Annual Report 2018-19 דוח שנתי 5779

1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 018 -19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

2 Board of Directors OFFICERS HONORARY BOARD MEMBERS Jason Gottlieb ...... President Howard Frankenthal 4 Letter from Leadership Eliot Scheuer ...... Co-treasurer Rick Ross Peter Sprinkmann ...... Co-treasurer Bonnie Klein-Tasman . . . . Secretary FTO REPRESENTATIVES 6 Our Core Values & Rally Cry Samara Shapiro VICE PRESIDENTS Meghan Katch 8 Our Approach to Aaron Bernstein Professional Learning Allan Carneol PAST PRESIDENTS Yoni Zvi Debra Altshul-Stark 10 Our Promise in Action Elliot Berman BOARD MEMBERS Nathan Bernstein Edward Blumenthal Judy Bloch 12 Our Promise in Action: Menachem Graupe Maris Bock Hebrew & Jewish Studies Michael Hart Ric Domnitz Lori Jacobson Larry Gellman 14 MJDS by the Numbers Meghan Katch Debra Koenig Leo Kleiner Dan Kohl Dr. Marc Jacobson 15 Affordable Customized Dr. Michael Mazius Rick Meyer Steve Kravit Tuition Program Stephanie Miller David Lowe Santiago Navarro Felicia Miller 16 Looking Forward Susan Richheimer Sandy Mitz, z”l Dan Rosenfeld Michael Schaalman 18 Alumni Updates Jim Salinksy Dan Sinykin David Wasserman Martin R. Stein 22 MJDS Development: Reconnecting & Activating our Community MISSION STATEMENT 23 Donor Spotlight: Susan Lubar Solvang MJDS: Where academic excellence and Jewish values prepare children for a lifetime of success, leadership and engagement with the world. 24 Thank You הצהרת כוונות בית הספר היהודי היומי הקהילתי של מילווקי – היכן שמצויינות חינוכית וערכים יהודיים מכינים את תלמידינו לחיים של הצלחה, מנהיגות ומעורבות.

A partner agency of Milwaukee Jewish Federation

independent schools association of the central states Accredited Member School

3 LETTER FROM LEADERSHIP

MJDS Friends and Family, year, they provided over 650 hours of hours in professional learning, diving service, including helping to prepare and deeply into our K-8 science, STEAM and th Our 37 year was incredible and we are serve more than 5,600 meals to those Jewish studies curricula, ensuring that the so proud of our 19 graduates and their in need. next generation of learners are prepared families who are a testament to who for the world they will inherit. MJDS is, and to our impact on Milwaukee • Our Repairing Together program and the world beyond. Our continued creating interpersonal partnerships The MJDS Board of Directors continues success is the result of deep and trusting in diverse schools across the region to evolve, learn and grow alongside our relationships between families, our through shared learning and service students and staff. We are exceedingly community, numerous committed donors experiences. The real world requires grateful for their unwavering dedication and, of course, our professional staff. continually adapting to new people, and extraordinary gifts of time, These adult lions are mission-driven and breaking down the barriers that connections and resources that guide always student-focused, leading with love, separate us to find out what unites us, our school and enable our growth. empathy and wonder to create the best embracing the differences between one Board members committed many hours possible experience each and every day another and discovering the beauty of this summer to reflect on last year and at our school. working side-by-side on a project of establish our strategy for the 2019-20 shared passion. school year. At MJDS we are driven to improve, through research, innovation and risk- • Our student-led conferences, starting In short, our 38th year promises to be the taking, which leads to deep and powerful in senior kindergarten, empower all best yet for Milwaukee Jewish Day School. learning experiences, moving all of us students to own their learning by from me to we. Here are a few ways we determining how they are growing are preparing children for a lifetime of academically, socially and emotionally Bivrachah, success, leadership and engagement and collecting evidence of this growth with the world: throughout the year. Students share Aaron Lippman their growth and challenges with an Head of School • Launching our three-year-old authentic audience, their parents, twice Jason Gottlieb kindergarten (3K) in the fall of 2019. a year. Through this expansion, MJDS will now MJDS Board of Directors President be accessible to more families than ever • Partnering with faculty at St. Augustine before, providing excellence in Jewish Prep to dive deeply into why and how and secular education with a spiraling we assess student growth, informing three-year early childhood program. fundamental improvement in how we plan, teach and facilitate learning across • Seventh graders reimagining our the K-8 spectrum. Voice of the Children program to create an environmentally-sustainable We are so excited about our future. greenhouse and education initiative to We expect to welcome over 40 new help reduce food deserts in Milwaukee. students to MJDS in the fall of 2019, reflecting our flourishing school and • Fifth through eighth grade students the strength of our Jewish community. dedicating their time to serving our Faculty and staff will spend dozens of community. During the 2018-19 school

4 5 MOVING FROM ME TO WE ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Academic excellence rooted in student-owned EMPATHY TIKKUN OLAM learning and progressive professional development We understand and share We develop the desire and the feelings of others capability to heal injustice

INNOVATION An innovation mindset pervasive throughout all learning

WONDER JEWISH VALUES We encourage curiosity and Contemporary Jewish values in a vibrant, pluralistic appreciation of the world around us and welcoming community

