October 7, 2011/9 Tishrei 5772
In This Issue
Schechter Welcomes Grandparents and
Special Friends to Yom Orchim at the Sager
School
Shabbat Shalom!
G'mar Chatima Tovah
May You Be Insrcibed in the Book of Life For Good
Fourth Grade Scientists Explore Energy
Transfer
Are You Ready for the Sager Reading
Challenge?
Sixth Graders Contemplate Their Souls and
Express Their Thoughts Through Poetry and
Design
Seeventh Graders Reenact Samuel Adams'
"Committee of Correspondence"
Schechter Partners with Sportsman's Golf
Course to Provide Instructional Golf Clinic
and Mini-Golf
Sager Middle School Math Teacher Featured
in SJED Newsletter
Soccer Update From Alicia Honan, Athletic
Director
Alumni News
Solomon Schechter Day School welcomed hundreds of
grandparents and special friends to Yom Orchim at the Sager
School on Friday, February 23, 2011.
Solomon Schechter Kindergarten
Information Night on Wednesday, October
26, 2011
Contact Us
Administrative Office
847.498.2100
It was a day of smiles and lots of kvelling!
For more on Yom Orchim, scroll down below!
From the Words of our Graduates:
Can You Guess Who Said This?
Hint: Member of the Class of 1999
Middle School Office
847.412.5700
Sager Office
847.412.5600
Skokie Office
847.679.6270
Attention Schechter Families
"The most powerful thing I took away from my years at Schechter was
the joy of Judaism that I experienced there -- dancing outside on Yom
Ha'atzmaut, seeing our teachers in costume on Purim, eating hot
lunches together on Fridays...
I will also forever be grateful to the Hebrew education that Schechter
provided me, giving me the tools to access the full breadth of both
Jewish tradition and Israeli culture."
To find out, scroll down to Alumni News!
Schechter Welcomes
Grandparents and Special Friends
to Yom Orchim at the Sager School
Is your family signed up to attend our
school-wide Sukkot
celebration at our Skokie Campus on
Sunday, October 9, 2011 from
9:30 am to 11:00 am?
If not, be sure and RSVP today. You
won't want to miss this incredible
opportunity to join with your Schechter
community to celebrate Sukkot. There
will be arts and crafts, parents
providing music from their group
Parents Unplugged,
and a cider press presented
by Schechter dad Ben Harris.
RSVP now to Jodi Morady
moradyfamily@sbcglobal.net or Randie
Chubin at
randierainbow@gmail.com
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Thank you
Dear Schechter "family."
I would like to thank you for all the
wonderful support we have received
since our family tragedy. Your cards,
calls, emails and donations are so
greatly appreciated. I am thankful to
be a part of such a great group of
people.
Warmly,
Shelley Wax and kids
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Fall Chess Tournament at Solomon
Schechter
Miriam &
Larry Silverman were two of the kvelling grandparents who attended
Yom Orchim at the Sager School to visit with their grandchildren Sari
and Ori Stone.
To view an album of photos from Yom Orchim, visit
our Facebook page! Be sure to like our page when you check out
the photos!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Check-in 9:30-9:45 a.m
1st round begins promptly at 10:00
a.m. Tournament is complete at 2:30
p.m. You can leave your child with us
and come back at 2 pm.
Yom
Orchim is a day when grandparents and special friends are welcomed
into our school. After the children performed a variety of songs in
Hebrew and English, recited poetry, and danced with their classmates in
Location: Solomon Schechter Day
School, 9301 Gross Point Rd., Skokie,
IL 60076 .
Fee: $40 (kosher pizza lunch and
participation medal are included).
Ages: For grades K-8. There will be two
divisions: K-3 and 4-8.
the gym, our guests move into the children's classrooms for special
activities.
"It is always a pleasure and so much fun when our special guests visit
our classrooms," said the first grade team, speaking for the entire Sager
faculty. The first graders and their guests constructed an edible Sukkah
(see photo below), which was a delicious way to introduce the students
to the upcoming holiday of Sukkot.
Number of games: There will be 5
rounds. Each child will play each round.
Awards: Ten top scorers in each
division will receive trophies and
medals. The best school team in each
division will receive a trophy.
Chess sets: Chess sets will be provided.
Click here for registration information
and to print out a registration form.
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Announcing Our New Schechter
Wear Website
What's the newest trend in clothing?
It's Schechter Wear!
