Volume 6 Fall 2013 - 5773
Kol
Juda and Maria Diener Lower School
Hillel
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Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School
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Ben Lipson Upper School
A Record 19 Alumni Return Home for Work Walking through the Hillel campus on any given day, Rachel Glick (‘08) sees old friends and the role models who guided and inspired her as a student here just five years ago. Today, Glick and 18 other former students see Hillel from a new perspective - as faculty and staff. “It feels great to be back,” said Glick, the school’s Development/Events Coordinator. “Giving back through my work just proves how important the Hillel community has been to me.” From Kindergarten through graduation, Lauren (Bloom) Berley (‘98) said her years at Hillel gave her a well-rounded education that prepared her for college - academically, socially and spiritually. “Being back at Hillel, I hope to guide students throughout their school career in the way I was guided as a student,” said Berley, an Upper School counselor who is a graduate of Rutgers with a master’s degree from Fordham University. “Hillel is my home, and I always wanted to give back to the school that made me who I am,” said Joanna Slochowski (‘02), a Lower School teacher. Hillel’s new Associate Director of Development, Joana (Wagenberg) Kirsch (‘95), is strengthening connections with more programs and events for alumni. For example, Hillel kicked off the school year with 1993 and 2003 class reunions. (Please see more about the reunions on page 4.) Admissions Associate Sandra (Besso) Levy (‘93), has two children at Hillel. She summed it up perfectly: “It feels like I am right back home.”
Bottom row, left to right: Kayla Feigenbaum (‘07), Joana (Wagenberg) Kirsch (‘95), Michelle Binder, Thabatta (Schwartz) Mizrahi (‘97), Dana Rosenthal (‘08), Rachel Glick (‘08), Joanna Slochowski (‘02), Elana (Gurland) Lazar (‘98) and Sandra (Besso) Levy (‘94). Back Row, left to right: Joshua Meisels, Kevin Vaks, Lauren (Bloom) Berley (‘98), Greg Feldman (‘07), Erica (Feldman) Farago, Cindy (Worthalter) Winterman (‘95) and Natalie (Kwaterka) Gurland. Not pictured: Rabbi Shlomo Sprung, Alyse Moryoussef (‘09) and Susan (Houllou) Tamir.
WO R D S C O U N T Words, Actions Make a Difference
If you see something hurtful and mean, what will you do? Will you be an upstander or a bystander? Will you speak up if someone needs help? In October, PK4-Grade 12 learned the best methods to handle difficult situations from Alejandra Schatzky and Iliana Cogan, founders of Words Count, a program that teaches the best use of words to promote a positive school environment. Faculty, staff and parents also attended seminars, sponsored by HIP/PTA, as part of a schoolwide character education program. “What we say to each other can have a lot of different effects,” said Schatzky. There are also others ways of getting hurt, such as not being invited to a birthday party or sitting alone at lunch. “If you see a situation, don’t be a bystander. Be an upstander, be helpful or find an adult to help. No one deserves to feel bad,” she explained. Schatzky demonstrated with students how it feels to be a target and the importance of helping others. During the year-long program at Hillel, students from each division will create a positive slogan that will be printed on t-shirts and incorporated into the dress code. Monica Wagenberg, Head of Lower School said, ”Hillel is proud to take the initiative to In a Words Count workshop, students in Grades 1-2 learn how to foster a positive healthy community for all.” be upstanders and helpful in different situations. 2011 Blue Ribbon School
International Baccalaureate® IB World School
learning for a lifetime
2013-2014 BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chair Vice-Chair Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past Chair HIP/PTA President Joe Ackerman Michele Amselem* Sara Bejar Uri Benhamron Michelle Diener Jeffrey Gilbert
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Associate Head of School Head of Lower School Head of Upper School, Director of College Counseling Head of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language Director of Lower School Director of Middle School Director of Special Programs Director of Professional Development *Hillel alumnus/a
David Wolf* Carlos Berner Max Fischbach Marty Scheck* Jorge Woldenberg Susana Abbo Max Lichy Gary Mars* Marian Moscu Ianna Raim Ronit Shiro Marcos Singer Rabbi Pinchos Hecht Dr. Ezra Levy Dr. Monica Wagenberg Vanessa Donaher
Hillel’s Segulah Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted its new members in October. Private and public school chapters across the United States and in more than 70 countries induct students based on scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. To be inducted into Hillel’s chapter, students in Grades 10-12 must hold a 3.67 unweighted or 4.19 weighted GPA. Though achievements like this are common in Hillel’s college prep program, these students are far from typical in today’s world. Hillel is proud of its talented, dedicated, fine students and congratulates their parents for raising them with the core values and character that guide global citizenship and enduring Jewish identity. Mazel tov to Steven Bursztyn, Fortunee Cohen, Susy Cohen, Victoria Cohen, Sarah Dreyfuss, Shimon Elharrar, Uriel Epelbaum, Ariel Gelrud, Daniel Givner, Daniella Lanes, Alice Lekach, Samantha Lieberman, Sivanne Mendelson, Tamar Mizrahi, Abraham Milhem, Stefanie Rozhko, Ilana Woldenberg and Joseph Wolf.
