| There is an energy that fills the JCC at this time of year. You can feel it in the hallways, hear it in the laughter, and see it on the faces of children, parents, teens, and staff. The school year has begun, and with it comes a renewed sense of excitement, possibility and, yes, a little bit of chaos! This week, our Early Childhood Development Centers welcomed children back for a new year. With those first days come new faces in our community, children transitioning into new classrooms, and teachers getting to know the personalities, interests, and potential of each child. We have also welcomed a number of new early childhood educators to the JCC family, each of them bringing new perspectives and a shared commitment to helping our youngest learners thrive. Our Clubhouse afterschool program also got underway this week, including the launch of a new pilot that I think captures something special about the JCC – Walking Bus Buddies – where our oldest Clubhouse participants are paired with kindergarteners and help guide them on their walk from Colfax K-8 to the JCC. More than just a way to ensure our youngest students safely make their way through Squirrel Hill, Walking Bus Buddies creates connection across ages. It gives our older children an opportunity to be leaders, mentors, and role models, while giving our kindergarteners a familiar face and a sense of security as they navigate a new routine. It is intended to build community in a way that no formal lesson ever could. |
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| We also kicked things into high gear this week in our Second Floor Teen Center, generously funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Taking another step forward in our commitment to making the Second Floor a place where teens don’t simply gather, but belong, participate, and grow, this year, teens who receive a free Second Floor membership are expected to participate in at least one formal program each month. The goal is not to create another requirement for teenagers; it is to encourage them to take advantage of the incredible opportunities available to them and to ensure that the Second Floor becomes a launching point for meaningful experiences, relationships, and engagement. |
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| On Wednesday, we hosted a Teen Opportunity Fair in partnership with more than ten other East End youth serving organizations and teens learned about a variety of programs, activities and volunteer opportunities. And on Thursday, we gathered for our first challah bake of the year, which combined Jewish tradition, creativity, conversation, and community. |
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| One week into the new school year, there is already a buzz in the air. It isn’t simply that programs are starting again. People are coming back. New people are joining us. Relationships are being formed. Children are growing. Teens are finding their voices. Families are finding support. And possibilities are opening up. The JCC is bustling, and I couldn’t be more excited about what this new year will bring. Wishing you and your families a Shabbat Shalom, Jason Get engaged! View JCC Fall Program Guide HERE. |