learning for a lifetime2011 Blue Ribbon School International Baccalaureate® IB World School

Volume 5 Issue 3 April - May 2013Iyar - Sivan 5773 Kol Hillelkkv kue

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Juda and Maria Diener Lower School Samuel and Henrietta Scheck Middle School Ben Lipson Upper School

Personalized Opportunity to AccelerateThrough Scheck Hillel’s

Summer Academy, students have an opportunity to accelerate, enhance skills, explore enrichments and earn academic credits.

Classes offer personalized attention in small learning groups for rising Grade 3-12 students, covering a wide variety of disciplines within General Studies, Judaic Studies and special interests like art, violin and personal fitness. Classes offer flexible sessions ranging from one to six weeks.

“The acceleration program is completely individualized so that students work on the skills they need to develop further,” said Dina Freeman, Summer Academy Director. “Current teachers will provide a list of skills to the summer teachers so that we provide a seamless transition into the following year.”

Summer Academy also is an opportunity for students to possibly progress to the next level.

Rabbi Meir Wexler’s classroom looks more like your local Starbucks than it does a traditional lecture hall. Without the coffee, of course.

There is definitely no assigned seating. Instead, on any given day, students are spotted on couches and shared tables working on laptops

or tablets. The more traditional students work on desktop PCs.

This is the new student-centered classroom, and you’ll now find it throughout the Scheck Hillel campus. It is a place where the student is responsible for his/her own learning. Though students are expected to be self-directed, working together to find solutions is encouraged.

According to Noa Lalo, Grade 6, “Everyone can work at their own speed.”

The Student-Centered Paperless Classroom:Today, Not Waiting for Tomorrow

While Summer Academy reinforces skills, it also offers grade forgiveness to students in Grades 9-12 and is beneficial for those pursuing honor-level classes.

“Students’ academics often decline from the end of one school year to the start of the next,” Freeman said. “Academic work between traveling or camp activities can prevent this while still

offering a fun vacation from school.” Based on research, Freeman said that students typically score lower on

standardized tests at the end of summer than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer (Downey et al, 2004). She said that on average, students lose approximately 2.6 months of grade level equivalence in math skills over the summer months and experience earning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer.

For information and course options visit ehillel.org/summeracademy or contact Freeman at freeman@ehillel.org.

Students can focus on the quality of their work, rather than feel pressured to complete a task by a specific deadline.

This “free-form” classroom structure allows Rabbi Wexler and his colleagues to provide something that in the past has been hard to come by for classroom teachers: one-on-one learning. They are free to move about the room and spend time with every student while fully assessing comprehension. Justin Moskovitz, Grade 8, likes Rabbi Wexler’s tech-based Rabbinics class “…because it’s a lot more interesting and challenging.”

The technology-driven, student-led classroom approach to learning fosters responsibility, peer-to-peer relations and overall confidence.

A classroom devoid of note-taking, you’ll find students uploading, downloading and syncing with a range of digital tools.

Summer Academy

BOARD OF GOVERNORSChair David Wolf*Vice-Chair Carlos BernerTreasurer Max FischbachSecretary Marty Scheck*Immediate Past Chairman Jorge Woldenberg HIP/PTA President Susana Abbo

Sara BejarUri BenhamronDr. Judy DachMichelle DienerJeffrey GilbertMyra Lichter

EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATIONHead of School Rabbi Pinchos HechtChief Academics Officer G ary Weisserman Director of Lower School, ECE-Grade 2 Valerie LustgartenDirector of Lower School, Grades 3-5 Tara Solomiany Director of Middle School Joshua Meisels*Director of Upper School Vanessa Donaher and College Counseling Director of Special Services Dr. Helen ChasetDirector of Special Programs Eileen GinzburgDirector of Judaic Studies Rabbi Joshua Spodek and Hebrew Language, Grades 6-12

*Hillel alumnus/a

Max LichyGary Mars*Marion MoscuDana Yemin Schrager*Michael Shalom

ABOUT SCHECK HILLEL COMMUNITY SCHOOLFrom early childhood through Grade 12, Hillel inspires students to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity through an innovative curriculum enriched by co-curricular experiences. All of this is set within a nurturing, international community united by core values. Hillel is one of the largest Jewish day schools in the nation, Florida’s first Jewish International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School and the country’s only Jewish - and South Florida’s only private - 2011 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For information, please visit ehillel.org.

