Page 14 - Jewish News_July-2020

14 July 2020 COMMUNITY FOCUS

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and families has been communication that we were able to bump our spring has changed our operations in nearly will incorporate health screenings upon
and full transparency. From the very break back from April to March in every way. However, our model, which arrival for all staff and students, dis-
beginning of this crisis our team knew order to fine-tune program offerings is based on individualized attention, tanced drop-off and pick-up, doubled
that if we had any concern regarding based on parent and student feedback. adjusting content according to student janitorial staff for daytime and eve-
a potential case of the Coronavirus or By the time the school closures became interest, and encouraging student input ning sanitation, protocols for indoor
someone exhibiting symptoms, it was final for the remainder of the school and interaction, enabled us to be very and outdoor play and the elimination
our responsibility to alert residents and year, we were well on our way with nimble even as we were forced to dis- of multi-class gatherings, with special
their families immediately. This virus distance learning.” continue in-person instruction. We cre- concerns addressed on a case-by-case
is not something that can or should be Response to the new programming ated a Distance Learning Portal, where basis. If there is a confirmed case of
hidden behind closed doors as it rep- has been different for various ages, he parents and students could find all of the Coronavirus, the school will have
resents a true risk to everyone. Our said. the lessons and materials for the week a social distancing plan that incorpo-
strategy has been to communicate, “For our K-8 students, the re- – something that families report has rates distance learning for grades 5-8,
some would even say over-communi- sponse has been extremely positive. been very helpful.” the division of preschool - 4 grade FOR MANATEE COUNTY JUDGE
th
cate, with residents, families and our Ceaser noted that the school has classes into smaller groups, and more
staff. enhanced offerings with programs aggressive staggered scheduling and
“I think what we have learned dur- you probably won’t find with other disinfecting protocols. If there’s an-
ing this crisis is that our team has the programs, including STEM, physical other wave, the school will transition • Second generation, bilingual Florida native
knowledge and the expertise to rise to education (with the popular “Workout back into full-school distance learning
excellence during disasters. However, Wednesdays”), music, art, Judaic stud- for K-8 and even smaller preschool • Daughter of working class parents

our hope is to take the coming months ies, Hebrew, Spanish and more. So, groups at school, for those parents who

to improve our internal infrastructure while the focus has been on reading, are comfortable. We’ll be ready for any • Wife, mother, grandmother
to provide new services and programs. writing and math, there was a high val- eventuality, well informed by the les-
Elements like advanced technology, ue added through the optional enrich- sons learned in the 2019-2020 year,” EXPERIENCED AS
additional safety features, and diver- ment. Plus, the students were able to Ceaser said.
sity in our programming will not only execute projects in science and social Asked if there was a silver lining
allow us to better prepare for future di- studies – such as movie making, poster in this experience, Ceaser said, “It be- • Victim advocate

sasters, but also create an unforgettable projects, Lego building and more – came apparent just how important our
experience on campus every single that enabled the school to deliver the weekly Shabbat observances are to the • Designer of projects to address domestic violence

day,” Solomon said. project-based learning for which it is families in our program. It truly has
For more information, please visit known. been affirming to realize how impor- • Manatee County prosecutor