Students Receive College Book Awards
Rabbi Joshua Spodek Shani Biton Joshua Meisels* Eileen Ginzburg Dr. Helen Chaset
ABOUT SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOL From early childhood through Grade 12, Scheck Hillel Community School inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, international community united by core values. Scheck Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence and an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School. ACCREDITATION Scheck Hillel Community School is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, accredited by the Commission on International-Regional Accreditation, the National Council for Private School Accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and the Association of Independent Schools of Florida. It is affiliated with PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education), RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, the National Association of College Admission Counseling, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Broward County and the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Hillel is a benefciary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. KOL HILLEL The Kol Hillel is a bimonthly publication of Scheck Hillel Community School, 19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180, P: 305.931.2831. For Kol Hillel sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hillel’s Development office at 305.931.2831 x279 or give@eHillel.org. For submissions or information, please write to news@eHillel.org. Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family 2011 Blue Ribbon School International Baccalaureate® IB World School 2 Kol Hillel
Students Inducted into Honor Society
Hillel 2013 College Book Awards honored 14 rising seniors in September who exemplify the best in the classroom and in the community. This annual program is sponsored by alumni groups of the participating universities who seek to stimulate interest among the student body to excel in school and seriously consider these colleges when applying in the upcoming year. These prestigious awards are a positive addition to a student’s resume and have become a Hillel tradition in celebrating accomplishments. Mazel tov to this year’s recipients: Barnard College - Dana Sadovnic; Brown University - David Woldenberg; Dartmouth College - David Broide; The George Washington University - Daniel Givner; Harvard University - Eugenia Bejar; Northwestern University - Stefanie Rozhko; Princeton University - Joseph Mitrani; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Ariel Benhamu; St. Lawrence University - Elan Kainen; Smith College - Daniela Bursztyn; Swarthmore College - Dalia Szkolnik; University of Virginia - Shanee Carmel; Wellesley College - Vanessa Bursztyn; Wesleyan University - Janna Berenson.
Upper School Elects Student Government
Casting more than 220 votes, Grades 9-12 elected Student Government officers in September. This year’s leadership opportunities were expanded to include class boards for Grades 9-11. “We had 45 students run for 21 positions,” said Dana Ponsky, College Counselor and Student Government faculty liaison. “This is an amazing start to the year!” Involvement in programs and activities like Student Government help develop leadership, organizational and management skills, and offer learning opportunities beyond traditional classroom walls. Mazel tov to this year’s leadership and to all those who participated in elections. Executive Board: President: Janna Berenson, Vice President: Alex Teichner, Secretary: Ilana Woldenberg, Treasurer: Salo Serfati, Student Life Coordinator: Sarah Angress Senior Board: President: Jose Serfaty, Vice President: Tatiana Milhem, Secretary: Faryn Scheck, Treasurer: Erika Mars Grade 11 Class Board: President: Jonathan Allen, VP: Avi Hirshbein, Treasurer: Beni Gontovnik, Grade 10 Class Board. President: Joseph Wolf, Vice President: Daniel Fiske and Alice Lekach, Secretary: Sofia Kiblisky, Treasurer: Alexandra Mundlak. Grade 9 Class Board: President: Charlie Israel, VP: Justin Moskovitz, Treasurer: Jacky Klainbaum, and Secretary: Alex Fraynd
Lifelong Identity, Literacy Instilled Through TaL AM Just seconds after Meytal Miara asks her class a question in Hebrew, hands fly into the air. The room is full of excitement as students eagerly wait to give the answers. In the classroom where all signs, work and language are in Hebrew, students are excited to learn. It’s all part of TaL AM, a program that teaches through visual aids, games, music and technology to create independent learners. Hillel piloted TaL AM in Grade 1 this year and will increase one grade each year through Lower School, said Yuval Miara, Director of Hebrew Language, Grades 1-8. “It’s the richest program you can find today in Hebrew and Judaic education,” he said. The program fosters Jewish identity, Hebrew literacy and Jewish life by inspiring children to explore their Jewish roots and traditions in a fun and exciting environment. The program guides students to develop a true appreciation of their heritage and understand the need for continued, lifelong Jewish study. Miara added, “This program cements the foundation for Jewish identity, Hebrew literacy Hebrew teacher Meytal Miara teaches Grade 1 students with visual aids, games and music. and Jewish life.”
