"Denver Jewish Day School will continue to offer a unique model for wisdom and achievement that integrates high-quality college preparatory and Jewish education in an individualized, supportive environment," said Avi Halzel, head of school/CEO. "The new name will serve as a catalyst to reintroduce and re-energize the school in our Jewish community. "
Based on the research, Herzl/RMHA's board of directors and executive team determined the new name best reflects who the school is and what it does in a clear and compelling fashion and will enable the school to move forward in a strong, positive way with its unique K-12 school model. The school's brand also is reflected in its new tagline: Extraordinary Education. Timeless Traditions. Inspired Lives. The shortened version of the new name will be Denver JDS.
Rose Community Foundation generously funded the strategic planning process, which included the hiring of marketing and branding consultants and the development of a marketing plan. Many board members, faculty, staff and community members contributed to this effort.
"What makes Denver Jewish Day School distinct is its rare mix of top-notch academics rooted in Jewish values and learning techniques supported by a close-knit community," said David Brown, chair of the school's board of trustees. "The school fosters academic success, strong self-esteem and moral character, a connection to the community and the drive to act purposefully in the world. As Denver's only community K-12 Jewish day school, the school's success is a strong reflection that Denver is a vibrant Jewish community that values excellence in academics and Jewish life."
The new name will aid the school as it reaches out to Denver's expanding Jewish community, many of whom have only recently moved to the Denver area. According to the 2007 Jewish Community Study, nearly half of all Jews under age 40 have lived in the area less than 10 years.
The current name of the school, Herzl/RMHA at the Denver Campus, was implemented as a compromise name after Theodor Herzl Jewish Day School and Rocky Mountain Hebrew Academy merged in 1999 and joined on one campus in 2002. Since then, the school has been known informally by at least six different names. The new name assists the school in uniting as a K-12 continuum.
The complete roll-out of the new school identity will take several months. A full change of all signage and systems will be completed when funding is in hand. No funds will be diverted from teachers or classrooms to make this name change. The school colors will be red and black, and the mascot will remain the Tiger.
Herzl/RMHA at the Denver Campus educates close to 400 students in grades K-12. The school attracts Jewish families seeking an exceptional educational experience for their children integrated with the formation of a richer, deeper Jewish identity.
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