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

KOL HILLELThe Kol Hillel is a bimonthly publication of Scheck Hillel Community School, 19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180, P: 305.931.2831.

For Kol Hillel sponsorship opportunities, please contact Hillel’s Development office at 305.931.2831 x279 or give@ehillel.org.

For submissions or information, please write to news@ehillel.org.

2 Kol Hillel

Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family

Nancy Penchev, Scheck Hillel’s Media and Instructional Technology Director in our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School, has been selected to present at the Association of Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) in California in October 2013. Penchev’s presentation, “Factors for Student Success in Online Learning,” was one of a handful presentations selected for the annual conference; just more than half of submitted proposals are accepted each year. Mazel tov!

Nine Hillel seniors were nominated for 2013 Silver Knight Awards. The nominees are Shani Azizollahoff - Journalism, Clara Bendayan - World Languages, Brandon Berman - English, Ari Gontovnik - Social Sciences, Eden Houri - Art, Vanessa Mendal - New Media, Jeremy Rosner - Speech, Carli Scheck - Athletics, and Alice Serfati - General Scholarship. The winners had not been announced at press time. Mazel Tov!

Record Number Silver Knight Nominations

Fostering Awareness, Student Achievement

Five Hillel seniors were named 2013 National Hispanic Merit Scholars. Mazel tov to Alberto Mizrahi, Ari Gontovnik, Alice Serfati, Shani Azizollahoff and Carli Scheck.

National Hispanic Merit Scholars

Faculty Presents at California Conference

IN THE NEWS

Written by Helen Chaset, Director of Special Servicesand Craig Carpentieri, IB Coordinator; Culture Committee Co-Chairs

Hillel faculty and staff began this school year looking inward to see if our practices were supportive of high student engagement, empowerment and achievement. Thanks to the vision of the school’s leadership team and generous funding from parents, our Culture Committee engaged in a long-term plan to build resilience, character, relational capacity, and communication skills. Our goals are to build resilience in ourselves and others, and to foster an environment of high student achievement predicated on caring, connected relationships, clearly conveyed expectations and opportunities for participation.

During the fall’s Capturing Kids’ Hearts training, educators learned to set up environments in which the students are self-managed and committed to a set of shared expectations. From October through February, 100 percent of our school staff was trained in Resilience Education, focusing on the verbal and non-verbal communication skills that are supportive of positive growth. The training already has had a positive effect on student attendance, participation and discipline.

The training had a great impact on staff as well. “Resilience education learning really made me step back and take a look at my current situation,” said Alex Volkov, Hillel’s staff accountant. “My position comes with a lot of interaction and the training has increased my awareness of how much I listen and respond.”

Tova Yemin, Judaic Studies and Hebrew teacher, said the real value of the training was in the interpersonal connections that were made across the divisions and realizing that, as a school, we will need to work together to maintain those connections.

Tara Flint, literacy lab coordinator said, “The resilience education training involved unique experiences that encouraged me to become self-aware and aware of others around me. Resilience education has also given me the confidence and skills to engage in the difficult conversations that, in the past, I would have avoided.”

Training and collaboration will continue throughout 2013-2014. We look forward to continuing the dialogue. A

PPS

Grades 9-12The Chemical Touch - periodic tableAccelaStudy Language Flashcards - language educationFrog Dissection - interactive life scienceFree Graphing Calculator - graphing calculator

Kindergarten - Grade 5Professor Garfield Cyberbullying - online safety guide Discovery Education - science and history moviesMotion Math - games to promote math skillsBrain Quest Blast Off - trivia game

Kol Hillel 3

Ever been stuck in traffic with cranky children? How about waiting in a doctor’s office trying to keep your children entertained? Well, here is a way to keep your kids’ attention and help them develop practical skills: APPs! Whether you are using an iPhone, iPad, Smartphone, or Android device, there are a multitude of APPs that students can use for play, and they will learn too, but shh! Let’s just keep that between us!

For ages two to four years old, APPs with letter recognition, animals, numbers, language practice, and repetitive skills are best. Students in Kindergarten-Grade 5 have varied skills that need to be improved. Some students may need reading help, while others need assistance improving their math skills.