Shalshelet: You are the Link Brings Generations Together
Sitting together at a recent Rosh Chodesh breakfast with their moms and other female role models, Middle School girls talked about matriarchs, the foundation of Hillel’s Shalshelet: You are the Link program. “This is a bridge to connect generations and build strong confident Jewish women,” explained Chani Richmond, Middle School Judaic Studies teacher. The program, which brings Grade 6-8 girls together every month with activities and events, is organized by Richmond, Grade 6 School Counselor Whitney Fisch and Judaic Studies teacher Ilana Bendel. Each month, the girls learn about a different Jewish woman in history and discuss her role, characteristics and traits at Rosh Chodesh and in Girls’ Group. “Women in history play a strong role, so we want to focus on their accomplishments,” Richmond said. Middle School math teacher Jacqueline Kapnek, who attended the first Rosh Chodesh breakfast said, “The conversations around my table had the girls talking to each other about their matriarchs. We learned so much from each other. It was truly inspiring to hear so many different stories.”
School Spirit Soars at Homecoming! The Hillel community filled the stands as the Hurricanes swept its Homecoming game at FIU North campus and headed to the playoffs. While the Hillel band played loudly in the stands, students had their faces painted, enjoyed snacks and spirited t-shirts supporting the team. Senior players, and their parents were also recognized during halftime. In November, the team competed in its first round of conference playoffs in Naples. Just days after the Homecoming victory, The New York Times published an article showcasing Hillel’s football program, “For Jewish School’s Football Team, It’s Thursday Night Lights.” Hillel is one of the only Jewish schools in the nation to play varsity football. Visit eHillel.org to read the full article. Kol Hillel 3
Old Friends. Great Memories.
LIFELONG BONDS.
Alumni are reconnecting through Hillel’s Dr. Jerome M. Levy Alumni Program. “The alumni program strives to keep former students engaged with the school and serve as their resource throughout their lives and careers,“ said Joana (Wagenberg) Kirsch (‘95), Associate Director of Development. Hillel held two reunions this year, bringing together members of the Classes of 1993 and 2003. This is only the start of an expanded alumni program. Look for details, events and news about outreach initiatives and how to get involved. To share alumni news, please email kirsch@eHillel.org.
REU NIONS
Class of 1993 It seemed like just yesterday when they played on the varsity basketball team at Hillel and mingled with friends during Bagel Break. Members of the Class of 1993 relived those precious school moments at their 20-year reunion in September. Alumni played an exciting basketball game and enjoyed a flashback to Bagel Break, featuring the exact types of doughnuts and bagels that were served to students 20 years ago. It couldn’t have been more nostalgic. They then toured the Hillel campus, overlooking the north lot of expansion construction, and enjoyed lunch hosted by Dr. David (‘93) and Susana (Salama) (‘94) Kenigsberg at their home. Alumni and faculty then spent the afternoon reminiscing. “Spending time and catching up with friends from Hillel, and some dating back to elementary school, was a real treat for me. I really enjoyed the opportunity to reminisce with old friends,” Kenigsberg said. Special thanks to Daniel Wachtel for helping to organize the basketball game and to the Kenigsbergs for hosting. 4 Kol Hillel
Class of 2003 Oversized pages reprinted from Hillel’s 2003 yearbook decorated the walls of the Rose and Lew Goodman Beit Midrash. The memories and stories overflowed as old friends from the Class of 2003 shared their high school reunion in September. Alumni dined and socialized at school, and toured the campus that has grown so much in the last decade. “Hillel has been and continues to be a place students call home,” said Pearl (Levy) Ben Yoram. “The evening was unforgettable and all the more special because we got to see the place where we all shared so many memories together.” Special thanks to reunion organizers Pearl (Levy) Ben Yoram, Andrea (Katz) Katzman, Dania Slochowski, Daphna Spiegel, Katherine Fleischman and Jason Morjain.
