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SKAppenings |
10 Mar Cheshvan 5768
October 22, 2007 |
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L'ilmodUle'Lamed
Mrs. Beaty Menchel will be completing her three part series on
"Themes of Chinuch in Sefer Bereishit" this Tuesday, October 23rd,
at 11:50 AM. This shiur is dedicated by the Frieling family in the zechut of
a refuah sheleimah for Mrs. Robin Greenstein, Esther Rivka Bat Chana Mindel.
We also thank Esthy Hersch for dedicating last week's shiur in memory of her
mother Adina Bat Chaim Yehuda a"h.
Our next series of shiurim will be
delivered by Mrs. Leah Feinberg and will begin on Tuesday, October 30th. | |
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A Message from Mrs. Spirn
For the first time this year, we experienced two full weeks of school and they
went by quite quickly. Marked by special programs and events and solid classroom
learning, these ten days were surely memorable.
Our Irving and Toni Rosen Israel Programs and Studies opened with
power and excitement. We were all spellbound by Walid Shoebat's presentation
to our student body and faculty. We look forward to receiving copies of his
opening CD and his book about Jihad in the near future. It was truly a
zechut taking the entire to school to see Golda's Balcony, the film
adaptation of the play about Golda Meir's life, particularly during the Yom
Kippur War. In preparation for the film, every class had a special lesson
with their Social Studies or Jewish History teacher about Golda Meir and the
significance of the Yom Kippur War and received a packet to help prepare
them for the movie.
Golda explained "There will be no peace in the Middle East until the
Arabs learn to love their children more than they hate us." These words had
extra impact in light of Walid Shoebat's visit to SKA. We look forward to
future Rosen events focusing on this year's theme, "Israel's Heroes" and we
hope our students will continue to be inspired by those who toiled and
fought for the establishment of Medinat Yisrael. We welcome Shani Libin
Butler '00 who will be coordinating many of the Rosen initiatives this year,
particularly in the sphere of advocacy and current events.
Rabbi Rothman and I enjoyed
visiting the 8th graders at HALB this week and getting them psyched for Sunday's
Open House program. It was exciting meeting so many wonderful young women and
their parents from throughout the greater New York area at the Open House
itself. We look forward to developing relationships with many of you over the
months ahead, iy"h. Our hakarat hatov to the many faculty members and students
who proudly presented different aspects of SKA at our vibrant and well attended
Open House. Kol hakavod!
Mazel tov to our
thirty-seven inductees to the Reut Chapter of the National Honor Society! We
are proud of your achievements in the areas of scholarship, character,
leadership and service.
Mazel tov to Danielle Lent '07 who came home before Sukkot to
receive her $25,000 award from the Davidson Institute for her outstanding
science research last year. Danielle has returned to Israel where she is
studying at Migdal Oz.
We look forward to many more
full weeks of school with solid learning, vibrant programs and an excitement
about being part of the SKA experience! |
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Open
House 2007
This past Sunday was the SKA Open House and it was a huge
success! Many girls and their parents, from many different schools, came to
hear about our warm SKA family and the many courses and programs our school
has to offer. Each family received a folder filled with information about
SKA and about what is going on now, in school. The parents were taken around
on student run tours. They heard about all different aspects of the school
and were able to ask many of the school's faculty all types of questions at
a series of 6 Parent Workshops. Some of the SKA students were also available
to answer the parent's questions.
The students were given a tour of the school by some of our fellow classmates.
In each classroom, there was a different teacher to show the 8th
Graders about SKA and how much fun we have in class. The girls were then taken
in to the gym to hear from the SKA students themselves at our Student Activities
Fair. They heard about sports teams, literary publications, chesed committees,
mock trial, debate, Production, and more. It was all very exciting!!
We can't wait to welcome our incoming freshmen class, the Class of 2012!! See
you at your interviews! |
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Realities
and Choices:
Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community
Coordinated by Ms. Ilana Keehn, LCSW, with the partnership of
the Yatzkan Center, SKA had a special awareness program on the
eve of October 16th. Students and parents joined together to learn about the
dangers and prevention of substance abuse and chemical dependency in the Jewish
Community. While Lew Abrams from the Yatzkan Center enlightened the
audience about the challenges facing teens within our own community, Mr. Barry
Horowitz, Director of Ohel, Long Island, stressed the importance of
communication between children and their parents as a means of prevention.
