Abrams Extra January 6, 2017

 

 

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ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
Budowsphere
Long-distance Jewish Studies Class
Parenting Meeting
After School Art Club
EITC Update
Camp Ramah Open House
Lunch Menu
Security Reminders
Car Pool Rules
Abrams Notes

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January 6, 2017/8 Tevat
Candle Lighting 4:35 pm/ Vayigash
 

Budowsphere
 
Rabbi Budow   

 

Dear Parents:

 

Last week while reading the Jerusalem Post I saw an article about a Rabbi who plea-bargained his sentence for embezzling over $3 million from charitable contributions. It bothered me greatly to read about all of this money designated for schools, synagogues, and other worthy endeavors being diverted for personal gain. I also read an article on-line that spoke about the number of so-called charities that give very little, if any of the money given to the causes the donations are meant to support, and I also find that reprehensible.Charity article.

 

In my 36 years at Abrams I can truthfully say that all donations given to the school are treated as sacrosanct. Money given for specific projects or programs is used for its intended purpose, whether it is for new windows, security, scholarships, or new basketball jerseys-the donor’s instructions are followed.

 

This year we are excited to announce that we are doing something totally different for our annual fundraising campaign. The 2017 annual fundraising effort will be a matching fund campaign run by Charidy.com. This matching campaign idea has been used very successfully by many other organizations, including Yeshiva University, to raise substantial money for their institutions, and Abrams leadership decided that rather than spend over $30 thousand on an event, the money could be used to directly benefit our students.

 

Through the generosity of donors, including every member of the AHA Board of Directors, we have $180,000 already committed to this campaign and are able to offer all of our community members the opportunity to triple the value of their donations. For example, every $100 you donate will be matched by an additional $300- your $100 donation is worth $400 to the school!

 

I believe that this campaign will bring the school enough money to exceed the totals from previous year’s events and not waste any money that could be used for our students.

 

One of the most important teachings in the Talmud is that when one approaches Hashem in Heaven the first questioned asked is “Were you honest?” That means were you honest in all aspects of your life- business and personal, and I am proud to say that Abrams can honestly answer “yes” to that core question. All of the money that we raise for Abrams is used for the most important reason that the school exists, and that is our students.

 

I am confident that with your help this year’s annual campaign will be the most successful ever and will allow us to continue to educate as many Jewish children as possible to lead honest, ethical lives through Jewish values.

 

L’Shalom-

 

Rabbi Ira Budow

 

 

 

 

Long-Distance Learning
Jewish History Class
Rabbi Budow’s 8th grade Jewish history class is participating in a long-distance learning class in cooperation with Israel’s Bar Ilan University and the Lookstein Center 3 times a week.
This live class in Jewish history is taught by Bar Ilan University professors and creates an exciting new partnership between Abrams and the Lookstein Center.
Abrams thanks the Kohelet Foundation for its generous funding for this program.

 

    

Parenting Meeting with Dr. P
 

 

Next Parenting Meeting January 10, 2017
 
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
 
8:30 a.m.
Thanks to those who participated in the “parenting styles” meeting. Our next group will focus on acquiring literacy skill.

 

Looking forward to seeing you,

 

Dr. P

 

 

P.S. We now have a coffee maker!

 

Art Club
 
   
After School Art Club
 
After School Art Club with Donna Moskowitz begins January 9, 2017.
 
Dates:          Monday Afternoons (8 classes)
                     Jan. 9, 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13, 27, March 6, 13
 
Time:           3:30pm -5pm

 

Cost:            $100      

 

 

EITC Update
 
Thanks to everyone who came forward to participate in the EITC program for individuals so quickly! We have over $70,000 committed to the program for this year’s bonus funding and are grateful to our AHA community for its support, particularly on such short notice.
Now that we have completed the process for individuals to participate in 2016 our next task is to identify businesses that pay PA taxes and would be willing to participate in EITC on Abrams’ behalf.

 

The date for new business applications to the EITC program is July 1, 2017.

 

As you know, the business receives a tax credit in PA and a tax deduction on federal income taxes. 
 
If you or someone you know has a business that can take advantage of this opportunity and help Abrams to offer financial assistance to our qualifying families, please contact Rabbi Ira Budow at 215-584-7919. 
 
**We are starting now so that everyone is ready for he July 1, 2017 application date. The applications are ALL submitted on the same day, on a first-come, first-served basis, so timing is very critical. 

 

Thank you for your consideration.

 

    

Camp Ramah Open House
Ramah Day Camp Open House
Sunday, January 8th 2:00-4:00PM
7601 Old York Road, Elkins Park

Lunch Menu
LUNCH MENU
Monday-Thursday-
 
Food from Espresso Cafe:
Monday:
Penne with vegetables & Feta
 Israeli salad
Tuesday:
American cheese baguette
Caesar salad
Wednesday:
Fettuccine with marinara sauce
Greek salad
Thursday: 
Egg salad & tuna salad sandwiches
Friday:
Pizza
Available Every Day:
Bagels, butter & cream cheese
French Fries
Hash Browns
Egg
Lunch cost:  $5 per day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Safety and Security Reminders

 

padlock

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 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
Wednesday of the target week.

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