SKAppenings
Parshat Lech L'cha
7 Mar Chesvon 5769
November 7, 2008
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A Message from Mrs. Spirn
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We were excited to inaugurate this
year's recruitment season for next year's SKA 9th grade, the Class of 2013!
We were thrilled to welcome a record
crowd of 8th graders and their parents to our 17th Annual Open House this
past Sunday and were excited to meet students from all over the New York
Metropolitan area. We were happy to greet students from the following
Elementary Schools: Bais Yaakov of Queens, Bnos Bais Yaakov, Bnos Malka,
HAFTR, HALB, HANC, Har Torah, Manhattan Beach, North Shore, Ohr Haiim,
Shulamith Brooklyn, Shulamith LI, TAG, and YCQ.
We were proud that so many of our students
volunteered their time to serve as tour guides and hostesses and to
participate in our Student Activities Fair and workshops. There were a
large number of freshmen who wanted to share their enthusiasm with the
hundreds of people who attended. Many thanks to our faculty members
who ran workshops, participated in tours and shared their expertise and
excitement about the many special academic offerings and opportunities at
SKA.
We have already begun interviews for the Class
of 2013 and look forward to working with our prospective students and their
families!
Mazel tov to 12th grader Sara Snow on being
selected as a Regional Finalist in this year's Siemens Competition in Math,
Science and Technology! We couldn't be prouder and wish Sara much
mazel in the upcoming Regional Finals in California!
Mazel tov to Elana Wiesel who is the winner of
our Parent Council sponsored Design a SKA Logo Contest. Her winning entry
was transformed into beautiful SKA car magnets which were distributed as
gifts at our Open House. We can't wait to distribute them to our
student body shortly! They are certainly worth waiting for!
We look forward to welcoming Seniors and their
parents at SKA this Tuesday night for the Long Island Regional Israel Night.
We are expecting a large turnout for this event, with representation from 25
different educational programs in Israel and with attendance from HANC,
HAFTR, North Shore Hebrew Academy High School and SKA.
I wish you all a restful and meaningful
Shabbos! |
9th Grade Ch.esed Fair
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Soup kitchen trips...homework helping...
Kulanu mentoring...hospital visits...With the myriad of chesed opportunities
available at SKA, a new student has many opportunities to get involved in
the chesed of her choice. In an effort to acclimate the 9th grade to what is
an essential part of their high school experience, SKA hosts an annual
Chesed Fair.
At the fair, the freshmen are introduced to the various chesed programs and
functions that SKA has to offer. The Junior and Senior chesed heads inspired
the Freshmen with stories and with many illustrations of how one good deed
may lead to another. The ninth graders were also fortunate to hear from
alumnae Yardana Galler, Elissa Schertz, and Michal Lebowitz, who are true
models of chesed in their communities.
Thank you so much to all of the chesed heads whose efforts and creativity
made the night such a success.
Written by Mrs. Storch
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Honor's Society Induction Ceremony |
This past Monday, the annual SKA Re'ut Honor
Society Inductions were held. The theme of the night was "Animals in Tanach,"
coinciding appropriately with last week's Parsha, Parshat Noach. The animals of
choice ranged from lions to snakes to birds. The girls gave informative and
eye-opening presentations on their topics, complete with animated slideshows and
lots of fun. After the presentations, Mrs. Stoltz- Loike, of Lander College for
Women, spoke to the girls about how the leadership and responsibility they
display is seen in the upcoming Parsha, Parshat Lech Lecha. The inductees were
then awarded with elegant certificates and seforim, while their families looked
on with pride. We were thrilled to have a photographer who took pictures of each
inductee with her parents. Parents and daughters alike said that it was one
night they will truly always remember.
Written by Leah Khukhashvilli
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Open House 2008 |
On Sunday November 2, 2008, SKA opened its
doors to close to 140 families and their daughters as part of the annual SKA
Open House. The visitors were given folders chuck full of information, were
welcomed by Mrs. Spirn with a power point presentation, and were able to
meet other members of the administration, faculty and the overwhelming number of
current SKA students who filled the building serving as hosts, speakers and tour
guides.
The building was adorned with the beautiful art work of our students as well as
huge photographs of students and teachers. The final collation allowed future
parents and students to continue asking questions and hearing more about our
wonderful school.
We look forward to welcoming our many Open House attendees over the weeks ahead
when they arrive for their personal interviews with Mrs. Spirn and Rabbi
Rothman. Hatzlacha Rabba to the class of 2012!!
