Jewish Academy of Orlando principal walks the plank

Jewish Academy of Orlando hosted a Scholastic Book fair this past week. The school has participated in this program for many years. Each year, Scholastic Book fair shares a theme; this year's was "Get Hooked on a Good Book." Students and staff participated in many events, including a "Pirates and Princesses" dress up day, which was followed by an evening pirate-themed family event.  The school's parent and teacher committee, HUM, Horim U'Morim, assisted in the making the family event and book fair a success. Even the Head of School, showed ruach, by dressing up as Geronimo Stilton.

The weeklong celebration of pirate activities and literacy culminated with the school's participation in Scholastic's giving program, which raises funds to purchase books for children in need in the Central Florida community.  This money was used to purchase books for the Northwest Community Center. Jewish Academy of Orlando's principal, Shari Wladis, challenged students with a fundraising goal, which the school exceeded.  In return for reaching the goal, Wladis agreed to "walk the plank" at the JCC swimming pool, in pirate costume. The students were delighted to watch their principal jump into the deep end of the pool!  "I was happy to take one for the team," said Wladis. "It was a fun and playful way to share a love of reading and our commitment to Mitzvot within our community."

For more information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Alan Rusonik, Head of School, at arusonik@jewishacademyorlando.org or 407-647-0713.