Now you can proudly display your
Schechter spirit with any of the great
"Yom Orchim is a morning of reuniting with old friends and lots and lots
of kvelling," said Joan Sohn, Director of Community Relations. "It is hard
to say who has bigger smiles -- the children or their guests! This year
we were thrilled to welcome the family members of our students who
began their Schechter experience in Skokie and who are now fully
integrated into the Sager School."
tee-shirts and more that you'll find on
our new Schechter Wear site. They
make great gifts too.
Click here to see all the different styles
and items.
Show your pride!
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Yom Orchim in
Skokie is
Friday, October 28
Special thanks to Schechter parent Jonathan Maeir who provided us
with our coffee through the Starbucks at Dundee and Skokie Blvd. and
the Starbucks near Garden Fresh. Please support these stores.
Thanks also to all of our classroom teachers, to Roz Ebstein, Arlene
Rosenthan and Sarah Rodin for directing the students' performances, to
our maintenance crew, and to the many parents and staff who helped
set up the tables for our guests.
Click the photo below to see a YouTube video from Yom
Orchim.
Yom Orchim
Skokie Pre-K - 2
Friday, October 28
8:30 am Registration, program begins
at
9:00 am - 11:00 am
For more information and to RSVP:
email
joan.sohn@schechter.org
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Schechter News
We look forward to welcoming guests to our Skokie Campus on Friday,
October 28, 2011. If you are planning to attend and have not RSVP'd,
please contact joan.sohn@schechter.org or call Joan at 847.412.5661.
Yasher Koach
to Our Torah Readers
Middle School
Photos from Yom Orchim by Deja Views.
Fourth Grade Scientists Explore Energy Transfer
By Observing a Diet Coke Geyser
6th Grade
V'Zot Ha'Bracha
1.) Avi Horwitz
2.) Liam Lynch
3.) Margo Morady
How is energy transferred in a system? This theme is an essential
question for the Energy Unit currently being studied by our 4th graders.
To help students understand how quickly energy can transfer in a
system, their science teachers, Jennifer Rubin and Gillian Krieger,
performed a "Diet Coke Geyser."
7th Grade
V'zot Habracha
1.) Samantha Crane
2.) Leah Frank
3.) Oeren Efergan
Click on the photo below to view the experiment!
8th Grade
V'zot Habracha
1.) Joseph Spellberg
2.) Joey Weinger
3.) Meital Hoffman
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Skokie
10/26......... Sager Poetry Pals Event at the
Skokie School (for 4th Grade students)
10/28......... Skokie Yom Orchim
10/31......... All-School Picture Day
11/2.........Pre-K Art Enrichment Class in the Art
Room 1:30-2:45 pm
Hot Lunches
Tuesday, October 11-Turkey Sandwich
Wednesday, October 12-Erev Sukkot Noon
Dismissal-No Lunch
Thursday, October 13-No School - Sukkot
Tuesday, October 18-Spaghetti and Meat Sauce
Wednesday, October 19-No School Records DayErev Shemini Atzeret
Thursday, October 20-No School Shemini Atzeret
In this experiment, seven Mentos were dropped all at once into an open
2-liter bottle of Diet Coke. When the Mentos came in contact with the
liquid, it allowed the water in the Diet Coke to quickly release its
carbonation, causing a "geyser" of Diet Coke.
The students then synthesized what happened and mapped out this
energy transfer on paper. "They had some idea what might happen but
were totally amazed at how quickly the reaction took place and just how
high the geyser rose in the air," said Mrs. Rubin. "The students were
astounded that the five steps in energy transfer took a matter of
seconds to complete," added Mrs. Krieger.
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Middle School
Are You Ready for the
Sager Reading Challenge?
10/10.........Yearbook in computer lab, 3:30pm
10/10.........LA/General studies tutorial in room
219, 3:30pm
10/10.........Organization lab/Judaic studies
tutorial in room 208, 3:30pm
10/11.........Art Studio open during lunch/recess
10/11.........Judaic studies/Hebrew tutorial in
room 206, 3:30P
10/11J.........Jazz band, 3:30pm
10/11.........Math tutorial, 3:30pm
10/17.........Yearbook in computer lab, 3:30pm
10/17.........LA/General studies tutorial in room
219, 3:30pm
10/17.........Organization lab/Judaic studies
tutorial in room 208, 3:30pm
10/18.........Art Studio open during lunch/recess
10/18.........Judaic studies/Hebrew tutorial in
room 206, 3:30pm
10/18.........Jazz band, 3:30pm
10/18.........Math tutorial, 3:30pm
NOTE: THERE WILL ONLY BE A LATE
BUS IF STUDENTS SIGN UP
Click here for Soccer Schedule
The Following Proclamation Was Announced to Sager Students on
Tuesday:
HEAR YE HEAR YE:
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Community News
CJHS Celebrates 10th Anniversary
The Jewish people are starting a new year and we, the students,
teachers, and parents of Solomon Schechter Day School, will be
starting a new challenge.