Students and parents viewed a trigger film called "Dying High"
detailing the tragic outcomes of teens that drink and drive and a former female
substance abuser also shared a riveting personal account regarding her own
struggle with substance abuse.
The film as well as the experts present served as a powerful springboard for
questions and concerns as students broke into groups led by mental health
professionals, while parents participated in a forum consisting of the speakers.
Mrs. Spirn's candor and openness was evident throughout the program and set a
tone of caring and concern which permeated the evening. Families were able to
take home folders which contained vital literature. Many parents and
students were grateful to learn more about this topic and the program was
described as powerful and thought-provoking by students, parents and staff
alike. Incoming staff and speakers commented that the SKA students and parents
were very special to work with and that this is truly a unique school to help
their students and parents gain awareness about this important topic. |
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A Visit to Golda's Balcony
As part of the Irving and Toni Rosen Israel Studies and Programs,
the entire school had the privilege of going last week to see the movie
Golda's Balcony. Valerie Harper portrayed all the roles in the
entire film, from Golda Meir to everyone that she encountered. It was a very
captivating film that grabbed the viewers' attention. It really brought
awareness about how difficult the situation was in the world at that time. Golda
was a true leader and woman of courage who devoted her life to creating a Jewish
State. Her perseverance and hard work made her dream come true.
Another person whose hard work paid off was the producer/director,
Jeremy Kagan, whom we got to meet in a Question and Answer session. He
spoke about the months that he spent editing the script, working on the
graphics, and filming the movie.
After seeing the difference that one woman could make, imagine how much of a
difference we as SKA students can make in the world. |
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Former Terrorist Speaks at SKA
As part of our Irving and Toni Rosen Israel Studies and Programs, the SKA
student body, faculty, and administration were honored to welcome Walid Shoebat
and were spellbound during his stirring one hour presentation. We had the
privilege to see this man fight in our favor when he grew up in a community
stressing the destruction of our people.
A former member of the PLO
and trained jihadist, Mr. Shoebat shared his insights about growing up in the
Islamic world and the anti-Semitic indoctrination and education he experienced
as a child. He spoke of his metamorphosis...learning "the truth" about the
Jewish people and "debunking" the myths and lies of the Arab propaganda machine.
He shared his message of love and respect for the Jewish people and awed us with
his courage and the conviction of his beliefs. He, along with 2 other former
members of the PLO, speak all over defending Jews and what they stand for.
We would like to thank Mr. Chaim Leibtag and the National Council of Young
Israel for arranging this program. Special Hakarat Hatov to the Rosen family who
purchased Walid Shoebat's book for each and every SKA family.
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Honor
Society Induction
The Inductions to the Re'ut chapter of the National Honor Society
took place on Wednesday night, October 17th. The program began
with a brief introduction by Mrs. Spirn followed by an
inspiring Dvar Torah given by Leora Hefter, President of the SKA
chapter of the National Honor Society. Then, thirty five
Juniors and two Seniors who have shown excellence in both academics and
chesed, gave presentations on important figures from Jewish
history: Miriam Haniviah, Yitzhak Rabin, Golda Meir, Sara Schnirer,
Shlomo Carlebach, and the Rambam were all portrayed in creative
ways and were introduced by Mrs. Sandi Pomerantz.
Mrs. Debbie Niderberg was the guest speaker and she encouraged the
inductees to use their special talents and maximize their potentials while
being the best that they can be. All the inductees received certificates and
sefarim presented by Dr. Meier and Elisheva Zinberg, Vice
President of Reut. Of course, the evening ended with refreshments that were
enjoyed by all of our special guests. All in all, it was a night
filled with inspiration and appreciation towards our Jewish ancestors.
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Chesed Fair
Despite the torrential
rains outside, Chesed Fair '07 was a resounding success! We
began the night with dinner, complete with Divrei Torah from
Ratzel Kirsch and Zissy Turner and an introduction to the evening by
Mrs. Leibtag.
We proceeded to the Library for a video that highlighted the importance of
chesed and then we began the "fair." We went from room to room learning about
the different chesed opportunities available to us at SKA. We learned
about Yachad and Kulanu, Toy and Food Drives, Intergenerational Programs,
Tzedaka, Soup Kitchen, Hospital Visits, and Homework Helpers. The
chesed heads of each of these committees presented them in fun and interesting
ways - we can't wait to get involved!
