Our Philosophy – Derech LGA (LGA way) 

“Learning while learning to care” and “Love your neighbor as yourself” are concepts brought to life at LGA where we foster a positive, nurturing and safe environment and where a common set of behavioral principles guide student, family and faculty behavior. All students, as well as all members of the LGA community, are expected to learn and abide by these principles:

• Shalom (peace) שלום – We strive for harmonious relationships. We actively seek thoughtful and peaceful ways of resolving conflict.

• Hesed (kindness) חסד– We treat others the way we want to be treated. We are kind and consider the feelings of others. We give of ourselves without an expectation of anything in return.

• Kavod (respect) כבוד– We recognize the value in ourselves, one another, and our surroundings.  We treat others fairly and with dignity and respect.

• B’tichut (safety) בטיחות –We strive to keep everyone in the school free from harm, danger, or injury.

• Kenut (honesty) כנות – We act with integrity and interact with one another in an honest, straightforward manner. We do not cheat, steal or intentionally mislead others.

• Shituf Peulah (cooperation) שיתוף פעולה –We support each other in meeting goals. We help, and do not hinder, collaboration.

• Achrioot (responsibility) אחריות – We know what is expected of us and we work hard to fulfill these expectations. We accept responsibility for our choices.

To facilitate the learning of these principles, Felicia Sloin, LGA’s music educator composed a song with lyrics that cover these seven tenets. The song  is sung when the school community gathers at Monday Morning Meeting and on Friday afternoons at all school Kabbalat Shabbat.

 Derech LGA  

Oh Lord, I thank you
For this new day
So many possibilities
May my words and my actions
Bring out the best in me

Now no one one’s perfect
Sometimes it’s easy
To forget and lose my way
But I’ll remember
By singing this song
About Derech LGA

Shalom (שלום) is peace – I’m a peace maker
Chesed (חסד) is kindness – I’m a giver not a taker
Kavod (כבוד) is respect – for myself and for others
B’tichut (בטיחות) is safety – taking care of one another
Kenut (כנות)is honesty – it’s true communication
Shituf pe-ulah (שיתוף פעולה) – it’s about cooperation
Achrioot (אחריות)- it’s my responsibility
To treat you, the way, I want you to treat me.

(lyrics — Felicia Sloin; melody — Gospel)