Leslie Kimmelman here to celebrate new HDS library

18 October 2024

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the Hebrew Day School of Ann Arbor will host a special event on Sunday, November 17, featuring children’s author and longtime Sesame Workshop “neighbor” Leslie Kimmelman. Known for her beloved picture books and contributions to educational media, Kimmelman will lead a story time for young readers at the dedication of the newly completed Anna Schwalb Memorial Library at 3 p.m. The event will include refreshments and an opportunity to tour the school and view the results of a recent major renovation.

This year marks a significant milestone for the Hebrew Day School, which was founded in 1974. In honor of its 50 years of commitment to excellence in education and Jewish community building, the school is unveiling new, modernized spaces that reflect its dedication to providing a top-tier learning environment for its students.

Leslie Kimmelman is the award-winning author of nearly 50 books (and counting!) for young readers, including The Eight Knights of Hanukkah, Everybody Says Shalom, Mr. Mintz’s Blintzes, and the Sam & Charlie series. After 24 years at the Sesame Workshop — during which time she served as Senior Editor of Sesame Street Magazine, edited and wrote picture books for the Workshop’s publishing division, and introduced the first Sesame Street character diagnosed with autism — Leslie now writes full-time from her home in Westchester, New York. Her favorite Muppets are Bert, Cookie Monster, and, of course, Julia.

A Modern Library for a New Era

The Anna Schwalb Memorial Library is a key component of the school’s recent renovation and represents its forward-looking approach to education. Designed with children in mind, the library is intended to be a warm and engaging space where students can comfortably immerse themselves in reading and discovery. The library includes more than 11,000 books, media, and interactive resources aimed at fostering a love of reading and learning. It will truly be a loving tribute to Anna’s joyful and curious spirit located in the heart of the school.

What began as a smaller project expanded in scope after further exploration to better serve our students and be most cost effective. It became a comprehensive renovation effort that includes a renovated classroom, teacher resource room, library, and school office. The modernized spaces aim to enhance the educational experience while preserving the close-knit community atmosphere that has been a hallmark of Hebrew Day School since its founding. The renovations include updated classrooms, communal spaces for Rosh Chodesh and other programming, and enhanced technology infrastructure.

A Milestone Year for Hebrew Day School

The library dedication comes at a special time, as the Hebrew Day School celebrates its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors in 1974, the school has been a cornerstone of the Ann Arbor Jewish community, offering a strong foundation in Jewish and general education to generations of students. The school’s commitment to nurturing young minds and fostering a love of learning has remained at the heart of its mission for five decades.

“We’re incredibly proud to be celebrating our 50th year,” said the Head of School, Rav Will Keller. “As we celebrate this milestone, we’re grateful to our founders’ foresight and to all of the leaders who helped to sustain the school over the past five decades. We are now looking ahead to the future and ensuring that our school remains a vibrant and innovative place for learning.”

Fundraising Efforts and Naming Opportunities

The school is still working to raise $150,000 to cover the remaining project costs. To help meet this goal, Hebrew Day School is offering naming opportunities within the new space, allowing supporters to have specific spaces dedicated in their honor, or honoring a loved one, past teacher, etc.

The naming opportunities offer community members a chance to leave a lasting mark on the school. The renovations have transformed the school, and with the community’s help, the school will finish this project ensuring that HDS is ready to serve students for another 50 years.

Community members are encouraged to support the project by visiting HDSAA.org. Contributions of all sizes are welcome, and each donation brings the school closer to its fundraising goal.

A Celebration for the Whole Community

The November 17 event is not only a celebration of the new library but also an opportunity for the entire community to come together in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary. Leslie Kimmelman’s appearance is expected to draw families from across Ann Arbor.

Leslie Kimmelman will mark the occasion as truly special for students and families. Kimmelman’s work with Sesame Street and her books have been a source of joy for children for years, and she promises to be a delightful and engaging first guest within the new library.

The dedication will include guided tours of the newly renovated areas of the school, providing guests with a chance to see how the school has evolved over the years. It will also offer a glimpse into the future, as Hebrew Day School continues to grow and innovate in the years to come.

This milestone event promises to be a joyful celebration of community, education, and the future of Hebrew Day School as it enters its next 50 years.

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