I preface what I am about to say with the caveat that I am not an accountant, and I am definitely not giving financial advice. However, as many of us know, one of the results of the new tax laws is that people will no longer be able to deduct their state income taxes and local property taxes that total over $10,000. I spoke to Stanley Goldis, CPA (Citrin Cooperman) to see if and how these changes might affect Abrams and EITC. Mr. Goldis has been an accountant for over 40 years, and he is an expert on the tax ramifications of participation in the PA EITC program. He told me that under the new tax laws most people who itemize their deductions and pay over $10,000 in PA state income taxes and local property taxes combined may benefit from participating in the EITC program. Of course, Abrams cannot give tax advice, and anyone who is considering participating in EITC should consult his or her own tax accountant or tax lawyer.
Yesterday I spoke to a financial advisor at UBS, whom I have been asking for quite some time to participate in EITC, and because of the new tax rules he now has real interest in participating personally. He said that other states are also considering establishing similar programs to PA EITC to enable their residents to obtain tax credits.
Up until now I have been asking our community to participate in the EITC program primarily to help the school, but now more than ever participation can be beneficial to the participant as well as to Abrams. The program has steadily become more well-known and interest in participating has grown significantly. The business EITC lottery has become much more competitive, and it is more difficult to get chosen to take advantage of this tax credit. The way to participate personally is through the Jewish Scholarship LLC, and that is getting more popular, too. As people find out about the advantages to participating in the program membership increases, and people who are already members of the LLC have increased their commitments. So- the time for you to act is NOW!
Stanley Goldis, who volunteers his time to the Jewish Scholarship LLC, has offered to hold phone consultations with interested parties on February 5, 2018 in the evening. This is a great opportunity for you or any of your interested friends or family to discuss the EITC program with an expert. The consultations will be scheduled in half hour sessions, and a call-in number will be provided. Obviously, each person’s situation is unique, and you are encouraged to have your accountant join the call and ask questions, as well. Please call me directly- (215) 584-7919 to schedule your appointment.
Participation in EITC is now an even better opportunity to benefit the school and yourself.
Spread the word!
L’Shalom,
Rabbi Ira Budow
2018 Annual Fundraising Campaign
2018 ANNUAL FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN
This year we are honoring faculty and staff who have been at Abrams for 10 years or more, and it is very impressive that we have 17 people who have served Abrams and our students for over a decade!
* If you have photos you’d like to share of our faculty/staff honorees interacting with Abrams students (either current students or alumni) please email them to Debra Goldfarb dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org.
2018 Honorees (Donna Moskowitz not pictured)
Our faculty/staff honorees are:
Sonia Arusy
Dorit Borrus
Rabbi Ira Budow
Deborah Galing
Kevin Gowton
Chris Konopka
Leslie Kornsgold
Joan Lamkey
Rabbi Isaac Leizeroski
Albert Lopez
Debbie Marks
Donna Moskowitz
Rabbi Joshua Ottensoser
Vivian Shore
Rabbi Chaim Tesser
Carol Wallace
Janet Zuazo
EITC
EITC Opportunity
The Jewish Scholarship LLC has funds available NOW for qualified people who pay PA state income taxes personally (not through their businesses) to participate in the EITC program. If you are able to participate yourself or know someone whom you could suggest, please contact Rabbi Budow immediately!
Thank you for your help- EITC is a huge benefit to the school and our children.
Espresso Cafe Open House
New Jersey Open House
Open House
Hosted by:
Leslie and Jay Kornsgold
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
7:00 p.m.
49 Maple Stream Road
East Windsor, NJ
Abrams Hebrew Academy Associate Principal Leslie Kornsgold and her husband, Rabbi Jay Kornsgold, will host an open house at their home to talk about Abrams Hebrew Academy with potential new families and discuss new financial aid opportunities available to NJ residents. Prospective parents will meet with Rabbi Ira Budow, the school’s director, as well as faculty members in an informal setting.
Through the generosity of an anonymous donor, Abrams is able to offer financial aid (similar to the PA EITC program) to qualified NJ families who are interested in day school education for their children.
Please help to spread the word and invite any of your friends and family who may be interested in learning more about Abrams and the affordability of providing a Jewish day school education to our children.
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.
Tu B’shevat Celebration
Tu B’shevat Celebration at Abrams
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Abrams will celebrate Tu B’shevat with a recreation of the Machane Yehuda Shuk!
More exciting surprises and details to follow…
Canned Food and Socks Drive
Canned Food and Socks
Ms. Abramowitz and Ms. Zuazo will collect cans of food and warm socks for the homeless from now until February 16, 2018.
Abrams teaches our students the mitzvah of tzedakah, and providing food and warmth to people who are less fortunate benefits both the donors and the recipients.
Please bring or send donations of canned food and/or new socks to school with your children- donations may be brought to Ms. Abramowitz or Ms. Zuazo.
After School Art
After School Art Club with Donna Moskowitz begins January 22, 2018.
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.
* 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
Safety and Security Reminders
Just a reminder of 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!
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 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 Development & Communications: dsattin@abramsonline.org. (215) 493-1800 ext. 22 by
Wednesday of the target week.
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.