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November 16, 2012
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2 Kislev 5773
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Dear Yavneh Family,
At this season of Thanksgiving, let me share the following letter I received:
Dear Yavneh Academy Administrators, Faculty, Students and Families,
As parents and educators of teenagers, we are all aware that our words often fall on deaf ears. However, our actions speak volumes.
You have demonstrated incredible hospitality, generosity and kindness to our son, and to the basketball team of Kushner Academy. The "Jersey Boys" have had the inspiring experience of being witness to and being the recipients of an extraordinary show of "hachnasat orchim." The Dallas and Yavneh communities brought new meaning to the term "stranded."
We feel it is appropriate to contribute a small gift to your chesed fund in the hope that we will be able to "pay it forward" to those in need.
May we all have continued ability and opportunity to further "Tikkun Olam."
Thank you.
May we all continue to be blessed with the ability to welcome guests, whether from near or far, and to pray for the welfare of our brothers and sisters in Israel, in New Jersey and New York, and in all the world.
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, we wish you a peaceful and healthy Thanksgiving, and a Shabbat Shalom,
~~ Dr. P
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Yavneh Calendar
click here for more dates
November
21-23 ~
Thanksgiving Break December 5 ~ 7pm Fall Arts Night Pollman Hall
7pm Pollman Hall
Yavneh's Helping
Hands for the
Homeless/PTO
Chanukah Dinner 28 ~
7:30 pm A Night to Celebrate Jewish Education
Honoring
Jaynie Schultz &mRon Romaner
Featuring Chief Rabbi
Lord Jonathan Sacks.
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Please note there will be a
COMMUNITY RALLY FOR ISRAEL,
at the Jewish Community Center
TODAY, November 21, beginning at 3pm.
Please make every effort to join us
and, please spread the word.
 Please share strength and prayers for Yavneh alumni
1st. Lt. Benny Fried '05,
Miles Greenberg,
Zev Klein '11,
Tova Stolovitsky '08,
and Dallas' Jules Kramer, Josh Wolf, others serving in the IDF
and to those learning
and living in Eretz Israel.
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Please share in an evening to celebrate Jewish education,
the core of Yavneh Academy, and to honor Yavneh parents
Jaynie Schultz and Ron Romaner,
parents of Benjamin '12, Dalya '14,
Adina '16, and future Bulldog, Micah.
At the invitation of the Center for Jewish Education, all Yavneh students are invited to the November 28 event, free of charge
Please email mdenn@jfgd.org to rsvp.
Tickets for all others are $18 and reservations can be made by
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Shabbat Shalom ~
From our Judaic Desk ~ . Upcoming Israel Study Program Representative Visits to Yavneh: November 26
@ 11:15am ~ Yeshivat Reishit (men)
November 29
@ 10am ~ Midreshet Yeud (women)
Mechina Yeud (men)
Please also note December 1 @ 7pm, the Yavneh Family, parents, students and faculty are invited to a Melaveh Malkah with learning, havdalah, and food before the Yavneh Bulldogs play the St. Marks.
We hope you enjoy the Dvar Torah, this week written by Elimelekh Perl '16,
Snappy Sentiments and that you'll share and discuss them at your Shabbat table!
Shabbat Shalom ~
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty.
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Week in Review ~
The Bulldog Print Wins Best in Show!
This just in - breaking news to be sure! Yavneh's The Bulldog Print was awarded the "Best in Show" for broadsheet, 13 to 16-page newspapers at the 2012 National High School Journalism Convention, sponsored by the National Scholastic Press Association and the Journalism Education Association. The annual convention was held from November 15 to 18 in San Antonio with more than 5000 students from 500 schools attending. Additionally, seniors Rachel Goodman, Kelly Herson and Rachel Siegel were awarded Honorable Mention awards for each of their respective timed writing entries during the convention's "Write Offs."
"I am so proud of our students! That out of hundreds of schools from North America and abroad, and thousands of student journalists, our school paper won the top award, is a modern-day David and Goliath story," said Head of School, Dr. David Portnoy, who was thrilled to be with TBP staff as a co-chaperone of the trip - his first to San Antonio. "Nothing could have prepared them for such phenomenal recognition, but after all their hard work, The Bulldog Print was, once again, recognized among the very top student newspapers in the country."
