| Important Dates |
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Fri. March 26-Wed. March 7 - Pesach Break. No Sessions
Mon. April 12
Yom Hashoah
Wed. April 14- Thurs. April 15 - Rosh Chodesh Iyar
Fri. April 16
2:30 pm Friday Dismissal Begins
Mon. April 19
Yom Hazikaron
Tues. April 20
Yom Ha'atzmaut
3:15 Early Dismissal
Sun. April 25 and
Mon. April 26
HS Play
One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest 8pm |
2010-2011 Registration Packets in the Mail
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2010-2011 Registration Packets are past due.
The packets contain each family's enrollment contract, PTC membership form and personal contact information.
If you have not already done so, please return your completed registration forms back to the Business Office.
For information on tuition assistance or to obtain an application, please contact Debra May at debra@saracademy.org or at 718-548-1717 x1200.
Applications for tuition assistance must be returned to the Business Office by Monday, April 26th.
Questions regarding registration: schwal@saracademy.org |
| IN THE NEWS |
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Marjorie Jacobs, Director of College Counseling was quoted in US News commenting on the use of video in college applications
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26 Adar 5770 * March 26
Candlelighting Fri 6:56 PM
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Tzav Shabbat Hagadol
Havdalah 7:59 PM |
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Dear Students and Parents,
I would like to wish everyone a chag kasher v'sameach. Please remember to daven three times a day and to spend time learning Torah every day. I hope that you enjoy a meaningful and enjoyable chag.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Tully Harcsztark |
| Programs that Enrich Classroom Learning |
Humanin and Multiple Age Related Diseases: A Study at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine (SAR Science Research Program)
 Seven students in the SAR Science Research Program visited the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to hear a presentation by Dr. Radhika Muzamdar entitled "Humanin: A Common Thread In Multiple Age Related Diseases." Dr Muzamdar explained that Humanin is a twenty four amino acid polypeptide that seems to play a role in protecting cells that are challenged by a wide variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease and the loss of insulin sensitivity associated with Type 2 Diabetes. She showed the students that remarkably, this substance seems to have been around for a long time and can be found in rodents, round worms and even plants. In other words Humanin is evolutionarily conserved. Dr. Muzamdar feels that Humanin is likely involved in cellular processes that are common to cells in a wide variety of organisms and yet the pathway by which this cellular protection occurs has not been fully elucidated.
 The fact that Humanin protects cells in such a wide variety of circumstances is intriguing and suggests that this substance may have clinical applications. However, Dr. Muzamdar explained that there are a number of steps that still had to be taken before such a substance can be used medically, including working out the details of how it protects cells. Experiments with cultured cells (in vitro tests), testing in animal models (in vivo tests) and then human trials will take years to accomplish. This was an amazing trip and once again we thank Dr. Gil Atzmon for making these experiences possible and Dr. Muzamdar for providing such a fascinating presentation.
Tobie Brandriss
Bob Goodman
63 Students Participate in Our In-House Science Olympiad Competitions
 Much enthusiasm has been generated for the in-house competitions we are holding in the Science department in order to put together the SAR Science Olympiad team that will compete in the BJE Science Olympiad competition this year.
Each Jewish high school participating in the Olympiad is allowed 15 members on the team. Because of the great interest on the part of the 80 students who attended our organizing meeting we are again this year holding in house competitions for each of the events.
Students have been coming in all of this week and last to compete in events from "Write It - Do It" to "Shock Wave" to "Chemistry Lab" "Disease Detective" "Road Scholar" "Ornithology" and more.
Many thanks to the science faculty for creating the in-house events, and for judging, and coaching students in each of these events. Special thanks to Ms. Krieger for her amazing work organizing the entire production. And kudos to all the students who are trying out for places on the team, and hopefully having lots of fun in the process!
Tobie Brandriss, Bob Goodman
Juniors Attend a Lecture by Rabbi Lord Dr. Jonathan Sacks
 On Wednesday, March 17th the junior class had the privilege of hearing Rabbi Lord Dr. Jonathan Sacks speak at Yeshiva University. Rabbi Sacks is the Chief Rabbi of England and the author of numerous books of Jewish philosophy. We joined juniors from yeshiva day schools across the metropolitan area for an inspiring talk about the Jewish responsibility to help the other.
