Hillel Winter Newsletter 2015

Tampa Bay’s Premier Jewish Community Day School
TK 4 through 8th Grade

A Day in the Life skills. Connecting
The most exciting part of being a student at Every week I see so many
Hillel Academy has to be the variety of learning examples of amazing learning. Chanukah and
experiences a student has each day. We have Here is a glimpse into one writing, the third
made a focused effort to expand our methods of of my recent walks through graders were creating
teaching to meet the changing needs of today’s our halls. Sixth graders were a bulletin board about
young people. Without compromising the quality creating comic books with the “Light of Their
Hebrew dialogue. Fourth Lives.” As I entered a
Daniela Matilsky working on a music project. graders were learning about blacked out middle
descriptive writing. They school classroom
of our instruction, we have learned to incorporate watched an on-line lesson with the Continental
experiences that teach collaboration, creativity, writing guru Lucy Calkins and Congress was in
on-line research, paired learning, and exposure then had a great time coming session, complete
to the arts. In the Journal of Education Reform up with words for the five with seventh grade
it states, “The growing use of the term learning senses to match the sentence “if representatives from
experience by educators and others reflects larger you were kissed by a monkey all the states.
pedagogical and technological shifts that have I would…” They were having Middle school teacher Jack Grace Seventh grade students during the Continental Congress session.
occurred in the design and delivery of education to great fun as they learned
students, and it most likely represents an attempt to enhance their writing portraying a member of the Continental our Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative,
to update conceptions of how, when, and where exposing young people to music from different
learning does and can take place.” Congress. Our creative sides were
parts of the world.
represented
as well. Middle school students
were harvesting radishes from the
earth box garden and getting ready We are so fortunate to have
to pickle them for a later snack. a school that allows students
Intermediate grades were painting to learn in so many different
in the style of Leroy Neiman as they ways. Our faculty will
figured out how to make figures continue to hone practices
in motion. The primary students as we continue to challenge
displayed beautiful watercolor and engage our students and
Indian corn pictures and the first create a dynamic learning
graders were having a lesson from environment. Our learning
one of our Patel Conservatory experiences will be the
instructors about an instrument highlight of our days.

made from a squash. Our music
program aligns with the goals of
Warm and cool color Indian corn. Stella King participating in the

Continental Congress session.

Hillel Academy presents Gift of Gold on Saturday, February 27th
The 2016 Gift of Gold event is quickly approaching! Academy for 15 years while their sons were ordained in 1971. He came to Tampa as Senior Rabbi Event co-chairs Carolyn Fink and Bonnie Amsterdam-
For the first time Hillel Academy’s premier fundraising students. Nat served on the Board of Trustees as board of Congregation Schaarai Zedek in 1986 after serving Miele said, “We are very excited to honor Rabbi Birnholz
event will take place at The Ritz Ybor. The theme is “The president. Debbie was a board member and she led in congregations in Tennessee and Mississippi. In and Debbie and Nat Doliner for our 43rd annual Gift of
Roaring Twenties”. The evening’s festivities include a silent the PTO as marketing director and as president. She the early 1990’s Rabbi Birnholz served as a teacher at Gold. Rabbi Birnholz has been a great supporter of Hillel
auction, musical entertainment and a Kosher dinner. directed the school’s “Guiding Jewish Values” Character Hillel Academy. In 1977 he won the Samuel Kaminker for many years. Debbie and Nat are former Hillel parents
Gift of Gold is the core component of Hillel Academy’s Education Program. Memorial Curriculum and were leaders on our Board of Trustees. They have also
annual fundraising campaign. As is the case with Sons Cory and Brett Award for writing given so much so much back to our community. We are
many private and independent schools, tuition at Hillel Doliner maintain the most outstanding excited to be honoring them both this year!”
Academy covers approximately 80% of the school’s that Hillel Academy informal education Event tickets and sponsorship opportunities for Gift of
operating costs. Donations and fundraising make up the provided them with an curriculum in the Gold are available. Sponsorship levels range from $10,000
remaining 20%. Proceeds from Gift of Gold help fund outstanding educational country. And in 1991, to $250. Please visit hillelacademytampa.ejoinme.org - the
scholarships, financial aid, teacher education and campus experience. The caring the professional title of Gift of Gold website for sponsorship details and benefits.
improvements. environment that 2016 ANNUAL GALA Reform Jewish Educator The website also contains information on tributes and
business ads which can be purchased for inclusion in the
2016 Gift of Gold Honorees includes Judaic studies, was conferred on him Gift of Gold event program.
Jewish values and an excellent secular education are by the National Association of Temple Educators (now For further information, call the Hillel Academy office,
The 2016 Hillel Academy honorees are Nat and Debbie reasons the Doliner family holds Hillel Academy so close known as The Association of Reform Jewish Educators (813) 963-2242 or email the Gift of Gold committee:
Doliner and Rabbi Richard Birnholz. to their hearts. – ARJE). In 1996, he was conferred with an Honorary [email protected].
Nat and Debbie Doliner were proud volunteers at Hillel Degree of Doctor of Divinity by Hebrew Union College
Rabbi Richard Birnholz graduated from Hebrew Union - Jewish Institute of Religion for serving the spiritual and
College-Jewish Institute of Religion, New York and was intellectual needs of the Jewish community for 29 years.