6 7 SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL PROFESSIONAL PROFESSIONAL LEARNING LEARNING FAR AND WIDE At the start of each new school year at consistent self-awareness and self-control. MJDS, several new students enroll in our We continue to do this through regular MJDS is committed to the professional upper school grades (5th-8th). In most reflection and, as needed, identify how and career development of staff, providing cases, starting a different school at this to restore the community when children them with opportunities to master age is fraught with anxiety, social stress struggle to meet schoolwide expectations. the latest programming and teaching and a sense of isolation as these new techniques for 21st century learning. To ensure ongoing staff growth in social- students navigate unknown territory. Every week, our staff comes together emotional support, we collaborate with MJDS is committed to setting every new for immersive professional learning that various organizations including Character.org; student up for success. Staff are trained to continues through the course of the we attend dedicated trainings and bring provide nurturing social-emotional support school year. In addition, our administrators experts to our school for assessment of throughout the school year, especially and staff attend a variety of conferences our strengths and areas of improvement. for those students making a challenging and seminars outside of MJDS to amplify Several staff also attended workshops on transition during adolescent years. their education: how to embed restorative practices into Beginning a year ago, and continuing every classroom. Association for Supervision and each year during professional learning, Curriculum Development (ASCD) MJDS educators are able to engage in MJDS staff learn how to create common Conference expectations aligned with our core values various supplemental professional learning of empathy, wonder and tikkun olam. opportunities through the Judee Ross Character.org training with Tamra Nast We then focus on aligning these expectations Memorial Education Fund, graciously made with our support for students when they possible by MJDS board member Rick Ross Character.org 11 Principles training for are working through challenging situations, and an anonymous donor. National Schools of Character both in and out of school. Our goal is Hours Against Hate to facilitate student growth in exhibiting National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Conference

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Conference

Restorative Practices in the Classroom: Powerful Strategies that Build Better Relationships and Manage Student Behavior More Effectively

Teachers College

The Paradigm Project Conference

The Prizmah Conference

8 9 OUR PROMISE IN ACTION: REPAIRING TOGETHER

At MJDS, tikkun olam and service learning students internalize what their tradition have always been an integral part of the teaches by learning from and with peers general and Jewish studies curricula, and of other cultures. central to the school’s core values. From an initial start of just two schools, There was a gap in actualization, however. MJDS and Milwaukee College Prep, a Students were graduating with a deep predominantly African American school in understanding of their Jewish values but Milwaukee, the program has expanded to no real connection to other races and four actively involved, diverse elementary cultures. In addition, Milwaukee is one of schools, with other schools eager to the most segregated cities in the country, participate due to word of mouth. while MJDS is located just a few miles Repairing Together is filling a need not just outside the inner city of Milwaukee and for our Jewish suburban students, but also our student body is predominantly white for their fellow African American, Hispanic and suburban. The need for students to and Native American students in our city. venture out of their defined social and demographic isolation was clear and led to the formation of Repairing Together by Repairing Together Advisory Board MJDS parent Elsien Crawford during the 2016-17 school year. Sheryl Primakow, Chair Dr. Pnina Goldfarb, Vice-chair Through Jewish teachings as our path Nancy Barnett to impactful programming, students Rabbi Marc Berkson learn about one another to understand Dr. Karen Bradley each other’s backgrounds and world Dr. Anthony Brazouski views. They interact on a personal level, Dr. Dale Truding participating in tikkun olam programming together. Additionally, Repairing Together addresses the hesitation some young OUR PROMISE IN ACTION: Jewish families might have about enrolling REPAIRING TOGETHER AND PROVISO SCHOOLS their children in a Jewish day school because they fear the experience will be In February, junior kindergarten hosted superintendent, assistant superintendent Kedmumim Park, the Biblical Landscape too isolating. Repairing Together helps our students from Proviso Township High and a few teachers, who were touched by Reserve located halfway between Schools, located near Chicago. Repairing this expression of sentiment from a school Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Proviso Township Photo by Mascha Visser Together Project Director Elsien Crawford in Wisconsin. During the visit, MJDS High School’s Superintendent Dr. Jesse worked with Gev. Wolfe and her students junior kindergarten lived our core values Rodriguez has expressed his wish to to draft a letter of compassion and of empathy, wonder and tikkun olam as continue to build on this unique and support to Proviso after three high school they made beautiful connections with powerful bond between our schools in students took their own lives over the their visitors. Our eighth graders honored future years. course of six months. Their letter resulted the memory of the three students during in a visit from Proviso’s student council, their Israel trip by planting trees at Neot

10 11 OUR PROMISE IN ACTION: ANNUAL EIGHTH GRADE ISRAEL TRIP HEBREW AND JEWISH STUDIES Since 2008, our students’ exploration of A student remarks on his experience The Hebrew and Jewish studies in Songleader Boot Camp (SLBC), their Jewish identity has culminated in climbing Masada: program at MJDS continues to flourish. a national conference dedicated to eighth grade with a whirlwind two-week “As we were hiking up, I kept focusing on Through all-school and mixed-grade delivering powerful Jewish leadership experience in Israel. This trip provides how much we had left to climb, but then programming, students are encouraged to training to day school teachers, teen students with hands-on learning that I started focusing on how much I had own their learning in a variety of formats. leaders and new songleaders. The Hebrew deepens their connection with Israel and already climbed. That made me realize and Jewish studies team also facilitated Jewish culture. Thank you to the parents that I could confidently finish. Let’s just Students marked Jewish holidays and the study of Tanach, encouraging who entrusted us with their treasures and say when I got to the top, I could not have milestones with unique programming that students to ask big questions about Torah, to the community who worked to once felt prouder of myself or more satisfied both enriched and excited; from the joy of leadership and the Jewish People. again make this trip a reality for our 2019 celebrating Purim to the solemn, student- eighth grade class. for what I had just accomplished.” led ceremonies marking Yom HaShoah Looking forward, collaboration between and Yom HaZikaron, to the fun of Yom general studies and Jewish studies Ha’atzmaut—Israel’s birthday! will continue to develop through text selections, classroom discussions Upper school students had the privilege and school programming. Through of meeting monthly on Rosh Hodesh assessments and newly developed MAZAL TOV, to explore big questions. Guided by standards, MJDS will continue to grow MJDS CLASS OF 2019! staff members they uncovered deeper its Jewish approach to further cultivate a meaning in their learning and connections cohesive 3K-8 spiraled Jewish journey. Eva Antonoff Julia Jungers to themselves and one another. A group of upper school students, with Noah Bernstein Mason Lamberton Gevs Kleiman and Cohen, also participated Talia Bernstein Ethan Lichty