We challenge you to read for one million minutes. All reading will be
measured in minutes. Each grade will be given a dragon to keep near
their classrooms. You will be given dragon scales to attach to your
Chicagoland Jewish High School will
celebrate it's 10th anniversary on
Saturday, November 19
at 7:00 p.m.
at the high school
1095 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield.
dragon, each scale representing one half hour of reading. The challenge
will conclude after Pesach.
Teachers and parents: you will also have a dragon. Yours will be
placed next to the READ bulletin board in the main hallway. All kinds of
reading will be allowed, including listening to reading, and listening to
others read. During the year there will be exciting programs to help you
read more.
Would you like to join their challenge? Contact Sager Librarian Edie
Salzman at edie.salzman@schechter.org
Sixth Graders Contemplate Their Souls
and Express Their Thoughts
Through Poetry and Design
During the celebration, Schechter
Alumni Parents Ken and Andy Saffir will
be honored for their devotion to Jewish
education. The event is being cochaired by Schechter Alumni Parents
Lynn Schrayer and Jennifer Flink.
For more information, please contact
Stephanie Smerling, Director of
Institutional Advancement, at
847.324.3720 or ssmerling@cjhs.org.
Online registration and details are
available at www.cjhs.org
------------CjHS Informational Meeting:
SSDS Families:
Let's Get to Know
Each Other
Parents and students are invited.
All begin promptly at 7:30 pm
Students in Adrienne Eisenmann's 6th grade language arts
classes examined their souls after reading about fictional
students drawing their souls in WALK TWO MOONS, by
Sharon Creech.
After drawing their own souls and a discussion about what their
soul looks like, the students completed statements such as:
My soul moves, My soul sounds like, My soul wonders, etc. The
end product of these poems were put into each students's own
unique style with the of help Mrs. Debbie Harris, Sager Middle
School Technology Coordinator. Both Mrs. Harris and Mrs.
Eisenmann were extremely moved by the quality and depth of
Tony Frank, Head of School, will be
available to answer your
questions. He'll bring members of our
faculty and study body with him to
share their personal experiences.
· Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the home of
Karyn and Billy Silverstein, Highland
Park
· Wednesday, Oct. 26 at the home of
Judy Levin and Gerry Salzman, Chicago
For addresses to these meetings and to
RSVP, contact Rachel Spiro, Director of
Admissions, 847-324-3706 or
rspiro@cjhs.org
------------SAVE THE DATE - OPEN HOUSE FOR
PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES
Sunday, November 6
at 1pm
SAVE $500 off Tuition - Submit an
application by Dec. 15, 2011
VISIT US! 1095 Lake Cook Road,
Deerfield
www.cjhs.org
-------------
SAVE THE DATE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13
the students words. Below are two examples.
Ralph's World is the mega-fun musical
planet where kids rock rock rock and
dance dance dance to their own and
their parents' delight. It's the creation
of Ralph Covert: indie rocker,
songwriter, playwright, and children's
book author who will perform fan
favorite rockin' tunes and selections
from his newest CD "All Around Ralph's
World."
Tickets: $15 per person
Two Shows To Choose From:
12:00 noon or 2:30 p.m.
More Details in October Bulletin or
Visit
www.ralphsworld.com
Click here to print a view a copy of the
flyer
------------ANNUAL HELENE HOFFMAN
MEMORIAL CANTORIAL CONCERT
Proceeds Benefit Elyssa's Mission
On November 13th, starting at 4 PM,
the Helene Hoffman Memorial Cantorial
Concert will take place at Congregation
Beth Shalom of Northbrook.
Three guest cantors will perform an
eclectic program of Jewish music with
influences from Bluegrass, Jazz, Rock
and Gospel genres.
If you'd like more information about
this event, please contact Arnie
Hoffman at 847-559-0909 or
email barterboss1218@gmail.com
-------
It's never Too Early to Start
Thinking About Ramah Day Camp
If your child will be in kindergarten
through 6th grade in Fall 2012,
consider enrolling them at Ramah Day
Camp.
