Abrams Extra March 25, 2016

 

 

New AHA logo 2011

ABRAMS EXTRA

In This Issue
Candle Lighting
EITC
Purim at Abrams
The Search for the “K”
TASK Field Trip
PA Voter Registration
Purim at Abrams Residence
Philadelphia Reads Book Drive
Lunch Menu
Security Reminders
Car Pool Rules
Abrams Notes

Join Our List
 

March 25, 2016/  15 Adar Il
Candle Lighting 7:00pm/ Tzav

 

Important Update- 
EITC Participation for Individuals
 
The Foundation for Jewish Day Schools, which  has been approved as a Special Purpose Entity (SPE), just announced that there is an opportunity for AHA to receive extra EITC funding from people who sign up for the program NOW.
This  means that individuals who pay individual income taxes to PA can now participate in the EITC program  by joining the SPE before the regular sign-up date of July 1, 2016.

 

****Remember- you no longer have to own a business to participate in EITC.  EVERYONE who pays taxes in PA can support the school and gain a tax credit by applying to the EITC program.

 

This is a great opportunity for Abrams families and supporters who pay at least $5000 in PA State taxes to help themselves and Abrams through their participation in the program and for Abrams to receive the money sooner.
If you qualify, please take this opportunity to help the school and benefit from a tax credit for yourself. If you know someone whom you believe qualifies and would be interested in helping to ensure Abrams’ future, please ask them if we can contact them. The future of OUR school depends on raising funds, and EITC is a win-win for everyone.
The process is not difficult, and the Foundation for Jewish Day Schools will provide guidance on this process so that you can participate as an individual.
Call Rabbi Budow at (215) 584-7919 or
Contact Ellen Matz  at ematz@jfgp.org or call 
(215) 832-0525 for more information.
See more at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purim at Abrams

The Search for the “K”
The Search for the Elusive “K”

 

During the week of March 28, 2016 Abrams 5th-8th grade student sleuths will embark on a field trip to McCaffrey’s Food Market in Yardley, PA to hunt for packaged products that display the kosher symbol “K.” The students’ mission is to identify items that are labeled with a “K” rather than the classically acceptable kosher symbols (i.e., OU, Kof K, Star K) that indicate the hechsher.
Once the “detectives” have found their “K” products the students will contact the manufacturers to find out the reason for using the “K” symbol rather than the other symbols and to try to identify the person or organization that stands behind the hechsher.
This experiment will not only help the children understand the concept and rules of kashrut and hechsher, but will also be a jumping off point for learning about the dietary requirements of the upcoming Passover holiday.
Abrams thanks Jim McCaffrey, owner of McCaffrey Food Markets, for supporting the school and welcoming the student “detectives” into his market to conduct this experiment.

 

8th Grade trip to Trenton Soup Kitchen

 

 

AHA 8th Grade Volunteers at TASK
 
On Tuesday, March 22 a group of AHA 8th grade students volunteered at the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK). Ms. Abramowitz and Dr. Porwancher accompanied our students as they “shared the love” with the Trenton residents who benefit from the meals offered at TASK.
TASK services also include outreach programs such as adult education, computer training, health care counseling, screening and referrals, social services, children’s activities, and arts and crafts.
Abrams Hebrew Academy continues to fulfill its mission of teaching and practicing Chesed with our students. We want our children to understand that a mitzvah is not only a commandment or a good deed, but also an action that makes a connection to Hashem. Below are some of the comments from our students who volunteered at TASK:
 

 

“Some of the individuals at TASK came in for just food, or a particular service offered to them by TASK. Others also came for a smile, and I noticed that when I talked in a cheery tone, and smiled widely and happily, the individual with whom I was communicating instantly seemed happier. Everyday I think of how fortunate I am. I am so grateful that yesterday I got the chance to make someone’s day.” -Brielle
 

 

“What impacted me, was how grateful the people were for our services. A large number of people came up to us to thank us personally, and it really showed how appreciative they were of us. It really made me feel that I was doing a good thing.” -Yair
 

 

“I was really impressed by the level of respect with which the servers treated all the individuals who came into TASK to have a meal. That gave me a new perspective on how I look at people, as appearances can be deceiving, and they all have their own story that the servers at TASK, as well as myself, appreciate.” -Sabrina

 

 

 

Many thanks to Ms. Abramowitz for organizing this community service experience.

PA Voter Registration Information

 

On Tuesday, April 26, voters across Pennsylvania will head to the polls to vote in several important elections, including a presidential primary, primaries in the races for U.S. Senate and Pennsylvania Attorney General, as well as a number of local contests.

Please note that Primary Day falls on one of the days of Chol Hamoed Passover. If you’re going to be away for the holiday, don’t worry…you can still vote! Just be sure to get an absentee ballot before you leave.

Here are several critical Primary Day deadlines you should be aware of:

 

  • Monday, March 28 is the last day to register before the primary election. Register to vote or print a voter registration form by clicking here. Alternatively, you can deliver a completed voter registration form to your county voter registration office, or you can mail your completed form to your county voter registration office as long as it’s postmarked by March 28.
  • Monday, March 28 is also the last day to change your party enrollment before the primary election.
  • Tuesday, April 19 is the last day before the primary that official applications for an absentee ballot may be received by the county board of elections. Applications are due by 5 p.m. If you’ll be away, unable to go to the polls due to illness or physical disability, or if you’re observing a religious holiday on Primary Day, apply for an absentee ballot. Click here to download and print the application for an absentee ballot.
  • Friday, April 22 is the last day to submit your absentee ballot to the county board of elections. All absentee ballots must be submitted by 5 p.m.
Don’t miss your chance to make your voice heard. Be sure that you’re registered to vote and/or get an absentee ballot before the deadline. Not sure if you’re registered to vote? Find out by searching Pennsylvania’s voter registration database.

Our community cannot be left out. Each one of us needs to vote.

Purim at Abrams Residence
Abrams 8th grade students held a Purim party at Abrams Residence complete with costumes, groggers, a reading from the Megillah, crafts, and of course- Hamantaschen!
Once again our children interacted with the seniors in a relaxed and  informal environment and created a truly a wonderful experience for all.

Book Drive
Book Drive for Philadelphia Reads
 
Philadelphia Reads provides free books and classroom materials for teachers in Philadelphia public schools.

Donate children’s books (N-12) in good condition:
 
Abrams Hebrew Academy
March 17, 2016-April 15
For more information contact 
AHA alumna Maya Rosen at:
 
 maya.rosen@koheletyeshiva.org.

Lunch Program
 
 
MENU
 
Monday-Thursday-
Food from Espresso Cafe:
 
Monday:
Falafel, pita, hummus, Israeli salad
 
Tuesday:
Mac & Cheese, Caesar salad
 
Wednesday:
Fettuccine with marinara sauce, Greek salad
 

Thursday: 

* Note Change*

 

Egg salad and 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
Sent by dsattin@abramsonline.org in collaboration with
Constant Contact