Mission Statement IN THIS ISSUE

Hillel Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Florida Kindergarten Supporting Hillel Academy
Council (FKC) and is a member of the Jewish Community Day School Network and the National Association of People News
Independent Schools (NAIS). The school is recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.
Spotlight on Science
Hillel Academy offers morning bus service from North Pinellas county and South Tampa. Character Counts!
Fall Happenings
Hillel Academy | 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612-1821 | 813-963-2242 Thank you for Giving

www.hillelacademytampa.org WINTER 2016

Follow Hillel Academy on Facebook

Welcome to Hillel Academy
Danielle Upbin graduated with honors her husband, Rabbi David Weizman, and staff in a collaborative way, focusing on
Rabbi Danielle Upbin from Barnard College, Columbia their four children. streamlining processes and procedures and
University, with a BA in Political Science.
Head of School Amy Wasser is pleased She was ordained from the Jewish Teresa Griffith Teresa Griffith
to announce a new relationship with Theological Seminary of America in 2002
Congregation Beth Shalom’s Rabbi also having received a Masters in Hebrew Teresa Griffith has been engaged as Hillel ensuring accurate accounting practices.”
Danielle Upbin. Rabbi Upbin is sharing Letters. Academy’s new business manager. Mrs. Please say hello and introduce yourself to
her talents and enthusiasm for children Rabbi Upbin lived and studied in Israel, Griffith received her undergraduate degree Rabbi Dani and Teresa when you see them
including a year of intensive study in in Management and Organizational on campus.
Rabbi Danielle Upbin Jewish mysticism and art in Jerusalem Leadership from St. Petersburg College
Photo Credit: Donna Gauthier and Tzefat. She is actively involved in the and she holds a Masters in Business from
Pinellas County Interfaith Coalition and University of South Florida. She comes
Images Pinellas County Board of Rabbis. She to Hillel Academy after many years of
served on the Florida Holocaust Museum’s experience at Espritu Santo Catholic
and Judaism by leading Monday and Board of Directors and was the rabbinic School where she managed all financial
Thursday morning services for Hillel advisor to the Florida Region of FJMC, the aspects of the school: purchasing,
Academy’s second, third and fourth Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs. She was accounts payable and receivable, payroll,
grades. recently appointed to the Rabbinic Cabinet preparation of financial statements,
Originally from New York City, Rabbi of Israel Bonds. budgeting and also, human resources.
Rabbi Upbin resides in Clearwater with
Says Mrs. Griffith of her new position, “My
goal is to work with all Hillel Academy

Hillel Academy Alumna Spotlight always asking questions that were a bit
Nicole Yunger Halpern is an amazing quantum information theory. Einstein inquiry and debate.”
alumna of Hillel Academy. She graduated helped develop quantum mechanics, the ‘out of the box.’ As she was a talented Nicole has been recognized with
from Hillel Academy in 2003 and attended physics of electrons, atoms, writer, it seemed only numerous awards and fellowships. She
Berkeley Preparatory School for high and other minuscule logical that she would be was co-valedictorian of her Dartmouth
school. It is almost impossible to describe systems that behave in an author.  Nicole once College class and she has been a member
her accomplishments in a concise manner! ways we wouldn’t expect. told me that she wished of Phi Beta Kappa since 2010. She has
Suffice it to say that we are very proud We can use quantum that she could just learn been published in many journal and
that Nicole spent her formative years at systems to process, store, about everything.  I conference publications; she participates in
Hillel Academy before pursuing her higher and secure information can’t imagine a more conference talks and seminars; and she has
education at Dartmouth College, the in ways that we can’t with encompassing field than served as a student research advisor and
Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics ordinary hardware. But quantum physics.  Nicole teacher.
and the California Institute of Technology quantum theory attracts has and will continue to Each month, Nicole writes an article for
where she is presently a PhD student in me most because of the make her mark in this Quantum Frontiers, Caltech’s quantum-
physics. Her area of interest is theoretical insights it provides about field.” information public-outreach blog:
physics, applying and interpreting the natures of space, time, http://quantumfrontiers.com/author/
mathematics to model our world and to information, energy, and Nicole adds, “Hillel nyungerhalpern/. Her readers range from
understand how it works. reality.”  Academy helped to instill Hillel Academy teachers to high school
To clarify, Nicole states, “I do not perform According to Hillel Nicole Yunger Halpern in me a love of knowledge students to mathematicians.
experiments in a lab. I specialize in Photo Credit: Caltech’s Institute for and understanding. I
Quantum Information and Matter

Academy teacher Pamela grew to view myself as
Bromberg, “Nicole was a curious student, part a millenia-old tradition of intellectual