Grade 6-8 students are branching out and discovering a new world of independence and new subjects to learn. APPs expand knowledge as well as help improve study skills. Grade 9-12 students need help developing study skills, organizing their time, and perfecting their knowledge. APPs can be downloaded to create calendars, note taking, flashcards, and SAT prep right from their mobile device!

Even parents need a distraction/learning tool on occasion. We are always looking for ways to improve our lives, from scheduling tools to ways to help your home and office run smoothly. There are even some APPs for music, behavior tools, and APPs for helping your child with homework.

Pre-Kindergarten

Presidents vs Aliens - presidential factsMiddle School Confidential 1 - interactive novelReading Trainer - speed reading tutorial3D Brain - interactive brain modelSolar Walk - a 3D solar system model

Grades 6-8

by Nancy PenchevMedia & Instructional Technology Director

Fostering Awareness, Student Achievement

The Miami Herald named Benjamin Vaisberg to the All-Dade First team in soccer. Daniel Furmanski and Julian Ribak were named to the All-Dade second team and Elan Stiberman was named to the All-Dade third team. Athletic Director Cindy Lyon said it’s the first time four Hillel students were named All-Dade. Congratulations to Head Coach Benjamin Magidson and these well deserving student-athletes!

Four Athletes Named Miami Herald All-Dade Soccer

Hillel is getting ready to pour the foundation of the Athletic Complex and the entire underground architecture for the water system has just been completed. As the campus expansion continues to move forward, Hillel is mobilizing a general contractor to take it through the next phase of construction, which will be ongoing throughout the summer.

The expansion includes a gymnasium to seat 700 fans, and a regulation-sized field covered in synthetic turf for tackle football, soccer, lacrosse, softball and community events - all equipped with digital display boards and an advanced sound system.

Hillel’s capital campaign has raised close to $10 million toward the $22 million project. Funds are still being raised for the overall project, which includes a Grade 6-12 Academic Complex of classrooms, labs, media center and Beit Midrash.

Naming opportunities are available. To learn more, please visit the Campus Expansion section of eHillel.org or contact Diana Mundlak (305.931.2831 x279).

in Action!Campus Expansion

ABC Expedition - letters, numbers, and animalsToddler Flashcards - language development Slide and Spin - develops fine motor skillsWheels on the Bus - interactive songs

Apps For ParentsTooth Monster HD Pro - brushing technique Let’s Make a Rhyme - nursery rhymes Sentence Builder - create grammatically correct sentences Polynomial Long Division - problem solving explanations Bean Jar Kids - positive behavior reinforcement Cook IT Allergy Free Mom Maps - finds kid-friendly places Kidopolis - play date scheduler A Family Matters - a conversation game for families A

PPS

Play to Learn: An APPetite for APPS

4 Kol Hillel

Michelle ArchermanStern College

Victor AlfandaryLesley University

Ettie Aviva BauerMiami Dade College

Aaron Glen ReichFlorida Atlantic

University

Joseph CarmiUniversity of North Florida

Blake BurstynSanta Fe College

Jonathan CulaIndiana University

Lara Ruah MizrahiMiami International University

of Art & Design

Elon Micha RubinUniversity of Michigan

Ariel SadonYeshiva University

Roy NahumYoung Judaea Year Course

Leah RosenbergUndecided

Shlomo DalfinUndecided

Allison DienerUniversity of Michigan

Elliot GoldbergYeshiva University

Maxim GoldsteinUnified Payments

Moises HazanSanta Fe College

Vanessa MendalNew York University

Alberto MizrahiFlorida International

University

Ezekiel Alec MizrajiUniversity of Miami

Students received acceptance to: University of Alabama, American University, University of Arizona, Babson College, Bar-Ilan University, Barnard College, Barry University, Bentley University, Binghamton University, Brandeis University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Central Florida, University of Colorado, Columbia College Chicago, Cornell University, University of Delaware, University of Denver, Drexel University, Emerson College, Emory University, Florida Atlantic University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida International University, Florida State University, University of Florida, Georgia Institute of Technology, Goucher College, Hofstra University, IDC Herzliya-Raphael Recanati International School , University of Illinois, Indiana University at Bloomington, University of Maryland, Miami International University of Art and Design, University of Miami, Michigan State University, University of Michigan, The College of New Jersey, New York University, Northeastern University, Ohio State University, Pace University, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Pittsburgh, Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Pratt Institute, Rutgers, Stern College, University of South Florida, St. Edward’s University, Santa Fe College, Stony Brook University, Syracuse University, University of Texas, Tufts University, Tulane University, Vanderbilt University, Washington University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, University of Wisconsin, Yeshiva University, Young Judaea Year Course

Class of 2013M

AZEL

TO

V!

