Getting into the swing of things has not been easy this year, with the holidays wreaking havoc and with the school schedule and yielding a scanty nine days of class before we broke for Sukkot! Even though it's October, it still feels like the beginning of school.
We are still getting to know each others' names and capabilities. Most of you have found the right level in your core subjects and the elective that suits you best. If not, blue Change-of-Classes forms are available in the office mailbox!
A degree of flux is only natural, as you get to know your teachers' expectations, move past the "review sessions" with which many classes start, and attend class for a solid five days in a row (Believe it or not, this week was the first time that's happened this year!). But now it's time to get your head firmly in school.
Freshmen and Transfer students: The impressions you make, the study routines you establish, the habits of conforming to school rules and achieving all you can achieve set a vital template for your years at our school.
Sophomores: You are no longer "newbies" at WYHS! Use your heightened comfort level to set new goals, explore new extra-curricular activities, and 'step-it-up' in terms of academics.
Juniors: This is the make-or-break year for you academically. Good grades are essential - no excuses left! Budgeting your time is more important than ever as you take on leadership roles within the school, and then add to the mix standardized testing that counts!
Seniors: No one ever said it would be easy to make decisions about your future, but there's no time like the present to think things through and make an all-out effort to get where you want to be. You are the role models for younger students, a responsibility you need to take seriously.
I urge you all to make every effort to "get into the swing" right now. You can and hopefully will improve as the months progress, and a slow beginning is by no means fatal. But life is a lot easier when you get off to a good start!
I wish you all the best year ever.
Dr. Laura Becker
Director, College Preparatory Studies
The Weeks Ahead
Wed. Oct. 13
PSAT- Grades 9-11
Chesed Day- Grades 10-11
Yearbook Pictures and YU interviews- Seniors Freshmen Night Out
Sat. Oct. 16
Freshman Parent Melava Malka at the Tirschwells,9pm
Tues. Oct. 26 Parent Teacher Conferences In school Eitan Katz Concert
Saturday Night, October 31 Clocks Change
Refuah Shleimah
Bentzion Kloinimous Kalman ben Leah Rachel
Dovid Menachem Chaim Halevi ben Esther Bayla
Condolences
Mrs. Bonnie Pesacov on the passing of her mother Betty and to Ari ('11), Malka ('07) and Oren ('07) Hizkiya.
Torah
The Late Late Show
Night Seders Have Returned
Click on the image above to watch the Night Seder video.
Simcha Adelman ('12) STAFF WRITER
This past Wednesday, WYHS kicked off its weekly Night Seder program.
On Wednesday's, students dedicate time after school time to learning in a purely optional environment where their Torah skills can grow outside the restraints of the classroom. Though food is served, students are drawn to Night Seder for a chance to progress in their studies.
Whether studying for tests or choosing interesting topics to pursue, students enjoy their opportunity to forge a stronger personal connection with Judaism, their friends, and their Rebbeim.
Sports
Bump, Set, Storm
Girl's Volleyball
Click on the image above to watch the Girl's Volleyball video.
By Rashel Maikhor ('12)
STAFF WRITER
Led by Lauren Friedman ('11) and Becky Shachter ('12), the girls 2010-2011 volleyball team has improved tremendously.
With the help of the coaches, Gi Guip and Patty Leiber, the players have been working hard both on and off the court. The volleyball team is filled with talent, amazing sportsmanship and a commitment to making a STORM!
During the matches, the teamwork is exemplary and the energy is unstoppable. The girls will continue to strive for a victory and for a great season!
Politics
Students Storm the Capitol
Students Spread AIPAC's Message
Kelley Tripp ('13)
STAFF WRITER
Early this week, juniors Adam Egri, Michael Krasna, Ezra Kurtz, Shoshana Linzer, and Rebecca Saragossi, sophomore Kelley Tripp, and faculty chaperone Mrs. Ilana Bendel traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the national AIPAC (The American Israel Public Affairs Committee) High School Summit.
Informative and inspiring, the AIPAC summit consisted of daily sessions that dealt with an array of issues that affect the US-Israel relationship. During the conference, the AIPAC staff highlighted the importance of the special alliance and the key role we must each play in order to preserve the bond.
Through a host of knowlegable staff and guest speakers, AIPAC succesfully infused a passion for Israel into each of the students. Moreover,
AIPAC allowed every student to have a unique role in advocating on Israel's behalf.
Putting information discussed in the conference room to use, students spent the day lobbying on Capitol Hill. Each delegation ensured that their vital message was remembered and instilled in the congressmen; that a safe and strong Israel translates into security and strength in America.
When the summit concluded, the syudents reflected how being a part of AIPAC means being a part of an organization that represents activism with a voice, and promoting peace and safety in Israel.
Languages
Found in Translation
Arabic and Sign Language added to Curricculum
Darren Jacoby ('13) STAFF WRITER
As WYHS rapidly grows, the administration is constantly working to improve the curriculum and meet the needs of the student body, adding two new languages to WYHS's already wide-range of elective options. We are privileged to have Mrs. Kanner-Branson teaching Sign Language and Mrs. Peretz teaching Arabic. I had the opportunity to ask them a few questions about their classes and their languages.
Where else have you taught your language? MSP: I taught Arabic in an Israeli high school for a few years. When I moved to America, I taught at Posnack for two years. MLB: I've taught in many different places and settings. I spent a few years teaching at the college level, and later at a maximum security prison. Now, my main job is an ASL interpreter. How did you learn your language? MSP: I double majored in Middle Eastern history and Arabic at the University of Haifa. I was able to gain a firm understanding of the language and was introduced to Arabic literature. MLB: While working in a community college, I was asked to help a deaf student. I was intrigued by the opportunity of learning a brand new language, and I decided to jump at it. What do you think your language will bring to the school? MSP: I believe learning Arabic will teach the students much about Middle Eastern culture, which they would not normally be exposed to. MLB: I wasn't really sure how the subject would be received by the student body. What a pleasant surprise I've experienced! I expect that the Sign Language class is going to bring a great awakening to many--not just about signing, but about deafness and deaf culture How has your experience teaching at WYHS been so far? MSP: It has been fantastic getting to know and teach the kids. After each class, the students are surprised how quickly the class went by. MLB: In a word, it's been "short!" Seriously, though, I can't remember when I've had this much fun at WORK! What is unique about your language? MSP: The writing in Arabic is truly beautiful and artistic. It shares many similarities with Hebrew, my first language. MLB: The most important difference in ASL is the need for facial expressions. It's also a language that doesn't use tense, and the only language that can reach the deaf audience.
Ashreinu
Ashreinu
is a weekly student-run publication featuring insightful Divrei Torah on each week's Parshah. This is its first issue, and a link to this revolutionary publication will appear each week in the Highlites.
Click on the image to download Ashreinu for Parshat Noach
