Rabbi Budow met again with the Yardley Borough Chief of Police this week. The proposed collaboration between AHA and the Yardley Borough police department was approved by the Borough Planning Commission and now goes to the legal department for review. The Chief has assured the Rabbi that he is working as quickly as possible to obtain the go-ahead for this collaboration.
Once the approvals are finalized Chief Kelly will present his suggestions for providing security at the school to the AHA Board of Directors.
Abrams believes that this collaboration with the local law enforcement is the right way to ensure that we fulfill the security needs at the school.
North American Day School Conference
Abrams Faculty to Present at National Conference
The North American Day School Conference will be held March 8-10, 2015 at the Philadelphia Marriott Hotel.
We are honored that two of our teachers will be presenters at this year’s conference-
Leslie Kornsgold will address the audience describing the integration of iPad technology into the curriculum at Abrams; and
Amy Hamacher will present with Orit Hazzan, professor at The Technion in Israel, discussing our cutting edge middle school science curriculum that was developed in collaboration with faculty at The Technion.
Better Together Program
The mid-year report prepared for the Legacy Heritage Fund (grantors of the “Better Together” program that brings our 8th grade students together with seniors at the Abrams Residence at Greenwood House) includes a few questions for the senior facility to answer.
Eileen Berkman, our liaison at the Abrams Residence, sent us the following for the report, and we wanted to share her kind words and enthusiasm about the school, the program, and most importantly, our children, with the Abrams community:
________________________________
Abrams Residence
50 Walter Street
Ewing, New Jersey 08628
Number of seniors in program: At this time, we have 25 residents living in Abrams. As a “small” facility, we have a cozy, home-like atmosphere and most of our residents attend programs/activities.
Impact: The impact on our residents is very positive. They look forward to greeting the students and interacting with them. On our first meeting, several students “interviewed” many of our residents. They were invited to the apartments, and all the residents who participated reported to me that it was like having their grandchildren visit. The residents enjoyed and appreciated that the students were interested in hearing about their lives, and we all felt the time went by too fast. We took pictures which all the residents insisted on keeping. The smiles and conversation continued on the next visit at Chanukah time. What a wonderful program Rabbi Ottensoser arranged along with the delicious sufganiyot for all! Comments from the residents include: “I had so much fun,” “I loved every minute,” “When are they coming back,” “They were so interested in me. That felt good.” It was so nice to see the residents and children working together decorating Chanukah mugs- which most of the residents have in their apartments. Some were so happy to have a gift to give to a grandchild!
We are now looking forward to a Tu B’shvat celebration on Feb. 4th.
Challenges or Obstacles: For the residents (and staff), there are no obstacles. We all love the excitement of planning and setting up for our Abrams family. There is great communication between the residents and students. Rabbi Ottensoser and Mrs. Sattin are involved and help make good shidduchim between residents and the students.
Success Factors. Obviously, the preparation from Rabbi and Mrs. Sattin is a priority. But it is obvious that the general atmosphere and learning at Abrams Hebrew Academy has a wonderful effect on the children. When a class of children come into a facility of seniors are so relaxed and comfortable, and present a sincere happy attitude, the relationship can only be successful. Children need to be with the elderly and the elderly strongly need to be with the children.
This is a wonderful program and we sincerely hope it will continue for a long time.
On behalf of all the residents, our administrator, David Katz, and the staff…thank you.
Eileen Berkman, R.N.
Abrams Residence
Basketball News
AHA Wins in Basketball Games
Led by Coach Gowton, the boy’s and girl’s basketball teams scored resounding victories playing against Barrack this week.
The boy’s team won 45-39;
The girl’s team won 15-0
Our teams have been excelling this season-Congratulations to all of our AHA athletes and
Coach Kevin Gowton!!
Girl Scout Cookies
It is Girl Scout Cookie time!
Between now and March 8 there are two ways for you to purchase cookies and support the Abrams Hebrew Academy troops.
1.
Order from one of the Abrams Troops:
Michelle Eley and Deb Kestenbaum (Troop 2178)
Felissa Lane and Sarah Weinstein (Troop 266).
OR
2.
Purchase at the Cookie Booth in the lunch room at Abrams Hebrew Academy between 11:45 and 12:45 Thursday, February 12.
This year, in addition to your favorite cookies, we are offering cranberry citrus crisps! We have Thin Mints, Caramel DeLites, Peanut Butter Patties, Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Lemonades, Thanks-a-Lots, and Shortbreads.
All cookies are $4/box.
Questions? Contact Michelle (609-688-1843) or Felissa (215-355-3729).
Thank you for your support!
Super Sunday
Be a part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia’s
Super Sunday Phon-a-thon!!
Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015
Jack M. Barrack Hebrew Academy
Bryn Mawr, PA
9:00 am-9:00 pm
Register for a morning, afternoon or evening shift or stay for all three; phoning will take place between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.
There will be free child care and children’s programming all day, and a community fair from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. for all to enjoy.
