Abrams Extra December 7, 2018

 

 

New AHA logo 2011

ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
Translate the Extra
Budowsphere
Intruder Training
Reviewers Needed
Alumni Letters
Video Conferences with Israel
Chocolate Sale
Pre-School Teacher Needed
Revised Basketball Schedule 2018-19
New Look in the Nursery
Kindergarten Opportunity
City of Jerusalem Mural
Donation Bricks
Recruitment
Security Reminders
Cell Phone Rules
Donor Support
School Lunches
Car Pool Rules
Dress Code Rules

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December 7, 2018/ 29 Kislev

 

Candle Lighting 4:17 pm/ Mikeitz

 

 

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

 

Translated by Google Translate

 

 

 

Budowsphere

Rabbi Budow

 

Dear Parents:

 

A consistent problem for Hebrew day schools is how to get the children to pray during minyan. It is difficult for all of us- sometimes even as adults we are tired or distracted and find it hard to concentrate on prayers, so it is even more challenging for adolescents who seem to always be distracted! How do we entice them to pray respectfully?
One of the first things I did at Abrams was to create both a boys’ and a girls’ minyan. I wanted to empower the girls and allow them organize and run their own services. They have done a masterful job, and I am proud of their ability to create a warm and respectful environment to pray.
The adolescent boys are a little more challenging, and it has been somewhat more difficult to get them to concentrate on prayers. One successful solution has been the use of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s prayer melodies in our services. Rabbi Carlebach is considered one of the most influential composers of Jewish religious music of the 20th century, and his renown has increased greatly since his death.
I remember taking our 8th grade students to a synagogue in Tzvat for Shabbat services at a Carlebach synagogue that included over an hour of fervent singing and dancing. This service made such an impression on the students that an Abrams alumnus who is going to Israel this year recently asked me for the name of the synagogue so that he could return to attend services there, 15 years later!
Many synagogues of all denominations throughout the world now use Carlebach’s melodies in their services since realizing how important singing and music are to prayer. As Abrams has evolved, our daily minyans have also changed to include more and more of Reb Carlebach’s melodies. These songs have made a huge difference in our services, and it is a pleasure to watch the boys stepping and pounding their hands in rhythm with the music during minyan. These songs awaken the students and me both physically and spiritually.
I do not think that schools who try to intellectualize prayer for children have the right approach; rather, I believe that the melodies of Rabbi Carlebach succeed in lifting their spirits and help to create the bond between these young people and Jewish prayer.

 

 

L’Shalom-
Rabbi Ira Budow

 

 

Intruder Training

 

Intruder Training
 

 

During the summer AHA teachers and staff participated in intruder training conducted by the Middletown and Yardley Police Departments. The next step in preparedness training will be held with the students next Tuesday, December 11th.

 

Officers from the Middletown and Yardley Police Departments will conduct an intruder drill for the entire school. Upon completion of the drill police officers will meet with each class to discuss the decisions they made. The officers will talk separately with the nursery children and familiarize them with the language they might hear in a real emergency and how to find exits and cover areas for themselves.
We know the date but not the time. The idea is for us to be in the middle of our regular days, rather than sitting around anticipating the drill. We are announcing the date so that you and the children will know it is only a drill. Our teachers have been practicing with the students in anticipation of this exercise.
Abrams understands that this is a difficult subject, but we must be as prepared as possible for any potential threats that might occur. If you have any questions, please contact Leslie Kornsgold.

 

 

 

Reviewers Needed

 

Abrams Publicity
Abrams needs your help to increase its web presence and let the world know how awesome an Abrams education is for Jewish children!
The school is requesting that you post positive reviews of Abrams on Google. If you want to help the school tell everyone what makes Abrams so special by writing a review, please contact:
Debra Goldfarb- dgoldfarb@abramsonline.org.
 
Debra will send you an email or text message (your preference) with a link to the short survey and review block.
Please help Abrams spread the word that it is #1 in Jewish and secular education!!!

 

Alumni Letters

 

Abrams Alumni Write About AHA
We are in the midst of our alumni fundraising campaign to support the school by purchasing plaques in the Alumni Section of the Jerusalem mural. The response has been incredible, and Abrams would like to share two beautiful letters sent by alumni Yoni Greenberg ’95 and Jessica Sagoksin ’96.

 

Video Conferences with Israel

 

Abrams 7th and 8th grade students were treated to a fascinating discussion and slide show presented by Dr. Ari Greenspan via video conference.
Dr. Greenspan is an alumnus who graduated from the Trenton Hebrew Academy and now lives in Israel. He studies ancient, almost extinct Jewish communities world-wide, and is an expert in the field. Dr. Greenspan has also conducted extensive research on the origins of Jewish traditions, including kosher species of animals and birds.
 
Grades 1-4 enjoyed a live video conference with Jerusalem and learned how Chanukah is celebrated throughout the country of Israel.
It’s great to see how video technology adds to the educational experience at Abrams every day!
 

 

Student Government Fundraiser

 

 
Student Government 
Chocolate Bar Fundraiser
 
The Student Government is selling chocolate bars as a fundraiser for the yearbook and other student events.
Each chocolate bar costs $1. 
The chocolate sale continues through December 16th, and what could be better than chocolate as a Chanukah gift?
 
The top 3 sellers will receive a great mystery prize!! 
Thanks for your support!!
 

 

Pre-School Teacher Needed

 

Abrams needs a full-time person with classroom experience to teach in the Pre-School.
If you or someone you know would be interested in this position, please contact Mrs. Kornsgold.

 

 

 

 

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!
 
 

 

 

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 $20
Puppet theater (already donated)
Puppets $50
Cash register $30 (need 2)
Magna tiles $50
Games $50
Dress up clothes $60
Instruments $50
Large bean bags $50
Table & chairs $75

 

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

 

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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