Yeshiva Highlites Featuring Orientation and Big Brother-Big Sister Event
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The E-Newsletter of Weinbaum Yeshiva High School
Parshat Re'eh
Friday, August 29, 2008 Candlelighting in Boca 7:25 PM
Why I'm Stepping Down As Principal
by Rabbi Perry Tirschwell
It's been ten years. Eleven, if you count the year before YHS opened. It's time for a change.
Having started the school, I have had the privilege of doing it all- designing every aspect of the WYHS experience. You name it- curriculum, calendar, chagigot, cocurriculars- that's just the letter "c". It's been a great ride.
I wouldn't just give the Principalship away to anyone. Mrs. Kanner has been a deeply insightful voice in every major decision WYHS has ever made. She is gifted with incomparable eloquence and an unparalleled ability to see into people's souls.
Rabbi Horowitz, has taught our highest level Gemara, counseled all Boys Israel choices, led the Kiryat Bialik program, coordinated our multiple minyanim, and led our Talmud Department. As Mr. Monk says (thank G-d for Tivo), "he's definitely the guy" to take over Judaic studies.
WYHS grew five fold in its first decade. It is a much larger ship that has to have someone who's looking ahead 5, 10 and 20 years. Though I personally like both trees and forests, focusing on the trees often gets in the way of seeing the "big picture" of the forest. This is why I am becoming Head of School.
Insuring that WYHS never loses its tone of energy and excitement and tenor of inspiration and challenge. Focusing on not only our 200+ students, but our even larger body of alumni. Making sure that WYHS stays cutting edge. Getting our message out to the broader community. Planning for the future. That's what I plan to do as Head of School.
Thank you to President Dr. Sam Lasko and the Board of Trustees for giving me and WYHS this opportunity for growth.
Upcoming Events
Meet the Teacher Night
this coming Tuesday, Sept2 7:30-9:30 pm
Good & Welfare
Births
Rabbi & Mrs. Houben on the birth of a daughter Zehava Rina
Dr. & Mrs. Osgood on the birth of a girl
Mr. & Mrs. Shalit on the birth of a son Shachar Yair
Mr. & Mrs. Alcalay of the birth of a grandson
Dr. & Mrs. Sam Lasko on the birth of a granddaughter Eliana Ze'eva
Weddings
Ziyona (Rantz '06) and Elazar Wiener on their marriage
Amanda (Ruben '05) and Shua Pransky on their marriage
Mia (Sava '03) & Mitchell ('04) Slugh on their marriage
Engagements
Josh Levy ('04) on his engagement to Tali Bacaner of Memphis
Amanda Schiff ('05) on her engagement to Arie Blum of Santiago, Chile
Mr. & Mrs. Bouganim (Marcelle & her husband) on the engagement of their son
Condolences
The Pearl Family on the loss of their mother & wife Leah
Salamon Nash on the loss of his father
FRESHMAN STYLE
by Ilana Ben-Ezra ('10)
WYHS welcomed the Class of 2012 to the school with freshman orientation. There they ate, met faculty, and were introduced to the school. A lot went into making this year's orientation successful, from the intense planning to the students' participation. Each aspect of orientation affected those who participated in different ways.
"Enriching and inspirational" is how Sarah Katz ('12) of Boca Raton described Principal Mrs. Kanner's speech about how WYHS helps you become the person you want to be. She knew WYHS' reputation for ruach, and was not disappointed during freshman orientation. From the start, she felt comfortable. Her first day nerves were calmed by welcolming teachers.
"It's worth the commute from Weston," commented Adam Egri ('12). He had heard how intellectual, challenging, and yet amazing WYHS was. However, he was understandably nervous at freshman orientation. Soon though, he found himself put to ease by the helpful and warm teachers who he looks forward to meeting and getting to know -- on both an intellectual level and a personal level. He recalls how uplifting Mrs. Kanner's Dvar Torah was, as well as how warm and caring the school seemed -- even at orientation.
"Every freshman will be involved in an extracurricular," explained WYHS' new Director of Student Activities, Shira Englander. The program was designed to be exhilarating and inspiring. The freshmen told Shira that they enjoyed themselves and met new people who will turn into life long friends. Mrs. Englander's highest priority is involving every member of the Class of 2012 in the WYHS experience.
The Shoe is On the Other Foot
by Shmuel Dresner ('09)
On my first day of twelfth grade, the "Big Brother-Big Sister" program wasn't at the top of my priority list. I wanted to catch up with friends and teachers, and receive my new schedule and locker. I was looking forward to finally being a senior.
I imaginatively reverted back to freshman year and pictured myself in these same seats, feeling scared and anxious as I was preparing to embark on my high school journey. Although several of my friends from elementary school came with me to high school, there were many unfamiliar faces which only added to my fear.