Parents Read, Share at Book Club
The multi-phased construction of Hillel’s Academic Complex and Athletic Complex has steadily progressed with the completion of the base outlining foundation for the walls. Recent site development work also included laying out and installing water infrastructure, This is our building the road to the new main entrance along Moment! 192nd Street and the road that will connect new and existing facilities. The campus expansion includes a gymnasium to seat 700 fans and a regulationsized field covered in synthetic turf for football, soccer, lacrosse, softball and community events - all equipped with digital display boards and an advanced sound system - and an Academic Complex of Grades 6-12 classrooms, labs, media center and a Beit Midrash. Thank you to the generous friends who have launched this expansion. Funds are still being raised for the overall project. To learn more, please visit eHillel.org/ campusexpansion or contact Diana Mundlak (305.931.2831 x279).
ALUMNI NOTES 1995 and 2000
The pages are swiftly turning in Hillel’s Book Club for parents in Early Childhood - Grade 5. The series, facilitated by school counselors Esther Poler (Early Childhood Grade 2) and Laurie Parker (Grades 3-5), will cover four books through this school year. The topics include positive discipline, learning to listen, parenting humor and keeping your parenting cool. “Our sessions are centered around positive parenting strategies and the effectiveness of being a healthy parent,” Parker said. “Last year, I found that parents grew as they shared their respective stories. They enjoyed homework assignments ranging form electronic free time at home to ice cream dinner parties with the family,” Parker said. The Book Club is held in Hillel’s Kunin Media Center 8 - 9 am. The next sessions are: Scream Free Parenting by Hal Runkel - January 8, January 22, and February 5. How to Talk so Kids will Listen, and Listen so Kids will Talk by Adele Faber - March 5, March 19 and April 2. Positive Effective Parenting by Carol Lynne - April 30, May 14 and May 29. Visit eHillel.org for more information.
Israel Advocacy in Action
Mazel tov to Ilana Gorin (’00) and Jonah Kaplan (’95) on their engagement. Ilana is the daughter of Helen and Meyer Gorin, and When Junior Sarah Jonah is the son of Leslie and Rabbi Robert Kaplan. They both are Angress Hillel’s children of former Hillel faculty. Ilana and Jonah live in South Florida Pro- Israeljoined Teens Club and are planning a 2014 wedding. and the American Israel Public Affairs 2008 (AIPAC) Mazel tov to Naomi Ackerman (‘08) on her engagement to Brian Katz. Committee two years ago, she Naomi is the daughter of Ronnie Ackerman and Laraine Stern, and never realized where Brian is the son of Michael and Jamie Katz. A July wedding is planned. it would lead her. She’s Angress meets Congressman James Langevin now the club’s president. of Rhode Island at AIPAC. 2009 In July, she Mazel tov to Jennie Falic (‘09) represented Hillel at AIPAC’s Summer Saban Leadership Seminar in and Eliott Rimon (‘09) on their Washington D.C. The seminar attracts more than 400 student activists engagement. Jennie is the from 140 universities, and 50 top high school student activists like daughter of Debbie and Jerome Angress also are invited to attend. Falic, and Elliott is the son of “Over the course of four days, I gained a better understanding of Robin and Abraham Rimon. AIPAC’s mission and its role on my campus,” said Angress, who also Robin is a Hillel teacher. Jennie attended AIPAC’s Schusterman High School Summit in the fall with fellow and Elliot met at Hillel in the first Hillel students as one of the largest groups in the country. grade. A January wedding is The Pro-Israel Teens were the only Summit participants invited to the planned. White House. They lobbied Congress to strengthen support for Israel and met with Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, Congressman Ted Deutch, Director of White House Jewish Affairs Matt Nosonchuck and White House Press Secretary Jay Carney. 2010 “Our students have proven themselves as outstanding advocates for Mazel tov to Adi Ben-Ezra (‘10) and Shimron Brown on their engagement. Adi is the daughter of Judy Moskowitz and Oren Ben- Israel,” said Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, Pro-Israel Teens faculty advisor and Ezra. Shimron is the son of Alysa and Michael Brown. An August Hillel’s Rosh Beit Midrash. “Our Pro-Israel Teens Club is a mark of pride for the Hillel community.” wedding is planned. Kol Hillel 5
BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM
A special thank you to our year-round supporters who generously contribute to Scheck Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities, visit eHillel.org/businesspartners, call 305.931.2831 x190 or write us at give@eHillel.org.
