2011 Blue Ribbon School
International Baccalaureate® IB World School
K�� H����� Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family
The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School
s”xc
kkv kue
Volume 4 Issue 1 October/November 2011 Tishrei-Cheshvan 5772
The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School
Blue Ribbon
Hillel Proudly Celebrates Achievement
Hillel is wearing its blue proudly. To celebrate becoming the nation’s only Jewish - and South Florida’s only private 2011 Blue Ribbon School, October 17 was declared Blue Ribbon Day at Hillel. Blue Ribbon is an award for academic excellence granted to select schools across the country by the U.S. Department of Education. On Blue Ribbon Day, students, faculty and staff celebrated in blue, from shoelaces up to uniform shirts, from spirit wear to sweet treats. The biggest sign of blue spirit was the wrapping of campus along NE 25th Avenue, showcasing Hillel’s pride for the achievements of students and faculty.
“Students now have led Hillel to becoming a school community that is nationally recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and internationally recognized as an International Baccalaureate World School,” said Head of Upper School Nick Hinrichen, who traveled to Washington DC this month to receive the award. Blue Ribbon honors schools whose students are at the highest performance level on nationally normed tests. “This national recognition of academic excellence pronounces what locals and graduates have known for some time: that our beloved school is one of the finest, a true model for others to follow,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School.
GILINSKI HILLEL AMBASSASORS Prepping for College and Beyond
Before family, friends and the Hillel community, six students were proudly recognized as 2011 Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassadors this month. The Jaime and Raquel Gilinski Hillel Ambassador Program is the first merit-based scholarship of its kind in Hillel history, made possible by the generosity of the Gilinski family. The Ambassadors are outstanding students who exemplify leadership and achieve in academics, extracurricular activities or service learning. They received grants toward Hillel tuition for the 2011-2012 school year. Mazel tov to Jessica Rosner, Grade 8, Brandon Berman, Grade 11, Ariel Sadon, Grade 11, Yonathan Bonan, Grade 12, Jacob Teichner, Grade 12, and Myles Wolfe, Grade 12. For more visit ehillel.org.
Students graduating from Hillel will now have an even greater advantage when applying to college and stepping into today’s global society. They will have grown from one of the most innovative educational programs: Hillel’s Capstone Years. On their resume will be college credits from Florida International University (FIU) earned in junior and senior years, as well as a senior year research-based program. “The program makes our students very desirable candidates for college,” said Gary Weisserman, Hillel’s Chief Academics Officer and Director of Capstone Years. “It’s really exciting and it’s what we want for our students.” Hillel’s partnership with FIU invites seniors to take up to three college-level classes at no charge. Grade 11 students enjoyed a tour of FIU’s north campus in October. “Historically, students only focus on completing the necessary curriculum during the last two years of high school,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School. “We aspire to change that through Hillel’s Capstone Years, which will enrich the student experience with early college courses, travel-based learning, thesis research and the exploration of Jewish identity.” Story continued on Page 2
learning for a lifetime
BOARD OF GOVERNORS Chairman Vice-Chairman Treasurer Secretary Immediate Past President HIP/PTA President
Jorge Woldenberg David Wolf* Max Fischbach Uri Benhamron Gil J. Bonwitt Dr. Michele Scheck
Michelle Amselem* Carlos Berner Dr. Judy Dach Michelle Diener Jeffrey Gilbert Steve Kravitz
Matt Kuttler* Sherri Lebwohl Marya Lichter Gary Mars* Marion Moscu Dana Yemin Schrager*
EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION Head of School Rabbinic Head Chief Academics Officer Director of Lower School, ECE-Grade 2 Director of Lower School, Grades 3-5 Director of Middle School Head of Upper School Director of Judaic Studies and Ivrit Assistant Director of Capstone Years Director of Special Services Director of Special Programs
Rabbi Pinchos Hecht Rabbi Chaim Albert* Gary Weisserman Valerie Lustgarten Tara Solomiany Joshua Meisels* Nick Hinrichsen Rabbi Joshua Spodek Dr. Helen Chaset Eileen Ginzburg
*Hillel alumnus/a ABOUT HILLEL From early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with strong Jewish identity through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, diverse, traditional community. Hillel is the one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, Florida’s first Jewish International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School and the country’s only Jewish – and South Florida’s only private – 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For information, please visit ehillel.org. ACCREDITATION Hillel 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 beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation. 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 Kol Hillel sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hillel’s Development office at 305.931.2831 x279 or give@ehillel.org. For submissions or information, please email Jane Yaffe at plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.