avivaseniorlife.org. Rising second-grader Katy Jaco with a diorama “I must note that our teachers did tant the Jewish traditions, values and • Private Practice and small business owner since 1993
Hershorin Schiff she created while engaged in distance learning everything they could to keep students customs that we hold so dear are to
Community Day School For preschool families, it’s far more motivated and learn- • Lobbied legislature in Tallahassee to address needed changes in the law
According to Head of School Dan challenging and requires parental over- ing, including reading
Ceaser, Community Day School, sight for the full value to be enjoyed, challenges that re-
which serves 260 students in preschool but our teachers are working hard to sulted in teachers get- • Trial attorney over 3 decades
through 8 grade, has had a virtual ensure offerings are age-appropriate ting a pie in the face!
th
learning plan in place, as a matter of and engaging.” I couldn’t be prouder • Represented clients in all 20 circuits of the State of Florida
course. “We started examining those For younger students, Ceaser ex- of our faculty,” Ceaser
plans as concerns about the Coronavi- plained, families have to be involved in said. • Represented clients in all 3 Federal District Courts in Florida
rus continued to grow in February, and almost every way: logging on, assist- Since preschools
then prepared for the transition from ing with following the schedule, mak- are not mandated to • Represented clients in Federal Court in Kentucky, Tennessee and Washington, DC
in-person instruction to distance learn- ing sure work is completed, etc. “Every be closed, Commu-
ing. family circumstance is different. So, nity Day School of- During the Community Day School Teacher Appreciation Parade
We launched our virtual learning we’ve been striving to recognize that fered the opportunity (social distance style), the Clements Family – Katherine, CDS graduate • Past President of legal societies: Manatee County Florida Association of
program on March 16, in the first week and stay in constant contact with our for preschool families Oakley and Tony – showed their gratitude for the teachers Women Lawyers & Manatee County Inns of Court
of the initial state-mandated two-week families to ensure all ages are finding who felt comfortable and needed the our school community. We continued
closure,” he said. “After the first week value in what we do.” service to send their kids to the school. Shabbat celebrations via Zoom meet- • Served on the Board of Directors of the Manatee County Habitat for
of virtual learning, we were fortunate Ceaser added, “The Coronavirus “We have been obsessively attentive ings and, for the preschoolers who are
to CDC guidelines and protocols, and here with us on campus, in person.” PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT Humanity and United Way PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT
have gone many extra miles to ensure Another thing that has been inspir-
these children – and their families – ing, he said, is the concern and com- • Served on the Board of Directors of Temple Beth Israel
are safe and stay healthy. We opened passion that the community has for
the preschool program back up in late families – many of whom have never • Mentor and coach for High School students participating in Mock Trials
April,” he said. experienced financial challenges be- • First Hispanic female to serve on the local Judicial Nominating Committee
The most difficult thing about the
fore – who are now struggling due to
JUSTre el transition is that the Day School’s edu- the economic impacts of the coronavi- County Court Judges preside over tra c court, lord/tenant, small claims and
PRESENT S
rus. “Now it’s not just ‘other people’
cational philosophy is based on being
highly individualized, project-based
who need our help, it’s our fellow fam-
and hands-on. “You simply can’t fully
ilies, our staff, our friends. We pivoted
EDUCATION duplicate our program in a virtual en- our 2020 Giving Challenge campaign civil lawsuits less than $30,000, local ordinance violations, misdemeanor o enses
vironment,” Ceaser said. “Our students
to focus on scholarships and ended up
learn from their peers, courses are in-
exceeding our fundraising goal signifi-
quiry- and interest-driven, and our cantly. We recently received $50,000 Why vote for Connie MederosJacobs?
THE ACCOUNTANT OF AUSCHWITZ students benefit from learning expedi- from the Eliza & Hugh Culverhouse • Connie has represented clients in all the types of cases in County Court
In 2015, 94-year-old former German SS tions to a wide variety of community Family Foundation to create two schol- • Connie has had the unique advantage of learning from judges in County Court,
arships for families who might other-
resources. You just can’t replace those
officer Oskar Gröning, nicknamed elements, no matter how good an app, wise have to leave the school because
“The Accountant of Auschwitz,” website or learning plan is.” they will no longer be able to afford tu- Circuit Court, Appellate Court and the Federal District Courts throughout
went on trial in his home country, As for the future, Ceaser said that ition. There are other donors stepping the State of Florida as well as other federal jurisdictions
charged with complicity in the the school has developed a “COVID- up to help, as well.”
For more information on Commu-
19 Decision Tree,” which outlines sev-
murder of 300,000 Jews at Auschwitz. eral levels of operations. If Community nity Day School, call 941.552.2770. • Connie’s vast experience makes her the best candidate
• No other candidate can claim Connie’s experience
The link to view the film Day is open for in-person instruction, it continued on page 16
will be available from
July 2 - July 9, 2020. • Connie will be relentless in the pursuit of fairness.
ADULTS

Audience Award for Best Narrative, Gold Coast International Film Festival, CHARITY CULTURE A VOTE CONNIE FOR JUDGE IS
2019; Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature, San Francisco JFF, 2019 A VOTE FOR THE MOST QUALIFIED

KIDS
Also, on Thursday, July 9 at 3:00 pm join a Zoom JEWISH & EXPERIENCED CANDIDATE
talk back with Efraim Zuroff, the Nazi Hunter. CALENDAR Your Hub
OF EVENTS
To register for this film and talk back, please visit IN SARASOTA for Jewish Events
jfedsrq.org/events. AND MANATEE

This event is free, but we would appreciate your consideration of a donation to The
Jewish Federation’s STRONGER TOGETHER: Coronavirus Relief Fund to help people
who are impacted by this crisis. To make a contribution, please visit jfedsrq.org/relief. Connie MederosJacobs for

BR OUGHT T O Y OU B Y LEARN Manatee County Court Judge
FAMILY

Political Advertisement paid for and approved by Connie MederosJacobs for Manatee County Court Judge Group 4
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