Heritage Florida Jewish News - Central Florida's Independent Jewish Voice

Oh, what a night! Jewish Academy of Orlando's Spring Family Learning Night focused on Art Education, and families from its community joined us for a myriad of activities. The event started with a pizza picnic on the playground, where everyone made new friends. Then, it was off to learn why art is such an important part of learning-- it teaches motor skills, builds confidence, fosters creativity, teaches perseverance, and so much more!

Whether it was creating clay bugs to identify the sections of an insect, crafting paper flowers to identify parts, learning about non-Newtonian fluids and polymers by mixing slime, designing infinity tiles, or even paper quilling as they did in Colonial times, everyone was engaged in the experiences our incredible faculty offered.

The school was also excited to have author, illustrator, and animator Peter Raymundo in attendance. Children (and their parents!) learned to draw seahorses, hammerhead sharks, and even jellyfish. 

The finished mosaic mural.

Many families spent a portion of the night helping to design our new mosaic mural that will decorate our hall to celebrate Jewish Academy of Orlando's 40th anniversary. The mosaic mural was designed and inspired by South Florida glass artist and current grandmother in the school, Holly Odess. She was assisted by art teacher Penny Goldstein. The mosaic mural, made out of colored and textured glass and tiles, features five circles, each representing one of the school's core values-Jewish Values, Academic Excellence, Leadership, Focus on the Whole Child, and Caring Community. Students, families and friends of the Jewish Academy of Orlando will be reminded of these core values each time they walk in our school and will also remember that they took part in creating this beautiful piece of art.

The Family Learning Night was well attended by current and future Jewish Academy families and enjoyed by all in attendance.

For more information about Jewish Academy of Orlando or to arrange a visit to our school, please contact Amy Polacek, admissions coordinator, at apolacek@myjao.org or call 407-647-0713.