| Mar. S on Carpool Safety | |
Dear Parents
Recently, I received this letter from a concerned parent and it crystallizes to a great degree my thoughts and concerns as well. In the interest of safety, we will be issuing the cards you see below to drivers in our parking lot that do not adhere to the school's carpool safety policies. I hope this will correct the situation. Only once in my career have I had to call police to ticket continual and intentional offenders.
Thank you. Because I know we all care for our kids.
Mar S.
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Up, Up and Away
What goes up must come down. A lesson learned after my balloon floated away from me to the high ceiling of the synagogue. I was reassured over and over again that eventually the balloon would shrivel as the helium escaped, and my balloon would come back to me, albeit slightly smaller. It always made sense to me that before something could come down, it needed to go up, but this week's parshah brings new understanding to this concept.
Read more...
You can review all of Rabbi Posen's weekly Parshat teachings by going to the Levine Academy website. Go to News & Events and click Publications or Click Here.
Here are this week's Parashah Trivia questions:
Parshat Vayetzei
1. What did Ya'akov pour on the stone after he woke up from his dream?
2. What did Rachel steal from her father's house?
Answers to last week's trivia questions:
Toldot:
Why does Yitzhak go to the land of the Pilistines? A: because of a famine
Whose house did Jacob run to? A: Laban's house |
| Annual Fund Campaign | |
Annual Fund Campaign Thermometers
Have you seen this banner hanging around in the school lobby? Have you noticed the one outside, as well? Even more important, have you noticed that the red section is creeping upwards!! Well, it is!!
Thanks to everyone who has participated in the Levine Academy Annual Fund Campaign so far. Our goal is $300,000, and as of today, we are just over $180,000.
That is significant! But, we're not quite there, yet.
The Annual Fund provides immediate budgetary support for numerous enhancement, so please help us reach our goal.
You may donate on-line by filling-out an on-line donation form, by contacting the Development Office or by visiting the school.
Levels of Giving
Tzameret/Treetop - $3,600; $5,000; $10,000; $25,000 & up
Aleh/Leaf - $2,500 to $3,599
Anef/Branch - $1,000 to $2,499
Gezah/Trunk - $600 to $999
Shoresh/Roots - $250 to $599
Gareen/Seed - $18 to $249 |
| ECC Newsletter | |
CLICK HERE to download this week's ECC Newsletter!  
November was a VERY busy month in the ECC! To see more photos, CLICK HERE, and log in to view November's gallery. |
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Learning is FUN at Levine Academy! | |
7th Grade Social Studies
Ms. Feingold's 7th Social Studies class recently studied the American Civil War. Part of the unit involved learning first hand what the people of that era ate and how they dressed. Students prepared actual Civil War era recipes and dressed up to have daguerreotype like portraits taken.
To the right, Zach Rudner, Josh Rudner, and Noah Rubinstein bake a cake following Mary Todd Lincoln's recipe. By all accounts, it was delicious!
Below are a few of the beautifully executed photographs. The top left is an actual Civil War photo that some of the students used as "inspiration." Top center, Daniela Silver. Top right (two boys): Gabe Friedstadt and Ben Schachter. Bottom left: Samantha Coben and Hilla Zach. Bottom center: Jenna Katz and Sabrina Suster as nurses, and bottom right, Stasia Itkin.
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| Parent Association Allocations | |
The LAPA has worked very hard this past year to raise funds to run our organization and for allocations to the school while also providing many wonderful programs to support both our students and our teachers. As a result of our successes, we are able to allocate $26,000 for this year. We would not have been able to do this without all of the support that we receive from the administration and especially from the teachers.
Our LAPA is here to provide the "extras" to the school, to sponsor programs and activities that will bring us together as a community while also creating an environment that reflects our shared respect. Teacher and Staff appreciation, Book Fair, and D.O.G.s are just a few of the programs that we feel add to the school environment, but are not the purview of what should fall under the school's responsibilities.