Both four-week and eight-week
sessions are offered. Located in
Wheeling, IL, the day camp
encompasses all to which Ramah is
committed: fun and learning in an
environment where Hebrew and Jewish
values are integrated into the daily
camp activities of swimming, sports
and making friends. Plus, if you enroll
before November 15, you can take
advantage of our early registration
discount, up to $250!
For more
information, contactinfo@ramahday.com
or 312-606-0444.
Check out the website
at www.ramahday.com. Ramah Day
Camp...where fun and friendship build
Jewish lives.
------Please send all Community News to
Millie Cave at
millie.cave@schechter.org
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Seventh Graders Reenact Samuel Adams'
"Committee of Correspondence"
During the American Revolution
Our 7th
graders have been studying the American Relevation. in their social
studies class. They recently learned that a series of laws were passed
by the British government, which the colonists disliked. To share the
news and promote anti-British sentiment amongst the colonies, Samuel
Adams created the Committee of Correspondence, an organization that
distributed pamphlets and newsletters.
To bring this concept to life, students in Mrs. Levey's classes each wrote
their own pamphlet emulating those of colonial days. They had a choice
to write about the Boston Massacre or the Boston Tea Party. Each of
these events was the result of the colonists reacting to what they
considered to be unfair laws passed by the Parliament and King
George.
"I always get excited as student synthesize the information they learn
and are able to present their knowledge in creative ways," said Alisa
Levey. "The students used a computer application called Print Shop to
produce their brochures, and they really enjoyed writing from the
perspective of a colonist."
Schechter Partners with Sportsman's Golf Course
to Provide Instructional Golf Clinic
and Mini-Golf Intramural
For the second year in a row, Solomon Schechter has partnered with
Sportsman's Golf Course to provide an Instructional Golf Clinic and a
Mini-Golf intramural. The Instructional Golf Clinic has four returning
golfers from last year. The clinic is designed to provide individual
instruction at all levels in every facet of the game. The golfers spend
time at the driving range, practice green, and play two rounds of golf at
Anetsberger Golf Course.
Through the use of video the students were able to analyze their shot
right at the range. The clinic will be offered again next fall and,
according to Schechter Athletic Director Alicia Honan, Solomon
Schechter looks forward to continued partnership with Sportsman's Golf
Course.
What could be more fun than walking over to Sportsman's Golf Course
to play mini-golf after a day of school? Well, this year we had a group
take that walk to enjoy the fall weather and play mini-golf. Sager Middle
School students can sign up for the days that fit their schedule for a
minimal fee. This was the second year mini-golf was offered as an
intramural and we plan to offer mini-golf again next fall.
The two
top pictures above are from the rounds of golf at Anetsberger Golf
Course. The photo directly above is of our mini-golfers. Thanks to Jody
Zalkin-Weisskopf and Rachel Gruenberg for providing transportation
and to Pnina Orbach for her assistance at the golf courses.
Sager Middle School Math Teacher
Danielle Gershon Featured in SJED Newsletter
Kudos to Sager Middle School math teacher Danielle Gershon who was
featured in a recent issue of the Smart Board Jewish Educational
Database (SJED) Newsletter. Click here to read the article.
Soccer Update From Alicia Honan,
Athletic Director
The Sager Middle School Lions soccer team has been busy with games
or practices three times a week. Our fan base is growing and we would
like to invite everyone to come watch our final game of the season. The
final game is Tuesday, October 11 versus Bannockburn at 4:15 played
at the Skokie Schechter soccer field. The team's record up to this point
is 2-3-1. This year's team is comprised of three 8th graders, six 7th
graders, two 6th graders, and eight 5th graders. The addition of fifth
grade students to the team has been welcome with the promise of a
solid core of players for the next three years.
Here is a short recap of our games.
The Lions were victorious in their first home game versus Roycemore
with aggressive offense by Yael Bettenhausen, Micah Brody, and Josh
Weisskopf. The three fifth grade students held their own on offense
against an older and bigger Roycemore team. The score was 2-1.
The game versus Baker was exciting and hard fought, but a difficult loss
(5-4). It was a team effort and Coby Drexler, Danny Gabel, Oren
Efergan, and Owen Janssen stood out for making great plays.
Each year it seems one game is played in the rain. This year the home
game versus Marie Murphy was that game! With parts of the game in a
downpour, Marie Murphy's team took advantage of the weather in a big
loss for the Lions (6-1). One of the many highlights was the awesome
defense of Micah Shaffer and Molly Stein. Tremendous thanks to our
fans who, in the midst of the rain, put up their hoods, opened umbrellas,
and stayed to support the team.
