Issue 3 January/February 2009 Tevet-Shevat 5769
Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
A PERFECT BALANCE
Three Students Score Big in Athletics and Academics Competing in sports while juggling academics and “We compete because we want to,” said a social life is not a simple task for any Upper School Schoonover, a junior. “We asked to play both student. But Esther Schoonover, Jade Wollschlaeger sports. It’s just something we love to do.” and Sabrina Zarco welcome the challenges. Rabbi Michael Druin, Rabbinic Dean, said The three Upper School students “Hillel encourages our students to live up compete in soccer and basketball and excel to the Talmudic saying of Yagati umatzati in honors or Advanced Placement classes. taamin - we believe in success which They either practice or compete against comes about through hard work.” other schools six days a week and study The athletes practiced soccer over for classes in between. the summer and into the school year. “It’s pretty hard. We get home tired,” Hillel allowed them to miss some said Wollschlaeger, a sophomore. “But I soccer practices during the season enjoy doing both sports, so it just comes in order to practice and compete in easily.” basketball games. Charmain Carter, Dean of Students, When it comes to classes, homework Grades 6-12, and Girls Basketball and studying for exams, all Esther Schoonover, Sabrina Zarco, Jade Wollschlaeger Coach, said “I respect what they three athletes say the key is to bring to the table. They give so finish schoolwork on time. “We much of themselves to Hillel.” don’t procrastinate or wait until the last minute to finish Zarco, a freshman, said they had to negotiate with the school work,” Schoonover said. coaches and work out a schedule that would allow them to “I think they are amazing; I admire them,” said Carter, play both sports in the same season. who has experience coaching boys basketball. “They are the Carter said the three athletes attend every basketball perfect example of what it means to be a student athlete; they practice and their families are very supportive of Hillel. are committed in the classroom and in their extracurricular They will play about 15 to 20 games this season. activities.”
2009 Hillel Annual Event
Learning for a Lifetime
Hillel’s 2009 Annual Event: Learning for a Lifetime will be held on Monday, March 30, 2009, at Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center. The event, co-chaired by Hillel parents Helen Beda and Eva Rub, will feature feature keynote speaker and world-renowned author Rafe Esquith, author of the New York Times bestseller Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire and fifth grade teacher whose Los Angeles students are living in poverty and speaking English as a second language. The Kol Hillel is made possible by
17900 Biscayne Blvd. Aventura 305.937.7797 www.aspaclaria.com
For the latest News and Photos everyday at Hillel, visit the Web site at www.hillel-nmb.org.
His students score in the top one percent on standardized tests and go on to attend Ivy League universities. The Annual Event will feature the Ad Journal, in recognition of Hillel’s faculty with a special tribute to those serving 25 years or more. “We are privileged to be a school with such dedicated, talented faculty,” said Dr. Adam C. Holden, Head of School. “Far more than acknowledging fine educators, we are recognizing leaders – role models for us all – and we are celebrating their extraordinary commitment to Hillel and Jewish education.” The deadline for ads is February 13. Proceeds from the Ad Journal, chaired by Hillel parent Helen Broide, will enhance educational programming and academic scholarships. To purchase tickets or ads, please visit the “News” section of the Hillel Web site.
The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School
learning for a lifetime
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President HIP/PTA President
Gil J. Bonwitt David Wolf Jorge Woldenberg Rossana Franco Rafael Russ Amy Chafetz
Michelle Amselem Sara Bejar Uri Benhamron Helena Broide Dr. Judith Dach Michelle Diener Anita Givner Dr. Jan Hockman Matt Kuttler Anita Lapco Sherri Lebwohl Jeffrey Levinson Rabbi Ezra Levy, Ed.D.
David Lichter Rabbi Avrohom Lipszyc Gary Mars Diana Mundlak Joanne Papir Eva Rub Rachel Sapoznik Marty Scheck Dana Yemin Schrager Mike Shalom Jill Shockett Hedy Whitebook
ADMINISTRATION Head of School Rabbinic Dean Principal, Lower School Principal, Middle School Principal, Upper School Assistant Principal, Lower School Assistant Principal, Lower School Dean of Students, Grades 6-12 Assistant Principal, Grades 6-12 Director, Nativ
Dr. Adam C. Holden Rabbi Michael Druin Debra Abolafia Nick Hinrichsen Tym Bonilla Valerie Lustgarten Tara Solomiany Charmain Carter Joshua Meisels Carol Repensek, Ph.D.
