Dear MJDS Friends,

What to say about our path at MJDS? Whenever we think about MJDS, we do so with a smile on our faces and a catch in our throats. We miss it so much; we had so many wonderful times at MJDS. MJDS was our second home. It kept our children curious, involved, busy, passionate, learning and complaining! They couldn't wait to go to school.

Our introduction to MJDS was at Emanu-El on Kenwood where our daughter, Ali, was in nursery school. There was so much joyful noise in the halls from the MJDS kids and teachers. Armin and Nina Taus (Edelman) raved about their experience with their son David at MJDS, so I dragged Steve there in the fall of 1983 when Ali was almost 3. We liked the small class size because Ali was a quiet child and I was afraid she would be overlooked in a large class. Founding Director Doris Shneidman took us on a tour of the school. What struck us was how Doris knew the name of every child, how happy the children and teachers were and how everyone was engaged in some activity.

MJDS became part of our home and our family. We started Shabbat dinners when Ali was in K4, at her request. We thought we'd do it once a month, but it became our weekly tradition. Jewish holidays became more meaningful to our family as each child became an expert and brought a different aspect home.

The school has always looked for and followed derech eretz, the right path - pioneering, listening, caring, responding, never compromising the finest secular and Jewish education as a sturdy foundation for high school and life. MJDS is nothing short of amazing and awe-inspiring.

Our girls thrived at MJDS. Every teacher and staff member knew them, challenged them, cared about them, and listened to them. My kids thought teachers everywhere would be like that. If only. But MJDS helped them become the people they are today. Dr. Ali is a psychologist with her own practice and is the school psychologist at MJDS. Dr. Jessie is a board certified pediatric dentist, currently working at the U.S. Navy hospital in Naples, Italy. Katie is a magna cum laude graduate from USC and a recent honors recipient of a Masters of Professional Studies in Branding. She is currently a creative brand manager working at Purpose and for her own firm (www.katiekravit.com).

Every parent has hopes and dreams for their children, and we are no exception. We are kvelling about their achievements, and yes, we feel great about our decision to send them to MJDS and about our continuing steadfast support of the school and its incredible community over the years. Steve was on the MJDS board for 16 years and was board president. He continues to serve as school counsel.

And lucky for us, our MJDS story continues. We hope to see our grandchildren, Jack and Hannah, attend MJDS and take advantage of all it has to offer. So you may see our smiling faces and tears of pride for many years to come.

Anne & Steve Kravit