RABBI ARTHUR SCHNEIER PARK EAST DAY SCHOOL Parents and School Continued from cover wonderful bond between Park East Day School and its parents. Our Parent Association Board members continually meet and work toward our common goals. Events such as the Champagne & Sushi Social and Family Fun Day were festive and enjoyable occasions for families to come together and share more than simple, daily school routines. Special events create a school spirit, and desire to play a part in “the Park East Family.” Pathways WINTER 2014 | VOLUME 5 | 5774 Our beautiful new playground is a tribute to the outstanding work of our Parent Association, and its dedication to making this long-awaited addition to our school a reality. The gleeful faces of the children, in all grades, as they run out to recess onto the bright new space, mirror sheer delight every recess. The significance of having families that are devoted to our institution is invaluable. The presence of mothers and fathers, grandparents, extended family members, and our students, at specially planned events throughout the year, brings Park East to the forefront of city institutions- educational establishments that are so much more than simply places to learn New York State curriculum. We exemplify the essence of a large family that worships, learns, plays, and grows together. We are so very fortunate, and grateful to have the continued support of our amazing Parent Association, and look forward to all the wonderful contributions that this group affords the members of the Park East Day School I Rabbi Schneier’s Message: community all year long. Remembering What is Important A couple of weeks ago, the students of Park East Day Rabbi Arthur Schneier School were delighted to welcome The Importance of Tzedakah Park East Day School back Rabbi Arthur Schneier, after by Ivory D. Rios, Coordinator for Development Operations Parent Association his extended absence. Board They greeted him with cheers, banners, songs, and a CHARITABLE GIVING AT YEAR END: As the year draws to a close, celebratory cake. The Rabbi, whose eloquent words 2013-2014 WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW we would like to express our gratitude for always teach and inspire, spoke from his heart. He all that you have done for our school and reminded children, faculty and assembled staff that Charitable donations are an excellent way to reduce your tax burden for the Jennifer Krug Aliza Licht sometimes it takes illness to remember what matters We urge all parents, our children. Please help us to continue year, all while doing something for the greater good. Sharon Makhlin most. We should be grateful for eyes that see, ears that grandparents and alumni to consider, along with their tax advisors, ways to make educating students of promise with a CO8 PRESIDENTS hear, and that all parts of our bodies function as they a charitable donation to Park East Synagogue in the most tax advantageous way. stellar educational program that will enrich should. What an important lesson for us all- to appreciate Anna Claire Salama-Caro TIMING OF GIFT: the lives of many deserving children. Frances Zelazny-Ganz the gift of good health and the wisdom to express Hakarat ha’Tov to G-d Determining the date of delivery is important because: (1) it determines the tax Your contribution of any size is appreciated. Erin Haas who created us. year in which the gift is deductible; (2) for assets that fluctuate in value (e.g., stock), We hope we can count on your support. Estee Lieberman The Rabbi asked everyone to join him in the recitation of Modeh Ani, our it determines the value of the gift. VICE PRESIDENTS daily prayer thanking Hashem for having awoken another day Welcoming Checks - A check that you mail to a charity is considered delivered on the date Erin Rudensky Rabbi Schneier back home was a very happy occasion. The Park East family I you mail it (the postmark date). In order to take advantage of a tax deduction in Mary Shela feels incomplete without his warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. 2013 your contribution must be postmarked by Deember 31, 2013. TREASURERS Credit card - Contributions charged on your credit card are deductible in the year Debra Alvo you make the charge. RECORDING SECRETARY Parents ABOUT GIVING SECURITIES: Diana Mann CHESED COMMITTEE While cash is the most common form of charitable gifts, gifts of appreciated assets CHAIR and School such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other securities not only make a convenient gift but can provide you with significant tax benefits as well. Ilana Yunis Erin Haas an Essential Partnership Stock certificate - The gift of a stock certificate is completed on the date of CLASS MOM LIAISONS In every good educational institution, mailing or other delivery to the charity or to the charity's agent. However, if you give a stock certificate to your agent or to the issuing corporation for Debbie there must be a strong partnership between transfer to the name of the charity, your gift is not completed until the Lewittes