By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager
We are thrilled to share that our Admissions Manager, Ally St. Pierre, and Director of Development, Carin Simon, recently attended the 2025 Prizmah Conference in Boston, Massachusetts! This incredible gathering brought together Jewish day school leaders nationwide, providing a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.
Throughout the conference, our SIA team participated in inspiring workshops and discussions on innovative strategies in education, community building, and school advancement. They explored new approaches to strengthening our admissions process, fostering deeper engagement with families, and enhancing our development efforts to support the long-term success of our school.
One of the most powerful takeaways was the emphasis on collaboration and sharing best practices among Jewish day schools. Our team returned energized and full of fresh ideas — from creative ways to showcase our school’s unique IB® approach to building a more vibrant and inclusive school culture.
We are excited to put this newfound knowledge into action. By implementing the strategies and insights gained at Prizmah, we aim to further enrich the educational experience we offer at the Strelitz International Academy and deepen our partnership with our families and community.
Thank you to Prizmah for hosting such a meaningful and impactful conference. Together, we are building a brighter future for Jewish education, and we can’t wait to see the positive changes ahead for our school! Schedule a visit to learn more!
By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager at the Strelitz International Academy
On Tuesday, October 16, 2024, our fourth-grade students engaged in an exciting blend of STEM education and cultural exploration as part of our International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Incorporating themes from recent Jewish holidays; Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, students applied their inquiry skills in a series of creative, hands-on experiments, encouraging critical thinking and collaboration.
Lena A. observes the chemical reaction taking place in the water.
Andrew D. carefully pours the honey into the jar while other students watch and wait to see what happens!
One highlight of the afternoon was a science activity inspired by the symbolic “Tashlich” tradition. In this experiment, students dropped cubes of baking soda into vinegar, resulting in a fizzing chemical reaction. This visual display represented the act of letting go of the old, much like the traditional casting off of sins into flowing water. The fourth graders also explored the concept of density with a sweet twist. Using honey, oil, and water, they observed how these liquids interacted, discovering how each layer was based on its density. The experiment also linked back to the holiday symbolism of honey, representing a sweet start to the new year.
The grand finale was a structural challenge: building sukkot, traditional booths, out of marshmallows and other materials. Each group designed and constructed its sukkah, testing its strength and stability against simulated desert storms. This activity highlighted not only their creativity and engineering skills but also the PYP’s focus on fostering open-minded, reflective learners.
This engaging afternoon of science and cultural connection allowed our fourth graders to deepen their understanding of both key scientific concepts and the rich traditions that inspire community and reflection—hallmarks of our IB approach to education. Schedule a visit!
By Ally St. Pierre, Admissions and Marketing Manager, Strelitz International Academy
Strelitz International Academy, in partnership with the Simon Family JCC, is excited to announce that Lenore Skenazy, founder of the Let Grow movement and author of Free-Range Kids, will be joining us for an engaging event on November 21, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Simon Family JCC. Skenazy, who has been a leading voice in promoting independence for children, will share insights from her groundbreaking book and discuss how schools, parents, and communities can empower young learners to develop resilience, confidence, and autonomy.
Ava and Mara G. of fourth and third grade baked cookies on their own for their first independent Let Grow project.
Fourth-grade student Quinn M. paints a room all by herself as part of the September Let Grow project.
Skenazy became a prominent figure after writing about her decision to let her 9-year-old son navigate New York City’s subway system alone. This bold parenting choice earned her the title of “America’s Worst Mom” from some critics, but also sparked a national conversation about how much freedom and responsibility children should be given. Out of this moment grew the Free-Range Kids movement, which advocates for giving kids more independence to explore the world at their own pace, without unnecessary restrictions or fear.
As the founder of Let Grow, Skenazy continues to lead efforts to promote childhood independence, with a focus on shifting how schools and parents think about safety and growth. The Let Grow movement encourages initiatives like “Let Grow Projects” in schools, where children take on challenges independently, helping them build problem-solving skills, responsibility, and self-confidence.
During her talk, Skenazy will delve into how these ideas can be integrated into both home and educational settings like ours. We’re particularly excited to have her speak, as our school has recently partnered with the Let Grow movement in our efforts to foster a culture of independence among our Primary Years (PY) students.
We invite all community members, parents, and educators to join us for this inspiring event. It promises to be a thought-provoking discussion, filled with practical advice and a new perspective on raising confident, capable kids. We look forward to seeing you there on November 21 at 6:30 p.m.Contact us at 757.424.4327.
The36th Annual Strelitz International Golf Tournament, proudly known as the “Bob Josephberg Classic,” co-chaired by David Leon and Babbi Bangel, is set to be the highlight of the season on August 28, 2024, at the renowned Virginia Beach National Golf Club.
This golf tournament is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts and a cherished tradition passionately embraced by the entire Tidewater community. Each year, the event draws over 100 players and 100 sponsors, raising $150,000 to support the students and families of the Strelitz International Academy.
This past school year, theStrelitz International Academy celebrated remarkable achievements. As a result of our school’s exceptional Jewish education andInternational Baccalaureate®curriculum, enrollment has soared to record levels since our move to the Sandler Family Campus.
Serving students from infancy through fifth grade, Strelitz is a private preschool and Virginia Beach elementary school that lays a solid foundation for future leaders, deeply rooted in the values and support of the Tidewater Jewish community. The 36th Annual Golf Tournament presents a unique opportunity for businesses and individuals to make a significant impact. Sponsorship opportunities range from $400 to $10,500, catering to a variety of giving levels. The event is open to all golf enthusiasts and volunteers, promising a day packed with excitement, including a captivating silent auction and a vibrant awards reception featuring a delectable kosher dinner.
