"Among those who stand; do not sit. Among those who sit; do not stand. Among those who laugh; do not weep. Among those who weep; do not laugh."
Jewish Proverb
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Weekly Updates
Weekly Update February 19, 2012
Dear Friends,
For your convenience, the Jewish High School of Connecticut would like to provide you with a collection of upcoming colleges admissions events throughout Connecticut. Because details may change, we suggest you call ahead to verify the details of any event you wish to attend.
Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D.
Head of School
The Jewish High School of Connecticut is now accepting applications for admissions. To apply for one of our merit scholarships, or for more information, please call 203-275-8448 or email
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Every Tuesday in February and March, from 4:00-6:00pm
Holly Franquet from The College Place will be available to help answer your college questions with an emphasis on the FAFSA process. No appointment necessary. This program is free and open to all junior high, high school students and their parents.
Bridgeport Public Library (in the Teen Café)
925 Broad Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
February 25, 2012 at 12 PM
Craig Lanzoni, President of Linear Learning Co., will present "The 18 Things You Need to Know to Kick Butt on the SAT Math". This four-hour intensive seminar will cover the 18 critical things that, when mastered and applied, will assure success on the SAT Math. Whether you're preparing for the SAT for the first time, or you're working to improve your score, this seminar will help immensely. For more information, please contact Margaret Walsh at (203) 622-7915.
Greenwich Library (in the Meeting Room)
101 West Putnam Avenue
Greenwich, CT 06830
February 28, 2012 at 7:00 PM
“The Admission Game”
Do you ever wonder who "gets in" and "why?" "The Admission Game®" (TAG) takes you inside the admission process for the answers. TAG is a high energy, high impact, interactive, case study exercise for students and parents in which the audience is transformed into an admission committee. In a manner that is more theatre than lecture, Peter engages audiences immediately in a "conversation" by talking with them in relevant terms that help ease the stress of an otherwise frenzied process. This signature program reveals the "hidden agendas" of colleges and provides insight into how decisions are made. Students learn to find the colleges that fit them best and to make decisions that help them compete for admission.
Kingswood Oxford School
West Hartford, CT 06119
March 6, 2012 at 7:30 PM
College Ahead!
An evening program for parents and teens featuring Deans of Admission from University of Miami, Vassar College and Carnegie Mellon University. All of the topics relating to college preparation and the admissions process are stressed in generic terms during the guest panel presentations. For more information or to RSVP, contact Claire Friedlander (JHSC College Admissions Counselor) at 203-921-4161 or
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JCC Stamford
1035 Newfield Avenue
Stamford, CT 06880
March 7, 2012 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Parenting for College Success: Myth vs. Reality
To help families de-mystify the college process, college consultant Dr. Gay Pepper will expose the common myths about admissions by explaining the realities of the decision-making process and will also offer advice on parenting during this difficult time.
Westport Library (McManus Room)
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT 06880
Please note that this event takes place on Purim evening. Congregation Beit Chaverim, located very close to the Westport Library, has graciously offered to host a special Megillah reading immediately prior to this event. If you are interested in attending Beit Chaverim's Megilla reading which will begin at 6:15pm, please email
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.
April 2, 2012 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Admissions rates of 6%? Kids applying to 32 colleges? Sixteen-year-olds with more impressive resumes than Fortune 500 CEOs? Has the nation lost its mind? Why yes, it has! Author J.D. Rothman is here to shine a light on the insanity with laugh-out-loud wit and incisive anthropological observations as she speaks about her book The Neurotic Parent's Guide to College Admissions: Strategies for Helicoptering, Hot-housing & Micromanaging. Woven in between these and many more hilarious bits of advice and cultural insights are the best of the Neurotic Parent's blog posts, which detail the anxiety-ridden quest for college homes for his/her children.
