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Greetings, Beloved MDA Community:
I hope this message finds you well and filled with the same sense of pride and gratitude that I feel as we look back on a meaningful February and look ahead to an exciting March. Our community continues to shine brightly, and I am deeply thankful for the partnership, passion, and purpose that define Magen David Academy. 💙✨
🌿 Celebrating a Wonderful February at MDA 🌿
February was a month full of learning, connection, community spirit, and joyful engagement across all sections. Here are just a few highlights:
🎉 100 Days of School (Feb. 5 & 6): Students and teachers celebrated this special milestone with creativity, math challenges, themed activities, and schoolwide gratitude for 100 days of growth.
🧮💯🌈 Color Run (Feb. 8): Our PTA Color Run was a community-wide event with staff participation supporting students and helping create a fun, energetic atmosphere.
🎨🏃💦 EC & PS Water Days: Pure joy! Our Kinder and Grade 1 students enjoyed refreshing outdoor fun, reinforcing teamwork and positive social interaction.
☀️💧🎭 Carnival Break (Feb. 16–20): A well-deserved rest! We hope all families enjoyed the festive spirit of Panama’s beloved Carnival traditions.
🎊🇵🇦👵🏽🧓🏼 EC Grandparents Day & Mishloaj Manot (Feb. 26): One of the most heartwarming events of the year, celebrating L’dor V’dor, the beautiful passing of values from generation to generation. Thank you to all our grandparents for filling the campus with warmth and love.
💜 EC Purple Day & PS/SS Tribes Ceremony (Feb. 27): A day dedicated to unity, inclusion, belonging, and school spirit. Our Tribes ceremony continues to nurture leadership and connection across our community.
🌈🤝🌸 Looking Ahead: A Meaningful & Inspiring March 🌸March promises to be equally vibrant, with learning celebrations, Jewish holidays, academic milestones, and community programming woven throughout the month.
🌙 Fast of Esther, Early Dismissal for Secondary (Mar. 2): Our older students will observe this meaningful day with learning and reflection.
🎭 Purim, Early Dismissal (Mar. 3): Chag Purim Sameach! Students will enjoy schoolwide festivities, costumes, celebrations, and joyful mitzvot.
🎉📚🏫 PS Grade 3 Visit to “Casa de Abuelos” (Mar. 10): A wonderful opportunity for students to perform acts of loving-kindness and strengthen intergenerational bonds.
💝🗣️ PS Student-Led Conferences, Trimester 2 (Mar. 11): Students proudly share their growth, goals, and achievements, one of our most empowering academic experiences.
🌟🎓 End of Trimester 2 (EC, Mar. 13 | PS, Mar. 13): A time to reflect, celebrate progress, and prepare for an exciting final trimester.
🔬Science Fair (Secondary School, Mar. 18 & Primary School, Mar. 26 & 27): Curiosity, experimentation, and discovery take center stage as students present their projects. Innovation is alive at MDA!
🧪🚀🌑 Rosh Chodesh Nisan (Mar. 19): We welcome a new month with gratitude and spiritual renewal as we begin preparing the school for Pesach.
✨📝 Key Assessments & High School Events
HS SAT Test (Mar. 15): Wishing all our test-takers clarity and confidence. ✏️
PS Grade 1 & 2 Aides Infantiles SOS Test (Mar. 24)
HS Grade 11 AP Seminar Final Presentation (Mar. 26): A major academic milestone! 🎤📘
💗 EC Pink Day & End of Secondary Q2 (Mar. 27): A special day honoring empathy, kindness, and positivity across our school community.☕ SS Coffee with the Principal (Mar. 30): A thoughtful opportunity for dialogue, partnership, and shared vision.
🌟 Closing Thoughts 🌟
MDA continues to thrive because of the extraordinary students, families, educators, and leaders who make our community exceptional. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your constant support in helping us create a school that is safe, joyful, rigorous, nurturing, and deeply rooted in Jewish values. As we enter March, may we continue to learn, grow, celebrate, and inspire one another. Together, we are MDA - strong, united, and full of purpose. 💙🕊️
Dr. Raymond J. Schmidt
Head of School
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February has been a month of growth — quite literally. Across our entire Judaic program, from our youngest preschoolers to our high school students, the themes of Tu Bishvat — roots, gratitude, nurturing potential, and recognizing Hashem’s blessings in the world — have come alive in beautiful and meaningful ways.
