Dateline CTA June 2016 Iyar/Sivan 5776

Columbus Torah Academy

181 Noe Bixby Road Columbus, OH 43213 (614) 864-0299 info@torahacademy.org www.torahacademy.org Rabbi Samuel J. Levine Head of School Ext. 228

Patty Sapp Lower School Principal

Ext. 215 Eliza Delman Upper School Principal Ext. 220

Accredited by: ISACS Independent Schools Association of the Central States North Central Association Commission on Accreditation &School Improvement (NCA CASI) Member of: Torah Umesorah Association of Modern Orthodox Day School & Yeshiva High Schools (AMODS) Columbus Torah Academy is proud to be a beneficiary agency of The Columbus Jewish Federation

This Institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer

HEAD OF SCHOOL’S MESSAGE

It is quite incredible that two years have gone by so quickly. The alacrity with which this period has passed reminds me that time is a precious resource, painfully finite. It behooves each and every one of us to be mindful of time’s fleeting nature, to maximize the utility of every moment we are given, and to enjoy the blessings of life. I particularly direct this idea to parents of young children. Our children’s little hands will soon grow to be more mature, less likely to reach up to us for guidance and leadership. Their eyes, now filled with wonder, reflecting innocence and trust, will soon be gazing back at us at eye level, less naïve, more knowing, and, perhaps, a little more cynical, wizened by lessons learned while growing up. Pay attention, close attention, to every moment and do not be distracted. Turning away may deprive you of one of life’s special moments. Over the past two years, we have initiated projects and programs leading to school improvement in many areas. We have taken giant steps forward in the use of technology, evolved creative and innovative approaches to curriculum, enhanced the prayer experience for our students and more significantly focused on the education of our young women as they move through middle and high school. Our teachers are more reflective as they practice the art of education, our projected enrollment for the coming year is up, and our fundraising efforts are meeting with greater success. The primary charge I was given by the Board when I was brought to CTA two years ago was to transition leadership. G-d has blessed our efforts in this regard. Rabbi Avrohom Drandoff, our incoming Head of School, is the ideal person for this position. He is wise, passionate about education and he is beloved by people from across the full spectrum of our diverse Jewish community. He is interested in his personal professional growth and encourages the faculty to share this interest. Eliza Delman is ensconced in her position of Upper School Principal. She is a person of high standards who clearly communicates those high standards to students, faculty and parents. The ability to do so has been identified as essential for effective education and under her capable leadership our Upper School will grow in the years ahead. For the coming school year, we will welcome a new Lower School Principal, Debra Kira. Debra’s credentials have been disseminated widely. Suffice it to say that, as a result of a nationwide search, we were able to find a candidate of impeccable credentials and proven success to lead our Lower School in the years ahead. As I leave CTA, I would like to thank Patty Sapp for her support, sagacious advice and friendship. She contributed greatly to much of our success during my

short tenure as Head of School. I also want to thank our teachers and administrators for their dedication to our children and our school. You will not find a more professional group of educators anywhere. When the door closes and the children and teachers are together in the classroom, the rubber hits the road, educationally speaking. With the quality of our faculty, each classroom is paved with the road to success. Michael Broidy sold my wife and me on coming to CTA and I will always be grateful to him for the wonderful experience we had over the past two years as well as his advice and wisdom as I learned the ropes in a new community. I also thank Jeanie and Jay Schottenstein and Lindsay and Joey Schottenstein, for their support of so many of our educational initiatives as well as the personal kindness they extended to Breindel and me. Finally, I extend sincere gratitude to Gary Blumberg, our President for the past two years for being the ideal partner in governing our school’s Board. Columbus Torah Academy has made significant progress over the past two years, a circumstance that can be directly attributed to his leadership. We will miss CTA and this wonderful community but we will be comforted by the scent of jasmine in January.

MAZEL TOV TO:

Daniel Perel (Class of 2005) on his graduation from Emory University's Goizveta School of Business with an MBA and to his parents, Mel and Pearl Perel.

