SJCS

SJCS

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SJCS is a K-5 independent Jewish day school where curiosity, confidence, and kindness grow!

Our inclusive community, inspired by Jewish values and intellectual traditions, celebrates the joy of learning and prepares students to make a positive difference.

Operating as usual

Photos from SJCS's post 01/26/2025

Congratulations to our amazing Rimonim/רימונים and Gfanim/גפנים (3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) classes for completing their "All About Me" unit in Ivrit/עברית (Hebrew) class!

These students worked so hard to create colorful, creative posters showcasing their likes and dislikes — all in Hebrew!

They then took the stage to present their posters to the class, practicing their speaking skills and confidently sharing about themselves in Hebrew.

We're so proud of their efforts and excited to see how much they've grown in their language skills! 🌟

01/23/2025

People of color who are interested in working at independent schools are invited to attend the 2025 Diversity Career Fair hosted by POCIS Northwest on Sunday, February 9 (virtually) or Saturday, March 8 (in person).

This career fair is offered through the collaborative effort of 20+ regional schools, including SJCS!

Attendees of the career fairs will hear from diversity practitioners about working in independent schools and learn about current career opportunities in teaching and staff positions.

To register and find more information about the sessions and career fair booths, visit https://pocisnorthwest.org/diversity-career-fair/.

Registration is free of charge.

Photos from SJCS's post 01/22/2025

How lucky are we to have a national day dedicated to celebrating not only our furry little friends but also our beloved school mascot?! Yesterday, we came together in true school spirit, honoring both the squirrels and our shared pride.

Our students wore their squirrel t-shirts, we had a blast with squirrel trivia (who knew squirrels were so fascinating?), and even threw in a squirrel dance to keep the energy high!

In times like these, coming together as a community and strengthening our shared identity is more important than ever. So here's to squirrels, school spirit, and the joy that comes with celebrating both!

Photos from SJCS's post 01/20/2025

Our Shorashim class took to the streets today with a powerful message for Martin Luther King Jr. Day! The students explored the question, "Can children really change the world?" by creating their own signs with words that resonated with them. They chose what mattered most to them—words like "Rest," "Love," "Kindness," and more—then took their messages to the neighborhood with a chant: "What do we want? REST! When do we want it? NOW!"

It was an empowering day as the students saw firsthand how their voices, big or small, can make a difference. They experienced the heart of advocacy, and it was a wonderful way to reflect on MLK Jr.'s legacy and the ongoing fight for justice and equality.

Here's to raising a generation that knows their voices matter and their actions can inspire change!

01/17/2025

Save the Date for L'Sasson!

Join us for our champagne brunch to support and celebrate SJCS on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Hillel at University of Washington! 🥂✨

Our Host Committee—Elaine Sachter and Michael Newman, Peg Hall and Moss Patashnik, Ellen and Brad Spear (all parents of SJCS alums and grandparents of current students!)—would love for you to join them to celebrate 33 years of SJCS!

Please mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. Registration opens soon!

We can't wait to see you there!

Photos from SJCS's post 01/15/2025

I have met so many Jewish people who feel 'not Jewish enough' or hesitate to engage in Jewish life because they were never fully rooted in their Jewish identity.

I wanted my daughter to attend SJCS because I wanted her to know her Jewishness as a part of her core.

I want her to have the ability to engage in Jewish life no matter where she is or what that community looks like."

SJCS can advance your children's learning, nurture their character and values, while forging connections to Jewish identity.

Want to join us for the 2025-2026 school year? Submit your application by tomorrow, January 16!

https://www.sjcs.net/admissions

Photos from SJCS's post 01/13/2025

Our BASE (Before and After School Enrichment) program at SJCS is the best, and we couldn’t be more excited about the fun and learning happening each day!

From kung fu to Dungeons & Dragons, chess, board games, and even time to run around the beautiful Green Lake Park — there's something for everyone.

Our amazing staff create a safe, supportive, and fun environment where kids can explore their interests, make new friends, and stay active.

Whether they're strategizing in a board game or getting their energy out in the park, we’re here to make sure every day is filled with adventure and laughter.

If you're looking for a place where your child can grow, learn, and thrive before and after school, BASE at SJCS is the perfect fit!

01/12/2025

In the past year, antisemitism has been on the rise. Have you noticed it affecting your child’s mental health?

