SKAppenings
Parshat Vayakhel-Pikudei
28 Adar 5770
March 12, 2010 |
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A Message from Mrs. Spirn
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The weather was on our side last week when we were finally able to set out on our four grade trips last Wednesday and Thursday!
The
Freshmen were off to Connecticut and their exclusive use of an indoor
Water Park. The Sophomores traveled to Washington, D.C. on our 16th
annual Lobbying Trip on behalf of Israel. We were especially grateful
to the families who hosted the 10th
graders the night before their 4:30 AM departure! Thank you so much
for your hachnasat orchim! The Juniors were excited by their two day
Jewish Life Trip which explored diverse Orthodox Jewish communities in
the New York area. Our Seniors enjoyed a cultural outing to the Frick
Museum, as part of a new cultural initiative coordinated by our own
Parent Council Committee.
I offer my deepest hakarat hatov to
the many teachers, rebbeim and madrichot who chaperoned these exciting
but exhausting trips and used the opportunity to forge deeper
relationships with our students. We could never have provided these
growth opportunities to our students without the full support of our
faculty and staff! THANK YOU!
I look forward to joining our
Senior Class at a chatuna this coming Monday evening, as they
participate in an amazing chesed of being m'sameach a kallah they first
met at the bridal shower they prepared for her several weeks ago! The
girls are so excited about all of their preparations and look forward
to fulfilling this special mitzvah of hachnassat kallah!
Hatzlacha
rabba to our Basketball, JV Volleyball and Varsity Volleyball teams who
are progressing to Semi-Final Championship games this coming week!
Mazel tov to our Torah Bowl team who won all of their matches this week
against their opponents.
Special thanks to our families who will be hosting students from Rome, Italy next Shabbos!
I wish you all a restful Shabbos!
Mrs. Helen Spirn
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| 9th Grade Purim Extravaganza |
 Hmm... Is that Batman? Are those Thing 1 and Thing 2? Yes they are!! On Purim night, the 9th grade girls ran with much excitement to Liza Hirt's house to celebrate the chag! The girls came dressed in all sorts of costumes from Minnie Mouse to the Statue of Liberty. At the Chagiga, the students enjoyed yummy food, fun games, a video presentation and, of course. . . lots of dancing!! It was truly a Purim to remember! Thanks to the Hirts for hosting the girls and a special thanks to the 9th Grade GLAs, Mrs. Segal and Mrs. Leibtag, for organizing this joyful event! Written by: Rikki Bulka |
| Sophomore Masquerade Chagiga |
SKA's having a Masquerade Prom?! For Purim of course! The Sophomores were delighted to dress in bat-mitzvah gowns and quirky outfits for the exciting Chagiga at the Weinberg's. There was amazing food and dancing and the grade experienced tremendous bonding and fun! There was even a great speaker who shared cool dance moves with the girls! It was definitely a "ball" having everyone celebrate the joyous holiday of Purim together!
Written by: Malka Katz |
| Junior Purim Chagiga |
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Motzei Purim night, the Junior Class had an amazing time at their Purim Chagigah at Gila Joseph's house. They all came dressed up as characters from the past to coincide with our "blast from the past" theme. Girls had a "blast" playing musical chairs, eating delicious food, and dancing with Purim spirit. Special thanks to 11th Grade madrichot, grade level advisors, and the Joseph family for inviting the 11th grade into their home! Chag Sameach!
Written by: Esti Chesner
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| Senior Purim Chagiga |
"Mishenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha." The Senior Grade certainly took this concept to the maximum this past Purim night! At Malka Stahler's house, a bus awaited the girls, who decorated it in streamers, balloons and window markers. This "party bus" drove around town to the houses of many teachers while the girls sang and chanted various Purim songs and niggunim. At Mrs. Spirn's house, their first stop, the girls enjoyed her famous home-baked chocolate chip cookies and danced a ton! At Mrs. Kaminetsky;s house, they heard words of inspiration and sung many songs. The night ended with a bang at the Miller home where the girls ate from a smorgasbord of food and played musical chairs. This was definitely an amazing Purim that the girls are sure to remember forever! Seniors '10!
Written by: Beth Weinstein
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| Break Fast At The Rothmans |
On Thursday, February 25, 2010,
For only half a day SKA was in session.
A lazy day, due to the fast,
Then students and teachers alike returned home to rest at last.
But one grade did not go home and forget about school.
The Tenth Graders got together and are really cool.
At Rabbi Rothman's house, they did gather for some fun!
After the fast, the ones left hungry were none.
Rabbi Rothman shared a D'var Torah about Purim, so inspiring,
Special thanks to him for all he is doing!