Faculty Professional Development
Hillel Academy takes great pride in Mrs. Caine also attended Ortin Gillingham Where does it come from? Where do you The participants worked on computer-rich
investing in its academic and professional training. The program is designed to find it? Anything else? team projects that connected technology
staff in numerous ways throughout teach children spelling rules systematically Day two explored differentiation to their disciplines. Educational experts
the year. This past summer many of and at the time they are ready to master for individual students within
the school’s faculty members attended spelling and minimize frustration. It a specific lesson or learning Debra Campbell and her project teammates.
seminars and workshops. Students benefit allows the children to learn at their own goal which can be achieved by
greatly as their teachers learn best practices pace and comfort level. Mrs. Caine variation of content, process concerned with maximizing the potential
and new and innovative ways to engage learned strategies and tools needed to or product based on students’ of every learner guided the teams.
and teach. implement the program to the benefit of readiness, interest and learning Mrs. Campbell’s team created a talking,
First grade teacher Lisa Caine attended all the children in her classroom no matter style. singing mural of Tampa that included a
Writer’s Workshop, a four day training their strengths. Ms. Glidden said of the component that lit up the Hillsborough
session at Shorecrest Elementary School, According to Mrs. Caine, the training workshop, “I was especially River. She plans to re-create the mural
and a 30 hour Ortin Gillingham training session helped her “learn how to teach interested in learning about with her 8th grade students using Makey
session presented by the Institute for the spelling rules and phonics needed Executive Functioning and Makey boards, a 21st century invention
Multi-Sensory Education. for elementary students as well as those Self- Regulation: providing kit designed to get students excited about
During the Writer’s Workshop Mrs. Caine student who might have gaps.” She joined preventative support and electronics, and SketchUp, a 3D modeling
participated in a book study of The Art of a number of our teachers who have already interventions for 22 different computer program.
Teaching Writing by Lucy Calkins. She taken this training. brain functions used to accomplish tasks,
learned that “teaching children grammar Third grade teacher Elizabeth Glidden ranging from motivation through time
in isolation or without the benefit of attended a two day professional management and organization.”
mentor text or peer and individual development workshop presented by Debra Campbell, Hillel Academy’s visual
conferencing is not the way to teach the PPPSS (Parentally Placed Private arts teacher, attended a symposium
children to become the writers we know School Services) Summer Institute of presented by Constructing Modern
they can be.” Hillsborough County Public Schools. Knowledge, a minds-on institute for
Also the concept of the importance of Day one was dedicated to training in educators committed to creativity,
storytelling was presented as increasing the Expanding Expression Tool, a multi- collaboration and computing. Mrs.
numbers of today’s children do not sensory program that targets organization Campbell was one of only two art teachers
understand the concept of “telling the by providing a standard framework which who attended along with 200 educators
story”. Many are growing up without can be implemented according to the level from around the world. The symposium
the benefit of eating dinner together or of the oral or written goal. Students learn was developed to encourage action on the
listening to parents, grandparents, aunts to answer the following questions (among part of the attendees rather than listening
and uncles share stories during holiday get others) in order in their definitions and to a series of speakers.
togethers. paragraphs: What does it look like?

Woman of Distinction at Congregation Kol Ami and
Tampa Jewish Community Center Mrs. Amsterdam-Miele has been involved she is an active volunteer at
& Federation Women’s Philanthropy with Hillel Academy for nine years; her Weinberg Village and the Tampa
presented the annual Bobbe Karpay daughter Brianna is in the eighth grade. Jewish Community Center and
Women of Distinction program on She has co-chaired of Gift of Gold, the Federation, and she is a team
Thursday, December 3rd, at Congregation school’s annual fundraising gala, for the captain for the annual walk
Schaarai Zedek. Jewish organizations past five years. She has worked on several for the Crohn’s and Colitis
throughout Hillsborough County other PTO (Parent Teacher Organization) Foundation of America.
nominated women who exemplify the events including the Chanukah Concert, Congratulations to Bonnie
missions of their organizations through Teacher Appreciation Week, Project Amsterdam-Miele.
leadership and commitment. Hillel Night, Grandparents Day and the Passover
Academy proudly recognized Bonnie Model Seder. Her involvement with
Amsterdam-Miele as the school’s Woman the community extends beyond Hillel
of Distinction. Academy. She is on the Board of Trustees

Bonnie Amsterdam-Miele

STEM, STAM, STEAM ­Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math
using masking tape and using clear, plastic cups to to play including captain, architect and supply also included. (For example, Chloe Chlorine might
First Grade STEM Challenges build towers. When using manager. They learned that the better organized start a house or pool cleaning business.) Students
mini-marshmallows and also wrote poems to teach the other students about
It was noted by the National Academy of Science, toothpicks they learned they are, the easier it is to
the National Academy of Engineering and the that a base was needed to work together, and there
Institute of Medicine that there was an erosion in support the structure. is less arguing among the
the United States’ competitiveness in science and team members.
technology. They cautioned that the country’s
position as a global leader might be lost without Another challenge taught Says Mrs. Fried, “the
an expanded commitment to STEM. In the state the children the difference biggest part of the STEM
in structure strength challenges in the first
Alyssa Black-Diamond and Danielle Stein demonstrate when they built different grade is learning to work
the strength of their cylinder. Arielle Black-Diamond is in shaped structures from together. It’s very exciting
construction paper. and the children love it.
the background working on her project. The experimented with Bladen Basham and Naomi Berger demonstrate the They wish they could do
rectangular, triangular value of teamwork. STEM challenges every
of Florida it has been determined that four out
of five jobs will require STEM skills and teaching and cylindrical shapes to day.”
these skills will be key to the students’ ability (and determine which shape
Florida’s economy) to survive, compete and grow. would hold the most books. They discovered that
Therefore, first grade teacher Helen Fried the cylinders held the most which was confirmed Fourth Grade tackles STAM and STEAM Nate Akri and Sitar Ben-Herut showing their
has integrated STEM (Science, Technology, when they researched real-life structures such as elements’ baby books.
Engineering and Math) into the first grade parking garages and learned that architects use For the third year in a row, fourth grade teacher
curriculum to increase student skills that will be cylinders to support parking levels. Sara Wilson integrated STAM (science, technology, their elements. The Bohr Model was discussed in
necessary in the future. math with the addition of art) concepts into a Baby class demonstrating to the students how the model
The first graders have worked on STEM challenges Book Project. Each student adopted an element shows what the elements look like on a structural
including building a tower from 16 pieces of pasta and designed a baby book including a biography level.
When working on the STEM challenges the first of the element with basic
graders are divided into teams and given roles information such as the On Thursday, December
4th, the fourth grade went to
element type, the atomic United Skates of America. In
mass and number of the preparation for the field trip,
element, and who discovered they learned about the science
the element and when. The of roller skating, the beat of
baby books used pictures to music and how to control the
show how to pronounce the speed of fellow skaters based
element’s name. Signed birth on the beat of the music.
certificates are in the books It was a lesson in STEAM,
(students signed as parents), STEM with the addition of art
family trees and a paragraph which in this case was music.
outlining possible career
choices for the elements was
Noa Finkelstein builds her tower.