Your participation is more than just a game; it’s an investment in the future of our children and the strength of our community. Join us for a day of camaraderie, competition, and community spirit. We can’t wait to see you there! Together, we can make a lasting difference.
For more information on how you can sponsor or participate in the tournament, please contact Carin Simon, Director of Advancement, at 757.424.4327 or csimon@strelitzacademy.org. You can schedule a visit to our Virginia Beach elementary school and private preschool through our tournament site:onecau.se/siagolf.
Do you remember the times as a child when you would practically beg Mom and Dad to let you play with your neighbors across the street? Bicycles and scooters gliding along the sidewalk, a loose ball (or two) thrown over the fence, and the oh-so-limitless trees to climb?
Life was much simpler when the most thrilling event of the day was the aftermath of an intense game of Manhunt or Parkour. Now, times have gone digital.
When light knee scrapes from running too hard have become sore thumbs from scrolling too hard, it may mean it’s time for a change for our little ones. Summer is the perfect time for kids to step away from screens and have fun in the fresh air.
Though it’s easy to let them play with tablets and video games, it’s essential for their growth that they get outside and play. As one of the core beliefs of the IB® Primary Years Program, children who spend more time outside engage in physical activities, build valuable life skills, and feel happier and healthier.
Teachers’ Perspectives
97% of teachers believe outdoor play is critical for children to reach their full potential.
88% of teachers say that children are happier after playing outdoors.
88% of teachers report that children are more engaged in learning when lessons take place outdoors.
Outdoor Play is Critical To Childhood Development. Here’s How:
1. Physical Health Benefits
Those activities outside weren’t just fun—they were also secretly keeping us healthy. When kids run, jump, and climb, they build stronger muscles and bones and even improve cardiovascular health. Unlike sedentary screen time, outdoor play helps kids stay fit, maintain a healthy weight, and develop those all-important motor skills—all in the fresh air. Strelitz International Academy, one of the topprivate elementary schools in Virginia Beach, emphasizes the importance of physical activity as part of its holistic approach to child development.
2. Mental and Emotional Well-being
When kids spend time outside, they’re exposed to sunlight, which boosts their Vitamin D levels. This helps regulate their mood and improves their sleep quality.
Nature itself can be anxiolytic (therapeutic), lowering stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of ADHD in green outdoor settings. When kids play outside in an unstructured environment, they have the freedom to use their imagination and express themselves, which builds their emotional resilience. So, letting your kids explore and have fun outside isn’t just about keeping them busy—it’s helping them grow into happier and healthier individuals.
3. Social Skills Development
Children who play outside with friends gain important social skills that help them in everyday life. Playing together teaches them how to talk and listen, work in teams, and solve disagreements. Group games and activities show the importance of sharing and being kind to others. These skills are key to making and keeping good friendships as they grow up. Plus, seeing them have fun and connect with others is a great joy for any parent! This focus on collaboration and communication skills is fundamental in IB® elementary schools.
4. Academic and Cognitive Growth
Outdoor play is fun and great for cognitive development. When kids explore nature and use their senses, it boosts their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities—playing outside sparks creativity, which can help them perform better in school. This is extremely important, as evidenced in the 2011 paper,The Creativity Crisis: The Decrease in Creative Thinking Scores on the Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking, which showed creativity on a ‘steady and persistent decline’ while IQ increased.
How to Encourage Outdoor Play
1. Create an Adventurous Environment
Making your backyard or local park a fun and exciting place for your kids doesn’t have to be complicated. Add simple things like a swing set, sandbox, or small garden. These little additions can fire up your child’s imagination and encourage them to play outside more. You can also plan fun family activities like scavenger hunts, obstacle courses, and nature crafts. It’s a great way to make outdoor time more engaging and enjoyable for everyone!
2. Balance Screen Time
According toThe Kaiser Family Foundation, children ages 8-18 get an average of 7.5 hours of screen time every day. This is a problem because theJournal of Preventative Medicine found that children aged 2-17 who spend 7+ hours of screen time a day are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression than those who only spend an hour a day.
Balancing screen time can be a challenge, but setting clear boundaries is crucial to encourage more outdoor play. Start by establishing tech-free zones in your home, like the dining room and bedrooms. You can also set specific times of the day when screens are off-limits, like during meals and an hour before bedtime.
3. Be a Role Model
Children often mimic their parents’ behavior, so show enthusiasm for outdoor activities by participating in them yourself. From gardening to cycling to a simple walk in the park, your active participation will inspire your children to join in and develop a love for the outdoors. They’ll naturally want to follow along when they see you having fun and enjoying these activities. Plus, spending this quality time together strengthens your bond and helps create lasting memories. It’s the little things that count.
4. Plan Outdoor Family Activities
Incorporating regular outdoor activities into your family routine can make a big difference, and it’s easier than you might think. Start with weekend hikes to explore nearby trails—it’s a fun way to get some exercise and experience nature together. Alternatively, plan beach outings where your kids can build sandcastles, splash in the waves, and soak up some sun. Even a simple visit to the zoo can turn into an educational adventure, sparking curiosity and wonder about animals and the environment.
Have a Happy and Healthy Summer Break!
Let’s make this summer unforgettable. Contact us at 757.424.4327 to sign up for the 2024-2025 school year at Strelitz International Academy, a renowned IB® school, and give your child the best start to a happy and healthy future! Schedule a visit.
