SAR 2010-2011 Annual Report

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

windows 2011 ANNUAL REPORT

Dear SAR Community, “Windows,” our second Annual Report, is a reminder of all the moving pieces that must come together in order to provide the excellence in education that we deliver each year at SAR. We have much to celebrate—from our academic achievements to our faculty commitment, from our financial resources to our many talented volunteers. This Report reflects on SAR’s milestones, highlighted by the NYSAIS accreditation, and recognizes our more than 1,500 donors who raised $3.3 million for scholarships and numerous school initiatives, and the parents who entrust us with educating their children.

Your valuable time and contributions assure that we can continue to enrich each child’s experience. Whether you volunteer for Learning to Look, serve on the Juniors’ College Night committee, spearhead phone calls for the Journal Dinner, anonymously provide Shabbat meals to a family in need, or are ‘1 in 1000,’ you make it possible to keep our school strong and vibrant.

We value your dedication to our community, and we thank you for the role each of you has played in making this a dynamic and successful year for SAR.

Jack C. Bendheim President, SAR Board of Trustees

Dear Friends, We are pleased to present the Annual Report to you, a reflection on the 2010-2011 school year, which will open windows to showcase SAR’s milestones and honor our community’s accomplishments. Most importantly, it is a token of our heartfelt thanks to you—the community— for all that you do to make SAR a rich, vibrant and inspired place of learning and growth.

Each day in our tefilla, we thank God for granting us "‫" תורת חיים ואהבת חסד‬, a living Torah and an altruistic and giving spirit. Each day, we declare our commitment to bringing Judaism to life through learning and action, and it is that spirit that shapes life at SAR each and every day, both in and out of the classroom. Through chesed, community service, hands-on learning, and a rich array of co-curricular opportunities and programs, students discover the excitement of bringing learning to life.

We hope that you enjoy reading the Report. Our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported SAR as it continues to grow and thrive.

Rabbi Binyamin Krauss (‘84)

Rabbi Tully Harcsztark

Principal, SAR Academy

Principal, SAR High School

“ You have no idea of the extent to which we are blown away by your school.”

On May 25, 2011, SAR was awarded accreditation by the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). The committee reported: The Visiting Committee was impressed with the breadth and depth of SAR Academy and SAR High School.

Throughout the open and inviting campuses, there is an energy built upon layers of academic, cultural, religious, and co-curricular opportunities that is infectious to a visitor. We saw many examples of the ‘divine spark’ in each student, and a dedication by each member of the faculty to respect individual uniqueness. The Grand Conversation is a true reality, as students are engaged at every level in learning and service between the Torah and the world. We cannot recall another school where the sense of mission is so vibrant and evident throughout all components of school life.

SAR is pleased to be recognized not only as an outstanding institution, but most especially we are proud that the NYSAIS team understands and values our mission.

Thank you to Debby Schloss, Rebecca Hirschfield, Gila Kolb, Marge Jacobs, Michelle Hoch, and everyone who worked throughout the past two years to review our schools so thoroughly and to make our achievement a reality.

NYSAIS SAR Team Leader

“ I do not know how to express exactly what it is that makes your school so special.

But if you could package it and teach it to others, this would be a phenomenal gift.”

NYSAIS Visiting Committee Member

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

1

SAR ACADEMY

Good Choices: A MESSAGE FROM RABBI BINYAMIN KRAUSS The 2010-11 academic year was an eventful one for SAR Academy, and I’m proud of our many achievements as we continued to foster a community of b’nai and b’not Torah, each with a divine spark. We offered many exciting learning opportunities, inside and outside our classrooms. Our main focus remained our core product — providing an excellent Judaic and secular education.

This philosophy was the driving force behind our theme for the year — Good Choices: In Deeds and Voices. Each month we explored new subthemes of that idea, using a rich mixture of outside speakers, lessons, events and songs to help our students recognize just how crucial good choices are in their lives. We helped empower our students to say “no” to bullies, and we stressed the importance of saying “thank you” to Hashem and to those around us. We infused the theme and the monthly subthemes into both the general and Judaic curriculum. For example, students were asked to study the choices Avraham Aveenu made, or to question how fictional characters might have used their words better.

Inspired by a blog post of our dear friend Matthew Fenster z"l in April, the entire school embarked on a campaign to learn about the Power of Words and heighten sensitivity to Shmirat haLashon. In May, throughout the school, teachers presented short lessons on Shmirat haLashon, culminating with a day-long fair of unique and meaningful events.

For our youngest students, we expanded the Ivrit curriculum, introduced in 2010, to the pre-K classes and kindergarten.

Hebrew teachers provided direct instruction throughout our ELC classrooms, offering one hour per day for the three’s, and 90 minutes per day for the four’s and kindergarten. We now ensure that our ELC students start first grade with a strong foundation in Hebrew.