Westport Library (McManus Room)
20 Jesup Road
Westport, CT 06880]
April 3-4, 2012
Hartford National College Fair
National College Fairs allow students to interact with admission representatives from a wide range of postsecondary institutions to discuss course offerings, admission and financial aid requirements, college life in general, and other information pertinent to the college selection process.
Connecticut Convention Center
Exhibit Hall B
100 Columbus Boulevard
Hartford, CT 06103
Fair Hours:
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Weekly Update February 17, 2012
Dear Parents,
I am frequently asked for advice about the college admissions process when I speak to prospective parents and students. There are many free resources available to receive guidance on college admissions. I am therefore about to email a compilation of events throughout Connecticut pertaining to the college admissions process--everyone on our general mailing list will receive it.
I’d like to share a special message regarding college admissions to JHSC parents.
The New York Times published an article on the pressures placed on student to become “Super People” in preparation for the college admissions process: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/02/opinion/sunday/meet-the-new-super-people.html?pagewanted=all. And in the movie Race to Nowhere a high school student said, "The worst thing a parent can ask a high school student is, 'And . . .? And what else are you doing . . .?'"
The point of this New York Times article and of this quote from Race to Nowhere is the danger of placing too much pressure on our children to achieve at all costs, and to always be resume-building in order to get into a great college. As one high school girl says in that movie, talking about the incredible pressure to perform and succeed, "How are you expected to learn and do well if you can't make mistakes?"
While it’s tremendously important that JHSC students stay focused on getting into a good college, it’s important to reflect on how we send them that message. I am proud to partner with you in preparing your children not only for college, but for life. We are a laboratory for learning and growth, for going on a meaningful spiritual journey, for becoming mentsches, and for becoming leaders. Rather than a race to nowhere, our students are preparing for a journey of a lifetime—an education for life!
Have a meaningful President’s Day, and I will look forward to seeing the students on Tuesday when we return from break.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D.
Head of School
Shabbaton Reflections
Dear Parents,
Just before we ended Shabbat together with a spirited Havdalah service, I asked the students what their favorite part of the JHSC Shabbaton was. It was pretty unanimous—everyone mentioned the incredible feeling of friendship and community. The students in particular mentioned that they loved staying up late into the night (really, into the early morning!) talking and sharing with each other—it really was special to see the bonding that happened.
Now, to back up to the beginning. To start the Shabbaton, we had a Kabbalat Shabbat service with lots of singing and dancing (it was great to see the boys trying to do the Horah!) After a yummy Shabbat evening meal, we talked about how we were going to do a pluralistic Shabbat. The students themselves decided that in communal spaces we would observe Shabbat traditionally (for example, by not turning on and off the lights) so that everyone would feel comfortable regardless of denomination.
After dinner, the students played all kinds of games—the most popular one was Apples to Apples. Later that evening, we had a “virtual campfire” where we all got together and sang songs, and then we had an ice cream sundae party! The students then went into one of the rooms and stayed up late talking and talking and talking—that unscripted moment was one of the highlights of the Shabbaton.
On Shabbat morning, after breakfast, we had Tefilla (which we did as usual where some students went to traditional davening at a local synagogue and others had a more discussion-oriented Tefilla). Then after Kiddush and lunch, the students had free time in the afternoon to just hang out. Some of us played basketball in the gym, some played a big game of monopoly, some napped, some learned Torah, some did gymnastics, and some just hung out and talked. It was really good Oneg Shabbat time.
After our final meal (Seudah Shlishit) and then Havdalah, we packed our bags and headed out for our Motzei Shabbat activity—bowling! The students had a blast on the “extreme bowling” side of Nutmeg Bowl where there was a DJ, music, low lights and lots of fun bowling.
Thank you to everyone who helped put the very successful Shabbaton together—the student council, the students who came to the Shabbaton, Student Council advisor Morah Beliak, all of the chaperones—Morah Beliak, Ms. Bieler and volunteer Aliza Geller stayed the full time, and Ms. Mastros, Ms. Langer, Ms. Alpert and Ms. Graf helped chaperone too, as well as everyone else involved such as the Bridgeport JCC and our caterer, Abels, as well as others who helped in the setup such as Ms. Clemenza and Ms. Lavoie.
