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September 7, 2012
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20 Elul 5772
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Dear Yavneh Family,
As a parent, can you remember the times when you were so proud of your children that you thought you would literally burst? I can, and certainly did, just last week here at Yavneh.
I experienced enormous pride seeing our students participate in last week's Labor Day Appreciation project (see below article), which provided a creative and meaningful tie-in between our national American holiday and our cherished Jewish religious and cultural values.
Rather than seeing Labor Day simply as an abstraction, Yavneh students engaged in the time-honored practice of Hakarat Hatov (recognizing the good), showing gratitude for those campus employees who make all our lives better through their actions each day. Seeing our kids show their appreciation (which our maintenance staff, in turn, appreciated) was a heart-warming moment among so many great times here at Yavneh.
With the high holidays fast approaching fast approaching, we send our best wishes to you and yours as you prepare for Rosh Hashana and the holidays that follow.
Shabbat Shalom, and Go Bulldogs! ~~ Dr. P
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8 ~
Slichot @ Yavneh 10pm - Beit Midrash
Inspiration & Ice Cream 10 ~ Yavneh Faculty Birthday Breakfast Teacher Lounge >9am
12 ~
Yearbook & ID photos 11am to 2pm - Library 13 ~ PTO Meeting 8:30 to 9:30am Yavneh Main Office
Community Events
Rav Yaakov Tannenbaum's Parsha of the Week Class - Open to all Yavneh Parents Thursday mornings
8:15 to 8:45am
Lobby Conference Room
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Shabbat Shalom ~
 | Dina Eliezer
Congregation Shearith Israel |
Dina Eliezer, Director of the Weitzman Family Religious School at Congregation Shearith Israel shared with our students the history of Jewish life in her native Izmir, Turkey.
Although she left when just a young child, after going "home" to visit for many years, in 1999 Mrs. Eliezer helped found a religious school program for some of the community's Jewish children. With only 2000 Jews now there, the education of our history, traditions, and language is imperative. Mrs. Eliezer is also responsible for the creation of a Jewish library, now housed at the Jewish hospital, with 1700 treasured books, some of which are the only known copies, that she cared for, catalouged, and moved from what used to be the Chief Rabbinical offices of Izmir. We thank Mrs. Eliezer for sharing her passion for education and her own personal history. We hope you enjoy the Dvar Torah and this week's Snappy Sentiments, and that share and discuss them at your Shabbat table! Please remember, students, faculty and Yavneh families, to join us for a Sweet Selichot - Inspiration & Ice Cream, tomorrow night (9/8) at 10pm in the Beit Midrash.
Shabbat Shalom ~
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty.
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The Week in Review ~
 Todah Raba to our Maintenance Crewphotos by Dalya Romaner '14
Yavneh students prepared for the Labor Day weekend by recognizing and thanking the Maintenance Staff at Yavneh for all of their hard labor every day. Our maintenance staff, directed by Gary Livingston includes
Arlan Kronbeck, Sarah McWhorter, Bobby Morris, Dmitriy Teplitsky, and Kathy Woolston, some of the hardest working and most loyal individuals.
Yavneh students created thank you cards and signs for each of the members of team. Before creating "Thank You" cards and signs for each of the members of the Maintenance Staff, students were reminded that our names as Jews - Yehudim comes from the name of  Judah. His name (and ours) means gratitude. Gratitude is at the core of who we are as Jews and we need to always reflect on and appreciate those around us.
Not only does it make others feel appreciated, but it also helps us to be more aware of everything which is done for us on a daily basis.
"It is nice to be appreciated and you could tell the kids' efforts were real," said Kathy Woolston, Assistant Facilities Director for the Schultz Rosenberg Campus. "They know they depend on us a lot, but I feel like we have a great bond with the kids. Our whole staff was genuinely touched by what they did."
College Guidance Support
As Yavneh's seniors are enmeshed in the college application process, College Guidance Counselor Allyn Schmucker is right at their side. Providing counseling to help each student to find the best schools to fit their academic and career goals, Mrs. Schmucker also works as a team with the students and their families.