We’ve partnered with The Wellness Institute to bring you a virtual workshop on Antisemitism and mental health.

Parents are a child’s first guide to mental health. As parents, you can fortify your child in the face of adversity by learning the skills to build their resilience and confidence.

Join us for Unbreakable: Resilience skills to navigate antisemitism, build confidence, and stand strong through hard times, featuring esteemed experts Dr. Andrew Shatté and Dr. Raheli Baratz-Rix this Wednesday, January 15th, 5–6:30 p.m.

Dr. Baratz-Rix will discuss the antisemitic scenarios that our children are encountering, and Dr. Shatté will provide evidence-based techniques to boost resilience, confidence, and mental well-being in our kids as they navigate hard times.

Email Ray Opatowsky at [email protected] for the link to this FREE event.

Photos from SJCS's post 01/10/2025

Thank you for being a part of the SJCS community!

Together with SJCS parents, grandparents, and other members of community, we raised significant funds through the Hashrishu Et Zir'ay HaTikvah/השרישו את זרעי התקווה (Plant the Seeds of Hope) campaign and exceeded our match!

The generous support of donors like you will ensure that our students are able to have a safe, warm, nurturing environment to grow and thrive.

We're grateful to you!

We also want to thank — and showcase — SJCS Art Specialist (and parent to two SJCS students) Gabby Bloom for creating the images for this campaign.

Photos from SJCS's post 01/10/2025

One week to go!

Our application deadline is coming up on January 16! Here are six reasons to choose SJCS ❤️

Intellectual Heritage and Tradition Meets the Modern World: We value the power of questions and the sacred nature of considering multiple perspectives in the pursuit of wisdom.

Sustained Teacher Relationships:
Our approach allows students to have the same dedicated and passionate educators for consecutive years, creating a supportive environment for continuous learning and development.

Tailored Learning For Students:
Our commitment to differentiation allows us to address each student's personal learning needs, providing them the support to thrive academically.

Connection to a Diverse and Inclusive Jewish Community:
Our families come from various backgrounds, providing a tapestry of experiences that strengthens our community.

Raising Mensches through Social-Emotional Learning and Jewish Values:
Our commitment to fostering mensches (good-hearted individuals) allows students to not only excel academically but also grow into compassionate and responsible members of society.

BASE (Before and After School Enrichment):
Our BASE program offers a diverse range of onsite activities for your child, including, Dungeons and Dragons, kung fu, chess, theater, MineCraft, cooking, and more.

Apply to join us for the 2025–2026 school year! https://www.sjcs.net/admissions

Photos from SJCS's post 01/07/2025

As we usher in the new year, we reflect on the light of Chanukah that continues to shine brightly in our hearts. 💛

The glow of the chanukiyah, the warmth of family, and the joy of tradition carry us forward into 2025.

This holiday season, we celebrated together, creating memories that will light our way throughout the year ahead.

Here are some beautiful moments from our school families bringing in the light during winter break.

May the spirit of Chanukah — of hope, resilience, and unity — continue to guide us, as we embark on a new year filled with blessings, growth, and joy.

Wishing all our families a year filled with light, love, and laughter. 🌟

01/06/2025

Kids with ADHD face unique challenges and also have amazing strengths. Join ParentMap and SJCS on Thursday, January 16 as we hear from groundbreaking ADHD psychiatrist, researcher and best-selling author Dr. Hallowell.

Learn to navigate neurodiversity with the strengths-based approach to help your kid (and family) finally thrive.

In this live ParentEd Talk, Dr. Hallowell will explore:

- The latest brain science on ADHD
- Strategies to help kids with ADHD, dyslexia and other syndromes harness their strengths
- Tips to identify and celebrate kids' unique talents
- How to tap into creative outlets for growth

Email Ray Opatowsky at [email protected] for the link and code to register for this live Q&A-style webinar.

You'll also gain access to the event recording, so you can watch it anytime, anywhere.

Photos from SJCS's post 01/02/2025

Two weeks to go!

The deadline for the 2025-26 school year is coming up on January 16, 2025.

A parent of a graduating SJCS student remarked:

"SJCS has helped our daughter thrive, developing from a shy kindergartener who felt nervous to raise her hand into a confident and open-hearted fifth grader eager to speak up.

The individualized attention, wonderful and caring teachers, and close knit community at SJCS make it a truly special place to send our kids to."