ABOUT HILLEL From early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel is a Jewish community day school structured to cultivate and inspire students and to prepare them for college admission. Through meaningful religious and cultural experiences, Hillel strives to deepen students’ commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel. Hillel is the second-largest Jewish community day school in the nation. ACCREDITATION Hillel is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is accredited by: Commission on International-Regional Accreditation, National Council for Private School Accreditation, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Association of Independent Schools of Florida. Hillel is affiliated with: Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, National Association of College Admission Counseling, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Broward County and Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. KOL HILLEL The Kol Hillel is a bimonthly publication of The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School/The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School, 19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180, P: 305.931.2831. For submissions please email plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.
Seniors Admitted to Top Schools Hillel seniors who applied to colleges for early decision or to colleges with rolling admissions have received 56 letters of acceptances from 31 different colleges. About 15 percent of the senior class applied for early decision. Regular acceptance letters arrive in February and March. Hillel seniors will be accepted to about 45-50 colleges. Last year, 91% of Hillel seniors were accepted to their first-choice school. Oxford College of Emory University Babson College Pratt Institute Boston University Savannah College of Art and Design Columbia University St. John’s University Drexel University Saint Leo University Duke University Syracuse University Emerson College Tulane University Emory University University of Central Florida Florida Atlantic University University of Hartford Florida International University University of Massachusetts Florida State University University of Michigan George Washington University University of Pennsylvania Hofstra University University of South Florida Indiana University University of Wisconsin New York University Yeshivat Sha’alvim, Israel Northeastern University As of January 15, 2009 Nova Southeastern University
Hillel Parents and Faculty Participate in Surveys In January, Hillel parents participated in the Jewish Day School Parent Survey, a national pilot project launched to the entire Jewish day school field. Hillel is proud to have been selected by the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), along with a small, diverse group of schools in North America, to participate in this survey of day school parents. This survey will give Hillel more of an understanding of parent thoughts as well as what each parent expects and needs from Hillel. It will help further define excellence for the entire school community. Hillel faculty and staff also participated in a survey specific for them, conducted by Hillel’s human resources office. “The goal is a 100% response rate to ensure that we hear all voices,” said Gil J. Bonwit, Hillel Chairman. The data collection, analysis and reporting will be handled by an independent third party, Measuring Success, that works with PEJE to develop tools for Jewish day schools to measure their performance. Hillel will receive the results in Spring.
National Honor Society
Yael Marks, a member of the National Honor Society, was inadvertently omitted in the last issue of the Kol Hillel. 2 KOL HILLEL
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
“We are excited by the progress we have made so far.” - Gil J. Bonwitt, Hillel Chairman
Hillel on Track to Complete Five-Year Strategic Plan Hillel has reached the mid-way mark to accomplish goals outlined in the five-year strategic plan launched in 2006. The plan was developed through the collaboration of parents, Board members, faculty and administrators, and it encompasses key areas for growth including student achievement, curriculum, teaching methodology, personnel and infrastructure. “We are excited by the progress we have made so far,” said Gil J. Bonwitt, Hillel Chairman. “We have been able to add value to the program on many levels, aligned with enriched religious and cultural experiences, campus improvements and new processes that are making Hillel more efficient as we continue to grow as a true center of learning and community,” he said.
Grade 6 Shabbaton: “Best trip of my life”
Grade 6 students enjoyed their first Shabbaton to the Circle F Dude Ranch located south of Orlando. The trip was an opportunity for Middle School students to bond with their grade, strengthen existing friendships and create new ones, explained Hillel Hurwitz, Student Activities Director. Students enjoyed volleyball, basketball, baseball, a beautiful lake, rustic cabins, along with informal educational opportunities that complement the formal classroom program of studies. Simon Finkel, Grade 6, wrote about the weekend: “The Shabbaton felt good because we were all together, eating together, praying together. Also, we slept in cabins with all our good friends. We played games like tether ball, cards and we also sang songs. The songs were hilarious and fun. The counselors were so nice. The Shabbaton was the best trip of my life.” Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Student Achievement Curriculum Teaching Methodology Personnel Infrastructure
Some of the goals met include expanded volunteer leadership through revamped committees and HIP/PTA, restructured divisions into Lower School, Middle School and Upper School, increased professional development, progress toward studentcentered instruction, new schoolwide systems and publications, increased giving, and enhanced arts, athletics and technology programs. Bonwitt added that in order to continue on this path, the Board has renewed Dr. Adam C. Holden’s contract as Head of School for three more years. “By leveraging the strength and wisdom of our volunteer and professional leadership, with continued direction from Dr. Holden, we can maintain our course for success in providing our children with the best Jewish education.” At the end of the fifth year, Hillel will have built a program that is seen as a model for other Jewish day schools across the country.