Shayna Bilsky Jessica Marcus

Harry Edelstein Leah Raykh

Olivia Fox Noah Richheimer

Levi Gottlieb Sophie Schroeder

Ezra Grinker Logan Schussman

Bastian Guten-Gale Samuel Taxman

Sidra Iskandarsjach

12 13 MJDS BY THE NUMBERS MAKING MJDS POSSIBLE FOR EVERY FAMILY AFFORDABLE CUSTOMIZED TUITION (ACT) PROGRAM We extend a heartfelt thank you to 2% the donors who generously support REVENUE: Other Revenue TUITION SUPPORT: Need-based tuition support is offered MJDS. Your gifts empower us to through the Affordable Customized Tuition continue our legacy of innovation, (ACT) Program, and ensures that more than academic excellence and character 13% 70% of our students receive assistance so development in the next generation Endowment they can benefit from the advantages of an of Jewish leaders. 26% MJDS education. Tuition / Fees We are committed to providing a personalized and focused education that delivers academic excellence and Jewish values to each student 16% 17% and family in our community. We also believe No Discounts Milwaukee Jewish 28% that we have a social obligation to deliver the Federation Allocation Fundraising same level of commitment to the affordability of an MJDS education to ensure that any family who chooses MJDS is able to attend.

Through the ACT Program, we take 14% 72% 12% each family’s unique circumstances into Grants Need-based Support Non Need-based Support consideration to arrive at a successful tuition plan.

A million thank yous for making MJDS a EXPENSES: 6% FUNDED BY: financial option! I am beyond grateful for Program the generous support of the community that 21% understands and allows for all families to be 15% 5% Helen Bader Foundation a part of this incredible school. It is only day Occupancy Administrative / 51% Scholarship Grant three for our child, and I am feeling wonderful Advancement Other Funding about our choice! -MJDS Parent Supporting the Advancement of Jewish 3% Education (SAJE) Program 74% Building Non-need based tuition support is available Salaries / Benefits Our Future through the Supporting the Advancement Tuition Grant of Jewish Education (SAJE) Program, which significantly reduces tuition for Jewish 8% communal professionals. Endowment Draws from Scholarship Funds Funding These tuition programs are funded through 17% grants, restricted donations, endowment Restricted Donations for draws, annual campaign, the Fruit and Nut ACT Program (FAN) sale and events.

14 15 LOOKING FORWARD: LOOKING FORWARD: MJDS LAUNCHES SEVENTH GRADE’S 3K PROGRAM MISSION TO END

In the 2019-20 school year, MJDS will FOOD DESERTS expand its school programming to include a three-year-old kindergarten As part of our Voice of the Children (3K) program. Early childhood and program, seventh grade students are psychological/emotional development working to build an environmentally research over the last decade indicates sustainable greenhouse, supported by that three-year-old children benefit from an education initiative, to help reduce a school environment that encourages food deserts in Milwaukee. intentional play-based and child-centered learning. Our program will provide a Students plan to grow vegetables, safe and nurturing environment where fruits and herbs to donate to area food young children have the opportunity to pantries to promote awareness and help learn and grow, as their sense of wonder underserved communities. During the is stimulated to engage with the world school year, they researched greenhouse around them. structures, gardening methods and aquaponics and visited other area Through intentional play, fine and gross greenhouses for inspiration. motor and creative expression, students will gain confidence at an early age To further support their project, students through high-quality relationships with helped prepare grants that received educators who believe in their ability to funding. Two class representatives achieve great things. By incorporating an participated in an MJDS board of directors innovative and individualized curriculum, meeting, where they spoke with poise young children will be empowered to own while presenting their greenhouse model their learning, setting the foundation for and made the case for their structure. growth and development during an 11- year journey of academic excellence.

