The PJA Family Giving Circle funds experiential, differentiating projects within PJA based on the Middot (values) emphasizing Limmud (Study), Kehillah (Community), and Akhrayut (Responsibility).
The PJA Family Giving Circle expanded in 2017-18 and had more funds at its disposal this year, thanks to a generous match. At its June meeting, the PJA Family Giving Circle reviewed the submissions, that came from staff and faculty, and made funding decisions, ultimately selecting four projects for PJA. Chaired for the second year by Rob La Forte and Carol Richmond, nine families gathered and each donated $360 to fund projects at PJA. Matched by PJA grandparent, Jay Zidell, the families had a total of $7,200 to divvy up among projects which will benefit PJA but are not currently within the PJA budget. The group met three times over the course of the year; meetings encompass building community, a Jewish conversation, and discussing the projects at hand.
Ten projects were submitted for consideration, and four projects were funded. We are delighted to announce the winning projects:
- $4,000 was committed to Redesigning Recess, which will build upon the amazing work done in the last few years to establish the PJA Garden, as well as the purchase of the greenhouse, by creating "spaces" for students to explore, create, imagine, learn, and "exercise" their brains in different ways.
- $2,000 was allocated to planning and creating a natural habitat, which will have students design and implement a plan to enhance our school campus by planting native plants, providing nesting sites for birds, and creating insect habitats. In the process, we will be creating a native habitat that will also be a resource for teaching and learning about the Willamette Valley ecosystem.
- $770 will be used to fund a functional, eco-friendly playground for the infants
- $440 will be used to build on the wonderful relationships formed by PJA's first partnership with the Muslim Education Trust. For middle school students, these include a Sukkot activity at PJA and a volunteer shift at the Oregon Food Bank in the fall, a Pesach related visit in the spring, and two visits to MET during the 2018-19 school year to interact with students and learn more about Islam.
and toddlers in the Early Childhood facility with a focus on safety, sensory experience, and inspiring wonder, this garden will provide an open invitation to touch, smell, taste, and explore.
Other projects, not funded, which are still available for funding are:
- Chai Baby funding $1,000
- Early Childhood Playground Inclusion $3,500-$6,000
- Flat files for posters $1,000
- Laser Cutter / Engraver: Glowforge $3,500
- Maker Tool Library $1,000
- Middle School Makerspace $1,000
If you are interested in joining next year’s Giving Circle, or in learning more about any of these projects, please contact Saul Korin at 503.452.3427 or [email protected] .