Rabbi Sacks recounted numerous stories in which one small act of chesed changed a person's life, often in ways which were unbeknown to the person doing the kindness. He addressed the difficult decisions students will face in the coming years regarding college and career and encouraged them to think not only about themselves, but also about the needs of the community. Memorable quotes from the speech include: "When what we want to do meets what needs to be done, that is where God wants us to be." "To defend a country you need an army, to defend a civilization you need schools" Students greatly enjoyed this memorable talk and appreciated the opportunity to hear from one of Judaism's leading thinkers.
Business and Consumer Economics Visit Local Businesses
 On Wednesday March 11th , the 12th grade Business and Consumer Economics visited two area businesses. Our first stop was lunch with Mr. Mitch Krevat, the owner of the new Burgers Bar in Teaneck NJ. Mr. Krevat discussed the challenges of owning and branding a new business, bringing our entrepreneurial and marketing unit to life. We enjoyed the conversation, a tour of every corner of this meticulous operation as well as the sumptuous burgers and fries and the signature free refills. We had the pleasure of being served by SAR senior and Burgers Bar employee, Sarah Sichel. Our afternoon was spent in Bayonne NJ as we were graciously hosted by SAR High School parent, Mr. Mordy Dicker at the Kedem/Royal Wine Corp chocolate factory. The factory was busy producing and packaging their Passover delights. Our students were able to marvel at (and partake in the output from) the assembly line equipment for jelly rings and even had the opportunity to package halvah and other chocolates available under the Shufra and Manhattan Chocolates label. We left replete with chocolate and insight and cannot thank Mr. Dicker and SAR High School senior and economics student, Corey Dicker for their generous hospitality.
Rav Gordin Addresses 11th Grade Gemara Class
 Last week, the 11th grade Gemara Class was privileged to hear a guest shiur from Rosh Beit Midrash Rav Harel Gordin. Rav Gordin, whose doctorate is on the response of Rav Moshe Feinstein, discussed the approach of Rav Moshe Feinstein to the topic of abortion which the class had been studying as part of their in depth study of the 8th chapter of Sanhedrin. The students learned the sources on abortion and focused on the responsum of Rav Eliezer Waldenberg, author of Tzitz Eliezer. Rav Gordin's study of Rav Moshe's responsum on the abortion issue provided a historical and cultural background to the very different responsa of these great decisors. |
| Only at SAR |
Yemei Iyun at SAR HS
 So far this year, we have had two yemei iyun (days/times of learning) to sensitize our students to relevant religious issues. In January, we hosted Mr. Charles Harary, a real estate attorney and prolific public speaker, to discuss business ethics. (For a biography of Mr. Harary, click here). Specifically, we wanted students to grapple with such questions as: how do we understand when religious Jews lapse in their ethical behavior; how should we respond as a community when we hear of violations of business ethics? Sprinkling his talk with stories, Mr. Harary pushed students to see the role of Hashem and mitzvot in their lives. Ethical behavior, Mr. Harary argued, is rooted to an awareness of something greater than yourself.
This past Wednesday (3/24), we held our third annual yom iyun to honor the legacy of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik ("the Rav") who passed away during Pesach, 1993. The yom iyun began with a talk by Rabbi Nati Helfgot, a scholar of Rabbi Soloveitchik and himself, a former student of the Rav. ( Click Here For Rabbi Helgot's biography.) After speaking emotionally about the first time he heard Rabbi Soloveitchik, Rabbi Helfgot outlined the causes that Rabbi Soloveitchik championed: a religious life dedicated fiercely to learning Torah, equal religious education for girls and boys, the religious value of secular studies, and religious Zionism. In this way, Rabbi Soloveitchik is the spiritual father of Modern Orthodoxy in America and a guiding light for much of what we do at SAR.
During Judaic Studies classes, students heard an audio tape of Rabbi Soloveitchik discussing the power of the mesorah. Rabbi Soloveitchik dramatically portrayed his Torah shiurim as a meeting of generations. In the same light, we can view the Seder Night as a night of communication between the generations.
You can follow along the text of the speech by clicking here.
To read the source material the students learned along with the Rav's words, click here.