16 17 WHERE ARE THEY NOW? MJDS ALUMNI UPDATES Dog Rescue. She is also active with the Samantha Ladin, Class of 2002 in New York City with her husband. Her Park Slope Moishe House. Her favorite University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of favorite MJDS memory is baking challah MJDS memory is the class bike trip to 2010, degree in rehabilitation psychology every Friday, noting, “I believe we were This year, we asked our first graduate of the Jewish education Western Michigan University - master’s Madison. She shares, “I still have a scar actually strictly responsible for braiding alumni network to share how program at UW-Madison. She serves degree in English and educational from a fall that I took on one of my Samantha serves as a medical education the dough that was provided to us, but it as the assistant director of the early leadership practice rides, but I am so proud and still administrator for the Family Medicine was a lot of fun and created a sense of joy Residency Program at Aurora Health Care. MJDS made a positive impact childhood center at Temple Judea in Laura serves as principal of Allegan impressed with the achievement that we around Shabbat.” Tarzana, Calif. and as coordinator of on their lives. They responded Alternative High School, where she gives all accomplished during that trip. It also the Los Angeles chapter of the MISS young people “another choice” and introduced me to a lifelong passion for and shared their latest joys Nathan Fox, Class of 2004 Abby Levine, Class of 2006 Foundation, supporting bereaved parents “another chance” to earn their high school biking and cycling, which I continued to and successes, as well as after the death of a child. She is married to diploma. She is married to Steve Feffer, do when I lived abroad.” University of Minnesota–Twin Cities, class “MJDS has helped me academically by some of their favorite MJDS husband, Daniel Edber, with two children, professor at Western Michigan University of 2012, bachelor of science in computer encouraging me to push myself to be Talia and Elan. Her favorite MJDS memory and they have a ten-year-old son, Gabriel. science the best student I can be. The teachers memories. is writing her autobiography with Geveret Her favorite MJDS memories are the Rutgers, The State University of New have also been great examples of how to Alpren in eighth grade. musicals! Shabbat Sing! Friendships that Jersey, class of 2017, Ph.D. in mathematics run a classroom. Every year I was there are still strong. was great. I met so many great people, Nathan serves as a visiting assistant including my best friend.” professor of mathematics and computer University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, class Daniel Beder, Class of 1997 science at the College of Wooster. of 2015, bachelor of science in elementary

Oberlin College, class of 2005, bachelor education of arts in music and applied mathematics Emily Shapira, Class of 2005 North Central University, class of 2019, University of Illinois, class of 2013, master’s “MJDS gave me a strong Jewish identity master’s degree in education degree in music and music education for which I am very grateful. I learned Abby serves as a substitute teacher for Hebrew with many great educators, Daniel serves as a high school orchestra Germantown and Whitefish Bay School among them Geverets Bachar, Minash, teacher and has a son, Isaac, born in Districts, and also as a summer teacher at Altshull, and Steigman. It laid the October 2018. Kids Rule Academy. foundation for my continuing Jewish education, including taking Hebrew Rachel Adams, Class of 2000 courses at Nicolet High School, spending Galya Fedderly, Class of 2007 a summer at Ulpan Akiva in Netanya, “MJDS has given me a solid basis upon Abby (Dropkin) Greengold, Class of 2001 Israel, and enrolling in Hebrew courses in “MJDS trained me to be detail oriented, which to build and evolve my Jewish college.” organized, and methodical whether identity. Having the experiences, “MJDS was a huge help academically learning in a classroom or outside the Sari (Pelc) Edber, Class of 1993 knowledge, and warm environment at throughout high school and college.” University of Pennsylvania, class of 2013, classroom.” MJDS allowed me to confront challenges degree in biology “MJDS was the foundation of my Jewish Laura Feffer (Berman), Class of 1994 University of Minnesota, class of 2009, Colorado State University, class of 2015, education, which not only began my and questions about my Jewish identity bachelor of science in family social After graduating from the University of “MJDS showed me what exemplary bachelor of science in zoology passion and dedication to the field, but with confidence during my adult life.” services Pennsylvania, Emily attended medical teaching looks like. MJDS gave me the also set the path for my entire career.” school. She became interested in University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of confidence to dream big, and believe my University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of Abby serves as a talent acquisition oncology and involved in research related 2019, doctor of veterinary medicine University of Wisconsin–Madison, class goals could become a reality. MJDS also 2008, degree in Hebrew, political science, recruiter for Crate and Barrel at their to immunotherapy and radiation therapy Galya serves as an exotic animal of 2001, degree in Jewish education and instilled in me a desire to give back to any and international studies corporate headquarters in Northbrook, for patients with cancer. She graduated veterinarian at Pender Exotic Veterinary Hebrew studies community I find myself a part of.” Rachel works for the Jewish National Ill. She is married, with a 21-month-old from medical school in 2018 and serves as Centre in Fairfax, Virginia. She is a member Fund at their headquarters in New York daughter, Sadie, and a second child, born Sari spent her junior year at Hebrew University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of a radiation oncology resident at Memorial of the alumni associations of both and volunteers for the Badass Brooklyn in July 2019. University in Jerusalem. She was the 2003, bachelor of science in education Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Emily lives Colorado State University and the

18 19 CCS Fundraising. She is also a member of a summer-long internship in Tel Aviv of Arizona State University, where she of MJDS was her eighth grade Israel trip. the National Association of Women MBAs through Onward Israel, an organization plans to work on a research project and The class of 2014 was very close to one (NAWMBA). that passes environmental legislation and form an honors thesis before graduating. another, and whenever she thinks about creates environmental health education While at Nicolet, she was a member her final days at MJDS, Israel puts a smile awareness. Currently, Jordan serves as a of Nicolet FEAR Nicolet Hebrew Club, on her face. Caitlin will never forget the residence hall director at the College of Nicolet Hebrew Honors Society, National memories made and the once-in-a- Saint Benedict in Central Minnesota. In the Honors Honor Society, FIRST Lego League lifetime experience. summer of 2019, she co-leads a Birthright and the Friendship Circle. Her favorite trip. Her favorite MJDS memory is serving MJDS memory is the challah. the community on Michael Kovnar Mitzvah Day.