Joseph Camil BabaniFlorida Atlantic University

Carmel CooperIDC Herzliya-Raphael

Recanati International School

Mauricio FischerFlorida International

University

Stephanie GetzelFlorida International

University

Moises Daniel MendalUniversity of Maryland

Alexandra AmielFlorida International

University

Shani AzizollahoffNorthwestern University

Jose MizrahiFlorida International

University

Ari Jacob GontovnikUniversity of Pennsylvania

Jeremy Saul RosnerUniversity of Florida

Kol Hillel 5

Alyssa Jillian BudmanStony Brook University

Samuel Moses FalicIsraeli Army

Illan KarsentyUndecided

Talia Nina KuttlerNew Directions

Mordechai Natan SchechterUniversity of Alabama

Camila HojdaEmory University

Clara Bendayan University of Miami

Arielle Ben EzraStern College

Bryan BenhamouSanta Fe College

Brandon S. BermanCornell University

Senaya Esther SavirUniversity of Maryland

Carli ScheckUniversity of Michigan

Gabrielle NeumanFlorida International

University

Alexandra OkayUndecided

Nicole NemzerBroward College

cuy kzn

Ariel PaniryUniversity of Florida

Chelsea Rae SheridanUniversity of Wisconsin

Reine ShattahBar-Ilan University

Michael EhrlichSanta Fe College

Elad MassikaIndiana University

Aaron PludwinskiUniversity of Maryland

Mazel Tov to the Class of 2013!

Andrea Braha TalmaciuUniversity of Miami

Nathanel WainerFlorida International University

Arielle ElfassyYoung Judaea Year Course

Sophia BrenerAmerican University

MAZEL TO

V! Class of 2013

Joshua Hanuch WinogradUniversity of Central Florida

Alan Farca CzastkowskiUniversity of Illinois

Bianca Kaswan GuenounFlorida International

University

Nicole DolmanFlorida International University

Rachel FalicFlorida International University

Alice SerfatiUniversity of Pennsylvania

Simy Alexandra O’HayonEmerson College

ValedictorianAri Gontovnik, University of PennsylvaniaSalutatorianAlice Serfati, University of Pennsylvania

Salomon Joseph SionBerklee College of Music

Eden HouriIDC Herzliya-Raphael

Recanati International School

6 Kol Hillel

HaKotelAnonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Jaime GilinskiGreater Miami Jewish FederationMr. and Mrs. Jorge Woldenberg

HatikvahThe Scheck and Bonwitt Families

Yerushalaim Shel ZahavThe Falic Family

Mr. and Mrs. Philip Solomon

The following Ma’ayan Society listing includes 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 donors. Thank you, generous friends. We look forward to your

renewed partnership.

MassadaAnonymous (4)Mr. and Mrs. Joe AckermanMr. and Mrs. Mijael AttiasMr. and Mrs. Larry BaumMr. and Mrs. Lior Ben-ShmuelMr. and Mrs. Jose CheremMr. and Mrs. David FrankMr. and Mrs. Aby GalskyMrs. Fanny Hanono

KinneretAnonymousMr. and Mrs. Raphael AdesMr. and Mrs. David BejarMr. and Mrs. Michael BerkmanMr. and Mrs. Robert Diener

Mr. and Mrs. Mike IzakMrs. Danya Lindenfeld

Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Serfati and FamilyMr. and Mrs. Mike Shalom

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Woldenberg

Mr. and Mrs. Sergio KibliskyMr. Frank and Dr. Rebecca Kriger

Mr. and Mrs. Marian MoscuRok, Moskovitz, Morjain & Sperling Families

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua SchragerMr. and Mrs. Eittan Vainstein