Continuing the Conversation: SAR High School Parents Turn Out for the Second Annual Program Addressing Adolescent Substance Abuse
 On Wednesday, March 10 SAR High School and the SAR PTC sponsored the second annual program for high school parents to raise communal awareness about adolescent substance abuse. This year's program, "The Conversation Continues: Talking with our children and with each other about alcohol and drugs," was divided into two main events. Leading off the evening, Suzanne Bonfiglio, MA, Ed.M. spoke to the assembled parents about the facts and current trends of teenage alcohol and drug use and about how to engage adolescents in a meaningful discussion on this issue. Ms. Bonfiglio is a Prevention Specialist in the Independent School Program of the Freedom Institute (Freedom Institute is a private organization in New York City that provides education, consultation, assessment and intervention around the issues of substance abuse and chemical dependency), and she talks often with teenagers about their attitudes and experiences relating to substance use and abuse. An important point that Ms. Bonfiglio highlighted was that teenagers really need adults to set clear, non-negotiable limits around substance use. Even if they can not or will not acknowledge it, teens appreciate it and feel more secure when their parents make rules around substance use that convey parental values and guide children's decision making. She also stressed the importance of parents talking often with their teenage children about alcohol and drug use. Having an ongoing discussion throughout the teenage years will foster much more open parent-child communication around the issue.
Following Ms. Bonfiglio's presentation, School Psychologist Dr. Russell Hoffman and Principal Rabbi Tully Harcsztark presented the SAR High School policy on student substance abuse and invited parents to share their reactions to it in a town hall forum. (The details of the school policy will be shared with the SAR High School community in a separate forthcoming email.) A main focus of the school policy discussion was the initiative to foster more open dialogue about the issue of alcohol and drugs. Rabbi Harcsztark and Dr. Hoffman explained that the school's policy is predicated on sharing information and increasing the amount and quality of communication around the substance abuse issue. For example, the school intends to talk openly with students and parents about how alcohol and drugs are affecting the learning environment and the lives of students. Similarly, SAR hopes to facilitate more communication about substance abuse between parents and students, as well as among the parent body. The town hall discussion was engaging and lively, with parents and school representatives alike wrestling with two vital and, at times, seemingly conflicting goals: to establish rules and policies that will meaningfully limit adolescents' alcohol and drug abuse, and to foster open communication and healthy decision making skills in our adolescent students and children.
Watch your email for a detailed explanation of the features and rationale of the SAR High School policy on substance abuse. | |
| Co-Curricular Programs |
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Boys Torah Bowl Team
While their loss to Magen David spelled an early exit from the playoffs for the Boys Torah Bowl Team, it also featured a stellar performance by rising star Ariel Mintz, and the promise of a bright future for the Schting team. Led by captain Eliav Grossman, the team of sophomores Maasye Kestenbaum, Adin Goldstein, Ariel Mintz, Gabe "The Bowtie" Metzger and juniors Jacob Saal and Daniel Kaplan had a "rebuilding" season of much learning, but few wins, and look forward to much greater success next year.
SARts Attend the Opera, La Boheme 
On Wednesday February 24th, the seniors in SARts traveled to the world famous Metropolitan Opera to hear Puccini's opera, La Boheme. Prior to the concert, students learned about the history of the opera, studied sections of the libretto, and sampled some of the music. The beautiful music and exquisite singing was accompanied by elaborate scenery and dramatic acting, providing something of interest for all participants. The performance was truly enjoyed by all. |
| Post-High School: College and Israel Planning |
The Game of Admissions 
During one of the junior advisory workshops this week, the College Counseling Team demonstrated the well-received admissions game to the 11th grade students. Eight members of the class volunteered to stand in front of their peers, holding randomly sampled GPA's for everyone to see with descriptions of the fictitious student on the back for only the volunteer to see. We read aloud descriptions that would allow the "applicants" to move forward or move back in the admissions game. For example, a student with an "A" average but without a challenging curriculum had to move backwards since she was trying to protect her GPA without advanced coursework. Or, a student with a B- average was able to move forward in the game since he invested heavily in extracurricular coursework and volunteerism. In the end, the juniors learned that there are many factors considered in admissions and colleges must weigh all of these factors in their holistic reviews of the many thousands of applications they receive. The students understood that their application will primarily include a transcript, standardized testing, an essay and other pieces of writing, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated interest in the institution, amongst other considerations.
On Thursday, March 18th, the SAR College Counseling Team met with counselors from other Jewish day schools in North Shore Hebrew Academy. There were counselors from 13 different high schools, representing New York City, Long Island, and New Jersey. We discussed important issues that our students are facing and shared ideas that would benefit each other. The counselors meet every few months and plan to meet next at the annual spring conference of the New York State Association for College Admission Counseling.