David Caine with his element baby book.

Sea Critters in St. Petersburg
On Friday, October 16th, the Hillel Academy fifth grade The students visited Florida MarineQuest has come along way since the first
was invited to join marine scientists and sea critters Marine Research Institute (FWRI) MarineQuest open house was held in 1995. The
for the most fun they have ever had out of the water! located in St. Petersburg to attend original intention was to inform the public about the
Pam Bromberg, fifth grade teacher, said of the trip, School Daze, a special version of research performed at the Institute and to introduce the
“learning should extend beyond the classroom. Each MarineQuest that is available to community to the world of marine science. In 1996 a
year, MarineQuest provides the perfect opportunity for students in grades four through second day was added to provide local schools with the
students to experience, on a grand scale, science topics eight. School Daze is held each opportunity to visit. Now MarineQuest has evolved
that they have learned or will learn during the school year for only two days before the into a three-day event that welcomes more than 10,000
year. How many children have the opportunity to view one-day public MarineQuest open people each year. The program has been expanded to
cells under a 350,000 dollar electron microscope?” house. Our fortunate fifth graders include freshwater fish and wildlife and their habitats.
spent the first half hour learning
Stone crab demonstration at MarineQuest.
about FWRI through
interviews with staff researchers combined draw the students into the world of fish and wildlife
with footage of scientists working in the research and the fascinating things that
field. Then they went on a guided tour of FWRI scientists discover.

MarineQuest stations where staff members “I think that the experience of seeing
led them through activities and provided a marine institute was very exciting,
hands-on demonstrations to explain their and that having an opportunity to go to
research projects to the students. Vibrant MarineQuest was special,” according to
exhibits and displays were designed to Hillel Academy student Brad Rothbaum.

Fifth grade students enjoying the MarineQuest filed trip. Research device used by marine scientists.

Character Counts! at Hillel Academy
faculty member to exhibit a positive characteristic and
SpiritDayColorswithMeaning MenschoftheWeek “mensch” behavior. The middle school students are
given a free-dress day pass and are also recognized by
During the 2015 - 2016 school year Hillel Academy is Going into the 2015 - 2016 school year, revisions were their teachers.
connecting Spirit Day themes to the school’s character made to the Mensch of the Week by Head of School Ms.
building program, Character Counts! All students Wasser and Mrs. Lydia Abrams, our school counselor. Round Robin Rosh Hashanah -
may wear non-uniform, school appropriate clothing, Holiday themes and Character
in colors chosen for each Spirit Day. In October TK - 1st Grade: Counts! Third graders playing the Rosh Hashanah
students wore blue clothing chicken game, Aim Chai.
representing trustworthiness, Students in this age-range are being On Friday, September 11th, Hillel Academy students
in November they wore introduced to the concept of being enjoyed the first Round Robin Rosh Hashanah created Beat the Bees - a honey stick for a sweet New Year:
yellow/gold for respect and a “mensch”. All students have a turn by members of the Rosh Hashanah game team: Lisa Shannah Shake - heart sticker to be reminded to be kind
in December they wore to be “Mensch of the Week” which Caine, Lisa Cohen, Amy Wright, Tracy Gold and Susan all year:
green for responsibility. Yet allows each of them to be recognized Guess. Make the Mark - shoe key chain to always try to walk in
to come this school year: for their individual strengths and to the right way:
January - orange for fairness; feel good about being included in Character Counts! intermediate school Teshuva Toss All - kick balls with positive saying to
February - red for caring; this program. They are recognized banner. encourage kind behavior:
and in March - purple for in the weekly parent emails. Aim Chai - Kapparot - rubber chicken key chain to
citizenship. The halls of the primary and intermediate schools were remind us not to do wrong doings:
As of November 2015 2nd - 5th Grade: lined with several game stations staffed by the eighth Fish For Kindness - bracelet with a kind deed on it:
graders who helped the younger students play and In G-d’s Image - no prize, acting in G-d’s image is the
Character Counts! was Students in this age-range conquer the games. prize:
enhanced and expanded are learning about personal The games reinforced important themes they learned A Sweet Life - a Hershey’s kiss to show life must be a
again. Quotes of the responsibility and may be about the holiday. Each game lasted about ten minutes balance of sweet deeds and positive actions:
Week were incorporated recognized as “Mensch of the Week” and symbolic prizes were won. Bee the Best You can Be - bendable picture frame to
to coincide with the TK student Zara Martineau’s respect project. when observed by a teacher or show we can always change:
Grades 4, 5, 6, and 7 played a game based on Al Chet,
characteristic of the month. faculty member to exhibit a positive the prayer said during Yom Kippur to say we are sorry
The first quote used in the characteristic. Not all students will for our wrong doings. It lists many “sins’ that people
classrooms was “Respect people’s feelings. Even if it be recognized during the course of the school year, and commit and says that we admit we did them and want to
doesn’t matter to you . . . It could mean everything to some students may be selected more than once. do better. No prize was given out during this game - the
them.” Faculty members were encouraged to use the prize was being a better person.
quotes during their class discussions and activities. All students in TK through fifth grade recognized as
“mensches” receive a “Mensch of the Week” hanging tag.
Also, class-created cheers have been added to flagpole

