Kol Hillel April-May 2012 by Scheck Hillel Community School

2011 Blue Ribbon School

International Baccalaureate® IB World School

K�� H�� Dedicated by Anna and Sol Zuckerman and Family

The Samuel Scheck Hillel Community Day School The Juda and Maria Diener Elementary School

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s”xc Volume 4 Issue 3 April/May 2012 Iyyar - Sivan 5772

The Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School The Henrietta Scheck Middle School

2012-2013 Focuses on Personalized Learning “Lower School will continue on our path of Every child learns in his or her own way. Thus, Hillel is molding its academic 2012-2013 HIGHLIGHTS excellence, focused on meeting the needs of all learners,” said Tara Solomiany, Director of curriculum and welcoming new faculty to Early Childhood-Grade 5 Lower School, Grades 3-5. “Early Childhood focus on personalized instruction to further ▪ New Digital Media program to teach through Grade 5 will expand and grow existing meet the needs of each student. technology and design programs.” “We already have made so much progress ▪ Derech Eretz program that simultaneously For Grades 6-12, Hillel is one of a ensures a Bully Free Zone this year to enhance Hillel’s curriculum to focus ▪ Professional development for Singapore Math handful of world schools chosen to pilot the on 21st century literacies and personalizing it and Columbia University Writer’s Workshop International Baccalaureate’s new design-based is the next step,” said Gary Weisserman, Chief Grades 6-12 technology curriculum. New courses for Grades Academic Ofﬁcer. ▪ More elective, AP, FIU courses 6-8 include Technology, Information, Content, For example, several Upper School ▪ Additional math and science tracks and Knowledge Literacy; Student Technological departments now are piloting a competency▪ New math and language arts labs based curriculum by which progress in ▪ Increased prerequisites for Honors, AP classes Access to Computer Science; and Introduction to Media Arts. mastering high levels is tracked to adjust the ▪ Revamped bell schedule with class four times every week to maximize the school day Schoolwide, Hillel teachers will have new curriculum to each student’s needs. technology in the fall to track each student In August, new teachers will join returning educators to take Hillel’s faculty to the next level. The enhanced and monitor progress, comprehension and skills necessary to move curriculum in their hands will enrich learning schoolwide with forward. Faculty will decide the best approach for each class, with a some grade levels continuing with their current progress and others range of new tools to see who is learning the material and to develop a plan for students to advance individually or in groups. introducing new programs. (See highlights above.) Story continued on page 2

CELEBRATING ISRAEL

ISRAEL ADVOCACY

Students Invited to White House

Chagim Bring Classroom Lessons to Life Story on Page 8

The White House has invited Hillel Upper School students to visit May 24, share their views and meet liaisons to the Jewish community and Washington, D.C. Jewish leaders in Washington were so impressed with Hillel students at AIPAC’s National Policy Conference in March, that they have been invited to further advocate for Israel and get a better understanding of the administration’s position on Iran and its threat to Israel, said Rabbi Uri Pilichowski, faculty advisor of Hillel’s Pro Israel Teens Club. “I am extremely proud of our students and of their ability to grasp the issues and advocate for a strong United States and Israel relationship,” he said. “Hillel has taken a leadership role in Israel advocacy and we are now recognized as one of the top school programs in the country.” Rabbi Pilichowski was the only high school educator last year to receive the AIPAC Ally of the Year Award. “Rabbi Pilichowski is nationally recognized,” said Rabbi Josh Spodek, Director of Judaic Studies and Hebrew Language. “His position gives Hillel students a back stage pass into Washington, allowing them invaluable opportunities to meet with congressmen and senators.” Spodek said Hillel’s mission is rooted in Zionism to educate students to become thoughtful, passionate, articulate advocates for the State of Israel. The students who will represent Hillel at the White House are Michele Acherman, Arielle Ben-Ezra, Sophia Brener, Ari Givner, Ari Gontovnick and Ariela Zebede.

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