Junior Class Israel Guidance Program Begins
 On Thursday, March 11 the Junior class enjoyed their "kickoff" program to begin the Israel Guidance process. The night began with a delicious Israeli style dinner of schwarma and falafel. The students all gathered in the Beit Midrash to continue the program. Rabbi Harcsztark opened the program by speaking to the Juniors about important things to consider when contemplating this most important time in their lives. He spoke about the wonderful benefits of spending a year in Israel and encouraged the students to approach this decision in typical SAR fashion, "pushing themselves beyond their comfortable limits."
Next, the students enjoyed hearing the insights of alumni who had spent the year in Israel. Rachel Deutsch ('07), Avi Kramer ('08), and Noam Mintz ('08) shared their experiences and insights on a number of important questions. Questions included: How to decide what yeshiva/program is right for you? Did you feel behind when you started college later than other students your age? What do you think of the 'Flipping out" phenomenon? Would you have done anything differently in your senior year in retrospect after experiencing the year in Israel?
Rachel, Avi, and Noam had many important ideas to share and we thank them for coming and sharing their time with the Juniors.
After the alumni panel, the students spent time going through the application process and timelines with their Israel guidance advisors, Ms. Goldscheider, Ms.Schlaff, and Rabbi Spierer. The students had an opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of the important things to think about when making this decision. All juniors will continue meeting with their advisors individually after Pesach, where they begin their personal journey on this exciting process. In November, students and parents will join together for "Israel night" where they will have an opportunity to meet with representatives of over forty yeshivot and programs in Israel. |
| Chessed and Tzedakah Programs |
9th Grade Tanakh Class Helps Haiti
 After the disastrous earthquake in Haiti, Ms. Elbogen's 9th grade Tanakh class spent a period looking through Jewish sources and discussing our obligation to help both Jews and non-Jews worldwide. The students, on their own initiative, decided to run a bake sale to raise money to donate to relief efforts, and- with the help of Hannah and Audrey Reich - volunteered with the AFYA foundation in Yonkers to sort and pack medical supplies to send off to Haiti. Upon arriving at the warehouse, we first got a wonderful introduction from Danielle Butin, the director of the program, in which she talked about why she went in to this line of work and offered personal anecdotes that conveyed just how important these medical supplies were. Then the students got to work sorting and packing and labeling all sorts of surgery equipment, syringes, diapers, needles, clothing, everything! The students were all sad to leave, but felt great that they had found a way to contribute where help was so desperately needed. After returning to school, the students continued their bake sale into the next day, and raised a total sum of $400. SAR is proud to have such thoughtful students who were inspired by Torah to get involved in social justice and help those in need! |
| Kol Hakavod! |
Debby Greenstein Goes to Finals Round in the NYC Science and Engineering Fair
 Congratulations to 12th grader, Debby Greenstein, for being selected to enter the finals round of the 2010 New York City Science and Engineering Fair (NYCSEF) sponsored by the NYC Board of Education and the City University of New York.
Applications from more than 700 students were received by the organizers and close to 500 students were invited to participate in the preliminary round on March 7, 2010 at The City College of New York. Debby was among those chosen to enter the finals round on March 23 at the American Museum of Natural History. She will compete for prizes including an opportunity to represent NYC at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair to be held in San Jose, CA, from May 9-14.
Debby's research project is entitled, "Flame Retardant Materials for Application in Long Distance Cables". Her project involved creating a new polymer blend material for use as long distance electric cable wire insulation, that is flame retardant and yet is not toxic to the environment when it combusts. Insulators are currently made of Poly Vinyl Chloride, which is quite toxic upon combustion. In Debby's own words, "Over the next 20 years there is an urgent need to develop more efficient and reliable techniques to test flame retardant properties before products are introduced into the marketplace."
Debby did her research this past summer at the Garcia Center Summer Scholar Program at The State University of New York at Stony Brook.
Debby's presentation at NYCSEF was outstanding. Even before the finals, her project has been chosen to receive the Sarah and Morris Wiesenthal Science Award, a $200 US Savings Bond from Environmental Quest.
We wish her much success in the finals round!
Tobie Brandriss and Bob Goodman
SAR Girls' Varsity Basketball Team Have a Perfect Season! 
The SAR girls' Varsity basketball team capped off an incredible
season, including victories in both the David Cooper Memorial
Tournament and the Capt P Galbut Tournament, with a 45-31 victory over HAFTR in the Yeshiva League Championship Game on Sunday. SAR fans were well represented at Lawrence High School, outnumbering and outcheering the home town team.
