Issue ISeptember/October 2008Elul/Tishrei 5768-5769

Hillel Expands College Guidance Program

In preparation for the High Holidays, students in all grades participated in many activities thoughtout the school. Middle School Judaic Studies teacher Rabbi Yitzchak Shamba visited a Kindergarten class to tell students stories about the High Holidays and sounded his beautiful Shofar. Rabbinic Dean Rabbi Michael Druin said that students schoolwide are preparing for the High Holidays and Sukkot through lessons, discussions and songs.

• College process to begin in Grade 8• Small seminars for parents/students• Nuts and Bolts of Applying to Colleges• Naviance ACT and SAT prep classes • Naviance Career Builder• Grade meetings in Upper School• Workshops to learn Naviance

INSIDESpotlight shines on Hillel’s Performing Arts program. Page 3

Student Activities plans events, clubs and Shabbatonim. Page 4

Classroom renovations establish new learning environment. Page 5

HIP/PTA launches the school year with first

breakfast. Page 6

Football fever strikes as Hillel launches team.

Page 7

The Kol Hillelis made possible by

learning for a lifetimeThe Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High SchoolThe Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School

Sounds of the

SHOFAR

The Pathways to College has started earlier for Hillel students this year and is filled with a series of new programs to establish a more comprehensive process for students applying to college and Israel programs.

Dr. Allan Wolf, Director of College Counseling, said Hillel offers the Nuts and Bolts of Applying to Colleges for juniors and seniors, along with sessions to train parents and students to use Naviance, a Web-based college and career planning resource. Meetings are also scheduled for each grade to learn how the Naviance Network aids students and parents in preparation for the college application process.

This year the College Guidance office, with the additon of Lee Levine, formerly a college advisor at Ramaz in New York, plans to register every family in the Upper School on Naviance, enabling them to log on and receive timely information. Registration will be required for every Upper School student.

The school has also purchased ACT and SAT prep courses through Naviance, which leads students visually and orally through study guides.

With Naviance, students can also research any college for information and application requirements, view scatter grams and journal

their way through the college applicaton process.Wolf said students now have access to Naviance

Career Builder, which gives students insights into thousands of careers with appropriate college programs.

Starting this spring, students and parents in Grade 8 will be invited to attend an introduction to the college process. Wolf also said that every ten weeks, small seminars will be scheduled with Upper School parents and students.

“We are building a college advising office that is nationally recognized for its college admissions success,” Wolf said.

305.937.779717900 Biscayne Blvd. Aventurawww.aspaclaria.com

BOARD OF GOVERNORSChairman Gil Bonwitt Vice-Chairman David Wolf Treasurer Jorge WoldenbergSecretary Rossana FrancoImmediate Past President Rafael RussHIP/PTA President Amy Chafetz

Michelle AmselemSara BejarUri Benhamron Helena BroideDr. Judith Dach Michelle DienerAnita GivnerDr. Jan HockmanMatt KuttlerAnita LapcoSherri LebwohlJeffrey LevinsonRabbi Ezra Levy, Ed.D.

ADMINISTRATIONHead of School Dr. Adam C. HoldenRabbinic Dean Rabbi Michael Druin Principal, Lower School Debra AbolafiaPrincipal, Middle School Nick HinrichsenPrincipal, Upper School Tym BonillaAssistant Principal, Lower School Valerie LustgartenAssistant Principal, Lower School Tara Solomiany Dean of Students, Grades 6-12 Charmain CarterAssistant Principal, Grades 6-12 Joshua Meisels

David LichterRabbi Avrohom LipszycGary MarsDiana MundlakJoanne PapirEva RubRachel SapoznikMarty ScheckDana Yemin SchragerMike ShalomJill ShockettHedy Whitebook

Mazel TovMiddle School Language Arts teacher Arlene Fishbein is the recipient of the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education’s Targum Shlishi Excellent Educator Award. The Award is based on exemplary dedication and contribution to the field of Jewish education and enables recipients to deepen their knowledge of and commitment to Jewish education. The award is presented to ten outstanding educators each year.

