Scheck Hillel Community School’s Segulah Chapter of the National Honor Society welcomed its 2016-2017 inductees September 27.  

Private and public school chapters across the United States and in more than 70 other countries induct accomplished students based on scholarship, service, leadership, character and citizenship. To be inducted into Scheck Hillel’s National Honor Society, students in Grades 10-12 must hold a very high GPA and earn community service hours. Though achievements like this are common in Scheck Hillel’s college prep program, these students are far from typical in today’s world. Scheck Hillel is proud of its talented, dedicated, fine students and congratulates their families for instilling the core values and character that guide global citizenship and enduring Jewish identity.

Shelly Albergel
Jorge Batievsky
Esther Benasayag
Sarah Benoliel
Joseph Bensabat
Keith Bonwitt
Leah Chelminsky
Alexa Cohen
Raquel Dimitri
Maya Feuer
Benjamin Givner
Ariel Hacham
Emily Kriger
Noa Lalo
Matias Lancewicki
Ariel Martinez
Rochelle Milhem
Jayme Podgorowiez
Larissa Ramuth
Emily Rodman
Amanda Scheck
Albert Wolak

For the fifth consecutive year, Scheck Hillel hosted Solo & Ensemble for District 20 schools. On November 3, 2016, 14 of our own musicians and others from Palmer Trinity, Ransom Everglades, Miami Christian, Gulliver Academy Middle and Florida Christian presented impressive talent, skill and confidence to a state judge. 

All Scheck Hillel solos received Superior (highest rating) or Excellent (second-highest rating). A special mazal tov goes to Matt Levine (Grade 12), who advanced to State Solo & Ensemble based on the difficulty of his snare drum solo. Congratulations to the following Scheck Hillel student-musicians who competed this week, representing our Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program.

Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Dori Berman, Excellent (Trumpet)
Jeremy Nichols, Superior (Snare Drum)
Jonathan Nichols, Superior with Distinction (played by memory) (Piano)
Hannah Stern, Excellent (Trombone) 

High School (Grades 9-12)
Jonathan Abbo, Superior (Alto Saxophone)
Joi Alon, Superior (Alto Saxophone)
Raquel Dimitri, Superior (Trumpet)
Alexandra Fincheltub, Superior (Clarinet)
Eli Gelb, Superior (Alto Saxophone)
Matt Levine, Superior (Qualified for States) (Snare Drum)
Jayme Podgorowiez, Superior (Clarinet)
Emily Rodman, Superior (Clarinet)
Joshua Schmutter, Superior (Alto Saxophone)
Danielle Waijman, Excellent (Trumpet) 

AP and Honors Physics students donned their helmets to experience the forces of physics in an experiential lab at the K-1 track in Hollywood on November 15. Following classroom-based instruction, student-drivers took their karts for a spin, observing first-hand how velocity, acceleration, net force and momentum—among other phenomena—interact in response to their actions on the track. Led by Ben Lipson Upper School science teacher and Robotics Club advisor Luis Felipe, students will complete their labs in pairs, using video taken during the activity to solve a problem set. Commenting on the experience, David Ezekiel (Grade 11) said, “This gives meaning to physics.” Classmate Lily Schmutter added, “Applying concepts we learned to a real life situation really helped us understand it better.” A bit of fun competition added to an enriching experience for all. Click here for the full album. 

In a Grade 8 unit about tzedakah, students initiated a project to donate tzedakah collected in boxes at home not already designated for specific causes. Each student researched three different charitable organizations, promoted them to peers, wrote mock checks, collected tzedakah from boxes not set for organizations and voted for a ‘winning’ cause to support as a grade-wide community. The students selected Camp Simcha of Chai Lifeline and made a presentation to the entire grade on December 1. 

“In addition, since we learned the importance of giving money to our own communities, 20% of the money that will be collected will be donated to our very own Kulanu Scholarship Fund,” said Mrs. Yael Sprung, Grade 8 Tanach teacher.