In third grade, we introduced the Social Decision Making/ Problem Solving curriculum, a research validated program designed to help children regulate their emotions, and make healthy and responsible choices. The program was embraced by Hebrew and English teachers, as well as specialty teachers. The program will be expanded next year to include fourth graders.

For the first time, our second graders conducted a “Penny Harvest.” As students collected pennies, they not only worked on math concepts, but got a first-hand lesson in chesed. Together, the children researched, discussed and then voted to donate $2,400 to five charities, including Japan’s earthquake relief, Birthday Angels, and Gift of Life.

2

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

The music plays on at SAR…fourth graders celebrated their abilities and interests in March as part of the National Music in our Schools month. The choir participated in the Third Annual SAR Spring Concert, joined by the Yavneh Academy Choir, Ramaz Middle School Choir, the SAR Seventh and Eighth Grade Ensemble, and SAR High School Choir. The Maccabeats, YU's a capella group, performed three pre-Shavuot concerts. And, the eighth graders performed a self-written cantata at graduation.

On the basketball court, our seventh-grade boys won the league championship in a nail-biter of a game. Our middle schoolers joined students around the country in the Math League Competition, and both our boys’ and girls’ teams went to the Torah Bowl World Series on Long Island after winning the Central Division championship.

Our new Advanced Gemara Class was offered for the first time to eighth graders ready for a bigger challenge. Students learned the standard curriculum and then delved deeper, moving at a faster pace and learning more rishonim on each sugya.

Students were assigned to learn mishnayot every week at home.

It was wonderful to witness students developing as young Jewish adults with strong critical thinking skills.

We also brought back an old tradition, inviting our eighth graders to a Tikkun Leil Hoshana Rabba so that they could learn Torah together all night. It was a beautiful evening of learning and tefilla, with terrific ruach and fun.

As always, the Chaggim were central to the year, and a reflection of experiential learning, of living what we learn. Nearly 700 students gathered on the Academy steps in a ruach-filled atmosphere to shake the lulav, light the chanukiah, offer tribute to those lost on Veteran’s Day and Yom HaZikaron, and chant bur Hallel b’Tzibur on Yom Yerushalayim. Parents logged onto the Chanukah “Moodle” site for family activities, prepared for Pesach, and danced on the field for Yom Ha'Atzmaut. And of course, there was cheesecake for all who counted sefirah.

These are just a few of the many highlights that made 2010-11 such a productive and exciting year.

Rabbi Binyamin Krauss (‘84) PRINCIPAL, SAR ACADEMY

“

The theme of our school was “Good Choices: In Deeds and Voices.”

Here at SAR, we have always been treated as a whole person, as an individual. By respecting our opinions and allowing each of us to express our own spark of creativity, SAR has taught us not to follow the crowd but rather to learn and think for ourselves….SAR has equipped us with an independent set of ethics and standards that we follow every day….Faith in God, thinking independently, and our love of Torah and learning are the tools necessary for us to move ahead in our lives and make the best choices.”

Emily David, Class Representative, SAR Academy Graduation 2011

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

3

Accomplishments and Reflections

Students Shine in

One Lego at a Time

Enriching Judaic Studies:

Science and Writing

We Build Jerusalem

Ymei Iyun Learning

Senior Leora Apfelbaum was a semifinalist in the prestigious National Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology. Rebecca Sichel, 10th grader, authored a paper for the American Baseball Research Journal, and met President Obama at the NYC Science and Engineering Fair. At the Academy, 8th grader Yale Buchwald’s essay won the Emunah Legacy of Courage first prize.

On Yom Yerushalayim, students built a replica of Jerusalem out of Lego’s under the direction of architect Stephen W. Schwartz. Using over 50,000 Lego pieces, Jewish history came alive as students created a lifelike model of Jerusalem.

In both the Academy and the High School, Ymei Iyun enriched religious life. Sixth graders concentrated on Hakarat Hatov and the halachot related to zimmun. In the High School, author Dr. David Pelcovitz taught how tefilla can anchor our lives, focusing on hoda'ah (giving thanks) and bakasha (what we ask for). Later, the entire school participated in tefilla workshops, which continued during the semester.

Creating the

Whole Megillah David Wander, artist-in-residence, and 24 extremely gifted High School students created a stunning Megillat Esther, an oversized illuminated scroll, illustrated with images and calligraphy depicting each chapter.

The Megillah, to be printed for use next year, is now on permanent display at the High School.

4

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

SAR Wishes Mazal Tov

Setting the Stage for a

Chidon HaTanach

21st Century School

Yishai Chamudot—9th grade, SAR High School.

U.S. Representative, International Bible Contest. Chidon HaTanach HaOlami. Jerusalem, Yom Ha’Atzmaut 2011.