Students Practice for Two New Shows
Mazel Tov to Hillel’s cast and crew of Disney’s Aladdin, Jr.! The musical production was sold out for all three performances, including a special one for schools in the community. The Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program will feature The Diary of Anne Frank, March 19-22. Students in Lower School have been auditioning for the musical production of Annie Jr. The show will take place the evening of June 3 in the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre in the Friedman-UhlarAuditorium. For more photos of Aladdin, Jr., please visit the Hillel Web site, www.hillel-nmb.org. KOL HILLEL 3
Scene Grade 3 Performs for Students
Art Honor Society Visits Hospital
With only a few short practices, students in Grade 3 performed Chanukah and Torah songs for Early Childhood and Lower School students with Mark Samowitz, creator of Shooby Doob Shloimy, the “world’s favorite” performer of educational Jewish kids songs. Samowitz writes all his songs with lyrics by his partner, Helen Heldenmuth, a Hillel grandmother and South African educator. The songs are designed to inspire children by Judaism. To view photos of the event, please visit the Hillel Web site, www.hillel-nmb.org.
Members of Hillel’s Art Honor Society brought warmth and smiles to patients at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Students shared their time, gave hand-crafted items, shawls and artfully colored sand to patients. The trip was one of many the students participate in throughout the school year, said Anat Agam, Upper School Art Director. Members of the Art Honor Society raise funds during the school year by auctioning art and jewelry at school events. They used the funds to purchase fabric and other art materials.
BMX Stunt Show Presents Daring Exhibition There was plenty of excitment for Hillel Lower and Middle School students when the BMX Stunt Show performed at school. They presented daring flips and spins and lauched bike-riders 20 feet into the air from professional ramps. The trained riders incorporated positive, motivational messages into the show to encourage kids to say no to drugs and violence, and to follow their dreams.
Generations Day
4 KOL HILLEL
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
at Hillel Grade 1 Shares Project with Parents
Generations Day
In celebration of Generations Day at Hillel, classrooms from Early Childhood to Grade 3 were filled with parents, grandparents and great-grandparents as they joined students in singing, dancing and creating art projects together. Some families even brought four generations together for the beautiful event.
When students in Jessica Figueroa’s Grade 1 class finished a three-week writing project, they voted to celebrate with a traditional English tea party, asking for white gloves and formal attire. Figueroa said that students learned about writing strategies by creating a story with a first draft, revisions and edits until the final work was published for parents to read. The class made formal invitations asking parents to join them at the tea party to read their final published stories. Parents arrived wearing jackets, suits and gloves. The class provided the tea and toast.
Hillel seniors Eliel Epelbaum, Jonathan Tarich, Brigitte Bakshi and Solo Sterental make fresh fruit smoothies during Bagel Break to raise funds for the senior class.
Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
KOL HILLEL 5
Purim Baskets
Joana Kirsch and Monica Wagenberg are the chairs of HIP/PTA’s second annual Purim Mishloach Manot Exchange fundraiser. Parents received a letter in the mail with personal login information and instructions on how to place an order. The purchase process is done online with options to buy for school families, faculty and staff. The baskets are $5 each and will be delivered at the Purim carnival on March 10.
Purim Carnival Students shop at the Chanukah Store
Anat Garzon is chairing the committee that will work on the Purim carnival and other events at school for Purim. Parents interested in volunteering should contact Anat at hip@hillelnmb.net.
Curious George
HIP/PTA held its annual Lower School event, “The Adventures of Curious George,” presented by Fantasy Theater Factory, on Sunday, February 1, at the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre in the Friedman-Uhlar Auditorium. The event featured a live show, arts and crafts and an appearance by Curious George. A huge success with 400 guests, event co-chairs were Ileana Berenstein and Susy Abbo.
