Abrams Extra January 11, 2019

 

 

New AHA logo 2011

ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
Translate the Extra
Budowsphere
2019 Matching Campaign
2019 Israel Trip
Class.me
Homefront Donations
After School Art Club
Revised Basketball Schedule 2018-19
Kindergarten Opportunity
Donation Bricks
Recruitment
Security Reminders
Cell Phone Rules
Donor Support
School Lunches
Car Pool Rules
Dress Code Rules

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January 11, 2019/ 5 Sh’vat

 

Candle Lighting 4:31 pm/ Bo

 

 

Translate the Extra-
Hebrew and Russian 
Translate the Abrams Extra:

 

Translated by Google Translate

 

 

 

Budowsphere

 

 

Dear Parents:

 

During this past week I was distressed to read yet another article that reinforces the fact that there has been a significant increase and spread of anti-Semitism throughout Europe. The recent NYT article to which I refer reported on the ban of halal and kosher slaughtering in the northern regions of Belgium, followed by implementation in the southern regions of the country later this year. Jeremy Corbyn, the leader of the Labour Party in Britain, has been accused of being an anti-Semite on many occasions. These are only two examples of the trend towards legitimizing anti-Semitism throughout Europe. Anti-Semitism has also increased on our college campuses, and this anti-Semitic, anti-Israel rhetoric is extremely dangerous and disturbing.
What can we do? I firmly believe in my heart that all Jews should make Aliyah, despite the challenges of leaving one’s home and immigrating to Israel. Only when I walk on the streets of Israel am I totally comfortable being a Jew; a comfort level that I do not feel anywhere else. Israel is a safe place where Jews don’t have to worry about being able to buy kosher food, accessibility to synagogues, or anti-Semitism.
Of course, I realize that making Aliyah is not feasible for most of us, including me, but there is a way to bring Israel to us through modern-day technology. Through the internet I am able to communicate with Israel every day. I can watch the prayers being recited at the Kotel, and even study on-line with noted scholars from all denominations of Judaism. Shlomo Riskin teaches classes daily on a number of topics, and I can participate from my home or office right here in Yardley, PA. I read the Jerusalem Post every morning, and actually get the news before people in Israel, due to the time difference! I think it’s important to learn the news from a variety of sources, so I also read Haaretz every day.
There are many opportunities to share secular and entertainment experiences with Israel, too. I watch a Netflix series about a Chasidic family called Shtisel, and watching the series and recognizing the neighborhoods and landmarks that I see when I am actually in Israel makes me feel a part of the country and the people. Everyone knows that I am a huge sports fan, and Maccabi Tel Aviv is my team of choice, and I am able to watch every game sitting at my computer. These acts serve as a way for me to feel closer to the people and the place I believe all Jews should live- the land of Israel.
Living in Israel should remain the dream for all of us, but my experience proves that through current technology we can bring Israel to us.
 
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Ira Budow

2019 Annual Matching Campaign
 
 

2019 Annual Matching Campaign
 
Donate Online:
 
9:00 am February 5, 2019-
9:00 pm February 6, 2019
 
This year’s annual campaign marks the 20th anniversary of the annual 8th grade trip to Israel, and there is no more fitting theme for the year and our annual fundraising event. 
 
Please join Abrams in celebrating and commemorating this auspicious occasion by participating in the annual fundraising campaign. Your support will enable Abrams to continue to foster a love of Israel and a culture of Zionism at the school for many years to come!
Watch your mail after the first of the year for the information about participating in our upcoming annual fundraising matching campaign!

Every dollar you donate to our 36 hour campaign

will be quadrupled thanks to generous donors and the members of the Abrams board of directors.
 
To qualify for the match all donations/pledges must be received by Tuesday, Feb 5, 2019-Wednesday, Feb 6, 2019.
Donate on-line at charidy.com/abrams for 36 hours beginning 9:00 am February 5, 2019.
You may also donate NOW by sending your check and/or credit card information to the school office. 
Please direct questions to Debra Goldfarb, Director of Development; dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org.
 

Israel Trip
 
 
2019 Israel Trip 
 
Abrams is getting ready for this year’s Israel trip. It is particularly special because it will mark the 20th anniversary of our annual graduation excursions to Israel, and Abrams wants to make it the most memorable experience ever! To that end, during the trip the students will meet with three people who lived in the local region, made Aliyah, and are currently living satisfying lives in Israel.
Yoram Raanan, Tal Brody and Ari Greenspan have something in common- Tal Brody and Ari Greenspan were raised in Trenton, NJ (Ari attended the school when it was called the Trenton Hebrew Academy), and Yoram lived nearby in Philadelphia- all of them emigrated from the U.S. to Israel and have made happy and successful lives for themselves there.
Tal became “Mr. Basketball” after he decided to live in Israel and play for Maccabi Tel Aviv, and Yoram has enjoyed a successful career as an artist. Ari is a dentist and the co-founder of the Ptil Tekhelet Association in Jerusalem. He is also an artist. All three of these people are immigrants to Israel and have created new lives for themselves. I want our students to meet these pioneers and say, “This could be me.”
Every year Abrams dedicates a Torah to the IDF as part of the graduation ceremony. This does not happen by itself- the donation depends on someone funding the purchase and transport of the Torah. The cost is $10,000 and is tax-deductible. In the past the Torah has often been donated by someone who is participating in the trip with a student family member, and anyone who has seen the presentation will say that it is a truly magical experience.
Please consider making this worthwhile gift- if you are interested, contact Rabbi Budow for more information.