2 KOL HILLEL
Capstone Years to Prepare Students for College
Story continued from page 1
Student response has been incredibly enthusiastic. “I’m really excited,” said Josh Winograd, Grade 11. “Taking FIU classes will be a different environment and will prepare me for college,” he said. “It’s a smart idea and it will prepare us in our senior year for college,” said Natu Wainer, Grade 11. He hopes to take one or two college classes next year. While Hillel seniors earn college credits, juniors will prepare for the SAT and ACT, work on applications, explore colleges and attend financial aide seminars. “The college preparation aspect will really help prepare for college and the SAT,” said Stefanie Rozhko, Grade 10.
Ma’ayan Society: 2010-2011 / 2011-2012
The following Ma’ayan Society listing includes 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 donors. Thank you, generous friends. We look forward to your renewed partnership.
HaKotel
Michelle and Bob Diener Raquel and Jaime Gilinski Greater Miami Jewish Federation Tammy and Jorge Woldenberg
Hatikvah
The Scheck/Bonwitt Families
Yerushalaim Shel Zahav The Falic Family
Tzfat
JGB Bank
Kinneret
Flavia and Raphael Ades Sara and David Bejar Cynthia and Michael Berkman Yael and Jose Cherem Raquel and David Frank Nava and Mike Izak Jean Jacques Myara The Rok/Moskovitz/Morjain Families Ori and Jacob Serfati Carol and Michael Shalom Yvette and Idel Woldenberg Ivette and Joseph Woldenberg
Massada
Anonymous (2) Mr. and Mrs. Zev Auerbach Dalia and Steven Berman Charitable Trust Emily and Aby Galsky Debora and Flavio Hojda Rebecca and Frank Kriger Danya Lindenfeld Alisa and Emilio Romano Sapoznik Health and Wellness Dana and Joshua Schrager Deborah and David Waxman Elizabeth Mundlak Zborowski and Eli Zborowski *As of 11.1.11 *Capital contributions not included. As one of the largest Jewish day schools in North America to offer world-class quality academics, Hillel provides tuition assistance to 1 out of every 5 of our students. We do this with strong support from parents, volunteer leadership, faculty and staff, alumni, grandparents and community friends. Please consider joining the Ma’ayan Society. Call 305 931 2831 x279 or write to give@ehillel.org. Your steadfast support for our children is what makes Hillel the number one Jewish day school in North America.
n d r n
CREATIVITY HAS NO BOUNDRIES
It’s about learning self-expression. Hillel has expanded its fine arts program to nurture self-expression and creativity through music, drama and visual art. “We are on our way to creating a world-class program that meets the national standard for fine arts,” said new Fine Arts Director Kristan Cassady. “It’s a more hands-on art program empowering students to take what they learn in a book and apply it to fine arts, creating a knowledge-based education with a creative outlet.” This year Hillel already has added a Lower School after-school violin program and, eventually, will add new courses like more string instruments, speech, design and art history. With Hillel’s new partnership with Fort Lauderdale Children’s Theatre, students in Grades 3-5 have registered for StageStruck! to develop vocal production, improve their sense of pitch, enhance their vocal quality and work toward a culminating performance at the end of the session. “The focus is to build a rich arts education program of both classroom time and experiences beyond the school day,” said Rabbi Pinchos Hecht, Head of School. “We are concentrating on the enrichment that encourages students to develop talents and interests beyond academic study, because it’s a well-rounded program that best prepares children for global success. This directly speaks to how we’ve built up the Hillel experience,” he added.
MUSIC
The young students hold the violin using every ounce of restraint a six-year-old can muster to keep from touching the strings. Discipline to rest the instrument is just as important as the techniques to hold and follow instruction. Hillel’s after-school violin program for students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 begins with basic instruction while also developing language, social and motor skills. “Every child can learn at a young age to play the violin,” said Cassady. “My goal is to make a difference through violin and enhance the lives of students through music.” Cassady said she plans to expand the program to include other instruments and eventually offer lessons and performances. Music has also been incorporated into the curriculum in Upper School where students learn music production, create their own music using Apple software and incorporate music in Tefila.
VISUAL ARTS There’s plenty of room for inspiration and it flows freely in Hillel’s newly expanded art room. It’s peaceful as students paint ceramics, work on self-made canvases replicating those used in 15th century art and create 3D art from photographs. “I feel so relaxed to the point where I can take a breath,” said AP art student Eden Houri, Grade 11. “I just feel inspired and able to express myself,” said Michael Erhlich, Grade 11. The spacious art room allows for larger projects for students in Grades 8-12 IB and AP art classes and yearbook production, said art teacher Anat Agam. “I want to showcase art so students can express themselves,” said Agam, who also leads the 50-member National Art Honor Society and Upper School yearbook. Students will focus this year on the principles of art and design and create AP portfolios. “Art gives students an opportunity to open up and be more creative.”