University of Wisconsin–Madison, as Taliah Lansing, Class of 2017 well as the Association of Reptile and “I never struggle with work management Amphibian Veterinarians. Galya also and since we had such close relationships studied abroad in 2014 in Tasmania, with our teachers at MJDS, it’s easier Australia. Her favorite memory of MJDS to work with them in high school too. will always be Geveret Friedman’s pre- Jordan Salinsky, Class of 2010 Teachers love being treated like regular examination pep talk! To this day, she uses “I was given a foundation of Jewish people who have regular lives outside of a similar method to ease anxiety. education that enabled me to explore school, and MJDS really helped me see that.” my own Jewish identity and proudly Aviva Silverman, Class of 2014 Taliah will enter her junior year at identify as Jewish. The challenging Rebecca Hart, Class of 2008 “MJDS prepared me well for college life, Homestead High School in the fall of coursework at MJDS enabled me to take Caitlin Lansing, Class of 2014 University of Michigan, class of 2016, specifically good study habits and work 2019. Taliah remarks, “Hebrew is not advanced classes successfully during offered at Homestead, so I chose Latin bachelor of arts in public policy high school, which ultimately influenced “MJDS prepared me for rigorous classes ethic.” Aviva Levin, Class of 2015 and gave me the confidence in myself as the third language I study! Gev. Bachar University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of my success at UW-Madison and ability Nicolet High School, class of 2018 “MJDS helped me focus on my academics to try new activities in high school gave me so many study tools that I use 2019, doctor of law to graduate in 4 years despite changing University of Wisconsin–Madison, all the time. At our state competition this fields of study. Furthermore, the close and enter high school with a head start in and college. MJDS also showed me Rebecca serves as a lawyer in Chicago expected 2022, kinesiology year, I placed fifth on an individual test relationships with peers and staff I formed math that I am very thankful for. It gave how important it is to give back to my with Kirkland & Ellis. Her favorite MJDS out of everyone in my level, and held the at MJDS have helped me develop strong me a Jewish community and group of community and to take part in things Aviva is on the dean’s list at UW-Madison memory is her class Israel trip. friends I will never lose touch with.” happening around me. This has allowed and is working toward her kinesiology grammar spot on a four-person team that communication and interpersonal skills, placed second! which are central to the work I do as a hall Nicolet High School, class of 2019 for many new and exciting opportunities degree. She recently completed her and leadership experiences for me around first half marathon. Aviva is active in the Taliah’s love for theater began at MJDS Erin Miller, Class of 2008 director.” Arizona State University, expected 2021, campus.” community and plans to work with the and to date, she’s acted in five shows at University of Wisconsin–Madison, electrical engineering (power systems and University of Wisconsin–Madison, class of Homestead High School, class of 2018 Ronald McDonald House in Madison; she Homestead. 2016, degree in community & nonprofit class of 2018, bachelor of science in energy) was previously involved in the Madison leadership and entrepreneurship community and environmental sociology, In high school, Aviva led the operations Lawrence University, expected 2022 Hoofers Outing Club, a program through environmental studies, with honors תודה רבה University of Louisville, class of 2018, department on her FRC team, Nicolet In high school, Caitlin received the merit Hillel. Her favorite memory of MJDS is the !MJDS master of business administration in Jordan worked in UW housing for three FEAR (Future Engineers of American award, high honor awards all four years of Olden School Days project, led by Gev. להתראות חברים! .entrepreneurship years and for organizations in sustainable Robotics). This inspired her to study high school, served as swim team captain, Dowling in second grade agriculture and environmental policy. engineering in college, and she was and this year, had the most volunteer Erin serves as the associate director for She participated in Birthright Israel and accepted into Barrett, the Honors College hours in her sorority. Her favorite memory

20 21 MJDS DEVELOPMENT DONOR SPOTLIGHT: SUSAN LUBAR SOLVANG

RECONNECTING AND ACTIVATING OUR COMMUNITY Susan Lubar Solvang is an MJDS alumni parent and long-time supporter of MJDS. As president and founder of Growing Minds, she works to share her keen sense of awareness and mindfulness with school-age children in a safe and trusting environment. The 2018-19 school year was a time of pluralistic, values-based Jewish education stories, reminisced and caught up with She shares what inspires her giving and marvels at the deep commitment of our reconnecting, informing and activating is able to attend. Over 70% of families each other. Our alumni class of 2000 will interwoven parent community. ambassadors for MJDS. Through Parlor utilize the Affordable Customized Tuition play a special role as we prepare for our Conversations, a new series of intimate (ACT) Program, which is partially sustained gala in the spring of 2020, wherein we What first inspired you to make a gift to MJDS? gatherings for long-time supporters of by our many development activities plan to shine a light on their education Having the opportunity to send my kids to Milwaukee Jewish Day School always felt like the school, we listened to feedback and including the annual campaign, major gift and the impact it has had on their lives, a gift. From the minute we first walked into the building, I could feel a warmth that shared updates about our future vision. and foundation solicitations. Our families 20 years later. I recognized would nurture not only the minds, but also the hearts of our three children. Through the course of these events, play a key role in tuition assistance by nearly 60 individuals gathered in the participating in the annual Fruit and Nut The donor listing you see at the end of The terms “diversity” and “inclusion” were not used, but our children were very aware homes of alumni parents to hear from (FAN) sale. The Hunger Task Force and the this report reflects the many people who of the differences in other students’ backgrounds. MJDS was a melting pot of our Head of School Aaron Lippman about our Jewish Community Pantry also benefit contribute to MJDS in big and small ways. Jewish community, which is a large part of what made their experience so rich. vision and MJDS’ student-owned learning from FAN sales, with donation items Thank you for your ongoing support and Supporting MJDS has always meant supporting this community that could become curriculum. reaching their shelves for distribution. for being ambassadors who help grow our the future of Milwaukee’s Jewish leadership. MJDS family. MJDS continues to provide a robust In the fall of 2018, over 60 alumni I’ve been making gifts to MJDS since before I co-chaired the first MJDS annual tuition assistance program, ensuring that participated in our MJDS alumni reunion. campaign with Debra Koenig and Howard Frankenthal. Our goal was to raise money to each family who chooses MJDS and our In the beit midrash, old friends shared cover the gap between tuition and what it cost MJDS to educate each child. When we determined what that gap was, I covered that amount, and more for those who could not afford to. It was the right thing to do for our community and to keep the best educators at MJDS.

