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How can we foster the kind of curiosity and thoughtful connection that will help inspire the next generation of informed and hopeful citizens of the planet? In this episode, we sit down with JCHS Biology and Environmental Science teacher Amy Dean to explore how meaningful science education helps students see the world differently. From assessing backyard redwood trees to collecting real data in coastal tide pools, Ms. Dean shares how hands-on learning transforms abstract environmental issues into deeply personal understanding. We talk about environmental literacy, systems thinking, and how students learn to wrestle with complex, real-world challenges without easy answers.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What does it really mean for students to feel seen, heard, and empowered at school? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we sit down with the JCHS Knesset executive team, Assaf Brajtman '26, Elijah Isaacson '26, Ilan Kalika '26, and Manny Stern '26, to explore how student leadership shapes belonging, voice, and community. From standing on stage at Hakhel to quietly advocating behind the scenes, these leaders share how they take positive risks, model empathy, and create space for every student to speak up. They share stories of positive risk-taking, advocacy, and the small traditions that carry big meaning. Along the way, they reflect on friendship, mentorship, and what it means to lead as “students first.” It’s an honest look at how belonging is built—one voice at a time.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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How do you build a school culture where students feel both deeply cared for and boldly challenged to grow? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we sit down with Roni Ben-David, Director of Social Justice and Inclusion at JCHS, to explore how the Jewish value of kavod habriyot—honoring human dignity—shapes classroom culture, student voice, and community life. Roni shares how restorative justice, constructive disagreement, and authentic feedback create pathways for trust, accountability, and belonging. Together, we unpack what it really means to prepare students to live and lead in a diverse, complex world.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if the most important career skill you’ll ever need isn’t something you can study from a textbook? In this episode, alumn Ethan Finestone '20 reflects on how filmmaking projects, multi-grade athletics, and student government at JCHS shaped his confidence, adaptability, and self-advocacy long before college or the AI industry were on his radar. He shares how the personalized relationships and academic rigor at JCHS gave him an unexpected advantage at a 35,000 student public university like Michigan. Ethan explains about how a small school can prepare students for a world—and a job market—that’s changing faster than anyone can predict.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if the biggest change in your life started the moment you walked into a new school? In this episode, ninth-grader Sayde Czerpak shares how she chose JCHS, navigated the nerves of starting fresh, and slowly discovered a community that felt like home. She talks about taking positive risks—from running for class rosh to giving a d’var Torah—and how each step helped her figure out who she wants to be. Along the way, Sayde shows how kindness, curiosity, and trying new things can completely reshape your confidence in high school.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What actually prepares a person to think like a scientist? In this episode, Dr. Cecily Burrill explains how JCHS’s physics-first sequence intentionally aligns with teenage brain development and strengthens student mastery of chemistry and biology. She also digs into why modern AP science courses—now focused on scientific practices rather than rote memorization—remain deeply valuable for many students and families. From designing their own human-subject experiments to exploring CRISPR through a Frankenstein- inspired Humanities collaboration, listeners get an inside look at how JCHS builds curiosity, rigor, and joy into every part of its science program.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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What if the small moments in high school—the friendships, the mentors, the unexpected opportunities—turn out to be the spark that shapes your future? In this episode, we sit down with Rymo Hymowitz ’21, whose journey from sewing in the JCHS Commons to designing sports bras at Nike reveals how creativity grows when students are truly known. Rymo shares how the deep sense of community at JCHS helped her transition confidently to a huge university and encouraged her to try new things without fear. She reflects on the teachers who guided her, the theater program that gave her real artistic ownership, and the Jewish life experiences that shaped her identity. It’s a journey that shows how JCHS empowers students to discover who they are—and who they’re becoming—long after they graduate.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

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How is JCHS able to build championship-level teams — while keeping kindness and community at the core? In this episode, we sit down with Coach Marty Cohen, JCHS Assistant Athletics Director and Class of 2019 alum, to explore how the school’s athletics program reflects its values of balance, growth, and sportsmanship. From encouraging every student to “just try” a new sport to fostering mentorship between 9th graders and seniors, JCHS athletics is about far more than just winning games. Marty shares how a culture of respect and teamwork transforms players into confident leaders on and off the court. Tune in to hear how sports at JCHS nurture both excellence and empathy — one practice, one player, and one season at a time.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.