STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

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2 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Twenty three years ago, the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach acquired the magnificent campus of the former Lawrence Country Day School in Hewlett Bay Park. In response to the need for continued quality education for its own graduates, as well as students throughout Nassau, Queens, Brooklyn and the Jewish community at large, HALB created the Yeshiva High School for Girls at Hewlett Bay Park, dedicated in 1994 as the Stella K. Abraham High School. A full four year high school accredited by the N.Y. State Board of Regents and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, the Stella K. Abraham High School provides academic excellence in both Limudei Kodesh and General Studies, and seeks to inculcate its students with a love for and commitment to Am Yisrael, Torat Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael in consonance with the HALB tradition. The Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls strives for academic excellence in both Judaic and General Studies. We are committed to the spiritual and academic growth of each one of our students. The school promotes a keen awareness of the ethics of interpersonal relationships and behavior, a deep appreciation for prayer, a devotion to the performance of acts of loving-kindness and a sensitivity to personal modesty. Our academic program is designed to provide our students with a comprehensive education, emphasizing the development of critical thinking skills, research skills and written and oral expression. Academic preparation of our students for admission to institutions of higher learning of their choice is a primary goal. Our academic offerings and extensive extracurricular program are geared toward instilling in our students a love of learning, a desire for personal growth, a respect for and understanding of the democratic process with the unique opportunities provided by the American experience, as well as an approach to life that emphasizes optimism, intellectual curiosity, empowerment of women, leadership, self awareness, community service and respect for all people, regardless of race, creed or economic status. We provide our students with the educational and technological tools and the motivation to assume roles as women in the Jewish family and as professionals, and we prepare them to make decisions as to how they, in their own lives, will each create an individually appropriate balance between these roles. They will be prepared to live lives dedicated to Torah, to family, to continued personal growth and to the State of Israel. They will be motivated to assume prominent leadership roles within the Jewish community, as well as the community at large. WELCOME TO OUR SKA FAMILY!

3 SCHOOL ATMOSPHERE SKA is a Makom Torah, a place where the values and morality of Torah form the fabric of our daily lives. At the foundation is Emet: truth, honesty and integrity. With these, we can function as a strong community. We encourage and expect our students to approach school life, activities and tasks with a sense of personal responsibility, honor and integrity, as well as a commitment to kavod habriyot, which includes dealing truthfully and sensitively with all members of our school family. With our belief that the founding of the State of Israel represents itchalta d geula, we are proud to integrate Israel studies, advocacy programs, and student clubs into our curriculum on multiple levels. We pride ourselves on the unique, energetic, and creative atmosphere at our student centered SKA. Our students take pride, help preserve and further elevate the atmosphere of kedusha in our Makom Torah as they strengthen their relationships with Hashem, with each other, with themselves, and with all members of our SKA community.

4 RELATIONSHIPS We have created a warm, supportive and friendly atmosphere where everyone is ready to listen and where each student is a valuable asset. A commitment to small classes affords our students more personal attention and an opportunity to develop close relationships with their administrators, teachers, rebbeim, staff, alumnae mentors and each other. Special events are planned to ease the process of making new friends, to deepen and broaden peer relationships and to adjust to high school life. We focus on the development of the "whole person" and encourage our students to actualize their potential by discovering and nurturing their unique talents and strengths. A full array of specialized personnel is available to students for their personal, religious and academic growth and to help students realize their dreams. Advisors of Academic Teams Alumnae Madrichot Art Academy Director Athletic Director Beit Midrash Coordinator Chesed Coordinator Club Leaders Coordinator of Israel Studies and Programs Director of Student Services Director of Technology Educational Technology Integrator G.O. Advisor Grade Level Advisors Israel and College Guidance Counselors Learning Specialist Mashgiach Ruchani Production Coordinator Psychologist Publication Advisors Science Research Coordinator Social Science Research Coordinator Social Workers Sports Coaches Work Study Coordinator Writing Coordinator

