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The Agnon Agenda
| The Fall Leaves Edition
November 2011
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THE SOUNDS OF AGNON IN NOVEMBER
You may never have noticed, but November is a good month to listen to the good vibrations at Agnon. First up is the music of Danny Maseng in concert with Hazimir Cleveland this Sunday. That's followed next week by the dulcet hum of parent-teacher conferences (11/10 & 11/11). November's sweetest sounds waft into the halls around the middle of the month, when serious-faced five- and six-year-olds take their places in the Kindergarten L'Dor V'Dor program (11/17).
The sound of liberated children usually accompanies the start of Friday early dismissal (11/18 at 2:30 p.m.). By the weekend, laughter-filled cars will be looking for clues in the middle school Scavenger Hunt (11/19). And don't be misled by the "I'm-excited-but-too-cool-to-show-it" shrugs of the 7th graders at the Shorashim Kick-off (11/21) -- they really get into the project.
This November adults can enjoy the sounds of well-considered explanation and lively discussion at two free events in the Agnon Adult Learning Series: Explore Interfaith Issues with Jerry and Debbie Isaak-Shapiro on Mon., Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. and The Gift of Shabbat with Rabbi David Kosak on Wed., Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.
Sounds good, doesn't it?
IN THIS ISSUE:
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 ON AGNON'S AGENDA: BUILDING A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
Building community is an essential tenet of The Agnon School, and we strive to instill a cooperative spirit among our students by following one of Agnon's core values:
B'tzelem Elokim בְּצֶלֶם אֱלוֹקִים
B'tzelem Elokim literally translates as "In the image of G-d," a phrase which traditionally connotes universal equality. Since we are all created in the same image, we value the inherent worth of each individual equally. All of us deserve the same level of respect, honor and dignity, no matter our different backgrounds, learning abilities or physical appearances.
Agnon doesn't simply teach this core value in the abstract; we put it into action. Throughout the school year, students in grades 1 - 8 participate in a myriad of community-building activities. The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) spoke to parents and 5th-8th graders about bullying and, as a result, this year Agnon teachers have awarded a record number of Derech Eretz ("the way of the world") certificates to students who have performed acts of kindness.
 Teachers received ADL training during summer orientation and they'll participate in another ADL-sponsored session during their November "Staff In-Service" meeting. Second grade teacher Abby Lausin is in charge of creating new community-building activities for after-school programs, retreats and recess to ensure that the principle of b'tzelem elokim is followed outside as well as within the borders of Agnon. Leah Spector, Assistant Head of School and Director of Judaics and Hebrew |
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AGNON STUDENTS CELEBRATE RELEASE OF GILAD SHALIT
After five long years in Hamas captivity, Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was returned to his home and his family in a prisoner exchange deal carried out in October. Shalit crossed the border from Gaza into Egypt and was flown to an Israeli airbase, where he saluted the Israeli prime minister and was reunited with his family.
Students at The Agnon School celebrated this historic event by wearing blue and white, in addition to participating in special prayer services and educational discussions. There was plenty of Israeli dancing as well!
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AGNON FAMILY ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE
 TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2011 9:00 A.M. or 10:00 A.M. Please invite prospective parents to take a guided tour of The Agnon School. They'll visit classes, meet staff members and learn about our advanced curriculum that blends outstanding general and Jewish studies together throughout the day. Parents and students welcome. Reservations are requested. Have interested parties contact Laura Simon, Director of Admissions, at (216) 464-4055, ext. 106, to reserve this date. |
ATTENTION PARENTS
We're happy to share your child's grade level newsletter with their grandparents. Please submit each child's name and grade along with each grandparent's name and e-mail address to Ellen Joseph, Student Services Coordinator, at
ejoseph@agnon.org.
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AGNON ALUMNI UPDATE
Mazal tov to Agnon graduate Ari Warner, Class of 2003, who is the featured artist in a one-man show at the Fairmount Martini and Wine Bar in Cleveland Heights. The show runs through November. Mazal tov to the following Agnon Class of 2008 alumni and high school seniors: Rachel Shaw and Shoshi Bieler (Shaker Heights High School) became AP Scholars with Distinction and National Merit Commended Students, Elena Ross (Beachwood High School) become a National Merit Commended Student and Josh Petrack (Hawken) become a National Merit Semifinalist. These scholastically talented seniors are considered top candidates for merit-based scholarships and admission to the most selective colleges. Mazal tov to Danielle Buchinsky (Class of 2011) who is a Tennis Division II Doubles finalist for the State of Ohio, representing Laurel School as a freshman. |
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AGNON ALUMNI STAY ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY
Congratulations to the following seven Agnon alumni selected to participate in the prestigious 2011-2012 Ambassadors for Unity / Diller Teen Fellows program:
- Hannah Kraus, Solon High School
- Hyla Lander, Solon High School
- Joshua Raiffe, Beachwood High School
- Raquel Rosenberg, Hawken School
- Micah Sattin, Shaker Heights High School
- Sara Shore, Cleveland Heights High School
- Nathaniel Starkman, Montessori High School
to become informed, active Jewish agents of change.