Rosie Deitsch (8th Grade Class of 2009) on her engagement to Yossi Gurevitch and to her parents, Rabbi

Zalman and Sarah Deitsch David and Ayala Kohn on the birth of a daughter. Sam Rosenstein (Class of 2011) on receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering from The

Ohio State University and to his parents, Andrew and Tricia Rosenstein. Avigayil (Ginsburg) Rapp (Class of 2008) on her graduation from Yeshiva University’s Albert Einstein College of

Medicine and to her parents, Rabbi David and Shulamit Ginsburg. Avigayil will be starting her residency at Maimonides Hospital in July.

Sarah Miriam Ginsburg (Class of 2012) on her graduation from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of

Business and to her parents, Rabbi David and Shulamit Ginsburg. Sarah Miriam will be starting her job at the "big four" firm Ernst and Young in New York

David Seidemann (8th Grade Class of 1973) on the marriage of his daughter Chaviva Tolik Goykhman (Class of 2008) on his graduation from medical school at Ohio University and to his parents,

Igor and ??? Goykhman. At the Hooding ceremony, Dr. Lena (Sheludkova) Feldman (Class of 2002) placed the Doctoral hood over Tolik as she also graduated medical school at Ohio University. Tolik will be doing his residency at The Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Lena (Sheludkova) Feldman (Class of 2002) and Leo Gorelik (Class of 2002) on the birth of a son. Meira Zack (Class of 2007) on her graduation with an MSW from Fordham University and to her parents, Rabbi

Howard and Linda Zack. Aharon Rosenberg (8th Grade Class of 2004) on his graduation from Fordham University Law School and to his

parents, Rabbi Jonathan (8th Grade Class of 1979) and Aviva Rosenberg. Emily Chase (Class of 2012) on her graduation from Stern College with a major in BioChemistry and to her

parents, Drs. Dan and Leslie Chase. She will be attending Einstein Medical School in the fall.

Aaron Portman (Class of 2011) on his graduation with honors from Yeshiva University with a major in English

and to his parents, Drs. David (8th grade Class of 1976) and Miriam Portman. He will be spending next year in New York as an Avodah Fellow, a Jewish non-Profit focused on anti-poverty.

Jared Stavsky (Class of 2012) on his graduation with honors from Yeshiva University with a (BA) in biology and

to his parents, Seth (8th grade Class of 1979) and Lisa Stavsky. Jared plans to attend dental school in the fall of 2017.

Sppencer Eppstein (Class of 2010) on his graduation with honors from Yeshiva University with a BA in

Psychology and an AA in Jewish Studies and to his mother, Susan Bonowitz. Sppencer was also the recipient of the Samuel and Jennie Raucher Memorial Award for Outstanding Service to Yeshiva College as well as the Meyer A Schatz Memorial Award. He was also on the Dean's List.

Rachel Salutsky (Class of 2012) on her graduation from Yeshiva University with a Bachelor of Science in

Accounting and to his parents, Fred and Shelly Salutsky. Rachel will be starting her job at the accounting firm Anchin, Block, & Anchin in New York City in the Fall.

Molly Dolinger (Class of 2012) on her graduation from The Ohio State University with a BA in Film Studies and

to her parents, Ron and Beth Dolinger. Molly plans to work in NYC next year. Pavel Vaisberg (Class of 2012) on his graduation with a BS in Biochemistry and to his mother, Svetlana

Vaisberg. Pavel will be pursuing a Masters of Science Degree in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.

Abigail Rosen (Class of 2012) on her graduation from Stern College- Yeshiva University with a major in Jewish

Education and to her parents, Alex and Susan Rosen. Abigail will be teaching at Westchester Day School in the fall.