Written by: Jennifer Konigsberg
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iShine Purim Carnival
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This past Monday evening, SKA hosted the iShine Shushan Purim carnival.
iShine participants from all over the greater Five Towns area came to enjoy
this amazing event. Booths included, "Find the Penny in the Flour" and "Ring
Toss." There was even a real clown played by SKA's own Michal Schulman.
Everyone came in costume which further accentuated the fun-filled Purim
atmosphere. iShine volunteer, Devorah Finkel, exclaimed, "This was such an
amazing opportunity and really made a lasting impression on everyone
involved." Shout out to Rachel Chaya Siman-Tov and Aliza Gottesman for
organizing this outstanding carnival.
Written by: Michal Schulman
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| Freshmen Getaway |
 On Thursday, March 4th the Freshmen Class embarked on their first ever Grade Getaway! The day started at the Coco Key Water Resort, in Waterbury, Connecticut. It was so cool to be at an indoor water park in the middle of the winter! While in Waterbury, the girls had the unique opportunity to hear from Rabbi Baruch Levine, a renowned singer and composer of Jewish music, as well as an elementary school Rebbe, in his own living room! After, these two exciting events, the students stopped at New Roc City, an arcade with bowling, mini golf and laser tag. What fun! This trip was an excellent opportunity to bond with the whole grade, in a very fun-filled way. Thanks go to Rabbi Zak, Mrs. Leibtag, and Mrs. Segal for expertly planning this trip and to Mrs. Pomerantz, Morah Antman, Senora, and Ms. Statman for chaperoning! An outstanding time was had by all! Written by: Shira Aharon |
| Sophomore Lobbying Trip |
The Sophomore trip was truly unbelievable this year! Not only was this trip educational, but it was also a blast! The Tenth Graders met with numerous Congress men and women and shared their views on behalf of Israel and the current issues going on in the Middle East. Some of the girls went to the Senate and even met Senator John McCain! We sincerely hope that all the politicians in Washington took our opinions into account. The Sophomores had an incredible opportunity to go to the nation's capital for a great cause, bond as a grade and have fun! Special thanks to all the teachers and chaperones who accompanied the girls!
Written by: Ruthie Frohlinger |
Juniors Jewish History Trip
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Last Wednesday and Thursday, the Juniors went on the Jewish Life Trip, which
has been a very successful and eye-opening event for many years. The trip
started out in Williamsburg, visiting the Satmar community. The girls went to
the Bikur Cholim kitchen, where women volunteer their time to prepare
heimeshe baked food for Jewish people in hospitals. They then heard from
Mrs. Deutsch, a principal of a girls' high school where they learned all
about Satmar Chassidim and their traditions. They then saw a kallah gemach which was a room full of all wedding necessities such as various dresses, veils, and such. It was so inspiring to see the amount of chessed done in that
community. As one of the helpers in the kitchen said, "With our chessed,
it doesn't matter what chassidus you are a part of, or where you're
currently holding in frumkeit. If you're Jewish, that's all that matters."
The next stop was Crown Heights, where the girls got to tour the Jewish
Children's Museum and hear from a group of 11th grade Bnos Rifka students.
That stop really left a large impact on many of the SKA students. It was astonishing how strongly the Lubovitch girls spoke about the Rebbe and shlichus, and what they wanted to do with their llives. Afterwards, the girls headed to Stern College to hear about Modern Orthodoxy. Rabbi Dovid Cohen, the Mashgiach Ruchani of Stern, spoke about Torah U'mada, and explained what the Modern Orthodox view is on many important issues. The first day of the trip concluded with Rabbi Rothman's optional shiur on the State of Israel and the halachic basis for its support.
Day number two started out early but strong. The first stop was New Square,
which was a totally different world than the Five Towns. Men and women walk on different sides of the street and the atmosphere is extremely unique. A
principal of a children's school spoke to the girls and opened up their eyes
to yet another group of chasidus. From there, we went to the Upper West
Side where the girls heard from a scholar in the Lincoln
Square Synagogue about Modern Orthodoxy from a slightly different
perspective. It was another opportunity for the girls to learn aboutthe hashkafa of schools like SKA and feel confident of the derech it follows.
We then went to the Syrian community in Brooklyn and listened as an SKA alumnus, together with some of her students from Magen David High School, presented Sephardic traditions in an interesting way. The girls learned all about the interesting customs of Syrians, such as the wedding system and the importance of family.
