Dear EMHDS Families,

I would like to introduce myself as the new Head of School.  If you have not yet had the opportunity to meet me, please be assured that you are in experienced hands.  I was a public school principal in Queens for the last twelve years.  When I arrived at that school, it was failing academically and the staff was fractured by internal conflicts.  I turned that school into one of the most academically successful schools in all of New York City, and in the process, the staff coalesced into a motivated, cohesive team.

Leadership in the Jewish community is not new to me.  Way back in college, I was president of the campus chapter of Hillel.  Later on, I was director of both Jewish summer day camps and a Jewish sleep-away camp.  Additionally, my wife and I have raised our five children in a Jewish home with observance of kashruth and other Jewish customs and traditions.  At this point in my career, it is a pleasure to be serving the Jewish community once again.

While East Midwood Hebrew Day School serves the Jewish community, we are a diverse community with various cultures and traditions.  Yet all of you have chosen a Hebrew day school instead of public education because you believe that a Hebrew day school education is very special.  One of our goals at EMHDS is to nurture the unique abilities and qualities of every student, yet at the same time to unify all the students and their families as a community with a common vision. 

At East Midwood Hebrew Day School we strive to reach the highest levels of academic achievement in math, Hebrew, English language arts, science, Torah, and social studies.  In addition, we provide a Jewish and Hebrew education, foster a love of Israel, impart a strong moral code, teach oral fluency with prayers, and cultivate a solid Jewish identity.  As a result, at East Midwood Hebrew Day School, the students receive the best of both worlds - a strong secular education and a rich Judaic experience.  

However, all of this is not enough.  A sound education is not about how many facts students can amass.  Content knowledge alone will not create well-adjusted and successful individuals.  All current studies highlight the importance of coupling academic achievement with creative and critical thinking, problem solving, imagination, inquiry, and collaboration.  I intend to strengthen the EMHDS program to fuel a holistic, high-end education.  

I enjoy taking an active role in the students’ education, and I will be in each classroom throughout the day.  I will be working closely with the staff to ensure a successful school year.  Families, you are a very important part of the equation.  We are a team - students, families, and staff – and together we create a viable and rewarding education for all the students.

I have an open door policy; all concerns are more than welcome.  I am confident that this is going to be a great year at East Midwood Hebrew Day school, a year infused with a true joy for learning.  I hope you have enjoyed your summer vacation and feel recharged and ready to explore new challenges.  I welcome you to join on a wonderful educational journey!

Sincerely,

Henry R. Somers,

Head of School