B’nai Shalom Day School bids a heartfelt farewell to a leader, educator and good friend, Susan Siegel
On Sunday, April 14, over 100 fans, including teachers, board members, donors, friends, and family, gathered at Temple Emanuel to pay tribute to its outgoing Head of School, Susan Siegel. For those of us who had known Susan only for a short time, it was clear that we had truly missed an opportunity to work and play with an outstanding leader, friend, and educational rock star. The outpouring of love and respect for her was palpable.
As people mingled and chatted over delicious appetizers provided by 1618, they reminisced about their experiences with Susan and how she had brought so much passion and love to the school.
Incoming Head of School, Eva Turner, spoke of Susan’s unwavering dedication to the children and staff, “Thanks to Susan, B’nai Shalom is a place where all children are seen and able to grow to their true potential. But this isn’t just true for our students. Susan has the same dedication to everyone who works for her. I am just one example of how she has invested in the growth, learning, and development of her staff.”
President of the Board of Trustees, Jen Strasser, echoed Eva’s sentiments and added her own: “Susan has been a steady hand at the helm, guiding our school through the ups and downs. She has grown our enrollment, transformed the curriculum, and set B’nai on a path to viability for the next half century. And to that point, we have established, in Susan’s honor, an experiential learning fund in order to continue Susan’s love of learning. This fund will help B’nai continue the incredible programs started during Susan’s tenure. Your new school should feel very fortunate about the wonderful educator and leader they are welcoming to their school.”
And the accolades continued:
“The kids who were here while you (Susan) were here are better for it and all of us are better for you having been here in our community.”
“Thanks for all you have done over the last decade. You’ve left B’nai Shalom in a stronger and better place and we thank you and wish you luck in your journeys ahead.”
“I feel honored to have been a teacher under you for the last 11 years. I feel honored that you got my kids through school for the last 11 years as a parent. You will always be felt here.”
Susan will be moving to Ohio where she will join Columbus Jewish Day School as Head of School.
To hear and see more tributes, take a moment to check out the video below which was played at the Reception.
If you too would like to contribute to the Susan Siegel Experiential Learning Fund, click the link below.
Incoming Head of School, Eva Turner
Brian Ross, Susan Siegel, Jen Strasser, & Aaron Strasser
