Big academic changes have been announced at Torah Academy. (Photo by Alan Smason)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Kerendian, a North Carolina native and academic who came to Torah Academy from Chicago, revealed his upcoming departure in a carefully worded email to Torah Academy parents and friends last month. ” My responsibilities will be distributed among several talented individuals who are likewise committed to the success of the school,” he wrote, as he explained that his position was being temporarily dissolved. Kerendian’s last day at Torah Academy will be July 31.<\/p>\n
When the new term begins in the fall, Rory Rafferty, a teacher and principal with more than two decades of experience will take over in the new position of academic director. Rafferty, who holds a master’s degree in Education,\u00a0 has previously worked on both the elementary and high school levels.\u00a0 A statement issued from the board two weeks ago harped on Rafferty’s outstanding credentials and said Rafferty “will continue to ensure that each of our graduates will have mastered both academic and life skills.”<\/p>\n
Also starting out as the school’s early childhood director will be Naomi Smith, a special education master’s degree holder, who will be implementing a new pre-school and kindergarten program for children ages 1 and up. Smith, who replaces Rae Horton as the school’s first early education director, has taught for 15 years in both Baton Rouge and Jefferson Parish, has had considerable experience in early childhood development. According to the board’s statement, Smith will incorporate educational philosophies from both Montessori and Reggio Emilio teaching methods. “She will create a learning environment that is conducive to meeting all students’ academic needs as well as focusing on the development of the whole child,” the statement read.<\/p>\n
Horton, who worked closely with Kerendian, Jefferson Parish and Louisiana Department of Education authorities to ensure 100% compliance of state standards, clarified her work at Torah Academy as an early education director. She pointed to a record of zero deficiencies and a “successful tenure,” which included speech and hearing screenings for students, the implementation of a fire safety program with the Jefferson Parish Fire Department and work with a number of outside agencies including the PJ Library, the JCC Nursery School and Agenda for Children.<\/p>\n
Both Kerendian and Horton noted a dramatically large percentage increase in enrollment, which they attributed to their joint efforts in improving the school.<\/p>\n
Both Kerendian and Torah Academy board president Rabbi Yochanan Rivkin spoke with the CCJN in deep background on the matter, off the record. Neither felt comfortable talking about Kerendian’s departure on the record, which the CCJN respects.<\/p>\n
In his letter, Kerendian thanked everyone who had supported him in his efforts, noting his success in increasing enrollment and improving the educational climate at the school. “Not only has it been gratifying and enjoyable,” he wrote, “but most importantly it has resulted in a better school for our children and for our community.”<\/p>\n
Kerendian announced that he, his wife and their children would be moving back to Chicago to pursue other job opportunities there as soon as his duties are over at the school. He indicated that he will most likely seek out employment in another academic position. “In terms of education, I like it all –\u00a0 Judaic studies and general academic studies,” he explained.<\/p>\n
Because of the larger size of the Chicago Jewish community, Kerendian expressed hope he would find a role there more easily and more to his liking than might be found in the Greater New Orleans area.<\/p>\n
The sign says “goodbye” to Rabbi Michoel Kerendian below. (Photo by Alan Smason)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
“It will be difficult leaving you and the wonderful work we do together to promote local Jewish education,” Kerendian wrote to the parents, promising to work with the board, faculty and community to ensure a smooth transition without “a lapse in Torah Academy’s normal functions.”<\/p>\n
Despite the fact that Torah Academy’s focus has been on teaching its students with an Orthodox emphasis, it has always accepted Jewish students who self-identify as Jewish.\u00a0 Rivkin dispelled speculation that the new hires might represent a departure from the school’s policy of only accepting Jewish students.<\/p>\n
“That’s not true. Torah Academy is<\/em> for Jewish students,” he emphasized.<\/p>\nTorah Academy reopened its doors in its original location on West Esplanade last year in a state-of the-art, 16,000 square-foot facility. Each classroom is equipped with Internet access, interactive SmartBoards and other modern technology. The sprawling campus contains a modern kosher kitchen and a fully equpped gymnasium.<\/p>\n
The statement from the Torah Academy board also promoted the upcoming 1st Original Red Beans & Rice Cook-Off <\/a>slated for Labor Day, September 7. The event, which is co-sponsored by the CCJN, is a competitive team event and a fundraiser for the school and the CCJN’s Zachor “Remember” New Orleans fund to digitize Jewish New Orleans newspapers of the past. The cook-off competition will take place at Torah Academy.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
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