Voices YOUR CHILD'S Wirs-t • 56 ts To FLOWER FROM PAGE 55 TO THE STARS What children dream, we help them achieve. 100% of graduates accepted to four-year colleges and universities 27 National Merit Semifinalists, highest percentage of any school in Michigan Average SAT score of Class of 2000: 1275 (640 Math, 635 Verbal) National Science Olympiad 7th in nation in chemistry, 13th in nation in physics Test of Engineering Aptitude, Math and Science 1st in state, 12th in nation Michigan Mathematics Prize Competition 13 students in top 100, 11 in top 50 * National French Contest, 42 awards National German Contest, 7 awards National Latin Exam, 8 awards National Spanish Exam, 14 awards Basis Of Success Detroit Country Day School Open House Sunday, October 22, from I —4 pm Pre-K through Grade 12 Come explore our school community and discover the supportive learning environment that prepares children through a dynamic program of academics, athletics, arts and activities. We invite your family to experience what Country Day offers at each of its four schools—Pre-K through Gradel2. We recommend that families apply for admission as early as possible due to our commitment to individualized attention and small class size. Harvard Bio Exam Winner for two consecutive years * Scholastic Art Awards-19 Silver Keys-9 * Top awards for student journalism from national and state interscholastic press associations * Quiz Bowl Five consecutive state championships LOWER SCHOOL (Grades Pre-K- 2) 3003 West Maple Road Bloomfield Hills (248) 433 1050 JUNIOR SCHOOL (Grades 3-5) 3600 Bradway Boulevard Bloomfield Hills (248) 647 2522 MIDDLE SCHOOL (Grades 6-8) 22400 Hillview Lane Beverly Hills (248) 646 7717 UPPER SCHOOL (Grades 9-12) 22305 West Thirteen Mile Road Beverly Hills (248) 646 7717 - - - - * Five state championships in athletics in 1999-2000 school year * www.dcds.edu An International Baccalaureate School Send someone special a gift weeks a year! The Detroit Jewish News 9 11 5 2000 56 naps there would be no TJs and Stories.' Hopefully, we'll see you next week." I got off the phone with the feeling: "We have arrived." Our program is so cherished by these children that it can be used as a reward for good behavior. We are on the bribe list. (248) 354-6620 "PJs and Stories" is a successful pro- gram because we have made every effort to make sure it is age-appropri- ate, warm, loving and substantive. It serves a need. What can we do with our kids as they wind down on a summer evening and they've spent enough time run- ning and jumping outside? What can we do that is quality Jewish time with parents and children together? How can we introduce our kids to the shul and to the rabbi, the cantor, the teach- ers and the librarian in a way that is inviting, comfortable and loving? "PJs" is truly successful because the parents have embraced it. They have decided that it is OK to rush Wednesday night dinner so that everyone is bathed and ready to go by 6:45 p.m. They have decided to turn down other invitations so the kids don't have to miss "PJs." Because the parents have endowed our program with value, the children have been given the opportunity to become a part of our little community. That, truly, is the secret to "making Jewish learning exciting, meaningful and ongoing for all ages." As educa- tional planners, we have the responsi- bility to study our populations and to create the opportunities needed. When we hit on a gem like "PJs," it works because the parents cherish it and encourage us to fine-tune it. All of our educational programs are more successful when that partner- ship is solid. . If our parents embrace the teaching that is done in the classroom, from the bima, at the youth group oneg Shabbat and at adult education; if the parents elevate what we do to the top of the list; if they make our program a bribe, then Jewish education will flower and grow. Our children will truly under- stand the meaning of the words from Pirkei Avot 1:6: "Find yourself a teacher; acquire for yourself a friend." Become a part of the studying and learning Jewish community. ❑ Elissa Berg is the religious school direc- tor at Adat Shalom Synagogue in Farmington Hills.