SAR began using collaborative online technology to foster 21st century skills, and empower teachers to enhance curriculum.

Our faculty used web 2.0 tools and applications to bring new ideas to engage students and create global connections.

Jonah Chill—6th grade, SAR Academy. First Place, National Chidon HaTanach. U.S. Representative, International Chidon HaTanach HaOlami. Jerusalem, Yom Ha’Atzmaut 2012.

Also competing: Joshua Edelstein, Yitzy Richter and Yair Slasky. Kol Hakavod to coach Sara Gutenberg.

Massye Kestenbaum—11th grade, SAR High School. Second Place, National Chidon HaTanach, Yeshiva High School Division.

Also competing: Adin Goldstein (5th place) and Leah Slaten (9th place). Regional Participants: Tal Fortgang, Gabriel Metzger, Daniel Moskowitz and Tamar Rothstein.

Kol Hakavod to coach Rabbi Jeremy Spierer.

“

We offered extensive professional development opportunities: Lunch ‘n Learn trainings on free web 2.0 tools to enrich academic topics and themes, such as Pesach and Good Choices; daily Technology Tidbits, linking faculty to webinars where they could connect with Technology in Education’s annual conference.

We used Twitter to relay academic and athletic updates to families; live-streamed events to share plays and graduation; made ‘friends’ through an alumni Facebook page; and launched a new more robust school website.

According to Rabbi Krauss, “These advances in technology will help all of us develop a vision for a 21st century school, consistent with the values and mission of SAR.”

Students are engaged at every level in learning and service between the Torah and the world.” —NYSAIS

Exceptional Year for High School

Academy Hosts

Math Achievement

Ministry of Education

SAR hosted the Yeshiva High School Math Bowl, with 10 schools competing. Students also participated in the American Mathematics Competition, and the Greater Metropolitan NY Math Fair. SAR Math Mag took First Place, Special Merit for the second time, and won Best High School Subject Magazine.

At the Columbia Scholastic Press Association meeting, it won a second straight Gold Medal, and the All-Columbian Award.

In April, the Academy welcomed Dr. Moshe Dekalo and Sima Haddad of the Misrad Hachinuch, the Israeli Ministry of Education. They met with E2K students as they explored math and maps and observed Rocketry class, in which students designed experiments correlating energy creation with structure design.

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

5

SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Grand Conversation: A MESSAGE FROM RABBI TULLY HARCSZTARK

At SAR High School, our goal is to immerse our students in a culture of learning and service and to encourage them to become true participants in the Grand Conversation between Torah and the world. We’re pleased to report that during the 2010-11 school year, that Grand Conversation not only created a stimulating environment for learning, but led to some very significant achievements.

The math department published Math Mag, which the American Scholastic Press Association has awarded First Place honors to all six issues. Our students participated once again in a Math Bowl as well as competitions in science. And speaking of SAR publications, Euphrates showcased literature, and a new edition of Science Journal appeared.

For example, our history department brought the world a little closer to students with its new History Matters club. At club meetings, students watched election night returns, met with AIPAC leaders, attended a dinner for the Jewish Federation for the Righteous and toured the United Nations. Likewise in an effort to extend learning outside the classroom, the foreign language department brought the Consul General of France and the Polish Ambassador to speak with students.

For the first time, students will be able to set their sights on the heavens, thanks to the telescope of the late Dr. Joshua Lederberg, Nobel laureate and president of Rockefeller University from 19781990. The telescope was presented to SAR by Dr. Lederberg’s wife, Dr. Marguerite S. Lederberg, MD. Dr. Joshua Lederberg was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1958 at the age of 33 for his work on the genetic structure and function of bacteria.

The English department helped bring classic literature to life by introducing students to a new event—the Shakespeare competition. Students studied, prepared and then performed individual monologues in front of a packed SAR audience.

The winners, chosen by a team of judges, went on to represent SAR at a regional Shakespeare competition, joining thousands of students from around the country.

We were particularly proud of the Chidon HaTanach competition this year, in which eight High School students participated. Yishai Chamudot, ninth grader, was the U.S. Representative for the International Bible Contest which was held in Jerusalem during Yom Ha’Atzmaut, and attended by several government officials including Prime Minister Netanyahu. SAR placed second, fifth and ninth in the National Competition, Yeshiva High School Division.

Our talented student body took the stage at another event, participating in an American Idol competition, Israeli style.

Demonstrating our commitment to Israel and the Hebrew language, the Kochav Nolad competition drew more than 40 talented students, who sang and performed solely in Hebrew.

Audience members texted their votes in to select the winners.

We were thrilled to see that one of our celebrated performers was our very first exchange student from Germany.