Thank you to students Jenna Lieberman and Kylie Cohen, who developed this beautiful idea, Mrs. Sprung and parents: an inspiring example of family-school partnership!

Grade 2 students wowed family and friends with song and dance at our annual Chumash presentation this morning. While singing, dancing and performing their lines in Hebrew, the students showcased the stories of Noah's Ark, Avraham's Tent and the receiving of the Torah at Mount Sinai. This extraordinary event, was not only an opportunity for parents to see all things their children are learning in school, but also to celebrate a very important milestone in the life of a Jewish person: receiving their first Chumash.   

Last year, in Grade 1, these students received Siddurim from Scheck Hillel. These two consecutive presentations enrich students’ lives and reinforce the foundation of traditional Torah values upon which they will grow and learn throughout their Scheck Hillel careers. Giving every student his or her own Siddur and Chumash to keep for a lifetime is a demonstration of the meaningful religious and cultural experiences that our school's mission outlines, so we as a school community may instill strong Jewish identities in our youngest generation.

Thank you to Grade 2’s morot!

Grade 2A: Ioana Batito, Samantha Bernstein, Sandra Gruskin, Meytal Miara, Rabbi Heshy Riesel, Ofra Sharabani, Ali Shuster

Grade 2B: Tania Baluja, Melissa Burger, Briana Edwards, Libby Gutleizer, Sarah Hardoon, Michelle Kalusetsky, Michelle Levy, Civya Patichi, Jennifer Rojkes

And a very special thank you to Mr. Yuval Miara, Director of Judaic Studies & Hebrew Language for our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School.

Mazal tov Grade 2! Click here for photos of this special event. 

Classical, traditional and popular music was performed by 120 musicians of Scheck Hillel’s band, drumline and orchestra to welcome cooler temps (We hope!) with a most incredible winter concert Wednesday.

Covering works from Beethoven to Pharell Williams and pieces from Disney to Harry Potter, our musical artists filled campus with the sweet sounds of our Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program. Expertise and years of experience ranged within our drumline, beginning band and orchestra, concert band, orchestra and symphonic band. Instruments included violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, clarinet, alto and tenor and baritone saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba and percussion instruments including marimba and drums.

As a special part of the evening, our 14 students who participated in our District 20 Solo and Ensemble last month were recognized. All received either a Superior (highest rating) or an Excellent (second highest rating) on their solos, including senior Matt Levine who advanced to State Solo and Ensemble for his snare drum solo, where he’ll compete in February 2017. In November, 14 of our own musicians and others from Palmer Trinity, Ransom Everglades, Miami Christian, Gulliver Academy Middle and Florida Christian presented impressive talent, skill and confidence to a state judge at that District event. 

Arts at Scheck Hillel is a marker of excellence developed from Early Childhood through Grade 12. Students are given a personal choice for their creative outlet, which helps to develop respect and understanding for all fine and performing art forms. Whether a student’s passion is learning to play the violin or painting a masterpiece, there is a place for everyone in Scheck Hillel’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program.

Every Chanukah, the FIDF Ensemble visits South Florida. This year, they visited Scheck Hillel’s PK4-Grade 5. As the only South Florida school to welcome these soldiers with a combat soldier, we are reminded that our love for Israel runs deep throughout all we do. 

“All the students and teachers were so excited, especially when they all joined to one big choir and sang together some of the Hebrew songs that the students learned during our weekly Sing Along,” said Tova Yemin, Scheck Hillel Hebrew teacher. 

Kindergarten students recited a special prayer for the State of Israel, and Leon Calef, Grade 5, led a prayer for the soldiers, at which time the combat soldier gave his troops pin to the young student. A keepsake to remember. 

At the end of each performance, the students asked questions about the soldiers’ service in Zaha"l. Thank you to our partner, FIDF of Miami, which is preparing for its March gala.

Generations Day was all about celebrating generations, passing down traditions and connecting community.