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KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS HELP ISRAELI SOLDIERS
When Agnon Kindergarteners found out that Sammy Boardman's mom was going to visit an army base during a trip to Israel, the students got busy crafting two blankets for Israeli soldiers. They also sent two Agnon sweatshirts and many warm wishes.
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AGNON STUDENTS CREATE THEIR OWN SHOFARS
In preparation for the Jewish High Holy Days, The Agnon School hosted a special hands-on "Shofar Factory" program for their fifth grade students. This educational as well as fun activity gave students a unique opportunity to create their own shofars from a real ram's horn to use during the holidays of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.
They went through the entire process: from cleaning to carving, from sawing to drilling, from sanding to varnishing. When their shofars were complete, the fifth graders then learned how to properly blow this instrument and sound the traditional notes. Hosted by Chabad, the "Shofar Factory" program has always been popular among the Agnon students.
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AGNON IN THE NEWS
News of Agnon in the local press ●Shoppers Clean Up at Agnon's Garage Sale, Cleveland Jewish News, September 23, 2011 ●The Unofficial Guide to Making the Transition, Cleveland Jewish News, September 23, 2011 ● Making the Cut, Cleveland Jewish News, October 14, 2011 ● Agnon Eased Transition, Cleveland Jewish News, October 21, 2011 |
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AGNON ACCOLADES
Many thanks to the Marcus Family Fund, Rabbi Sharon, John, Rebecca and Noa, for the purchase of new Siddur Sim Shalom prayer books, donated in honor of the staff and students of The Agnon School. Mazal tov to Agnon teacher Kimberly Favor who participated in the Akron Marathon last month, completing the race in 3:30:47 (a personal record). She was the 24th woman overall to finish the race, qualifying (again!) for the Boston Marathon - a race she ran in 2007.
Mazal tov to Evan Shaw, Agnon's new "Shofar Idol." This fun and lively annual competition features Agnon students vying for the winning title of "Shofar Idol" -- a distinction earned by the individual who can blow a shofar for the longest period of time.
Learn more about Shofar Idol by clicking the links below. |
| TICKETS ON SALE FOR AGNON BENEFIT CONCERT
The Agnon School is hosting a community benefit concert featuring the dynamic music of Danny Maseng on Sunday, November 6th at 4:30 p.m. at Temple Emanu El in Orange Village.
In addition to being a playwright, actor, singer and writer, Danny Maseng is also a popular and respected composer of contemporary Liturgical and Synagogue music. This talented entertainer was born in Israel to American parents and first came to the United States to star on Broadway. Equally at home with pop and rock, Rolling Stone magazine hailed Danny Maseng's music "a love letter to a place and a faith called Israel." There will also be special appearances by HaZamir Cleveland and the Kol Rina Jewish Community Chorus.
Click here to purchase tickets starting at $10 per person or $18 for 2 - 5 people. Complimentary childcare is available for children (ages 3 - 10) by calling The Agnon School at (216) 464-4055.
Read more about Danny Maseng: Cantor's Jewish Journey Set to Music, Cleveland Jewish News, October 21, 2011.
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AGNON'S 2011-2012 ADULT LEARNING SERIES
Next Class: The Gift of Shabbat
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 ● 7:30 p.m.
The Agnon School ● Free and Open to the Community
Guest Speaker: Rabbi David Kosak, Shaarey Tikvah
Agnon's Adult Learning Series is dedicated to bringing important Judaic, parenting and education information to the community. The "Gift of Shabbat"is one of 13 classes offered during the 2011-2012 school year.
Stay tuned for: "Illuminating Chanukkah" on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, at 8:30 a.m.
For more about the Adult Learning Series, click here or contact Laura Simon, Director of Admissions, at (216) 464-4055, ext.106 or lsimon@agnon.org
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