In the last two weeks, Yavneh has hosted events bringing the students and parents a little closer to the process, sharing a College Application Information and Q&A Night, which also featured information from the Judaic Faculty about Gap Year programs in Israel, as well as a screening of In 500 Words or Less, a film that chronicles the lives of four students as they journey through the same process as our own Class of 2013.
"Watching In 500 Words or Less, we saw different perspectives of the process and how different students manage it," said Kelly Herson. "All four ultimately, ended up at colleges they were happy at, something
Mrs. Schmucker and Dr. Portnoy assure us will also come to be for each of us. It's a lot, but we will get through this time and we don't need to stress."
"The college process, while it ultimately falls on the student, involves a team approach between the school, the student and the parents," said Mrs. Schmucker, who joined Yavneh's faculty seven years ago. "The students should always feel that they have the starring role in this important decision. Next year they will be navigating everything themselves, so we want to encourage them to research colleges that interest them, make their own introductions, email admissions offices with their own questions, fill out their own common applications, and pick their own essay topics to write about. But we can, and we should, help our seniors navigate through this process."
Mrs. Schmucker and Head of School, Dr. David Portnoy co-lead Yavneh's Senior Seminar, a course that meets three days each week. "The focus of the class is to allow our seniors to explore their own paths through discussion and direction," said Mrs. Schmucker who also works with Yavneh's English teachers, always on board and available to assist with students' essays.
"The Senior Seminar, our reserved time for questions and college planning is helpful because I feel like we're all on the same page in planning my future," said Rachel Siegel who is at the tail end of completing her applications. "I have friends attending much bigger schools who don't feel they have the resources but here, every piece seems to be in place. We manage our applications with our parents really trusting us to get it done and leveling the stress they place on us. I realize how lucky I am in all of this."
"Yavneh's college guidance program is terrific and I love Allyn. She is always there, always has the answers, and she is always patient," said Holly Lynn, whose son Josh is a senior. "The college application information night answered a lot of our questions and watching In 500 Words or Less, gave me an hour and a half with my son, watching stories we could totally relate to; the work, the emotion, the anticipation - this is a tough time but it's a really great time too."
"Our parents are an integral component of the process from the start of the students' Junior Project, information meetings, one-on-one conferences with me and attending the many specific college meetings at Yavneh and throughout the Metroplex," said Mrs. Schmucker, who has admissions representatives from more than two dozen schools visiting with Yavneh's seniors in September alone. "Their commitment to their students and the process goes a long way in each child's success. When there is teamwork, everyone wins!"
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Class of 2013 ~ Samuel Coretz
"Yavneh is: Dedicated. Driven. Focused."
"I don't know how Yavneh does it but the dual-curriculum program really works," says
Sam Coretz. "Students here love it and the devotion to studying Judaic Studies somehow it makes it easier to learn the General Studies as well. The best part of Yavneh is that we get to know our teachers better than I can imagine any other students might - they are there for us every day and when we need help on something we can just call them and they will help."
Sam followed sister Ariella '09 to Yavneh, hoping to, and indeed finding the caring and connected
experience she had enjoyed. "Everyone is close to each other here and everyone says it but, it really is like one big family," he said. The relationships between the students, who really are all friends, are amazing. I feel like we are all siblings. We see each other every day. We eat breakfast and lunch together, and do homework. We laugh all the time and we help each other when in need."
"For the past three years I had the pleasure of, in Sam, having one of the most respectful and courteous students I've ever met," said Math teacher, Chris Northrup. "He has always had a good attitude and I hope other students use Sam as an example of the standard to live up to. He has a true desire to learn and I feel fortunate to have had him in my classes."
A member of Yavneh's Bulldog Tennis Team and Hashinui Environmental Club, Sam is also involved in the Theatre Club, through which he was featured in last year's production of The Secret Garden.
When not involved, or working at Estate Classics or Charlotte Russe, Sam can always be found with a smile on his face, a kind way, and always - always, a paint brush or sketch pencil in hand, he with a definite gift.
