PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER VOL 2_2012 7/9/12 1:26 PM Page 1

RABBI ARTHUR SCHNEIER PARK EAST DAY SCHOOL We Did it Again: This Year’s Awards Some Important Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School is thrilled to congratulate our students Dates to Remember on this year’s achievements in math, science and technology. Our young scholars September 6 Grades 1-8 were recognized with the following awards: First Session New York Mathematics League September 7 K, Nursery 4, Older 3s 6th Grade Ranked #1 in the New York City Region First Session Derek Korff-Korn, Aaron Samekhov, and Sara Serfaty, Ranked #3 Pathways September 10 Nursery 2, Trans. 3s SUMMER 2012 | VOLUME 2 | 5772 7th Grade Ranked #3 in the New York City Region First Session Ephraim Kozodoy-Ranked #1 in New York State September 17 & 18 Rosh Hashanah Michael Weisberg-Ranked #4 in the New York City Region School Closed 8th Grade Ranked #1 in the New York City Region September 25 & 26 Yom Kippur Noam Kaplan and Mindy Kristt- Ranked #1 in New York City Region School Closed American Math Competition 2011-2012 October 1 & 2 Succot Top 1% Noam Kaplan School Closed Top 5% Aviel Kaplan, Ephraim Kozodoy, Mindy Kristt, Coby Rem, Aidan Smolar, and October 8 Shemini Atzeret Michael Weisberg School Closed Ups and Down… CIJE (Center for Initiative in Jewish Education)-Virtual Math Competition October 9 Simchat Torah 7th Grade Ranked #1 8th Grade Ranked #3 School Closed No Longer Unpredictable November 22 & 23 Thanksgiving STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math)-Interschool Competition School Closed It is with great joy that we report that Park East Day School has Park East Day School Ranked #1. gone to contract to replace our two elevators. We anticipate work to begin Dec. 21- Winter Recess immediately with machinery and elevator cab finishes being ordered as soon as possible. We congratulate Galina Spektor, Math, Jim DeCarle, Science, and Yaffa Nishli, Jan. 1, 2013 School Closed e process of vetting contractors was greatly streamlined with the help of synagogue Technology, as well as our students, on their outstanding achievements! I January 2, 2013 School Re-Opens leadership and congregants who encouraged their contractors to submit the most com- petitive bids possible. Our consultant on this matter, Vertical Systems Analysis has been of great assistance in final negotiations and we are confident that we will have new, up to date elevator systems in the quickest possible time. Congratulations to our Graduates! Periodic updates will be issued as this project progresses through the NYC permit process, Parent Association Board shut down and installation of the first new elevator and then the shut down and installation On the list of destinations for our graduates, we are proud to include the following institu- of the second elevator. We are committed to having one elevator working at all times to serve It comes as no surprise, when, tions: Abraham Joshua Heschel High School, Ramaz, SAR, Bronx High School of Science, 2012 your needs and the needs of our students. Of course, be in touch if you have any questions in once again, our amazing 8th grade Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Stuyvesant High School, Jamaica Gateway to The Sciences, the meantime. Best wishes for a joyful summer. I Queens Metropolitan High School, Ezra, and North Shore Hebrew Academy. Joelle Soleymani graduates achieved no less than BOARD CHAIR excellence, as they were accepted in We are so very proud of all of our graduates. It is our deepest wish that all that they have learned here at Park East enhance all facets of their lives. We pray that they take with them Danielle Gross Rebecca Zwillinger an array of distinguished high not just the academics, but also what they have absorbed in terms of making wise choices CO- PRESIDENTS Park East’s schools in our New York City area. in life, and being aware of their role as true menschen, young Jewish leaders, setting exam- I Aliza Licht Joyce Meshel Early Childhood ples of fine, moral character in whatever paths they may choose. Mazel Tov! Michelle Breskin Snejana Wizman Fun Summer Program VICE PRESIDENTS in the Sun Hadas Segal Mary Shela still has some room TREASuRERS for 2 to 4-year-olds, Park East’s Early Childhood Summer Program, Erin Haas which began on Monday June 18th, still has call for details. CORRESPONDING SECRETARY some room for 2 to 4-year-olds. is delightful Jodi Rodman summer experience features swimming, play- RECORDING SECRETARY ground, gym, arts and crafts, baking, music, soccer, and dance for all. Our 3s also have additional time Eileen Prensky in art and computer classes, and highlights for our CHESED COMMITTEE CHAIR 4s include chess at Park East, and Take Me to the Water and Gotham Tennis at the Millenium Health Aliza Licht and Racquet Club. Sharon Makhlin CLASS MOM LIAISONS Remember that you can still register, as the program continues through Friday, August 3, 2012. Enrollment will be pro-rated, and your children can join us for a week, a couple of weeks, or any portion of time that suits your summer schedule.