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photo courtesy, Dalya Romaner '14
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Yavneh's The Bulldog Print team is comprised of Editor-in-chief - Rachel Siegel '13, Editor - Kelly Herson '13, Layout Editor - Dalya Romaner '14, Graphics Editor - Scott Lacritz '15, Advertising Editor - Adam Steinbrecher '14, Photo Editor - Erin Smith '15, News Editor - Hannah Delagi '15 Features Editor - Taylor Blue '15,Perspectives Editor - Rachel Goodman '13, Sports Editor - Jason Epstein '14, Entertainment Editor - Hannah Gartner '13, and Reporters Amitai Abouzaglo '16, Shanee Abouzaglo '14, Niv Avneri '14, Cassie Gross '15, Alexandra Lavi '15, Katie Lerer '13, Mitchell Levinson '16, Hanna Liebermann '14, Ethan Pearson '15, David Rudomin '14, Mika Stein '13, and Erin Wernick '16.
"This recognition comes as a result of our in-depth reporting, quality writing,
action-packed photos and skillful design and I am now reminded of how lucky I am to be a part of the Bulldog Print staff. Sitting in workshops, composing articles during timed writing competitions and meeting other aspiring journalists from around the country, I realized how unique our staff and publication are," said Editor-in-chief, Rachel Siegel '13, speaking after the convention. "We write about issues sensitive to our Jewish community and act as a voice for the teens within it. We are repeatedly recognized for our coverage with a staff of only 25 and compete against schools with thousands upon thousands of students."
"This weekend was an incredible surprise as we did not expect to win," said Kelly Herson '13 who has served on TBP's staff for four years as reporter, entertainment editor, managing editor, and now editor. "We were at the award ceremony and as they announced the 'Best in Show,' and they awarded from tenth place to first, we were certain to be left out."
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photo by Dalya Romaner '14
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Instead, as the first place award was called out to The Bulldog Print, "from Dallas, Texas," the team was in shock. Rachel and Kelly accepted the award on behalf of their staff. "It was incredible to be recognized for our dedication to journalism," said Kelly. "We offer a voice to the student body and we are not afraid to speak the truth."
The program began with five iMac computers and a twice-weekly meeting that produced three newspapers. In her seventh year as Journalism teacher and The Bulldog Print adviser, Sandy Hall-Chiles has guided the team to produce five papers each year.
"What is best about the newspaper to me is that it truly is a student-run newspaper. The editors select the stories, assign them to the reporters, and are responsible for editing, layout, design and final production," said
Ms. Hall-Chiles. "My job is simply to facilitate their efforts and to teach them what they need to know to achieve what they want to get done."
"Rachel has the journalism skills few high school kids could only dream of possessing. Kelly has an instinctive sense of where the story is, and what it will take to get all the details right. I really couldn't ask for a better combination," Ms. Hall-Chiles said of her leaders. "I love the staff I have right now and no one could ask for a better group of young people."
Under Ms. Hall-Chiles' tutelage, The Bulldog Print has, in addition to its Best in Show award this year, won many national, state, and local awards including two Silver Crown awards from the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, a Pacemaker Award from the NSPA, six Silver Star Awards from Texas' Interscholastic Press Association and the paper was named Best High School Newspaper by the Dallas Morning News. The paper's writers have won many individual awards for production, writing, and layout design.
"There is literally something for every student regardless of interests and ability level to contribute to the paper," said Ms. Hall-Chiles. "What makes newspaper so special is that we are strengthened by the diversity of our staff. What makes the work so rewarding is the community support for our students to have an authentic voice in their school."
Mr. O'Quinn Returns for Student Lounge Dedication ~
 It was a sweet "welcome home," for former Head of School, Don O'Quinn, who returned to Yavneh this week as the school dedicated its Student Lounge in his honor. A standing room, and standing ovation, only audience, included current students, faculty, parents, and many alumni, who made their way home to Dallas, and to the Schultz Rosenberg Campus, to pay tribute to "Mr. O."
"Provide for yourself a teacher and get yourself a friend; and judge every man towards  merit, we read in Pirkei Avot," said Dr. Portnoy. "For a generation of Yavneh students and parents, Mr. O'Quinn has been that teacher, and that friend."
"You can build a facility but, as a person needs more than dressing - more than food and clothing - a person needs soul, a school needs a soul," said Dan Prescott, President of the school's Board of Directors. "For Yavneh, Don O'Quinn has been that neshama, that soul."
"For everything you will accomplish in your lifetimes, that which will be the greatest will be when you can inspire another," said Steve Rosenberg as he, and wife Ruthy, delivered to Mr. O'Quinn a scrapbook of photos and personal notes, collected at Mr. O'Quinn's June 10 Farewell Brunch. "Mr, O'Quinn has the gift to change people's lives in spades."
"This school was founded on love and it is run on love," said Mr. O'Quinn, who paid respect to guests Leslie & Howard Schultz and Ann & Marcus (z"l) Rosenberg, for their dedication to Yavneh and to Jewish education. "Everyone here is here at the benefit of someone."