How has your work at Growing Minds influenced the way you view education? MULTI-YEAR ANNUAL CAMPAIGN DONORS Ideally, education is that safe place where our children can develop the foundational Anonymous Reesa and Irving Gottschalk Julie and Dan Rosenfeld knowledge, values and skills to lead a productive life and feel connected to others. Gail and Steven Adams Susan and Peter Gray Carol and Jim Ross Schools need to become communities that cultivate academics and more. With so Deborah and Richard Alpert Sharon and Michael Grinker Lauri and Rob Roth much technology in our lives and, often, both parents working, schools need to Debra Gorra Barash and Cantor David Barash Rebecca Hart Dorothy Rotter provide intentional and continued learning, and practice in emotional management Amy and Ed Blumenthal Risa Hoffman Lori Zechman Salinsky and Jim Salinsky and collaborative skills required for feeling grounded in oneself and connected to Cheryl and Mark Brickman E.O. Lieberthal Sharon Saxelby others. Education needs to provide opportunities for students to learn in multiple ways Mary Cherniak and Daniel Gress Yvette and Richard Lisberg Sandee and Jerome Silberman and offer respectful options for a variety of careers post-high school. Judy and David Coran Melina and David Marcus Marcia and Leslie Singer Beverly and Richard Davidson Caryn Melton Trudy and Steve Sirkis What do you wish other people knew about MJDS? Anita and Merrick Domnitz Sharon Miller Susan Lubar Solvang and Oyvind Solvang Nina and Richard Edelman Michael Morgan Jodi and Peter Sprinkmann I hope that Milwaukee understands that MJDS is a loving environment in which Melisa and Greg Fohey Shelley London and Ehud Moscovitz Florence Steinberger and Andy Fiering children and families thrive. The educational curriculum, including the experiential, Jodi and Corey Fox Elizabeth and Jim Neubauer Anne Dayer and John Traxler project-based learning, is top notch. I credit the daily Jewish studies classes with Michelle and Gary Goldenberg Ronen Oren Deanna Weinberg providing our kids with an opportunity to think critically, voice their thoughts and feel Adena Goldfarb Jill and Jay Plavnick Rita and Blair Whitney heard at a young age. Perhaps most importantly, it should be known that MJDS Karen and Jason Gottlieb Carol and Werner Richheimer Kay and Richard Yuspeh families are so committed to the school community.

