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MAY 24, 2013
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15 Sivan 5773
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Dear Yavneh Family,
It has been a great week for Yavneh alumni!  Graduating from a wide range of college and advanced programs, our alumni are distinguishing themselves in many fields.
And then there is our newest crop of alumni-to-be. In most high schools, 12th graders who have finished their academic requirements tend to be less than interested in where the school is heading. Not so at Yavneh Academy of Dallas!
Shira and I had the pleasure of hosting the 12th graders at our home this week. After charging them to continue maximizing their educational opportunities, I opened the floor for questions and comments. For a good half an hour, these students showed us how interested they continue to be in life at Yavneh.
We are surely blessed with a school culture that encourages and nurtures connections to the school. What a thrill it will be to bless the seniors at their Commencement in just a couple of weeks. If you haven't yet done so, please mark your calendar for our Graduation on Sunday, June 2 at 3pm.
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, we wish you a peaceful and healthy Shabbat Shalom,
Dr. P.
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All student medications (prescription and  non-prescription) at the Yavneh clinic need to be picked up by Wednesday, June 5 at noon. Medications cannot be stored over the summer and will be disposed of at that time.
Medications cannot be stored over the summer and will be disposed of at that time
Be well and have a wonderful summer! Susan Donnenfield,RN |
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Parent Volunteers Needed
Please email brendatime@sbcglobal.net
if you'd like to volunteer to serve snacks to our students during Final Exam  week,
June 3 to 6.
Volunteers are needed from 10:30am to 1:30pm, and shifts can certainly be split.
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 Yavneh Free Throw Shootout!
June 9 @ 12pm
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Yavneh Calendar
click here for more dates
27 ~
Memorial Day
NO SCHOOL
28 ~
Senior Party
6:30pm Pollman Hall
29 ~
13/14 Volleyball Mtg.
5pm - Student Lounge
All incoming
9th -12th grade Volleyball players
30 ~
11am
April & May Faculty Birthday Lunch
11:30am Graduation Sr. Photos at
Tiferet Israel
Rehearsal follows at
SR Campus
June
2 ~
Graduation 3pm
Schultz Family Gym 9 ~ Free Throw Shootout 12pm Schultz Family Gym 10-14 ~ Yavneh Music Camp No Charge!
May
Yavneh is proud to sponsor the
2nd Annual Yad Eliezer Klezmer Concert
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Class of 2013 - Adam Wilensky
"Yavneh is: Unique. Helpful. Supportive."
Yavneh's reputation for good academics and the fact that he had a lot of friends in the student body is what brought Adam to Yavneh. A former Akiba and Torah Day School of Dallas student, continuing his education at a Jewish Day school also seemed natural.
"The teachers at Yavneh are happy to help and make adjustments so that each kid stays on track and is successful," said Adam. "The Math and Writing labs make it easy to get extra practice and extra support, and the teachers who work in those labs are always very helpful."
Adam, accepted to Indiana University, Johnson & Wales University, and the University of Kansas, will first spend a year in Israel participating on the Young Judaea YearCourse program. For Adam, who has wanted to serve in the U.S. Military since he was a young child, it was the stories of his Grandfather and his service, and his understanding of the life lessons that most who serve receive, that has propelled his dream. Adam also dreams of opening his own restaurant, cooking a favorite hobby of his. Be it pasta or sauces of his own creation, a great bar-b-que, or rolling sushi from scratch, catching time in a kitchen feeds his fancy.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Adam is the son of Laurie and the brother of Sarah '17. A member of Chabad of Plano, Adam has been a member of Yavneh's Mock Trial Team, the Red Cross Club, Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, the Theatre Club - performing in "Secret Garden," and "Epic Adventures In A Rinky-Dink Art Museum," and as a staple of Yavneh's JV Bulldog Basketball team.
"Adam is a caring individual and a team player," said Zack "ZP" Pollack, Head Coach for the Yavneh Bulldog JV Basketball team and Assistant Coach for the Varsity team. "He is always willing to do anything he can to help his team succeed whether its lending a shoe to players in need, offering his positive support when they just have to have it, or comforting tardy and absent players."
"I have a lot of respect for Adam - his sticking with JV basketball as a Senior. It is often not easy to value the drive within over perception but this individual ignored externalities and honored his commitment," said Coach Pollack. "That strong will is not only impressive but is also a trait that will carry  this young man into a successful post high school career. When everyone has Adam's heart and determination, the Yavneh basketball program, community, and the surrounding world will be a source of strength to be celebrated for years to come."
Adam's best summer memories include those as a camper and counselor at Camp Nageela Midwest and cruising to Alaska with his family.