"While I first met Sam while he was still a student at Akiba, it was when he was a sophomore and a
member of a small, very congenial class of mine that he came alive each day, eager to discuss the literature. I always looked forward to his smile and his perceptive comments," said English teacher, Dr. Paula Harvey. "Sam was especially moved by the plight of disadvantaged people because he has a big heart. I picture one day walking into a 'Sam Coretz' art exhibit and not only will I be impressed by his creative vision, but I will regret not having purchased an early Coretz before he priced himself out of my market.
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Artwork by Sam Coretz
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Applying to colleges now, Sam knows his future will be driven by his love for fine art. Talented to be sure, he has participated in numerous exhibits on and off-campus. "Mrs. (Monica) Ribald is someone I will never forget. She has pushed me since the first time we met right after I came to Texas and she has been my guide and my giver," said Sam. "She's taught me so much and I know she has shaped my future.
In 2010, Sam joined former Yavneh students Michael Bierman '10 and Daniel Moskowitz '10, as participants in the first Budapest/Israel
Tri-Teen Program, a project of the Partnership with Israel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and the Jewish Agency for Israel, where the three spent a weekend in Budapest and two weeks at Szarvas, an International Jewish Youth Camp in Hungary, before ending their adventure with a week in Israel. "I'd seen pictures of the Kotel but to stand there," said Sam, who remained connected by email and facebook to some of his international campmates, "my heart was pumping so fast and I was so touched."
Again adding stamps to his passport, Sam spent last summer in Poland and Israel on a NFTY/ North American Federation of Temple Youth tour. "I loved traveling with other Jewish kids from all over the United States," he said. "It was an incredible learning experience for me."
Born in Russia, Sam and Ariella were adopted by Rabbi Heidi and Alan Coretz through the Gladney Center for Adoption - Bright Futures Russia program. The two joined the Coretz family, including daughter Hannah, and were followed, five years later, by the adoption of Daniel. At first, Sam, who was 11 when he came to the U.S., and who attended both Wise and Akiba academies before coming to Yavneh, spoke no English and his new family no Russian. After communicating through signing, pointing, and lots of patience, they became a true family, and today the bond of this special family couldn't be stronger.
A true family in Texas found, and a true member of the Yavneh family, it is Sam who will provide,
through an infinite palate of colors in this life, designs for us all to admire.
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The Bulldog Score!!!
GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
 September 10 ~ HOME vs. HSAA @6pm ** 11 ~ HOME vs. Cambridge @ 6pm ** 13 ~ HOME vs. Lakehill @ 6pm **
** JV start time, followed by Varsity game
BULLDOG SOCCER
Boy's Soccer practices are held on Mondays & Tuesdays @ 5:30pm on the Yavneh Fields. September 29 is the last day to join the Bulldog Boys' Soccer Squad. Girls' Soccer meets Mondays at 6:30pm, on the Yavneh Fields for conditioning.
September 20 @ 6pm at the JCC
All students wanting to play tennis need to be at this first practice. For more information about Yavneh's Bulldog Tennis Team, contact Coach John Singer at johnsingeremail@gmail.com
Be sure to visit Bulldog Sports for more information and complete schedules.
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Well Wishes & Mazel Tov!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:
7 Tash Guaqueta 11 Eliza Hochman
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Mitzvah Makers ~~
After a summer spent as an OSBG volunteer farmer, Katie is devastated at the recent losses to the farm. "Hurricane Isaac really tore up many of the crops, a banana tree is gone, almost all of the basil is gone, and there is need for lots of repairs to the main building and greenhouse," said Katie. "My summer at Blair was extremely eye-opening because I've always been passionate about planting but here it was for those who have so little. Blair helps the community by being the only place within five miles of the Lower 9th Ward for any sort of fresh groceries, and they provide jobs for the teens in the community."
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Katie Lerer '12, this summer at
Our School at Blair Grocery
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OSBG is an independent alternative school and sustainability education center based in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. OSBG goal is to end hunger and to build a profitable community food enterprise and a regional food economy to drive sustainable community development in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans.
