TheLehrmanLink A weekly publication of
lehrman community day school containing time-sensitive information for members of the school community
Vol 10 • Issue 27
Friday, March 13, 2009 • 17 Adar 5769 • y"xa,
Dear LCDS Family, The Mishnaic tractate often referred to as “Ethics Of The Fathers” (which our Fifth Graders are currently studying) teaches as follows: To what shall be compared one whose wisdom is greater than one’s deeds? To a tree whose branches are many, but whose roots are few, so that, when the wind comes, the wind will uproot it and overturn it…To what shall be compared one whose works are more numerous than one’s wisdom? To a tree whose branches are few, but whose roots are many, so that, even if all the winds of the world were to come and blow upon it, they could not move it from its place. (Pirkei Avot 3:17). As a values-driven school, we strive to practice what we preach. Our mission statement expressly proffers ,uhrcv ,cvt (loving all human beings) as a core value, not as some theoretical ideal, but as a living commandment. We had all been eagerly anticipating our annual outdoor Purim costume parade—our answer to Mardi Gras—when our valued neighbors across the street, the Biscayne Elementary School, requested an extra level of quiet because of the administration of the FCAT tests. So we went indoors, more crowded and sweaty; but we are a religion of love as well as law, and by being good neighbors, our school community showed tangible love to our friends across the street. Below is a letter that Dr. Rodriguez wanted me to share directly with you. Thank you for making our tradition proud. Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Seth Linfield, Head of School
An Open Letter to LCDS from Our Neighbors at Biscayne Elementary School March 9, 2009 To the Families and Staff of LCDS, It is with the greatest appreciation that I write this letter to each and every one of you. The next two weeks are crucial due to the administration of the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Test (FCAT). This testing window has specific dates and times established by the State of Florida that must be adhered to. The results of this assessment determine the school grade which has been an “A” for the past several years and a source of great pride for the entire community. Sadly, this year, there [was] a conflict between the first day of Purim and the beginning of our testing period. In the spirit of cooperation and on behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, we thank you for adjusting your schedule to accommodate our students and wish you a joyous Purim. Sincerely, Dr. Maria T. Rodriguez, Principal Biscayne Elementary School
rst z"h
Candle lighting: 7:10 pm!
Girls Varsity Wins J.A.L. Title!
Defeats Hochberg 22-11 in Championship Game
There is no doubt as to who is Number One as Coach Aaron poses with our girls varsity basketball team.
Plan to Attend a Model Seder… Basketball On Sunday, March 8, our Girls’ Varsity team defeated Hochberg Prep to bring home the trophy—available for all to see in the school lobby. Also on Sunday, our Junior Varsity team defeated Hochberg 16-12 to advance to the championship—date to be announced. Congratulations to all our teams on a great season! Info online: lehrmanschool.org/athletics
reminders!
First Grade Haggigat ha-Siddur Celebration of the Siddur Thu, Mar 19 Friday ASP resumes March 20
This edition plus The Link archives are available on the web lehrmanschool.org/LL
• Grades 1-5 will celebrate their seder on Thursday, April 2 at 9:30 a.m. at Temple Menorah • PreK and K will hold their seder on Fri, April 3 at 9:30 a.m. in the Cafeteria. Additional classes, dates and times to follow.
The EJ & LCDS
The new Encyclopedia Judaica is now available online to the entire LCDS family! This is the long-awaited revision of the premier reference source on Jewish life, culture, and history. The print set, which is in our school library, features approximately 22,000 entries. Some 2,600 entries are new, and 12,000 have been substantially revised. With a simple click of your mouse you can access all 22 volumes of this incredible resource. Log in to our Parent Portal for the link and required password. LCDS is the first school in South Florida to make this reference available to its students and parents. Copyright ©2009 Lehrman Community Day School
ParentConnect Andrea Schleider, Director of Constituent Relations
A Philanthropic Priority Our annual campaign, Spreading our Wings, is still going strong. We know that you share our pride in the exemplary general and Jewish studies programs and co-curricular activities we offer. Make LCDS a philanthropic priority and invest in the future of your child and for generations to come, with a gift to our annual campaign. Your gift will help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual operating expenses. This year you have the option to choose the fund or funds to allocate your gift: • Faculty Talent: to increase salaries and benefits, in order to attract and retain outstanding teachers; or • Tuition Assistance: to build a diverse student body by offering need-based tuition assistance to families of deserving and talented students; or • Athletics: boost opportunities in physical education & interscholastic team competition; or • General Purpose Fund: support the most pressing needs of our school. We look forward to 100% parent participation in this essential campaign. EVERY dollar counts and goes right to work for our students! Thank you again to each of you who has already made your commitment. Please contact me with any questions you have about our campaign at 305-8662771 x17, or via email at aschleider@ lehrmanschool.org
What’s for Lunch?
a monthly social network for LCDS parents. Schmooze with old & new friends on in the school lobby. A continental breakfast will be served.
Interning at Lehrman LCDS is proud to participate in the Pardes Educators Program, a two-year graduate program in Jewish studies and education based in Jerusalem. LCDS is hosting Shayndel Plotkin, a Pardes student, who will be teaching in our fifth grade and middle school Jewish Studies classes. Ms. Plotkin has a local connection: she graduated from FSU and worked in S. Florida Jewish communities for the past 15 years. She is married to Rabbi Baruch Plotkin, who is coming to UM Hillel, and is the mother of six children. We are pleased to welcome Shayndel Plotkin as a teacher intern until April 1.
• Volunteer. Make calls to raise vital funds. • Double the impact of your efforts! Each new dollar you raise will be matched by the Challenge Fund for the Vulnerable to help those in need in our community. • Provide additional funding to your favorite local agency, Day School or synagogue through our incentive program. • Invite others to join you. Sign up or make a gift online at JewishMiami.org For more information, call 786-866-8416. Child care provided. Teen callers welcome.
Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten
Chalav u’Dvash Words of the Week:
lehrmanlunchbox.org Monday, March 16
Vegetable soup • Tossed salad • Spaghetti & meat sauce • Garlic bread • Green beans Honeydew melon • Water (served M/W/F) Cream of mushroom soup • Israeli salad Falafel • Pita bread • Oranges • Milk (served T/Th)
Wednesday, March 18 Chicken noodle soup • Caesar salad Chicken nuggets • French fries • Corn • Apples
Thursday, March 19 Broccoli & cheese soup • Greek salad Baked tilapia • Sweet potatoes • Vegetables Jello with whipped cream
Friday, March 20 • ouka
,ca
Chicken matzah ball soup • Shredded beef White rice • Black beans & yucca • Fruit
Be Happy, It’s Purim at LCDS!
Wed, March 25 • 8-9:00 a.m.
To download a refrigerator-ready menu, visit us online…
Tuesday, March 17
Papa•razzi patrol
Images of Life@LCDS. More at lcdsphotos.org
This week’s words…
PA Meeting: Thu, April 2, 8:45 am @LCDS Upcoming Events • Family Fun Day: New Date! Sun, April 5 3-5 p.m. Volunteers needed! • Shop Target? Support LCDS! See the PA web page for details.
In Kindergarten we learned bah-BAH-yeet • in the house LOE bah-BAH-yeet • not in the house
,hcc ,hcc tk
PA Board positions open for 09-10. Contact Amy or Joi for information. Joi Fiske & Amy Siama, Co-Presidents Visit us on the web: www.lcdspa.org
,hcc tk Illustration Hannah Hurwitz ,hcc