22 23 WE CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH. Tree of Life - Named Endowment Gifts Reva Loeb Theater Arts Fund Helen Bader Foundation Adina Altshull Israel Education Marge Meyers Scholarship Endowment Bader Philanthropies Inc. Your support of Milwaukee Jewish Day School ensures that all families, no matter what their financial circumstances, can provide Endowment Fund Milwaukee Jewish Day School Restricted Jan Rosenberg and Martin Barnes a quality Jewish education for their children. This donor listing is a reflection of the many ways MJDS receives financial support. Bar Mitzvah Year Restricted Endowment Fund Elena and Stan z”l Beresten Endowment Fund Milwaukee Jewish Day School Donna and Robert z”l Berg Keepers of the Light - Stacey and Daniel Kohl Dr. Deborah and Aaron Bernstein ◊ Donna and Robert Berg Endowment Fund Unrestricted Endowment Fund Marilyn z”l and Gene Berman Lifetime gifts of $50,000 or more Allen D. Kohl Charitable Foundation, Inc. Maris and Harvey Bock ◊ Ateret and Jacob Cohn Judaic Benjamin “Baki” Muchin Athletic Memorial Shannon and Nathan Bernstein Anonymous (4) Anne and Stephen Kravit Cheryl and Mark Brickman ◊ Enrichment Fund Endowment Fund Marlene and Bert Bilsky Linda and Daniel Bader Dr. Joshua and Lindy Liberman Susan and Allan Carneol ◊ Colton Charitable Endowment Fund Eileen A. Perlson Memorial Endowment Fund Amy and Edward Blumenthal Isabel and Alfred z”l Bader Milwaukee Jewish Federation Penny and Jim Deshur ◊ Sol and Eva Dorf Education Endowment Fund Judee Ross Memorial Endowment Fund Maris and Harvey Bock Helen Bader Foundation Northwestern Mutual Foundation Melanie and Joseph Devorkin ◊ Nina and Richard Edelman Family Sharon Muchin Rotter Endowment Fund Cheryl and Mark Brickman Bader Philanthropies Inc. Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Karen Schapiro and Douglas Frazer ◊ Endowment Fund Jay Schmidt Computer and Technology Jori and Seth Broidy Daniel and Linda Bader Foundation Education Sharon and Michael Grinker ◊ Louise A. Eder Memorial Endowment Fund Memorial Fund Susan and Allan Carneol Beverly and Ervin z”l Colton Eileen Perlson z”l Mimi and Robert Habush ◊ Morris and Olga Eder Endowment Fund Doris Shneidman Chai Endowment Fund Ruby and Martin Carneol CT Charitable Fund Richard A. Ross and family Christy and Adam Horn ◊ Eighth Grade Israel Trip Endowment Fund Dr. Nathan and Flora Sonin Educational Penny and Jim Deshur Holly and Michael Russek Beverly and Ervin z”l Colton Thelma Hurwitz z”l Endowment Fund Merzy Eisenberg Endowment Fund Drs. Judith and David Coran Nina and Richard Edelman Julie and Michael Sadoff Debra and Moshe Katz ◊ Toni Ettenheim Memorial Art Education Stark Family Fund Laura Peracchio and Daniel Eder Dr. Corey and Rabbi Shari Shamah Penny and Jim Deshur Sarah Schott and Brian King ◊ Endowment Fund Armin K. Taus Scholarship Fund Eugene J. Eder z”l Jodi Habush Sinykin and Daniel Sinykin Michael Dintenfass Sari Luber ◊ Howard Frankenthal Family Fund Maurice Wolkomir Endowment Fund The Eugene J. Eder Charitable Susan Lubar Solvang and Oyvind Solvang Nancy and Tim Dowling Felicia and Jamie Miller ◊ Gellman Family Endowment Foundation, Inc. Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust Nina and Richard Edelman Elizabeth and James Neubauer ◊ Graduation Endowment Fund Tree of Life – Special Purpose Funds Louise Eder Helen and Bernard Soref Memorial Helen and Rodney Eglash Sarah and Kevin Packman ◊ Lillian P. Heffernan and Eileen A. Perlson Jacqueline Kravit Fund for Reading and Milton Ettenheim z”l Endowment Marilyn and Russell Eisenberg Michaela and Jeff Peck◊ Scholarship Endowment Fund Computer Literacy Jaynie Skadron and Howard Frankenthal Jodi and Peter Sprinkmann Michelle and Larry Erlich Dr. Werner and Carol Richheimer ◊ Joseph and Ruth Hirschberg Teacher Judee Ross Memorial Education Fund Howard Frankenthal Family Foundation Deb Altshul-Stark and Brian Stark Appreciation Endowment Abraham Fenster Jan Rosenberg and Martin Barnes◊ Judee Ross Imagination Grant Jane Gellman Clarice S. Turer Charitable Fund Isaac and Eva Hochman General Purpose Gail and Douglas Fox Dr. Robert and Lauri Roth ◊ Gollin Family Special Education Fund Kristin Bozza and Larry Gellman Dr. Mark and Susan Wichman Endowment Nathan Fox Julie and Michael Sadoff◊ Jordan Weigler Fund Geertruida Gidan z”l Maurice Wolkomir Revocable Trust Leo “Sunshine” Hochman Karen Schapiro and Douglas Frazer Judy and Gerald Salinsky ◊ Endowment Fund Sandy Mitz Technology and Innovation Mimi and Robert Habush Soli and Howard Zetley Student Project Fund Joan and Michael Friedman Sandy Schmidt ◊ Debra and Moshe Katz Family Fund for Isaac z”l and Eva z”l Hochman Family Marilyn z”l and Marvin z”l Zetley Cheryl Siegel-Gajewski and Mark Gajewski MJDS Staff Travel to Israel Foundation Doris Shneidman ◊ Nancy Zetley Loyal Lions - Supporters for five Doran Gendelman Jodi and Peter Sprinkmann ◊ Esther and Alvin Kernis Endowment Fund Jewish Community Foundation consecutive years or more Susanne Gidan Michael Kovnar Memorial Special Debra and Moshe Katz Tree of Life - Legacy Gifts Barbara Stein ◊ Needs Fund Anonymous (2) Terri and Jeffrey Gingold Estelle Swerdlow Pump z”l Sarah Schott and Brian King Anonymous (4) ◊ ◊ Larry Lieberman Memorial Jewish Life Rabbi Steven and Gail Adams Michelle and Gary Goldenberg Julie and Yonatan Zvi ◊ Dr. Steven and Debra Koenig Donna and Robert z”l Berg ◊ and Learning Endowment Fund Aimee and Elie Bachar Frances and Mark Goldner

