Welcome to our school’s website!

The Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley is an exceptional private PK through grade 8 educational institution serving Jewish families of the Lehigh Valley and surrounding areas.  Our school provides a stellar academic and Judaic education to the children we serve.  We believe in developing the skills students will need to become life-long learners, while offering opportunities for our students to be creative and express themselves.  Educating the “whole child” is at the very core of our mission. 

Our caring faculty, nurturing environment, and rich Jewish values are just a few of the reasons that make our school so special.  We are a community school that welcomes all Jewish children, priding ourselves as a cornerstone that unites the community.  I would like to personally invite you to contact me, or our Dean, Abby Wiener, for a personal tour of our school!  Come see first-hand what wonderful opportunities our school has to offer your family and children!

Sincerely,
Sharon R. Fehlinger, CMT
JDS Principal

EDUCATION:

Harvard University Graduate School of Education
Principals' Center
The Art of Leadership certification

Lehigh University
Pursuing doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and superintendent letter of eligibility
Masters in Educational Leadership - January 2004
K-12 Principal Certification - May 2004

Widener University
The University of the Arts
Immaculata College
Various Graduate Courses

Immaculata College
AAMT - American Association of Music Therapists
Certification in Music Therapy - August 1992

West Chester University
Bachelor of Science in Music Education - May 1992
K-12 Instructional I PA State Certification - June 1992
K-12 Instructional II PA State Certification - April 2000

GRANTS:
2000 - Wrote and Received $5,000 Grant
For H.S. Music Dept. to purchase storage shed.
1994 - Wrote and Received $8,000 Grant
For McAuley Convent to purchase Hand bells for geriatric handicapped-adapted choir.

CONSULTATIONS:
Participated in Team Evaluation Process of Middle Level Programs.
Focus: to observe middle level strengths and weaknesses and to provide school community with suggestions for growth opportunities. Team led by Middle Level Consultants: Dr. George P. White and Mr. Louis White.
East Penn School District - 2004
Eyer Middle School
Lower Macungie Middle School
Owen J. Roberts School District - 2003
Owen J. Roberts Middle School

PUBLICATIONS:
http://www.lehigh.edu/~inetp/ebook/
Wrote chapter three for: Communities of Practice and Learning Communities: An eBook for Practitioners

http://www.marchinglinks.com/tmlmay.htm - original site
Now moved to this site: http://www.marchinglinks.com/graduation.htm
Wrote the First Featured Article for the Premier Internet Newsletter Publication: Marchinglinks - a website dedicated to professional musicians and band enthusiasts.

MEMBERSHIPS/PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:
(Current and Past Affiliations)
PDK - Phi Delta Kappa (Lehigh University Chapter)
PSEA - Pennsylvania State Education Association
NEA - National Education Association
PMEA -Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
MENC -Music Educators National Conference
IAJE - International Association of Jazz Educators

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
2005 (9th edition) Nominated and Honored with the Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers Award.
2004-2005 Nominated and Honored with The Chancellor's List academic honor.
2004 Honored by Lehigh University for the 71st annual edition of Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (only 47 students nominated by University).
2004 (January) Served as Acting Principal during administrative internship at Northwestern Lehigh Elementary School.
2003 -2004 (8th edition) Nominated and Honored with the Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers Award
2001-2002 School year - Awarded Teacher of the Month Status for September/October - Sun Valley High School
2001-2002 (7th edition) Nominated and Honored with the Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers Award
1999-2000 (6th edition) Nominated for the Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers Award.
1997-1998 (5th edition) Nominated and Honored with the Who's Who Among America's Best Teachers Award.
1999 Sun Valley Marching Band qualified for Championships at Giants Stadium. Placed 15th out of 53 bands.
1999 Marching Band awarded Best Percussion, Best Color Guard, Outstanding Marching and Maneuvering, and Best Music Awards.
1998 Jazz Band Showcased on Temple University's Jazz Radio Station 90.1 Fm. Won Outstanding Music and Best Soloist Awards.
1998 completed a successful 4-day Band Trip to Myrtle Beach, North Carolina.
1997 completed a successful 4-day Band Trip to Toronto, Canada and Niagara Falls.
1996 completed a successful 3-day Band Trip to Williamsburg, Virginia.
1994-2001 won several awards in jazz, concert, and marching genres with bands at the H. S. level.
1993-2001 students recognized for outstanding student conductors/drum majors at competitions.
1987 Lead Saxophonist in Traveling Tour of Europe - 3 months. U.S. representative.