School Store
HIP/PTA is opening a school store! Parents interested in helping by setting it up, working a shift, or in any other way, please contact Michele Scheck or Debora Hodja at hip@hillelnmb.net.
All Winners at Hillel’s Poker Tournament More than 80 players competed in the Countyline Lexus Fifth Annual Hillel Poker Tournament in December. It was co-chaired by Rob Moskovitz and Mitch Feldman. The top three winners were Dan Whitebook, Jeffrey Levinson and Rob Moskovitz. Winners from fourth to tenth place were Abraham Memun, Jason Rudolph, Brian Goldberg, Gary Ortman, Yirmi Knight, Marshall Jacobowitz and Harry Ruben. Thanks to tournament sponsor Countyline Lexus, t-shirt sponsor Serber & Associates, PA, and dinner sponsor FLIK. Gold Sponsors were BNY Mellon, Calibre Private Wealth Management, Carib Sales, City First Mortgage – Fiske Family, Hyman, Spector & Mars, PA, Mike Izak & Family, Oswald Trippe & Company, Presidential Country Club, the Rok, Morjain and Moskovitz Family and Yehuda Seinfeld/ Traditions Capital Management LLC. Silver sponsors were Blue Star Camps, BOVET, Steven & Meryl Dell, Diversity Pro Corporation, Evan R. Marbin & Associates, PA, Gallagher Retirement Services, Higer Lichter & Givner, LLP, Lincoln Financial, Lundy & Shacter, PA, Phillips, Cantor & Berlowitz, Preferred Legal Plan, Saban & Solomon Law Firm, Sager Development, Smoler, Lerman Bente & Whitebook and The Weinkle Group/Villa Pizza/Kron Chocolatier. 6 KOL HILLEL
Alumni News
Alumni Score at Basketball Games
Hillel alumni shared memories with old friends and competed in basketball at the Annual Frye Financial Center Alumni Basketball Games. More than 70 alumni attended, with family, friends and current Hillel students cheering from the stands at the MAR-JCC. Hillel Alumni Bryan Morjain, Marty Scheck, Jeffrey Scheck, Jason Morjian and Steven Scheck played in the alumni game.
Student Council Leaders Reunite
During winter recess, current and former student goverment leaders shared their Hillel memories. Pictured are 0809 student council president Brandon Zarco, Carly Sheridan, 07-08 student council president, who attends the Young Judea Year Course in Israel and will attend University of Michigan in the fall, Laura Sheridan, 0405 student council president, who is a senior at University of Maryland, Janine Berenson, 0506 student council president and Brandon Zarco, Carly Sheridan, Laura Sheridan, a junior at George Washington, Janine Berenson and Jonathan Berenson and Jonathan Berenson, 07-08 senior board president and a freshman at University of Maryland. Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
Hillel is honored to recognize those who support the school with charitable gifts. Through gifts of $10,000 and more, Ma’ayan Society members enable Hillel to strengthen Hillel’s academic programs, faculty and learning environment, secure financial aid for Hillel families, and allow Hillel to strategically plan for the future. The Hebrew word ma’ayan means spring, a continual source of water that flows naturally from within the earth, enabling living things to grow. It symbolizes the generosity that comes from within, ensuring Hillel’s capacity to educate, cultivate and inspire the Jewish community’s youngest generation. For more information, please contact Geri Riskin at 305-931-2831 x279 or riskin@hillel-nmb.net. Ma’aayn Society members, to date*, follow:
HaKotel The Greater Miami Jewish Federation Robert and Michelle Diener HaTikvah The Scheck/Bonwitt Families Yerushalaim Shel Zahav The Falic Family Jorge and Tammy Woldenberg Hebron Anonymous Jaime and June Woldenberg Kinneret Anonymous, AspaClaria Judaica, David and Sara Bejar, Coca Cola Bottling Company, Howard and Amy Chafetz, Carlos Lindenfeld Memorial Fund, Jacob and Ori Serfati, Mike and Carol Shalom Massada Anonymous, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, Countyline Lexus, Austin and Heidi Frye, Frank and Rebecca Kriger, Simon and Diana Mundlak, Jules and Stephanie Trump, Idel and Yvette Woldenberg The Wolf Family *As of January 14, 2009