Middle School teachers Orit Cohen and Ofra Mor received certification in Hebrew Language from Hebrew College for teaching and mentoring. Hebrew College is an accredited college of Jewish Studies and a model for Judaic studies instruction.

Life Cycle NewsHave you heard which alumni are now engaged? Want to know who just had a baby? Want to give a mazel tov to the family of a Bar Mitzvah? Visit the HIP/PTA page or the Alumni page of the Hillel Web site (www.hillel-nmb.org) to stay current with the school community’s life cycle events. And be sure to share your news, too! Please submit life cycle event news to hip@hillel-nmb.net. Pages are updated regularly.

Hillel News

ABOUT HILLELFrom early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel is a Jewish community day school structured to cultivate and inspire students and to prepare them for college admission. Through meaningful religious and cultural experiences, Hillel strives to deepen students’ commitment to Judaism, the Jewish people and Israel. Hillel is the second-largest Jewish community day school in the nation.

ACCREDITATIONHillel is a beneficiary agency of the Greater Miami Jewish Federation and is accredited by: Commission on International-Regional Accreditation, National Council for Private School Accreditation, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and Association of Independent Schools of Florida. Hillel is affiliated with: Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education, RAVSAK: The Jewish Community Day School Network, National Association of College Admission Counseling, Greater Miami Jewish Federation, Jewish Federation of Broward County and Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education.

KOL HILLELThe Kol Hillel is a bimonthly publication of The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School/Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School, 19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180, P: 305.931.2831. For submissions please email plainjanegraphics@gmail.com.

2 KOL HILLEL

Hillel has launched its 2008/2009 Annual Campaign, A Moment Today, A Difference for a Lifetime. The support of each family will ensure that Hillel can continue turning a moment today into a difference for a lifetime. Hillel has set a goal to reach 100 percent parent participation of the Annual Campaign. For information, please contact Erica Shafir, Director of Development, 305.931.2831, x279, or visit the Hillel Web site, hillel-nmb.org.

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Hillel_annualCampaign_08_FINAL_R1 1 9/8/08 11:03:22 AM

Students entering Corey Feinsilver’s drama class are learning there is more to drama than performing on stage. It takes preparation and technique. For the first time, Hillel drama courses are offered in the Middle and Upper School curricula.

“I’m very excited to launch an educational theatre program at Hillel,” said Feinsilver, the new Chair of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program.

The classes are designed to nurture serious performers as well as the beginners who want to try theatre. The drama classes also build confidence by allowing students to feel comfortable in front of peers and an audience. “The kids walk into my class feeling very different than when they

walk out. They leave with so much self- confidence,” said Feinsilver, who was most recently the theatre teacher and director at Ransom Everglades School. Students will

learn through improvisation, theatre games and scene and monologue study. Feinsilver said it’s a performance-based class for all

students, even those who do not want to try out for the plays.

Two plays scheduled for this school year. Tryouts were held earlier this month for the Disney musical Aladdin.The Spring production, which has not yet been announced, will be a drama directed

by Feinsilver.

Spotlight Shines on New Performing Arts ProgramAladdin will run December 18-21. Hillel’s new Musical

Theatre Director, Cantor Marc Philippe de Roca, will lead the first production. “I am really excited to do a musical here with such a great pool of students,” said Cantor de Roca, who also leads the choir and band and teaches AP Music Theory in Upper School and Introduction to Music in Middle School. Students in his classes will learn to write melodies, create arrangements and construct music and rhythm. Cantor de Roca graduated with a Master’s in flute, conducting and chamber music from the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris.

Rounding out the program, Hillel’s new Technical Director, Seth Dimbert, will work with students to teach lighting, sound and set construction for each production. Dimbert teaches computers and journalism in Upper School.

Students in Lower School will learn music with Sophia Sherman. She says that she inspires students through the art of singing, acting, and dancing, as well as enhancing and developing artistic capabilities through music.