PKT-Kindergarten families shared fun, beautiful Shabbat parties in classrooms. Grandparents and grandchildren together lit candles, recited Kiddush and shared HaMotzi. Song and dance and joy filled their classrooms. Gifts of arts, crafts and love were given from grandchildren to grandparents, as family traditions were passed down and hearts were lifted up.

Kindergarten-Grade 5 was Scheck Hillel’s first Kulanu Fun Run: a 2-week fitness and values character-building campaign themed Backyard Box Office that gave students an up-close look at how to make a difference in their own backyard.  

Since the program launched with an erev Shabbat pep rally in early December, students, teachers and families have huddled around the Fun Run, designed to inspire and carry out tikkun olam close to home.  Guided by Juda and Maria Diener Lower faculty, specifically the general studies and physical education teachers, students were taught how to create personal videos, build fundraising pages and ask friends and loved ones to sponsor laps for the Fun Run. 

To date, more than 500 pledges were made by grandparents and loved ones, parents and businesses from 13 states (California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas) and and countries across the globe. 

The program culminated with the actual Fun Run on Generations Day, with grandparents and loved ones cheering students on as they ran laps for two important causes. The school’s Kulanu Scholarship Fund benefited, and proceeds are still being calculated from this morning.  Feeding America was supported as well, with Scheck Hillel donating approximately 60 meals to local families who struggle with hunger (nationwide 12 million children). Every time a class reached $30 in sponsorship per lap, three meals were given to a local person in need.   

Mijal Furman, "It’s a mitzvah.” 

Beyond fitness and fundraising, students and their grandparents exemplified a tradition of giving-m’dor l’dor-from generation to generation. Special thanks to our incredible lead volunteers, P.E. teachers Manuel Gonzalez and Cory McEwen, all of our Juda and Maria Diener Lower School faculty and our entire Operations team.  

The entire day was about building Jewish future.

Click here for the full album.

Have you ever struggled with your children when it's time to do homework or clean their rooms? At HIP/PTA’s January 10 meeting, parents took in a humorous, informative glimpse of what the chaos can look like and collected tips from Eileen Ginzburg, Scheck Hillel’s Director of Special Programs, to help children (and adults!) improve executive functioning skills. 

• Be sure not to over-program extracurricular activities
• Establish a consistent routine and a neat physical space to complete homework
• Keep adequate school supplies on hand
• Keep a timer available
• Create a list of the assignments and encourage your child to cross off items as they are completed
• Build in breaks: work/break/work/break
• Post a calendar for long-term assignments and create a timeline
• Encourage proofreading
• Reinforce and praise the effort
• Stay calm-if work is not completed, there will be consequences at school
• Place completed homework in the backpack, placed by the front door, ready for the morning
• Make sure the whole family gets enough sleep

HIP/PTA features a Scheck Hillel guest speaker at every meeting, offering parents the opportunity to learn while volunteering for school. Please be sure to join us for our next meeting Tuesday, February 14, at 8:15 AM, in our Kunin Media Center.

We’re looking ahead! We’re happy to publish next year’s calendar today, and look forward to sharing 2017-2018 together.

Dr. Helen Chaset, Scheck Hillel's Director of Professional Development, introduced Jewish Community Services of South Florida’s Trans-Generational Transmission of Trauma and Resilience: a day-long conference at the University of Miami for more than 200 physicians, mental health professionals, Holocaust survivors, victims of domestic abuse, veterans and those members of the broader community whose lives have been impacted by extreme stress. Presentations and workshop activities explored the transmission of resilience across generations in this January 20 event.

In addition to her work at Scheck Hillel, one of the ways Dr. Chaset gives back to our community is through her leadership as Chair of Jewish Community Services of South Florida. 

