Kesher – Parent Volunteers

Dear Prospective and Current Pardes Families,

The Hebrew word Kesher means connection.  Our Kesher organization, or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), does a great deal to help our Pardes community by connecting parents, teachers, administration, and staff.  We provide support for the entire school, whether it is sending a meal home to a family, working on a charitable/philanthropic project, bringing in treats to show appreciation for our faculty, staff & police officers, planning social gatherings, collaborating with our administrative team to plan holiday celebrations, and much more!

Volunteering is a critical part of the Pardes experience, and a great way to develop new connections, have fun and show your kids what community involvement looks like – any level of participation is welcome and deeply appreciated!  

Please review the committee lists below. If you are a current parent, we encourage you to sign up for any that interest you!  Thank you in advance for your support of our many community-building programs in store this year!

L’Shalom,

Adena Friedman, Kesher Chair

Jessica Brodie and Lisa Flader, Kesher Vice Chairs

kesher@pardesschool.org

For most up to date information and to sign up for committees, current parents should visit Pardes’ Parent Portal and click on Kesher button on the right.

Kesher Leadership (from L to R): Lisa Flader, Adena Friedman and Jessica Brodie

“We are thrilled to welcome you to our Pardes Community and look forward to your involvement in Kesher!”

Kesher supports the efforts of Pardes through a variety of wonderful committees:

Project Ezra

Project Ezra (Caring Committee) is the heart of Kesher. Bikur Cholim (visiting the sick) and celebrating mitzvahs are core Jewish principles this committee delivers. They provide support for all Pardes families experiencing major life events, both good and bad, through donations, gift cards, meal-trains and/or gifts where appropriate.

 

Chagim Committee

The Chagim Committee (Jewish Holiday Committee) is all about enriching Jewish life surrounding the holidays. This committee works together with the Jewish educators to plan holiday events that are relevant and on topic with what students are learning throughout the year.

 

Spirit Committee

The Spirit Committee is our core social committee for Pardes, planning women’s events, men’s events, and family events.  The possibilities for community building while having fun are endless!

 

Staff Appreciation Committee

The Staff Appreciation Committee is all about showering our Pardes faculty with love and appreciation. This committee sets up monthly “healthy snacks” for the entire faculty and keeps the lounge well stocked.  This committee also celebrates staff birthdays as well as gifts of gratitude for the Scottsdale Police Department officers, who are on campus each day.

TIkkun Olam Committee

The Tikkun Olam (Philanthropy/Charity Committee) is committed to enhancing Pardes’ relationship with our community at large. Our small school makes a very big impact through different events all year long. This committee also collaborates with Student Council’s efforts to help those in need.

Literacy Committee

The Literacy Committee is in charge of running our annual book fair, a student book swap, a parent book club and more! We are all about reading and sharing our love of books!

New Family Welcome Committee

The New Family Welcome Committee focuses on welcoming new students and parents into our Pardes family.  This can include calling new families and inviting them to upcoming events, introducing yourself and answering any questions they may have.

All Hands on Deck

All Hands on Deck is our committee of volunteers that is available to help out when needed.