Mr. O'Quinn said he hoped the students would use the Student Lounge for its intended purpose, to "a place to relax, a place to 'love they neighbor,' and a place to take care of each other."
 After prayers in the Beit Midrash and words of respect, the audience retired to the Donald R. O'Quinn Student Lounge for snacks and visiting. On the wall of the Student Lounge, now hanging a photograph of Mr. O'Quinn and a naming plaque, created by art teacher, Monica Ribald.
"Every child is a gift from G-d and each has a purpose," Mr. O'Quinn said, as he had many times through the years. "High school is the adventure of discovering that purpose. You come from a proud culture that has brought so much and love exists between you and your futures. This has been a grand adventure and I'll never regret one day spent here."
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The Bulldog Score!!!
Kol Hakavod to the 2012 Fall Bulldog Soccer team which just completed its season. Team members
Avi Baynash '16, Ben Calmenson '14, Jordan Cope '14, Jason Epstein '14, Zach Epstein, Max Feist '16, Elliot Jacobsen '16, Jonathan Kravitz '15, Jacob Lampert '16, Yosef Presburger '13, Benjamin Zoller '16, and Sam Zoller, coached by Aaron Galceran, won the last game of the season on Sunday, November 18.
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photo by Bob Feist
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"Our soccer season was a huge success in terms of the development of our players skills and sense of teamwork. In our last few games, our kids overcame a rough beginning, they didn't get disheartened, and we had a tie, a win, and an average of three points per game. Without the effort of our kids, that just wouldn't have been possible."
"I'm very grateful to all the parents for being so willing to help," said Coach Galceran, noting all of Yavneh's games were played at Hobby Field. "That networking made it possible for players that would be otherwise unable to attend, to show up and play. I am truly proud of our team and the efforts by all involved to make this season into a clear success.
"We really started out as a group of inexperienced young athletes, but as a team, we made the best out of a tough and competitive league, improving our skills and teamwork," said Yosef Presburger '13 who, with Jordan Cope '15 and Jason Epstein '15 acted as unofficial team captains. "Thanks to our new coach, we approached each and every game with pride, hard work, and commitment to our school. Go bulldogs!"
Bulldog Soccer, a member of the Dallas East Soccer Association , played its games at Hobby Field. A dedicated group of parents, cheering their sons on to success, was great inspiration. "Coach Aaron was great with the kids and he really helped them form a team," said Yavneh's Athletic Director, Coach David Zimmerman. "They improved, game by game, and our Athletic Department and the entire Yavneh Family are very proud. I look forward to building our program and watching it flourish."
Girls interested in playing on Yavneh's spring season, girls' soccer team, should email info@yavnehdallas.org
 BOYS' BULLDOG BASKETBALL
November 26 vs. Burton
HOME @ 8pm
November 27 vs. Cambridge
HOME @ 7:30pm
November 28 vs. Thomas Jefferson
HOME @ 7:30pm November 29 vs. Covenant
HOME @ 7:30
December 1 vs. St. Marks
HOME @ 8pm* * following 7pm Melaveh Malka & Havdalah in the Beit MidrashDecember 3 vs. SW Christian
AWAY @ 7:30pm
December 4 vs. Celina
AWAY @ 7:30pmDecember 6 vs. Fulton
AWAY @ 7:30pm
LADY BULLDOG BASKETBALL
November 27 vs. Cambridge
November 28 vs. Thomas Jefferson
HOME @ 6pm
HOME @ 6pm
December 6 vs. Fulton
AWAY @ 6pm
JV BULLDOGS
November 26 vs Burton
HOME @ 5pm
November 27 vs. Cambridge
HOME @ 5pm
December 3 vs. SW Christian
AWAY @ 6pm
December 4 vs. Celina
AWAY @ 6pm
Be sure to visit Bulldog Sports for more information and complete and updated schedules.
BULLDOG ATHLETICS - WELCOME TO THE KENNEL CLUB
T-SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS ON SALE NOW!
 $13 - T-shirts $20 - Sweatshirts
$28 - discount price for both!
All proceeds will support the
Class of 2013
March of the Living Tour!!!
Please see the following seniors to purchase your shirt
Freshman: Mika Stein Sophomores: Clara Moskowitz
Juniors: Yosef Presburger Seniors: Tamar Cohen
Faculty and Parents - please contact LuAnn Pitlik
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Well Wishes & Mazel Tov!
MAZAL TOV to:
Shanee Abouzaglo '14 who was recognized by the Southwest Region of the National Council of Synagogue Youth for her leadership, passion, and commitment to the
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photo courtesy NCSY
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Jewish Teens of Dallas.