 

Class.me

Class.me Program Begins
 
Class. me begins Monday, January 14, 2019. This program provides an opportunity for students grades 4-7 to interact with their classmates and a tutor to discuss their math classwork (up to pre-Algebra) and ask questions about the curriculum two evenings per week using their Smartphones and the Class.me app. The program will be facilitated by Debbie Marks.
A tutor will be available to answer questions and facilitate the discussions Mondays from 8:00 pm-10:00 pm and Wednesdays, 7:30 pm-9:30 pm.
 
Questions: dmarks@abramsonline.org
This is an innovative program that augments the math program and another exciting use of modern technology at Abrams!

Homefront Donations Needed

 
4th Annual Drive
Canned Goods/Socks 
Donations to Homefront
 
Ms. Abramowitz and her English classes are holding the the 4th Annual Drive to benefit Homefront, a NJ organization dedicated to helping homeless families become self-sufficient. Homefront offers services and assistance to over 14,000 families a year.
 
You can participate by purchasing or donating canned goods and new socks with tags on them. The canned goods and socks will be delivered by a group of students and their teacher directly to Homefront. 
Collection Dates:
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 – 
Friday, February 8, 2019

 

Please deliver all donations toMs. Abramowitz – Room 34 (3rd floor)

 

Thank you for your generosity and for helping Abrams Hebrew Academy teach tzdekah to our students by making them active participants in the community

 

After School Art
art-event.jpg
 
After School Art w/
Donna Moskowitz
 
After School Art Club 
Tuesday- 3:30-5
January 15-March 19
Cost: $100
 
Sign up form:

Revised Basketball Schedule 2018/19

 

 

basketball-basket.jpg  
 

 

 AHA Revised Basketball Schedule
2018-19
 
Click below to see the basketball schedule for the girls and boys teams. Go Abrams and Mr. G!
 
 

 

 

Kindergarten

 

 Kindergarten Enrollment
 
Current Abrams families with a child not currently attending Abrams who will be starting Kindergarten in September, 2019 will be eligible for special tuition pricing.
This offer is limited to the first 10 new Kindergarten students enrolled. 
If you are interested, please call Rabbi Budow immediately.

 

Bricks in the Link


Buy a Brick on the Link Wall and
Support AHA

 

 

Support Abrams by purchasing a commemorative brick on the wall in the Link for a $100 donation. The bricks are made of colored Plexiglas and visibly located on the wall outside the gym.
Buy a brick to commemorate a special occasion- it is a wonderful and lasting gift to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah,  birthday, anniversary, graduation, or to recognize the memory of a loved one or friend.
Your donation will be acknowledged to the recipient, and Abrams will benefit from your donation.

 

Please contact the office if you would like to purchase a brick.
 
**********
 

 

 

Recruitment
 
“New Family Recruitment”
Open houses in people’s homes is an effective way to meet with families who are potentially interested in enrolling their children at Abrams. Rabbi Budow and a small group of faculty members are happy to travel to meet informally with your friends and neighbors to discuss the advantages and opportunities that Abrams offers to Jewish children.
If you would like to volunteer to host one of these gatherings, please contact Rabbi Budow.

 

Safety and Security Reminders

 

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Reminder- AHA Security Procedures:

  • All parents should use the front door to enter the school with key cards and not the back doors. Parent swipe cards only work at front door.
  • Please do not ask students to open any doors– parents must report to the front office and check-in before entering the school.
  • No student or other person should use the lunchroom doors other than for dismissal or emergency purposes.

These rules are for our children’s safety.

Thank you for your cooperation!

 

 

 

Cell Phone Rules
 
REMINDER: Cell Phone Rules
 
Electronic devices have become a common means of communication and information access in today’s society.  However, these devices have the potential of disrupting the orderly operation of school.  Our cell phone/personal electronic devices policy is designed to keep the focus on education.
At the start of the school day, all cell phones MUST BE TURNED OFF (NOT IN SILENT MODE) AND STORED IN THE STUDENT’S LOCKER OR BOOK BAG FROM 8:30 AM UNTIL 3:30 PM. Students are not permitted to carry them on their person or to use them to make or receive any calls or text messages during the given time.
If a student has an emergency, and needs to be in contact with someone, she/he must use a school phone, or have the permission of  a faculty member, to use his/her cell phone.  Parents should contact the school office, if they have an emergency message for their
Child(ren).
Electric devices, such as iPods, or hand-held gaming devices may be used on the bus/van transportation to/from school, prior to school, and following school.   Students must turn off and place these items in their locker/backpack during school hours.
If any of these items are out at the inappropriate time, they will be confiscated by staff, and given to the director of discipline.
Students will be allowed to bring cell phones on school trips for emergency use only.  Any hand-held gaming device will be the responsibility of the students on a school trip.
The school is not responsible for lost, misplaced, damaged or stolen electronic devices/cell phones.
CONSEQUENCES FOR STUDENTS WHO DO NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE RULES:
1st Offense – Phone confiscated, and returned at the end of the day.
2nd Offense – Phone confiscated, returned at the end of the day, and written notification that requires parent signature.
3rd Offense – Phone confiscated, and parent must pick up phone from director of discipline.
4th Offense – Suspension from school

