Picture, if you will, an entire school eagerly gathered in one room. Nearly 600 people—students, faculty, and staff—all charged with excitement for what is to come after months of waiting and wondering. It’s a moment when the energy explodes, the building comes alive, and lifelong memories are created. At Katz Yeshiva High School of South Florida, we have a name for this event: Stormania.More than merely a series of games comprising the highly anticipated annual Color War competition, Stormania is a celebration and demonstration of everything we stand for. This multi-day signature event brings students and faculty together in a vibrant display of school pride, Jewish heritage, and community spirit. Featuring varied challenges designed to ensure that participants with disparate strengths and interests can all contribute equally and meaning

Genesis 1:27: And God created humankind in God’s image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Betzelem Elohim. Every child is made in God’s image. This idea is fundamental to creating learning environments that honor the unique potential and worth of every child in a school. When truly embraced, this belief fosters a culture of deep respect, equity, and belonging, ensuring that every student feels valued and seen. It also serves as a guiding principle for meeting the diverse needs of all learners, ensuring that each child receives the support and challenge necessary to thrive. However, sustaining this perspective requires intentional effort, as the daily demands and stress of teaching—lesson planning, classroom management, assessments, and administrative responsibilities—can easily shift educator

A Jewish day school is more than just a place for academic learning—it is a kehillah, a sacred community where students and faculty form deep, lasting, and meaningful connections. At Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago, we believe in the transformative power of community.One of the most impactful ways we foster this sense of belonging is through our Tribes program, a multi-grade initiative designed to build relationships, strengthen school unity, and create opportunities for student leadership. Over time, we have seen the long-term impact of this program, with students and staff members describing Tribes as one of their most valued experiences here.We recognize that some of the most profound learning and joy happens when students step outside of their typical classroom settings to connect with other students in their scho