Michael Osborne (Class of 2011) on his graduation from Yeshiva University and to his parents, Paul and Kim

Osborne. Michael received an award of Excellence in Jewish Studies. Paige McKenzie (Class of 2012) graduated last December (a semester early) from OSU with a Bachelors of

Science in Early and Middle Childhood Studies and to her parents, Mousa and Shelly Aframian. Currently Paige is pursuing a graduate degree in a Master's of Education program in early childhood education at OSU.

Hannah Polster (Class of 2011) graduated Magna Cum laude from OSU this past year as a music major and a

pre-med track and her parents, Jeff and Lori Polster. Hannah will be attending medical school at Ohio University starting this summer.

Yiska Weisband on receiving first place for her oral presentation at the Ohio Public Health Conference. She is a

doctoral student at OSU in the College of Public Health. Danny Lebowitz (Class of 2011) on his graduation from The Ohio State University and his parents Al and Shelly

Dembe. Danny will attend Dental School at OSU in the fall. Rabbi Adam (Class of 2002) and Ellie Shulman birth of baby boy and to grandparents, Anne and Steve

Shulman. We look forward to sharing in your pride. If you have any additional graduation or simcha notes to add, please

send them to info@torahacademy.org to include in our publications.

THANK YOU TO: All of the following for sponsoring the month of Iyar Rosh Chodesh Staff Appreciation Lunch: Laura and Ken

Clubok, Levana and Michael Slabodnick, Bruria and Yaacov Martin, Naomi Myers and Tali Preisler.

CONDOLENCES TO: Ita (Neymotin) Kremenchuker (8th Grade Class of 1987) and Olga (Serdyuk) Kremenchuker (Class of 2000) on

the loss of their father-in-law Solomon Kremenchuker Zelda (Grinblatt) Wildman (8th Grade Class of 1968)on the loss of her mother Sala Grinblatt Ellen Siegel Pollack, Steve Siegel (8th Grade Class of 1982) and Vickie Siegel (8th Grade Class of 1983) on the

loss of husband and father Arthur Pollack

CBI WAS A LITTLE WET, BUT OUR SPIRITS WEREN’T DAMPENED

For the 7th year, Columbus Torah Academy hosted the Columbus Baseball Invitational held the weekend of May 19-22. Dubbed the “Jewish World Series”, the event featured 11 high school baseball teams from Jewish day schools across the country who converged for 4 days of athletics and camaraderie. The weekend included Shabbat services and learning. Co-Commissioners, Jonathan Hartstein and Bob Lane led a small team of volunteers, providing the community with the opportunity to enjoy a game and a ballpark hotdog. CTA Athletic Director (extaordinaire) Matt Bailey and his crew worked tirelessly to keep the fields ready for play, even through the toughest and soggiest parts of the weekend. The tournament led off with gorgeous baseball-friendly skies and preliminary play was competitive. The crowds on Thursday night stayed well past 11 pm enjoying the concessions (and surprise Gordon’s Kosher Gourmet Food Truck) and making friends. Friday continued with fast paced play and cheers from the CTA Upper School skipping out on morning class to shout “Go Lions” to their peers. As Friday afternoon waned and Shabbat neared, the bracket was thinning to a semi-final line up for Saturday night of Frisch vs. Chicago and TABC vs. SAR. Unfortunately, the skies couldn’t hold out on Saturday and play was postponed until Sunday. The bracket was completely rearranged to end with some exhibition games on Sunday and a Championship game of Frisch vs. TABC. In a real “Jewish World Series” kind of way, Frisch prevailed and the two teams rode home together on the same bus. It’s a funny story…ask one of the commissioners. The event couldn’t have happened without the efforts of all the volunteers and a real appreciation goes out to the lay and professional leadership at Ahavas Sholom, Beth Jacob and Torat Emet who hosted the boys for Shabbat services and meals including a full Tournament sized Friday night dinner at BJ and a Seudah Shlishit at Torat Emet as well as appropriate services, meals and learning on Shabbat morning at all 3 shuls. A special Mishnayos Blitz on Shabbat afternoon in memory of Ezra Schwartz, z’l, was meaningful. (See Rabbi Weitz’s article below.)

