Today I’d like to talk to you about fund raising. Abrams has been blessed with many generous supporters who have provided the funding to expand and improve our education departments. We now have a full-time science teacher, and Mrs. Hamacher has made a significant impact on our science curriculum. We have filled new faculty positions both in Judaic and secular special education, as well as AP language arts, and all of these additions have greatly enhanced our curricula. This year we added a professional school psychologist to our staff, and her presence adds another important enhancement to the school in addressing the needs of all of our students. These valuable additions to our school were made possible because of donors who want to see the school’s reputation of excellence expand and encourage enrollment growth.
Yardley continues to be an enigma- it is still set in a very small Jewish community and thrives in large part because of its excellent teachers. My point is that donations really do make a difference at the school and provide the funding to continue to elevate the standards of excellence within our AHA community. Thank G-d we have no capital building campaign- our building is complete- but we do need your financial support to continue to grow and build on our success.
As I’ve said many times before, EITC is the greatest single source of funds for Abrams. The EITC scholarships provide financial assistance to children whose families need some tuition relief, and last year EITC provided $330,000 in scholarship aid to AHA students. It is now time to identify businesses that pay taxes in PA to apply for FY 2017-18 for the July 1, 2016 application date. This opportunity to help our students is not confined to Jewish businesses- Jim McCaffrey, who told me that he loves EITC because it allows him to directly help children, is not Jewish, nor is Paul Mueller from Team Toyota who is also applying to the EITC program on behalf of Abrams. I appeal to our parents to help identify people who may qualify for the program and to feel free to call me directly at (215) 584-7919.
Abrams is also participating in a matching grant program with PEJE. This program will match significant NEW donations and will match these gifts up to $100,000. We already have close to $50,000 eligible for these matching funds, so we are well on our way. I am hoping that some of our parents and/or grandparents will be attracted by this opportunity to have their donation doubled- ex., – a $10,000 donation would yield $20,000 for Abrams. If you are interested, please call me at (215) 584-7919.
Finally, I want to discuss our annual event. This year’s fund raising event is entirely different than what we’ve done in the past. Joni and Joe Glassman have re-designed the format completely, so that it is now a daytime, family friendly day of fun for everybody. The day includes entertainment for all age groups, casual attire, great informal fun food, and many surprises.
We need you to attend the event and also sell ads for the ad journal! The money from our annual event is a line item in our budget, so if we fall short of the goal we have a deficit in the budget!!!. I understand that you are all making financial sacrifices to pay tuition and thank you for your commitment to Abrams, but our tuition is very reasonable compared to other day schools.
Therefore, I ask you again to please support the school by attending the event and selling ads for the journal- your help in increasing funding for Abrams helps our children.
L’Shalom-
Rabbi Ira Budow
Security Update
Abrams is fortunate to have a direct association with the Yardley Borough Police Department to provide security within the school. We are one of the very few schools that does not use a private security firm, but contracts directly with our local professional police department.
We will continue to speak with the Yardley Police and Borough Council to obtain a security grant that would pay the Yardley Police Department directly to provide security at the school next year. The grant is for municipalities, so the borough, not the school, has to apply for the grant. By the time we found out about this opportunity it was too late to coordinate all of the pieces involved to apply for this year. However, we plan to talk to the borough shortly to see if they will work with us to obtain the grant for next year.
The collaboration between Abrams and the police department has been very successful- our students and the police officers have formed great relationships, and everyone is very comfortable having the officers here.
Abrams Community Family Fun Day
***EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT PRICE***
$250 per family (parents & children)
if paid before January 15!!
After January 15- $360 per family
(parents & children)
RESERVE EARLY-
SAVE $110 AND GUARANTEE SEATING!
Sell ads to earn free admission for your family (adults and children)! Sell only $1440 in journal advertising and come to this great event for FREE!
RSVP to dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org
**Be sure to include # of adults. # of children,
and ages of children with your RSVP
Thank You from the AHA Staff
Thank you to the PTO and the Abrams families who contributed to the staff Chanukah gifts. The “gelt” is greatly appreciated, but most of all we are thankful for all of the support that the PTO and AHA parents give to Abrams throughout the year.
Happy New Year to Everyone!
Building the Beit Hamikdash
Temple Institute Visits Abrams!
On Wednesday, Grades 4 through 8 traveled on a journey of more than 6,000 miles and almost 2,000 years as they experienced a close up look at the building of the 2nd Temple and what daily life was like during that time.
Steven Frankel of the Temple Institute of Jerusalem entertained and engaged the students as he led them in the construction of a huge model Beit Hamikdash.
The seventh and 8th graders also learned about the magnificent clothing of the Kohein Gadol (High Priest). Thank you to Gabi Lulu who was our Kohein Gadol model! Mr. Frankel held an in-depth discussion with the students about the vessels of the Beit Hamikdash and offered insights about many aspects of the Temple.
At the conclusion of the program all of the students came away with a new appreciation for what the Beit Hamikdash was and what it will be in the future!
Party Thank You
The staff at Abrams would like to thank Rabbi Budow for hosting a Hanukah dinner in our honor at Ottimo Restaurant in Lakewood, New Jersey.
The evening was filled with kind words from Rabbi Budow and a beautifully written poem written by Rabbi O and Hendi. The gathering included delicious food, lively conversation, and lots of laughter shared by good friends who also happen to be co-workers.
We really appreciate Rabbi Budow for arranging this special treat for us. We hope to spend many Hanukahs together as a team.
Debbie Marks, on behalf of the Abrams staff
After School Art Club
After School Art Club
After School Art Club will continue!
January 25-April 4
See below for registration form and details.
Questions?
Contact Donna Moskowitz at dmoskowitz@aha.jdschools.org.
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 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
