JWV Auxiliary makes an impact around the community

“These girls are at it again,” reports Publicity Chairman, Diane Benjamin, “as the ladies of the Post #256 Jewish War Veterans Auxiliary (JWVA) continue their many acts of loving kindness that just doesn’t quit!”
The recent “Hot Dog Social” held at the Richardson Senior Center brought together the JWVA and the JWV for a delightful afternoon of song, food and camaraderie as JWV Harlan Holiner entertained to the delight of all!
The JWVA is actively involved in fundraising, such as the semi-annual Poppy Drives which allows them to give to the VA hospital and other medical facilities, its ongoing gifts to veterans in need. The JWVA’s volunteers help with the annual homeless veterans’ Thanksgiving dinner at the VA hospital. They sponsor and conduct the bingo games at the VA hospital, secure and deliver gently used clothing for the much needed VA hospital’s Clothes Closet, supply musical instruments for the VA’s band and more.
A recent visit to the Scottish Rite Hospital and Children’s Medical Center allowed these gracious ladies the opportunity to bring bushels of teddy bears to the many grateful children at these lifesaving facilities, as a part of their Child Welfare program.
Mickey Warsaw helped to gather her exuberant teddy bear bearers: President Luann Bergman, Fran Bergman, Jo Reingold, Marcy Kramer-Kahn, Roz Polakoff, Deanna Kasten, Sandy Kuntz and Ellen Feibel.
Past president of the JWVA, Dottie Garment, continues her valuable volunteer work as she helps to gather handmade lap blankets donated by JWVA members for distribution at the VA hospital.
For more information on how you can be a part of this vibrant team of strong USA patriots, please contact LuAnn Bergman at 214-320-3712.

Levine Academy students qualify for Duke Talent Identification Program

Mazel tov to 15 Ann and Nate Levine Academy seventh graders who have qualified to participate in the 2011-12 Duke Talent Identification Program (TIP).
The students are Sophie Bernstein, Zev Burstein, Marlee Fleisher, Mira Fradkin, Jake Hoffman, Stasia Itkin, Jenna Katz, Liat Levkovich, Jonathan Nurko, Isabella Pailet, Noah Rubinstein, Josh Rudner, Zach Rudner, Ben Schachter and Adam Subel.
In addition to being currently enrolled in the seventh grade, a student must have scored in the 95th percentile or higher on an accepted sub test or total battery/composite of a grade-level standardized achievement test to qualify.
The Duke TIP helps educators and families determine how advanced their students’ abilities truly are and what level of educational challenge is appropriate. Eligible seventh graders are invited to take either the ACT or SAT college entrance exams, which furthers insight into their abilities and also provides them with valuable benefits and resources.
Fifty-eight percent of Levine Academy’s seventh grade class qualified for the Duke TIP this year.

Akiba Academy’s Fall Open House on Oct. 5

Akiba Academy of Dallas will host its annual Fall Open House on Wed. Oct. 5 at the school, located at 12324 Merit Drive, Dallas, TX 75251. The program will begin promptly at 7:30 p.m.
All potential students, their parents and other community members are cordially invited to attend. The Open House will feature campus tours and teacher presentations where visitors can learn more about the Akiba experience.
In addition, faculty, staff and current students will be on hand to answer questions about day-to-day life as a student at Akiba Academy.
Akiba is a Modern Orthodox school for children pre-kindergarten through eighth grade that offers a stellar dual-curriculum program, with exceptional general and Judaic studies for motivated students that wish to excel. Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Akiba develops ethical and responsible members of the Jewish people and American society, knowledgeable about and committed to their Jewish heritage and the state of Israel.
The school also provides opportunities for students to develop their intellectual, artistic and physical abilities with music programs, fine arts, drama, languages, sports and much more offered through discovery and other enrichment programs.
“Akiba Academy of Dallas is an exceptional school where students can learn and grow,” said Akiba’s Head of School, Rabbi Zev Silver. “We are thrilled to be able to open up our doors and showcase to parents and students the entire Akiba experience.”
For additional information about Akiba Academy or to RSVP to the Open House, contact the Admissions Department at 214-295-3419 or at admissions@akibaacademy.org.

Torah Day School preschoolers learn how sweet it is

The students of Torah Day School invited some “sweet” guests into their school last Thursday.
The Collin County Beekeeper Association’s 2011-2012 Honey Princess, Shannon Rylee, came with her collection of bees for a pre Rosh Hashanah program.
Preschool classes through fourth grade were fascinated with the presentation.
“I learned so many new things” said first grader Yaakov Adlerstein. “I knew bees made honey, but I didn’t realize that the girl bees did all of the work.”
Ela Levy also in first grade was excited to learn that bees also make candles.
The Collin County Beekeeper Association is a group of volunteers that train children as young as twelve years old how to keep bees.
“This was a great way to bridge science and discovery with something that is so symbolic for Rosh Hashanah,” said Suri Cohen, Pre – K teacher. “We are always looking for opportunities to tie science, into our units and the bee presentation is always fascinating.”

Kever Avot at United Jewish Cemetery this Sunday

Rabbi Howard Wolk, JFS community chaplain and Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen of Congregation Nishmat Am will lead memorial services (Kever Avot) at United Jewish Cemetery at Restland at 9:15 a.m. this Sunday, Sept. 25. Families and friends with loved ones at the Mount Zion, Mount Sinai or Nishmat Am Gardens are encouraged to attend.