Mr. David Waxman and FamilyMr. and Mrs. Jaime Woldenberg

Mr. and Mrs. Idel Woldenberg

Campus Expansion Supporters

Mr. and Mrs. Larry AbboMr. and Mrs. Daniel AdesMr. and Mrs. Raphael AdesMr. and Mrs. David BejarMr. and Mrs. Uri BenhamronMr. and Mrs. David Bensadon Mr. and Mrs. Ariel BentataMr. and Mrs. Lior Ben-Shmuel Mr. and Mrs. Carlos BernerBrod and Gorin FamiliesMr. and Mrs. Jose CheremDrs. Judy and Jeffrey DachRobert and Michelle Diener FoundationMr. and Mrs. Max FischbachMr. and Mrs. Andrew FiskeMr. and Mrs. Stephen FiskeMr. Phillip Green

Mr. and Mrs. Todd HellerMr. and Mrs. Flavio Hojda

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Katz Mr. and Mrs. Robert Lechter

Mr. Zalman LekachMrs. Danya Lindenfeld

Mr. and Mrs. Jonas MimounMr. and Mrs. Ruben MischneMr. and Mrs. Marian Moscu

Rok, Morjain, Moskovitz & Sperling FamiliesScheck and Bonwitt Families

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua P. SchragerMr. and Mrs. Michael Serruya

Mr. and Mrs. Jack StrimberMr. and Mrs. Warren Struhl

Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Woldenberg & FamilyMr. and Mrs. Jorge Woldenberg

Mr. and Mrs. David WolfMr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Wolf

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

*As of 5.1.13

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

BRONZE

PEARL

YEARLY BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to Hillel’s

Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities, visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call 305.931.2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

9th Annual Poker Tournament Title Sponsor2013-2014 Calendar Sponsor

2012 Alumni Games Sponsor

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

Yearly Business Partnership ProgramA special thank you to our year round supporters who generously contribute to

Hillel’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund. For sponsorship opportunities visit ehillel.org/yearlypartners, call (305) 931-2831 x279 or write us at give@ehillel.org.

Silver

Bronze

Robert Russell Memorial Foundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

The Ethel And Harry Reckson FoundationMichael Spritzer, C.P.A.

Marjorie Baron, Esq.Dennis Ginsburg, Esq.

The Jack ChesterFoundation

Norman H. Lipoff Chairman

SILVER

GOLD

Kol Hillel 7

1999We welcome into our community newborn son of Dina (Schwartzberg) (‘99) and Avi Spierer. Mazel tov to the Spierer and Schwartzberg family, especially to grandparents Rhea and Leo Schwartzberg!

2000We welcome into our community newborn son, Henry, of Jennifer (Feldenkreis) (‘01) and Uzi Hardoon (‘00). Mazel tov to the Hardoon and Feldenkreis families, especially to grandparents Ellen and Oscar Feldenkreis, and Mindy and Isaac Hardoon, and big sisters Hailey (PK4) and Elizabeth (PK2)!

We welcome into our community newborn son, Jonathan Lowell, of Lauren (Marks)( ‘01) and Ian Alperstein. Mazel tov to the Alperstein, Marks and Fisher families!

2005Mazel tov to Hillel alumna Laura Sheridan (‘05) on her marriage to Jonathan Raiffe. Laura is the daughter of Sarah and Marc Sheridan. Jonathan is the son of Sara Adler and Dr. Lance Raiffe. Laura is an art consultant and Jonathan is a real estate developer. Laura was student government president at Hillel, as were her sisters Carly (‘08) and Chelsea (‘13).

2008Mazel tov to Stephanie Cohen (‘08) who was named a Fulbright Scholar. Stephanie graduates from Brandeis University with a double major in art history and theater design. She was accepted for the Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship Program in Spain, where she will teach and research famous Spanish modern fine artists’ involvement in scenic design and painting. Stephanie is the daughter of Ofi and Barry Cohen. Her brother Brandon (‘05) and sister Taylor (‘11) both are Hillel alumni .

Carly Sheridan (‘08) graduated from University of Michigan this year and will attend University of Texas for her Phd.

From the bright lights and stage of Hillel’s theater to Broadway, Aaron Grant (‘99) has been following his dream.

“I did theater in high school, Israel and college. I just didn’t stop; I didn’t know how,” said Grant, a theater producer and general manager in New York.

