SAR ACADEMYSAR HIGH SCHOOL

Please enjoy this issue of Shutafim: ‘Partners’ intended to update our grandparents on events and programs in and around SAR.

Dear Grandparents:Pesach’s arrival brings many things. We have the cleaning and preparing of our homes; the excitement and joy of being together with our families for the Seder and beyond; and the spiritual charge from once again learning and discovering new twists to the Exodus story. All in all, Pesach is a welcome break from the routine, a time to connect with our children and grandchildren in meaningful ways and to reaffirm our pride in our traditions and religion.  We hope that as you read this you are still glowing from the holiday.

Within the SAR buildings, Pesach is the time when we realize that the end of the school year is rapidly approaching. While the anxiety sets in with all that is left to accomplish, we can also sit back and take a moment to reflect and celebrate our communal efforts to make this year extraordinary. On a school-wide level, we educated more students than ever—enrollment stands at 1338 for the current academic year. This is a vote of confidence in our mission—we are passionate about helping students reach their potential and challenging them to move beyond their comfortable limits. We are creating meaningful and happy experiences for

students to become engaged in their learning and form deep connections with our tradition.

There are so many amazing programs and events throughout the year. A few highlights from the year so far include:• A beautiful Veteran’s Day ceremony honoring

our community Veterans. Thank you to Rabbi Aaron Landes, Rear Admiral CHC USN Ret. (Grandfather of Arielle, Daniel and Eli), who addressed the entire 1st through 8th grades.

• Over 10 events where we welcomed grandparents in almost every grade from the first grade Siddur Play to the eighth grade Pre-Purim Leaning and Lunch.

• Five high school shabbatonim, one for each grade and a school-wide shabbaton with over 600 students and faculty. Each had a theme which served as a platform for students to discuss Torah and the modern world.

• A first at SAR HS, Kochav Nolad (Israeli Idol) all-Hebrew singing competition. Judges provided commentary, and students voted for their favorite singer by texting their vote.

• Dozens of chessed activities in both the Academy and High School, some of which you can read about on page 4.

• Megillah reading at SAR gathered community members, students and families for a meaningful service. With over 700 people at the HS, and more than 500 at the Academy, Purim at SAR was spectacular. Thank you to the Lebowitz family for dedicating over 700 Megillot to the HS, and to the Mesch Family for dedicating over 400 Megillot to the Academy.

There are so many more, the list would indeed cover the entire newsletter! We invite you to share your favorite moments by emailing us at shutafim@saracademy.org. We would love to include your comments in our next issue.

It continues to be our honor to work with your grandchi ldren and we appreciate the confidence that each and every family has entrusted to us.

B’shalom, Rabbi Binyamin Krauss

Principal, SAR Academy

Rabbi Tully Harcsztark

Principal SAR High School

grandparents@saracademy.org

ShutafimPARTNERS:CONNECTING GENERATIONS AT SAR

SPRING 2011

For more information about these events or a tour of our school, call 718-548-1717 x1275

SHAVUOT APPEAL

SAR will launch the Shavuot Appeal 5771 in mid-May. Our goal is to raise the final $200,000 needed for the Scholarship Fund this year. SAR has always been committed to providing financial aid to those that qualify, ensuring each child experiences the depth and breadth of our unique yeshiva experience.

It has been inspiring to meet so many of you this year. We are delighted you’re able to join our programs at the Academy and/or High School, and see your grandchildren in action. SAR is committed to intergenerational learning and celebrating. We look forward to the knowledge, experience and tradition you bring to enrich the children’s learning, and passion for klal yisrael. You are always welcome to visit.

To contribute to this Appeal, visit www.saracademy.org/shavuotappeal, use the form to the right, or   call Rachel, at (718) 548-1717 x1275 for more information. New this year, you may make a contribution in honor, or memory of a friend or loved one. SAR will send a tribute card to recognize your gift.

Thank you so much, in advance, for supporting our children.

• May 2, 2011 Lower School: Yom HaShoa Program

• May 9, 2011 Yom HaZikaron

• May 10, 2011 Yom Ha’Atzmaut

• May 18, 2011 1st Grade: Intergenerational Math Fair

• May 23 & 26, 2011 Academy: Spring Musical

• May 27, 2011 Academy: Memorial Day Program

• June 1, 2011 High School: Grandparent’s Day

• June 2, 2011 3rd Grade: Rashi Breakfast

• June 13, 2011 5th Grade: Intergenerational Day

• June 13, 2011 12th Grade: Graduation

• June 15, 2011 8th Grade: Graduation

Have a safe and enjoyable summer!