I think one student may have summed up the Shabbaton best during our final reflection activity before Havdalah. He said that normally he spends Shabbat studying and practicing his guitar. This Shabbat, he did something completely different, and it felt really meaningful. He said he made those 25 hours of Shabbat totally different than the other six days of the week, something that was special with friends, and he enjoyed being totally immersed in justShabbat. I couldn’t agree more. I can't wait for the next one!
Shavua tov!
Weekly Update February 10, 2012
Dear Parents,
I am very excited for the Shabbaton this weekend! Shabbatonim are always one of the highlights of the year. It's a special time for the community to get together in a relaxed yet meaningful way. Morah Beliak and the students have many things planned for this Shabbat, including lots of yummy food, Tefilla, fun games and activities, time in the gym, music and singing, and finally bowling at Nurmeg Bowl after Shabbat ends. I can't wait!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D.
Head of School
AMC Math Competition
This week, many of our students participated in the 63rd annual American Mathematics Contest. JHSC’s participation helped make a total of over 150,000 student contestants from more than 2,500 schools. The students competed for local, regional, and national student and school awards. The contest’s purpose is to spur interest in mathematics and develop talent through the excitement of friendly competition at problem solving in a timed format.
JHSC Students Join Youth Groups
We are happy to report that almost all of our students now belong to USY, NCSY, NFTY, or BBYO. Several students belong to more than one youth group. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to connect to other Jewish teens in Connecticut. Five students participated in last Shabbat’s NCSY Shabbaton. Our students have also attended USY Shabbatonim and BBYO conventions in the past couple of months.
Interfaith Panel
This past Monday JHSC hosted an interfaith panel with Dr. Kareem Adeeb and Pastor David Graybill. They talked with the students about their Muslim and Christian faiths, and their relationship to Judaism. Students asked engaging questions, for example, about the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Christianity and Islam's relationship with Israel, and about the concept of jihad.
New Merit Scholarship for Jewish Day School Students
We are pleased to announce a merit scholarship for students who have graduated from a Jewish middle school. In addition to this new merit scholarship, JHSC also continues to offer a full merit scholarship for students who have not attended a Jewish day school. In order to be considered for either honor, prospective families should email
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, or call us at 203-275-8448. Please pass this information along to prospective families you may know.
Re-enrollment Tuition Assistance Deadline
Please remember that the deadline for re-enrolling families to apply for tuition assistance with FAST is today!
Student Focus Groups Next Week
Dr. Yussman will be taking the students in small groups to Starbucks during study halls next week for focus groups. The goal is to continue to give the students a voice, and hear directly from them about how to make JHSC the best school possible.
Home Basketball Game
Our next basketball game is scheduled for Tuesday, February 14th. It is a home game at the Bridgeport JCC. Please note we will only provide a bus home after the game if you notify Kim Clemenza that your child needs transportation. Go Wolves!
Spring Gala
As you already know, we are excited to honor Susan Birke Fiedler at our first gala on March 25th, 2012. We are also proud to have Dr. Daniel Gordis as our keynote speaker. You will be receiving an invitation shortly, but more information about the gala can be found on our website.
Weekly Update February 3, 2012
Weekly Update
February 3, 2012
Shabbaton
The first ever JHSC Shabbaton, a Shabbat overnight for our students, will be held next Shabbat at the JCC of Eastern Fairfield County. Spending a full Shabbat together will be a fun and meaningful time for our students. Please find the permission slip below. The permission slip and full payment are due no later than Monday, February 6th, 9:00am so that we can make the necessary reservations and arrangements.