PERFORMING ARTS
New set designers and choreographers will give Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program an enhanced look on stage this year. “We’re bringing in more professional elements to theatre this year and getting more students involved,” said drama teacher Don Stansfield. Coming on board are awardwinning set designer and builder Sean McClelland and Ron Hutchins. “We are offering more opportunities for students to express themselves whether on stage or behind the scenes,” Stansfield said. Three shows will be produced this year, starting with “Feiffer’s People” (November 9 and 10), directed by Stansfield, followed by “Willy Wonka Jr” (February 15 and 16), directed by Dionne Lockett and closing with “The AristoCats Kids,” directed by Sophie Sherman (March 28 and 29). Check out a special package of six for five when you purchase tickets at ehillel.org/boxoffice. KOL HILLEL 3
A Right of
Passage
Friendships Bond Students on Annual Mystery Bus Ride BY CLARA BENDAYAN, GRADE 11 While most high schools have the ceremonial tradition of Passing of the Torch, to symbolize the transference of dominance from graduating seniors to juniors, Hillel has interpreted this familiar tradition in a slightly different way. The Hillel Mesora is a yearly trip that welcomes the freshman class for students to break the ice and bond in preparation for the Israel trip. Memories, eternal friendships, sheer joy and hilarity are attributes that clearly define the atmosphere of Grade 9 Mystery Bus Ride held in September. Hillel’s Grade 9 ventured into the unknown as students began the night of mystery. Students arrived on campus right after Shabbat, where Havdalah was recited and students participated in various activities. Subsequently, those who were running for Student Government articulated their desires to create a voice for the freshman class and vowed to bring substantial change. “If elected, I will strive to make sure that each and every student will enjoy the school year in every way possible,” said Salomon Serfati, one of the two students elected. This year, Hillel launched its first Textual Elections, made possible by technologically savvy co-director of Student Life Opher Yunger. By merely pressing a combination of numbers and sending them to a specific address, the votes were instantaneously counted.
Although every candidate’s speech was truly riveting, there were only two winners: Lior Barhai and Salomon Serfati. The students traveled in style in a double decker bus, which marks a first in Mystery Bus Ride history. The adventure began with a stop at Boomers, then to black light bowling, and followed by Pump it Up, where students truly set aside all cares and were able to behave like children once again! Nearing sunrise, students enjoyed freshly baked Krispy Kreme doughnuts and finally an incredible experience at Hallandale Beach, which began with a moment of silence for the victims of 9/11 and ended with a beautiful sunrise. Sabrina Zarco, Hillel senior and student government president, tagged along with the ninth grade and said, “The significance of the bus ride was the way that the students interacted with one another. They were laughing at each other’s jokes, enjoying each other’s company. It was as if the whole grade was one.” This trip truly cemented the already present friendships of the freshman class, and laid the foundation for the Israel Trip they will soon embark upon in May. Clara Bendayan is a staff writer for Hillel Quarterly, the school newspaper, and student government Grade 11 representative.
District Champs!
HIP/PTA began the school year welcoming new parents at its annual breakfast, planning events and activities for the new year. The first event was the annual Scholastic Book Fair held November 7-11, followed by the Chanukah Boutique (December 12-16). HIP/PTA meets every month in its office, which faces the north lot. For meetings and events, please check the HIP/PTA page in the Parents section of ehillel.org. 4 KOL HILLEL
The boys Middle School flag football team beat Donna Klein 47-21 October 12 to become district champions. The team was undefeated this season! Amazing play from all athletes was helped when Bradley Moskovitz, Grade 8, threw winning touchdowns to both Jacob Mars, Grade 8, and Joseph Wolf, Grade 8. Mazel tov! The Girl’s Varsity Basketball team won the final round of the JDSSF Pre-season Basketball Classic. Hillel’s team beat Posnack 38-35. Go Hurricanes!
I AM HILLEL!
spirit soared at Hillel as students Kiddush Cup The Hurricanes defeated David Posnack, 51-0 to earn the BLUE School and faculty celebrated its Blue Ribbon title of Kiddush Cup Champs! After a day of rain, the award with a day of activities and events. team played in the 3rd annual Kiddush Cup at FIU North W I N N E R S ! PRIDE Stadium. Visit Hillel’s news room at ehillel.org to read and watch the national and local media coverage.