Through our new Beit Midrash program, ninth- and tenth-grade students learned Torah in small groups with a faculty member, which went a long way toward improving the religious life of the school “one mitzvah at a time.” Our vibrant religious life was also evident in the April school-wide shabbaton, which drew 625 people, 95% of the student body, setting the record for what might be the largest high school shabbaton anywhere in the country.

6

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

At the same time, our science department continued the Grand Conversation by inviting outstanding speakers to explore topics such as Torah and Evolution, and Jewish laws regarding stem cell research and cloning. Another speaker was Dr. Robert Marion, who performed a landmark operation, separating conjoined twins at Montefiore Hospital. Students were also brought to science symposia at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Rockefeller University.

For the first year, SAR not only competed in Yeshiva University’s Sarachek Tournament, but we clinched the title as victorious champions! The Jewish Hoops America End of Year Awards announced its Coach of the Year, naming SAR's Rafi Halpert as this year's recipient. On the courts, the girls won the varsity tennis championship—and, we’re proud to report that our students made it to the finals in six other sports.

Finally, we’re also beginning to broadcast our games, thanks to a grant from Cablevision's MSG Varsity. Students film the games, record play-by-plays and conduct interviews, all of which can be viewed at http://www.msgvarsity.com/brooklyn-bronx/sar.

Of course, this list doesn’t begin to tell the whole story. Throughout our community, the Grand Conversation occurs daily in many different forms both inside, in a building we all “love,” and outside our classrooms, creating an exciting and productive learning environment.

Rabbi Tully Harcsztark PRINCIPAL, SAR HIGH SCHOOL

“

At SAR, we’re rightly proud of academic excellence, mastering the black letters of holy books and textbooks; that is how we grade.

Earthly success is measured by the black, but you fall in love in the White Space, after hours, outside the classroom.

God is rightfully proud that His children can do long division, but He calls to the angels to see SAR dressed in white….This dinner keeps SAR in the black, but what you do — all of you here — keeps us in the White. May each of you be blessed with beautiful years at SAR, with the best Chalek in Olam Hazeh, and beyond.”

Jonathan Mark, High School Parent, excerpted from SAR’s 42nd Anniversary Dinner Journal

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

7

Service, Spirit and Sports SAR Seniors

Advocate for Israel The Israel Advocacy Training Seminar prepared seniors and their families for the challenges students face on campus. Five students attended AIPAC’s national convention. Seven students participated in advocacy training, and several more traveled to Albany and Manhattan to lobby legislators. Three students were invited to AIPAC’s Saban Leadership Seminar in Washington to interact with leading policy makers, officials, and Middle East experts.

8

Fourth Graders Learn

SAR High School’s

Tales of Survival and Aliyah from

Life Lessons

Arts are Alive

Ethiopian Jews

Fourth graders learned the heroic story of the Protestant village of Le Chambon, France, whose people acted with bravery and righteousness to shelter and save 5,000 Jews during the Shoah. SAR sent letters and a gift of Magna-Tiles to thank their students’ grandparents for saving our students’ grandparents during the Holocaust.

The Drama Society created a tableau of live paintings at the Night of Music and Arts, posing as famous works of art.

The night included performances by the Wind Ensemble, Chorus, Band, and Drama Society. In separate news, the SAR Burnt Ice band won the ‘Battle of the Bands’ at Yeshiva of Flatbush.

In May, the 20th anniversary of Operation Solomon, two Ethiopian Jews captivated our middle schoolers with their stories of courage and survival.

Daniel Sahalo, who made aliyah in 1984 through Operation Moses, was five years old when he and his family made the eightweek, 300 mile journey by foot to Israel.

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Mock Trial

Ranked #1 in NYC Region For the seventh year in a row, the SAR mock trial team, coached by parent volunteer Stuart Levi, advanced into the single elimination state-wide tournament. After the preliminary round, they were seeded #1 in New York City. The team went on to the Regional Finals. As the region has close to 100 schools, emerging as a top-two finalist is an incredible accomplishment.

Varsity Boys and Girls

Win Titles SAR won YU's 20th national Sarachek Basketball Tournament.

According to the tournament’s blog, “For SAR, this will be… proof that they can play with the Yeshiva League and national elite.” Most importantly, spectators commented on SAR fans’ impressive midot.

“

...SAR has an energy built upon layers of academic, cultural, religious, and co-curricular opportunities…”

NYSAIS

The seventh-grade boys’ basketball team, coached by parent Jeff Morris, were the Metropolitan Jewish Day School Basketball League Champions, with a 10-2 record. Separately, Tal “Mr. Basketball” Brody, an American-Israeli former player, current Goodwill ambassador and Israeli icon, visited SAR to discuss Jewish and Israeli pride.

The girls’ varsity tennis team also scored big, winning the 2011 Yeshiva League Championship.