Eigen parents and faculty. Children are nurtured in both date the stock is transferred on the books of the organization. I GRANDPARENT settings, and it is vital that each play an interactive role with the LIAISON other to the end of creating the strongest springboard from which to launch our Thank you for considering us as you make your children’s education and overall care. philanthropic decisions this year. Rabbi Arthur Schneier This is especially true in a private, religious school environment, which intrinsically fosters a warmth and closeness Park East Day School that is unique and deep. We all strive together for the same purpose- to help raise our children up as high as they POLLY GOLTCHE, Writer and Editor 164 East 68th Street may go, in every sense of the word. This autumn has once again seen a ...continued on back cover GHILA KRAJZMAN, Photographer New York , NY 10065 CANTOR BENNY ROGOSNITZKY, Director REUVEN ELSON, ATELIER INDUSTRIES, Design and Printing 212.737.7330 WWW.PARKEASTDAYSCHOOL.ORG Life as a Teacher at Park East: What’s Essential by Barbara T. Etra, Principal Staff development is an integral part of a teacher’s professional life at Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School. This year we are studying “Essential Questions”, a topic of multiple tangents and important concepts. In September, Dr. Norman Blumenthal, child psychologist and prominent speaker, addressed thorny questions that often confront the classroom teacher. Which questions do we wish to encourage, which to deflect, and how to answer questions in an age and grade appropriate manner was discussed. For example, why is someone else smarter, faster, more powerful than I am? Why is something so hard for me to learn? Why are my parents angry with me? How come mom, dad, grandma, my friend, etc… is really sick? Why do bad things happen when I’m being good? How do you know there is a G-d?... A remarkable, intense, informative session made every adult in the room think about The Essentials our words, their power to heal or harm, encourage or deflate. The teachers also began opening sessions with a study of essential questions, based on the work of Jay McTighe and Grant Wiggins and their impressive study on “Understanding by Design” and “Curriculum of Successful Parenting by Design.” Collaboratively teachers practiced creating overarching and topical essential questions, which honed by Dr. Sherry Wiener, Director of Student Services their skills on selecting what is being taught and for what purpose be it academic content, skill or strategy. As questions are a teacher’s stock and trade, it is imperative that the design of questions be thoughtful, planned, In order to drive a car one must study and pass a written exam in Although there is no written manual on “The Essentials of and directed as well as motivational and purposeful. Additional sessions were held developing the essentials of order to secure a license. Likewise, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher - as Parenthood,” let me offer some thoughts and suggestions: provide all types of questions to maximize learning and understanding for all students. all professionals, must successfully complete a course of study and unconditional love and acceptance- it is important for a child to feel pass a multitude of written examinations in order to work in their that the parents’ love is unconditional. Children, like their parents, Judaic Studies teachers have spent extensive time with Paula Weber, Judaic Studies Curriculum Coordinator, respective field. are not perfect. They each have strengths and weaknesses. debating and evaluating which portions of each chapter in the Torah portions they are teaching need to be studied in greater depth than others. The “essence” of finding what is or primary importance in terms of knowledge and enrichment for students Have patience- remember that your son/daughter does not wake up at different grade levels was emphasized as part of an on-going curriculum development and refinement. in the morning and ask him/her self, “How can I annoy my parents What about parenting? today?” Children look to their parents for guidance and their intent Additionally, a CIJE (Center for Initiative in Jewish Education) staff developer has worked with our teachers on the bells and whistles of is not to upset you, but rather to please you. Smart board interactive technology. Separate sessions were held for general and Judaic staff as language and resources differ though There is not a more important job, methodology and teaching techniques are the same. yet there are no prerequisites, no required Setting limits- this does more than help children learn right and wrong. By using positive strategies, such as natural and logical All teachers at Park East are life-long learners. We continue to study throughout the year as we identify emotional, behavioral, and academic I courses, nor are there any written exams consequences to set limits, a child feels remorse rather than revenge. essentials as we ourselves continue to grow. or