6th - 8th Grade:on Spirit Day. The cheer is to reflect the character trait
highlighted that month. The first cheer was created
by Hillel Academy’s third graders and respect was the Students in this age-range are enhancing their sense
month’s character trait. of personal and social responsibility and feelings of
independence. They are chosen to be “Mensch of the
Third grade created a Character Counts! Respect Poster. Week” when they have been observed by a teacher or

Hillel Academy TUB Farm
Hillel Academy is not new to gardening. The school has that teachers are incredibly busy, so we designed it as a up.  If we can add an element of donating the vegetables to a couple of levels.  Because the TUB Farm is hydroponic.
had an Earth Box vegetable garden for many years but now program to assist teachers with maintaining the TUB serve our community, the experience becomes even more the plants are grown using a completely different nutrient
the school has a true farm program, and it the first school- Farm, as well as to provide guidance on curriculum, give meaningful.” delivery system. As a result it
based TUB Farm hydroponic farm in the Tampa Bay area. tours to students and introduces numerous other aspects of plant science.  And
coordinate the donation of the The TUB Farm is a school-wide endeavor at Hillel as determined by the TUB Farm project’s
Hillel Academy partnered with vegetables.”   Academy. Each class attended hydroponic farm lessons mission, the crops grown using the hydroponic system
TUB Farms, Tampa Urban and planted its own tower of
Benefit Farms, a local non-profit “We are only as healthy as the 16 plants which they monitor
organization that gives students food we put  into our bodies, frequently. By studying and working
multiple learning opportunities and for far too many in our with a hydroponic farm the students
while providing fresh produce to community who rely on also learn that hydroponic growing
food insecure food assistance, the access to methods do not use synthetic
members of our community. The truly healthy nutritious food chemicals to treat bugs and disease.
school is the first school in a pilot is extremely limited,” says Mrs. The system uses a sterile, reusable
program designed to connect Kirk. “Students at Hillel Academy growing medium, coco coir, instead
“farmer” schools with beneficiary and TUB Farms would like to be of soil. It is also sustainable and
agencies that will distribute the part of the solution.” renewable. Using this system the
vegetables and herbs to their desired amount of food is
clients while the students learn The first donation was made delivered directly to the plant’s roots. Jadyn Forman checking crops for harvest.

about innovative agriculture and Eighth grader Nathaniel Guidine helping first on November 6th to HCFPA, The Earth Box garden was created after a decision was are donated to HCFPA versus being used for the school
grow systems. graders label their TUB Farm plants. Hillsborough County Family made that the school and its students would benefit from body.  The Earth Box garden is primarily a middle school
the ability to plan, grow and harvest an organic vegetable project where the TUB Farm involves all grade levels.
Partnership garden.  Over the years it has been used to grow a large Almost every student in the school has planted his or her
TUB Farm founder Nava Kirk approached Ms. Wasser Alliance, which helps people in the dependency system variety of vegetables which have been used in healthy own seed or sprout. 
with the idea of placing a TUB Farm on school property. It including foster parents and relative caregivers. Vegetable
was a natural choice to reach out to Hillel Academy as Mrs. donations, including cucumbers, swiss chard, lettuce,
Kirk is a school alumna. Middle School science teacher squash, green beans and basil, directly benefited those who
Amy Basham serves as Hillel Academy’s liaison and TUB depend on the HCFPA food pantry. TUB Farms worked with Urban Oasis Farm Technology to
Farm manager. design the school’s hydroponic farm.
“HCFPA is excited about the new partnership with Hillel
According to Mrs. Kirk, “Hillel Academy is a progressive Academy and TUB Farms.  We look forward to sharing Hillel Academy students receive more than a science
fresh fruits and vegetables with the foster families education as they work on the school’s TUB Farm. They
and the needy of our community that come to practice one of the most important concepts in Judaism,
our food pantry to a receive food on a monthly tikkun olam, repairing the world.
basis,” says Kim Hernandez, HCFPA President. Community service is very important to Hillel Academy
students of all ages. Donating school-grown crops to
“In my opinion,” says Mrs. Basham, “growing HCFPA is a perfect fit.
food crops contributes an incredibly important
Hillel Academy TUB Farm.

aspect to a child’s education. In today’s world recipes prepared by Mrs. Basham and the students. Several
of processed and factory-produced everything, times the vegetables have been used to prepare dishes to
students often forget that much of their food serve during Jewish holiday celebrations. It has been an
originated as a plant that can be grown, harvested excellent way for the students to see where food comes
and enjoyed.  All branches of science can be from, become more interested in the science of our food
Tal Egosi and Misha Warlawmont harvesting string beans. taught through the simple process of growing supply and enhance the science studies already taking place
in the context of the science curriculum.
a vegetable garden.  When students are able to
school that I knew would embrace a program like TUB contribute to growing vegetables, they are able to connect
Farms.  The incredible reception from students and faculty with the science, see its validity in their lives, and hopefully
is more than we could have hoped for.   We understand learntomakewisescience-basedfoodchoicesastheygrow The TUB Farm is different from the Earth Box garden on

Harvesting Swiss chard.

