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What a difference a year makes!

SKA’s faculty and staff orientation, held on Tuesday, September 1, was unlike any other year’s. School desks surrounded by special plastic barriers and spaced out chairs filled the auditorium, while photos were plastered on shirts of mask wearers for identification. The warmth and camaraderie of the SKA administrators, teachers, and staff, however, remained the same. “I’m smiling,” was a constant refrain throughout the day.

After a stirring welcome from SKA Principals Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky and Mrs. Bluma Drebin, discussions on the theme of Orientation centered around preparing for the fall semester and the future, with special emphasis on social and emotional learning – for faculty and students alike. Connecting with our students, even with physical barriers in place, is a top priority for SKA, and much thought was given to how to reach our girls in every class.

Thanks go to Associate Principal Ms. Elana Flaumenhaft and School Social Worker Mrs. Yael Fischman for their input into this vital area. A special note of thanks goes to SKA Administrative Coordinator Mrs. Shira Englander and SKA Nurse Mrs. Joan Sherman for their endless support and assistance in making the school ready for this academic year.

We are so excited to welcome SKA students – and the largest Freshman class ever – to our building!

While Yeshiva may look a little different this year, MTA’s signature ruach, energy, and achdus are still the same! The excitement of the talmidim, rebbeim, and faculty was palpable, as they reunited in person after more than five months. The year is already off to a strong start as talmidim learned b’chavrusa in the beis midrash with Plexiglas dividers to keep everyone safe, enjoyed grade-wide socially distanced outdoor games with a special appearance by Yeshiva University President Dr. Ari Berman (’87), and participated in interactive shiurim and academic classes. Talmidim can’t wait to continue learning, growing, bonding, and making the most of their MTA experience.

A Graduation to Remember

On Wednesday evening, June 17, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County High School seniors graduated before an audience of 130 Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas filled with proud family members and faculty members. The ceremony took place in the parking lot at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn Heights.

We Need the Zechus of the Chofetz Chaim Now More than Ever

If there was ever a time that Klal Yisrael needed to unite in a massive outpouring of tefillah and achdus; if there was ever a time when tens of thousands of tinokos shel beis rabban needed to come together to invoke rachmei shomayim, that time is now!

On Thursday, June 18, IVDU Long Island’s School for Special Education celebrated the end of a unique and successful school year. From September to mid-March, IVDU students and teachers benefited from the plentiful materials and resources available in our school building. When we transitioned to remote learning, teachers and therapists continued to provide the signature individualized IVDU education on Zoom. Parents received hands-on materials, lesson plans, and activities. Teachers provided individual live sessions tailored to each student, and offered at-home activities, as well. Therapists continued to service students through live sessions and at-home activities.