Abrams Extra November 9, 2018

 

 

New AHA logo 2011

ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
Translate the Extra
Budowsphere
Thanksgiving Feast
Book Fair
Student Government Results
EITC Funding
New Look in the Nursery
Square 1 Art
Kindergarten Opportunity
City of Jerusalem Mural
Donation Bricks
Recruitment
Security Reminders
Cell Phone Rules
Donor Support
Oorah
Car Pool Rules
Dress Code Rules
Abrams Notes

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November 9, 2018/ 1 Kislev

 

Candle Lighting 4:32 pm/ Toldot

 

 

Translate the Extra-
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Budowsphere

Rabbi Budow

 

Dear Parents:
I know the alumni from the Class of 2002 very well, since that was the year my daughter Arielle graduated from Abrams. One of her classmates was Jeremy Pressman, a very interesting young man. Jeremy was a good student and a great basketball player. He played well enough to be on the basketball team at Pennsbury High School and at Yeshiva University, as well.
I have kept up with Jeremy’s life through the years, since his father is also my cardiologist, and I am pleased to say that Jeremy now lives in Israel with his wife and three children. Jeremy is a determined man- he dreamed of living in Israel and also playing ball. He achieved his dream by not only making Aliyah, but also playing professional basketball in Israel. He continues to dream and pursue his goals and is now involved in a start-up sports company in Israel. I must say that I admire and even envy him for having the courage to live his dream, and as his former Head of School I am proud to have contributed to his love of Israel during his time at Abrams.
There are other people living their dreams whom I also admire- one of our board members, Livia Mezrich, has three children who are all Abrams alumni. Her children graduated from MIT, University of PA, and Yale. Livia lives with her husband Joe in E. Windsor, NJ, and she and Joe founded the Rimon Center, a modern orthodox kiruv center located in E. Windsor. Livia and Joe have purchased a home in Israel and commute between their home in NJ and Israel, and I admire them for their commitment to Israel and living out their Zionistic beliefs.
Jerome Marcus, an AHA board member and former board president is a strong Zionist, along with his wife Lori. Lori founded the “Z Street” movement; an organization whose mission is to support and defend Israel. Jerome and Lori also have bought a home in Israel and commute back and forth from the U.S.
I admire and envy these people, asking myself “Why can’t I do this, too?” For personal reasons my circumstances do not permit me to live in Israel, but this year I’ve decided to do more of what I really want to do in my heart of hearts. That is why I will not return to Yardley with the graduates at the conclusion of this year’s Israel trip, but will remain in Israel to celebrate Passover in the Holy Land. My family will join me so that we can all experience the joy of Passover together in Israel, something I have long dreamed I would do “someday.” This decision is the first step in fulfilling my dream of spending more time in Israel, and I dream of being able to celebrate the High Holidays there, as well.
I have determined to make my “someday” be now. I wish that you will also think about what you keep putting off until “someday” and gain the courage to pursue those dreams sooner, rather than later. I also hope that those dreams include spending more time in Israel, our Jewish homeland.
L’Shalom-
Rabbi Ira Budow

 

Thanksgiving Feast

 

Turkey(2)
 
Thanksgiving Feast 
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
*9:00 a.m.-(12:30 Dismissal)
 
The Abrams PTO, under the leadership of Sarah Weinstein, has volunteered to organize and facilitate this year’s feast, including the services of our turkey chef extraordinaire, Aaron Weinstein! Thank you, as always, to our wonderful PTO and to Aaron.
This year’s feast will be better than ever- great food, classroom activities with your children, and the opportunity to share our gratitude for the freedom we enjoy in the U.S. in the company of our Abrams community. It is a time for us to show our appreciation to the U.S. for giving Jews a safe place to live and work while practicing their Judaism in the open. Our freedom in America permits places like Lakewood and Borough Park to exist, and I am proud to be an American.
Grandparents are especially encouraged to attend- enjoy the food and camaraderie while spending time with your grandchildren in their classrooms and at the feast.
We still need sponsors for this program- last year’s budget was approximately $3,000, so if you are able to donate towards this great event, please contact Rabbi Budow ASAP.
 
***Finally, please RSVP to the office personnel to let them know how many people in your family will be attending so that we can prepare accordingly.***
 
Best,

Rabbi Ira Budow

 

Book Fair

 

 

2013 book fair 
 

 

Support the AHA Book Fair
 
November 7 and November 8 
8:30-4
 
November 9
8:30-2:00
 
November 12
2:00-6:00 (during conferences)
 
November 13
8:30-4:00
 
To volunteer- text Meryl
215-605-6789

 

 

Student Government Election Results

 

Congratulations to the newly elected 
Student Government!
 

 

Abrams students learned about the electoral process and put their knowledge to work as they held their student government elections. The results are:

 

 
President- Isabelle Waksman
Vice President- Jake Schachter
Treasurer-Josh Flax
Secretary- Sheridan Howard
Publicity Coordinator-Liel Albergel
Representatives:
8th Grade- Sorele Adler
7th Grade- Jordan Matlis
6th Grade- Allison Goldfarb
5th Grade- Aviel Zur
Mazal Tov to all the winners and kudos to everyone who ran for office.

 

EITC Funds Still Available

 

A limited amount of funding is still available for new EITC donors to participate in the program for the 2018 tax year. This additional funding opportunity is limited to qualified people who pay PA state income taxes personally, not through their businesses.   

 

Please contact Rabbi Budow ASAP to put your name on a

 

 

wait-list.

 

 

 

 

.

 

 

Nursery Needs

 

 
 
Nursery Gets a New Look!
 

 

The Abrams nursery is getting a new look, and everyone is SO excited! We are asking people to donate money so that our teachers can pick out what they want and make our wishes come true!
The list includes the following items:

 

Doctors kit
Cork strips
Chalk board paint
Puppet theater
Puppets
Cash register
Magna tiles
Games
Dress up clothes
Instruments
Large bean bags
Table & chairs

 

If you are able to help fund the purchase of wish list items, please bring your check to the AHA office.
Thanks!!

 

Art Fundraiser

 

Support Abrams With Art 
 

 

Mrs. Moskowitz has once again partnered with Square 1 Art to create an assortment of keepsake and gift items with your children’s artwork imprinted.
It is a great opportunity to support Abrams and the right time to purchase Chanukah gifts for grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc.!
Make sure to look at the packets sent home with your children and order soon!

 

 

 

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.

 

City of Jerusalem Mural
 

 
City of Jerusalem Mural
 

 

 

This year, 5779, is the 20th anniversary of the annual Israel trip, and generous donors have funded a commemorative City of Jerusalem art piece to be installed prominently in the school as a lasting tribute to the relationship between Abrams and the Land of Israel.
There are 78 naming opportunities to memorialize your support and commitment to Abrams by purchasing plaques to be affixed to the sculpture. Each brick, stepping stone, windowsill, or urn plaque costs between $1,000 and $9,000, depending on the size of the plaque, and is an opportunity to give a beautiful tribute to whomever you wish while supporting Abrams.
  
If you are interested in contributing or have additional questions, please contact Debra Goldfarb 215-493-1800 ext 29; dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org.

 

 

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

 

padlock

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 Development & Communications: dsattin@abramsonline.org. (215) 493-1800 ext. 22 by

Wednesday of the target week.

 

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