Weekly Update January 27, 2012
Dear Parents,
I had a wonderful day today visiting all of the classrooms. I learned that when an apple drops from a tree that the apple is pulling the earth up with the same force as the earth is pulling the apple down; I saw the Judaic Studies classes preparing for their upcoming theodicy debates; one of the English classes was doing an interactive writing activity based around new vocabulary they learned and different types of sentence structure; students were learning conversational Hebrew, focusing on talking about the future; and another class was learning about scientific measurement and accuracy.
Then I had my weekly learning session with Rigel and Zev—each week we have lunch together and learn a commentary on the Parshah called the Aish Kodesh, who was a rabbi during the Warsaw Ghetto. In the commentary we learned today, he discussed the leadership qualities of Moses as he struggled to lead the Jews out of Egypt, and discussed what a strong leader is. We also discussed he differences in approach between Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. All students are invited and encouraged to join us!
Finally, I would like to schedule individual meetings with all JHSC parents. I’d like to check in and see how the school year is going for you. Please call Kim Clemenza at 203-275-8448 to schedule a phone call or a face-to-face meeting. I look forward to speaking with you soon!
Rabbi Yonatan Yussman, Ed.D.
Head of School
Fairfield Woods Reception
We have had a large number of applications and inquiries from 8th graders at Fairfield Woods Middle School. Because of this, we are hosting a reception for 8th grade students and parents from Fairfield Woods to be held at JHSC on Monday, January 30th, at 6:30pm. If you know of any prospective families from that school, please invite them to come.
Interfaith Panel
Please join us for an interfaith discussion on February 6th at JHSC where clergy from Muslim, Jewish and Christian religions 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. This discussion is free and open to the public, although reservations are required. A limited number of seats are available. 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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College Guidance Meetings
College guidance counselor Claire Friedlander has been meeting with individual students regarding the college admissions process, and will continue to do so on Wednesdays during our advisory period. Parents are strongly encouraged to call Claire anytime at 203-962-1964 about the college planning process.
Re-enrollment Tuition Assistance Deadline
Please remember that the deadline for re-enrolling families to apply for tuition assistance with FAST is February 10th, 2012. You should have received information about how to do this through the mail.
Dr. Yussman Speaking This Shabbat
On Saturday night, January 28th, at 8:00pm, Dr. Yussman will be teaching the course “All of Jewish History in One Hour” at Taste of Honey. Location: New Haven JCC.
Thank-a-Thon: Please Sign Up
To all Parents, Students, Trustees, Faculty and Staff:
On Sunday, February 5th from 9:30am-11:30am at JHSC, the Jewish High School of Connecticut will be holding its first ever Thank-a-Thon. On this day, we will be calling several hundred individuals who have donated their resources to help make our school a reality. It is important that donors hear those two words—Thank You—from the individuals who are on the receiving end of their kind gifts.
Since we have so many people to call, we hope that many of you will make the time to come and say "thanks" to our donors. We will be serving breakfast and refreshments.
Please RSVP your attendance to
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by January 20th, 2012.
Home Basketball Game
Please join us for our basketball team’s next home game on February 1st. They will play Storm King School at the Bridgeport JCC at 4pm. Go Wolves!
President of AIPAC to Visit JHSC
We are very excited to welcome the incoming President of AIPAC on Wednesday, February 1st. Michael Kassen will be talking with the students that day. He will be installed as national president at the 2012 AIPAC Policy Conference to be held March 4 – 6, 2012, which Shane Rand and Talia Weseley will be attending.
