Technology and Hebrew Immersion

Our separate school-wide initiatives in Hebrew Immersion and in Technology came together today as our 3rd grade class took a new document camera for a test run.  The document camera functions much as an overhead projector did in the past, except that now one need copy or write onto transparencies in order to project something for the class to see.  In fact, with a document camera, one can project just about anything - from a textbook or student work to a piece of art or a biological specimen, and anything in between.  

The document camera, coupled with our new wireless slates and the SMART Notebook software with which every class has been outfitted, is particularly useful in our lower school classrooms where we have introduced the Tal Am Hebrew Immersion program.  As the Tal Am program produces all of its books and notebooks, many of which contain visual stimuli critical to teaching our children without having to translate into English, and as they are not yet available in digital form, the document camera allows the teacher to simply place the workbook under the camera, which projects an enlarged picture of it onto the whiteboard, and then the class can use the wireless slate to analyze the work and fill in the correct answers

Here's a quick video we took of our 3rd grade doing exactly that this morning:

  

As part of the Max Cooper Business and Technology Program we hope to purchase two document cameras.  If you're interested in sponsoring the purchase of additional units for additional classrooms please let our business office know.

Sukkot at the MHA

The days leading up to Sukkot are always an exciting time in school.  From classroom sukkot and sukkah decorations in the Early Childhood to model sukkot and students modeling as the ushpizin in the Lower school, and from the intense hilchot schach competition in the Boys High School to the diverse Sukkot stations in the Girls High School, everywhere you turned this week there was excitement, enthusiasm and hands-on education, in preparation for the upcoming holiday.

Here's a glimpse...

Student Named National Merit Semifinalist

More than 1.5 million juniors in over 22,000 high schools entered the 2009 National Merit Program by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Of those 1.5 million only 16,000 students nationwide - and only 44 in the city of Memphis - qualified as National Merit Semifinalists. We're most proud that 12th grader Maddie Tavin was one of them.

The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, which represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest scoring entrants in each state. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 8,400 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $36 million, that will be offered next spring. We wish Maddie the best of luck on the next - and final - stage!

6 Students Win National AP Awards

Evidence of our astounding results on last year's AP tests continue to roll in. Just recently we learned that 5 of the 19 students in last year's graduating class - or 26% of the class - won prestigious national awards from the College Board for their performance on the APs, as did one member of last year's Junior class.

Luky Guigi and Rachel Rubenstein received the AP Scholar Award which is given to students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams. Debbie Farber and Ariav Schlesinger received the AP Scholar with Honor Award for scoring an average of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken AND scoring 3 or higher on four or more of those exams. Ariel Cooper, last year's valedictorian, received the AP Scholar with Distinction Award which is given to highly select few students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams AND score 3 or higher on five or more of those exams (Ariel took 6 AP exams and scored an average of 4.67 out of 5).

Maddie Tavin, who is only now a senior in our Goldie Margolin School for Girls, also received the AP Scholar award for having already taken 3 Advanced Placement Exams prior to her Senior Year and having scored a perfect 5 on all three.

Congratulations again to all of the students and all of their teachers for a job splendidly done.

   

Selichot Night

As has become a tradition over the past few years, both of our high schools gathered in their respective schools late on the Saturday night before Rosh Hashanah, for a moving program prior to the beginning of selichot.  Under the direction of Rabbi Noam Stein, both schools began with a powerful excerpt from the movie Freedom Writers, followed by an assignment for self reflection, a time to share thoughts with each other, and some powerful singing.  Then, the two schools came together in the Beit Midrash for selichot led by Rabbi Gersten.

It was a most fitting way to begin the Yamim Nora'im.

Kollel Night of Learning

One of our most beautiful community events is the bi-annual night of learning which our Kollel Torah MiTzion hosts twice a year to help us get ready for Yamim Nora'im and then again for Pesach.  The evening begins with chavruta study of Torah sources relating to the upcoming holiday and then each of the four congregational rabbis gives a short shiur based on the sources prepared.  It is nothing short of inspiring to watch our Beit Midrash fill with men and women, grandparents and grandchildren, all there to expand to grow in knowledge and spirit in preparation for the chag.

