Send us Fan Mail

What if the moments that challenge you most are the ones that shape you most? In this episode, Bennett Taubman (JCHS’24, Dartmouth College ‘28) reflects on how stepping outside his comfort zone at JCHS—from theater to AP Comparative Government—sparked unexpected passions and shaped his path to Dartmouth. He shares how academic challenge, creative exploration, and learning to manage real struggle prepared him for both the freedom and responsibility of college life. Along the way, Bennett offers an honest look at growth: balancing ambition, building community, and discovering when to say no. It’s a thoughtful, energizing conversation about curiosity, resilience, and making the most of every opportunity.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

Send us Fan Mail

What if the true measure of a school isn’t just academic excellence, but how deeply every student feels seen, challenged, and supported? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we are talking with veteran educator and coach Aaron Pollock about the power of small classrooms, intentional differentiation, and a culture rooted in meeting each student “according to their way.” Mr. Pollock reflects on how JCHS’s strong sense of community—especially as a Jewish institution—creates both a safety net and a source of pride, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attacks. Drawing parallels between the classroom and the soccer field, he highlights how growth, patience, and shared responsibility allow students of all levels to develop into confident leaders.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.

Send a text

What if students learned not just to think outside the box—but to remake the box in their own original ways? In this episode of Thinking Out Loud, we are in conversation with Joe McDonald—Director of Digital Engagement and Strategy, Filmmaking Teacher, and Theater Operations Director—to explore how engineering, film, and theater intersect in powerful ways at JCHS. From corporate boardrooms to the stage and behind the camera, Joe shares how his diverse professional experiences have shaped his belief that education should never fit into neat categories. Together, we’ll unpack how creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and scaffolded independence help students move beyond guardrails and thrive, especially in situations where there’s no clear roadmap. It’s a conversation about courage, craft, and cultivating the kind of critical and original thinking that lasts long after high school.

To find out more about JCHS, visit www.jchsofthebay.org. Follow us on Instagram at @JCHSWolves, and on YouTube at @JCHSOnline.