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Hillel Day has a new principal and a new school psychologist.
Kindergartern teacher and administrator Melissa Michaelson of Farmington Hills has been named Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit K-8 principal.
Michaelson has been a member of the Hillel professional staff for the past three years and this past year as a successful K-4 Division Head. Prior to coming to Hillel, Michaelson taught in Bloomfield Hills schools for eight years. In 2002, Melissa was named Sam’s Club Teacher of the Year.
She received her bachelor of science degree in education from Indiana University, and received a master’s degree in educational leadership and a certificate in administration from Oakland University.
Michaelson has also received educational endorsements in Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop and Everyday Math.
“Melissa is a master teacher, an educational visionary and her educational philosophy and approach to teaching and learning is aligned with Hillel Day School’s mission,” according to Hillel Day administrators.
“As the K-4 Division Head, she quickly established herself as a strong and effective educational and instructional leader. She has earned the respect and admiration of the teachers while also investing her time in getting to know each child in her division,” administrators continued.
Michaelson looks forward to her new position. “When students walk into the doors of Hillel, no matter the age, I passionately feel that each child will learn to stand tall with confidence and have a feeling of self-identity and contentment,” she said.
“As the K-8 principal I look forward to working closely with the staff, students and parents as we embrace change and evolve into an effective professional learning community where we focus on learning and work collaboratively to ensure all children learn at high levels.”
Michaelson is married to Jeremy and has two children, who both attend Hillel: Merrick, third grade, and Sydney, kindergarten. They live in Farmington Hills.
Hillel also welcomes Dr. Jennifer Lerner Friedman to its professional staff. Friedman will serve as dean of student learning/educational psychologist.