Keynote presenters and breakout session speakers included psychologist/author Dr. Dale Atkins, Charles B. Nemeroff, M.D., Ph.D, Professor and Chairman, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami School of Medicine; Irit Felsen, Ph.D, Adjunct Professor, Yeshiva University Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology; David Spiegel, M.D, Director, Center of Stress and Health; Medical Director, Center for Integrative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine; and Rachel Yehuda, Ph.D, Professor of Psychiatry and Neuroscience and Director, Traumatic Stress Studies Division, Icahn School of Medicine, Mount Sinai. The symposium was a collaborative effort of Jewish Community Services of South Florida, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami-Dade Holocaust Survivors and Next Generation.

Thank you to Dr. Chaset and the many dedicated volunteers who made this meaningful, important event such a success.

Fourteen Scheck Hillel educators from all school divisions made their mark at FETC (Future of Educational Technology Conference) this week, gaining and sharing expertise with colleagues from around the world. IT specialist Jean Martinez addressed school technology infrastructure, highlighting Scheck Hillel’s iPad program, while media and technology teacher Nancy Penchev demonstrated the use of technology to document student projects and successes in the early childhood space. A roster of more than 500 sessions gave our educators the unparalleled opportunity to select topics connected to their specialties. 

“Educational technology makes the work of teachers more efficient and effective by putting data and personalized instructional materials in their hands,” explained Craig Carpentieri, Scheck Hillel’s Chief Academic Officer. “We participated in sessions about blended learning, adaptive math software, integrating curriculum into Maker environments and more.”

Dr. John Suarez, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, got a taste of Virtual Reality (VR) for the classroom. “We can turn good lessons into outstanding lessons with this technology,” he commented. “We can take our classrooms anywhere… and experience things beyond words.”  

A hallmark of professional development at Scheck Hillel, involvement in educator conferences offers our teachers a platform to share, build skills and stay in tune with research and new technology. All of this is guided by a sharp focus on how our students will benefit and grow in their learning. Thank you to our incredible teachers.

Scheck Hillel FETC Delegation

Cathy Buell
Craig Carpentieri
Daniela Carrasco
Galit Geiger
Dr. Helen Chaset
Eileen Ginzburg
Rabbi Avi Greene, Ed.D.
Sandy Gruskin
Nata Levi
Jean Martinez
Michael McCann      
Josh Meisels    
Nancy Penchev
Dr. John Suarez

Thirty-five Scheck Hillel juniors visited five schools February 6-8 as part of the school’s 2017 annual Florida college campus tour. The group checked in at University of Florida, Eckerd College, University of Central Florida, Full Sail University and the University of Tampa.

Led by College Counseling Director Vanessa Donaher and Associate Director Dennis Eller, the students absorbed information about academic programs, residence and student life, and Jewish and Israel programming. 

Student Sharon Anidjar said the trip expanded - and enhanced - her view of Florida college options: "It made me realize that these are amazing schools, and I will probably apply to all of them."

Rabbi Elie Ganz, one of the faculty chaperones, commented, "Our three day college campus tour allowed us to experience college life in a variety of excellent academic and cultural environments. Our students are now better prepared to make informed decisions about the next stages of their educational careers."

We wish Scheck Hillel’s Class of 2018 juniors all the best as they advance through the college readiness process.

The effect of music on blood pressure, the effect of age on the level of emotional intelligence, the effect of probiotics on the pH of yogurt, the effect of different fonts on memory…

These project titles and more were the focus of select Grade 7-8 students from Scheck Hillel Community School who advanced from the school’s science fair to the 63rd Annual South Florida Regional Science & Engineering Fair at Miami Dade College on February 3. Results from this round of early judging will be announced later this month. Mazel tov to all of our students and thank you to our faculty: Jessica Best, Nikki Gutierrez and Angela Williams.

Student Presenters

Tanya Almog
Evan Ben-Shmuel
Kylie Cohen
Nicole Feldman
Mauricio Fuhrman
Rebeca Kamhazi
Zachary Lemmer
Sofia Nessim
Jeremy Nichols
Sophia Petreanu
Shira Rodrig
Ilana Stiberman
Andrea Strulovic