In Preschool, our children explored the world of berachot and appreciation, learning that everything we receive comes from Hashem and deserves gratitude. Through hands-on experiences, visits to a plant nursery, and the creation of their own mini-gardens, students connected deeply with nature and the message of “Ki ha’adam etz hasade” — that each person, like a tree, grows and flourishes with care and love.
In Primary School, Tu Bishvat learning extended into Torah, Hebrew, and values. Students studied the laws and meaning of berachot, created projects and booklets, decorated the school with trees and flowers, and prepared for Tu Bishvat sedarim that translate learning into lived experience. Parashah learning continued through Vaera, Bo, and Beshalach, reinforcing faith, perseverance, and gratitude — themes that naturally connect to this season of renewal.
In High School, students explored Tu Bishvat through both text and meaning — studying the Seven Species of Eretz Yisrael, the order and intention of berachot, and mitzvot connected to the land such as orla, bikurim, and shemitah. Discussions connected these halachic concepts to personal responsibility, gratitude, and Jewish identity, helping students see how Torah values shape our relationship with the world and with Hashem.
What has been most inspiring this month is seeing how a single Torah idea can unite all ages: gratitude for Hashem’s creation and responsibility to nurture what we are given — whether plants in a garden, mitzvot in daily life, or our own personal growth.
As we now move from Shevat into Adar, the energy in our school naturally begins to shift toward Purim. Excitement is already building as students prepare to explore the courage of Esther, the unity of Am Yisrael, and the joy that emerges even when Hashem’s presence is hidden. Just as Tu Bishvat reminds us that growth often happens quietly beneath the surface, Purim will soon reveal how hidden seeds can blossom into open light.
It is a privilege to watch our students grow — in knowledge, in middot, and in connection to Hashem and Am Yisrael. May we continue nurturing their roots so they can bear beautiful fruit for many years to come.
With pride and joy,
Rabbi David Bassan
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February has been a wonderful and exciting month filled with meaningful learning experiences, celebrations, and special moments for our Preschool community!
Kindergarten Academic Visit: Our Kindergarten students had the opportunity to visit our Panama Pacifico Campus for a special Academic Day with their first grade peers. During their visit, they learned about the First Grade program, explored new learning spaces, and experienced what the next step in their educational journey will look like. It was a valuable experience that helped prepare them with confidence and excitement for next school year.
💯 Celebrating 100 Days of School: Across Preschool, we celebrated our 100 Days of School with creativity and fun! Students participated in various counting activities and hands-on learning experiences focused on numbers and milestones. Many children proudly dressed up wearing creative shirts decorated with 100 items, making the celebration both educational and memorable. Learning Beyond the Classroom — Field Trips: This month, our students enjoyed several enriching field trips connected to our learning units about nature and the environment. We visited Vivero Planta Feliz in Clayton to learn how to take care of plants and trees in celebration of Tu Bishvat. The visit to Panamá Nature Center was filled with awe and excitement, as our little students from PK1 and PK2 learned about animals in rainforest wildlife and how to take care of them. We also visited the Smithsonian Center at Punta Culebra where the children explored plants and animals up close, strengthening their curiosity and appreciation for the natural world through real-life experiences.Preparing for Purim: As we look ahead, our Preschool community is excitedly preparing for our Purim festivities. Students are working together with their grandparents to prepare Mishloaj Manot, creating meaningful connections among traditions, family, and community. We look forward to celebrating this joyful holiday together with all grandparents.
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We are now in the middle of our second trimester and approaching the conclusion of our 3rd Unit of Inquiry. This unit has truly been full of growth and meaningful learning experiences for our students. Through engaging projects, special events, hands-on activities, and enriching field trips, our children have continued to deepen their understanding while developing important academic and social skills.
Across all grade levels, our Social Studies units were centered around the concept of community, with strong connections to Panamanian culture and the impact of the Panama Canal.
