There was no prep, written speechesContinue reading “Living the Talking Points”
What is Winterim?
This week was the first official VTHS “Winterim.” What is Winterim you ask? It might be the greatest thing since a student started selling hot churros at the VTHS breakfast cafe. Yet, I was asked many times before the Winterim started why we have school if we are not “learning.” I find this problematic. FirstContinue reading “What is Winterim?”
High School Interview Skills
This week began the interview process for potential incoming 9th graders. I have been enjoying meeting the future of Valley Torah and it got me thinking about if anyone is preparing these students for the interviews. Not that anyone that I have met has done a poor job. In fact, I have been very impressed.Continue reading “High School Interview Skills”
I am sick of talking about technology
I am sick of talking about technology. I want to be talking about education. Yet, the current discussion around “21st Century Learning” always seems to revolve around the technology when it needs to be focused on the teaching and learning. Don’t get me wrong. I feel strongly that technology can and should be integrated meaningfullyContinue reading “I am sick of talking about technology”
THE FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION: IS IT KOSHER?
Today is Thanksgiving. While I am grateful for many things like my family and friends, in regard to VTHS, I am grateful to be at a school that means so much to me, to have a boss who I have respected and admired for years, to have such a strong partner in Rabbi Felt, anContinue reading “THE FIRST THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION: IS IT KOSHER?”
The Principal Project
Growing up in Los Angeles, I have become accustom to seeing the occasional celebrity at my local eatery, cafe and entertainment locales. However, unlike many near me, I generally have had little to no interest in getting their autograph or take a picture with them. This all changed this Monday when I ran up toContinue reading “The Principal Project”
MANY FIRSTS: VINE, PODCAST, HIGH TECH HIGH AND MORE!
Between last weeks post and this weeks so much has happened. I struggled with what to focus my thoughts on as so much of what has happened were truly firsts for me and the school and deserved being spoken about. Then I realized that I can write about anything I want so why not writeContinue reading “MANY FIRSTS: VINE, PODCAST, HIGH TECH HIGH AND MORE!”
Our Students Are More Than A Test Score
Albert Einstein has been quoted as saying “Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it is stupid.” I began to write this post moments before administering the CollegeBoard’s PSAT’s to our students last week and immediately this quoteContinue reading “Our Students Are More Than A Test Score”
Definition of a Leader? Our Students!
This past Shabbos I went to shul on Friday night at Shaarey Zedek in the Valley as I usually do. Yet, this was not a usual Shabbos. As mincha ended and Kabbalas Shabbos began, I became acutely aware that this Shabbos was not like the last. While davening at Shaarey Zedek is always beautiful, theContinue reading “Definition of a Leader? Our Students!”
VTHS Staff Synergy
Who loves coming back to school after vacation? If you are imaging a blond principal with glasses and yarmulke with his two thumbs pointed to himself loudly proclaiming “this guy,” you would be correct! I was so excited to return to VTHS after a wonderful holiday and break. I was excited for the return ofContinue reading “VTHS Staff Synergy”
What are you passionate about?
What are you passionate about? This is a question not asked often enough in our schools. This is unfortunate given the fact that we know that when a student connects the learning to something they are passionate about they are more successful. Plus, if we are truly preparing them for their future, supporting the discoveryContinue reading “What are you passionate about?”
Looking Forward During Rosh HaShana (a podcast)
I made a special edition of my EJ’s Cafe Podcast, which is part of my personal blog EJsCafe.com, for this week’s “From The Desk Of” post. This is a Rosh HaShana message for all my students and their families. Shana Tova and I am looking forward to a continued amazing year with all of you!Continue reading “Looking Forward During Rosh HaShana (a podcast)”
The Sounds of Learning
If Simon and Garfunkel were hanging around VTHS this week they may have changed their despondent 60’s anthem to the “sounds of learning” from….well if you don’t know what song I am talking about this reference was clearly a mistake. Unfortunately, Simon and Garfunkel were not with us and so the students only had theContinue reading “The Sounds of Learning”