Since our last update in the Dateline, our Search Committee, in consultation with Yeshiva University decided to pursue an Interim Head of School for the 2014-2015 school year. After enlisting the assistance of Yeshiva University Day School Partnership, we have found an excellent candidate. CTA has invited Rabbi Shmuel Levine for a visit to Columbus, Feb. 18-19. After an extensive career in Jewish education, Rabbi Levine is retiring from his current position as Headmaster of Hillel Day School of Boca Raton at the conclusion of this school year and is very interested in exploring the Interim post at CTA.  During his stay, he will be touring Columbus, having lunch with community leaders, and interacting with teachers and administrators.  A "Meet and Greet" of Board members and the Search Committee will be held on Tuesday evening, February 18. We encourage everyone to make Rabbi Levine feel welcome and eager to join our school community.

Special Things for Special People 

Last Friday, we welcomed guests, as we celebrated Special Person's Day.  In the Judaic classrooms, it was so nice to see the students and their guests interacting through various activities.  In Kindergarten, L'dor v'dor picture frames were decorated. In First Grade, the Smart Board was used to "show off" the students' knowledge.  In Second Grade, a personal bookmark was designed for each child's Chumash.  In Third Grade, the students had a special Hebrew project. In Fourth Grade, coins and mosaics were explored and students learned ancient Hebrew letters.  In Fifth and Sixth Grade, the guests were asked to write a special memory and the students had to guess which entry belonged to which student.  Thank you to all of our special guests who came to celebrate with CTA and get a taste of what we experience everyday. Here are some pictures from our Silly Hat Day.  Enjoy!

IronMench 3!

The Upper School is abuzz with the announcement of this year's first IronMench tournament and Avi Kahn's newest epic trailer release (click here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQAxo8Dz_hg). As with previous IronMench's, the competition will be based on the core information covered in Judaic classes over this yearand last. To add to the intensity, the H.S.'s IronMench 3 is a Battle of the Sexes while the 2nd IronMench-Jr. is 7th grade vs. 8th. With the tournament date around the corner, some classes are already cranking out the review packets. As always, CTA super-fans are invited to cheer on our IronMenches; both tournaments will be on Thursday 3/6 - H.S. 8:30-10/J.H. 12:45-2:15 in the Upper School library.

 Table Talk: The 2 Torah portions before Ki Tisa and the 2 portions after are devoted to thoroughly detailing the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels. Nested in the middle, a great deal of Ki Tisa tells the story of the Golden Calf. What message is G-d conveying by the seemingly odd placement of this debacle in the middle of the topic the Mishkan?

Financial Assistance forms are due on February 28.  If you would like to apply for ANY level of financial assistance, you must complete the appropriate PSAS (Private School Aid Service).  All deadlines must be adhered to.  Forms are available online at www.torahacademy.org or NEW THIS YEAR, apply and submit all information online at www.psas.org/4944.

Please note, PSAS will assess a $30 late fee for all applications received after February 28.  CTA will assess a $500 late fee for all applications received after February 28.

The financial assistance form and documentation can be mailed, faxed or uploaded directly to PSAS along with a copy of your 2013 W-2's and 2013 1099's and, if available, 2013 tax return (if not, please submit 2012 tax return) for their analysis. The results will be evaluated by the CTA Scholarship Committee.  

If you have any questions about Financial Assistance or Payment Plans, contact Norman Leist at [email protected] or 864-0299, ext. 100.

Well, we are just a little jealous of the CTA Lady Lions who are headed to Miami, Florida for the Varsity Girls Basketball Tournament at Hebrew Academy.  Female athletes from ten Jewish day schools from across the country are participating and our girls will have the chance to make new friends and engage in healthy athletic competition.  And, they will be in weather more than 75 degrees warmer than us!  Lucky!

Thank you to our coaches, Eddie Karmia and Joey Nutis, athletic director Matt Bailey, parent coordinator, Leslie Chase for all of their work to put the details together.

And, a very special thank you to Joey and Lindsay Schottenstein for saving the day when the girls' flight to Miami was cancelled.  

Snacks are available at the front desk (benefiting Yearbook) and the vending machine. The vending machine accepts COINS ONLY. The canteen accepts bills and coins. So, if your child prefers the snacks from the vending machine, we ask that you send coins with them to school as the front office is unable to make change.

Finance Director, Norm Leist, has had several inquiries about when statements for Give & Get will be sent out. He apologizes for the delay and hopes to have all of them sent out by February 21.  Thank you for your patience!

It has been a time-honored Jewish tradition to give tzedakah in recognition of important events. Todah Rabah to the following for their donation:

To the Scholarship Fund:

Arie and Shana Hazan in honor of Sara Shatz for her kindness and in memory of Gordon Zacks