Spring Events Calendar @ SAR

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!Grandparents are invited to join us for all of the programs listed here.

Did you know? Over 220 members of the extended SAR community are connecting with one another on our alumni

Facebook page? Grandparents are welcome to join the conversation at www.facebook.com/SARalumni

Shavuot Appeal FormName: ______________________________________Address: ____________________________________City: _____________ State: ____ Zip: _____________Phone: ______________________________________Email: ______________________________________

Donation Amount: ____________________________

☐ Check (Enclosed) ☐ Credit Card ☐ OtherName on Credit Card: _________________________Credit Card # ________________________________Exp. Date: _______ Security Code: _____ Zip: _____

Signature: ___________________________________

The website’s Donor Scroll includes dedications, not amounts. You will be included unless you indicate otherwise. Please select one:☐ Scroll display name: _________________________☐ Do not include

Dedication note (optional - up to 60 characters):____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please send a tribute card to:Name: ______________________________________Address: ____________________________________City: _____________ State: ____ Zip: _____________

SAR STUDENTS OBSERVE OPEN HEART SURGERY

On Wednesday, February 23rd, the nine high school students who completed the Biology Challenge Option last year, had the amazing experience of attending open heart surgery through Liberty Science Center's 'Cardiac Classroom Live' program.  Through video-casting from Morristown Hospital, the students watched as surgeons opened the patient's chest cavity and did triple bypass of her coronary arteries using the saphenous vein from one of her legs as well as her two internal mammary arteries, and sutured her chest wall back together. 

When we arrived for the operation, we were told that a problem had arisen with the patient who was to be operated on today; instead we would see an operation that had taken place several weeks earlier.  The patient whose surgery we saw was a 57 year old female with high blood pressure and angina.  As we watched the operation, the surgeon and the nurse spoke to the students explaining each step as the operation proceeded.  They showed close ups, through the video camera, of how the saphenous vein and internal mammary arteries were teased out and then sewn into their new positions to allow the blood to be rerouted around the clogged coronary arteries. The students asked questions of the director of the program throughout the procedures, such as "Do we not need the saphenous vein in our leg?  How can you just remove it?" "How do doctors prevent the blood from clotting in the heart lung machine?"  "How likely is it that the average American will have this surgery?"  "Is there a chance that a stent would move after placed in an artery?" 

Each member of the surgical team described his/her particular task during the operation, and the education that had prepared them for their work.  The students were amazed to hold samples of the instruments used, which were passed around the room.  They heard how each instrument, each needle, sponge and piece of gauze is counted before the operation begins, and twice again afterwards, to ensure that nothing is left inside the patient.It was incredible for the students to see first-hand this aspect of modern medicine.  The staff at the Science Center told the students the factors leading to cardiovascular disease and how to avoid those that are under their control - such as diet and smoking. 

Attendance at the surgery was the culminating event for the students who had gone beyond our course work in 9th grade biology to participate in the Biology Challenge option.  As part of the challenge option they read and wrote a paper analyzing the biography/autobiography of a scientist whose research we had studied in the course. -Tobie Brandriss, SAR HS Science

This year has been a great one for SAR sports. The Sting made it to the playoffs for basketball, volleyball, and hockey with impressive performances from the Academy through the High School.

SAR Photo & Video GalleryPlease visit our Web site gallery where you will find photos and videos of our students engaged in learning, celebrating and enjoying their days. Photos are updated every month. Note that a password is required. P l e a s e u s e t h e u s e r n a m e sargrandparent with the password sargrandparent.

The 2011 SAR Dinner Video is waiting for you -- enjoy the show!

www.saracademy.org/gallery

CHAMPIONS! Boys Varsity Basketball had a remarkable performance at the Yeshiva University Sarachek Tournament, emerging as first-time Champions! With a final score of 43-36, MVP Zach Dicker led the team to victory over 3rd seed YULA.

Although they began the year with a new starting lineup, defending champion Lady Sting Varsity Basketball team made an impressive showing in the post-season besting the top two seeds, and finished the season in 2nd place.

Overall the HS Sting had an unparalleled season with four teams reaching Championship games, and one team making it to the semi-finals. This is unprecedented in Yeshiva League history, and is a great testament to the players and coaches. Go Sting!

THE STING REPORT

The Academy teams have had a strong season as well, with 6th grade boys basketball team made it to the Championships, and the 7th grade boys basketball team won their Championship match!