After the loss at Baker, the Lions looked forward to the rematch on their
home field, and they did not disappoint! The Lions won the game 2-1!
Ann Kushnir, Shai Sklar, Ariel Eisenstein, and Max Levavi all played a
great game.
The rematch with Roycemore resulted in a tie. Omer Tovy and Abby
Bettenhausen played great defense with Abby scoring the Lions' only
goal. The game's goalkeeper, Charlie Cramer, stopped many shots
during the game and was aided by the terrific defense of Ben Squarer.
Thank you to the families that have provided the refreshing and healthy
snacks. We are grateful to our fans for supporting our team at home and
away games.
Alumni News
Rebecca Russo (SSDS '99), (pictured above with her husband, David
Russo) recently joined the Fiedler Hillel staff at Northwestern University
as the Director of Engagement. In her previous job, she worked in the
Educational Resources and Organizational Development Department at
UJA-Federation of New York, where she focused on student
programming, professional development, and staff enrichment.
Prior to living in New York, Rebecca spent a year as a Dorot Fellow in
Israel -- volunteering with both the gypsy and interfaith communities in
Jerusalem, exploring Jewish texts, and traveling throughout Israel.
Rebecca holds an undergraduate degree in Middle East Studies from
Brown University and has studied abroad in Rabat, Morocco and in
Jerusalem. She also participated in Nativ. Prior to that she attended
Highland Park High School.
When asked about how her Schechter experience impacted her career
choice, Rebecca said, "The most powerful thing I took away from my
years at Schechter was the joy of Judaism that I experienced there -dancing outside on Yom Ha'atzmaut, seeing our teachers in costume on
Purim, eating hot lunches together on Fridays. In my work in the Jewish
community and specifically at Hillel, I strive to share that same kind of
joy with others, inspiring people from different backgrounds to find
meaningful connections to Jewish life. I will also forever be grateful to
the Hebrew education that Schechter provided me, giving me the tools
to access the full breadth of both Jewish tradition and Israeli culture."
As Director of Engagement, Rebecca oversees the engagement
department, managing the Campus Engagement Corps (CEC) project,
which impacts over 800 students per year on campus, as well as
international immersion experiences including Taglit-Birthright Israel and
Alternative Student Break (ASB) programs in Morocco, Cuba, and South
America.
Rebecca is a classical and jazz singer who loves hiking, traveling, and
water sports, and lives in Lakeview with her husband, David Russo, who
is the Rabbi for Youth and Education at Anshe Emet. They met in USY
and went on USY Pilgrimage and Nativ together and were married in
August, 2008.
_____________________
Aaron Cohn (Class of 2007) is currently a freshman at Washington
University in St. Louis where he is studying Mechanical Engineering. He
is a member of the Wash U cross country and track teams and was
recently named Cross Country Athlete of the Week. The picture below
was taken at the Southern Illinois Edwardsville meet where Aaron
finished 18th out of a field of 52 with an 8k time of 27.21.
Aaron attended Chicagoland Jewish High School where he was captain
of the Cross Country and Basketball teams. He was also a member of
the Model UN team his junior and senior year and was president of the
Engineering club where they built a hover craft. The picture below was
taken at a recent invitational at Wheaton College where he finished 23rd
out of a field of 125 with a time of 26.35.
Check out the New Alumni Section and Update Your Information
Schechter is celebrating its 50th year and, to kick off the year, we
recently launched a new website with an expanded alumni section.
Check it out at www.schechter.org .
Please take a moment to update your information.
at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ssdsmetrochicago2.
Solomon Schechter Day School Kindergarten Information
Night
Wednesday, October 26, 2011; 7:45 pm - 9:00 pm
All you ever wanted to know about a Solomon Schechter Day School
education but were afraid to ask!
Meet current parents and learn why they chose Schechter.
Hear from Dr. Lena Kushnir, Principal, and learn how our new science
and math programs create scientists and keen observers.
Learn about the gift of continuing your child's Jewish education.
Hosted by Marc and Mimi Yoskokwitz: 675 Red Oak Terrace, Highland
Park
Click here to for more information
RSVP to cynthia.lerner@schechter.org
Pass it On!
We hope you have enjoyed reading about the exciting and meaningful
programs and activities at Solomon Schechter Day School. If you know
someone who would enjoy reading about our Schechter community,
please forward this to them! Send all comments to
tami.warshawsky@schechter.org.
A partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United
Fund/Jewish Federation.