GOLD
The following Ma’ayan Society listing includes 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 donors. Thank you, generous friends. We look forward to your renewed partnership.
HaKotel
Greater Miami Jewish Federation Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Woldenberg
Hatikvah
Yearly Business Partnership Program A special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to Yearly Business Partnership Program Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund.thank For sponsorship visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call to Business Partnership Program A Yearly special you to our opportunities year round supporters who generously contribute
Yearly Business Partnership Program
(305) 931-2831 x279 write us at give@ehillel.org. A special thank you toor our year round supporters who generously contribute to Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call A931-2831 special youor to write our year supporters who generously contribute to Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. Forthank sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) x279 us round at give@ehillel.org. Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org. Silver (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.
Silver Silver
Silver
Yearly Business Partnership SILVER Program
A special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.
Anonymous
Silver
Yerushalaim Shel Zahav Scheck and Bonwitt Families
Tzfat
Mr. and Mrs. Alberto Aghion Mr. and Mrs. Philip Solomon The Estate of Samuel Abrahams Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. David Bejar Mr. and Mrs. Michael Berkman Mr. and Mrs. Mike Izak Mrs. Danya Lindenfeld Mr. and Mrs. Joe Ackerman Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Mijael Attias Mr. and Dr. Larry Baum Mr. and Mrs. Lior Ben-Shmuel Mr. and Mrs. Jose Cherem Mr. and Mrs. Robert Diener The Falic Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. David Frank Mr. and Mrs. Aby Galsky Mrs. Fanny Hanono
Kinneret
Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Serfati and Family Mr. and Mrs. Michael Shalom Mr. and Mrs. Eittan Vainstein Mr. and Mrs. Abraham Vurnbrand Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Woldenberg
Massada
Mr. and Mrs. Saul Kattan Mr. and Mrs. Sergio Kiblisky Mr. and Dr. Frank Kriger Mr. and Mrs. Max Lichy Mr. and Mrs. Marian Moscu Rok, Morjain, Moskovitz and Sperling Families Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Schrager Mr. David Waxman and Family Mr. and Mrs. Idel Woldenberg Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Woldenberg
BRONZE Bronze Bronze
Bronze
Bronze
The Jack Chester Foundation Bronze
The Ethel and Harry Reckson Foundation
Robert Russell Michael Spritzer, C.P.A. The Ethel And Harry The Jack Chester Memorial Foundation Marjorie Baron, Esq. Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.
Robert Russell
Memorial Reckson Foundation Foundation Robert Russell The Foundation Ethel And Harry The Jack Chester Robert Russell Norman The Ethel And Harry H. Lipoff Michael Spritzer,Foundation C.P.A. The Jack Chester Norman H. Lipoff Memorial Foundation Reckson Foundation Robert Foundation Russell Ethel Foundation And Marjorie Harry Baron, Esq. TheFoundation Jack Chester Chairman The Chairman Reckson Norman H.Memorial Lipoff Michael Spritzer, C.P.A. Norman H. Lipoff Memorial Foundation RecksonSpritzer, Foundation Foundation Dennis Ginsburg, Esq. Michael C.P.A. ChairmanNorman H. Lipoff Marjorie Baron, Esq. ChairmanNorman H. Lipoff Norman H. Lipoff Michael Spritzer, C.P.A. Norman H. Lipoff Chairman Marjorie Chairman Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.Baron, Esq. Chairman Marjorie Baron, Esq. Chairman Dennis Ginsburg, Esq. Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.