The last educational stop of the trip was also in Brooklyn where the girls heard from a kollel wife named Mrs. Alter (who ironically also taught Earth Science). She explained the difficulties of working so many hours and raising children simultaneously, and discussed how stressful such a life could be sometimes. But she also told many beautiful stories of her husband's involvement with their children and household chores, and how proud she truly feels of his learning. She explained that she felt that there has to be many guardians for something so special as the Torah and how honored she is that her husband is one of them. The girls then had a quick look at Yeshivat Chaim Berlin where her husband learns, and were able to see the learning in action. It was very inspiring to see how people could be so excited about Torah learning even after doing this full time for 30 years.
The trip concluded with dinner at Kosher Delight, and a little program put together by the teachers. All in all, it was two of the most stimulating and exciting days anyone has ever experienced!
Special thanks to all the chaperones: Mrs. Kaminetsky, Rabbi Rothman, Rabbi Eisenbach, Mommy and Tatty Katz, Mrs. Shmuelewitz, Mrs. Sova, Mrs. Bindiger, Mrs. Alter, and Mrs. Lavner.
Written by: Elana Schrier
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Connecting to Hashem Through Art
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 Art...FAO Schwartz ... The Frick Collection... What could possibly be more fun?!
Thursday, March 4th, the 12th grade embarked on their very enjoyable
grade trip. The theme of the day was art and appreciating Judaism through
works of art. The girls visited the home of Mrs. Fuchs, a local artist who
expresses Judaism and Hebrew quotes in her work. The students were extremely
impressed by her ability to connect her passion to Yiddishkeit and her
obvious talent. The grade then split up into groups and went to the Frick
Museum where they learned to see each painting through an artist's eye. They
were even asked to sketch a few drawing themselves! Then the girls walked to
F.A.O Schwartz for a pottery making class and painted ceramics! The wonderful
day of culture and fun ended with an hour to browse and play at F.A.O
Schwartz! Thanks so all those involved in planning the trip; we really had a
blast!
Written by: Miriam Khukhashvili
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| Heart to Heart Campaign |
The Heart-to-Heart Campaign in SKA debuted this week with informative flyers hung all around school. This program is geared towards spreading the notion of Hakarat Hatov for our hearts that keep our hearts alive. The campaign is a raffle with great prizes and all monies raised will be used to buy gifts and toys for patients with heart diseases in Schneider Children's Hospital. Too we often take our beating hearts for granted and forget that our hearts are indeed a bracha. Pictures of students who buy raffle tickets will be placed on the Heart-to-Heart Bulletin Board for all to see. We encourage everyone to buy raffle tickets to help put a smile on these children's faces!
Written by: Aviva Zimmermann and Devorah Adler |
| Annual Choir Competition |
As if Production wasn't enough, SKA students wowed the audience this past audience at the annual Choir Competition. The SKA girls once again had the chance to express themselves through singing as they competed against Central, HAFTR, HANC, and Shalhevet. With colorful bows tied around their waist, they started off the night with a melody portraying the theme of Emunah. The girls sang beautifully and impressed everyone when they signed their songs. They also sang, "I Believe," which greatly moved everyone in the audience. The achdus that the singers gained as the choir worked hard to get melodies, harmonies, and coordination just right was unbelievable. Shout out to Choir Heads, Rebecca Konigsberg, Deena Miller, Nina Mehlman, Shana Wagner and Rachel Lunzer for all your hard work! Kol Hakavod!
Written by: Rebecca Ganz |
Torah Bowl Meet
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Torah Bowl is back! This past Wednesday, the SKA Torah Bowl Team competed against HANC, HAFTR, Shalhevet, and North Shore in another Torah Bowl competition. Congratulations to the entire SKA team for winning all four matches! Thanks to our coach Mrs. Menchel: we couldn't have done it without you!
P.S. Stay tuned for results from the playoff round after Pesach!
Written by: Kimberly Hay |
Sophomore Art Academy Trip
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On Thursday March 11, the 10th grade Art Academy class was fortunate to visit Mrs. Heit's art studio. The girls enjoyed seeing Mrs. Heit's artwork displayed throughout the house and especially enjoyed her pottery demonstration. She showed the girls how she produces her projects through using a pottery wheel and an enormous kiln. Thank you to Mrs. Heit for opening up her home and for allowing the students to leave with a new-found appreciation for the art of clay.