"What made our forefather Abraham worthy of fathering the Nation of Hashem? Was he cool? Did he wear an Abercrombie robe? NO!! He took responsibility and Shanee is a young woman, a leader, someone who lives with a sense of responsibility," said NCSY's Rabbi Michel Lomner. "She is a leader who has grown up in a home filled with love and a sense of community, and we are fortunate to know her."
"The Latte and Learn club she initiated has outgrown Starbucks, we are slowing outgrowing the Abouzaglo home, and we might just move to the American Airlines Center, said Rabbi Lomner. "Shanee is a very, very special person, she is ambitious and she has a passion for learning and real growth."
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photo by Shani Romick
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Kayley Romick '13 stood center stage at a recent gathering of the WordSpace Salon, a non-profit North Texas literary organization dedicated to supporting indigenous literature, to present five of her own original poems. A finalist in the 2010-2011 and 2011-2012 Express Yourself! Youth Poetry Competition, sponsored by the Dallas Public Library, Kayley's appearance was part of an evening that featured author Matt Bondurant ("The Night Swimmer," "The Wettest County in the World," and "The Third Translation").
"Dallas' literary intelligencia was gathered to hear Mr. Bondurant, and, under normal circumstances, it would take a lot for a high school writer to impress this crowd. Still, Kayley did just that and they were
most impressed by the maturity of her work," said Dr. Tim Cloward who instructs Yavneh's Creative Writing program and who is a former president of WordSpace. "Kayley was ready. She had revised and polished her six poems, she was poised and in complete control.
"Dr. Cloward helped me immensely in this process. He is a great mentor and he always makes great suggestions," said Kayley who began writing poetry during her Freshman year and who, at the end of the evening, exchanged a signed copy of Mr. Bondurant's book, for a copy of her own poetry portfolio. The copy was autographed by Kayley at the request of Mr. Bondurant. " "I love not only writing but performing poetry because I can even more clearly articulate my thoughts to my audience."
(photo by Shani Romick/Erin Smith)
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Kids Korner Collections ~
These animals need some friends!!!
Yavneh's 2012 Stuffed Animal Drive is underway and the students of Kids Korner hope to surpass the 103 stuffed loves they collected last year.
"People don't realize that stuffed animals make a huge difference to a child," said Rachel Rudberg '13. "The soft hug of an animal, character, or any fun stuffed toy really means a lot. It's a huge gift that doesn't have to cost much at all."
Donations will be shared with our neighbors at Medical City Children's Hospital.
Please donate new stuffed pals to the
Kids Korner box in the Yavneh's Main Office thru December 5.
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College Cues ~~
Class of '13 University & Israel Program Acceptances
Kol Hakavod to the following students who have received college acceptances and scholarship offers. Updated acceptances are in bold. Seniors, be sure to send notice of your acceptances to info@yavnehdallas.org so that we can share your news!
Rachel Chanon ~ University of Kansas
Sam Coretz ~ Lynn University
Shelby Gadol ~ Indiana University
Rachel Goodman ~ Indiana University Jordan Haberer ~ University of Kansas Kelly Herson ~ University of Georgia
Justin Katz ~ Indiana University
Shea Miller ~ Indiana University
Clara Moskowitz ~ Tulane University
Kayley Romick ~ Texas A&M, University of Georgia
Rachel Siegel ~ University of Texas
Adam Wilensky ~ University of Kansas
Liora Zhrebker ~ Indiana University Dates to note ~
For more information on any of the programs of
Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email Allyn Schmucker at
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Yearbook 12-13 ~
Click here for Dedication/Ad form.
For more information, email
Yearbooks are $75 until January 11 and $85 from January 14 to March 15
Join us as we honor a decade of dedication by
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum
Our Rav, teacher, role model, mentor and friend.
Ads and Dedications on Sale Now!
Click hereto dedicate a space to RABBI MEIR TANNENBAUM,
celebrate your STUDENT, advertise your BUSINESS
or that of FRIENDS & FAMILY,
and congratulate the CLASS OF 2013!
Rachel Chanon
Tamar Cohen 
Samuel Coretz
Lane Engelberg
Karen Folz
Shelby Gadol
Hannah Gartner
Rachel Goodman
Jordan Haberer
Kelly Herson
Justin Katz
Katie Lerer
Josh Lynn
Stephanie Medina
Shea Miller
Clara Moskowitz
Yosef Presburger
Bradley Riche
Kayley Romick
Rachel Rudberg
Max Schnitzer
Elie Schramm
Rachel Siegel
Yael Spirer
Mika Stein
Adam Wilensky
Liora Zhrebker
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Yavneh Academy of Dallas 
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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