We recently celebrated SAR’s 42 years of excellence in Jewish Education, and are planning for the next 42 years of inspiring the next generation of Jewish l e a d e r s . T h e s c h oo l h a s s e e n tremendous growth over the years, and we have worked hard to maintain the warmth and spirit of SAR for over 1300 students from Nursery through 12th grade. As we embark on the next segment of our journey, we are seeking partners to ensure a successful future for SAR.

Planned gifts provide you with the stability of long-term financial planning, and the satisfaction in knowing that your support for SAR will continue for many years to come. There are many options for planned giving including: Charitable Bequests, Endowment Funds, Gifts of Life Insurance, Transfer of Annuities, and more.

For More Information, please call Heidi Greenbaum (718) 548-1717 x1256

Smart Plans for Smarter Giving.

Chessed Corner

SAR Color War CANstruction Students were challenged to donate cans to the first-ever SAR Color War CANstruction Challenge: To create a sculpture entirely out of cans that related to each Color War team's theme.   Students were instructed to use their imagination and creativity to conceive of an original artwork that could be 3-D or flat-image style.   Using only unopened cans of food, the students built masterpieces.   After the competition, students boarded a bus with over 2,000 non-perishable food items on route to the Kosher Food Pantry in Washington Heights.

SAR High School students have organized and participated in dozens of chessed events over the course of the year. Here are a few highlights from this past year.

Sending Medical Supplies Around the World

25 students spent a full-day volunteering for AFYA, an

organization that collects medical supplies to be sent around

the world to communities in need. After learning about the

organization, students were broken up to sort and organize

supplies, pack boxes and make shipments. One student

remarked “what’s most rewarding for me is the knowledge

that the gauze pad in my hand could potentially save

someone’s life, and I’ll never know about it.”

Mission to New Orleans With a jam-packed schedule, the participants of the New Orleans Service Mission knew they would be having an incredible five days. The group spent a meaningful Shabbat with Congregation Beth Israel, and spoke with congregants about the effect Hurricane Katrina had on the community. The students volunteered at a St. Bernard Project site mudding, sanding and painting homes. On the last day of the trip, students volunteered at a local charter school participating in a literacy program, and helping fix up the building.

1. What is your name? ____________________________________________

2. Names of grandchildren attending SAR _____________________________________

2. Do you have email? ☐Yes __________________@____________________ ☐No

3. Are you on Facebook? ☐Yes ☐No

4. Are you on Twitter? ☐Yes ☐No

5. What other online tools/services do you use?

_______________________________________________________________________

6.What is the best example you have of staying in touch with your grandchildren using technology or the Internet? *

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

*The grandparent who sends in the best submission will receive a free SAR gift!

Please cut out this form and send it to us using the enclosed envelope!

GRANDPARENT TECHNOLOGY SURVEY

Thank You for participating!

Each year, more SAR Grandparents are getting online with E-mail, Facebook and much more! Please fill out and return the following short survey in the enclosed return envelope.

SAR ON TRACK TOWARDS NYSAIS ACCREDITATION

On March 9th, a team of  20 educational leaders from around New York State arrived at SAR High School to embark on a four-day accreditation process for SAR High School and Academy.  The excitement was palpable as this superb team of professionals began the work of reviewing the volumes of materials, including the major published report, prepared jointly by the High School and Academy as well as reams of supplemental materials complied by our joint faculties over the past two years, as we prepared for this, our first accreditation process. 

After settling into their work space, the teams were divided between those evaluating the High School and Academy.  Each group toured the facilities, with an introduction to our unique educational approach, mirrored in the architecture of each building.  At the reception honoring the NYSAIS accreditation team, Rabbis Harcsztark and Krauss introduced the leaders and visionaries of SAR, as well as members of the administration, faculty, students and parent groups.  We were particularly proud and grateful to have Blu and Rabbi Yitz Greenberg, our founders and current grandparents, present to provide the living history and philosophical underpinnings of our very unique institution.  

After the orientation meetings and reception on Sunday, the work began in earnest on Monday morning.  Committee members were ubiquitous in our buildings with classroom visits, meetings with curricular heads, and the multiple committee members in order to evaluate all aspects of schools.  High on the list of priorities, in addition to the educational programs for our students, were safety, business management, school leadership, funding and maintenance of buildings and grounds.  Fire drills, arrival and dismissal procedures, handicapped accessibility, all of the duties of our Executive Director and her staff, and the minute details of managing and running a major educational institution, were subject to the same careful

review as our faculty, programs and curricular and co-curricular offerings. 