formal training required prior to Setting limits promotes responsibility. Limits that one uses should always be based on the child’s developmental stage, temperament becoming a parent. And yet, a parent faces “…when I see someone smile…”- Remy Appel (3) some of the most critical challenges and abilities. The Essence “…when I go to my friend Suzanne's house…” - Blake Yellin (3) and tasks imaginable. Be a role model- children observe and imitate the actions of their parents, the tone of the voice, how they react to various situations “…when mommy gives me special time involving disappointment, loss, failure, success, etc… It’s not just of Happiness in my bed at night…”- Jonathan Shukovsky (4) One may spend years in a classroom studying the most complex data what you say, but what you do that resonates with your child; and theories; however, parents are often overwhelmed by how to by Debbie Rochlin, “…gym with Judith...” - Melanie Kramer (4) Early Childhood/Admissions Director respond to the needs of their children. Practice good communication-successful communication is “…when my mommy puts me to bed...”- Serena Yunis (4) important in all relationships. Communication includes not just I am often asked by parents, “What went wrong?” “What am I your words, but also your tone and your body language. It is It’s my pleasure being with your children every “…hugs...”- Hannah Weisberg (Kindergarten) suppose to do?” “I can’t bear watching my child cry. How can I day. There is little I enjoy more than being in important to communicate with your children by spending quality “…when my mommy tickles me…” - Sami Rose Fischman (Kindergarten) prevent my child from getting so upset?” These questions are time with them, talking, listening and making eye contact without the classroom and watching their certainly worthy of discussion, but first I think it’s important to the interruptions of our technical gadgets. At dinnertime, gadgets responsiveness to each other, their teachers and “…I can't decide I have too many...” - Leah Rosenblum (Kindergarten) examine the goals and aspirations we have for our children. whatever is being presented. As the happiness should be off and answering machines on. We can usually return a “…jumping up and down...”- Jesse Email (4) Foremost we need to provide a safe and nurturing environment phone call but we can’t go back in time and share moments that of our children is so important to all of us as where our children can grow physically, emotionally and socially. It we’ve missed with our children. parents, I decided to take a sampling from our “…walking the dog...”- Alex Kramer (4) is a parent’s responsibility to teach his/her child acceptable versus preschoolers as to what makes them happy. The message here seems clear- being happy and finding joy appears to be intrinsic to unacceptable behaviors, right from wrong, so that he/she grows up Each child is unique and has individual strengths and weaknesses, Some of their responses: to be a responsible individual who contributes to the betterment of but essentials for all children include love, structure and consistency. our children. It happens naturally, and it happens in the simplest ways. Be it a hug, our society. I “What makes you happy?” an activity shared, witnessing delight in another’s face, taking a moment with a beloved pet- it looks like what is essential to happiness is feeling a bond with our world. I

2 WWW.PARKEASTDAYSCHOOL.ORG 3 Healthy Food Initiatives: Grandparents Catching the Know Best by Judy Lewittes Passion An important project of the Park East Day School Grandparents Circle (GPC) is to promote and support the School's healthful foods initiative. Recently, representatives of the GPC distributed Healthful Food Gift Bags to all Park East children. All items were in Reading donated and included a small bag of Skinny Pop Popcorn, a nutritionally sound, completely natural, non-genetically What is Essential? modified snack, a blue and white wristband inscribed with our project motto: “Park East Grandparents are Proud! Healthful Foods Make Healthy Kids!”, a nutrition card about healthful As parents, we instinctively know from the very food choices, prepared by our PA liaison Debbie Eigen, alerting start, that books need to play an important role in parents to problems and hidden dangers with popular treats, and an organic apple. Future programs of the GPC include a our children’s lives. And so, when the time for January "Learn At Lunch" series with a guest speaker and a box reading acquisition comes, research shows, lunch, and sponsorship of a Maccabeat concert on Sunday, somewhere between the ages of roughly three, for February 2, 2014.The Grandparents Circle is open to all Park the very precocious, and perhaps six or seven for East grandparents, parents and friends. Our aim is to support our grandchildren through projects and activities linked to others, we parents become concerned with “getting School programs. I it right”- making certain that we are giving our young children all that they need to become readers.

