Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit
Welcomes New Leadership
FARMINGTON HILLS, MI (August 2012) – Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit is excited to announce the appointment of Melissa Michaelson as Director of its Kindergarten-through-fourth grade Division. Michaelson has been a valued member of the Hillel professional staff for the past two years as an outstanding Kindergarten teacher. Prior to coming to Hillel, Michaelson taught in the Bloomfield Hills Schools for eight years. In 2002, Michaelson was named Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year!
Michaelson received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Indiana University and received a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University. Michaelson has also received educational endorsements in reading, Writer’s Workshop, and Everyday Math. Michaelson is a master teacher, an educational visionary, and her educational philosophy and approach to teacher and learning is aligned with Hillel Day School’s mission.
“As the new K-4 Division Head, I will contribute my passion for education, love for teaching, and commitment to Hillel and its community,” says Michaelson. “I aspire to provide a learning environment for the students to reach their fullest potential and will help prepare them to be critical thinkers who make a difference in the world. I am thrilled to continue to be part of the Hillel family and I look forward to working with the incredible staff, students and parents who make up this wonderful school.”
Michaelson is married to Jeremy and has two children, who both attend Hillel: Merrick, 2nd grade, and Sydney, a 4 year-old in the Early Childhood Center. They live in Farmington Hills.
Hillel is also thrilled to welcome Michael Wolf to its professional staff. Wolf will serve as Director of Programming, concentrating on informal programs for students, as well as adult and family programming. In addition, Wolf will be teaching Judaic Studies in the 5/6 Division.
Wolf served as Director of Education and Youth at Congregation Shaarey Zedek for eleven years and as Director of Camp Ramah Canada for nearly nine years. Wolf has extensive experience and expertise in informal and formal education as well as in T’fillah education (prayer). Wolf holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Art’s degree in Communal Service and Education from Brandeis University.
“I’m very excited to work with the teachers, students, and parents on creating meaningful Jewish experiences both in and out of the classroom,” says Wolf. “The Hillel leadership has exceptional vision to create a position for student, adult, and family programming and I look forward to helping Hillel meet its mission.”
Wolf is married to Betsy and has four children: Shira, a freshman at the University of Michigan, Ilana, a junior at the Frankel Jewish Academy, Jonah, entering 8th grade at Hillel, and Adena, entering 4th grade at Hillel.
Jordana Weiss, former K-4 Division Head, will remain a valued member of Hillel’s professional community. Weiss will be leading an extensive project in which Hillel will be evaluating all aspects of how to address academic, emotional and social support at the school.
Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit is an ISACS accredited, independent early childhood-through-eighth grade community Jewish day school located in Farmington Hills. To learn more about Hillel, please contact Amy schlussel at (248) 539-1484 or email at aschlussel@hillelday.org.