Written by Dr. Meier
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Sophomore Substance Abuse Program -
Realities and Choices:
Substance Abuse in the Jewish Community
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Under the leadership of Mrs. Helen Spirn and
coordinated by Mrs. Ilana Keehn, LCSW, SKA had a special awareness program on
the evening of October 28th. 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, formerly of the Yatzkan Center, enlightened
the audience about the challenges facing teens within our own community, Mr.
Barry Horowitz, Director of Ohel in 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 who drink and drive. A former female substance abuser
also shared a heart-felt and 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. While students broke into groups led by mental health
professionals and had the opportunity to ask the female speaker about her story,
parents participated in a forum consisting of the speakers. Rabbi Dov Silver
from Madraigos joined this parent panel discussion and offered a unique point of
view on better understanding the problematic role that alcohol and drugs have
been playing in our communities. Mrs. Spirn's candor and openness was evident
throughout the program as well, 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. The idea of parents and children openly communicating about these
challenging issues was an important message that became reinforced during this
program and was surely food for thought as parents and students dispersed.
Written by Mrs. Keehn, LCSW, Boces
School Social Worker
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Sara Snow Siemens Westinghouse Regional Finalist
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Congratulations to Sara Snow, a member of the
Senior class and a Regional Finalist in the Siemens Westinghouse Science
Competition in Math, Science
and Technology!
Sara researched her project this summer at the Garcia Center at Stony Brook
University under the leadership of the Director, Dr. Miriam Rafaelovitch. Sara
worked with a student from Jericho High School and another from California
studying the blood clotting process and developed a stent which inhibits blood
clots.
We are proud that this is the 6th year that SKA students have qualified in the
Siemens-Westinghouse competition Regional Finalists will be called to compete
at one of six Regional Competitions held over three consecutive weekends in
November.
Good luck Sara as you compete in California..............we will be cheering for
you!
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Welcome, Mrs. Elana Jacobs |
Notice the new jewelry adorning the wrists of
students (and teachers) in SKA? Not for us the glimmer of gold and shimmer
of silver! Our jewelry, rubber bands with colorful paper clips, serves a higher
purpose. WE DON'T SPEAK LOSHON HARA! This innovative project, headed
by Mrs. Elana Jacobs, SHAC (Shemiras Haloshon Awareness Committee) coordinator,
has taken the school by storm, with girls giving and getting clips, depending on
who slipped. (Full disclosure-I lost a clip during this interview!)
Mrs. Jacobs joined the SKA faculty this year as 10th grade GLA advisor and a
teacher of Tanach. She is so pleased with the students she works
with and they equally share her regard. "She's able to relate to us and
really delves into the meforshim!" And how many teachers sing to their
classes? Talent runs in the family as Mrs. Jacobs is the entertainer, Ari
Goldwag's, sister. She has composed songs to explain the navi the
class is learning ("Mrs. Jacobs has a beautiful voice") and sings them! (She
plays the flute too.) She even invited her class to a private concert
given by her brother in her home.
After living in Israel for three years and teaching seminary there, Mrs. Jacobs
now gives shiurim to women in addition to teaching and caring for
her family. (She also plays a serious weekly basketball game that she hardly
every misses!). Urged by her own teachers to share her gifts, she finds her
fellow faculty members and the administration extremely open and giving
and always available for assistance.
Written by Mrs. Martin
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Tzemach: Jealousy |
On Monday and Tuesday, the 9th and
10th graders participated in this year's first Tzemach program. The theme of
this Tzemach lesson was "Jealousy" and during the program we learned various
ways to help us live a jealous-free life. Through group learning and watching a
short video featuring Rabbi Pesach Krohn, the program portrayed how terrible
jealousy can be and gave some suggestions for overcoming it.
A special thanks to Mrs. Segal for all of the hard work that she put in to make
this program possible!
Written by Elana Schrier
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AP Scholars |
SKA is proud to announce the AP Scholars for the SKA graduating class of the
year 2008. These students earned this recognition on the basis of their
outstanding academic performance with AP courses and exams.
Seven students qualified for the AP Scholar with Distinction Award by earning an
average grade of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher on
five or more of these exams.
Eight students qualified for the AP Scholar with Honor Award by earning an
average grade of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and grades of 3 or higher
on four or more of these exams.