Cantor Marc Philippe de Roca,Musical TheatreDirector

Corey Feinsilver,Chair of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Program

PERFORMING ARTS

Hillel’s Student Council is on its way to organizing one of its most successful years. Senior Brandon Zarco, Student Council President, said the Senior Board has been united with the Student Council this year to work together to create more events for the Upper School.

This year the Student Council will promote school ruach through pep rallies, themed ruach days, sporting events, and more. While events are still being planned, Zarco says they are planning a Grade 9 Mystery Bus Ride, and Grade 10, 11 and 12 Shabbaton class trips.

Zarco also said that this year the Student Council has established a unique relationship with the administration.

Student Council Energizes Upper School “It allows us to work beyond our usual

boundaries, which in turn enables us to produce more exciting and entertaining events,” Zarco said.

Rabbi Michael Druin, Hillel’s Rabbinic Dean, said “The quality and vision of leadership this year is energizing to work with.” Student Council board members meet each week in the school’s board room. “The level of professionalism is unbelievable,” he said.

Student Council’s one overall goal is to work as a team to make the 2008-2009 the greatest year Hillel has ever seen, Zarco said.

President: Brandon Zarco

Vice Presidents: Esther Schoonover

E

van Grabois

Club Coordinator: Yael Almani

Secretary: Cassie Scheinman

Treasurer: Leo Loeffler

Senior Class President: Brigitte Bakshi

Senior Vice President: Salomon Sterental

Senior Secretary: Jonathan Tarich

Senior Treasurer: Eliel Epelbaum

Grade 11 Reps: Michael Lederman

T

odd Levy

Grade 10 Reps.: Arianne Milhem

J

ade Wollschlaeger

Grade 9 Reps: TBA

KOL HILLEL 3Made Possible by AspaClaria Made Possible by AspaClaria

Hillel’s Middle School faculty participated in the FranklinCovey Leadership Training Program in August and will implement the lessons of the program The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens this school year.

Middle School Principal Nick Hinrichsen said the program was made possible by a grant from the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education. Hillel is the only Jewish day school in the country selected to fully integrate the program.

“FranklinCovey will provide Hillel students with leadership skills that can be used throughout their lives,” Hinrichsen said. “Further, it truly demonstrates Hillel’s mission, as each of the seven habits is deeply rooted in Jewish principles and values. Hillel is grateful to CAJE for this opportunity to express our commitment to providing children with unique Jewish learning experiences.”

The goal, Hinrichsen said, is to make Hillel a leadership school, where the students graduate to become leaders in the community. Students will learn the steps of the program in their advisory classes.

Chaya Tamir, Middle School Judaic Studies Chair, reiterated the connection to core values. “FranklinCovey is a reflection of Hillel’s philosophy,” she said.

Hillel is First Jewish Day School Selected to Teach Program

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

“For example, Habit #2 is ‘Begin with the end in mind.’ This is in fact the famous Jewish concept of ‘Last in deed but first in thought,’ from L’cha Dodi, which we sing every week on Shabbat.”

Parents can learn about the program on September 24 at 7:30 p.m. in Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre.

FranklinCovey Leadership Training representative Lonnie Moore will outline and discuss The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

“It’s an opportunity for parents to see what their children will gain and how it will influence their

personal and professional lives,” Hinrichsen said.The program follows the lessons in The Seven Habits of

Highly Effective People, first published in 1989 and written by Stephen R. Covey. It has sold over 15 million copies in 38 languages since first publication. More than 2,000 schools have adopted this program.

The book lists seven principles that, if established as habits, are supposed to help a person achieve true interdependent effectiveness. The training workshops and tools are designed to unleash talent, ability, and creativity to achieve sustained superior performance in an organization.

Everything the Student Activities office plans this year will be integrated through the classroom to be relevant and exciting to students. The new Director of Student Activities, Hillel Hurwitz, is planning events and activities for students from Lower School through Upper School. “I will take Student Activities to the next level,” he said.

