The Charlotte Jewish News - February 2008 - Page 9
Change In Directorship at JPS
By Nancy Zolotorofe
It’s the start of a new chapter at
The Jewish Preschool on Sardis as
Fern Sanderson, the school’s first
lead teacher and director for 21
years, hands the reigns over to
assistant director Jen Lahn. “I’ll
always see the preschool as my
baby, and it brings me a lot of
comfort to know that Jen will be
the one keeping a daily watch over
the school, making sure its growth
is continually nurtured. The end
less talents Jen offers as both an
educator and administrator will
greatly, benefit the school and the
Jewish community of Charlotte as
a whole.”
No one would argue that Fern,
who played a major role in gaining
the school’s prestigious five-star
rating, leaves behind a big pair of
shoes to fill. “Fern has built an
unbelievable program from the
ground up and she’ll always be a
JPS icon,” says Jen. For the last
five months, Jen assumed the role
of assistant director to help ease
the transition and allow for parents
and teachers to adjust to the
change.
However, Jen is no stranger
around JPS. She started as a par
ent, when her oldest child Sam,
now 10, began at the school. “I
was new to Charlotte and still
searching for that feeling of
‘home,’” says Jen. “I found it on
Sardis Road.” Immediately, Jen
became involved. She served as
vice president and president of the
Parent Teacher Organization, and
she was a member of the pre
school board. Four years ago, Jen,
who holds a master’s degree in
social work from Columbia
University, joined the JPS staff as
The passing of the torch: Jen Lahn
(left) accepts the directorship of JPS
from Fern Sanderson.
a “threes” teacher.
“As a parent at the school, I
joked with friends and family
about having Fern’s position one
day,” says Jen. “Now years later,
this dream is becoming a reality.
Something special goes on at the
school each day and I’m honored
to know I’ll have a hand in that.”
After February 15, Fern will
assume the role of consultant at
the preschool for 18 months —
and enjoy some time “relaxing”
and spending time with her grand
children. “Fern’s legacy is a gift to
the community that will keep on
giving,” says Mariashi Groner,
who founded the preschool with
Rabbi Groner. ‘'When we educate
our young ones in a warm, nurtur
ing environment that’s rich with
the message of our precious her
itage, we are sure to grow our
future Jewish leaders.”
At the same time, Jen will start
tackling her own goals: “My plan
is to take what is already great and
make it better. In particular, we
need to come up with a way to
accommodate Charlotte’s growing
population. Currently, we have a
waiting list; mothers call fi-om the
hospital after delivery to reserve
spots for their children.
Eventually, I want to have space
for every Jewish child who
applies. For today, I am truly
excited for the future of this pre
school—and can’t imagine that
Ms. Fern’s desk is going to be
mine.”
The Hottest Ticket in Town
On Thursday, March 13, The
Jewish Preschool on Sardis will
combine its annual silent auction
with Fern Sanderson’s retirement
party for one not-to-be missed
event. Come wish Fern well, while
bidding on tons of great items,
such as birthday parties, tickets to
Walt Disney World, and sports
memorabilia. Participate in a
“diamond drop” for a chance to
win a one-carat diamond from
Diamonds Direct. The fiin disco-
themed party starts at 7:30; hors
d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets
are $25 per person or $36 a
couple, and all proceeds benefit
the preschool. To purchase tickets
or for more information, call
JPS at 704-364-8395. Special
thanks to the auction sponsors:
Dr. Robert Liesman, Podiatrist;
Scope Architectural Consulting;
Charlotte Pediatric Clinic;
Laxer, Long & Savage Pediatric
Dentistry & Orthodontics;
Ditesheim Cosmetic Surgery;
Rogers and Gala Creative
Partners, Inc.; Scott Menaker,
DDS & Associates; Vaiji & Vaiji;
Hendrick Honda; Action Plus;
Zobo.tv; Steve Lepow Re/Max
Executive Realty; Dr. Leo
Spector, OrthoCarolina Spine
Center, Matthews office.
Women’s News
Nishei Charlotte Monthly Women *s Nieht Out
Back by Popular Demand
Mrs. Rachelli Miller has made
tremendous impression on those
who experienced her first visit to
Charlotte two years ago. Her
unique style of teaching makes the
learning of the oral Torah and per
sonal growth brilliantly clear. It’s
like a mother to daughter trans
mission with a close and personal
connection to each of the women
who attend. She imparts the tradi
tion with love. Mrs. Miller will be
returning to Charlotte on Tuesday
night February 19, 7:30 PM to
speak on “Kavod - The Universals
of Closeness and Attachment in
our Relationships” and on
Wednesday morning February 20,
9:30 AM on “Anava - Humility,
the Basis of Self Esteem.” Women
interested in attending these pre
sentations should RSVP at
miller@charlottetorahcenter.com.
Coffee, tea and dessert will be
served. Cost $8.
For more information please
call the CTC at 704-367-1225.
Nishei Charlotte (“Nishei”
means women in Hebrew) is the
women’s division of the CTC.
Nishei Charlotte is dedicated to
providing educational and social
opportunities to Jewish women
from all backgrounds and at all
levels of observance in order to
enhance their understanding and
“rarriTSTTi
Itoi-ah
y t T rnnyL
appreciation of women’s spiritual
experiences in Judaism. As Jewish
women, we share questions, inter
ests, and issues that are unique to
us. Nishei Charlotte provides an
array of opportunities for women
who are looking for answers,
encouragement, information, and
much, much more. Nishei
Charlotte offer group classes as
well as one-on-one study sessions
on almost any topic. >
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