5 MEET THE SKA ADMINISTRATION Mrs. Helen Spirn Head of School Years at SKA: 23 Rabbi Yosef Zakutinksy Director of Student Programs Years at SKA: 17 Dr. Tzipora Meier Princpal, Grades Years at SKA: 20 Ms. Raizi Chechik Princpal, Grades 9-10 Years at SKA: 3 Mrs. Elisheva Kaminetsky Director of Religious Guidance Years at SKA: 19 Mrs. Sandi Pomerantz Assistant Adminstrator Years at SKA: 23 Mrs. Deena Kobre Assistant Princpal Years at SKA: 8

6 JOB OPPORTUNITY SKA Seeks New Principal, Grades 11 and 12 The Principal is responsible for the educational, social and religious growth and welfare of SKA students in Grades 11 and 12 on a day-to-day basis. She/he is also responsible for faculty recruitment and performance, evaluation of assigned faculty, and oversight of all College and Israel Guidance programs. The Ideal Candidate will be: Compassionate, warm and reflective, with the ability to communicate empathetically with parents, students and teachers. An experienced high school leader with the track record of success in fostering a strong academic environment for all learners and facilitating faculty supervision for growth. Appreciative of our student-centered culture and always attuned to the educational and social needs of the students and their unique potential. A collaborative team player who can lead effectively while listening to and incorporating the perspectives of others. Well educated and a life-learner with an eye toward educational excellence and the thoughtful professional development of our faculty. Flexible and able to be adaptive within a highly energetic environment of multiple stakeholders, while remaining organized and goal oriented; a superb manager. Committed to a Torah life, Torah values and the belief that the establishment of the State of Israel is a seminal and spiritually significant event in Jewish history. A broad thinker in exploring academic possibilities, teaching methodology and 21st Century learning strategies that will empower and support a wide range of learners. Cognizant that educating the next generation of young Jewish women is an ongoing and open ended process of inspiring others.

7 DESCRIPTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES School Leadership Collaborate with Head of School and Administrative Team to ensure overall school climate optimizes student learning, fosters vibrant religious and community life, and supports academic, religious and personal growth. Coordinate faculty recruitment and recommendations for hiring in consultation with Head of School and in partnership with 9-10 Principal and Assistant Principal. Supervise select departments in General and/or Judaic Studies and lead all related meetings; develop department meeting agendas and distribute minutes to Head of School, 9-10 Principal and department members; attend all department meetings. Student Achievement Monitor 11th and 12th grade student performance and well-being in consultation with teachers and School Head; review Report Cards and mid-term grades, providing appropriate follow-up with students and parents. Participate in all Grade Level Mid-year and Year-end Meetings, as well as select 10th Grade meetings to support students transition to upper school. Participate in all 11th and 12th grade Grade Level Advisor Meetings throughout the year. Supervise process of applying for 11th and 12th grade AP and electives courses ensuring that students choices are in synch with students goals for the future. Oversee all 11th and 12th grade attendance and discipline. Faculty Oversight Maintain and enhance academic excellence and climate of the 11-12th grades. Faculty supervision for grades 11-12, including walkthroughs, classroom observations and faculty evaluations Review all 11th and 12th grade midterms and finals, checking for clarity, fairness and curriculum coverage and follow up with faculty regarding necessary revisions. Partner with Head of School, 9-10 Principal and Assistant Principal in creating in service training workshops for staff development. Israel and College Guidance Successful planning for graduating seniors and oversight of all College and Israel Guidance staff. Coordination of College and Israel Night programs, school visitations, interviews, student and parent communications, letters of recommendation, etc. Jewish-Religious Life Partner with Administrative Team to foster an environment that nurtures students religious growth, love of Israel and the Jewish people, community service and character development. Social Emotional Development Participate in all Child Study Team Meetings for 11th and 12th graders, and collaborate in team follow up Create opportunities to develop personal relationships with 11th and 12th graders.

8 FACTS: SKA STUDENT BODY CURRENT ENROLLMENT 9th Grade: 96 10th Grade: 81 11th Grade: 88 12th Grade: 90 Total: 355 NEIGHBORHOODS Atlantic Beach Bayside Bayswater Belle Harbor Brooklyn Cedarhurst Far Rockaway Flushing Forest Hills Fresh Meadows Great Neck Hewlett Hewlett Neck Hillcrest Hollis Holliswood Jamaica Estates Kew Gardens Kew Gardens Hills Lawrence Long Beach Merrick North Woodmere Oceanside Rego Park West Hempstead Woodmere ELEMENTARY FEEDER SCHOOLS Hebrew Academy of Long Beach Bais Yaakov Academy Bais Yaakov of Queens Barkai Yeshiva Bnos Bais Yaakov Bnos Malka Academy BY D'Rav Meir Hebrew Academy of Five Towns and Rockaway Hebrew Academy of Nassau County Masores Beis Yaakov North Shore Hebrew Academy Ohr Haiim Prospect Park Yeshiva Shulamith School for Girls: Long Island Shulamith School for Girls: Brooklyn Torah Academy for Girls Yeshiva Har Torah Yeshiva of Central Queens Yeshiva of Flatbush