Hurwitz’s energetic style has placed him in a position filled with challenges and expectations that he plans to surpass. “I want

to create events and activities that students will look forward to and always remember,” he said.

Hurwitz began the school year with a list of new clubs and activities, with the collaboration of Student Council board members. Students attended the Club Fair and joined everything from Advanced Robotics and Stock Exchange to Chess and Shabbaton clubs. Hurwitz said he will plan the Shabbatonim for students in Grades 5 - 12. They will have themes to include educational elements combined with building friendships and having fun. He will also plan events centered around the Jewish holidays throughout the school year.

Students Activities will work closely with HIP/PTA and Student Council to ensure that events are enriching for families and students of all ages.

“I have been very impressed of what I have seen at Hillel so far. I hope to enhance the Jewish education of the school and fullfill the mission to inspire students through different Jewish educational experiences,” said Hurwitz, who is from Modiin, Israel and was Student Activities director at King David School in South Africa for 10 years.

Student Activities Soars to the ‘Next Level’

Teens Train for Leadership

4 KOL HILLEL

Hillel’s classrooms are being renovated to reflect a child-centered environment to empower students and motivate learners.

“All research suggests that the classroom environment is a critical element in maximizing the benefits of education,” explained Dr. Adam Holden, Head of School. “Creating a caring, child-centered atmosphere requires much thought and planning, but it remains integral to successful learning.”

The renovated classrooms are clean, uncluttered and are painted a soft color. They also feature Smart technology and other cutting edge enhancements that transform the classrooms into exciting, interactive learning communities.

Holden said that warm, well-run classrooms, including the arrangement of desks and working space, the attractiveness and appeal of bulletin boards, and the storage of materials and supplies, all have a positive impact on student learning.

Lower School Principal Debra Abolafia said with fewer distractions, students can focus on learning. “That is the philosophy behind the redesigned classrooms at Hillel,” she said.

Today’s emphasis on Smart technology runs all the way from early childhood through Upper School and it truly is revolutionizing children’s learning, Abolafia said.

Renovation Turns Classrooms intoLearning Communities

Grade 1 students participate in one of the newly remodeled classrooms.

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Holden said studies suggest that when teachers adjust the environment to children’s preferences, the students perform better academically and are better behaved.

Pam Burd, Director of Operations, said one classroom in each the Middle and Upper Schools has been remodeled.The classrooms that have not yet been renovated will follow the same style.

The Lower School renovations, which have been completed in three classrooms and the art room, also include replacing the PA systems with telephones in each classroom for emergency use.

The art room, which is enhanced with new technology, is bright, warm and welcoming and is designed to inspire Hillel’s youngest artists to discover their talents and creativity.

The classroom renovations are an ongoing project made possible by the generosity of parents and friends. Parents can contact their child’s principal for more information.

“Guided by motivating teachers and exciting innovation, the result is children who lead conversation, turn to their peers for discussion and discover the answers to their very own questions. Children end up owning their education experience,” she said.

Holden explained that the physical layout of a room reflects both a teaching method and preferred learning style.

Reggio Emilia curriculum (offered in Hillel’s early childhood classrooms), stresses the need for a classroom environment that “informs and engages the child.”

The physical environment, Holden said, becomes “another teacher” in the sense that it can motivate children, enhance learning, and reduce behavior problems.

Other important environmental features, including temperature, lighting, and noise level, all affect students in different ways and are directly related to individual learning styles.

KOL HILLEL 5Made Possible by AspaClaria

Nearly 100 parents attended the first HIP/PTA meeting and welcome back breakfast in August. HIP President Amy Chafetz said “As we move into this school year, HIP/PTA has been revitalized and reorganized. Already, more than 20 parents have assumed leadership roles in our organization.” This year’s events and co-chairs follow.