To be at SAR for this process was truly exhilarating.  The NYSAIS Committee openly stated that we have no idea how impressive our institution is.  In particular, they embraced the elements of our educational mission and were astounded that our students not only know the mission and live it each day, but freely articulate it in their conversations:  "recognizing the unique needs and potential of each individual, challenging to move beyond  comfortable limits, probing and engaging the world with

humility and openness to God's creations, and immersing in a culture of learning and service as participants in the "Grand Conversation" between Torah and the world," appeared to be the themes of the week. 

Thus, at the concluding meeting with faculties of the High School and Academy, when the Rick Bryan, Chair of the NYSAIS team from the Nichols School in Buffalo, New York, enriched his remarks with a bit of Torah, we realized that the NYSAIS team really got it and understood the culture and the unique experience SAR represents for the more than a thousand students who enter our doors each day.

While the formal accreditation is awarded in May, the message was clear.  SAR is a stellar institution for both our students and the community at large.  A major thank you is in order for all of our staff, Nick Fadda and his team, and those who attended to the myriad details to make the accreditation review a resounding success!  The Steering Committee, Gila Kolb, Michelle Hoch, Rebecca Hirschfield, Debby Schloss and Marjorie Jacobs, invested their hearts and souls into this project; Rabbis Harcsztark and Krauss paved the way, and provided the inspiration and spiritual guidance as well as the resources, to make SAR once again distinguish itself as the educational institution centered on the lives of our students that it is.

-Marjorie Jacobs, Director of College Counseling

Thank you to the entire SAR Community for making this year’s Anniversary Dinner an outstanding success! We raised over $1.4 Million for the Scholarship Fund. Mazal Tov to our honorees Giti and Jack Bendheim, Benay Meisels and Rabbi Jonathan Kroll.

> 42nd Anniversary Dinner

ave you ever wished you could experience your grandchild’s school events, but couldn’t make

the trek to Riverdale?

This year SAR launched a new initiative to live broadcast school events over the Internet to loved ones around the world. All you need is a computer with an Internet connection, and you can watch new and old videos of SAR Events.

To access the site, please log onto www.livestream.com/sarshows

There have been two pilot videos so far this year, and we plan to host even more in the future. So check out the site, and stay

tuned for more next year!

H> Webcasting

We are proud to announce two more graduating classes from SAR Academy and SAR High School this June. Tickets are limited, and will be distributed to graduate families at the end of May.

86 Eighth Grade students, and 94 Seniors will be graduating from SAR High School. We look forward to celebrating with the families of all graduates! Mazel Tov!

8th Grade GraduationWednesday, June 15, 2011

12th Grade GraduationMonday, June 13, 2011

SAR Grandparent ProgramThere are hundreds of programs each year that open our students’ minds, and challenge them to engage the world around them through the lens of Jewish Tradition.

Beyond that, over the course of this year, there have been more than a dozen opportunities for grandparents to visit the school for plays, programs, celebrations and special events. We relish the opportunity to bring together members of the wider SAR community for these occasions.

We are looking for partners in this endeavor, the following sponsorship levels for our SAR Grandparent Program are available:

•$100•$180 •$360 •$500

•$1,000•$2,500•$5,000•$10,000

Thank you for your support!

GET YOUR STING GEAR!

Students are proud to be a part of the SAR “Sting Nation,” and that’s why this Sting Gear has been flying off the shelves. In school, at home, in the gym or out with friends, SAR students are wearing Sting Gear wherever they go!

If you want some Sting Gear for yourself, or want to buy some as a camp care package for your grandchild, you can request an order form by calling 718-548-1717 x1230 or by emailing grandparents@saracademy.org*

*Sting Gear is available for pickup in the SAR Office.

Currently Available:• Pullover Sweatshirt

• Sweatpants• Kippah• Sting Slippers

If you would like to sponsor our SAR Grandparent Program, please send in a check made out to “SAR” using the enclosed envelope.

For more information, please call Heidi Greenbaum 718-548-1717 x1256

> Graduation 2011

Mr. Sigmund Rolat with students & organizers of the “Names, Not Numbers” 8th Grade elective.

Costumed High School students before Megillah reading in the gym.

Visiting Albert Einstein College of Medicine to study the genetics of nervous systems.

4 year old nursery celebrating Sukkot in their makeshift Sukkah.

Students taking turns saying the brachot and shaking the Lulav and Etrog.

Students participating in Pink Day to increase breast cancer awareness.

Bracha Bee winners celebrating with a Pizza Party hosted by Rabbi Krauss .