Hebrew Open Mic for Middle School
Several years ago in order to improve the Every Friday during Open Mic students key words and third trimester,
Hebrew public speaking skills of Hillel speak on a variety of subjects in front of 10 key words. By the time the
Academy middle schoolers, Hebrew their classmates. The sixth, seventh and students reach eighth grade,
teacher Ilana Ladetzky created the Open eighth grade classes choose a topic each most do not use cards at all
Mic program several years ago. The goal trimester. Topics include cartoons, favorite and most speak longer than the
of Open Mic is to increase vocabulary and Jewish holidays, movies, television shows, required two minutes. Students
improve the students’ ability to speak in athletes, recipes (and how to make them) may use visuals and/or videos
front of their classmates. It elevates their and vacation trips such as going to the played on mute so while they do
Hebrew proficiency and helps prepare the beach. the narration.
eighth graders for the Israel trip. Their
ability to communicate with local people Students must be prepared to speak for Parents tell Mrs. Ladetzky that Sadie Jacobson and Ariel Gabrielly during their Open Mic session.
in Israel is greatly enhanced after doing a minimum of two minutes. The first Open Mic pays off immensely
Open Mic during their middle school trimester they may use an index card after seeing their children’s
years. with 20 key words written on it. Second Hebrew acumen at their Bar and
trimester they may use a card with 15 Bat Mitzvahs.

After School Athletics Names, Academy at the Lakes,
Hillel Academy has a very active after The school is a member of the Florida St. John’s Episcopal Day School
school athletics program led by faculty West Coast League (FWCL) which follows and St Mary’s Episcopal Day
members Grant Slater, Athletics Director, rules established by the Florida High School.
and Amy Wright, physical education School Athletic Association (FHSAA). Sports offered by Hillel Academy
teacher. All Hillel Academy students are The league is designed to provide include girls varsity volleyball
welcome to participate; no try-outs are instructional athletics for boys and girls in and coed varsity soccer in the
required and uniforms are provided by the many sports and its philosophy is to give fall; varsity boys basketball,
school. every enrolled varsity girls basketball and
student the grades 3 - 5 coed intramural
Participation opportunity basketball during the winter;
in the athletics to play. Age middle school track and field,
program has requirements middle school boys flag football,
increased this are laid out middle school girls flag football
school year. in hopes of and grades 5 - 8 intramural golf in the Hillel Academy volleyball team.
Programs keeping the spring.
offered in playing field Hillel Academy is the second smallest During the fall 2015 the Hillel Academy
the lower equal and school competing in the FWCL. Coach volleyball team made great strides.
grades bring enhancing Slater is proud to say, “we have won Many of the players played since sixth
the children the sports championships in soccer, in both girls and grade which gave them a year or two of
in and feed experience. boys varsity basketball, and the school previous experience. The girls improved
the higher Other schools has competed in championship games their overhand serving skills and learned
grade level participating numerous times over the years.” Many to successfully set and spike the ball.
programs. The in the league student athletes have graduated from Hillel According to Coach Wright, “they
Hillel Academy soccer team. Academy and gone on to play at the high improved with each game played and
school and collegiate level. always displayed great sportsmanship and
middle school are Berkeley perseverance.”
program in particular has benefited from Preparatory School, Tampa Preparatory
the higher level of involvement by more School, Corbett Preparatory School of
Hillel Academy students. IDS, Carrollwood Day School, Odessa
Christian School, Academy of the Holy

Bravo, Brava, Breve - Opera Tampa visits Hillel Academy
On Tuesday, October 27th, the Straz The performers explained and in many languages including
Center for the Performing Arts’ Opera demonstrated the various roles voices play English, Spanish, French,
Tampa performed for Hillel Academy’s in an opera. Male voices include tenors Russian, German and Czech.
grades three through eight. Four singers who often play the lead or love interest and Each of the singers told them
accompanied by a pianist taught the baritones who often play the dark hero which language was the most
students about the numerous components (the hero you love to hate) or the larger challenging for them to learn
that make up an opera including the than life, comedic characters. Female and perform. After a rousing
singers, story, plot, setting, music, gestures, voices include sopranos who play the lead finale from the Barber of Seville,
actions, orchestra, set and costumes. They or love interest and the mezzo-sopranos the Hillel Academy students
were told that opera differs from other who play mothers, grandmothers, witches taught Opera Tampa to say
styles of singing in that the performers and pants’ roles, the roles of young men thank you in Hebrew - Todah
have to learn to use their entire bodies whose voices have not changed yet. Rabah!
to project their voices over the orchestra Students learned that operas are written
rather than rely on microphones.

Sixth grader Madison Fries and fourth grader Seth Black-Diamond acted
out emotions while listening to opera.