Ten students qualified for the AP Scholar Award by completing three or more AP
Examinations with grades of 3 or higher.
We congratulate the following students and their families:
AP Scholar with
Distinction:
Lauren Bayer
Shira Bindiger
Rebecca Eichenbaum
Leora Hefter
Rebecca Krauss
Leora Niderberg
Sarah-Meira Rosenberg
AP Scholar with
Honor:
Allyssa Brody
Debra Friedmann
Talya Herskowitz
Leora Lerman
Rachel Rosen
Sarit Sandowski
Debra Stahler
Jordana Whittmann
AP Scholar:
Avigayil Chesner
Ayelet Chovev
Arielle Eisenberg
Eden Gerson
Jennifer Goldstein
Shoshana Gross
Temima Kessler
Elisheva Klastky
Shani Klein
Efrat Leifer
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SKA Presidential Vote |
For the past few weeks the SKA Social Studies
teachers, Dr. Nicole Brackman, Mr. Michael
Fiedler, Mrs. Ellen Lavner and Mrs. Sheila Leibtag have been speaking
about the very important national election, which took place this past Tuesday.
The students learned about the Electoral College, watched the debates and
discussed the issues with great interest. Last week, the students took part in a
mock online election, which is part of a project of the Youth Leadership
Initiative at the University of Virginia for Politics. About a million
students in private, parochial and home based elementary and high schools, took
part in this project
So how did the SKA students
vote? On Election Day, the data was reported to the student body. SKA students
did not vote as the country did. The people of the United States elected
Barack Obama but the students at SKA voted overwhelmingly for John McCain. They
also felt that the two most important issues in the country were the economy and
terrorism.
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GO Rosh Chodesh Treats
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This past week, on Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, the G.O. sponsored a special and
delicious Rosh Chodesh treat. When the bell rang, all of the students rushed
into the auditorium where muffins and soda were served. Students were also
encouraged to fill out "Create a Holiday" forms in order to enhance the month of
Mar Cheshvan, where there are no holidays. Stay tuned, for the winning holiday
will be announced next week! The G.O. also began selling SKA headbands this
week, the must-have accessory for this year's shabbaton!
Written by
Shaina Nordlicht
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Columbia Scholastic Press Association
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On Monday November 3rd,
Penina Wein and Emily Feldman, the
Editors in Chief of the SKA newspaper, The Looking Glass, had the
privilege of attending the Columbia Scholastic Press Association's Fall
Conference with Mrs. Manne, their
advisor. The conference, held in Columbia University, was an opportunity for
editors of publications from high schools all over the country to attend
sessions given by faculty advisors and professors. From learning different ways
to catch readers' eyes to learning how to be a freelance writer while still in
high school, our editors gained a lot from attending this conference. "It was
definitely an eye-opening experience," said Penina. "We're going to use what we
learned to make our newspaper even better," said Emily Feldman. Stay tuned for
the first issue of the Looking Glass which will be coming out before
Thanksgiving!
Written by Emily Feldman and
Penina Wein
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PSAT Exams Taken at SKA |
On Wednesday, October 29, 2008, 148 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!!!
Written by Dr. Meier
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Stern College Presentation |
On Monday afternoon, the SKA Seniors had the opportunity to learn everything
they wanted to know about Stern College. Geri Mansdorf, a former HALB teacher
and currently an Associate Dean of Admissions at Stern College for Women, met
with the class of 2009 to familiarize the students with all that Stern has to
offer. The Dean spoke about everything from admissions and academics, to
extra-curricular activities, such as sports, community service opportunities,
graduate programs, and beyond. Additionally, Mrs. Mansdorf informed the students
about Stern programs in Israel. The Stern Open House will be held on
Sunday,November 16th from 9:15 AM to 3:30 PM at the Schottenstein Center, 239
East 34th Street, between 2nd and 3rd Avenue, New York.
Written by Mrs. Sachs
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SKA Community-Wide Lecture for Women
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On Wednesday night students, parents, teachers, and alumnae
gathered at SKA to listen to inspiring stories from the dynamic
duo- Yitta Halberstam Mandelbaum and Judith Leventhal, authors
of the well known series Small Miracles. They spoke about how
nothing in life is a coincidence; rather it is all a message
from Hashem. With some astounding stories of "small miracles',
they captivated their audience and left everyone wanting to hear
more. It was a very inspiring night that caused everyone to run
and buy the Small Miracles series. Special
thanks to the Brach family for sponsoring the lecture l'zecher
nishmat Shmuel ben Yechezkel Shraga, a"h.