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Our first graders had the opportunity to tour Panama Pacifico to learn about different places and jobs within a community. They especially enjoyed their visit to the Fire Station, where learning came to life through hands-on experiences and real-world connections. In addition, we had the joy of welcoming the Kinder students to our Primary campus as part of their transition activities to Primary School. Our 1st graders buddied with them and participated in different academic activities together, showing leadership, kindness, and responsibility while helping our youngest students feel confident and excited about their next step.
Panama Pacifico Tour…
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2nd Grade
Second graders have been diving into Panamanian culture and traditions and are eagerly preparing for their upcoming visits to the Museo Afroantillano de Panama and Mi Pueblito after the Carnival break. In addition, we celebrated the beautiful Mesibat Jumash with our 2nd and 3rd grvaders — a meaningful family event made possible through the collaboration of our Judaic team, along with our Music and Art teachers.
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3rd Grade
Third grade surprised us all with their inspiring Take a Stance event. Students confidently spoke in public to explain and defend their ideas, working collaboratively in teams to propose thoughtful suggestions. They also strengthened their understanding of the Panama Canal and enjoyed their visit to the Agua Clara Locks, where they saw firsthand the magnitude and impact of this engineering marvel.
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4th Grade
Fourth graders explored the economic impact of the creation of the Panama Canal on the world economy and international trade through their visit to the Panama Canal Museum. They also integrated their Math knowledge into a “Travel Project,” conducting research, preparing a budget, and applying mathematical concepts to real-life scenarios — a wonderful example of authentic, interdisciplinary learning.
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5th Grade
Fifth graders learned about Panama’s foundations and its first explorers. Their visit to Panama Viejo enriched their historical understanding, and they connected their artistic skills by sketching the buildings they observed. They also deepened their connection to their Jewish heritage by visiting the area where the first Jewish families settled in Panama.
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6th Grade
Sixth graders have been studying different types of government and visited the Asamblea Nacional de Panama to better understand how our country’s legislative branch functions. They have also begun their exciting transition to Secondary School, starting with a scavenger hunt to explore the 804 building classrooms and meet faculty members. Students are now bringing their own devices and attending special secondary classes once a week as they prepare confidently for 7th grade.
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Judaic Studies & Celebrations
As part of our Judaic Studies program, students celebrated Tu Bishvat with the visit of a representative from Cerro Punta and meaningful activities within their classes. We are also looking forward to our upcoming Purim celebration on March 3rd, a joyful tradition our students eagerly anticipate each year.
Please also save the date for our Student-Led Conferences on March 19th. This is a special opportunity for students to take ownership of their learning and proudly share their growth with you.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together, we continue to create rich learning experiences that inspire growth and a love for learning.
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We have reached the "halfway point" of the school year—that unique stretch of the academic year where the initial August excitement has faded, and the finish line still feels far away. This is exactly where consistency and perseverance transition from buzzwords into superpowers. It’s the daily habit of showing up and pushing through the mid-year "fog" that defines long-term success. We encourage our students to continue their pursuit of significant learning and high academic achievement.
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Before we look ahead, we must celebrate the incredible results of that very perseverance. We are thrilled to announce that several of our seniors have already received acceptances to top-tier universities! These milestones are a testament to years of grit, and they serve as a brilliant reminder to our younger students that the work you do today—even the assignments that feel small—builds the bridge to your future.
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We aren't just talking about growth; we are seeing it live in our classrooms. Here is how we are continuing to promote our three school-wide pillars:
Student Agency and Ownership of Learning: We’ve been impressed by how students are taking the reins of their own education. From choosing inquiry paths to self-advocating for their learning needs, our students are proving they aren't just passengers in the classroom—they are the drivers.
Collaborative Learning and Communication: Our classrooms are buzzing with respectful, peer-to-peer discussions. By exchanging diverse perspectives and working through complex problems together, students are building the high-level communication skills essential for the modern world.
Inclusive and Inquiry-Based Learning Experiences: Learning here is a journey of discovery. Whether it's through cross-curricular projects or deep-dive investigations, we are committed to ensuring every student feels represented and empowered to ask the "big questions" that lead to real understanding.
As we navigate the coming weeks, let’s keep that curiosity high and our discipline steady. The second half of the journey is often the most rewarding.
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Important staffing update:
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Please note that all authorizations for late arrivals or early dismissals must be sent to secondaryoffice@magendavidacademy.org.