PEARL
Robert Russell Memorial Foundation Norman H. Lipoff Chairman
The Ethel And Harry Reckson Foundation Michael Spritzer, C.P.A. Marjorie Baron, Esq. Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.
The Jack Chester Foundation Norman H. Lipoff Chairman
Designated Giving
Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Ades Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Gilinski and Family Greater Miami Jewish Federation Jack Chester Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Kattan Dr. and Mrs. Shmuel Katz Robert Russell Memorial Foundation
This is our Moment!
Campus Expansion Supporters
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Abbo Robert and Michelle Diener Foundation Scheck and Bonwitt Families Mr. and Mrs. Jorge Woldenberg Anonymous Mr. Zalman Lekach Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Ades Mrs. Danya Lindenfeld Mr. and Mrs. Raphael Ades Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Marcushamer Mr. and Mrs. David Bejar Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mars Benhamron-Fridzon Tzedaka Fund Mr. and Mrs. Jonas Mimoun Mr. and Mrs. Lior Ben-Shmuel Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Mischne Mr. and Mrs. Ariel Bentata Mr. and Mrs. Marian Moscu Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Berner Mr. and Mrs. Simon Mundlak Brod, Gorin and Strauss Families Rok, Morjain, Moskovitz & Sperling Families Drs. Judith and Jeffrey Dach Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Schrager Mr. and Mrs. Max Fischbach Mr. and Mrs. Michael Serruya Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Fiske Mr. and Mrs. Jack Sterenfeld Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Fiske Mr. and Mrs. Jack Strimber Mr. Philip Green Mr. and Mrs. Warren Struhl Mr. and Mrs. Todd Heller The Family of Otto and Chava Wagenberg Mr. and Mrs. Flavio Hojda Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Woldenberg and Family Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Katz Mr. and Mrs. David Wolf Dr. and Mrs. Jacobo Kirsch Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lechter As of 10.18.13
A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling tollGames Sponsor free within the state. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation byAlumni the state. The toll-free number of the department is 1.800.435.7352 – Calling within the state of Florida, or 850.410.3800 – Calling from outside of Florida. Our department issued registration number is ch39191.
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Alumni Games Sponsor
2012 Alumni Games Sponsor
Annual Poker Tournament Title Sponsor 2013- 2014 Calendar Sponsor
Shabbat Shalom Message Sponsors
Annual Poker Tournament Title Sponsor 2013-2014 Calendar Sponsor
As of November 13, 2013
As of 10.31.13
HIP/PTA Events Brings Families Together
“Mom, why do the stars...?” by Craig Carpenteri, Director, Curriculum & Instruction, International Baccalaureate Coordinator
At the second annual HIP/PTA Scavenger Hunt in October, Hillel families filled their shopping carts at Winn-Dixie to benefit the Jewish Community Services Kosher Food Bank. From produce to Chanukah candles, $5,550 worth of collected items were donated to the Food Bank, including gift cards donated by Winn-Dixie. That’s just one of the many HIP/PTA events bringing families together this year. After that was the launch of a family Chanukah cooking series for families in Kindergarten-Grade 5. Sessions also are planned for Purim (February 24) and Shavout (May 13). The annual Scholastic Book Fair, generously chaired by Carla Fischbach, Karen Ruah and Inbal Vainstein, featured hundreds of great selections for ECE - Grade 2. Thank you to the chairs and all who attended. Susy Abbo, HIP/PTA chair, said HIP/PTA kicked off the new school year with a Tool Box sale of more than 300 orders of school supplies, which were personally delivered to students on the first day of school. Thanks to organizers Sheryl Podgorowiez and Julie Rodman for planning and to their children for distributing with their moms! Later in the first week of school, HIP/PTA hosted more than 300 families at the annual Cafe Hillel and welcomed more than 30 new families at its August New Parent Breakfast. Special thanks to Ronit Shiro, who planned the event with Sandra Levy (‘93) in the Admission Office. To get involved, please write to hip@eHillel.org.