May our growth in Torah learning and communal collaboration only increase and strengthen in the coming year.

You Can Make a Difference

Dear Friends,

As our preparations for the Yamim Noraim intensify, so do the efforts of our dedicated lay leaders to make this year's annual campaign the success we need it to be.

As you can imagine, like Day Schools across the country, the economic downturn has taken a heavy toll on us and many of our families.  Nonetheless, our administrative team and our outstanding team of educators are as committed as ever not only to continuing to deliver high quality education in all subject areas, but to constantly improving and constantly growing.  For us, there's no other way.  After all, the future of our children, our community, and klal yisrael depends on it.

The only way we can continue do so, however, is with your support.  Therefore, I ask that in this season of teshuva, tefilla, and tzedaka, you give whatever your means allows to help our school continue to actualize its mission.

Doing so is easy.  Just click here to access our secure paypal form which will walk you through the simple process.  That's all it takes.

I thank you in advance for helping to make a difference in the lives of our children.

Best wishes for a ketivah va-chatimah tovah,

Rabbi Perl

Back to School Barbecue

The PTA once again kicked off the year with a fun-filled Back to School Barbecue.  Judging by the smiling faces in these pictures, I think it's safe to say it was another big success.  Thanks to all the volunteers who made it happen!

MHA Takes 1st place!

With just the right mix of creativity, humor, workmanship, and meat-related puns, our alumni group brought the first ever Showmanship Champion title at the ASBEE Kosher BBQ contest to the Academy. Of the nearly 50 booths in the competition, the school's booth took first place in both name ("Lebron Flames and the Miami Meat") as well as booth creativity (a mock lockerroom with walls describing the merits of each of Lebron's possible new teams - including the MHA Macs!). This year a new award, called the Showmanship Champion, was added to the mix for the team that had the highest combined score in the name and booth competitions. The first place finish in both competitions made us a lock for that one as well.

Our heartfelt thanks goes to Richard Lewis, Daniel Lewis, Benjamin Rubenstein, Zac Kaplan, and Yoni Frieden for all their hard work. Can't wait to see what they come up with for next year...

ASBEE BBQ

Be sure to drop by the Academy's booth at the ASBEE BBQ this Sunday.  Thanks to the incredible efforts of Richard Lewis, Zack Kaplan, Benjamin Rubestein, and crew, it is a "decision" you won't regret.

Internet Safety

If you haven't yet registered for this Tuesday night's presentation by Phil Rosenthal, an nationally recognized expert on internet safety, please do so by clicking here.

Rosenthal, a Tennessee native who attended then-Memphis StateUniversity, has nearly 30 years of experiance in computer safety andtechnology awareness. He created the Computer Crime Unit of the Rockland County Sherrif's Department, from which he recently retired.

Top law enforcement agencies like the FBI, the Israel National Police, andNew Scotland Yard have called on Rosenthal to assist in solving technology-related cases. He is frequently sought by mental health professionals, school guidance counselors, clergy members, and community leaders across the country for his expertise in Internet safety for children and treating technology addictions.

The presentation, sponsored by Young Israel of Memphis, will take place at the JCC, Tuesday, August 31st at 8:00pm.  If you have school age children or grandchildren, it is imperative that you attend.

EC -6 Are Underway!

The excitement pulsated through the hallways, smiles were in abundance, and anticipation was in the air, as grades PreK through 6 got the new school year started yesterday.  With new families and fantastic new faculty joining the MHA family it was truly a special day for all.  Catch a glimpse of it below...

$500,000 for the MHA

In case you haven’t yet heard, Kohl’s Department Store is running a Facebook contest in which people can vote for the schools they believe should get a $500,000 donation. The top 20 vote getters will all get the award. According to a story in the Jewish Week, there are currently 20 Jewish Schools amongst the top 50 vote getters. While the size of our school puts us at a disadvantage, we’ve shown time and again that our little school is capable of some pretty big things. So this is yet another opportunity for us to rally our troops and rise to the occasion!