In working on our allocations, we took a look back at our mission statement and realized that we had fixed allocations that were not within the scope of our mission. In the past, we have funded the libraries and sex education. We determined last year that neither of these fixed allocations fell under what we determined were the "extras," and we discussed this with the school.
Our fixed allocations for this year:
Zimriyah, $250
Visiting Author, $1500
Teacher Allocation, $4000
Annual Allocations:
Sexuality Education Teaching, $2600
Smart Boards, $11,000 + $4000 (if another $7000 is raised towards 3 more Smartboards.)
Laptop - $700
Nikon Camera and Case - $550
Soccer goals, Climbing Structure for ECC Playgrounds - $700
Freezer for the ECC - $1000
We also wanted as a board to donate $1000 to the library in appreciation for Maureen and the help she gives us. We feel very strongly that a library is an integral part of the school, and we are happy that we can help to enhance our collections.
Thank you very much for all you do for our children and for us as the Parent Association representing the parents in our community.
Respectfully, Debbie Weinstein and Nina Goodman, Co-Presidents LAPA
From Dr. Wolbe, to the LAPA:
"Thank you so much for everything you have done, and continue to do, for the school. It makes more of a difference than you could possibly realize." (Yes, indeed!)
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| Simchas, Mazal Tovs and Mitzvahs! | |
Mazal Tovs!
Congratulations to Levine Academy ECC teacher Jenny Charney's son, Craig Gremont,
who recently became engaged to Rivkah Rothman.
Congratulations to the 5th grade students who qualified for the Duke Talent Identification Program. Students qualify based on their 4th grade standardized test scores and must earn 95 percentile or better in one of the following areas: math, reading comprehension or language.
Current fifth graders that qualify for Duke - using 3/11 ERBs 95th (or higher) percentile
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| Community | |
Food Allergies & Your Kids
Co-sponsored by JFS and Dallas Allergy and Immunology
Date: Monday, December 5
Time: 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Jewish Family Service (5402 Arapaho Rd., Dallas, 75248)
Cost: Free
Join us for a unique and informative evening to learn more about food allergies and how they impact children. Led by medical doctors and mental-health clinicians, you'll benefit from the expertise of both physical and psychological specialists in understanding more about allergy diagnosis, treatment, symptoms and prevention. This event is cosponsored by Jewish Family Service and Dallas Allergy and Immunology.
Speakers from Dallas Allergy and Immunology, include Stacy K. Silvers, M.D., Robert W. Sugerman, M.D., and Richard L. Wasserman, M.D., PhD.
During the session, we will explore answers to the following questions:
What is a food allergy?
What are different types of reactions?
I think my child has a food allergy. How can I know for sure?
How can I keep my child safe?
Will my child outgrow a food allergy?
How do I manage related anxiety (felt by parents and teachers)?
To RSVP or for more information, please contact: Malkie Schick, mschick@jfsdallas.org, 972.437.9950 |
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Synagogue Events | |
Beth Torah
December 4, Sunday, 8:30 AM to 1 PM, Annual Rose Oruch Blood Drive. Sign up for an appointment at www.redcrossblood.org using sponsor code bethtorah.
December 4, Sunday, 9 AM to 2 PM, Sisterhood Annual Hanukkah Bazaar where you will find gifts for all! Please contact Arlene at ldorvador@congregationbethtorah.org for more information.
Professor Jonathan D Schick from UNT will be speaking at Congregation Beth Torah Saturday evening Dec 10 2011 at 8:30 pm and Sunday am at 9 am . Topics will be The 3 Most understood Myths about Sex and Judaism (Sat evening) and Love Hasidic Style-From Hollywood to Tel Aviv (Sun am). Congregation Beth Torah, 720 Lookout Dr, Richardson. Contact Seth Miller at miller-optical@msn.com for more information.