 

 

Support AHA Donor Businesess
Abrams is greatly appreciative of all of the benefactors who donate generously to the school through participation in EITC, LLC, grants, cash donations, etc. Many of these donors are business owners, and Abrams encourages the AHA community to support the businesses of these people whose largess supports the school.
Some of these generous people are:
Expert Home Care
McCaffrey’s Food Market
Team Toyota
Swartz & Culleton
Rothenberg Law Firm
Flager & Associates
Princeton Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Marcus & Auerbach

 

Marlowe, Zwillenberg & Ghaderi
Your Eyes Center

Espresso Cafe

Center For SmartLipo & Plastic Surgery
* This is not a complete list- we will add businesses throughout the year!
Thank you very much to all of our supporters!

Oorah
Abrams thanks Oorah, a nonprofit organization located in Lakewood, NJ for all of its financial support to our students.

 

Oorah sponsors numerous programs that all share the common goal of opening doors for Jewish children and families. The mission is to reach out to Jewish families everywhere with opportunities to make their Judaic heritage more personal, relevant and meaningful.

 

Abrams received $100,000 in scholarship aid for qualified families this year from Oorah and is extremely grateful for the generosity of this organization.

 

School Lunches

 
Please do not send meat lunches or snacks to school with your children. 
 
Food sent from home must be 
dairy or Pareve only!
 
Thank you very much for your cooperation

Car Pool Rules 

All Parents who Car Pool:

 

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 Dress Code
 
Dress Code
 
Studies have found that appropriate dress influences behavior and learning.  Abrams strives through the dress code to maximize the learning environment.
Respect for the sensitivities of others requires that students/parents/guests follow reasonable standards of modesty and privacy.  We ask that students/parents/guests dress in a manner befitting a Jewish day school when entering the building.
Dress Code for Grades 1-8
  • Clothing cannot advertise or advocate the use of alcohol, drugs, tobacco or weapons.
  •  Clothing cannot display writing or pictures that are obscene or suggestive.
  • No writing or pictures on the back of pants.
  • No sleepwear or bedroom slippers to be worn at any time, unless pre-approved for a special occasion.
  • Heavy linked chains may not be worn as jewelry.
  • No extreme hair colors are permitted.
  • All boys must come to school wearing a kippah.  Baseball caps and other head coverings are NOT permitted.
  • No sleeveless shirts, tank tops, halter tops, spaghetti straps, tube tops, crop tops, belly shirts, or tight shirts.
Dress Code for Boys Grades 5-8
  • Shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, and tee-shirts should be appropriate for school.  Students may not wear undershirts.
  • Pants or denim jeans must be properly hemmed and not dragging on the floor.  Pants will not have rips, holes, or fraying and will not be too tight or over-sized.
  • Shorts must be to the knee.
  • Pants/shorts will not sag, as underwear may not be visible.
  • Boys are to be clean-shaven.
  • Hair is to be well groomed.  Partially or fully shaved heads and ponytails are not allowed.
  • Piercings of any kind are not allowed.
Dress Code for Girls Grades 5-8
 
  • Dresses/skirts/shorts must be no shorter than 2 inches above the knee.
  •  Pants or denim jeans must be properly hemmed and not dragging on the floor.  Pants or shorts will not have rips, holes, or fraying and will not be too tight.
  • Leggings of any type are not permitted to be worn in place of skirts or pants, but may be worn under clothing.  If worn, they must be accompanied by a fingertip length or longer, dress, skirt, or top.
  • Clothing that exposes any part of the midriff, cleavage (front or rear), or any clothing excessively revealing may not be worn.
  • Clothing materials for tops and bottoms must be opaque (not see-through).
Consequences for Students Who Do Not Follow the Dress Code:
  • 1st Offense – Explain to student what is wrong with his/her attire.  Student must change into appropriate clothing.
  • 2nd Offense – Written notification that requires parent signature.  Student must change into appropriate clothing.
  • 3rd Offense – Student must change clothes to follow guidelines and parent is called on the telephone immediately.
  • 4th Offense – Suspension from school.
  • Parent conference required for student to return to school.

 

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 do not send anything with nuts due to 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 Communications: dsattin@abramsonline.org. (215) 493-1800 ext. 22 by
Tuesday of the target week.

Abrams Hebrew Academy, 31 West College Avenue, Yardley, PA 19067
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