Students Take a Stand Against Drugs Joining a club requires many commitments. Being a member of Drug Free Youth in Town (DFYIT) requires students to make a promise to be role models in their lifestyle. “I joined because I am an advocate of being drug-free,” said Hillel junior Max Pomeranz, DFYIT President. “ I believe in spreading the word about being drug-free and setting a good example,” he said. Max Pomeranz, DFYIT is Hillel’s largest student President of DFYIT club, with 77 members in Upper School and 25 members in Middle School. In today’s society, Pomeranz said, students face peer pressure and negative influences. “I just chose to go in the other direction. If you have goals in life, you shouldn’t let things get in your way.” Students who join DFYIT sign a contract agreeing to random drug testing during school hours. Members volunteer in the community by visiting hospitals, cleaning beaches, attending prevention conferences and other events. “We believe that having an attachment to the community gives students a reason not to be involved in drugs because they become role models,” said LaGuardia Cross, DFYIT Program Specialist who oversees DFYIT chapters in Miami. Cross said students in DFYIT are drug-free and prove it by agreeing to random drug testing. DFYIT has been a club at Hillel for three years. “The students at Hillel are very dedicated,” he added. Made Possible by AspaClaria Judaica
MAP Test to Measure Student Performance Students will take the second Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test in March, allowing a comparison of how they performed on two different test administrations and how they should proceed to improve. Students in Grades 1-10 took the first MAP test in December. The MAP test will enable teachers to develop individual plans for students based on Upper School students take the MAP test. assessed performance, their strength and weaknesses, explained Middle School Principal Nick Hinrichsen. MAP exams are state-aligned computerized adaptive tests that accurately reflect the instructional level of each student and measure growth over time, independent of grade level or age. The tests provide parents and faculty with tools to track students’ academic growth in concepts and skills within math, reading and language. It gives teachers information they need to improve teaching and learning. Most importantly, the results educators receive have practical application to teaching and learning.
KOL HILLEL 7
The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School 19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33180
SAVE THE DATE!
2009 Hillel Annual Event
Learning for a Lifetime Monday, March 30, 2009 5 Nissan 5769 Ad Journal Tribute
In recognition of Hillel’s faculty with a special tribute to those who have served 25 years or more To submit an ad, please visit the “News” section of the Hillel Web site. www.hillel-nmb.org
Secure a Spot for the 2009/2010 School Year!
Hillel Events
It’s time to re-enroll and secure a spot for 2009/2010. This year, applications for re-enrollment and admission are online. Acceptance letters will be mailed on February 16 for new students. For more information, please contact Betty Salinas, Interim Director of Admissions, at 305-931-2831 x173 or salinas@hillel- Science Fair nmb.net. Tuesday, February 10, 2009, 16 Shevat 5769
College Meetings Planned for Students and Parents in Grades 8-10
Students and parents in Grade 8 are invited to attend Guide to Success – Planning for College, Thursday, February 12, 7:30 p.m., in the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre in the Friedman-Uhlar Auditorium. Learn important information about selecting the right school and preparing for the college process. Students and parents in Grades 9-10 are invited to attend College Matters, Tuesday, February 17 at 7:30 p.m., in the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre in the Friedman-Uhlar Auditorium. The meeting will outline steps to ensure acceptance into first choice schools. Naviance Workshops will be held 7:30-8:30 p.m. on the following days: January 27, February 10 and 18 and March 5 and 19. Space is limited, please RSVP to Dee O’Neill at 305.931.2831 x150 or oneill@hillel-nmb.net.
Presidents Day Assembly Thursday, February 12, 2009, 18 Shevat 5769 Ad Journal Deadline Friday, February 13, 2009, 19 Shevat 5769 Siddur Presentation - Grade 1 Wednesday and Thursday, February 18-19, 2009 24-25 Shevat 5769 Purim Assembly/Carnival Tuesday, March 10, 2009, 14 Adar 5769 Hillel Production, The Diary of Anne Frank March 19-22, 2009, 23-26 Adar 5769 2009 Annual Event Monday, March 30, 2009, 5 Nissan 5769 Aventura Turnberry Jewish Center