Chanukah Concert 2015 - Hillel Academy performs with Dan Nichols
On Thursday, December 10th, Hillel after realizing the potential of music to for the last 15 years. He tours
Academy came together to celebrate make powerful connections with Jewish over 180 days each year often
Chanukah at the annual concert at youth, he established the Jewish rock serving as artist-in-residence
Congregation Kol Ami. Classically trained band Eighteen. Since that time, Dan and and teacher for congregations
singer Dan Nichols was the featured Eighteen have released 11 albums. Many of and camp communities. He has
performer who sang in concert with the his songs have become Jewish communal been featured at conferences
students. anthems throughout North America. and conventions of nearly every
Mr. Nichols received his Bachelor of Dan Nichols a product of the URJ Jewish major Jewish movement.
Music degree in vocal performance at the camping movement. He has toured Jewish
University of North Carolina. In 1995 summer camps across North America

Dan Nichols performing with kindergarten students.

Life & Legacy Program
Hillel Academy was chosen to participate in Life & following the donor’s death. Bequest gifts can be made
Legacy, a partnership program between the Tampa through a bequest in a will, an IRA, a life-insurance Hillel Academy Life & Legacy Donors
Orlando Pinellas Jewish Foundation (TOP) and the policy or other estate vehicles.  Gifts may be made in
Harold Grinspoon Foundation. Through the program any monetary amount. Life & Legacy enables donors Nat and Debbie Doliner
the school received training and marketing materials to support Hillel Academy in a way they may not have Debbi Eisenstadt
to assist in recruiting legacy or bequest gifts. As a been able to during their lifetimes. Carolyn Fink
participating organization, Hillel Academy has the The Life & Legacy Program runs through 2017. Susan Forman
opportunity to be granted $12,000 if the school meets Thank you to those who have made Life & Legacy gifts Cathy and Bob Friedman
the goal of obtaining 18 letters of intent in each of the to Hillel Academy. Laureen Galeoto
two years of the program. Neal and Donna Huneycutt
The Life & Legacy Program is a meaningful way Barry and Lili Kaufmann
for individuals and families to make a gift to Hillel Dennis and Francine LeVine
Academy with no monetary commitment today as a Michael and Karen Reisman
bequest is a provision made in a will for a gift to made Rabbi Jason Rosenberg
Amy Wasser

Hillel Academy Contribution Funds

General Fund Yunger Halpern Scholarship Fund

Donations go into the general school operating budget. Donations provide a Jewish child in need of assistance in providing an education at Hillel Academy.

Maurice Levine Library Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative Fund

Donations purchase library books and materials for student use. This fund was established in memory of Isaac B. Solomon by his family. Donations will
enhance the music program at Hillel Academy.
Building Fund (Campus Development Fund)
Shelley Herzog Professional Development Fund
Donations support the enhancement and maintenance of facilities.
Gifts to this fund support professional development.
Mini Jacobson Wolf Scholarship Fund

Donations offer scholarship monies to assist children in need, providing them with a
Jewish education at Hillel Academy.

Hillel Academy TOP Funds
Tampa Orlando Pinellas Jewish Foundation (TOP) was established in 1980 to support the Jewish and non-Jewish communities through creative philanthropy. Individuals and
families can create endowments for their favorite charities or donor-advised funds to support a variety of causes. Hillel Academy is a proud recipient of TOP funding.

Jonathan Anton Memorial Ruth Wittenstein Scholarship Miriam Lengyel Endowment
Scholarship Fund Endowment Fund Fund

Chernin Family Scholarship Hillel Academy Unrestricted Schilit Family Endowment Fund
Endowment Fund Endowment Fund Mike Eisenstadt Memorial
Allan Fox Scholarship Hillel Academy Library Music Fund
Endowment Fund Endowment Fund

Ruth Wittenstein Professional Steve and Laura Kreitzer Hillel
Development Endowment Fund Academy Endowment Fund

Hillel Academy Ellen Crystal
Contributions Joseph Egosi
Shai and Naomi Egosi
School Year: December 12, 2014 to May 31, 2015 (donations listed Ruth Ehrlich
as of print deadline) Ettleman Family
Barbara Feinberg
Annual Fund Matthew and Carolyn Fink
Aaron and Wendy Finkelstein
Eliezer and Lindsay Akri Sara and Murray Fisch
Keren Amoyal Mayer Fishman and Donna Goldman
Michael and Amy Basham Alicia and John Flasher
Rene and Susan Ben-Avraham William Fleece
Snait and Gil Ben-Herut Larry and Helen Freid
Morton Bergen Myles Friedland
Peter and Nancy Berman Ilona Friedman
Melody Briggs-Wisdo Joyce Fries
Peter and Saralee Black William and Marcy Fries
Fred and Pamela Bromberg Cathy and Bob Friedman
Stephanie Brown Stacy and Jeffrey Gad
Lisa and Larry Caine/JP Morgan Michael and Lorinda Gamson
Debra Campbell Tracy Gold
Alan and Lisa Cohen Haim and Mazi Goldenberg
David Cohen and Audria Gazzar Anthony and Marisse Goldman
Nathan Goldman
Cohen Gary and Phyllis Gould
Julia Galpin Contella Nancy and Ephram Graff