Academy Concert Rocked by

Maccabeats Academy students enjoyed a special pre-Shavuot concert by the Maccabeats, Yeshiva University’s renowned college a cappella group.

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

9

Opening Windows Community Outreach Defines SAR Ohel Bais Ezra, One of 35 High School Chesed Programs

SAR Runs Extensive Adult Education Programming

With a new program, dedicated to the blessed memory of JJ Greenberg z"l, SAR High School expanded its already extensive chesed offerings to include chavruta learning.

Several times during the year, residents from Ohel Bais Ezra, a program for developmentally disabled children and adults, came to the High School to learn together with SAR students, as they celebrated chaggim, ate, danced and got to know one another. SAR students also traveled to New Orleans for five days of jam-packed service activities such as serving lunch at a homeless shelter, building homes with the St. Bernard Project, and reading with children at a charter school. To offer even more support for the New Orleans community, over 100 students and staff participated in a two-day dodgeball fundraising tournament back at SAR.

At SAR, learning is not an activity directed at only students, but one that draws countless parents, grandparents and alumni to the two campuses on numerous occasions. At the Academy, for instance, the Your Turn to Learn series offered shiurim on such topics as “Is It Ever Okay to Lie?” and “Why Do We Do What We Do at the Seder?” With the Tefilla Minute and Bring it to the Table in Chadashot, the whole family could enjoy learning together about the parsha around the Shabbat table. At the High School, adult education classes were offered on Women in the Talmud and in Bereishit as well as on Megillat Esther. In the evening, both campuses brought several distinguished speakers to address issues of importance to parents, such as treating eating disorders, cyber-safety, student integrity and social/emotional health. They also hosted a seven part book club series.

In the SAR community, everyone has the opportunity to learn.

AN OPEN LETTER TO:

TAMI BEZBORODKO (’83) AND BARBARA SOPHER (’80) OUTGOING ACADEMY PTC CO-PRESIDENTS As you complete your three-year term as SAR PTC presidents, on behalf of the entire faculty and staff, we thank you for your partnership, generosity and support.

Your contributions leading the PTC, and advocating for our children, played a crucial role in keeping parents informed, and supporting and enhancing the educational and social environment within SAR. During your term, hundreds of parents participated in programming that impacted all of our children. Nearly every day parents were at SAR decorating Rachel’s tent, filling Purim baskets, setting up for parenting symposia, or a Yom Ha'Azmaut celebration.

We are particularly proud of several new initiatives and accomplishments during your term, including launching the SAR-PTC moderated Yahoo Community Group, conceiving “The Open Kitchen” cookbook, introducing PayPal, and selling SAR Sting Spirit-wear.

A special thank you to Robin Reich, HS PTC chair, for her contributions to SAR High School, and best of luck to incoming Academy chairs Sara Blechner, Stephanie Minkove (‘91) and Adeena Rosen.

Tami and Barbara, your vision, enthusiasm and dedication are legendary. Kol Hakavod to you and to all of our volunteers.

10

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Kol Hakavod to the faculty and staff of SAR Academy and SAR High School. Your work this past year illuminated our students’ hearts and minds, and indelibly contributed to their growth as members of K’lal Yisrael.

I’ve developed confidence from my teachers’ positive encouragement to grow. I like knowing that others want to hear what I have to say. It’s the only school I know that students and teachers wake up with smiles on their faces. SAR’s their family. SAR’s my family…my home. — Shiri Wasserman

The teachers are awesome. Not only are they very smart, they are also great all-around people. Another thing I love about SAR is the openness of the school. You really see everyone all the time. You end up becoming friends with everyone in your grade. I will never forget this school. - Joe Kanner The atmosphere alone is something lots of kids will take into their older lives, learning to focus on what's important, doing the right thing, and not getting too caught up in the constant hu mming of life around you. — Ayelet Kalfus

891 ACADEMY ENROLLMENT

438 HIGH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT

222 ACADEMY FACULTY AND STAFF

125 HIGH SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF

What I find special about SAR is the unique and ever-intensifying relationships with our faculty, even on a personal level. The students and the faculty as a whole mesh together to form this beautiful tapestry in which we live, learn and thrive. — Max Altholz

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

11

Dear SAR Family, IT WAS A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR FUNDRAISING, but the SAR community came through. Contributions from over 1,500 donors resulted in a record $3.3 million raised to fund scholarship aid and school activities. In addition, 147 new donors stepped up with $5 million of new capital pledges in response to the inspirational Bendheim Challenge Grant. This will take us halfway toward our goal of retiring SAR’s debt by the end of 2012, and we must keep the momentum going to eliminate the debt entirely.

Requests for scholarship aid increased again this past year. Thanks to you, we were able to extend financial assistance to every family in need.

We cannot thank you enough for prioritizing SAR in your tzedakah giving.