Upper School Students Lead the Way About 50 Grade 9-12 students spent a weekend learning to become leaders and role models on Hillel’s annual Leadership Shabbaton. Opher Yunger, co-director of Student Life, said students visited Regents Park, bringing challah and grape juice, and enjoyed Shabbat at Highland Lakes Shul. The rest of Shabbat was spent honing the skills of leaders and inspiring students to tap into their already amazing talents. The students will be leaders on campus, guiding school events and counselors on Shabbatonim with younger students.
Honey to Lulav, Students Share Holiday Traditions Students sanded and sawed their shofars after learning about the significance of sounding the shofar on Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. With eyes wide open in awe, they watched thousands of honeybees as they built a comb and produced the sweet honey for the new year. Students baked challah, made Rosh Hashana cards and collected food for the poor, had lunch in the school Sukkah and recited the blessing over the lulav and etrog as they learned about the holidays. For more photos, visit the Hillel website, ehillel.org. KOL HILLEL 5
ALUMNINOTES 1993
Mazel tov to alumnus Dr. Yaron Daniely and his wife Dalia on the birth of their daughter, Tamar. Proud grandparents are Ehud and Efrat Daniely; Morah Efrat is a Kesher teacher.
1999
Mazel tov to alumna Meital Cohen and Dr. Daryl Elber on their engagement. Meital is the daughter of Orit and David Cohen, z”l. Orit is a longtime Hillel faculty member. Daryl is the son of Nancy and Dr. Harvey Eber.
2000
Mazel tov to alumna Rachel Ginzburg and her husband Alejandro Rosenberg on the birth of their daughter. Proud grandparents are Dr. Mario and Eileen Ginzburg; Eileen is Hillel’s Director of Special Programs.
2003
2005
Mazel tov to alumnus David Yaffe, the post production manager at Vista where he produces highlights for Major League Soccer. He recently completed filming the first in a series of commercials for horsecalculator. com.
2006
Mazel tov to alumna Ilana Singer and her husband Dovi Lamet on the birth of their son Jacob Shia, born August 14. Ilana is an assistant teacher at Hillel.
2007
Mazel tov to alumna Tiffany Tiferet Agam and Aryeh Fraser on their engagement. Tiffany is the daughter of Anat and Moshe Agam; Anat is a longtime Hillel faculty member. Aryeh is the son of Sarah and Zeev Fraser of Jerusalem.
Mazel tov to alumna Pearl Levy and her husband Mor Ben Yoram on the birth of their son, Isaac Leon Ben Yoram.
rusu rusk
Generation to Generation
2008
Mazel tov to alumna Raquel Amselem and David Sutton on their marriage. Raquel is the daughter of Dr. Shalom and Michelle Amselem; Michelle is a Hillel alumna and member of the school’s Board of Governors. David is the son of Eddie and Francine Aronowitz. Share your news with the Hillel community! Please email updates and photos to alumni@ehillel.org.
Save the Date for Alumni Games! Tuesday, December 20 The perfect opportunity to catch up with old friends and visit Hillel!
“It’s incredible having my daughter experience the same atmosphere and the same feelings that I had.” Uzi Hardoon, who attended Hillel Early Childhood - Grade 12
A New Experience: Coming Home to Hillel as Parents
Uzi Hardoon returned to Hillel Uzi and Jennifer come from a this year with a completely new family of Hillel graduates. Uzi’s sisters perspective. His last experience at Rosy and Sarah graduated in 2002 and Hillel was as a student when he 2009, respectively. Jennifer’s sisters graduated in 2000. Now he’s a parent, Erica and Stephanie graduated in 2003 watching his daughter Hailey explore and 2007. Early Childhood just like he did. Uzi and Jennifer both graduated “It feels great to be back at Hillel,” from University of Miami, and Uzi he said. “I feel like history is repeating earned his MBA at Nova University itself.” Hardoon attended Hillel Early before beginning his career in wealth Childhood - Grade 12. management at Safra Bank. “It’s incredible having my daughter Since graduating 11 years ago, experience the same atmosphere and Uzi says Hillel has grown.“It has the same feelings that I had,” he said. become more academic, reaching new “Hillel offers the type of environment educational levels.” that we were looking for. After only a As an alumnus and parent, he few weeks at school, Hailey, 3, already hopes to become involved and see leads Hamotzie at Shabbat,” he added. Uzi and Jennifer Hardoon with their children Hailey, 3, in more alumni parents return to Hillel to Hardoon met his wife, Jennifer PK3, and Elizabeth, 1 be part of the beautiful community. Feldenkreis, at Hillel, where they began “Hailey comes home singing all the dating in his senior year. Jennifer graduated in 2001, and they were Jewish songs which I love. That’s what Hillel is all about, and I’m married in 2007. glad I am continuing to experience that as a parent.” 6 KOL HILLEL
Learning Talmud from an
iPAD
Modern Technology Rooted to Ancient Text There’s an app for just about everything. Even Talmud. In the Grade 9 Talmud class there are no more heavy books to carry. If something is unclear, just visit the link for a better understanding or even a commentary. And with just one click, the Aramaic can be translated to English. Better yet, English and Aramaic can read be side by side. Welcome to iTalmud at Hillel, where history is taught using the iPad. “We have the most modern technology rooted with the most ancient and prolific text that spans generations,” said Rabbi Josh Spodek, director of Judaic and Ivrit Studies and assistant director of Capstone Years. Every student in class has access to the 20 iPads from Hillel’s new iPad cart. “The entire Talmud is actually in the palm of their hands,” Spodek said. While students are learning on the iPads, everything the teacher does is projected to an Apple television screen in front of the classroom. “Our 9th grade Talmud class has been completely changed forever as a result of the new technology that has been introduced to our classroom,” said Rabbi Chaim Albert, Rabbinic Head and Talmud teacher. “In the span of one class, students have accomplished mastery over complex parts of the Talmud that would be previously unthinkable. They now read, translate, and apply the ideas all on their own,” he added.
