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

Jewish Academy of Orlando kindergarteners performed in the school’s annual Thanksgiving show. The remote audience was taken back in time to the days of the pilgrims. The students sang Thanksgiving favorites like, “Happy Thanksgiving, hurray, hurray, hurray!,” and shared what they are thankful for. The music helped to tell the story of the first Thanksgiving with songs about Plymouth Rock, the Mayflower, and the harvest. 

The students also shared a cookbook with their favorite recipes for the holiday. The recipe books not only displayed the student’s favorite Thanksgiving food and how to make it (from a kindergartner’s perspective) but also demonstrated their knowledge about the story of Thanksgiving.

“The Thanksgiving program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to illustrate their learning for their families. It not only allows a showcase of their understanding of Pilgrim and Native American life and culture, but also an opportunity to share traditions. It is incredible to see the confidence with which they present and how they express their knowledge and gratitude,” stated Amy Polacek, director of Academics.

“While this year’s show was a little different than past year’s shows, this is another example of how JAO is able to highlight our students by altering a traditional program, in order to make safety a priority during these unprecedented times. We are delighted to bring a program of this calibre that synthesizes academic lessons, our positive education program, gratitude, American history, literature, art, music and performance to our kindergarten students,” added Alan Rusonik, head of school.  

Jewish Academy of Orlando serves Central Florida students of all faiths from 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 https://facebook.com/JewishAcademyOrlando/ 

To learn more about COVID-19 Precautions at Jewish Academy of Orlando, please visit: https://www.jewishacademyorlando.org/covid19.