A MESSAGE FROM BOARD PRESIDENT ORRY JACOBS

 

As the new calendar year begins and the school year reaches its midpoint, I wanted to share some of my perspectives about the Agnon community. I have tremendously enjoyed watching the students, faculty and Board members in action over the past several months in addition to interacting with all of these groups.  
 

Agnon students continue to impress me with their smiling faces and high level of enthusiasm - both for learning and for working with their fellow students and teachers. I've also had the pleasure of collaborating with one of the most committed and talented Trustee groups of my career.

 

Our working agenda for the school year is based on the Board's strategic priorities which were established in September. To help assure the school's long-term financial viability, we are embarking on a formal program to grow Agnon's endowment. In addition, energetic committees are working on family programming, social action activities, fundraising and chesed (acts of kindness for Agnon family members). 

If you would like to be involved in any of these efforts, please get in touch with me or Laura Leventhal, Director of Development, regarding your interests. 

 

Best wishes for a healthy, happy New Year!
 

Orry Jacobs                                         President, Agnon Board of Trustees

AGNON STUDENTS RAISE FUNDS FOR TREES LOST IN ISRAEL FIRE

Students at The Agnon School are raising funds to replace and plant trees lost in the largest fire in Israel's history. The December blaze destroyed an estimated 5.4 million trees and decimated more than one-third of the Carmel Forest near Haifa.

"After learning about this disaster, our 8^th grade students helped to organize an Agnon community fundraiser in conjunction with Tu B'Shevat -- the Jewish New Year for Trees," said Leah Spector, Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaics and Hebrew. 

During their Israel trip in April, Agnon's 8^th graders will personally deliver the money raised to the Jewish National Fund and hope to actually plant trees in the Carmel Mountains during their 17-day visit. 

If you would like to contribute, please drop off your donation at the Agnon office.  
 

AGNON

Agnon Librarian Aimee Lurie says that serving as a  member of the committee which awards the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL) prestigious Sydney Taylor Book Awards is "the highlight of my career." 

The "whirlwind experience" involved reading and reviewing nearly 100 children's books with Jewish subject matter. She included Agnon students in the process, sharing books with them and including their responses in her reviews.   

Aimee has donated several  books she reviewed to Agnon's Anne Frank Library and invites everyone to stop by to review them. Read more about the books and Aimee's experience here.

AGNON TEACHER JOHANNAH CROSS WINS STEIGER EDUCATION GRANT

First grade Agnon teacher Johannah Cross is this year's recipient of the Steiger Family Education Grant.  This prestigious honor recognizes an outstanding Jewish day school teacher in the community who has demonstrated dedication to teaching and devotion to students. 

Well-respected for her high-caliber and creative approach to education, Johannah always looks for new ways to present material to ensure that her students gain as much as they can from every lesson. 
 

"This award is a wonderful testament to Johannah and her years of dedicated, passionate teaching," said Jerry Isaak-Shapiro, Agnon Head of School.  "She strives to inspire, to spark curiosity, to influence, and to have an impact on each of her student's lives every day."

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER

Plain Dealer "Crystal Apple Award"
Parents and students can thank an extraordinary Agnon educator by nominating him or her for The Plain Dealer "Crystal Apple Awards."  Two deadlines: February 18, 2011 or March 18, 2011. Last year Agnon teacher Michele Sudow won this prestigious award, nominated by Agnon parent Karil Bialostosky.

AGNON ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE:
FRIDAY, FEB. 25, 2011   9 a.m. or 10 a.m.
 

We encourage you to invite prospective parents to discover Agnon. Visitors will take a guided tour, stop in classrooms, meet staff members and learn how an Agnon education fosters academic excellence and character development.  Reservations are requested.   Interested parties can call Laura Simon, Director of Admissions, at (216) 464-4055, to reserve this date.
 

AGNON PARENT, BOARD MEMBER RECEIVES LEADERSHIP AWARD

Mazel Tov to Agnon parent and Board member Eliana LeVine. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland recently presented her with its 2010 "Bennett and Donna Yanowitz Leadership Award."  This award is presented annually to a community leader, age 40 or younger, who has demonstrated commitment, involvement and leadership in the Cleveland Jewish community.