Scholastic Book FairCarla Fischbach, Jessica Linkewer, Chava Mann, Karen Ruah

Chanukah Boutique Michele Scheck, Leanne Cohen

Mischloach Manot Joana Kirsch, Monica Wagenberg

Lower School EventIleana Berenstein, Susy Abbo, Miriam Merenfeld

HIP/PTA LuncheonMichelle Serber and Ivonn Goihman

Scrip ProgramMichele Scheck

School StoreMichele Scheck

New Family AmbassadorsSandra Levy & Ronit Shiro

Parent EducationVicky Chehebar Spirit EventsAnat Garzon

For up-to-date information about events, please visit the Web site at hillel-nmb.org or write to hip@hillel-nmb.org.

Amy Chafetz, PresidentSusan Wodnicki, Treasurer

Michele Scheck, FundraisingDiana BenArie, Communications

Alumni News

Hillel Alumni Tie the KnotBy Michael Newman (01)Fernanda (Azar) (02) and I met while we were in high school at Hillel. She was in 9th grade and I was in 10th. We have been together through high school, a long-distance relationship while in college, and graduate school. We finally got married after about 9 years on February 16

of this year. Fernanda received her teaching degree and is currently working for a medical company, and I just graduated law school and work at the Miami office of Greenberg Traurig in the corporate transactions department. If it was not for Hillel, we probably never would have met.

The Annual Frye Financial Alumni Basketball Games will take place on November 26, 2008. The Countyline Lexus Fifth Annual Hillel Poker Tournament will be held on December 15, 2008. All Hillel Alumni receive a special discounted entry fee. To register for either event or to help plan an event for the Jerome M. Levy Alumni Association, write to Erica Shafir at Shafir@hillel-nmb.net.

HIP Parent to CreateNew PTA Goals

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The (Leonel) Harari FamilyThe Houri FamilyThe Jafif FamilyThe Kline FamilyThe Kurzer FamilyThe Landman FamilyThe Leiberman FamilyThe Lustgarten FamilyThe Moreno FamilyThe Najjar FamilyThe Perez FamilyThe Pinhasi FamilyThe Prizant FamilyThe Rodrig FamilyThe Romano FamilyThe Rosenthal FamilyThe Rosner FamilyThe Sager FamilyThe Saraga FamilyThe Schrager FamilyThe Shaked FamilyThe Solomon FamilyThe Szapiro FamilyThe Toledano FamilyThe Wakszol FamilyThe Weitzman FamilyThe Yaniv FamilyThe Zavulunov Family

The Abotbol FamilyThe Agay FamilyThe Akerstain FamilyThe Alfandary FamilyThe Assraf FamilyThe Azulay FamilyThe Baum FamilyThe de Roca FamilyThe Benayon FamilyThe Bensadon FamilyThe Braun FamilyThe Brown FamilyThe Carciente FamilyThe Chalem FamilyThe Chanero FamilyThe Dayan FamilyThe Dimbert FamilyThe Elfassy FamilyThe Emsalem FamilyThe Fischer FamilyThe Fiske FamilyThe Fux FamilyThe Gilbert FamilyThe Gilinski FamilyThe Goldstein FamilyThe Gorin FamilyThe Gutkin FamilyThe (Rafael) Harari Family

A Warm Welcome to New Hillel Families

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THE SPORTS PAGE

Football FEVER Kicks Off at Hillel

Driven to place Hillel’s new team on the map in South Florida, new varsity football coach David Fried has been on the winning side of football for nearly 15 years. The team followed a a rigorous practice schedule this summer and with soaring spirit at school, the Hurricanes drew nearly 250 supporters to the first game in August.

Student Council and the Student Activities office organized a pep rally at school the day before the game.

“Our players have worked extremely hard and have made many sacrifices over the past few months, Fried said.

“They are happy to finally start the season. Being that this is the first year for Hillel football, our players are also excited about setting the standard for Hillel athletes for years to come, making it a team of which our entire school and community can be proud.” Fried spent 14 years at the MAR-JCC as the Youth Sports and Wellness Director and Head Coach of Mo Steel, the number one ranked flag football team in the world.