December 17, Saturday, 7:00 PM, Keruv-Interfaith invites ALL to join together for Beth Torah's Second Annual Kosher Wine Tasting! For more details, please contact keruv@congregationbethtorah.org.
December 18, Sunday, Noon, Beth Torah invites all members and guests to our beloved Hanukkah Extravaganza with a twist. All of the same latke and game fun along with music, crafts, and lessons on how to have a magnificent Hanukkah for all! Sponsored by the Holiday committee and co-sponsored by the Pre-School, Young Families, and Keruv committees. For more details, email holidays@congregationbethtorah.org.
Temple Shalom
Temple Shalom Brotherhood and Softball League 37th Annual Awards Breakfast
Sunday, December 4 8:45 AM Temple Shalom Radnitz Social Hall
Guest Speaker: Chuck Greenberg,
Breakfast free for Brotherhood and Softball League members, family and friends invited ($5/donation suggested) Questions? Contact Bob Weinfeld at (972) 814-6214
Blood Drive that morning as well! To reserve a time, contact Michael Kaplan at (214) 537-2882.
Traditions, the Premier Judaica Shop at Temple Shalom
Annual Children's Hanukkah Boutique and NO TAX DAY!
Sunday, December 4 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM Free gift wrapping until 1:30 PM
Children (and adults!) welcome to shop for their family members-volunteers can help choose the perfect gift-many items $15 or less!
Temple Emanu-El
Temple Emanu-El WRJ Chanukah Bazaar
Pollman Hall Friday Dec 2 and Sunday Dec 4 8am-3pm
Come get a start on holiday shopping tax-free with jewelry, clothing and home good vendors as well as a large selection from Judaic Treasures. Enjoy a nosh and the annual bake sale. There will be kosher hot dogs, Israeli plates and latkes. We hope to see you there.
Temple Emanu-El Presents Rabbi Gary Zola, scholar-in-residence
Friday, December 2 and Saturday, December 3
Join us in a fascinating weekend with scholar-in-residence Dr. Gary Zola.
Dr. Zola is the Executive Director of The Jacob Rader Marcus Center of the American Jewish Archives (AJA) and Professor of the American Jewish Experience at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) in Cincinnati.
Friday, Dec. 2 Profiles in American Jewish Courage
6:15 Shabbat service and 8:15 Shabbat service Saturday, Dec. 3
What this weeks Torah portion can teach us about American Jewish History
Chever Torah, Linz Hall 9:00 - 10:15 a.m., Parashat Vayetze, Genesis 30:14 - 31:16
Are there boundaries in Reform Judaism? 12:15 p.m. Lunch, Linz Hall (No charge for lunch)
12:30 p.m. Discussion and seminar, Linz Hall For additional information about the weekend and about Dr. Zola, visit our web site at www.tedallas.org/Zola. If you have questions, please contact Nancy Rivin at nrivin@tedallas.org or 214.706.0000, ext. 155.
Experiencing the Joys and Oys of the Holidays
December 6 at 7:30 pm in Linz Hall.
Rabbi Kimberly Herzog Cohen will lead a holiday overview, text study, and history of associated symbols, followed by facilitated break-out groups that focus on issues that so many of us face during the season. Take a look at old memories, learn how to negotiate potential conflicts, and develop new traditions.
Toys & Crafts Drive
To benefit Pebbles Apartments and Fun Saturdays at Jill Stone Elementary. Please bring a NEW and UNWRAPPED toy or arts & crafts supply ($5 or less) from now through December 23, 2011. For more information, please contact Shelly Gammieri at 214.706.0000 ext. 164 or sgammieri@tedallas.org
Congregation Anshai Torah
Friday, December 2nd- 7:30PM- Congregation Anshai Torah Israel Advocacy Dinner- The Israel Advocacy Dinner's goal is to deepen our understanding of the daily issues of Israel. Guest Speaker will be Lillian Pinkus, Board Member of the National Council of AIPAC. Dinner and presentation will begin immediately following the conclusion of our 6:30 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat service. $18/pp 11 & up, $8.50 ages 4-10. RSVP with check or credit card to Congregation Anshai Torah, anshai@anshaitorah.org, or call 972-473-7718. Childcare/Programming thru grade 6 with RSVP, deadline Nov. 23rd.