9 FACTS: SKA FACULTY JUDAIC STUDIES GENERAL STUDIES GRADE LEVEL ADVISORS AP FACULTY GUIDANCE AND STUDENT SERVICES ISRAEL AND COLLEGE GUIDANCE TECHNOLOGY TEAM NEW TEACHER INDUCTION MENTORS INTERNS (TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM) PUBLICATION ADVISORS GRINSPOON AWARD WINNERS FACULTY ALUMNAE ACADEMIC TEAM COACHES SPORTS COACHES 9 11

10 FACTS: SKA ALUMNAE We are proud that many of our alumnae return to SKA as teachers and mentors for our students. These SKA graduates serve as full time faculty members and Grade Level Advisors, collaborate with the Grade Level Advisors as Madrichot, assist our Learning Specialist, and finally, coach our sports teams. It is truly a zeh neheneh v zeh neheneh, having our graduates as role models for our students. TOTAL GRADUATES FACULTY MADRICHOT GRADE LEVEL ADVISORS SPORT COACHES STUDENT SERVICES STAFF 4 7 5

11 EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY SKA along with greater HALB is committed to educating our students in the use of educational technology to empower their learning and prepare them for college and the world. HAIKU: We utilize HAIKU, our online learning management system. Teachers post assignments, articles and videos on HAIKU which students can access from home. Some teachers ask students to upload work onto HAIKU. There is a discussion board feature which is especially useful before exams, enabling students to ask each other questions and answer them while the teacher is monitoring the discussion. ipad Pilot Projects: Our 9th graders are now 1:1 in the next stage of our ipad pilot program. The ipads are already enhancing classroom engagement, learning, and creativity. Students in other grades have also been given ipads for specific classes where teachers have been trained in using ipads to make the learning more exciting and cutting edge. Coding, Computer Graphic Design, AP Computers: A number of classes have been added to our curriculum to broaden current educational opportunities for our students. Online Learning: The 11th and 12th grade students are able to take an online course as an elective and choose from a menu of courses that our vendor offers. Flipped Classroom and Blended Learning: Our teachers have attended workshops on the Flipped Classroom and many of our faculy members have already integrated this type of learning into their classes. Students learn basic information prepared by the teacher on HAIKU at home, so that they can enter the classroom ready to discuss the issues and apply critical thinking to the material. This type of presentation allows for differentiated instruction, enabling each student to learn material at her own pace, as well as instruction in high order thinking which takes place in the classroom. HALB Summer Ed-Tech Institute: We are proud to have completed two summers of teacher training in educational technology through multiple courses and workshops here at SKA. We look forward to continued classes and learning with our HALB and DRS colleagues.

12 EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS THROUGH STUDENT ACTIVITIES All students are strongly encouraged to participate in SKA s extensive number and wide array of extra-curricular and co-curricular opportunities for. These programs are geared toward developing character, leadership and encouraging community service. They empower our students to develop their talents, focus their interests, make school more fun and rewarding and are certainly looked upon favorably by colleges. Students can participate in Tzedaka projects, Chesed programs, Production, sports teams, competitive academic teams, weekly clubs, publications, Israel Advocacy projects, and cutting edge programs inspiring religious and personal growth. The G.O. plays an integral role in enriching student life with a myriad of activities and programs and in addressing the needs of the student body. Student Council officers are elected in May and a Freshman Representative is elected in October. Elections for class representatives will also take place in October. They will assist in scheduling monthly exams, midterms and final exams, work closely with their grade level advisor and serve as liaisons to the administration. Club Period takes place each Tuesday and is an opportunity for students to find an area of interest, enabling them to develop in that area each week. Club options include Art, Choir, Computers, Drama, Debating Team, Gymnastics, Aerobics, Mock Trial Team, Tai Bo, Scrapbooking, Tennis, Guitar, Cosmetology, Jewelry Making, Mussar learning, Cooking, Sewing, Stock Market Club and more. Students can also try out for the College Bowl, Torah Bowl, Science Olympiad, and Math Teams which meet at a separate time. There is also a free period added to the Thursday schedule. During this time, students have a free period where they can engage in peer tutoring, work on publications, catch up on school work, attend grade wide meetings, or just chill.