**Busing will be available leaving from AHA- contact 215-832-0630 for information.
IMPORTANT CHANGES TO PSAS FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS
Dear Parents:
PSAS (Private School Aid Service) has changed its application process starting THIS YEAR!
NO PAPER APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED- ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ON-LINE.
Everyone applying for financial aid must apply on-line at www.psas.org. PSAS
Applications will be available on-line starting January 20, 2015
Application DEADLINE – March 20, 2015
If you need assistance please call Carol in the AHA office as soon as possible before the deadline of March 20, 2015. Her phone # is: 215-493-1800 ext. 21
REMEMBER- THERE ARE NO PAPER APPLICATIONS! The only way to apply and receive financial aid for tuition is to fill out the PSAS forms on-line before the deadline of March 20, 2015.
Fitness Fun
After School Fitness
Grades 1-3
Mondays, Feb. 23, 2015-May 4, 2015
Abrams Gym
3:45 pm -4:45 pm
This program will consist of sports, cooperative and group games. In addition, each student will be allowed to choose a game he/she wishes to play.
Please make all checks payable to Kevin Gowton.
If you have any questions please contact Mr. Gowton at Abrams Hebrew Academy (215) 493-1800.
***Note: All children must be picked up by 4:50pm.
On Fridays, Jewish Family and Children’s Service volunteers deliver freshly baked challot to Jewish patients in fifteen area facilities: Abington Memorial Hospital, Jeanes Hospital, Jefferson Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, Lankenau Hospital, Paoli Hospital, Nazareth Hospital, Aria-Torresdale Hospital, Fox Chase Cancer Center, St. Mary Medical Center, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), Pennsylvania Hospital, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP), Holy Redeemer Hospital, and St Joseph’s Manor. We deliver nearly 15,000 challot a year, along with a full-color card offering kind words for healing and blessings for Shabbat, providing both physical and spiritual nourishment.
How you can help:
Your school’s participation in the Challah Mitzvah Project helps support this effort. Families donate $72 to pay for one challah per week for a full year, or $36 for half a year. Your child will receive a personal thank-you note and have the satisfaction of knowing that he or she made this mitzvah possible. At the end of the year, your school will receive a certificate of appreciation with the total number of challot your school sponsored throughout the year.
Please consider supporting this program, so you can be part of these wonderful mitzvot of Bikkur Holim (visiting the sick) and Gemilut Hasadim (acts of loving-kindness).
For more information: Rivka Goldman at 267.256.2037 or RGoldman@jfcsphilly.org.
Please note that the car pool line is for grades N and K only. All other students are to be dropped off in the front of the building.
Parents who use the back for drop off should follow the directions of the teachers in the parking lot. They are there to assist students and maintain a safe environment.
Under no circumstances are parents to park their cars in the middle of the line and leave them unattended to walk students into the building.
** We ask that parents refrain from cellphone use in the parking areas while dropping off and picking up their children.
Abrams Notes
Birthday Celebrations at School
When sending birthday treats into school to celebrate that special day for your child, please consider sending in a healthy treat, such as frozen fruit bars, rice cakes, fruit salad or cups, sugar free pudding snacks, yogurt cake or pie, cheese sticks, light popcorn or air popped popcorn (when age appropriate), pretzels, carrots/celery (when age appropriate).Please avoid nuts because of allergies.
In order to maintain a consistent kashrut policy and to avoid confusion, ALL orders for birthday cakes/cupcakes MUST be ordered from Cramer’s Bakery, 16 E. Afton Avenue, Yardley. Cramer’s will deliver the order to the school at a discounted price.
Please call Kim Pierce at 215-321-5707 to place your cake/ cupcake order.
Celebrate Your Simcha at Abrams
Abrams Hebrew Academy is a perfect choice to host your family or social affair, business meeting or athletic event. Whether you’re looking for an inviting space to celebrate a special occasion; a meeting area with state-of-the art technology; a fun, safe environment for a child’s birthday; or a gym or athletic field for a sporting event, Abrams can accommodate your needs and your budget. For more information on room rentals at Abrams Hebrew Academy, call (215) 493-1800 or e-mail info@abramsonline.org.
Check Your Child’s Assignments with Homework Now
Parents- all homework will be posted on-line by all teachers grades K-8 by Sunday evening each week.
Instructions for use of homeworknow.com:
Click on homeworknow.com
Click on Parent and Student
Click on find school
Click on Pennsylvania
Click on Abrams Hebrew Academy
Click on your child’s teacher
View homework assignments
Share Abrams News With Others
Is there a family member (such as a grandparent) or friend who would be interested in hearing about everything going on at Abrams? Sign them up for our e-mail list today! Please contact the Main Office.
Information about the Extra
Please submit any information to be considered for inclusion in the Extra to Dale Sattin, Director of Development & Communications: dsattin@abramsonline.org. (215) 493-1800 ext. 22 by
