A beloved Smith tradition welcomes our newest students — and a year filled with possibility

There may be no sweeter way to begin a school year.

At Smith’s Opening Ceremony, our eighth graders welcomed their kindergarten buddies into the school, escorting them beneath the chuppah and beginning a relationship that will continue throughout the year. In the spring, the roles will reverse, as the kindergarteners escort the seventh graders as they take their places as the new student leaders of the school.

It’s a beloved tradition — and a beautiful expression of l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.

This year, there’s even more to celebrate as those kindergarteners walk through our doors.

Smith begins the year with 191 students and continued enrollment growth, bringing new families and new energy to our community. The Gesher Express is full, connecting more St. Paul families to Jewish day school education and strengthening Smith’s reach across the Twin Cities.

Students will also find new faces and new opportunities inside the school. Nathan Meyer begins his first school year as director of general studies and lower school principal, bringing his relationship-centered approach to supporting students, faculty, and academic excellence. And through our growing partnership with Congregation Darchei Noam, we are welcoming Israeli educators Avi and Sigi Biton and their family to our community. As Smith’s new morim shlichim, Avi and Sigi will bring Hebrew and Israel to life through language, culture, relationships, and the everyday experiences of contemporary Israel.

Smith Opening Ceremony reminds us that every school year begins with a promise: older students welcoming younger ones, teachers opening new worlds to their students, and a community coming together to help raise the next generation.

We can’t wait to see where this year takes them.