"Most people don't take me seriously at first because I like to joke about everything," said Adam, who has spent his Senior Intern season working in a restaurant, learning more about his maybe future. "I do have a serious side and I like to think, philosophize and read a lot."
Adam, your dreams - your fight for what matters to you - and we hope the Yavneh spirit, are the key ingredients in the beautiful life we know you will cook up for yourself.
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Shabbat Shalom ~
Shabbat Shalom ~
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty.
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Yavneh in Review
Seniors Start Saying "Shalom."
 Yavneh's Class of 2013 started their formal farewells with a coffee & snacks visit to the home of Head of School Dr. David Portnoy and his wife Rabbi Dr. Shira Lander.  The students reminisced about their time at Yavneh, and the friendships and memories made. While Rabbi Dr. Lander was the barista par excellence - creating chocolate, caramel, and a myriad of great tasting cappuccinos and more - Dr. Portnoy filled the students in on some changes for the future, and thanked them for a great year.
"The first year of any job is often a vertical learning curve - there's not much time to get up to speed, but I thank each of you for helping to guide me through this really terrific year," he said. "The tangibles of our victories, your achievements, are great - but also the intangibles. I've overseen many senior classes but your group is special. There are no spotlight seekers, and you have all helped each other face challenges and struggles, and you have stood up for each other in a beautiful way."
"You've done great," said Dr. Portnoy, "and you'll be great!"
 Zoo Trip
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum led his Junior students on a trip to the Dallas Zoo, awaited each year with great expectation.
As a part of the curriculum that includes the study of the laws of kosher animals and birds, the annual visit has students finding and photographing examples of kosher and non-kosher, creating a presentation.
Lessons on the lamb (a kosher one of course),
help our students realize beyond the pages and print.
On Shabbat, May 10th-11th, Yavneh students, faculty and families traveled to
Mount Lebanon for our annual spring Shabbaton. 60 students and our Judaic faculty spent Shabbat together- singing, learning, eating, davening, and just hanging out.
The weather was incredible and many students spent our long menucha time outside, playing sports or just walking around enjoying the camp site.
 "This Shabbaton is always such a great bonding experience. Getting off campus and being completely away from our everyday environment brings students and teachers together in a way that is not possible in school, or even in our homes," said Naomi Schrager, Associate Principal/Judaic Programming. "There is a very 'laid back' nature to the Shabbaton - even though we have three incredible meals, lots of davening and several learning programs during our time together."
"This year was very special because we had our Seniors joins us even though they have not been officially coming to classes since Pesach," said Mrs. Schrager. "They were all still inspired and excited from their March of the Living trip and they brought that ruach and enthusiasm to the Shabbaton. It was so nice to have the whole family together again before graduation."
After Shabbat, the group ended the festivities  with a great bonfire, featuring
Rabbis Lomner and Friedman on their guitars, providing for a very lively Motzai Shabbat.
"I think one of the greatest parts of this Shabbaton is that everyone contributes in some way," said Mrs. Schrager. "From shopping and cooking and setting up the room for Shabbat to cleaning and setting up during the meals. From sharing a dvar Torah or davening and leining, to singing and enjoying the food, everyone gets involved."
Senior Intern ~ Katie Lerer '13
Katie Lerer, who will soon be packing her backpack and all sustainables as a Freshman at Colorado College, found in her senior job at the Whole Earth Provisions, a perfect match to her core.
Working at the Preston and Forest location, of the travel and adventure store since last August, Katie, whose life is about the natural, saving the earth, and keeping it all clean, says she has learned much from the opportunity. "Working at Whole Earth has been a huge part of my senior year and here I have learned time management, responsibility and what it means to commit to a job."
"Working with a like-minded staff and customer base has taught me how to become more comfortable approaching people," said Katie. "Through this job, I have gained knowledge on the subject of camping equipment and it makes me excited go to Colorado and hike and campout with my friends."
"Katie is intelligent, smart, and she's definitely 'our' kind of team member," said Dione Timreck who worked with Katie. "She is wise and concerned beyond her years and she's been a ray of positive sunshine, everyday that she's been with us."
"Through learning selling techniques, I have engaged in conversations with customers about their various trips," said Katie. "Their experiences range from solo hunting trips to white water rafting to backpacking thru Europe! The more questions I asked, and the more conversations I had, the better I became at selling products that would be useful to my customers. I learned to have a commitment to selling only what I think a customer truly needs, not just what will cost the most."
"Whole Earth is committed to selling useful and environmentally thoughtful clothing, shoes, books, toys and outdoor gear," said Katie. "I feel really good selling our products, because I know our buyers always keep the environment in mind."
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Well Wishes & Mazel Tov!