The 25th straight win for the Sting was a true team effort from the
opening tip through the final buzzer. SAR took an early 4-0 lead but HAFTR battled back. HAFTR's tough press and great outside shooting challenged the Sting early on. A three point shot by Talya Lerner was quickly matched by HAFTR to pull closer. SAR led 19-16 at half time. The third quarter belonged to SAR as they built a 12 point lead on clutch shooting by Talya Lerner, great defense by Alli Kahn and some clutch work on the boards by Shira Lerner, Suzanne Schrag and Sarah Sue Landau. The fourth quarter saw HAFTR chip away at SAR's lead to come within three points at 34-31. Aliza Kahn and Alli Kahn steadied the team, found open teammates, made clutch shots and secured the victory. Suzanne Schrag was the high scorer for the Sting with 12 points. Aliza
Kahn's focused play, 7 points and stifling defense earned her game MVP honors.
The Sting faithful are sad to say goodbye to their graduating teammates , Dana Ben Zaken, Jackie Cohen, Zoe Heisler, Alli Kahn, Aliza Kahn, Sarah Sue Landau, Shira Lerner and Talya Lerner, but are thrilled that they went out on top. 25-0, the perfect season!
SAR Won Gold Award at New York Blood Center Recognition Breakfast
 SAR High School won the Gold Award, the highest award distributed, at the annual New York Blood Center's Recognition Breakfast on Friday morning March 19th, held at the Fordham campus in the Bronx. The breakfast recognizes the contributions of Bronx high schools, as well as stresses the need for increased blood donations. Largely due to the dedication of the student blood drive committee, SAR has one of the largest blood donor rates of schools in the area. The Gold Award acknowledged the 125 units of blood collected through our spring and fall drives of 2009, a particularly impressive rate given the number of eligible donors at SAR. Members of this year's blood drive committee, together with new recruits for the blood drive committee of 2010-2011 accepted the award with Ms. Ora Meier.
Our collections for 2010 are already at a high, with 62 units of blood collected on March 18th. Fifteen percent of New York Blood Center transfusions rely on Bronx high schools. SAR students, faculty and parents play a pivotal role in the process.
Thank you to Ms. Ora Meier for organizing the drive, and to the Blood Drive Committee for all their help: Noah Adelsberg, Jackie Cohen, Coby Greif, Eitan Itzkowitz, Tuvia Lerea, Ilana Rosenbaum and Kovi Wiener.
Special thanks to Marty Berlin for allowing the blood drive to take place in the gym. |
| SAR Athletics |
SAR Boys' and Girls' Varsity Volleyball Competes With Israelis 
The SAR Boys' and Girls' Varsity Volleyball Teams were invited to participate in a Tournament sponsored by the Rockland JCC in West Nyack, NY. This tournament involved several Israeli teams that only come to the states every two years for this event. Those who participated where able to play against and with these teams, it was a great experience for the students to see how teams from Israel compete. Every student enjoyed their time meeting and talking with all the players. It was a wonderful experience for all the students who competed.
Sports Recap 
The Girls Varsity and Junior Varsity Volleyball Teams ended their season last week by losing the semi-Final round of the playoffs. Congratulations to both teams for a very successful season.
On March 15th the Girls JV Soccer Team opened their season by easily defeating Central High School by a score of 16-1.
On March 16th the Boys Varsity Soccer Team began their season with a 16-1 victory over MTA. Zach Levy, first year player, scored four goals. Then on March 18th, they defeated Ramaz 10-1. The team is off to a great start with a 2-0 record.
Upcoming Games:
Tuesday April 13th Boys Varsity Soccer vs MTA at SAR 6:30PM
Wednesday April 14th, Girls Varsity Soccer at Maayanot 7:45PM
Wednesday April 14th, girls JV Soccer at Maayanot 6:45PM
Sunday April 18th, Girls Varsity Soccer at Frisch 12 noon
Sunday April 18th, Girls JV soccer at Frisch 11 AM
Sunday April 18th, Boys JV Soccer at Frisch 2PM
Sunday April 18th, Girls Hockey at Haftr 1:30PM
Wednesday April 21st Boys Varsity Soccer vs Flatbush at SAR 6PM
Wednesday April 21st, Girls JV Soccer vs NSHA at SAR 7:45PM
Thursday April 22nd, Girls Varsity Soccer at Bruriah 7:30PM
Thursday April 22nd, Girls Hockey vs Haftr at SAR 8:30PM
Sunday April 25th Girls Hockey vs NSHA at SAR noon
Tuesday April 27th Boys Varsity Soccer vs Ramaz at SAR 6PM
Thursday April 29th Girls JV Soccer at Flatbush 7:30PM | |
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