G N TI
N E R
Childhood Lessons Can Facilitate Future Success
By Dr. Nancy Gould, Lower School Guidance Counselor A P The New York Times magazine recently featured “What if Together, we can:
the Secret to Success is Failure?” by Paul Tough, validating the importance of character traits in predicting success. It highlights the importance of teaching strength of character as equal to – or more important than – academics. The author concludes that it is qualities of character, rather than academic skills, that are “the recipe for a successful and happy life.” Judaism offers a very similar set of values (Midot) for building character and living a meaningful life. The message is clear: the lessons we as parents and educators must focus on with our children are social, emotional and behavioral. A narrow focus on academics is insufficient in preparing children for a success. Can teaching children to focus, use self-control and be kind to others facilitate success later in life? Research suggests that the answer is yes! One of the best ways to raise children who will end up happy, productive adults is to give them a moral code by which to live, or a foundation of beliefs that will give them inner guidance to make choices and to face challenges. Children look to their parents to set boundaries, model values and establish rules of behavior. While you do this at home, Hillel faculty work within classrooms and hallways to teach and model these same values to your children. What else can we do as parents and educators to further nurture character development?
• teach tolerance and respect by treating others with kindness • educate ourselves about positive discipline to teach responsibility • use logical consequences to prepare children for responsibilities they will experience as adults Adhering to the philosophy that mistakes are opportunity for learning fosters self-esteem, perseverance and growth. Each time we react to a bad grade or an unkind behavior with kindness and empathy (and a logical consequence), we offer children opportunities to grow without fear of making mistakes. How can you do this at home? Be kind to yourself and realize that no parent is perfect! Each day is an opportunity to become the parent we want to be and to help our children become the type of people we hope for them to become. Try not to respond to your child with an angry tone; rather, convey that it is the behavior that you do not like, not the child. Give them positive feedback when they demonstrate desirable behaviors. For example, tell your child you are proud of them for persisting on their math homework, even though it was really hard. Reframe all mistakes as moments for learning. Lastly, filter your initial reactions (pause!) and remember to be the best cheerleader you can be both for yourself and for your child. As my mother used to say, “If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again!” 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
Happy Thanksgiving
JANUARY
26
25 SHEVAT 5772 Save the Date! 2012 ANNUAL EVENT
Science and Judaics Learning Takes Flight!
The kites soared into the bright blue sky with more purpose than ever before. After all, these kites carried words of prayer, hope and meaning. It was a merger of science and Judaics. Marking Tashlich, Kindergarten-Grade 5 students started their visit to Highland Oaks Park by casting bread into the pond to represent any sins they may have made this year. They then flew the kites they designed and built in science class - beautifully decorated with art, prayers and wishes for Hashem. The construction and assembly taught the concepts of force and balance. Michelle Binder, Lower School science coordinater, said the students were so excited to make their kites and use their own knowledge and skills. As students built their kites throughout the days leading to Tashlich, they learned about air pressure and flight balance while using scientific methods to ensure parts were measured for accuracy. Built upon the science, was a meaningful spiritual moment that connected the students to Hashem, said Rachel Yunger, Student Life co-director. The kites weren’t the only things soaring high. The children’s love for learning across academics and Judaics seemed to have taken flight pretty far that day. Check out The Miami Herald coverage in Hillel’s pressroom at ehillel.org.