Schools

The Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ) Parent-Child Learning Program kicked off this year with S’lichos on Motza’ei Shabbos, September 17. Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Rabbi of the Young Israel of Queens Valley, spoke to YCQ parents, students, rebbeim, and staff about regret and how we can turn regret into something positive by doing t’shuvah, forgiving ourselves, and moving forward.

On Wednesday, August 31, just a few days before the kickoff of the official school year, the incoming seventh grade students were invited to a special meet-and-greet orientation. There were two parts to the program. In one part, the students participated in an “icebreaker” activity with Rabbi Dworetsky, Mrs. Morey, and Mrs. Steiner. The activity focused on some “get to know you” silly questions to help the students feel more comfortable in the building and become acquainted with the social work support staff who will help each student adjust to middle school life. The other part consisted of Rabbi Hecht going over a typical day in HANC Middle School. He included the procedures that the students would need to follow in order to make the school run efficiently and to allow for the best possible experience. The orientation concluded with the students having pizza and socializing with their friends. There was a sense of excitement in the air about beginning a new chapter in their education.

On Monday, September 12, the entire school had the privilege of hearing from Deputy Chief James McNally, who served with the FDNY during 9/11. Mrs. Amy Katz opened the program with a moving slideshow about the quickly unfolding events of the morning of 9/11, when the world changed in the span of only 149 minutes.

After enjoying entertaining picnic orientations, reuniting with fellow classmates and teachers, and for many, entering high school for the first time, students of the Stella K. Abraham High School had a fulfilling first day of school on Wednesday, September 7. The hallways were filled once again with the hustle and bustle of the school day, but there was something different about SKA’s interior. In addition to newly painted classrooms and hallways, attractive tables, umbrellas and chairs were now available for SKA students to enjoy their lunch in the newly renovated outdoor spaces. SKA’s Student Council also sponsored a refreshing break with Rita’s Ices, as the girls relished the good weather in the lovely grounds of the school. Erev Shabbos, Friday, September 8, was celebrated with hot delicious kugel and spirited dancing lichvod Shabbos.

There’s nothing quite like the first day of school. At YSZ High School for Girls’ Student Orientation on Tuesday, September 6, the excitement in the air was palpable to students and faculty alike. Mrs. Zerykier, along with the faculty, created a warm, encouraging and inspiring environment.

Alongside Hadar Bet Yaakov’s multi-faceted approach, focused on student personalization of Judaism and academic rigor, is another equally all-important focus: student relationships and school achdut. “Although academics is important, we also stress that social-emotional piece that turns a school into a warm place everyone’s excited to come to each day,” noted Mrs. Rambod, Kodesh Principal.