Blog - Slater Torah Academy

End of Year Celebration and Pre-k graduation

Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 4:14 PM

The pre-k graduation was adorable and moving. Watching the proud grads march down the red carpet and flawlessly sing away brought joy to all who attended. The most moving part was a ceremony by the Kindergarten class who passed on the torch of STA elementary to the JPA graduates. Ms. Katherine Bickford presented each of her students with their diplomas and a colored cord representing a unique award based on their personalities.

The theme for the preschool celebration was Our School Family. It started off with the song "My school family" and continued with Judaic and academic songs as well as connection songs that we start our day with and contribute to the love and caring foundation in our classrooms.

The elementary students presented on the theme of Hakhel, gathering Jewish people together as they did during the times of the Beit Hamikdash thousands of years ago. For example, the 3rd-4th grade each shared about the Jewish community in countries from around the world. They recited poetry for their general studies presentations, including My Robot by Shel Silverstein and original poems by the middle schoolers titled "A Day at STA".

Jewish Preschool of the Arts Art Show

Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 3:42 PM

This year's theme of our JPA art show was some of our favorite books. At Jewish preschool of the arts, art plays a significant role in the education process. We believe that by giving children opportunities for self expression in an open ended way, we are giving them the confidence to reveal their potential and build their identity. These skills play an important role in the learning they do to prepare for Kindergarten, elementary and beyond.

Some of the interesting pieces this year were a spray painted negative space Shabbat Candle painting by the Robins class based on their favorite book: "Is it Shabbos yet?" as well as clay sculptures that were unique in design. Ms. Janet Dake, our art teacher worked alongside the JPA teachers to create art invitations that were open ended and allowed the children's creativity to shine.

Thank you to all our parents who participated in the art auction. The funds collected will go towards our new clay enrichment program for the 2023-2024 school year!

Class of 2023

Thursday, June 1, 2023 - 3:27 PM

We ended off our 30 year since the establishment of Torah Academy, more recently known as STA (Slater Torah Academy) with our 8th grade graduation. Graduates Moshe Mayer, Hadassah Schechter and Mojo Voskovsky echoed their gratitude for their teachers and administration throughout the years who ensured a quality Jewish and general education in New Orleans possible, as well as for their parents who supported their education at our school. The over 80 people in attendance were enamored by the maturity and perspective of our graduates. Addressing the crowd was also Morah Mushka Cohen, representing the teachers who spoke about the individuality and qualities each of the graduates portray, Richard Mayer who spoke from the parent's perspective about the growth of the school from when Moshe started there at Chabad Center, and Rabbi Chesney our Administrator who reminded the graduates to remain humble as they embark on the next part of their journeys. The MC for the evening was Mrs. Naomi Smith, our academic director; diplomas were presented by Morah Malkie Rivkin, Judaic principal. A special thank you to Morah Lina Warshawski for organizing the graduation and leading the 8th grade activities this year. The refreshments were lovingly prepared by Orit Naghi.