Written by Rena Stahler
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Math Team
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On Tuesday, November 4th, the
SKA Math Team had their first meet of the season. Two teams, of ten girls each
competed in the meet which was held at DRS. The SKA team had a lot of fun!
Many thanks to Mrs. Budne for coaching the team!
Written by Eliana Brecher
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AP Biology and AP Environmental Sceince
Take a Trip to Alley Pond Park
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Alley Pond Park was the destination on
October 24th for the AP Biology and the AP Environmental classes.
Upon arriving, the girls seated in an outdoor classroom in the
middle of the park learned about the geographical surroundings of
the park and the different types of organisms that reside there. The
girls were then led to Alley Pond, where they took samples of the
pond water for their lab experiments and took notes on the many
things they saw living in or near the pond. After the experiments,
the girls went on a short nature walk through the park, while taking
notes on the beautiful trees and animals that exist there. To get an
even better idea about the animals living in Alley Pond, the
students were led to the indoor museum where there were cages and
displays of live and dead animals which are common to the area.
A special thanks to Mrs. Alter and Mrs. Gross who organized this fun
and exciting learning experience for the girls!
Written
by Erica Liebman
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Chesed Update |
This past week a group of girls from all the
grades went to package clothing at Tammy Bodner's home. The
clothing will be sent to Israel to those who are In need. In
addition, girls went to the nursing home and hospital to
entertain the elderly. On Wednesday, a group of girls went to
the soup kitchen in the city, to feed the underprivileged.
Written by Liron Eiger
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SKA Students Go To Stern College to Learn Torah
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On Thursday evening, November 7th,
thirty-five SKA students went to Manhattan, joining over 150 students from
Bruriah, Central, Kushner, and Maayanot at Stern College for Women for the
year's kickoff Torah Leadership Network Mishmar. After a dinner of "Dougies",
students gathered with Madrichot and learned b'chavruta. The students then chose
a shiur by Rabbi Dovid Cohen or Mrs. Yael Leibowitz, both of whom teach at Stern
College. The theme of the evening was "New Beginnings", which was very fitting
as students reunited with old friends and even made some new ones.
Written by Ms.
Adina Borg
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Lilmod Ule'lamed |
The second lecture of the second Lilmod Ule'lamed series will continue this
coming Tuesday, November 11, 2008. This series is led by our Mashgiach Ruchani
and beloved Rebbe, Rabbi Daniel Eisenbach, who will continue speaking on
"Insights in Sefer Breishis." The lecture will be held in Room 109 at SKA; it
will begin at 11:45AM and will take about 45 to 50 minutes.
This lecture is sponsored by Mr. and Mrs.
Jospeh Felder for a refuah shlemah for Fayga bas Esther Rivka.
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Shabbaton 2008
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CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AN APPLICATION!!
PLEASE RETURN
IT TO RABBI ZAK'S OFFICE ASAP!
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Israel Night at SKA
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We are pleased to be hosting the Long Island Regional Israel
Night at SKA this Tuesday night, November 11, 2008 at 7:30 PM.
We are sure that you this will be a very informative evening.
There will be four 20-minute sessions during each student will
be able to visit a school and hear the presentation. The fifth
session will be an informal one, during which the students will
be able to stop in a room to pick up materials, ask questions,
etc.
We look forward to hosting a successful
evening on November 11th.
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Mrs. Tammy Alter on the Bar-mitzvah of her son Eli
Mrs. Deena Kobre on the birth of a girl Shalva Rochel
Mrs. Brenda Mirsky on the engagement of her son Harek
Danielle Dobe Friedman '05 on her engagement to Raphael Tatelbaum
Arielle Lilker '05 and Jeremy Boczko on the birth of a baby boy
Gila Blass Kolodny '00 on the birth of a baby boy Shimmy
Ilana Polakoff '02 on the engagement to Shlomo Barry
Chava Rappaport '99 on her engagement to Tzvi Barax
Chani Schonbrun '04 on her engagement to Menachem Yondorf
Gabby Soep '04 on her engagement to Danny Winkler
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SKAppenings Staff
Editors:
Liron Eiger
Rachel Klein
Erica Leibman
Shayna Nordlicht
Alex Spitz
Jordana Wernick
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