Fried said his goals for the team are:• To create an atmosphere of teamwork,

hard work, accountability and structure for Hillel’s student-athletes.• To train players to be able to compete at a high level, both physically and mentally.• To have all student-athletes understand the game and be able to execute under any circumstance.

• To make sure that all football players maintain high marks in the classroom.

“I am very excited for the opportunity to coach Hillel’s inaugural season, Fried said. “I have known many of the players for a very long time and am honored to finally coach them. Having seen where this program started in April to where we are today, I’m proud of our team, for their unwavering dedication to succeed.” Coaching the football team with Coach Fried are faculty members Mike Norman, Defensive Coordinator

Coach, Jimmy Robertson, Defensive Assistant Coach and Ben Magdision. Assistant Coach. Mik Brasik, Offensive Coordinator Coach and Adrian Gates, Offensive Assistant

Coach complete the team.

Athletic Director Cindy Lyon is tackling not only a new football season at Hillel, but reorganizing all the school sports and the physical education curriculum.

Lyon said studies show that students involved in sports perform better in the classsroom. Athletics programs enable students to develop sportsmanship, respect for others and high self-esteem. “Athletes feel better about themselves and perform better in the classroom,” she said.

Lyon is hoping more students will become involved in the school’s athletic program. “Everything students learn in sports is used in the classroom,” said Lyon, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and a National Coaching Certificate from Florida State University.

The physical education department has become more aggressive in getting students physically fit. From Lower School to Upper School, an age appropriate curriculum will emphasize gross motor skills, coordination, basic skills, health and wellness, personal fitness and sports skills.

Athletic Director Cindy Lyon

Athletic Department Gets in Shape

“Our players are also excited about setting the standard for Hillel football for years to come, making it a team of which our entire school and community can be proud.” Head Coach David Fried

KOL HILLEL 7Made Possible by AspaClaria

Upper School SportsFall Sports: Football, Girls Volleyball, Co-Ed Cross Country, Co-Ed GolfWinter Sports: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, Girls SoccerSpring Sports: Softball, Baseball, Girls TennisMiddle School SportsFall Sports: Girls Volleyball, Boys Flag FootballWinter: Boys Basketball, Girls Basketball, Boys Soccer, Girls SoccerSpring Sports: Baseball, SoftballIntramural Sports February-April: Crew Year-round: Fencing

Save the DateFranklinCovey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens Program Wednesday, September 24, 7:30 PMJordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts TheatreNational Honor Society Inducations (Junior & Senior) Wednesday, October 29, 7:30 PMAnnual Frye Alumni Basketball Games Wednesday, November 26 Countyline Lexus Fifth Annual Hillel Poker Tournament Tuesday, December 9 PKT-PK4 Generations DayThursday, December 19 K-Grade 3 Generations DayFriday, December 20

Pathways to CollegeMiami Private School Invitational College FairSunday, October 26, 12:30 PM to 3 PM Hilton Miami Airport, 5101 Blue Lagoon Drive.Gap Year for Grades 11-12 Students and ParentsTuesday, October 28, 7:30 PM

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High SchoolThe Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School19000 NE 25th AvenueNorth Miami Beach, Florida 33180

December 18 - 21, 200821-24 Kislev 5769Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre

Wishing all our Familiesand Friends a

Sweet New Year. vcuy vba

5769

HillelEvents

Admissions Open HouseLower School Open House, PKT-Grade 5Sunday, November 2, 10 AMMiddle and Upper School Open House, Grades 6-12Sunday, November 9, 10 AM

HIP/PTA Meetings and Events Meeting, Tuesday, October 7, 7:30 PMBook Fair, November 10-14 Meeting, Wednesday, November 12, 8:15 AMStory Night,Wednesday, November 12, 6 PM Meeting, Wednesday, December 10, 7:30 PMChanukah Boutique, December 9-12

All-Student Musical Production