Interfaith Panel
Please join us this coming Monday, February 6th from 10am-11am for an interfaith discussion at JHSC where clergy from Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions will talk about what makes their faiths unique and discuss several contemporary issues in an open, non-judgmental setting. Panelists will also take questions from the audience. Panelists include Dr. Yussman, Imam Kareem Adeeb, and Pastor David Graybill. Please RSVP to Kim Clemenza at (203) 275-8448 or
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PTSO Meeting
All JHSC parents are invited to attend the next PTSO meeting on Thursday, February 9th at 7:30pm at JHSC. The goals of the PTSO meeting on February 9th will be: 1. Clarifying the goals of the PTSO; 2. Defining which PTSO positions are necessary; 3. Moving for nominations; 4. Focusing on help needed for the Gala.
Please RSVP your attendance to
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Student Life Schedule
Thank you to the Student Council for creating a student life schedule for the rest of the year. Parents and students should have received an invitation to view this google document. If you haven't, please contact Morah Beliak and she will send it to you again. You can see upcoming dances, Shabbatonim, spirit weeks, Jewish holiday programming, field trips, movie nights, and more!
Spring Sports
Any student interested in tennis, golf or track and field for the Spring season should contact
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no later than Wednesday, February 8th as we need to begin planning based on interest. Thank you.
Jacob Rastegar in Israel
We are pleased to share with you that 10th grader Jacob Rastegar is safely in Israel and is doing well on his study abroad program. He is spending four months with NFTY-EIE. Good luck, Jacob! We miss you!
Thank-a-Thon Postponed
Please note that we are postponing the Thank-a-Thon, previously scheduled for this Sunday, until after our Spring Gala. More details will be forthcoming.
Basketball Team
Congratulations to our basketball team on their win over Storm King School this past Wednesday. We are still undefeated! The next game is on Tuesday, February 7th, 4:15pm, at St. Lukes School. Go Wolves!
President of AIPAC Visits
This past Wednesday, we were excited to welcome the incoming President of AIPAC, Michael Kassen. He spoke to the students about his own life story, about AIPAC, and also about current events in Israel.
Philadelphia Service Learning Trip
JHSC students have received a special invitation to join the JCC of New Haven on a service learning trip to Philadelphia. It will be a hands-on experience working with other Jewish teens to help the homeless and hungry. The dates are February 19-20, 2012, and the fee is $250. Contact
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if you are interested.
Re-enrollment Deadlines Approaching
Please remember that the deadline for re-enrolling families to apply for tuition assistance with FAST is February 10th, 2012. Signed contracts with deposits are due by March 5th, 2012.
Shabbaton Permission Slip
We are excited about the JHSC Shabbaton on February 10-11! The student council has planned many fun activities, including traditional Shabbat customs as well as just having fun together as a community.
Students going on the Shabbaton will leave together after school by bus to the Bridgeport JCC, and will spend all of Shabbat there. On Saturday night, we will be going bowling at Nutmeg Bowl. Please arrange to pick your children up at JHSC by 9:30pm that night.
The cost of this Shabbaton is $75, which covers all food, snacks, JCC fees, busses, and activities such as bowling. Students should bring a sleeping bag or blowup mattress, clothes suitable both for Shabbat (like one would wear in a synagogue) as well as “play clothes” and sleep clothes, and any other incidentals one would normally bring on an overnight. The Shabbaton will be chaperoned by faculty members of JHSC.
In order to know how much food to purchase and to make other necessary arrangements, we must have permission slips and payment received no later than Monday, February 6th, 2012 before the first class period.
Please email Kim Clemenza at
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and state that you give permission for your child to attend this overnight. By giving your permission, you understand the program presented above, and understand that your child must follow the policies of the Jewish High School of Connecticut on this trip. You agree to release JHSC from any and all claims or liabilities in connection with this trip.
If you are willing to make an additional contribution to help subsidize another student, please indicate the amount in your return email.
The permission slip and $75 are due no later than February 6th, 9:00am so that we can make the necessary reservations and arrangements.
Thank you!
Morah Beliak, Student Council Advisor
The JHSC Student Council
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