Inspired and Energized: Bringing Prizmah Conference Insights Back to Strelitz International Academy

SIA Staff at Prizmah Conference 2025

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!

Strelitz International Academy Back to School

Children in IB Classroom

Strelitz International Academy welcomed the new school year with open arms and smiling faces. The school’s entryway has been reimagined with a beautiful IBⓇ-themed mural, and new toddler classrooms, adding to the excitement of the new school year.

Students from all grades returned back to SIA on August 18, 2023, for the annual Meet and Greet. Students had the opportunity to meet their new teachers and classmates drop off supplies in their new classrooms and end the day with a sweet Kona Ice treat. Parents could ask questions about the upcoming school year and what they can expect. The morale was high, and everyone looked forward to the first day of school.

On Monday morning, August 21, 2023, a red carpet led to the front door of the building. Students were thrilled about what the day would bring. It was a wonderful day, filled with engaging lessons, reuniting friends, and bonding with new ones. The school’s faculty and staff received wonderful feedback from parents and students, as students left school with positive attitudes.

Strelitz International Academy Back to School

Jamie Baker during SIA’s annual school supplies for the new school year. Meet and Greet.

Toddler 4 student, Everett Booth, holding a lion he “rescued” from the hay.

Fifth-grade student Sylvie Lomogda with her Kindergarten student Alexa Kass with her new teacher.

SIA is excited about what the new school year will bring, as Heather Moore, Head of School, launched a new podcast called S.I.A.: The Podcast. This podcast focuses on thoughtful and inspiring topics around parenting and educational programming in IBⓇ PYP schools like ours. You can check out the podcast at www.strelitzinternationalacademy.org/podcast

Additionally, SIA is creating a quarterly magazine that will be available both in hard copy and digital format. The Strelitz magazine will feature articles about events happening at the school and what students are learning.

At Strelitz International Academy, there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing our students thrive and succeed under our guidance. One of the most important aspects of teaching is fostering a learning environment that encourages academic and personal growth—that is why we lead Virginia as one of the top IBⓇ Program elementary schools. By providing students with the tools they need to succeed and supporting them every step of the way, we can help them reach their full potential. Let’s make this the best school year yet, filled with laughter, learning, and growth!

Looking for ‘Jewish schools near me?’ Schedule a visit with us and see why we make our next generation’s leaders brighter.

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