So what is essential? Certainly, children need to have exposure to print in all forms; the most successful readers generally come from literacy-rich homes that are filled with magazines, books, newspapers, and journals of all sorts. They are children who are engaged in vivid language with adults every day. Our best readers are those who have been taken to libraries, museums, and a plethora of special kids’ activities, and they are those who have spent countless hours on the laps of people who have read endless bedtime stories to them in the earliest years. And they are those whose own bookshelves are filled with collections of children’s literature that beckon and intrigue. But what is absolutely essential? Given all the ingredients, what is it that children simply must have in order to become true readers, who gravitate toward books, and delight in finding yet another perfect read? The answer to this is very likely that they need to witness our What’s Essential?The Recipe for Being a Mensch respect and passion for the written word. What we must do is verbalize this joy from the very start. Not forgetting that ability and affinity With equal amounts of kindness and compassion, for literacy are also hardwired, we must acknowledge the impact of our 1 cup of Kindness own behavior toward reading. Our children need to witness us with thoroughly mix in empathy. With an awareness of But what is absolutely essential? print in our hands. They must hear us talking about the newest novel 1 cup of Compassion another’s plight, reach deep inside and add the mensch. or publication, or non-fiction book that we found, and they must hear ½ cup of Empathy integrity that is so essential in creating a Very likely that they need from us that reading is a joy. We may go through all the motions of Blend in a good portion of respect, mindfulness, and making books available, and reading them, but what we as educators ¾ cup of Integrity the yeast necessary to have patience to watch the to witness our respect and and parents must do is to express to our children how very much 3 Tablespoons of Respect rewards of being a good person. Add perseverance, passion for the written word. enjoyment there is in reading, and how much we ourselves are 2 ½ Tablespoons of Mindfulness for the lifelong path of being a mensch requires enchanted by the act. 2 teaspoons of Perseverance awareness, and vigilance with one’s own behavior. Keep blending; the profound joy of being a mensch As all the recognized components are in place, the books shelved in little bedrooms and the teachers reading and introducing new letters 1 teaspoon of yeast and sounds, sending home book bags of “just-right” leveled readers, what we must all remember is to remind our children of just how will bring a sense of rightfulness and peace to one’s I much pleasure there is in being able to read the written word, and to travel to new places, while never leaving our homes or classrooms. life, and is a blessing. They need to catch the passion, and they will catch the literacy habit. This is essential, and this is the excitement that our children need to share to become truly motivated, successful readers. I Spotlight on New Staff:

looking forward to a great year here at Park East Day School and her second love, writing, with students in special workshops. Our Foundation absolutely loves teaching Judaic studies! With both head and heart, Rivki seeks to empower and guide students, cherishing those relationships that extend beyond their Miriam Paskind, our new Toddler teacher, school years. With a knack for poetry, many a course review, end- of Excellence grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey where of-the-school year celebration, extra-curricular program, or Torah she attended Solomon Schechter Day thought has been put to rhyme by Rivki, making her educational School and Lakewood High School. Post style both unique and warmly embraced by her students. We at Rabbi Arthur Schneier Natalia Azatyan is delighted to join Park East Day School high school, Miriam spent a year in Israel in as a teacher for the three-year-olds. She was raised in Armenia Nativ, a college and leadership training Aliza Schmueli, our new Judaic studies Park East Day School pride and Israel, and has taught in several Jewish day schools on the program through United Synagogue Youth teacher, grew up in Israel until the age of ourselves on being part of an Upper East and West Sides of New York City. Her experience (USY). During that time, she took classes at nine, when she moved to the United includes working with diverse groups of students from Nursery Jerusalem’s Hebrew University and lived on a States. As a teen, she attended Shevach High educational institution that is through Middle School. Natalia received her Bachelor’s Degree Kibbutz in the Negev. Following her return, Miriam attended School in Queens, and returned to Israel to more than simply a place to from Hebrew University in Jerusalem; her Master's Degrees in Binghamton University, where she majored in art history, with attend Neve Yerushalayim Seminary for two learn. It is a home, a setting Early Childhood and Jewish Education were from New York a concentration in architecture, and minored in Jewish Studies. years. She earned her Master’s degree in Special University and Hebrew Union College, respectively. Natalia’s goal for herself as a Miriam most recently earned a Master’s Degree in Early Education from Damaen