24 ◊ Create a Jewish Legacy 25 Karen and Jason Gottlieb Felicia and Jamie Miller Patti Weigler and Stuart Meyer Sarah Schott and Brian King Alyson and Aaron Lippman Karen Schapiro and Douglas Frazer Reesa and Irving Gottschalk Adam Mitz Rona and Gary Wolfe Northwestern Mutual Foundation Adam Loeb Alina Gurina and Oleg Gurin Laura and Menachem Graupe Lynda and Sandy z”l Mitz Kay and Richard Yuspeh Jodi and Peter Sprinkmann Jana Loeb Sharon Guten Susan Esser-Greenberg and Gary Polly Morris Deborah and Dean Zemel Pip and David Lowe Dr. Mark and Sara Hermanoff Greenberg Shelley London and Ehud Moscovitz Nancy Zetley Mitzvah Gifts $9,999 - $5,000 Felicia and Jamie Miller Dr. Eliot and Francine Huxley Sharon and Michael Grinker Elizabeth and James Neubauer Julie and Yonatan Zvi Anonymous Stephanie and Brian Miller Dr. Marc and Lori Jacobson Dana and Dan Heffez Northwestern Mutual Foundation Marlene and Bert Bilsky Elizabeth and James Neubauer Kohl’s Cares Dr. Mark and Sara Hermanoff Sheryl and Michael Primakow MJDS wishes to express our deep B’nai B’nth Shorewood Lodge Endowment Sheryl and Michael Primakow Debbie Herz-Mazius and Michael Mazius Isaac z”l and Eva z”l Hochman Family Susan and Todd Richheimer appreciation for you, our 2018-2019 Cheryl and Mark Brickman ◊ Dr. Robert and Lauri Roth Sharon Miller Foundation Dr. Werner and Carol Richheimer donors, for continued generosity toward Miriam Colton Julie and Michael Sadoff Adam Mitz Christy and Adam Horn Julie and Daniel Rosenfeld and belief in Milwaukee Jewish Day Penny and Jim Deshur Lori Zechman Salinsky and Jim Salinsky Shelley London and Ehud Moscovitz Risa and Rizal Iskandarsjach School. Carol and James Ross Nina and Richard Edelman Dr. Mark and Susan Wichman Myriad Productions LLC Dr. Robert and Marilyn Jacobs Richard A. Ross and family Michelle and Larry Erlich Nancy Zetley Daryl Paler Alice and Jerome Jacobson Malchut (Kingship) Gifts $25,000 or more Julie and Michael Sadoff Sharon and Michael Grinker Shirley Raffe Dr. Marc and Lori Jacobson Anonymous Lori Zechman Salinsky and Jim Salinsky Thelma Hurwitz z”l First Fruits Gifts $1,799 - $500 Susan and Todd Richheimer Dacy Jirovetz Helen Bader Foundation Debra and Howard Saltzman Cathy and Arnie Peltz Anonymous (2) Dr. Werner and Carol Richheimer Jeanette Joseph Bader Philanthropies Inc. Kara and Miguel Sanchez Julie and Daniel Rosenfeld Associated Agencies Kara and Miguel Sanchez Dr. Harry and Elise Kanin Colton Charitable Foundation Sandy Schmidt Marvin and Marilyn Zetley Family Jan Rosenberg and Martin Barnes Sharon Saxelby Maureen and Gary Kavalar Jaynie Skadron and Howard Frankenthal Martha and John Schott Foundation Melissa and David Barnett Martha and John Schott Joan and David Kazan Anne and Stephen Kravit Rabbi Ronald and Judith Shapiro Dr. James and Nancy Barnett Rabbi Ronald and Judith Shapiro Sarah Schott and Brian King Milwaukee Jewish Federation Esther and Louis Siegel Benefactor Gifts $4,999 - $1,800 Jessica and Michael Barolsky Florence Steinberger and Andy Feiring Donna and Leo Kleiner Richard A. Ross and family Marcia and Leslie Singer Anonymous (3) Benevity Community Impact Fund Mark Stern Dr. Steven and Debra Koenig Susan Lubar Solvang and Oyvind Solvang Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust Shannon and Nathan Bernstein Dr. Deborah and Aaron Bernstein Sue and Rick Strait Dr. Edward Kovnar Daniel M. Soref Charitable Trust Jodi and Peter Sprinkmann Maris and Harvey Bock Judy and Eric Bloch Bonnie Klein-Tasman and Marc Tasman Anne and Stephen Kravit Clarice S. Turer Charitable Fund Kathleen and Arthur Stange Susan and Allan Carneol Drs. Edith and William Burns Andrea Taxman Rabbi Dr. Leonard and Hanna z”l Kravitz Diana and Kenneth Stein Linda and David Deskalo Rosalie Neufeld and Thomas Bush Alisa and David Wasserman Jody and Richard Lansing Tzedakah Gifts $24,999 - $10,000 Florence Steinberger and Andy Feiring Jane Gellman Betty Chrustowski Patti Weigler and Stuart Meyer Lynne and Sylvan Leabman The Anonymous Fund of the Jewish Debra and Robert Stern Karen and Jason Gottlieb Drs. Judith and David Coran Carole Young Sandra and Howard Leon Community Foundation Audrey Strnad Jewish Community Foundation Marsha and Sam Denny Julie and Yonatan Zvi Cindy and Mark Levy Donna and Robert z”l Berg Bonnie Klein-Tasman and Marc Tasman Jewish Women’s Endowment Michal Deskalo and Marwan Khayat Yvette and Richard Lisberg Debra Bradley Anne Dayer and John Traxler Cydny Katz Michael Dintenfass Dr. Sanford and Katharine Mallin Greater Milwaukee Foundation, Inc. Clarice S. Turer Charitable Fund Gabriel Katz Laura Peracchio and Daniel Eder Isaac z”l and Eva z”l Hochman Family Susan Marcus and Alan Shlimovetz Herb Kohl Philanthropies Alisa and David Wasserman Foundation Marilyn and Russell Eisenberg Caryn Melton Stacey and Daniel Kohl

26 ◊ Create a Jewish Legacy 27