We asked you to commit to an annual contribution, and are so grateful that so many of you responded. Please continue to give generously, as your participation makes a huge impact.

Thank you for all your incredible efforts,

Teena L. Lerner, PhD Chair, SAR Development Committee SAR Parent, 1984-2010

Fundraising Campaigns Todah Rabba to all of you, and to our program chairs.

$1.5 MILLION

$1.4 MILLION

$220,000

$100,000

$40,600

LEAD DONORS SAR extends a heartfelt thank you to our lead donors— we could not meet the needs of so many without your help.

SAR’S 42ND ANNIVERSARY DINNER

SHAVUOT APPEAL 5771, “FACES OF SAR” Kol Hakavod to HIR, RJC, YINR and YIOZ for partnering with SAR to raise much needed scholarship funds.

“READY, SET, AUCTION…”

1 IN 1000 The Facebook Challenge SAR needed 1,000 people to give $18 or more to take advantage of an Avi Chai Foundation match. Results: 1,040 people made online donations.

1,000+ feted SAR’s brilliant honorees and celebrated SAR's accomplishments.

CHAIRS:

Tani Benovitz ('82) Tamar Eisenstat Michael Jesselson

12

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

CHAIRS:

Deena Berger ('89) Elana Minkove Dana Teplitsky ('90)

Showing the power of grassroots efforts, over 450 items were donated and 350 bidders participated.

2010-2011 Financials 2010-2011 REVENUE

SAR ACADEMY AND SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Tuition, grants, and other revenue cover 87.9% of our needs. Remaining 12.1% is $3.3 million, which must be secured through fundraising campaigns.

SAR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN THE PAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 2010 – AUGUST 2011

CAPITAL SPENDING (in millions)

84.7%

Loan Repayments Interest Expense Construction/Building Improvements

$2.44M 0.60M 0.51M $3.55M

TUITION, ANNUAL FUND AND FEES

TOTAL

(NET OF SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS OF $5.2 MILLION)

THE PREVIOUS TEN YEARS

12.1%

TOTAL CAPITAL SPENDING (in millions)

FUNDRAISING

2.7% EDUCATIONAL GRANTS AND OTHER

SEPTEMBER 2000 – AUGUST 2010

Construction/Building Improvements Interest Expense

$38.47M 5.96M $44.43M

TOTAL

SOURCE OF FUNDS

0.5% ENDOWMENT WITHDRAWAL

Capital Funds Raised Funds Borrowed, Net of Repayment

$30.44M 13.99M $44.43M

TOTAL

CONSTRUCTION/BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS

2010-2011 EXPENSES

• • • • • • • • • •

SAR ACADEMY AND SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Total Expenses $28 Million* Salaries and Benefits are 85.4% of total.

High School campus New Junior High School area Renovations to 7th and 8th grade area New all-weather ball field Renovations to 1st-3rd grade areas New playgrounds in ELC and Academy Renovations to the ELC SMARTboards Rewiring for Internet and Wi-Fi Parking lot expansion

65.7% ACADEMIC SALARIES

THE NEXT FIVE YEARS

10.8%

SEPTEMBER 2010 – AUGUST 2015

ACADEMIC BENEFITS

FIVE-YEAR GOAL: $25 MILLION

8.9% BUSINESS OFFICE AND FACILITIES — SALARIES AND BENEFITS

6.3%

25

4 BUILDING IMPROVEMENT FUND

20

6

FACILITY EXPENSES

2.3%

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (HS & AC)

15

SUPPLIES AND EQUIPMENT

15

2.0% FOOD PROGRAM

10

DEBT RETIREMENT

5

BENDHEIM CHALLENGE GRANT

0

NEW PLEDGES

2.5

2.0% LEGAL, ACCOUNTING AND OTHER SERVICES

5

1.1% STUDENT ACTIVITIES, TRIPS AND TEAMS

0.8% *Not including construction, improvements, interest expense and loan repayments.

TECHNOLOGY

CAPITAL SPENDING NEEDS

RAISED TO DATE (IN MILLIONS)

(IN MILLIONS)

0.1% OTHER EXPENSES All figures unaudited, as of 8.31.11

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

13

30% OF OUR ALUMNI DONORS ARE CURRENT SAR PARENTS

80% AVERAGE PERCENTAGE OF SAR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO STUDY IN ISRAEL THE YEAR AFTER GRADUATION

Find us on FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/SARalumni SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

23

Administration & Programming ACADEMY HIGHLIGHTS

SAR ACADEMY Rabbi Binyamin Krauss ('84) Marcia Jacobowitz Sharon Richter Milly Rosner Becky Hirschfield Deganit Ronen