Here’s what we have to do:



1. Go to http://www.facebook.com/kohls and vote for the Margolin Hebrew Academy. You have 20 votes and can use up to 5 for one school, so please do!

2. Send this message to everyone you know, let them know it’s not a hoax, and ask them to do the same.


For some schools, $500,000 is a drop in the bucket. For us, it could have a profound impact on our children and our community. The contest ends September 3rd so please don’t push it off. Take just a few seconds to give us your 5 votes and encourage everyone you know to do the same.



Thanks for your help!

New Site for Tournament

At approximately 12:00 EST, the newly revamped Cooper Yeshiva High School National Invitational Website went live on the internet. The website provides up to the moment information about the Invitational, its participating teams, hotel accommodations, and more. You can also visit to relive championships past via its pictures and records section, and discuss the exciting action with your friends on the new Invitational Forum. Once the Tournament tips-off, the website’s cutting edge technology will broadcast live video and audio of each game, and will release post game articles via its social networking media connections. Don't forget the sign up for the Bracket Challenge, which will be posted shortly after the seeding is released.

Visit the website and check it out. Make sure to keep up with all the action by becoming a fan of the Invitational’s Facebook Page and signing up for Twitter updates.

Many, many, many, thanks to Gershon Yarmush for his art direction, planning and execution of the new site

Memphis Receives Community Growth Grant

Thanks to the hard work of Mr. Josh Kahane and his dedicated committee, we just learned that the Memphis Orthodox community was one of two communities awarded the first Community Growth Grant from Yeshiva University's Center for the Jewish Future.


Here are some excerpts from the Grant's guidelines:

The Community Growth Grant selects several communities that display the preparedness to implement a growth strategy as outlined in this guide’s best practices and exhibit a culture of excellence and an infrastructure that promote the values and ideals of Yeshiva University. These selected communities will participate in an enhanced community growth relationship with YU CJF.


What a CGG community can expect from Yeshiva University:


 A programming grant toward YU programs which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

1. YU speakers to serve as scholars in residence
2. Site visits by YU CJF to consult with your community and assist in the growth process
3. Access to young families:
1. Apartment communities in our network through parlor meetings
2. Active promotions for your community through matchmaking efforts and interactions wit young families
3. Assistance in providing leadership training for the young leadership in your community
4. Access to other YU CJF resources including but not limited to ShaarHaavoda.org, Career Development Center, and the Department of Jewish Career Development and Placement Services

Selection parameters for communities:

1. A complete application
2. An established and vibrant Torah Umada Jewish infrastructure
3. An engaged and inspired leadership that is able to collaborate effectively across local institutions.
4. A vibrant local day school
5. A vibrant local high school
6. One or more vibrant local synagogues
7. A local federation that is actively supportive of community growth
8. Thriving local youth groups
9. A community eruv
10. A community mikvah An economic climate in your community that has potential for job growth
11. A comprehensive incentive package to attract young families and aid them in their move
12. A strong community growth infrastructure to facilitate the influx of young families and to assist new family retention
13. A commitment from your community to encourage high school graduates to attend Yeshiva University

We'll share more details when they become available.  In the meantime, though, I wanted to express how proud we are of the fact that all facets of our vibrant Memphis Orthodox community enjoy a strong relationship with Yeshiva University and how deeply appreciative we are for all the support they have given us over the years.  We have no doubt that this new grant will help both our community and our relationship with YU soar to even greater heights.

Camp Shemesh

As another fantastic summer at Camp Shemesh draws to a close, we wanted to share some of the highlights with you. . For more information on Camp Shemesh, email the camp director, Mrs. Michelle Katz.

