New to BFS: Welcoming Two New Divisional Heads to Our Community This Fall, there are several new faces being seen around BFS. In this Journal, we hear from our newest divisional heads: Jason Novak, Head of Lower School and Kamaya Prince Thompson, Head of Upper School
A WARM WELCOME FROM
Jason Novak HEAD OF THE LOWER SCHOOL
It is my deepest pleasure to have begun a journey at Brooklyn Friends School. In my first few months, serving as your new Head of Lower School, I have wholeheartedly fallen in love with the joy and connection I have felt in our community. Brooklyn Friends School is a very unique and special place, and I am truly grateful to have joined in our commitment to cultivate an intellectually ambitious and diverse community that celebrates each individual’s gifts. Having just relocated with my husband Alejandro to Brooklyn, NY, from the Washington, D.C. region, I can happily say that we are both becoming quite acclimated to the area and have enjoyed exploring NYC. Being new to Brooklyn, I have utilized my first months to connect with Lower School colleagues and Leadership Team members and also to begin learning about our community. I am beginning to gain insight into the many layers of the school experience at BFS, and I am looking forward to many exciting years ahead. Words can’t express the excitement we all felt when we reopened our doors this past September. Seeing the smiles on the faces of our children and families was an unforgettable thing to witness amidst an unprecedented year. To the children attending in person to those attending at home, I am filled with nothing but gratitude when I think about how resilient and dedicated you all have been. It is truly inspiring and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the year brings for our community. My favorite hobbies: I spent part of my career serving as a music teacher, and have formerly performed as a cantor. I love listening to all different types of music. I also enjoy getting outdoors and being outside in nature. My favorite food in Brooklyn: Alejandro and I really enjoy eating at home. He loves to cook. Two restaurants we have really enjoyed are
6 Brooklyn Friends School Journal Fall 2020
Imani and Evelina in Fort Greene. We definitely still have a lot more investigating to do! When I was an elementary school student, I’d describe myself as: In elementary school, I was very passionate about doing well in school and playing the violin. I was somewhat shy and introverted, and kept to a very close group of friends. I can remember all of the science projects I created during my elementary school years (erupting volcano, a food created map of the human brain, etc.) My favorite song: There are way too many to list! Music is a big part of my life and has always been. My father was a musician in his high school band, and both my sister and I played violin and the tuba growing up. In Friendship,