2nd Grade students during Tefillah with their siddurim in hand.

Visiting the Canadian Parliament on the 8th grade trip to Ottawa.

8th grade students enjoy ice skating in Ottawa on the world’s largest skating rink.

Students in costume at the annual High School Purim chagiga.

Middle School Boys Sting strategizing during a timeout in a playoff game.

SAR Academy Choir performing at the SAR 42nd Anniversary Dinner

Have a Picture?

Do you have any pictures with your grandchildren at an SAR event that you would like to be a part of the next Shutafim newsletter?

Email pictures to: shutafim@saracademy.org

Mail pictures to:SAR Academyc/o Aaron Steinberg655 W. 254th StreetNew York, NY 10040

Please limit your pictures to 1 per grandchild, and while we will do our best, we cannot guarantee to publish all pictures we receive.

Adult Education at SAR We are very proud of our robust adult education series this year. Our classes have been well attended, and we are thrilled to serve as a place of learning for children and adults alike.

Before February break, Dr. Jacobowitz finished her series on "Women in Bereishit." This highly interactive class explored the complex, dynamic life journeys of several women: Rivkah, Tamar, Rachel, and Leah. Reading the text closely, as well as considering the insights of the Midrash, the class probed issues such as the unlikely connections between Rivkah and Tamar -- two women who deceived others in order to

bring about God's plans. The final class highlighted the intertwined narratives of Rachel, Leah, and Jacob, whose c o n t e n t i o u s l ove t r i a n g l e wa s nevertheless marked by a powerful redemptive impulse.

This is just one example of the great Adult Ed classes taking place at SAR!

We look forward to learning with you!

Rabbi Binyamin KraussPrincipal, SAR Academy

Rabbi Tully HarcsztarkPrincipal, SAR High School

Debra MayExecutive Directorx1200debra@saracademy.org

Heidi GreenbaumDirector of Developmentx1256greenh@saracademy.org

PHONE: 718-548-1717

Heidi KaneManager, Community Engagementx1268kaneh@saracademy.org

Rachel SpinnerDevelopment Associatex1275spinnr@saracademy.org

Aaron SteinbergDevelopment Associatex1230steina2@saracademy.org

To register for Chadashot our weekly Academy e-newsletter, email chadashot@saracademy.org

To register for Koleinu our bi-weekly High School e-newsletter, email koleinu@sarhighschool.org

For information about grandparent programs, emailgrandparents@saracademy.org

Your Turn to Learn SeriesLocation: SAR Academy Shul 655 W. 254th Street, Bronx, NY 10471

Family Saga: A Shakespearean Comedy? An Analysis of the Relationship between Yoseph and his Brothers.Shalom SchlagmanWednesday, May 4, 9:30AM

Is Seeing Believing? Another Look at the Story of the Meraglim.Debby SondheimFriday, June 3, 9:30AM

Out in the Wilderness: Devarim Perakim 1-5Lisa SchlaffOn the plains of Moav, Moshe gives his final speech to Bnei Yisrael before they enter the land which he can see, but not access. The first chapters of Sefer Devarim highlight the major themes of the speech of a leader wishing his people to succeed as they start a new life in a new landMondays 2:00-3:00May 2, May 9, May 16, May 23 (2011)

Evening Book ClubDelve into a piece of fiction with our outstanding English teachers. Join other grandparents, parents and community members for a fascinating discussion of important works of literature. Classes meet on Mondays, 7:30-9:30 PM, in the High School Library. If you have questions, please email Ms. Daphne Eidman, daph613@aol.com

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman AlexieFacilitator: Simon FleischerMay 9, 2011

HS Adult Ed classes take place at SAR High School in the 3rd Floor Conference Room.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Lisa Schlaff schlal@sarhighschool.org or 718-548-2727 x1516

The SAR High School and SAR Academy bu i ld ings are t he physical environments within which our students are enlightened, inspired and challenged to achieve their very best.

In order to fulfill our mission, and maintain our infrastructure to its full capacity, we need partners for our ongoing Capital Campaign.

DEDICATION OPPORTUNITIES

MATCHING GRANT

If you contribute to the Capital Campaign before December 2012, every $100 of your gift will be ma t c hed w i t h $50 f rom a generous donor. For information about this match, dedication opportunities in either building, or to make a donation, please contact:

Heidi GreenbaumDirector of Development(718) 548-1717 x1256

Your gift is deeply appreciated; each and every dollar makes a difference.

New dedication signage will be going up around the High School building in the

coming months!