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

Jewish Academy of Orlando will offer daily activities during Passover/spring amidst the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.  

Head of School Alan Rusonik said, "All of us, students, teachers and parents alike, need a break! In just a matter of a few short weeks, our world was turned upside down." He continued, "No matter what or how our families celebrate over the next few days, we wanted to make the best of the situation and connect with family and friends (virtually) and enjoy the holiday and rest."

Each day, students will be able to engage in up to three activities. In the mornings, students can attend story time or "child-friendly" services. Other activities during the day include games, art stories and a dance party. The sessions will last between 30 - 45 minutes.  

Needless to say, parents are thrilled   

JAO parent Jennifer Trabin said, "Tomorrow is the first day of our spring break. We had a mini spring break just before the quarantine started from Maqrch 13 -16, which got extended only one extra day for the staff and teachers to get distance learning up and running. There have been a few glitches here and there but overall it has been amazing! For the last 3 1/2 weeks my daughter has been completely engaged in all aspects of school. She has had meetings daily with all of her teachers and administrators, special events, appropriate amounts of school work that has allowed us to keep her busy and learning throughout the entire day without overwhelming her or us, she has had opportunities to video chat with her friends, have physical, mental, and artistic challenges, and she's had an outlet to discuss her fears, questions, and concerns about everything going on around her. The best part is that in 3 1/2 weeks I have never once heard either of the kids say they were bored-not a single time!

"Tomorrow we start spring break, and just as I was getting nervous about how we would keep the kids busy and entertained for 10 days we got an email that the head of school is going to do live story telling or children's services every day of spring break to continue giving the kids access and engagement!

"Jewish Academy of Orlando: to say we are impressed and grateful for everything you have done so far and continue to do is an understatement. Thank you, so much!"

Art teacher Morah Penny shares art stories and ideas for art inspiration.

Rusonik added, "We know this is a difficult time for everyone. We wanted to bring our families a little bit of happiness and 'normal' during these unusual circumstances."

Jewish Academy of Orlando serves central Florida students of all faiths from transitional  kindergarten through fifth grade. The school delivers a whole-child education fostering academic excellence and character education rooted in Jewish values. Jewish Academy of Orlando is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools.  

To learn more about Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: jewishacademyorlando.org or follow the school on Facebook facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando/ 

To learn more about Remote Learning at Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/remotelearning.