When sending your email, kindly include the following information to help us expedite the process:
Student’s first and last name
Grade level
Time of departure (if leaving early)
Transportation method (Uber, driver, etc.)
If, due to an unavoidable circumstance, your child needs to arrive late and leave early on the same day, please include both details in one email.
For MS/HS school assistance, please contact Mrs. Aisha, our new administrative assistant, in the email above.
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From our Humanities Department:
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Celebrating Student Work — February Highlights
This month, we’re proud to showcase creative and scholarly work across grades — from poetry posters and magical‑realism recipe books to tightly crafted research pitches. Each project reflects our students’ growth in analysis, creativity, and communication. Below are highlights and photos from each grade.
Grade 9 — Tu Bishvat Poetry Posters
Our Grade 9 students created vibrant poster projects that fuse Tu Bishvat celebration with English Language Arts. Working from poems, students analyzed imagery and theme, used textual evidence, and made thoughtful cultural connections. The posters showcase close reading, creative design, and strong academic thinking — a beautiful celebration of learning and literary insight.
Grade 8 — Magical Realism Recipe Books
Grade 8 turned everyday recipes into imaginative stories. In their magical‑realism recipe books, students blended descriptive writing, symbolism, and narrative voice to show how food, memory, and family tradition carry emotional meaning. These creative pieces invited students to transform ordinary moments into evocative, personal narratives — a lovely demonstration of craft and cultural reflection.
Grade 12 — AP Research Elevator Pitches
Our Grade 12 AP Research students have finalized their data and practiced the art of condensation. Each prepared a one‑minute elevator pitch that clearly states their research question, key finding(s), and the real‑world relevance of their work. Distilling months of study into a concise minute took careful planning and rehearsal — and highlighted the clarity and rigor of their research.
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From our Math Department:
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Our Mathematics Department continues to promote deep understanding, analytical thinking, and meaningful real-world application across all grade levels.
In 7th grade, students are building their foundational “mathematical grammar.” They are mastering algebraic expressions, learning to identify and combine like terms, and developing the skills necessary to simplify increasingly complex problems with confidence and precision.
In 8th and 9th grade courses, students are strengthening core algebraic and trigonometric concepts. Algebra students are analyzing rational functions by studying asymptotes, intercepts, domain restrictions, and end behavior, while learning how algebraic structure influences graphical representation. At the same time, students learning trigonometry are developing fluency in one of the most widely applied areas of mathematics, with connections to science, engineering, and real-world problem solving.
In Geometry, students are exploring how parallel lines interact with transversals, identifying congruent angles and strengthening their logical reasoning skills. They are also connecting geometric concepts to algebra through slope and rate of change, reinforcing the relationship between visual and symbolic mathematics.
In Algebra 2, students are diving deeper into polynomial functions, moving beyond procedural operations to analyze how these functions model real-world scenarios. They are currently applying their knowledge to business contexts, examining how changes in production and pricing impact cost, revenue, and overall profit.
In 11th grade, students are refining their skills with polynomial operations while reinforcing integer operations—both essential for strong performance on standardized exams such as the SAT and for future advanced coursework.
Our senior students (12th grade) continue to engage in rigorous and meaningful academic work as they prepare for college. In Calculus, they are calculating derivatives using limits, strengthening their algebraic fluency and conceptual understanding. In College Algebra, students are applying quadratic functions to model maximums, minimums, and optimization problems. In AP Calculus, they are concluding their study of exponential functions and expanding their understanding of growth and decay models. In Advanced Physics, seniors are studying free fall and vertical motion, applying kinematic equations to analyze acceleration, velocity, and displacement in one-dimensional motion.
Across all grade levels, our students are not only learning mathematical procedures, but also developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills necessary for long-term academic success. We are proud of their focus, perseverance, and continued growth.
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From our Science Department:
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Our Mathematics Department continues to promote deep understanding, analytical thinking, and meaningful real-world application across all grade levels.
In 7th grade, students are building their foundational “mathematical grammar.” They are mastering algebraic expressions, learning to identify and combine like terms, and developing the skills necessary to simplify increasingly complex problems with confidence and precision.