NEWS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT By Rabbi Zecharia Weitz, Upper School Judaic Studies Coordinator Pirkei Avot in the Merit of Ezra Schwartz Even during an intense competition of the Jewish World Series, it is clear what unites us is so much more powerful than any perceived divide. The climax of our full Shabbat of programs together was when all eleven teams came to shul an hour early for this special program. After a brief introduction, the entirety of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, was divided up and completed multiple times among the 230 (approximately) athletes in attendance. The shul

was filled with sounds of intense Torah study as these young men learned in groups and pairs filling the sanctuary. A formal completion of the tractate was made, followed by a personal reflection made by Atlanta Jewish Academy’s team captain Aharon Weiden. The entire Atlanta baseball team wore a badge with the number 2 on their jerseys this year (Ezra’s number), branded with the name Ezra Schwartz. The team was motivated to make this year a tribute to Ezra after learning about him through contact with his family.

NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator The "Merkavah" visiting our school In honor of Yom HaAtzma'ut, Israeli Independence Day, we had a special visitor in our school, Ido Karavani. (Yea, yea! My son!) Ido is currently serving in the IDF through the "Hesder" program (KBY) that combines yeshiva studies with active duty. He shared his unique

experiences with the students and taught them a lot about the Merkavah, the Israeli tank. The kids were very curious and could not stop asking questions. Middot Program

Last Friday we had a closing assembly for our Middot (character development) Program. During the last three weeks, the students were busy emphasizing the middot: kavod, savlanut and chaverut (respect, patience and friendship). Throughout the whole building there were signs, pictures and students' paragraphs and thoughts on these three subjects. You could feel the positive atmosphere among the students. At the assembly the students proudly shared skits that reflected the learning in the class. Follow the link to see the skits https://youtu.be/D_QfUK-hwWU The third graders, with Mrs. Schwendenman, sharpened their computer skills by creating Middot animations that the students can share directly

with their parents. How much is "Lag" in numbers?

After 33 days of counting, it's happened..... Lag B’Omer! The students have been excitedly waiting to reach 33! All of the grades celebrated in a variety of ways including: scavenger hunt, cooperative learning stations, bonfire cupcakes, playing with old Israeli coins and more. Morah Jamie explained, “Lag B'Omer was a blast in the Kindergarten room. We had a scavenger hunt based on the middot we have learned this past week; savlanut (patience), chaverut (friendship) and kavod (respect). The

students answered questions and figured out the best way to act in different scenarios. They did an awesome job showing that they understood these concepts.

“We also had relay races outside where they had to work together. For example, they had to help a senior citizen (Morah Jamie dressed up) cross the "street" while talking to her and making her feel comfortable. This was really fun! We also made cupcakes that looked like a real bonfire out of red, orange and yellow icing and pretzels for the logs. We hope everyone had a great Lag B'Omer like us!! "

Learning about the 10 plagues

"I'm so happy the frogs are gone. Now I can finally get some rest. Why am I so itchy? Why are my animals making that sound? Will those animals be quiet? UGGHH! I can't stop itching. Why aren't the Jews itching? Why aren't their animals moaning? You know what- none of the Jews have been affected by any of the plagues so far. Isn't Pharoah a god? Why can't he control this?"

While learning about the 10 plagues, Morah Elana’s sixth graders were

asked to write creative paragraphs describing how the Egyptians must have felt living through each plague. Next, the students depicted their work and thoughts on posters, which were hung in the hallways for all grades to read.

NEWS FROM THE HEBREW DEPARTMENT By Kelly Adar, Hebrew & Israel Culture Coordinator Congratulations to the winners of the Lower School Hebrew Language Spelling Bee for 5th and 6th graders – 1st place, Mina Schulman, 2nd place, Teme Drandoff The 68th annual Yom Haatzmaut celebration at CTA, was an outstanding event with lots of great food, great

activities, and lots of Ruach!! Both the Lower and Upper School students enjoyed many different activities and the staff collaborated throughout the day. Ms. Amy Neiwirth, our wonderful art teacher, took the leading role of planning and overlooking the creation of a huge Magen David with our Lower Schools students that was made of foam board triangles. Each class was assigned a city, a Kibbutz or a Moshav in Israel, and using craft items created a large Magen David which will be hung on one of the Gym walls for years to come!