Tuesday, December 6th- 11:30AM-1:15PM-Congregation Anshai Torah Plano Area High School Lunch- Free lunch for Plano area Jewish high school students in 11th & 12th grades. Both Lunches. Contact: Helaine Kramsky, helaine.kramsky@anshaitorah.org, 972-473-7718.
Friday, December 10th- 11:15AM- Congregation Anshai Torah Mini-Minyan- During Saturday mini-minyan, families will be led in prayers, songs and stories, along with an art project or edible craft. Then all families are invited to join the congregation for a Kiddush luncheon. Contact: Alyse Eisenberg, ecdirector@anshaitorah.org, 972-473-7718.
Sat. Dec. 3rd- 5:45PM- Congregation Anshai Torah PJ Havdallah -Wear PJs with your favorite stuffed animal and join Ms. Alyse for a PJ Library story, songs, Havdallah service, crafts, and cookies and milk! RSVP by Weds. Nov. 30th to ecdirector@anshaitorah.org.
Sunday, Dec. 4th- 2PM-3:30PM- Congregation Anshai Torah Mahsah Nahfshi introduces Roz Katz, an educator and student herself, to our community. Roz will facilitate a group meditation & spiritual direction session interwoven with the Jewish concept of healing. This speaker was rescheduled from the Nov. meeting. Contact: Sharyn Fein, sharyn.fein@gmail.com.
Friday,Dec. 23- 6:30PM -Congregation Anshai Torah's Traditional Hanukkah Dinner following our 6:30 Kabbalat Shabbat service. Adults $15, Children 4-10 $5, 3 & under Free. $40 Max/family. Traditional Chicken dinner for adults and chicken nuggets for kids. Latkes and applesauce for all! RSVP required by December 19th to Debbie Butvin, 972-473-7718, Debbie.butvin@anshaitorah.org.
Congregation Shearith Israel
Asian Style Congregational Shabbat Dinner
Reservations are requested by December 5
Friday, December 9, 2011 7:15 pm (following Kabbalat Shabbat Services)
CSI Douglas, Join us services and a delicious Shabbat dinner
Cost - Members $15. Guests $18; Children (3-12) $8, children up to 2 are FREE.
Please go to the "Members Only" section at shearith.org or contact the receptionist with your credit card information at 214.361.6606.
Inaugural Meeting of the Israel Book Club
Hosted by Lillian Pinkus
Sunday, December 4, 11:00 am-12:00 noon, Topletz Auditorium
Shearith Israel is starting an Israel Book Club that is free and open to the Jewish community. The Israel Book Club will provide a forum for people to come together to learn about and discuss Israel in an informal setting. It will be hosted by community leader Lillian Pinkus. The guests are to read the book Start Up Nation prior to attending. For more information or to register, contact Mona Allen at mallen@shearith.org or 214.939.7318.
The Maccabeats are Coming To Town
Tickets for the Small/Waldman/Cohen Signature Series Maccabeats Concert on January 29, 2012, are NOW on sale. For more information on The Maccabeats, and to order tickets online, click on the Maccabeats button on the CSI homepage at shearith.org. |
| Head of School's Suggestion Box | |
Levine Academy is your school. So, we want to your great ideas and suggestions. Please send them straight to our Head of School, Mark Stolovitsky, by emailing to suggestions@levineacademy.org.
We look forward to hearing from you! |
| Archived eNewsletters |
To review past Levine Academy eNewsletters, please Click Here! You will find a list of archived eNewsletters for the 2011-2012 school year. |
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