In 8th and 9th grade courses, students are strengthening core algebraic and trigonometric concepts. Algebra students are analyzing rational functions by studying asymptotes, intercepts, domain restrictions, and end behavior, while learning how algebraic structure influences graphical representation. At the same time, students learning trigonometry are developing fluency in one of the most widely applied areas of mathematics, with connections to science, engineering, and real-world problem solving.
In Geometry, students are exploring how parallel lines interact with transversals, identifying congruent angles and strengthening their logical reasoning skills. They are also connecting geometric concepts to algebra through slope and rate of change, reinforcing the relationship between visual and symbolic mathematics.
In Algebra 2, students are diving deeper into polynomial functions, moving beyond procedural operations to analyze how these functions model real-world scenarios. They are currently applying their knowledge to business contexts, examining how changes in production and pricing impact cost, revenue, and overall profit.
In 11th grade, students are refining their skills with polynomial operations while reinforcing integer operations—both essential for strong performance on standardized exams such as the SAT and for future advanced coursework.
Our senior students (12th grade) continue to engage in rigorous and meaningful academic work as they prepare for college. In Calculus, they are calculating derivatives using limits, strengthening their algebraic fluency and conceptual understanding. In College Algebra, students are applying quadratic functions to model maximums, minimums, and optimization problems. In AP Calculus, they are concluding their study of exponential functions and expanding their understanding of growth and decay models. In Advanced Physics, seniors are studying free fall and vertical motion, applying kinematic equations to analyze acceleration, velocity, and displacement in one-dimensional motion.
Across all grade levels, our students are not only learning mathematical procedures, but also developing the critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills necessary for long-term academic success. We are proud of their focus, perseverance, and continued growth.
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From our Spanish Department:
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The 12th grade students are working on projects and oral presentations about the culture, economy, authors, and literary works of the Medieval Period.
11th grade students are mentoring 7th graders in reading comprehension, supporting them as they work toward reaching their full potential.
9th grade students are working on noun phrases, learning how these essential sentence components function within a sentence.
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We are proud to share an exciting and school spirit filled event led by one of our High School students, Jonathan Esayag, who took the initiative to organize a collaborative and team building soccer match between MDA staff and the Seniors. His leadership and enthusiasm brought our community together in a truly positive way.
The friendly yet competitive game ended with a 5–3 victory for MDA staff. Coach Eric led the scoreboard with four goals, followed by one goal from Coach Juan. The Seniors put up a strong fight with goals by Adam Esayag, Joseph Harrouche, and Adam Edde.
This spirited event was a wonderful example of leadership, teamwork, and school pride in action. We look forward to more initiatives that continue strengthening our MDA community!
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💎 February Character Value: Honesty 💎
At MDA, honesty is at the core of who we are. This value builds the trust and ethical leadership essential for our community, empowering our students to speak truthfully, act authentically, and lead by example. 🦁✨
Being honest is more than just telling the truth—it’s about aligning our actions with our values. Join us this month as we celebrate students who choose honesty every day! 📈🙌
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She always strives to tell the truth even when it hurts.
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He always tells you the truth even when it is hard to admit it.
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He's very honest and truthful and has a lot of integrity.
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The Heart of MDA in Full Color: 🌈✨
Our Color Run wasn’t just about the run; it was about our incredible MDA family coming together for a beautiful summer morning in Panama Pacifico!
From the littlest runners to the grandparents, the energy and good vibes at our Color Run at MDA was unmatched.
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Faces of MDA: Aurora Araúz
There is often one voice and one smile that families connect with first, and at MDA, that is Aurora.
As our Main Office Manager, Aurora is the steady presence who answers every call, responds to every email, and welcomes every visitor with patience and kindness. No matter how busy the day may be, she greets everyone with a smile and words that reassure, guide, and support.
Aurora keeps the heartbeat of our front office strong. She manages countless details while making each student, parent, and staff member feel heard and valued.
We are deeply grateful for her warmth, professionalism, and the care she brings to our community every single day.
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We’re excited to kick off a MDA tradition! Each month, all staff can anonymously shout out a colleague who truly represents the MDA spirit, makes a difference, goes the extra mile, and lifts up our community.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations, and a huge congratulations to this month’s honorees:
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Custodial Staff Early childhood
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Your hard work and heart shine bright, and we are so grateful for everything you do for our students and our school.
Keep the nominations coming… next month’s spotlight might be yours!
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