College, and served as a Judaic studies that nurtures and deeply cares teacher here at Park East is to create a positive learning experience for every Childhood, General and Special Education from Bank Street high school teacher for the past seven years. With a passion for for each and every student, student, while also enabling each one to grow as an independent learner. She looks College of Education. She enjoys singing and performing with athletics, Aliza is both an avid spectator as well as participant in forward to sharing her knowledge with the children, and to continue growing as her A Capella group, painting and drawing, designing and many different sports. She served as a team coach for ten years family, teacher, and an educator. making jewelry, cooking and baking. Miriam resides on at HAFTR Elementary School, and led them to the championship. administrator on staff. Manhattan’s Upper West Side, and is thrilled to join the Park Aliza lives in Queens, New York, where she spends her free time We celebrate smachot together, Deborah Bellin joins Park East as a new teacher for the East Day School staff. with her husband and three children. Aliza is delighted with her two-year-olds. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, and new placement here at Park East, and looks forward to getting to and we are there to support attended Maimonides School in Brookline, before spending a Sarah Rosenbaum-Jakubovic is a Judaic know all students and staff. each other in times of need. year abroad in Israel, at Tiferet. Deborah recently graduated Studies teaching assistant in the third and Park East is a family, and to from Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women in fourth grade classes. She graduated with a Park East is happy to welcome our new Manhattan, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Bachelor’s Degree in Jewish Education from Kindergarten Hebrew Immersion teacher, that close-knit group, we are education as well as an Associate’s Degree in Judaic Studies. Stern College for Women, and is currently Julia Shrier. Originally from Rochester, New delighted to welcome our Throughout her education at Yeshiva University, Deborah taught in many local attending Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish York and now a resident of Manhattan, Julia preschools. Although she still keeps her allegiance to the Boston Red Sox, and Education and Administration for her Master’s enjoys playing sports (specifically tennis and newest members: maintains affection for her home town of Boston, New York has begun to feel like Degree in Jewish Education. As a student, Sarah did her fieldwork soccer), and attending the theater and her second home. In her spare time, Deborah tries to take advantage of our in Morah Chava’s third grade class at Park East Day School. She concerts. She loves to sing, play piano, and amazing metropolis as much as possible. She is very excited to be part of the Park was amazed at what she saw and, learned so much from that dabble on the guitar in her spare time. Julia graduated from Stern East family, and looks forward to her time with our twos! experience, both from interacting with the students, and from College of Yeshiva University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Morah Chava. It is exciting for her to now teach together with Elementary Education, an Associate of Arts Degree in Judaic Rabbi Elyashiv Kramer, our new Judaic Studies teacher, her former mentor, and she continues to learn and hone her skills Studies, and a concentration in Women’s Studies, and she holds was raised in New York City, and is originally from Israel. every day. Sarah hopes to have a wonderful year of teaching and state certification in both Childhood and Early Childhood He attended Yeshiva University for his undergraduate studies growing together with our children. Education. Julia believes that education is about embracing in Sociology and Business and attended the school’s Rabbinical difference, and about creating a positive learning environment Seminary, receiving Rabbinical Ordination from Rabbi Zalman Rifki Ross, our new Judaic Studies Middle that fosters independence and creativity. She is so excited to see Nechemia Goldberg in Jerusalem. Rabbi Kramer was a School teacher, attended Michlalah- great results with the kindergarteners in our pilot Hebrew counselor and co-director at Camp Shachar, a travel camp in Jerusalem College for Women, Barnard Immersion Program, and to be a part of the faculty at Park East I Israel. He has served as Shabbat group leader in Kehillath Jeshurun, Assistant College and has done some graduate work Day School. Manager for KJ’s basketball and baseball leagues, as well as a Youth Director for in Jewish history. An educator for 25 years, grades K-12 at Congregation Ahavath Torah in New Jersey for four years. As well, Rivki served at the Avi Chai Foundation where he was a school psychologist intern at Clarendon School in Secaucus, New Jersey. she implemented grant initiatives advancing He and his wife have three children and live in Passaic, New Jersey. Rabbi Kramer’s adult Jewish education. Although Judaic Studies is her passion - favorite hobbies include spending time with family, playing basketball and soccer, she’s designed and taught classes on Tanach, Tefilla, Jewish and world traveling. Of course, he also loves to continue to learn Torah. He is Thought and The Role of the Jewish Woman – she has also shared