Principal Associate Associate Associate Associate Associate

Principal Principal Principal Principal Principal

Rachel Berger, Adina Garbuz, Chairs

Dr. Barbara Gochberg

Director of Inclusion Program

3RD ANNUAL PARENTING SYMPOSIUM

BOOK FAIR

ELC NIGHT

Nava Cohen, Erica Edelman, Liz Spevack, Chairs ELC WELCOME PICNIC AND CONCERT

Stephanie Minkove ('91), Chair Elissa Shay Ordan, Jessica Schwab, Program Coordinators

SAR HIGH SCHOOL

“THE OPEN KITCHEN” COOKBOOK

Rabbi Tully Harcsztark Dr. Mark Shinar Nancy Lerea Rabbi Jonathan Kroll Dr. Rivka Schwartz Lisa Schlaff

Principal Director of General Studies Associate Principal Associate Principal Assistant Principal; Grade Twelve Coordinator Assistant Principal; Israel Guidance

Tamar Benovitz, Tami Bezborodko, Mona Friedan, Aliza Major, Yardeena Osband, Stanley Raskas, Shoshana Winter

Marjorie Jacobs Michael Courtney Lisa Birnbaum

PARENT SUPPORT COMMITTEE

Rabbi Akiva Block Rabbi Ruben Gober Rabbi Jeremy Spierer

Director of College Counseling Associate Director of College Counseling Assistant Director of College Counseling; Grade Ten Coordinator Israel Guidance Israel Guidance Israel Guidance; Grade Eleven Coordinator

Karen Goldscheider Shoshana Chanales Shira Hecht-Koller Gloria Schneider

Grade Grade Grade Grade

NYSAIS ACCREDITATION PROCESS

Dr. Russell Hoffman Dr. Michelle Humi

School Psychologist School Psychologist

Gila Kolb Michelle Hoch

Registrar Operations Manager; Grade Eleven Coordinator

Nine Coordinator Nine Coordinator Nine Coordinator Ten Coordinator

SAR SPIRITWEAR

Susie Loberfeld YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATION

Susie Loberfeld, Marcella Marcus Andrea Harris, Dina Sterman, Chairs HIGH SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS LIAISON COMMITTEE

Rachel Jubas, Stuart Levi, Robin Reich, Liz Samuels, Gail Schorr, Neal Smolar, Karen Sperling Adrienne Alexander, Ana Lilienfeld, Cindy Safdeye, Liz Samuels, Chairs HIGH SCHOOL SOCIAL EVENING

Sharon Freudenstein, Careena Parker, Chairs JUNIORS' COLLEGE NIGHT

Adrienne Alexander, Careena Parker, Adrienne Cooper, Chairs

2011 ANNUAL REPORT BUSINESS OFFICE Debra May ('85) Geet Engel Heidi Greenbaum Andy Sandler Nick Fadda

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Executive Director Director of Finance Director of Development Information Technology Director Facilities and Grounds Manager

Heidi Greenbaum EDITOR

Heidi Kane DESIGN & LAYOUT

Ahlgrim Design Group CONTRIBUTING WRITER

2010-2011 SAR COMMUNITY EVENTS NEW PARENT BREAKFAST

Judith Block, Alice Lebowitz, Academy Chairs Audrey Reich, High School Chair Nava Cohen, Stephanie Minkove ('91), Liz Spevack, ELC Chairs

Kathy Kafer DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Rachel Spinner PARENT VOLUNTEERS

Judy Friedman, Sandra Greenstein ACADEMY CLASS OF 2011 GRADUATION

Andrea Harris, Alice Lebowitz, Chairs

PHOTOGRAPHY

Gilad Mor, as well as staff, parents & alumni who submitted photos.

LEARNING TO LOOK

Sarah Zitter Milstein, Tami Weitzman, Chairs SIDDUR SPARKS

Michelle & Jeff Kobrin, Hosts 2010-2011 PARENT-TEACHER COUNCIL (PTC) PROGRAMS PTC CO-PRESIDENTS FOR ACADEMY

Tami Bezborodko ('83), Barbara Sopher ('80) PTC CHAIR, HIGH SCHOOL

Robin Reich

If you would like to discuss making a gift, or leaving a bequest to SAR, please contact Heidi Greenbaum, Director of Development, greenh@saracademy.org or (718) 548-1717 x1256.

24

SAR ACADEMY & SAR HIGH SCHOOL

“ Hebrew is the line of communication that has kept all Jews of past, present, and future connected. That is exactly the message of this speech: keep open our lines of communication, our connection, forever, just like the Hebrew language does for our people. We created something very special in these past four years, something I will never forget and am extremely proud of. As long as everyone still feels part of the Class of 2011, we will always be able to draw from that communal energy, and grow and change together.”