Outstanding AP Scores

Our High School AP scores came in last week, and I'm proud to report that once again our students did beautifully.  Of the 62 students in our high schools last year, 19 of them took at least one AP exam last year and several took more than one.  Despite the very high percentage of our total student body who took an exam, the results from our high schools on all four of the tests taken far outdid the national averages (comparisons are to last year's average scores, as national data for this year is not yet available).  These numbers are particularly significant as the students taking AP tests are a self-selected group of the country's most talented and motivated students.  Here's a summary of how we did (Note:  The College Board, who administers the AP exam, considers a score of 3 to be passing.  Most universities award college credit, though, only for a score of 4 or 5):

• AP English Language and Composition: The national average score last year was 2.88.  Amongst the 10 MHA / FYOS students who took the test, the average was 4.2 - or 46% higher than the national norm!
• AP Physics B: The national average for Physics was also 2.88.  Only 2 students took the test this year, but their average was a 3.5.
• AP Psychology: Our AP Psychology results bordered on perfection.  The national average last year was a 3.22.  14 of our students took the test and all but two received a perfect 5, with the others receiving a very respectable 4.  Our school average was a 4.8 - or 51% higher than the national norm!
• AP US Government and Politics: This was a new offering for our school this year and the results were fantastic.  10 students took the exam and scored an average of 4.2, compared to the national average of 2.78.  Here too, our student scores were 51% higher than the average AP student across the nation.

Congratulations to Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Vaughn, Mrs. Perl, and Mrs. Kutliroff  - and, of course to all of our students - for a job beautifully done!

Color War

Just when our lower school kids were convinced that this year there really would not be any color war, color war was sprung upon them.  For a day and half the school was sea of yellow and blue and red and black.  They competed in everything from relay races to basketball, Torah bowl to team newspaper, banner to skit, and everything in between.  Both the chesed team and the tzedakah team demonstrated what it means to work together as well as sportsmanship and middot par excellence.  Here's a small taste of what it was like:

From Movies

Debate Day

What better way to culminate a year-long Debate elective in both high schools (the first of its kind) than with a debate against... each other.  So it was on Monday, that four pairs of debaters from the Boys School squared off against four pairs of debaters from the Girls School, over the national high school policy debate resolved "That the United States government should substantially increase social services to those living below the poverty line in the United States."  The teams sparred with each other over three rounds, each team arguing both the Affirmative and the Negative side of the debate at least once, and needless to say it got rather intense.  Each side grilled the other over their knowledge of the government's current social service programs, over the other team's proposal to enhance or reform it, over funding, over statistics, evidence, and anything else you can imagine.

It was a special privilege to have members of Seedco's Memphis Office, who several months ago introduced our debaters to many of the issues related to poverty in the US, join us as judges for the day.  Across the board, they were impressed by the eloquence, thoughtfulness, resourcefulness and creativity of both teams.  In the end, though, there could only be one winner... and this year it was our girls.

Here's a list of all the recipients of the individual and team awards:

1st place team: Maddie Tavin and Debbie Farber
2nd place team: Jeremy Cooper and Isaac Krupp
3rd place team: Shoshana Somer and Zahava Gersten

1st place speaker: Debbie Farber
2nd place speaker: Maddie Tavin
3rd place speaker: Jeremy Cooper and Zahava Gersten (tie)

A job very well done by all!

8th Grader Wins International Essay Contest

8th grader, Shira Osdoba, was awarded 2nd place in the 'True Story" category of the 2010 Jewish Heritage Essay Contest.  The contest included entries from Middle School students from 22 schools in 21 cities in the U.S, South Africa, and Israel.

Here's one small piece of her insightful and inspirational essay about the indomitable spirit of her father, the late Matty Osdoba, of blessed memory:

It could be very easy for anyone to be resentful or angry with God when someone’s life could be taken from him at  any second. Where is the joy in being sick? My father had a powerful answer. He firmly believed that by smiling at anyone and being cheerful that he was representing God on this
earth.


Read the rest by clicking here.  It's a short piece with a powerful punch and a critical lesson for life.

Thank you, Shira, for sharing it with us all.