Thank you so much to all the Juniors and Seniors who volunteered their time to
share with the Freshmen how valuable chesed is at SKA.
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Moreshet Aviva
This week, we had our first Moreshet Aviva program at the home
of Jordana Wittmann. The program was started l'iluy
nishmat Aviva Rachel bat Immanuel a"h. In her zechut, we learn a middah
embodied by Aviva each month. This month we learned about the middah of
Anava, humility. Rabbi Ande Yudin discussed the importance and
essence of the middah and the way in which we can undertake it. He
explained that Anava is really the yesod of many other middot including simcha,
hakarat hatov, and patience. We gained tremendously from this program
and we are looking forward to many more Moreshet Aviva programs. |
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SHAC on Cruise Control
SHAC, Shimrat Halashon Action
Committee, is an amazing program which works to improve our awareness of
Shmirat Halashon. This past Wednesday night, a group of girls from
SKA went on a cruise to kick off the beginning of this year's SHAC! It wasn't
just any boat; it was a gorgeous boat with a dining room that made us feel as
though we were in a hotel, just on WATER! Elana Jacobs, the founder of
SHAC, together with The Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation really put their all
into making this such a memorable event for the 20 plus schools that attended.
Elana Jacobs, spoke very beautifully and really inspired many girls through her
program. There was AMAZING food from Kosher Delight, fun games, and a great Dvar
Torah given by Rabbi Rothschild. Not to mention the beautiful kumzits and crazy
dancing that took place. ALL the girls who attended had a great time and
were truly inspired. Hopefully through this event, the message of Shmirat
Halashon will spread across the world and help bring Mashiach B'mheira
B'yameinu!!!! |
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Alumnae Shiurim
We are excited to add two more weekly Alumnae
Shiurim to our roster of alumnae happenings and our
Friday shiur with Rabbi Eisenbach at SKA.. Thank you to
Rabbi Rothman and Rabbi Eisenbach who are now giving shiurim at Stern
College to our graduates. We are thrilled that many of our
graduates "keep coming back" to learn Torah and visit with
our staff.
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PSAT Exam Taken at SKA
On Wednesday, October 17, 2007, 170 SKA students took the PSAT
exams. These are practice exams to prepare the students for the
SAT exams needed for college acceptance. In the eleventh grade, the PSAT exams
may also be the route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Competitions.
Qualified students are notified in the fall of their senior year.
The SAT I exams and most of the SAT II exams will be taken in the coming months.
We wish everyone much hatzlacha in their endeavors!!! |
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College Representatives Visit SKA
In the last few weeks, representatives from Cooper Union, Lander College,
and the University of Pennsylvania have met with
interested students in order to give them more information about the schools, as
well as application guidelines. Columbia University is due next
week and then Stern College and Barnard College.
It is an exciting time for the Seniors as they start this process and the
College Guidance Department is ready and available to help them. Good luck
everyone!!
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SKA Students Publish Poetry
Congratulations to Estie
Mallin whose poem "Nothing" was published in a new book, With Honors.
This book is published annually by the America Library of Poetry and
contains highly selective works by talented high school writers throughout
the country.
Kudos to 10th grader Deena Miller whose poem "Butterfly" was
published in Experience 3. This magazine is a scholarly collection of
poetry selected by the Leaugue of American Poets. Deena is an active participant
in the Writing Contest Program.
Writing coordinator Mrs. Caroline Shenker said
she is looking forward to reading more of Estie's and Deena's work in poetry
anthologies.
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Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan
Welcome to the United Colors of SKA. Every month the G.O. will introduce a new
color to the school along with a middah corresponding to the excitement of the
color. This week on Rosh Chodesh Mar Cheshvan, during break, we had an
awesome Orange Party. The event included orange juice, orange soda, caramel
Hershey kisses and special orange sprinkled munchkins. It wouldn't be an SKA
event if food were not present! There was a little help from the new YBC 3 CD
but, of course, all the girls added with their own singing and dancing.
The middah corresponding to the orange theme is brachot. Aloud we all
made a bracha on the munchkins together with a beautiful amen answered in
unison. Look out for some fun orange/brachot surprises throughout the
month.
Chodesh Tov!!
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Gratzia Rose, Elected
9th Grade G.O. Treasurer
Mazal Tov to Gratzia Rose on becoming the 9th grade G.O. Treasurer!!!
Her classmates showed tremendous confidence in Gratzia, as she ran unopposed for
the position. |
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