By: Malka Kats and Rikki Grosz |
| Project Frumway |
 Project Runway? No silly! Project Frumway!! On Tuesday, March 2nd, the third annual Project Frumway event, run by NCSY, took place at Congregation Beth Shalom. Project Frumway's goal is to promote self esteem and modesty through tznius and fashionable clothing. Many girls from various schools participated by strutting down the runway modeling the tzniusdik clothing!! Thank you to all the SKA girls involved; you all looked beautiful! Written by: Jamie Simon |
| No Body's Perfect |
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On Wednesday, February 20th and Tuesday, February 26th, two vital workshops regarding positive body image, eating disorders, and self esteem were held for Freshmen and parents. The first and introductory program for students, called "No Body's Perfect," led by FEGS educators, involved interactive student discussion sessions focusing on stereotyping, "weightism," and self esteem. These discussions served as an introduction and foundation which would prepare students for the upcoming Eating Disorders Program. This evening program, which took place one week later, joined students and parents together to learn about the connection between food and feelings, the impact of societal and family pressures to be thin, and the physical, social and psychological effects of eating disorders.
The students heard from Ms. Aliza Blumenthal and Rabbi Dovid Goldwasser. Ms. Blumenthal spoke of her personal eating disorder struggle; this was followed by student groups led by FEGS educators which allowed students to process what they had heard and connect it to their discussions from the previous week. How to get help for oneself or a friend and to whom students can go in school was reviewed.
Parents also saw a movie clip titled, "Understanding Eating Disorders," and a community parent shared his experience dealing with his daughter's eating disorder. Mrs. Spirn, SKA Principal, Mrs. Joan Sherman, School Nurse, and Mrs. Rochel Block, Fitness Advisor and Physical Education and Nutrition teacher were present for the duration of the program and openly participated in the parent/panel discussion. Literature folders which were packed with information mirrored the multifaceted nature and approach of this topic and program.
Overall, the program was stimulating, thought provoking and comprehensive for students and parents alike. It heightened awareness, enhanced a positive and healthier approach to body image and self esteem, and encouraged an up-front sense of candor and openness regarding this health issue. We plan to continue following up with the students on this program and topic in the weeks to come.
A special thanks to Mrs. Ilana Keehn, BOCES Social Worker, for organizing this important event.
Written by: Dr. Tzipora Meier
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| Hadassah Presentation For Seniors |
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The Senior Class was fortunate to hear from women from Hadassah during Senior Seminar this week. The girls watched a brief video and heard from Nurse Ronnie Schneider about the importance of being aware of our bodies. She explained that girls must be attuned to their bodies so if, G-d forbid, there is a malignancy, it can be caught at the beginning of the disease. After the short presentation, the seniors heard from Mrs. Arlene Geller, a breast cancer survivor, who stressed the importance of being on top of your health, just as she was. She explained that because she had been cautious and went for regular check-ups, she was able to be cured and has been cancer-free for twelve years. A special thanks to the women of Hadassah who volunteered their time to relay this crucial information.
Written by: Erica Liebman
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| SHAC Spreads Its Cheer!! |
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This week SHAC has been busy spreading its "Masking Our Facial Expression" campaign. The members of SHAC, the Shmirat HaLashon Action Committee, hung up signs around school urging others to realize the power of facial expressions with saying such as "What's written all over your face?" SHAC members then dressed up as mimes and used only their facial expressions and body language rather than speaking, while collecting tzedakah for the Chofetz Chaim Heritage Foundation. We look forward to more fun activities from the SHAC crew! Keep up the great job!
Written by: Shayna Nordlicht |
Sports Update
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Congratulations to the JV Volleyball Team on their victory against Central
and to the Varsity Volleyball on their win against Magen David! We look
forward to hearing good news from the SKA Basketball Team whose playoff game is next Tuesday. Spring is certainly in the air if the Softball Team is hard
at work practicing already! Here's to a great season! | |
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G.O. Corner
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The G.O. was up to the usual this week... Muffin Monday and special for this week... muffin Thursday! With Pesach approaching, REDETAM has been busy planning an exciting treat for the students of SKA! Wishing everyone a great Shabbos! |
Mrs. Storch on the Bar Mitzvah of her son, Shmaryahu
Diane Liebman '01 on her engagement to Aharon Braid
Shout out to senior Erica Liebman!!!
Yonit Penzoh '07 on her engagement to Yaakov Tzvi Kershenbaum
Kelly Lehman '06 on her marriage to BJ Frankel
Shani Kaish '00 on receiving the Grinspoon Award for Excellence in Jewish Education and being honored at the Bnos Malka School Dinner
Elyssa Schertz '03 who was honored by NCSY's Project Frumway |
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SKAppenings StaffWriting Editors:Erica Liebman
Shayna Nordlicht
Michal Schulman
Elana Schreier
Esti Chesner
Tova Hammer
Technology Editors:
Mrs. Estie Bryk
Ariela Bortz
Shoshana Kaminetsky
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