He launched Aaron Grant Theatrical in March, a boutique general management and executive producing firm, which is basically “producers for hire,” he explained.

He provides general company and production management services for Broadway, Off-Broadway and special events.

Grant is producing Around the World in 80 Days (aroundtheworldinnyc.com), which opens May 30, and a musical adaption of Brave New World, written by Hillel alumnus, Ben Andron.

After graduating from Hillel, where he began in Kindergarten, Grant studied for a year in Israel before attending Rutgers and Queens College.

“I was acting at Hillel since the fourth grade,” he said. He started as an actor and then moved into producing and general management work. He is described in broadwayworld.com as “one of the brightest of the young, up-and-coming producers in New York City.”

Grant said friends held a launch party for him in March. The only drawback: it was Friday night. “I walked home 55 blocks, but it was worth every block and I’m grateful.”

To read more about Aaron Grant, visit broadwayworld.com or playbill.com.

From Hillel’s Theatre to Broadway...Alumnus Launches Production Company

ALUMNI PROFILE

From students in PK2 creating beautiful artwork to display and auction, to Upper School students volunteering for evening phone-a-thons, everyone united to benefit Kulanu during Hillel’s Scholarship Awareness Month.

The Hillel community has been coming together in May to reinforce strength in community, with one in every five Hillel students receiving tuition assistance. Activities have included a Kulanu Tuition/Cash Raffle, Kulanu 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, spirit days, among others. Students also have worked individually to support Kulanu. An eleventh grade student made a donation in honor of her mom’s birthday and Kindergartners independently collected change from grown-ups.

More than 100 players gathered for Hillel’s 9th Annual Poker Tournament at the Mardi Gras Casino for the good cause of Kulanu.

Together as a CommunitySpecial thanks to the generous

sponsors and players who helped raise much-needed dollars for Kulanu, all while having a great time.

Kulanu, the Hebrew word for All of Us, refers to our identity as a Jewish community school to raise awareness of our community’s need for tuition assistance, demonstrate core values and give the gift of Jewish education.

To make a tax-deductible donation to Kulanu, please visit eHillel.org/kulanu. Many families already have generously contributed to Kulanu this school year, and Hillel is grateful. Whether through a new gift or one that adds to your history of giving, thank you!

ALUMNI NOTES

Kulanu Scholarship Awareness Month

8 Kol Hillel

19000 NE 25th AvenueNorth Miami Beach, Florida 33180

Nearly 150 parents came together in April for HIP/PTA’s 2013 Guardian of Learning Event, a 28-year tradition at Hillel.

This year’s event featured guest speakers Amy Nobile and Trisha Ashworth, authors of I Was a Really Good Mom Before I Had Kids.

In preparation for the event, parents formed a book club to read and discuss the book with school counselor Laurie Parker: another opportunity to bring Hillel parents together.

At the event, HIP/PTA president Susy Abbo reflected on the year. “We accomplished our goal to bring parents, faculty and students together to strengthen our traditions and values as a community.”

This year included a partnership of HIP/PTA and faculty that was stronger than ever, co-hosting the ParentU Series and Meet the Faculty Series.

“We also focused on promoting the values of tzedaka and family, ” she said.

Those programs included mom-daughter challah baking, father-son chill and grill, and family scavenger hunt benefiting the Kosher Food Bank. Within this was the annual Mishoach Manot Exchange, which raised more than $50,000 this year.

Other programs included new parent ambassadors, back to school fair, class parents, book fair, and the book drive. Box Tops for Education was a success, meeting its annual goal among students and faculty.

While building community, funds raised by HIP/PTA support programs and campus improvements that benefit all students. Recent examples include the renovation of the Jordan Alexander Ressler Performing Arts Theatre, Friedman-Uhlar Auditorium, scholarships for the Grade 9 Israel trip and faculty/staff appreciation week.

To read more about HIP/PTA, please visit the Parent section of eHillel.org. Thank you to our parent volunteers!

HIP/PTA Guardian of Learning Event Co-chairs: Lea Dimitri, Michele Scheck, Gabrielle Shpilberg, Susy Abbo, Ileana Berenstein, Jill Kurzer, Malka Rodrig and Debbie Abbo

HIPPTA Guardian Event Brings Parents Together

Mazel Tov to ourCLASS OF 2013