JOSHUA PITKOFF — Class Representative, SAR High School Graduation 2011

2010-2011 Officers, Board of Trustees, and Board Committees OFFICERS Ludwig Jesselson z"l Founding Chairman, Board of Trustees Ludwig Bravmann Vice Chairman, Board of Trustees Jack C. Bendheim President Harvey Beker Chairman, Executive Committee Michael Jesselson Vice President Sidney Newman Vice President David M. Sable Vice President Dr. Bernard M. Weiner Vice President Dr. Harvey Bennett Treasurer Nachman Mazurek Secretary BOARD OF TRUSTEES Hudi Bellin Askowitz ('87) Dr. Tzvi Bar-David Benjy Belfer Louis Benjamin Ethan (Tani) Benovitz ('82) Jeff Bogursky Saul E. Burian Ilana Chill Shelley Cohen Adrienne Cooper ('78) Deborah E. David ('78) Abe Eisenstat Stanley Fortgang Avi Friedman

Alan E. Goldberg Marvin Goldstein Dr. Steven I. Goldstein Alan M. Greenberg Rabbi Irving Greenberg Moshe Greenberg ('76) Ira A. Greenstein Ari Hait Adam Ingber Benson Jerusalmi Esther Joel Howard Jonas Dr. Dov Kahane ('72) Nathan Kahn Meyer Koplow Dr. Michael Kramer Faye Landes Josh Landes Dr. Larry Lerner Polina Liberman Nathan Lindenbaum Dr. Donald Liss Steven Major Daniel Perla Steven S. Pretsfelder Michael Raskas Tobias B. Schapiro Gail Schorr Mark Semer Elissa Shay Ordan Susan Shay Zev Skolnick Marilyn Sopher Jonathan Tropper ('83) Alan Wasserman ('75) Spencer M. Waxman Jonathan N. Wiener

COMMUNITY TRUSTEES

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Dr. Norman Kahan Dr. Sheldon Kupferman Dr. Martin L. Leib Michael M. Marton Dr. Stanley F. Schoenbach Ziggy Spindler Milton Steinberg Abraham Zion Mark S. Zion

Sandy Kahn, Acting Chairperson Teena Lerner, PhD, Vice Chairperson Harvey Beker Jack C. Bendheim Tani Benovitz ('82) Michael Jesselson Gabriel Lambert Leon Metzger Nachman Mazurek Noah Weisberger

ADVISORY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Dr. Jayne and Harvey Beker Dr. Giti and Jack Bendheim Ludwig Bravmann Tamar and Abe Eisenstat Linda and Michael Jesselson Sandy and Nathan Kahn Teena Lerner, PhD and Dr. Larry Lerner David Sable Bettina and Spencer Waxman AUDIT COMMITTEE Barry Aranoff, Chairperson Ira A. Greenstein Adam Ingber

DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Teena Lerner, PhD, Chairperson Hudi (Bellin) Askowitz ('87) Louis Benjamin Tani Benovitz ('82) Lawrence Burian Shelley Cohen Tamar Eisenstat Michael Jesselson Alyssa Herman Kronisch Dan Perla Mark Semer Lynette Tulkoff SAR ACADEMY BOARD OF EDUCATION Dr. David Noble, Chairperson Herbert Block Dr. Jayne Beker Dr. Giti Bendheim Dr. Hal Blumenfeld Dr. Idana Goldberg Atara Gorsetman Dr. Laurel Hecht Rachel Jacoby Rosenfield Lamelle Ryman Monica Shapiro Noah Weisberger

IN MEMORIAM

Stephen Lubofsky z"l

Armando Penn

Elisha Chanina Goldscheider z"l

Ilan Tokayer z"l

Matthew Fenster z"l

OCTOBER 27, 2010

FEBRUARY 8, 2011

FEBRUARY 16, 2011

MARCH 3, 2011

AUGUST 18, 2011

12 ADAR 1 5771

28 ADAR 1 5771

18 AV 5771

Beloved four-year nursery student and son of Rabbi Aaron and Mrs. Karen Goldscheider, brother to Shalom, Yonah, Shira, Yakir, Ora, Tehila, Zvi and Elisheva

Beloved son of Reva and Aaron, brother of Danelle, Noam and Yaron

Beloved husband of Jennifer, father of Leah, Yonah, Ari and Elie

19 CHESHVAN 5771

Beloved husband of Yael, father of Noam, Daniel and Eliana

Beloved SAR facilities staff member, husband of Clara, father of Luisa Maria, Rosa Amanda and Dahiana

SAR ACADEMY

SAR HIGH SCHOOL

Jesselson Campus 655 West 254th Street Riverdale, NY 10471 718.548.1717 www.saracademy.org

Dedicated to the Memory of JJ Geenberg z"l 503 West 259th Street Riverdale, NY 10471 718.548.2727 www.sarhighschool.org