Happy Birthday to:
May
24 Chris Walker 25 Ethan Fisher
27 Amitai Abouzaglo & Leetal Winick 29 Tom Ehrlich
Mazel Tov to:
~ Yavneh Math Faculty member, Chris Northup, who recently earned his MS in Applied Mathematics from UT Dallas.
~ All of the Yavneh Alumni who have recently graduated from colleges and universities with bachelors or post-graduate degrees. Please share your accomplishments with us by emailing info@yavnehdallas.org
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Mitzvah Makers!
Sophomores Hadas Cohen, Scott Lacritz, and Erin Wernick are sponsoring a tenn is shoe drive to support Peace Direct, an organization that helps prvent genocide around the world.Donations of tennis shoes (new or used but in good condition) of all sizes, and for males and females, are welcome. The collection box will be posted in the Student Lounge until June 7.  Dr. Michelle Kravitz, YavnehMom of David '09, Jonathan '15, and Heidi '17 will be remembering our soldiers as she participates in this weekend's Memorial Day Carry The Load event.
The mission of Carry The Load is to bring meaning to Memorial Day by honoring the sacrifices made by members of the military, law enforcement officers, firefighters and their families while serving our country and communities, especially those who have died or were wounded while carrying the load for their fellow Americans.
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The Bulldog Score!!!
2013-2014 Lady Bulldog Volleyball
Wednesday, May 29 @ 5pm
in the Student Lounge -
Coach Loren Weaver invites all prospective players for the 2013-2014 season - ladies now in grades eight to 11, to meet to learn about the coming season. Be there and bring your friends!
Be sure to visit Bulldog Sports for updated schedules and directions.
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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 of more than $2.5 million. 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 ~ Indiana University, University of Denver, University of Kansas
Sam Coretz ~ Lynn University, SCAD/Savannah College of Art & Design,
St. Edward's University, University of Arizona, University of Tampa
Tamar Cohen ~ Hofstra University, Stern College, University of Kansas
Lane Engelberg ~Drexel University (Honors College),
Rochester Institute of Technology, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, University of Texas/Dallas, University of Houston
Karen Folz ~Southwestern University, Queens University Belfast,
Southern Methodist University (University Honors Program) Shelby Gadol ~ Indiana University, Tulane University,
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Hannah Gartner ~ Arizona State University, Indiana University San Francisco State University, San Diego State University, University of Central Florida, University of Maryland, University of South Florida
Rachel Goodman ~ Indiana University, New York University, Tulane University, University of Texas (Liberal Arts Honors) Jordan Haberer ~ Austin College, George Mason University, Indiana University, University of Kansas, University of North Texas Kelly Herson ~ University of California at Los Angeles, University of Georgia,
University of Michigan, University of Texas, University of Wisconsin
Justin Katz ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M, University of Maryland,
University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Commonwealth Honors College)
Katie Lerer ~ Colorado College, Skidmore College, University of Denver,
University of Vermont
Josh Lynn ~ Colorado State University, Southern Methodist University,
University of Denver
Stephanie Medina ~ Brookhaven College
Shea Miller ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M, University of Georgia,
University of Maryland, University of Michigan,
University of Wisconsin
Clara Moskowitz ~ Brandeis University, Northeastern University,
Tulane University, University of Maryland (College Park Scholars), University of Miami, University of Michigan,
University of Southern California, Young Judaea YearCourse Yosef Presburger ~ Boston University, Rice University, Texas A&M,
University of Miami, University of Texas,
University of Texas/Dallas, Yeshiva Mechinat Yeud
Bradley Riche ~ American University, University of Massachusetts/Amherst, University of Miami
Kayley Romick ~ Texas A&M, University of Georgia,
University of Texas (Plan II Honors), Vanderbilt University
Rachel Rudberg ~ Austin College, Southern Methodist University,
St. Edward's University, Texas Christian University,
University of Denver
Max Schnitzer ~ Indiana University, Tulane University
Elie Schramm ~ Brandeis University, University of Maryland (Honors College),
Washington University/St. Louis, Yeshiva University (Honors)
Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit
Rachel Siegel ~ University of Texas (Plan II Honors),
Yale University (Directed Studies)
Yael Spirer ~ Indiana University
Mika Stein ~ New York University
Adam Wilensky ~ Indiana University, Johnson & Wales University, University of Kansas , Young Judaea YearCourse
Liora Zhrebker ~ Brandeis University, Indiana University
For more information on any of the programs of
Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email Allyn Schmucker at
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Please send all news and updates for Yavneh Academy's Etone to: info@yavnehdallas.orgYavneh 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
Yavneh Academy is a beneficiary and partner agency of  the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas |
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