From the Principal
Middle School is a bridge, both between the Lower School and the High School, but perhaps more importantly, between childhood and young adulthood. The work of the middle school student is daunting: to build independence, confidence, skills and knowledge. Recognizing the depth and breadth of development that occurs during the middle school years, our faculty and guidance staff work to both challenge and support students. Creating an environment of safety enables our students to take on academic, social and personal challenges.
As our students grow intellectually, they also have a broad range of opportunities to grow in other areas as well. Our tefillah and formal and informal Jewish Studies programs help students grow spiritually, deepen their Jewish identities and reinforce the practical synagogue skills they will need both for their b’nai mitzvah and their Jewish lives beyond. Middle school students also have a wide range of athletic, artistic and leadership opportunities. From various sports teams to student government and clubs, middle schoolers take on new roles and responsibilities and gain important skills in working effectively with others.
We view Middle School as an exciting time, a time when students truly begin to come into their own. Our teachers and guidance staff work closely with students and their families to help nurture the important skills that emerge during these years, and our students leave prepared with the knowledge, critical thinking, study skills and interpersonal confidence to succeed in high school and beyond.
Nancy Leaderman
Nancy Leaderman earned her BA and MA in English from the University of Maryland at College Park and has completed the Day School Leadership Training Institute at the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Principals’ Center Art of Leadership Program. She has been a teacher and administrator for 20 years and has worked at the Johns Hopkins University, the University of Maryland, Baltimore Hebrew University, Goucher College, the Cardin School, and Beth Tfiloh Community Day School. She joined Golda Och Academy as Upper School principal in August 2007.
