Tampa, Fla. – The Hillel Academy staff and students are creating a Culture of Chesed (Kindness), starting this year, through a strategic plan and curriculum created by a team of educators.
“Teaching students from an early age to act kindly to one another will guide them into adulthood, leading our country with civility,” says Head of School Allison Oakes, who has led the Culture of Chesed effort.
Throughout the school, value words like “Truthfulness” adorn the doors and hallways as reminders to students about the virtue of the week. Teachers and students discuss virtues in class, with emphasis on the virtue of the week.
Students have been very receptive to the idea, Oakes says, explaining that “Students are there for one another and are understanding that doing good for others is what’s right. Learning this life lesson is an important part of our school culture as a whole.”
As part of the Culture of Chesed each month, students and staff collect goods for charities or groups in need as part of its Tzedakah (Charity) Project. The school began the year by collecting for the Joshua House. In October, the school collected hundreds of pacifiers for infants at St. Joseph Hospital via Emmi Grace’s Angels and in November, for Panama City’s Holy Nativity Episcopal School, which was devastated due to the impact of Hurricane Michael.
Hillel Academy, Tampa Bay area’s only accredited Jewish school, embraces the diversity, rich culture and traditions of Judaism, and is a member of the Jewish Community Day School Network and the National Association of Independent Schools. The school is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools and the Florida Kindergarten Council. More information about Hillel Academy’s offerings, registration process, financial aid and tour scheduling are available by calling Admissions at 813.963.2242 or emailing admissions@hillelacademytampa.com.