Levine Academy teacher honored with the Waldman Teacher Excellence Award
For 17 years, Levine Academy Math Teacher Susie McEwen has stayed in the background. Not one to call attention to herself, even though she is one of the most qualified and respected teachers at Levine Academy – as well one of the students’ favorites – she was pushed into the limelight on May 18 as she was presented with the Waldman Teacher Excellence Award. “Susie McEwen is the essence of what a professional teacher should be. Her solid teaching skills are beyond compare; this is an individual who thinks ahead, sees the details as well as the big picture, and puts on her thinking cap to find solutions,” stated Levine Academy K-8 Principal Dr. Susie Wolbe. “She is constantly trying to better the school for the students, teachers, and parents. What a huge contributor to our community!”
This award, established by the late Sadie and William Waldman in 1988, honors teachers who exhibit a commitment to the school, a passion for education, and a love of children. It has become the most coveted and prestigious award bestowed upon a teacher at Levine Academy. The award was presented by Mrs. Andrea Weinstein, daughter of William and Sadie Waldman, and her grandchildren Levine Academy students Sam Weinstein ‘14, Sofia Weinstein ‘16, and Max Weinstein ‘15. Mrs. Weinstein’s granddaughter and Levine Academy alumna Elizabeth Weinstein also attended the ceremony.
Born in Amarillo, Texas, Susie moved to Dallas after graduating from Texas Tech with a degree in secondary education in mathematics and journalism. She first took the public school route, in Duncanville and Richardson, teaching everything from science and health to yearbook and newspaper. After a nine year retirement to raise her children, she resumed her teaching at Akiba Academy and Yavneh Academy for a year and then, fortunately, at Levine Academy ever since. “I love teaching at Levine Academy,” stated McEwen. “I love the small classes, the students, and the people I work with. We really are like a family. We all take care of each other.” When asked why she chose to teach at a Jewish day school, McEwen took a few moments to reflect on that question and then stated that sometimes you don’t know why, but your heart and your gut tells you this is where you need to be. She added, “Few people know this, but years and years ago my grandmother became very ill with tuberculosis. Not having very much money and very few resources where she lived, she went to Denver where she was treated for free at the Jewish Charity Hospital. Years later, I found letters she had written about how fantastic the doctors and staff were to her and her great appreciation for the care and respect she received. It almost seems meant to be that I ended up at a Jewish day school. The Jewish community embraced her in her time of need and now I, too, am embraced by this wonderful community.”
BBYO Intake Pool Party this Saturday
Dallas BBYO will host its annual Intake Luau Pool Party from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 5th. Incoming ninth graders are invited to the Aaron Family JCC outside pool, 7900 Northaven Road. The event is free and will be held rain oe shine. Everyone should bring a towel.
To register for BBYO visit www.B-Linked.org. For more information, contact Tracy Davis at the BBYO Office 214-363-4654 or tdavis@bbyo.org.
The Legacy at Willow Bend welcomes Author Lawrence Fischman
The Legacy at Willow Bend recently welcomed author Lawrence Fischman as the first of a three-part speaker series hosted by the senior living community. Bob Weinfeld, a member of The Legacy at Willow Bend and chairman of the book club, introduced the Dallas trial and appellate lawyer-turned-author to the members of The Legacy.
Fischman read from the prologue and chapter one of his book entitled “The French Artillery Office,” which is a fictional work involving Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Watson during the late 19th century “Dreyfus Affaire” in France. The lecture was followed by members’ questions, and a copy of “The French Artillery Office” was added to The Legacy at Willow Bend library.
“The members enjoyed hearing about Lawrence’s recent book,” said Weinfeld. “Many have been fans of Sherlock Holmes stories since childhood, and the interesting combination of fiction with actual events in France make for a compelling story.”
The Legacy at Willow Bend, Plano’s first and only life care retirement community, is situated on a 28-acre site at Spring Creek Parkway between Preston Road and Ohio Drive. The Legacy at Willow Bend offers resort-style services and amenities for active, independent seniors, as well as all levels of health care services on-site. The community features 103 independent living apartment homes, 12 custom independent living villas, 40 assisted living apartment homes, 18 memory support suites, and 60 private skilled healthcare suites.
The Legacy at Willow Bend is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit retirement community owned by parent company, The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc. The Legacy at Willow Bend, the only Jewish-sponsored life care retirement community in Texas, is open to people of all faiths. For information, call (972) 468-6208, or visit www.thelegacyWB.org.
News and Notes
Casie Squires the grandaughter of Bob and Idella Partegas had a rare opertunity to meet Shimon Peres while in Tel Aviv. She went to Israel on assignment for the David Project.
Casie, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, is originally from Houston, and now lives in New York City where she works for the David Project.
Mazel tov to Jonathan Nathan who recently graduated from Texas Tech Medical School. He is the son of proud parents Bassim and Karen Nathan, brother of Daniel and Todd, grandson of Nadjia Nathan and Herb and Shirley Kresh.
Jonathan received his bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from SMU, his master’s degree in Hospital/Business Administration from Texas Tech, and his most recent accomplishment, an M.D. from Texas Tech Medical School. He will be doing his residency at UT Southwestern in Dallas.
