HAFTR Hosts HAFTR Experience

By Sophia Pahl

HAFTR High School recently hosted the HAFTR Experience, an event for the incoming freshmen in Class of 2027. This program gives prospective students a glimpse into what high school life is like here at HAFTR. On Thursday, February 23, eighth graders from different schools across the metropolitan New York area had the opportunity to participate in this exciting program.

The HAFTR Experience is designed for current eighth grade students who have been admitted to the freshman class at HAFTR High School. Students were given the chance to see a day in the life of a HAFTR student. The students were greeted with welcoming remarks from Ms. Lippman, principal, and Rabbi Wallach, Limudei Kodesh coordinator. Students were then divided into several groups and assigned to designated upperclassmen, who escorted them around the school to a series of activities. Each activity gave students a taste of a different dimension of HAFTR High School’s unique program. Whether engaging in hands-on projects or participating in lessons given by the astute and experienced faculty, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Some of these activities included creating vision boards, connecting with each other during games in the gym, participating in limudei kodesh and general studies classes, and much more! Students had the chance to meet high school students, teachers, and administrators and get a sense of what their future freshman year will hold.

This year, I had the privilege of escorting a group of eighth grade girls around the school throughout their experience. During our conversations, students in my group shared their thoughts about making the transition to high school. All of the students agreed that while they are nervous, they are also extremely excited to be part of the HAFTR family. Even though I have attended HAFTR since I was in a four-year nursery, I didn’t have the opportunity to attend the HAFTR Experience in the eighth grade due to the outbreak of Covid-19. While I was given a virtual tour at the time, it could not compare to this in-person experience. With such a unique opportunity, it is clear why everyone had such a memorable time. We all took pride in welcoming these students and look forward to seeing them next year!