If I had to describe Shalhevet in one word, it would be ‘family.’ I came to Shalhevet in 2008, and in one day, Shalhevet was already my second family. I remember how, on my first day of school, every person was so kind. It felt like, on that day, their goal was to make me part of their family or community – and it worked.

I feel that the Board’s decision was a smart one. They wanted to keep our flame up and burning. Instead of letting the entire flame burn out, they made the flame simmer down by keeping the high school.

My feelings towards next year are hard to describe, because I’d rather not think about the future or the past. I want to focus on the present. From the first hello to the last goodbye, I know that I will always be part of the Shalhevet flame.

We, the students of Shalhevet, came here as strangers, but we are leaving as family.

– Jillian Einalhori, 6th grade

In all my years of school, it was only in Shalhevet Middle School that I developed a genuine connection with every student, teacher, and administrator.

It was heartbreaking walking down the hallway just to see teachers and students crying. Knowing that these teachers now must struggle to find a different job in this economy is truly upsetting. Also, bearing in mind that an extremely high percentage of the students who attended either one of these three schools will most likely end up going to a public school for financial reasons is difficult for everyone. It is a painful downward spiral knowing that many of these kids may no longer receive a Jewish education.

While I am a firm believer that this was a choice that clearly needed to be made in order to maintain one school with the name “Shalhevet,” the hurting is mutual among the entire community. Shalhevet middle school, elementary school and early childhood center have all enlightened many students over the years.

The Shalhevet flame still flickers even in the dark while the high school painfully says goodbye to what we feel has been a part of us for a long time. The unique Shalhevet spirit will be carried throughout all the school these students will attend next year, and Shalhevet lower schools will linger in our hearts through every obstacle in years to come.

– Leora Nimmer, 9th grade