People often ask what is IB? What makes it different? How is it “better” than other programs? Three words: Inquiry / Reflection / Action. The International Baccalaureate® Middle Years Program (IBMYP) is an internationally recognized and accredited program that focuses on inquiry, or asking questions. “Mom, why do the stars…?” “Papi, porque hace tanto calor en Miami?” These kind of open-ended questions come from the innate desire to learn, and this is why the IBMYP uses the Unit Question (soon to be Inquiry Questions) to engage the universal learner in all of us: educators, students and parents. The style of IB education focuses on inquiry to spark curiosity and to engage in meaningful questions that extend outside the classroom. When students are introduced to a new Unit Question, it opens a door, sheds new light, and raises the curtain on a whole new performance. Inquirybased education is the heart of REAL learning because it sources from the learner. When a child is interested in what he/she wants to learn, what can be taught is virtually unlimited. Inquiry-based teaching and learning takes time to develop, practice and implement as it is refined through student and teacher reflection. Each time a unit is taught, the teacher learns a new approach or two about how to better serve his/her students. In this way, all stakeholders become learners. Consider this Unit Topic: The Civil War.” vs this Unit Question: “What could destroy a country?” Consider this Unit Topic: “Ratios and Percents” vs This Unit Question: “Who is stronger: Man, Ant, Flea, Elephant?” Consider this Unit Topic: Romeo & Juliet vs this Unit Question: “Does love really conquer all? Consider this Unit Topic: The Cell vs this Unit Question “Nature’s Best Team” Which one makes you want to learn? The “topics” or the “questions”? Naturally, the skills required to be able to know about, do, and understand the concepts in the units have to be properly arranged and organized so knowledge is built, step-by-step. Quizzes, tests, and projects all source from the inquiry questions to keep the learning focused on the big picture. All while the little details are taught, practiced, and mastered. In this age of standards-based curriculum, high-stakes testing, and fierce competition for college entrance, this kind of education is what creates lifelong learners, and it is what we are striving to create here at Hillel.
Program Brings Israel to School When students see Shaked Galam and Moria Gelband in the hallways at Hillel, they run to them with arms stretched. It’s hard to tell who is more excited. For Galam and Gelband, being at Hillel as volunteers is a dream come true. Every day, their smiles warm the classrooms they assist. They came to Hillel this year after extensive interviews through Bat Ami, an organization for young women to spend their national service in Jerusalem followed by a year of international work. This year, Bat Ami sent 124 girls all over the world to volunteer. Both Galam and Gelband are 19 years old and assist in ECE-Grade 8, planning activities for the Jewish holidays and various events. “It’s an amazing experience and benefit to our school,” said Yuval Miara, Director of Hebrew Language, Grades 1-8. “They bring Israel to our students,” he added. Galam said that students are so excited to talk about Israel and its culture. “The spirit of Israel is already here at Hillel. We love adding to it!” Kol Hillel 7
19000 NE 25th Avenue North Miami Beach, Florida 33180
Feel the Ruach: 2014-2015
Information Sessions throughout December-January Information sessions for current families to learn about general and Judaic studies, arts and athletics, after-school enrichment, campus expansion and more. Let us know you’re coming @ eHillel.org/joinus or (305) 931.2831 x 129
TEENS FOR JEANS AND KULANU
Student Expands IB Project to Help Others Some things are taken for granted, even a pair of simple blue jeans. When Daniel Fiske, Grade 10, learned about Teens for Jeans, a program that collects jeans for homeless teenagers, his mission began. “I was looking for a way to give back to my community and specifically to unfortunate teens. I found this project and loved it,” he said. In just a few months, he has collected more than 600 new or gently worn jeans as part of Teens for Jeans, a program sponsored by Aeropostale stores and DoSomething, who donate the jeans to 1,000 homeless shelters around the U.S. Since its inception in 2007, Teens for Jeans has donated more than 2.5 million pairs of jeans to homeless teens. The School that collects the most jeans will receive $10,000. Fiske aims to collect the most jeans to benefit Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. Please donate at collection boxes on campus. The project is also part of Fiske’s Grade 10 International Baccalaureate Personal Project, the culminating event of the five-year Middle Years Program. Students in Grade 10 find projects they are passionate about and have the year to develop it, with the guidance of mentors. “The aim of the program is for students to learn about themselves, how they learn best, and to engage in a long-term project of their own choosing,” said Craig Carpentieri, Hillel’s IB Coordinator. 8 Kol Hillel