Malloy Administration Project Director to Speak at BCDS Open House

Bi-Cultural Day School graduate Arielle Reich, project director in Governor Dannel Malloy’s administration, will be the featured speaker at an open house to be held on Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the school, 2186 High Ridge Road, Stamford.

“I know BCDS was an important part of who I am today. My strongest recollections of the time I spent there was that my school was a happy place to spend my childhood, and I think there is no better endorsement for a place where you send your children to learn and grow,” said Reich. She attended BCDS from kindergarten through eighth grade.

“I was fortunate to have outstanding teachers which were also wonderful role models,” said Reich, who previously served as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Malloy administration. “I always knew that there were people at school that cared about me, and there was always an adult I could confide in if I was in need of advice.”

She said she still keeps in touch with many teachers and classmates, some of who she’s been friends with since kindergarten. She called the school “a safe and nurturing environment,” crediting BCDS with giving her “the life skills and confidence to be happy and successful.”

Director of Early Childhood Rachel Bahar, who has been with BCDS for more than three decades, has fond memories of Arielle Reich as a young child.

“I’m not surprised to see what a fine young woman Arielle is and that she chose a career in public service. She always displayed a sensitive heart, a generous spirit and a love of Judaism.”

Board president Robert Zitter first became involved with the school as a parent. “My wife Hillary and I had such a wonderful experience as BCDS parents that I’ve made a personal commitment to ensure that a day school of this caliber continues to flourish,” he said. “The stimulating early childhood program initially attracted our family to BCDS, but it was the school's attention to students as individuals; its warm, nurturing environment; the inclusive welcoming of Jewish students from all backgrounds; and most importantly, Bi-Cultural's history of progressive academics which solidified our commitment as supporters - for more than 30 years.”

Head of School Jacqueline Herman emphasized the importance of this multi-generational commitment. “Alumni parents, grandparents and students are a very important thread of our community,” she said. “Many of our current parents are BCDS alumni. They want their children to experience the magic they felt in their childhood.”

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The connection to BCDS is life-long. Bahar, who is a recipient of the prestigious Grinspoon Award, has attended dozens of weddings of her former students, some of whom met in kindergarten.

“I often look at the beautiful faces of our littlest learners and wonder what they’ll be doing in 20 years,” she said. “I’m lucky that our alumni feel so connected to BCDS that I frequently get to find out!”

For further information about the BCDS open house, contact Joanne Karow, Director of Admissions at 203-329-2186 Ext. 1310 or jkarow@bcds.org.