by Lily Lebwohl ’24
Because COVID restrictions limited school experiences outside the classroom over the past two years, this year, both students and faculty members are working tirelessly to plan student life events that celebrate The Leffell School.
Last school year, while some events occurred on holidays and other special occasions, they were primarily Zoom-based and confined to classrooms.
“When you’re in school every day, you’re in a classroom with a few students,” Director of Student Life Josh Ull said. “To put you in a program that’s the same structure doesn’t feel very different, and you feel like you’re in class again. However, when you come into a large space and you’re with your whole grade there’s a feeling there that’s different and that you’re doing something that’s special.”
Events Committee initiative leader junior Danielle Zuckerman also believes that when an entire grade, or better yet, the whole school comes together, activities become more successful because there is a sense of community.
“It’s been a long time since everyone’s been together in one space and I agree with a lot of people that school spirit has not been the best, so hopefully with these activities that will bring back the spirit and cheer of Leffell and show people how fun school can be,” Zuckerman said.
ShavRuach will take place during the first week of December. TLS’s annual spirit week will look drastically different than last year when the activities were small-group based and centered in classrooms.
“We’re hoping to do a big kickoff ceremony in the gym with everybody together and, since it’s during Hanukkah, there’s going to be a lot of Hanukkah-themed activities,” Zuckerman said.
Many public schools celebrate their spirit solely through athletics, and Ull wants to give TLS students and families more to celebrate.
“We want you to celebrate everything,” Ull said. “School spirit builds community and enforces your identity, your love for coming and being here.”
Additionally, not only do these events give the community a reason to appreciate the school they love, but they allow students to take a break from their busy schedules wrapped up in school work.
“I’ve always loved school, and the reason these events are there is that we all work so hard during the week and the weekends studying for tests and doing homework,” Zuckerman said. “These times in school where we don’t have to focus on taking notes are always a great time. If it’s not fun, it’s not a success.”