Rabbi Arthur Schneier Spots are limited, so if you are interested in signing up, Park East Day School please call Debbie at 212-737-7330 extension 1409 as soon POLLY GOLTCHE, EDITOR I HEIDI GREEN, PHOTOGRAPHER 164 East 68th Street as possible. REuVEN ELSON, DESIGN AND PRINTING New York , NY 10065 212.737.7330 WWW.PARKEASTDAYSCHOOL.ORG PATHWAYS NEWSLETTER VOL 2_2012 7/9/12 1:26 PM Page 2

A Celebration We Celebrate An Evening to Remember of the Elegance and sophistication… a glittering evening of tribute and a stylish blend of old and new-world charm… these are all words that describe Israel! the recent black-tie Park East 122nd At Rabbi Arthur Schneier Anniversary Scholarship Dinner Dance ArtsThe 2012 Park East Celebration of the Park East Day School, held at the Pierre Hotel here in Arts, held on May 24th, was a visually learning is connected to the New York on June 6th. spectacular evening filled with our chain of Jewish heritage This year’s sold-out event, which acknowledged four honorees, Martin students of Park East, and the profound children’s magnificent artwork, and their Foont, Guest of Honor, Yocheved Mitchell, Parent of the Year, Aliza significance of a scholarship dinner. outstanding production of the play, 1776. and culture. Licht, Community Leader, and Debbie Rochlin, Educator of the Year, One could feel was a high-style celebration of the dedication and service of these High-spirits filled the air of this polished the grace and The main lobby of our synagogue and school was filled with chil- This year’s Celebrate Israel Parade, held on June 3rd, brought acco- individuals to Park East Synagogue and Rabbi Arthur Schneier event, and music included selections dren’s individual artwork displayed on folding screens. As one me- lades to Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School, as we were Park East Day School. from many genres, including popular refinement andered through the exhibition, a beautifully presented acrylic voted “Number One School” by the judging committee of this annual tunes, Israeli melodies, a lively choir showcase awaited, that was home to dozens of the students’ mezu- event. Traditionally celebrated annually on the first Sunday in the One could feel the grace and refinement in the air, as the evening presentation by our students, and an in the air... zot. These represented the work of each child, Grades 1 through 8, month of June, the parade was began with a receiving line that led to a full smorgasbord and cocktail aria sung by Chazzan Helfgot, from the and varied from the simple, colorful work of our youngest students, sponsored by Jewish community hour. The theme of the night was, appropriately, “The Children of opera Turandot. Awards and speeches were delivered, all with a heart- to the more elaborate clay pieces that were truly worthy of a gallery groups and schools from across showcase. They varied in theme, some representing animals, some Park East”. Whimsical, three-dimensional sculptures created by our felt sense of pride and acknowledgement of all honorees. There was the United States and Israel. nature, flowers, and scenes from Jewish history, architecture, and students decorated the tables, and an art display of their mezuzot and tremendous participation by attendees, and a joyful sense of festivity original design. All were functional mezuzot boxes, that opened, for Represented with floats, banners, a montage of our children and their awards entertained during dinner. and good nature, as people of all ages joined together in dance and the placement of the parchment Shema inside, and each work was and a plethora of smiling faces of Chocolate truffles accompanied a book written by our graduating celebration. Guests departed this special event with an appreciation carefully labeled with the artist’s name. all ages, cheering crowds greeted class, entitled Moments that Matter, were presented to all in atten- of the very essence of a scholarship dinner, and a deep sense of be- Park East Day School’s students. dance in small gift bags at the evening’s end. Our children were the longing to the Park East Synagogue and the Rabbi Arthur Schneier Our winning status affords the focal point, and the event exuded a warmth and recognition of the Park East Day School. I Day School free registration for the 2013 Celebrate Israel Parade.

The judging committee based its choice of winner on colorful props, marching formations, and a stylish, well-coordinated, visual impres- sion. Congratulations to Paula Weber, Parade Coordinator, Marilyn Davidson, Art teacher, Atara Serle, Dance teacher, and all of our chil- dren, faculty, and parents, who helped make us number one. Perhaps the most I striking visual element of our Arts Cel- ebration, was the expansive wall mural aptly entitled, “The Rain Forest”, which bedecked the far wall of Park East’s lobby. Art teacher, Marilyn Davidson, who was singly responsible for the teaching, or- ganization, archiving, and impressive exhibition of all work, had each and every student take a hand in the painting of this scene, which included trees, plants, animals, and every vivid color imaginable. The effect was nothing less than an astonishing display of young talent and artistic ability.

Following the collation, yet another delightful treat awaited all who attended - the presentation of the play, 1776, by students of all ages at Park East, produced and directed by our Drama/Language Arts teacher, Barry Weiner. All who enjoyed this historical production that depicted a unique period in our country’s struggle toward in- dependence witnessed charming humor, and true vocal and dra- matic talents. Colorful scenery and authentic costumes made the play come to life, and the presentation was a fabulous culmination of an evening truly dedicated to the arts and to our children’s un- ending talents. I

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