MLK, Jr. Day observed at JAO

Monday, Jan. 16, was a very special day for the students at the Jewish Academy of Orlando. The students did not take the day off of school in commemoration of the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; rather, the students were in school, where the entire curriculum for the day was dedicated to learning about civil rights, tolerance, peace and acceptance. The students spent the day participating in meaningful activities to honor Dr. King.

The students began the day with a school-wide service dedicated to the life of Dr. King, led by the fifth-grade students. The students then participated in library activities where the school librarian, Mrs. Sugiuchi, read a story, which was followed by creating a banner of their "dream" homes. Back in the classroom, the students watched a moving video about the life Dr. King. After discussing the video, the students took on the task of writing their own speech about something they felt strongly about. They added a picture/word collage around their speech supporting their passion for the cause. They ended their day by creating individual peace signs with their art teacher, Ms. Santana.

All in all, the students really enjoyed working together to gain a better understanding of who Martin Luther King, Jr. was and how he impacted our society.

While many schools both locally and around the country were not in session, the Jewish Academy believes that it is through education that we can change our world. We believe that the late Dr. King, may his memory be a blessing always, would have appreciated that.

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