Wendy Grant Mr. & Mrs. Reams
Susan and Richard Guess Galina Shistik-Zeltzer
Rebecca and Steven Guindine Sandra and Stephen Szekely
Rabbi Josh and Carrie Hearshen
Michael Hechtman Mini Jacobson Wolf Scholarship Fund
Stephen and Deanna Hinds
Neal and Donna Huneycutt Aaron and Wendy Finkelstein
Rosalind Jacobs Burt and Susan Finkelstein
Mark and Carol Jaffe Susan and Richard Guess
Keith and Guenita Kanarek Jessica Wittcoff
Joyce Karpay
Linda Kelley Allan Fox Endowment
Robert and Kasey Kelly
Warren and Nancy Kinsler Susan Elias
Sheldon and Clara Kopel
Andres and Ariana Kornworcel Shelley Herzog Professional Development Fund
Joan and Andrew Landwehr
Harry and Caren Lever Ellen Crystal
Stuart and Joann Marofsky Allan and Marilyn Daniels
Noah and Paola Matilsky Jeffrey and Stacy Gad
Elizabeth Miceli-Glidden John and Chantarat Grace
Benjamin and Bonnie Amsterdam Todd and Carol Haber
Herbert Herzog
Miele Ilana and Moshe Ladetzky
Marc and Robin Ostroff Dale Solomon
Michael Ostroff and Esther Marc and Sheryl Tindell
Sara Wilson
Rosenberg
Gabriel and Rachel Pantol Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative
Maritza and Jeff Patet
Leslie and Reva Pearlstein Black-Diamond Family
Pearlene Pearlstein Galen and Ranita Gomez
Burl and Lori Peters Laurin and Ron Jacobson
Herta and Sam Pila Judith Rosenkranz
Ronald and Susan Pross Saady-Saxe Family
Jeff Puretz and Ellen Kopel-Puretz Kevin R. Shelton
Bonnie Raubfogel
Mike and Karen Reisman Legacy Fund
Matthew and Kerrie Rigberg
Jay and Annette Safer Jeffrey and Sharon Fox
Marilyn Schleicher
Ronald and Rita Schonwetter TOP Funds
Allen and Ellen Sered
Maurice and Kalie Shaw Chernin Family Scholarship
Jody and Dennis Sherman Endowment Fund
Teresa Silva
Grant Slater Kaufmann Family Hillel Endowment
Dana and Justin Sock Fund
Gary and Lisa Teblum
Stanislav and Irene Timofeev Trusts, Gift, Matches and Grants
Marc and Sheryl Tindell
Todd and Suzanne Ullrich The Herman Forbes Charitable Trust
Sheila Vider JP Morgan Chase/Caine Match
Stephen and Robin Viders Legacy Heritage Fund
Sydelle Vogel Selig Multimedia
Paul and Rae Wallach
Rabbi Shira Wallach Contributions made June 1, 2015 - December 4, 2015.
Amy Wasser (Donations listed as of print deadline.)
Howard Weinstock
Sara and Scott Wilson All Gift of Gold donors and sponsors will be recognized in the
Amy Wright Summer 2016 newsletter.
Jan Wuliger
Joel Zack

General Fund

Hilary Black
Ellen Crystal
Lynne and Fred Merriam

Building Fund/Campus Development

Rafael Burgos
Steven and Jeanette Hirschkowitz

Pila-Reiber Holocaust Library

Michael Bahr
Phyllis Frankel
Joshua Pila
Moritz Pila
Norman and Irene Sholk
Howard and Kathleen Zelden

Maurice Levine Library

The Antman Family

SAVE THE DATE Hillel Academy
2020 W. Fletcher Avenue
January 29 Tampa, Florida 33612-1821
All School Shabbat

February 12
Grandparents Day

February 27
Gift of Gold
March 25
Purim Carnival
March 31
Project Night

April 20
Model Seder
April 21-29
Spring Break (Passover)

May 9
Patel Performance

June 1
Graduation

June 2
Last Day of School

Please see the online Hillel Academy
calendar for additional important dates.

Hillel Academy Outreach
Last school year Hillel Academy Congregation Kol Ami - Pizza & PJs
Hillel Academy banners reinforce Character Counts! entered into a partnership with March 11, 2016
Congregation Rodeph Sholom
to sponsor dessert at two of the Meeting Potential
synagogue’s Tot Shabbat services. This Families
year our Tot Shabbat sponsorship
program has grown to include During the fall 2015 Director of
Congregation Beth Am and Admissions Cathy Grossman
Congregation Kol Ami. Thank you conducted several talks designed to
to Rabbi Hearshen, Rabbi Rosenberg help prospective parents find the right
and Rabbi Judd for working with Hillel school for their child(ren). Current
Academy in this way. Hillel Academy parents opened their
If you are a member of one of the homes to host the talks and Mrs.
synagogues, please have your child(ren) Grossman also spoke at the Tampa
wear a Hillel Academy uniform shirt Palms Compton Park Social Room.
when attending Tot Shabbat! Mrs. Grossman participated in the first
Greater Tampa Bay Private Schools
Tot Shabbats Fair which was held at Shorecrest
Preparatory School on Sunday,
Congregation Rodeph Sholom - November 1st. Hillel Academy gained
Jammies & Jeans visibility and recognition as parents
April 8, 2016 talked with the area’s top parochial,
Congregation Beth Am - Tot Shabbat private and independent school
February 19, 2016 options.

Hillel Academy Referral Program

Did you know? For a qualified student referral you are eligible for $500 in tuition credit! Please call the Admissions Department, 813-963-2242, for more information.