In the Upper School the students were divided into their Amazing Race teams to work on four inspirational projects including decorating a huge Hamsa, writing a Hebrew language song, preparing an Israeli meal, and creating a two minute video about Israel with expert staff member and filmmaker, Mr Guinan. We were all grateful to Mr. Norm Leist for BBQing the most delicious Hamburgers for us!

And on a more personal note: Yom Haatzmaut gets a very special meaning for me every year. As a Sabra and Israeli, I am very proud of Israel's accomplishments and achievements. In such a few years, Israel have become the heart of Technology and leading country in agriculture and commerce. Israel has delicious Kosher food and beautiful landscapes. It is easy to travel all the way from North to South and experience a diverse amount of cultures, climates and views. But most importantly, Israelis are known for their warmth and friendship towards one another and offer gracious hospitality to visitors and tourists. It is my great honor to be going back to Israel in less than a month. I will miss CTA students tremendously and hope to see them in Israel soon!

GARDEN, GREENHOUSE, SPINACH

It has been a very busy spring season for Yarok Together. With the help of high school students, Ioni Wolfson and Yaakov Metz, a greenhouse was built in view of the basketball courts. The greenhouse will help to extend our growing seasons, serve as a resource for formal scientific inquiry and generate seedlings for planting! Students in the Lower School cut down the winter cover growth of rye and tilled it into the soil; which, was prepared for spring growing. Between Pesach and Lag B’Omer spinach was planted, harvested and delivered to residents at Heritage Tower this week. If you like statistics, this should make you smile: In our inaugural year of the Yarok Together community project 450 Community Service Hours were fulfilled and 1000 pounds of fresh organic produce was delivered to 440 different people Please take a moment to listen to the voice message left by one of the residents of Heritage Tower after this week’s delivery: https://drive.google.com/a/torahacademy.org/file/d/0BzWvlay1FGXIXzlXdmpfRllyZVlIY0dNUG01NTJaLXJTc1BR/view The first year had a profound effect on students, faculty and recipients. As a result of the amazing work by our students; Morah Dina, Yarok Coordinator for CTA and Gina Freeman, Project Director and coordinator at CJDS have been asked to present their work at the National JOFEE (Jewish Outdoor, Food & Environmental Education) Network meeting in June! JOFEE is part of Hazon, an international organization which seeks to create healthier and more sustainable communities in the Jewish world and beyond. Work will be done over the summer to nurture the tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers that will be among the produce in our first delivery of the new school year. More information will follow with a schedule of opportunities for students and parents to volunteer over the summer. If you are interested in volunteering over the summer for a day please contact Morah Dina: dwolff@torahacademy.org

FUN IN THE 1st GRADE

The 1st grade field trip to the zoo was fantastic with beautiful weather, seeing lots of cool animals, and having the most awesome tour guide in the zoo that led the students through Asia Quest. Last Friday, the first graders got quite a surprise when Barry and Debbie Hellman, fellow student Seth’s parents, came into the classroom! Mr. Hellman is an engineer who works for the Air Force and he made a presentation about his work and about rockets. The students worked together in groups to build water-powered rockets and with Mr. and Mrs. Hellman’s help, they were launched outside with the students recording data of the rocket’s performance. They also launched a “real” rocket which shot up very high in the air!!!