At SJCS, we are dedicated to creating a learning environment that fosters wisdom and goodness alongside knowledge and skills.

This approach shapes a rich and meaningful tapestry that students carry with them throughout their lives, both inside and outside the classroom.

Apply to join us for the 2025–2026 school year! https://www.sjcs.net/admissions

12/31/2024

As we say goodbye to 2024, we're reflecting on an unforgettable fall semester!

As we wrap up the year, we’re looking back on all the incredible moments, milestones, and memories we've created together at Seattle Jewish Community School.

From vibrant classroom experiences to field trips and celebrations, it's been a semester of laughter, learning, and community.

As we head into 2025, we want to wish our students, families, and friends a year filled with health, happiness, and growth. We can't wait for all that's ahead!

Photos from SJCS's post 12/26/2024

As we prepare our chanukiot for the second candle of Chanukah, we send a thank you for being part of our community.

You help create a thriving community for young learners to make mistakes, and, with the care of phenomenal teachers, grow to become leaders.

Especially in uncertain times, Jewish education, identity, and community give us hope for the future.

With roots in Jewish values and an intellectual tradition dating back millenia, our students are prepared to meet middle school and beyond with poise and confidence.

Our children are a source of hope, connection, and purpose.

We are grateful to everyone in our community who has supported our Hashrishu Et Zir'ay HaTikvah/השרישו את זרעי התקווה (Plant the Seeds of Hope) campaign!

If you have not yet participated, please make your donation at sjcs.net/hope

Thank you for planting the seeds of hope in a strong SJCS future!

Photos from SJCS's post 12/23/2024

Our fifth grade Personal Identity showcase was an incredible morning of creativity, reflection, and community as our fifth grade class proudly presented their projects! ✨🌟

From powerful poetry to stunning visual arts and insightful essays, each student shared their unique story, values, traditions, and interests that shape who they are.

Through their work, we explored themes of personal identity, family background, cultural heritage, and the things that inspire them most.

This culminating event in both general studies, Jewish studies, Hebrew, and art was a beautiful reminder of how our individual journeys are connected through shared experiences, beliefs, and creativity.

Our fifth graders truly shined as they took pride in their identities and celebrated the diverse tapestry of stories that make them who they are.

A huge congratulations to all our students for their hard work, thoughtfulness, and creativity. You are all shining stars, and we are so proud of you!

12/20/2024

Recently, David Zimand, our head of school, joined our 5th grade Gfanim/גפנים (“Vines”) class for show and tell, sharing a piece of artwork from Israel that hangs in his office.

It features a quote from Janusz Korczak, a heroic (if also tragic) figure during the years of the N**i Holocaust and also a distinguished pedagogue whose visionary thoughts on teaching influence our educational philosophy at SJCS decades later.

During their joint learning, David and the Gfanim students discussed how schools thrive and the invaluable role generous supporters play in helping SJCS be the best SJCS it can be.

Ours is a school that invites children into consideration of communal matters, that invites children to dream.

And dream they do!

Their vision for a vibrant SJCS included waterslides instead of stairs and fireworks at birthday celebrations.

As always, we cherish their inquiring minds and kind-spirited suggestions.

Your support of SJCS allows us to dream big along with our community, and plant the seeds of hope for a strong SJCS future.

If you have not yet made your gift, please visit https://sjcs.net/hope to donate.

All new or increased gifts will be matched 1:1, up to $25,000, though December 31.

Thank you for your generosity!

Photos from SJCS's post 12/18/2024

Yesterday, our students packed 850 pounds of food for our community!

This local form of hands-on learning helps instill a sense of deep pride and identity among our learners.

We always appreciate place-based education, especially when rooted in Jewish values.

Thank you JFS Seattle for providing a learning experience in food insecurity and the power we have to make a difference in the lives of others!

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Our Story

OUR SCHOOL:

By integrating academics, social and emotional learning, and Jewish values and traditions, SJCS offers exceptional kindergarten – 5th grade education

OUR APPROACH:

Videos (show all)

As we say goodbye to 2024, we're reflecting on an unforgettable fall semester! As we wrap up the year, we’re looking bac...
Plant the Seeds of Hope at SJCS
You're Invited to L'Sasson!
Welcoming Sasson Hasna'ee  (Sasson The Squirrel)

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7217 Woodlawn Avenue NE
Seattle, WA
98115