There is a tzedakah box for OSBG donations at LuAnn Pitlik's desk in the main office. Gift cards to Home Depot or Lowes can also be left as those who work the farm will be doing many of the repairs themselves. Donations will be matched by a Yavneh Family member so please, plant the seed of tzedakah!
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An important message from
Susan Regan Donnenfield - Yavneh Staff Nurse
The start of the school year has come and gone! If your child will be taking medicine at school, provider and parent permission forms are needed for both prescription and over the counter medications. New medication permission forms are required each school year.
State Law:
- Parents or guardians must personally deliver all medication to the to the school health office (unless a self carry order form is signed by parent and physician). All Controlled Medications must be brought by an adult.
- All medication must remain in properly labeled pharmacy or original over the counter (OTC) containers.
- A new prescription/medication form signed by the medical provider is required at the beginning of every school year.
- The parent must sign the medication permission form.
We request that you ask your pharmacist to give you a second identically labeled container for any prescription medications your student will take at school. We also request that you bring small containers of any OTC medications that your student will take. This will allow the me to send these medications on field trips.
Medication forms are available on our website or may be obtained from the School Health Office. Your physician may use their own form if desired.
I am available during school hours for medication drop off. If you need to make special arrangements to drop off medication, please call to make these arrangements.
Thank you in advance for your cooperation
Susan Regan Donnenfield, RN
214.295.3405
sdonnenfield@yavnehdallas.org
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September 10 - Faculty Birthday Breakfast Buffet
Teachers' Lounge beginning at 9am
Honoring the birthdays of June, July, August & September!!!
September 13 - PTO Meeting in Yavneh Main Office 8:30 to 8:45am 2012-2013 Agenda Planning
8:45 to 9:30am Rosh Hashana Treat Bag assembly
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College Cues ~~
Upcoming College Admissions Representative Visits to Yavneh
(Be sure to check the College Counseling Bulletin Board for meeting locations and updates and have all proper paperwork completed in order to attend ~)
September
10 - George Washington University @11am
College of Charleston @ 1pm Boston University @ 2pm Kansas University @ 4pm 11 - University of Maryland @ 11am University of Colorado @ 1pm University of Denver @ 2:30pm Skidmore College @ 1:45pm St. Edwards University @ 3:40pm
Tulane University @ 4pm
12 - University of Mass/Amherst @ 2:30pm
University of Miami @ 1pm
Washington University/St. Louis @ 2:30pm
Colgate University @ 4pm 13 - Hofstra University @ 1pm
Northeastern University @ 2pm Lynn University @ 4pm
14 - Kenyon College @ 11am
Muhlenberg College @ 1:30pm Barnard College @ 2:15pm
20 - Yeshiva University @ 11:20am
21 - University of Georgia @ 2pm
24 - Brandeis University @ 1pm
28 - NYU @ 1pm
Off-Campus College Info Sessions
September 9
@ 3pm
University of Maryland
Dallas Marriott Quorum
14901 Dallas Parkway
Dallas, TX 75254
@ 5pm
Tulane University
Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center
5410 LBJ Freeway
Dallas, TX 75240
5601 W. Parker Road
Plano, TX 75093
September 11 @ 6:30pm Plano Senior High School College Fair 2200 Independence PkwyPlano, TX 75075
September 12 @ 6pm
Highland Park High School College Fair
4220 Emerson
Dallas, TX 75205
September 16 @ 2pm Washington University/St. Louis Dallas Marriott Quorum 14901 Dallas ParkwayDallas, TX 75254
September 20 @ 6:30pm
University of Virginia Hilton Dallas Lincoln Center 5410 LBJ Freeway Dallas, TX 75240
For more information on any of the programs of
Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email Allyn Schmucker at
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12324 Merit Drive
Dallas, TX 75251
214.295.3500 www.yavnehdallas.org 
Unless otherwise credited, Yavneh Academy's Etone is written, photographed, and produced by
Deb Silverthorn
Director of Communications
Community Liaison
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