STEM CUPCAKE CHALLENGE

What an enjoyable and delicious unit in the 3rd grade STEM classes as students were presented with the design challenge of making a Gluten-Free, Kosher, Vegan cupcake. Phew! That’s a mouthful. But it turned out to be a mouthful of deliciousness, in most cases. Students worked in teams using the right baking chemistry to measure, select ingredients, combine, bake and decorate a dozen cupcakes. The creations had to meet the following criteria: 1) The cupcakes must be gluten-free, kosher, and vegan. 2) The cupcakes must look

appetizing. 3) The cupcakes must taste good. 4) The cupcakes must have a STEM theme.

4th GRADE CLASS BUSINESS

Featured at the recent Lower School Achievement Fair, the 4th grade class business project was called “Bookmark in the Dark". The students made and sold four different types of bookmarks. The business was a culmination of their class unit on entrepreneurism and each student had a key role in the bookmark production process. The Product

Development team led the class in how to make the design. Marketing and Advertising completed the logo design and hung advertisements around the school. Packaging and Booth Design Team designed the sales booth and cart. The unit and sale are meaningful part of the curriculum and those people who purchased one of the limited bookmarks will be able to enjoy it for years to come.

WRITING WORKSHOP SHARE NIGHT ANOTHER GREAT SUCCESS

Lower School Achievement Fair was the venue for a special Share Night for the 2nd and 5th grade Writing Workshop led by Artist in Residence Amy Greenberg during the first two weeks of May. Parents and guests were privileged to join together to hear some of the original works of our students. The students excitedly presented their individual works in a read aloud to their parents and peers, including selections of their poems and short stories (2nd and 5th grade, respectively). The workshop is a highlight of the curriculum and offers exposure to the writing process and encourages students to develop and grow their own writings which is a significant part of the language arts curriculum at CTA. Sharing Night is an opportunity for the students to celebrate their accomplishments and for each student to share a piece of original work. Sharing and reading aloud is an essential part of the writing process which helps students to hear what they cannot see and to develop better expression, diction, spelling and flow to their writing. Teachers were also fortunate to have their own workshop with Mrs. Greenberg.

2nd GRADE FIELD TRIP TO THE BUTTERFLIES

The second grade had a terrific time on their field trip to the Franklin Park Conservatory. They learned all about the butterflies, toured all the biomes, had lunch and played on the playground there and some even watched a glass blowing demonstration. They came back with a caterpillar they named Joey and the class is hoping it hatches into a butterfly before school ends. Thanks to the PTO for underwriting part of the cost for this educational and fun outing.

COME TO GRADUATION, FRESHMAN SPEECHES, AWARDS ASSEMBLY

The entire community is invited to the upcoming end of year ceremonies and celebrations. In the Upper School, 12th grade graduation will come upon us this coming Sunday, June 5 at 1 pm. Our pride will be bursting as our graduates share their recollections and reminisces about CTA and their plans for the future.

On Tuesday, June 7, the 8th graders will give their 1st Freshman Speeches as the Class of 2020. Families will join together for dinner and the community is invited to share with pride as they begin speaking at 6:15 pm. Come celebrate this memorable milestone as we welcome them to a new stage of CTA life – high school. And also on Tuesday, June 7 will be the Upper School Awards Assembly. A special evening to highlight student accomplishment and achievement and to pay tribute to families who have endowed awards which celebrate excellence and effort. The program will be at 7:30 pm and Mr. Guinan will emcee with the usual fanciful flair. For more information about any of these events, contact info@torahacademy.org

FIELD DAY TEAMS ANNOUNCED – GET READY FOR FRIDAY!

Field Day will be held this Friday, June 3 for grades K-8! Field Day is a fun day of competition where teams are divided by color shirts and compete against each other and receive points based on performance, sportsmanship, and overall cooperation. Four teams have been set up with students in grades K-8 represented by a specific color. All competitions are grade level specific so no need to worry that your kindergartener will be playing dodgeball against an eighth grader. Events include, but are not limited to: the marathon relay race, dodgeball, tug-of-war, spirit cheer, artwork and others. Please click here to see the team lists. On Friday, June 3rd, students should wear a T-shirt of their team color and tennis shoes. They should also bring a water bottle, sunscreen, and they are encouraged to wear hats. Students will be outside for most of the day. (Please no facepaint, silly string etc.) This is a fun and exciting day with sportsmanship being the most important part of the day! If you have any questions or would like to help out supervising the event, please call Matt Bailey at 614.864.0299 ext. 231 or email mbailey@torahacademy.org.

