Q&A with Spring Benefit Co-chair Beau Leyvand

Hear from Hausner parent, Beau Leyvand, about his family's experience at Hausner and why he is involved in Hausner's upcoming Spring Benefit on May 19 at 6:30 pm. Read the Q&A below to learn something new about Beau, as well as his favorite Hebrew word. Hint: It sounds like "Beau!"

1. How long have you been a Hausner Family? What brought you to Hausner?

We started out in Hausner in 2018 when our oldest child entered Kindergarten. We were initially brought to Hausner because of the Hebrew curriculum but after exploring the school more we discovered that the school would allow us to give everything to our children that we think is important: academic excellence, Jewish cultural learning and the importance of belonging and taking care of a community. 

2. What is your favorite thing about Hausner and our community?

We have many favorite things about Hausner, but what stands out the most to us are the teachers. Every year we have been impressed with how well the teachers get to know our kids, assess their strengths and areas they need to grow. And most importantly our children are happy to go to school and really appreciate the positive experiences they have with their teachers and classmates. It is very clear to us that social-emotional well-being is a priority.

I think what stands out about the community is that there is a sense of a built-in support system. If we needed something quickly we could reach out for help, and I have no doubt that many community members would offer help. 

3. What inspired you to co-chair this year's benefit?

I was asked by Valerie Hoffman and Ronit Bodner to co-chair. So how could I say “No?” :)

In all seriousness, I agreed to do it because I have been so appreciative of the past two years during the pandemic, and because I believe in the philosophical pillars on which the foundation of the school is based: Learning, Community, Respect, Israel, Compassion, Justice and Torah.

4. What are you most looking forward to in regards to the Spring Benefit?

I am most looking forward to getting our community together to celebrate what I hope is the end of the battle with the pandemic. To have an intentional night of joy and belonging while raising money for Hausner so that those who want to come to our school can have the opportunity to do so.

5. Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

Most people in our community know me as a stay-at-home dad, but before we moved to the Bay area I was an ER/ICU nurse in Seattle for 8 years, working at Level 1 and 3 trauma centers. During the pandemic I was able to put my nursing skills to good use by giving COVID 19 vaccines at the Santa Clara County mass vaccination sites.

6. What is your favorite Hebrew word?

I think my favorite word in Hebrew is probably the one I am using with my children all the time, which is “Bo," which means "come." It comes in very handy when I’m saying it, but very confusing when I’m in Israel and everyone else is saying it since my name is Beau.