Why should you send your children to Abrams? You have many choices, so what make Abrams the right and best option for your family? Don’t worry- I have the answers for you!
During the past few years Abrams has built on its already fine staff of teachers with the addition of:
a science coordinator who has designed and implemented a re-vamped and upgraded science program;
a dedicated resource room and teachers who address students’ special needs in both Judaic and secular studies;
new faculty members in secular and Judaic studies programs;
a faculty member who teaches an advanced English class for middle school students.
These additions and augmentations to our staff and curricula have resulted in reduced class sizes and outstanding educational opportunities and performance. The combination of excellent teachers and a supportive environment equals success for the school and our students, and I am proud of our achievements.
Of course, there is always room for improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now eligible for a grant that will enhance our faculty and curricula even further next year. This grant will allow us to hire a reading specialist and a math enrichment teacher in the lower grades (K-4). The addition of these two positions will enhance our academic programming and provide extra enhanced instruction for lower school children who excel in math, as well as for children who need additional attention in reading due to special needs.
Over the years I have chosen not to invest in lavish building projects involving bricks and mortar because I believe that the soul of the school is within its faculty. That is why I am intent on always hiring the best teachers and providing them with an environment that is conducive to students’ achievement, and I believe we have accomplished that goal.
Now that I have given you every reason to agree that Abrams is the right place for your children, please sign and return your registration forms along with your deposit for next year as soon as possible!
Best,
Rabbi Ira Budow
Matching Grant Opportunity
Abrams will be eligible for a $100,000 matching grant funded by the Legacy Heritage Fund starting June 13, 2016 and ending June 20, 2016.
For the past year, members of the AHA board of directors, along with several key administrators, have participated in governance and fund raising training conducted by coaches from the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE). This training has significantly improved our fund raising skills, and we have now qualified to participate in the Match program.
Abrams will earn matching funds for gifts that meet the program’s criteria. Qualifying donations are:
New gifts of at least $1800;
New alumni gifts of $500 or more; and
Current gifts (minimum $1800) that are increased by at least 50%.
Please help Abrams to obtain this much-needed extra funding. If you are able to increase your donation to the school this year, or if you know someone who might want to support the school who either has not done so in the past or is able to increase his/her donation, now is the time to take this opportunity to make these contributions even larger!
Your generosity enables Abrams to thrive and grow as the premier Jewish day school in the area, and Abrams appreciates your support.
Donate between June 13, 2016 and June 20, 2016 to help Abrams achieve its goal and earn $100,000 in matching funds.
Holocaust Remembrance Program
Holocaust Remembrance Program
Clara Meles, the grandmother of Abrams students Ruthie and David Meles, spoke to the middle school students about her experiences in Hungary during the Holocaust. Ruthie read the harrowing account of her grandmother’s life during that terrible time and ended with her inspiring story of making a new life for herself in the U.S. The narrative was followed by a q&a period where students and staff had the opportunity to speak further with Mrs. Meles.
The importance of listening to these first person accounts of the Holocaust, no matter how painful, cannot be overemphasized. The survivors of the genocide against the Jews are dwindling in number and soon will be gone completely. It is our duty to listen to these heroic people speak about their experiences so that we can pass this knowledge on to the next generation. That is the only way we can guarantee that they will be remembered and to guard against anything so horrific happening again.
Thank you to Mrs. Melis and Ruthie for their courage in speaking to the Abrams community. Thanks also to Rabbi O, Rabbi Leizerowski, and everyone else who participated in this moving and important program.
New Siddurim
New Nehalel Siddurim
Alan Rothenberg has generously donated 100 Nehalel Siddurim for use in our Girls’ and Boys’ chapels. We will hopefully have the books before the end of the school year.
Many thanks to Mr. Rothenberg for his continued support of Abrams Hebrew Academy.
Student Government Creative Dress Day
Dress Creatively!
Wednesday, May 11, 2016
Choose any or all of the below to make your outfit as creative as possible!
Mismatched clothing
Crazy Hat
Tie-Dye
Cupcakes will be sold for $1
Bucks County Israel Festival
Bucks County Israel Festival
Sunday, May 15, 2016
10 am-2 pm
Briarwood Day Camp
1380 Creek Road
Furlong, PA
Israeli Dancing
Music/Bands
Food Stations
Moon Bounce
Tattoos/Face Painting
Vendors
Free Admission- Join the fun and
Celebrate Israel
If you are able to volunteer to help, please contact Eve Berger at evebcjc@gmail.com
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.
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