SNAP RECEIPTS AND HELP CTA EARN $$$

Thank you to the following families (and a few more) who have downloaded the Shoparoo app to their smartphones and have been snapping pictures of receipts to help CTA earn FREE $: Cooper,

Drandoff, Hazan, Herszage, Leeman/Liebesman, Levine, Metz, Schottenstein, Whitmyre. These are the two things you need in order to help CTA earn money through Shoparoo. There is no cost to you. How to do it: 1) Download the Shoparoo App. 2) Snap a photo of a receipt from a store you made a purchase at and CTA earns points that are converted to $$$. Best fun is that your points are posted and you can see who the leaders helping CTA earn money are. Imagine how much money we could earn if you participated? For more information or to help out, contact Shari and she can walk you though it.

IMPORTANT - COLUMBUS BUS FORMS

ALL (current and new) Columbus bus riders must fill out an Application for Pupil Transporation for the 2016-17 school year. You can access this form at CTA’s website www.torahacademy.org (or contact Norma at nwhitmyre@torahacademy.org). Print the form, fill it out, and return it to Norma Whitmyre by the last day of school Tuesday, June 7, 2016. Transportation cannot be guaranteed without a form.

KROGER REWARDS RE-ENROLLMENT BEGAN APRIL 1

Click Here to enroll or re-enroll your Kroger Rewards Card. ALL card links to Columbus Torah Academy expired on April 1. Re-enrollment does not happen automatically. The rewards program terminates every April and you need to restart it using your card number, email address and password. If you have trouble, call directly to Kroger Customer Service at 1-866-221-4141 and they can help you over the phone.

Unless you renew your connection to CTA, the school will not receive any benefits from your purchases. If you have not enrolled your Kroger Rewards Card in the Community Rewards Program, please do so today. CTA earns thousands of $$$ per year through your purchases. To enroll for the first time, please take five minutes & go to: www.kroger.com. Select "community"; then "Kroger Community Rewards"; log in; (remember to find AND select Columbus Torah Academy) & save. If you have any questions or want help, contact Shari Herszage. Due to privacy laws, Kroger does not provide detailed information of your purchases. You need to privately send details to gandg@torahacademy.org to receive Give & Get credit for your Kroger purchases.

PRE-ORDER SCHOOL KITS

School supply kits are available for pre-order for students in grades 1-6 for the 2016-2017 school year. Order online at Office City Express at http://kits.officecityexpress.com Orders must be received by Friday, June 10. School supply kits are not mandatory and full lists for Grades K-6 will be mailed home in the June Packet and available on the CTA website. If you have any questions, contact info@torahacademy.org

END OF YEAR MEDICATION Please make plans to personally pick up your child’s medication by the last day of school Tuesday, June 7. For safety reasons, medications will not be sent home with your child. Any expired medication/inhaler not picked up by the end of the last day of school will be thrown away.

DISCOUNTED KINGS ISLAND COUPONS Discounted coupons to Kings Island can be picked up on the counter in the front office.

iD SUMMER TECH CAMPS Day and overnight iD Summer Tech Camps are offered for students ages 6-18. Flyers can be picked up on the counter in the front office. For more information call 1-844-290-7469 or go to info@idtech.com.

SUMMER READING SKILLS – CLASSES OFFERED IN COLUMBUS & WESTERVILLE Reading Programs are being offered in Columbus and Westerville in June and July for incoming kindergarteners through 12th graders. Flyers can be picked up in the front office area or call 1-800-570-8936.

LOST & FOUND LAST CHANCE THIS FRIDAY

A significant number of student items have been left here at school throughout the year from jackets to lunchboxes and even socks. Items are on the hooks outside of the shul or on the rack by the Upper School gym. Items still left will be donated June 3. Please check out if you have anything missing prior to June 3.