13 Sports opportunities include Basketball, Volleyball, Softball, Hockey, Soccer and Tennis teams that compete with other girls' Yeshiva High School teams. Tryouts for all sports are held in early fall. Basketball and volleyball are winter sports; hockey, soccer, softball and tennis are spring sports. A Tennis Club is available for interested students. Students may participate in one fall sport and one spring sport. Our annual SKA Production spotlights more than half our student body in a multi-media show incorporating students dramatic, musical, dance, artistic, sign language and organizational talents in a creative and exciting way. This year s performances will take place in late December; tryouts will take place in early fall. SKA is very proud of the many diverse student publications that are published each year. There are opportunities to write for the school newspaper, The Looking Glass; the Holocaust Journal; Matrix, our literary journal, our Haggada, The weekly Parsha Press; Yom Tov Press, Baybill, our Production program; SKAppenings, our school e-newsletter, and of course, Tzomet, our Senior Yearbook. It s exciting to see your writing in print; here s your chance to get involved! The School can exercise reasonable restrictions on student publications that are produced and sponsored by the School, including the school newspaper. Educational Trips and Grade Level Functions are scheduled at various times during the year. These are planned with an eye toward enriching school curriculum, expanding experiential horizons and building achdut, which at the same time shows concern and sensitivity towards budgetary concerns. Please note that student attendance is required at a school trip planned during the school day, regardless of the nature of the trip. Students who are regrettably absent from a school trip are still financially responsible for bus fees and unused tickets.

14 EMPOWERING OUR STUDENTS THROUGH GRADE ELECTIVES Our students academic experience focuses on our core curriculum courses in Judaic and General Studies. The young women at SKA feel especially empowered by the opportunity to choose from a wide array of elective and AP courses where they can pursue their interests, find their passion, develop their strengths and realize their dreams. SKA is proud to offer the following electives to our students: Grade 9: Art Academy, Graphic Design, Pre-Engineering, Sign Language I, Spanish I Grade 10: Art Academy II, Bio-Technology, Graphic Design II, Sign Language II, Spanish II AP World History Grade 11: Art Academy III, Creative Writing, Graphic Design, Jewish Philosophy, Physics, Spanish III, Studio Art (for non-art Academy students), Online Courses AP English Composition, AP Government, AP Biology, AP Chemistry Grade 12: Advanced Studio Art, AP Studio Art, AP Psychology (multiple sections), Dance, Graphic Design II, Jerusalem Exam, Jewish Life Cycle, Jewish Philosophy, Limudei Kodesh - online, Online courses AP Biology, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP English Literature, AP US History

15 THE SKA CODE OF CONDUCT

16 STUDENTS SPEAK ABOUT SKA SKA is a place where every girl can find her niche. The girls do not fit into one mold and the teachers also come from a wide range of backgrounds with differing ideas. This allows each student to find a different personality with whom she can build a connection. The principals keep their office doors open at all times, inviting students to approach them about issues and involving them in many decisions. are constantly opportunities inside the classroom and outside to grow. It is impossible to go through four years at SKA without changing, in a way that is small or large, but always for the better. The culture of SKA is one of growth and development. There SKA students are encouraged to develop close relationships with faculty and administration which produces a warm atmosphere where everyone feels connected.

17 FIND YOUR PASSION. LIVE YOUR DREAM. Interested candidates are encouraged to contact our search consultants at YUSP Shira Heller or Rabbi Maccabee Avishur to confidentially discuss the opportunity and process. Applicants should submit a cover letter indicating why they are particularly interested in serving as principal at SKA-HALB and a current resume to Shira Heller ([email protected]) no later than January 4, To learn more about SKA-HALB, please visit our website: