Student Stories
Meet a few of the incredible students of Sulam. Their stories serve as an inspiration for Sulam and our entire community.
Haley Well
Eli
Eli is an energetic, charming and extremely kind boy. Since entering Sulam in Kindergarten, Eli has made significant progress in reading, writing, math, and managing his impulsive behaviors.
With the support of Sulam special educators, Eli has remained in his general education classrooms, while receiving intensive reading intervention, math support and regular social feedback. He participates in all Judaic classes, has learned to read and write in Hebrew, and is included in all school community events. Eli continues to grow and learn in an environment that both challenges him, and supports him in accessing a Jewish education.
Leah
Leah is an intelligent, energetic, and thoughtful young girl who entered Sulam in the 7th grade. A highly gifted student, she had nevertheless been struggling to meet expectations at a school that lacked the social, emotional and behavioral support she needed.
At Sulam, Leah flourished academically, and has learned many coping strategies and skills to navigate the social demands of her world. Her parents are overjoyed: “Before Sulam we did not appreciate Leah’s gifts. We were more concerned about her difficulties. Now, we have come to know our daughter as a talented and creative human being with so much to offer. We can’t wait to see what she has in store.”
Elana
Elana joined Sulam in Kindergarten, when we launched the Shearim program, and has developed deep friendships with her classmates over the years. Under the guidance and care of our team, Elana has flourished; the carefully crafted Shearim program has enabled her to grow her life skills, social and emotional skills, Judaic learning, academic growth, and increase her inclusion at Berman Hebrew Academy.
Elana has now completed high school, where she confidently navigated the school hallways. She was always smiling and chatting with her friends, who were a mix of Shearim students, Sulam students, and Berman students.
Alumni Reflections
We are so proud of our alumni and all they have achieved. Learn a bit about their journeys at Sulam!
Mike, Class of 2020
Emuna, Class of 2019
Jessica, Class of 2018
Jessica, a bright, charismatic and creative student entered Sulam in 2nd grade. Through her years of support from the Sulam team of special educators, Jessica thrived within her Jewish community day school while learning to navigate the demands of a rigorous education.
While at school, Jessica discovered her passion for emergency medical support services and began interning at the local firehouse. After graduating in 2018 Jessica worked hard to become a qualified EMT. Along with volunteering, Jessica now works a full-time job as a mental health counselor for Sheppard Pratt.
“Nothing came easy to me, but I learned from Sulam that where there is a will there's a way.”
- Jessica
Ezra, Class of 2016
Ezra, a boy with extraordinary gifts in writing and the arts, had challenges in his processing speed and could not produce academically at the same rate as his peers. Entering the Sulam program in 9th grade, and suffering from too many academic failures, Ezra believed he was incapable of academic success. Sulam’s team of special educators—a clinical psychologist, social workers, and specialists in math, English and Judaics—customized a program to help Ezra experience the extraordinary academic success of which he was capable.
In his senior year, he interned at the Sackler Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution, leading him to pursue a career in art and art education. Today, Ezra is an art student in Maryland. He works each summer at the JCC Inclusion Camp and mentors young students at Friendship Circle. He attended a year of Torah studies in Israel and is a committed community member and ongoing Torah scholar. This year, during the pandemic, he has found the time to work as an Instructional Assistant at Sulam while taking online classes.
“At Sulam, I could stay at my school, be with my friends, and grow as a Jew. I feel like a normal person now. I am proud of my accomplishments. Sulam has taught me to keep on trying. And I always will.”