Wondering what to expect when your child starts kindergarten next year? No matter what type of school you're looking at, we know you have questions about all sorts of things including ways for your family to engage in Jewish life.

We invite parents with rising kindergarteners to a panel discussion about the next phase of your child's education. Our panelists will use their professional experience to share tips on making the transition and answer your questions. Free childcare available for kids 18 months-6 years old.

Meet our Panelists:

Lara Novack, FCPS Hutchison Elementary Assistant Principal
Jodi Hirsch Rein, Gesher Jewish Day School Principal
Debra Beland Ackerman, Olam Tikvah Religious School Director

Lara Novack hold a Masters of Education and is in her 23rd year of serving as an educator. She began her career in Maryland as a fifth grade teacher and went on to move into Fairfax County Public Schools where she is completing her 21st year. For 12 years Lara was a special education teacher and for ten she served as an instructional coach being best practices to title 1 schools. Currently, Lara serves as an assistant principal at Hutchison Elementary School and is honored to serve on this panel. Lara lives in Fairfax with her two daughters, Eliana (12) and Gabrielle (9).

Jodi Hirsch Rein holds a BA in Psychology, a BA in Talmud and Rabbinics, and a Masters in Jewish Education. Jodi has devoted her career to Jewish Education, spending many years prior to joining Gesher in 2014 in the day school classroom as a teacher, reading specialist, teacher mentor, and now as a day school leader. Currently, Jodi serves as the Gesher JDS Principal, where she continues to grow the next generation of Jewish leaders. Jodi loves art, swimming, cooking, games, vacation, and her family. She is married to Rabbi Steven Rein and has two wonderful boys (both Gesher students), Ari and Ilan.

Debra Beland Ackerman has been the Director of Education and Youth Activities at Olam Tikvah for 12 years. Over the course of her career she’s worked in formal and informal synagogue education, the JCC movement, and in both residential and day camping. She currently serves as the chair of the Education Directors Council of Northern Virginia and is a past chair of the Education Directors Council of Greater Washington.

This program is presented by Olam Tikvah Young Families in partnership with Gesher Jewish Day School, The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, MoEd Afterschool Community, Olam Tikvah Preschool, and PJ Library.