TZEDAKAH

It has been a time-honored Jewish tradition to give tzedakah in recognition of important events. Todah Rabah to the following for their donation: To the Annual Giving Fund: Helene Goldmeier in honor of Yaakov Liebesman

Irving and Julia Modes in memory of beloved father, Joseph Modes (24 Cheshvan), and beloved mother, Rose Schuster Modes (21 Sivan)

Ericka Schneiderman and family wishing a Mazel Tov the graduating seniors of 2016, Jacob Amedmariam, Ariella Hartstein, Chad Horwitz, Riki Shenkar, Judah Stein, and Josh Wolf

Israel Bonds, Cleveland Office, in honor of Lindsay and Joey Schottenstein The Werman Family in honor of Dotan Herszage To the Athletic Fund: Janyce Katz and Mark Glazman in memory of Louis Katz and Barry Jaffee

COMMUNITY & SCHOOL EVENTS

CTA LUNCH MENU (http://www.torahacademy.org/parent-portal/calendar/)

School Links for Parents (http://www.torahacademy.org/parent-page/)

June 3, Field Day, Grades K-8

June 5, 12th Grade Graduation, 1 pm

June 6, JWRP Vinyasa and Vino

June 7, Kindergarten Celebration, 10 am

Last Day of School, 12 noon dismissal

Freshman Speeches, 5:30 pm (Dinner), 6:15 pm

Speeches

Upper School Awards Assembly, 7:30 pm

June 9, PJ Moms Night Out

June 14, Picasso at the Columbus Museum

July 4, CTA hosts Float in Bexley Parade

May 10-July 10 JCC Cares Collection

July 24-28, Summer Maccabi Games for ages 12-16

Jr. Maccabi Registration for Ages 8-11

August 22, First Day of School

August 28, Buckeye Kosher BBQ Festival

Sept. 11, CTA PTO Cookbook Submission Deadline

Some times are yet to be determimed. For questions about any of these programs,

contact info@torahacademy.org to be directed to the correct coordinator.

Below is a list of what we have on-hand and in what denominations. Email your order request to: lcaputo@torahacademy.org. We are still able to place special orders, just email or call in your specifics.

GIFT CARD DENOMINATION GIFT CARD DENOMINATION

Bed Bath & Beyond $25 Lowe’s $25

GFS $25 Oriental Trading $25

Gap/Old Navy $25 Staples $25

Giant Eagle $100 / $25 1800 Flowers $25

JC Penney $25

More info can be found at www.torahacademy.org/parent-portal/give-and-get/ Tribute Donation: Contact Lesa, Shari or submit donation on line at www.torahacademy.org for all in honor, in memory or milestone tributes to family and friends. Kroger Rewards Card: Go to www.kroger.com/communityrewards and register your rewards card. Kroger will donate up to 1% of your purchases from Kroger or Turkey Hill stores.

SCRIP UPDATE

GIVE & GET

OFFICE MAX: Max Perks card number is: 207285005 Amazon Smile: Go to www.smile.amazon.com and register to benefit CTA. When you make a purchase, CTA will receive 1% of that purchase as a donation to our school. http://smile.amazon.com/gp/charity/homepage.html?orig=%2Fgp%2Fbrowse.html%3Fnode%3D502659011&ein=31-4428025 iGive: Register with iGive at www.igive.com and your Amazon purchases and online purchases at close to 1500 retailers will give a kickback to CTA. To date we have raised over $1000. Apples for Students at Giant Eagle: Go to www.GiantEagle.com/AFTS to register for their donation program. You will need your Giant Eagle Advantage Card number and the CTA School Code which is #4389. Magazine Sales Help the 8

th graders year round when you purchase magazines at www.gaschoolstore.com using their

code # 2522449. Shoparoo Download the app to your smartphone and start earning points by snapping pictures of your receipts.