As the cars began lining up outside the buildings the energy was electric and moving beyond belief. The government has offered an option for families to remain at hotels through early July, but there is encouragement for all to return home and we had 80% of our students and staff walk through school doors!
A celebratory ceremony began the day at the Gutwirth School, as they raised the flag on campus once again, emblematic of resilience, hope, and victory. Sderot Mayor Alon Davidi, the IDF Commander of the Gaza Brigade, and senior representatives of the Ministry of Education were all in attendance. Principal Edi Dagan gave a meaningful speech, and the names of fallen graduates were read out loud. The ceremony was uplifting and ended with the release of 134 yellow balloons, representative of the hostages remaining in Gaza, whose safe return will remain in our prayers.
Last week, we held an orientation and training for educational teams in advance of the school’s reopening, focusing primarily on Tatzam and giving staff the opportunity to digest the trauma and very challenging period they just experienced. They have even more tools now to help our students return to learning.
We recognize the tall order ahead: war continues a mere mile away from Sderot, and we still hear red alert sirens blaring. Life is by no means normal, but we will continue to help our students readjust to life following tremendous trauma. We’ll support them in every possible way.