Then I remembered my "big brother". He assuaged my transition to high school by befriending me and showing me around. I could always go to him with a question about classes and he was always willing to answer any questions I had, no matter how trivial.
I awoke from this daydream in time to have a snack with my very own ninth grade "little brother." Even though I was the senior and he was the freshman, I was still nervous to befriend him as my big brother had befriended me three years ago.
My little brother and I actually shared similar interests. I explained to him the Judaic and college-prep classes and about the numerous extracurricular activities offered at WYHS. As the freshmen and seniors made their way to the bowling alley for the bonding activity, we continued to discuss everything from sports to television shows.
When I compare my two big brother-little brother experiences, I see both similarities and many positive changes in the school. The freshmen and senior classes have grown from three years ago as our numbers now reach over two hundred students and the required bowling lanes almost doubled accordingly.
I only hope that my little brother's experience is filled with more exciting activities and programs as well as increased academic opportunities as WYHS continues to grow. With such opportunities available, I only hope that everyone, freshmen and seniors alike, take advantage of what is offered.
Click on the Picture for a Great Video!
Dear Diary
by LeeLee Borzak ('10)
9:58 am- As my alarm rings -- the piercing, shrilling ring which I certainly have not missed over the summer -- I reminisce about how quickly the summer flew by. I do not hesitate to press "snooze."
10:29 am- Once I am finally out of bed, groggy but somehow awake after staying up till four in the morning doing my summer homework, I get ready for the day ahead: get dressed, get my books together, and complete more AP summer homework questions before carpool.
11:48 am- Memories of the summer flood into my mind and I am still in disbelief that it is time for school.
12:00 pm- Driving into school for orientation, it finally sinks in that I am back at WYHS for another school year.
12:02 pm- Suddenly, I see my friends for the first time in two and a half months. As we hug and talk about our summers, I notice that smiles and waves are surrounding me: students, regardless of what grade they are in, are all greeting each other. Teachers are chatting with the students as well and I can tell they are excited to be back.
12:30 pm- We, over two hundred students, sit down and are privileged to watch the hilarious MTV Cribs-inspired orientation video, which features Student Council presidents Doron David ('09) and Holly Hampton ('09) giving us a tour of WYHS -- as if it was actually their home.
12:40 pm- As the administration welcomes us back, Mrs. Kanner, principal of WYHS, speaks to us about the concept of reuniting; although the end of school in June may be a reason to celebrate, the real happiness comes when we unite, as we do on the first day of school.
12:51 pm- I look around the room and see many friends and unfamiliar faces. I see teachers and principals and realize how much I have missed their guidance, intelligence, inspiration, sense of humor, and kindness over the summer. I know that in twenty minutes I will have to get my picture taken for the yearbook and somehow manage to carry my five textbooks, two workbooks, Navi, and Chumash upstairs to my locker. Still, I finally feel happy to be back, to experience another year of learning, laughing, dancing, growing, celebrating, and achieving. I am back at WYHS and I am home.
WYHS- A SURVIVAL GUIDE
by Chana Brauser ('10)
Feeling overwhelmed by the first week of school? Need some guidance? Here are some WYHS survival tips:
1. Get Involved! Remember those committee sign up sheets at orientation? Sign up for a ton of them. You'll meet new people you wouldn't have met otherwise.
2. Become Friends with Terry. He's got access to food, and by the time we're davening Maariv on Wednesdays, you'll need it.
3. Teachers Love Caffeine. Use it to your advantage and pick them up a latte next time you have double lunch.
4.Be Smart About Color War. Know when breakout will be (very easy to do). Wear your fastest shoes that day. Be prepared to claw and scramble for a tee shirt in your size.
5. Dance. So you think you can dance? There are chagigas galore to show off on the dance floor.
6. Study at Breakfast. Especially for bkius quizzes. Just don't spill milk on your Chumash or Navi.
7. Use Your Planner. Your planner is essential for academic success. Plus, it's full of fun facts and inspiring messages. Don't lose it- wear it on a necklace!
8. Get the Barrons Book. Or Princeton Review. It's crucial if you're taking an AP course.
9. Sleep once in a while, if you can. As helpful as it may seem at the time to stay up all night, falling asleep the next day in class would be rather detrimental.
10. Keep your notes neat & organized. It will help you when you're studying for midterms & finals. If not, you'll have to copy a friend's notes. Just don't do it all the time.
11. Use every resource the school offers to your advantage. Guidance counselors, computers, printers, library, etc. -- anything that will help you succeed.
12. Don't Freak Out when you get stressed. Just start working, and take small breaks. You'll get more done and will be able to relax after each assignment.
13. Breathe. It's somewhat important.
14. Have fun! Take advantage of what WYHS has to offer: sports, drama, Model UN, yearbook, and a plethora of committees. High school is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
"Evolution not revolution..."
--Claudia Cohen commenting on the new Highlites design
