Community Magazine May 2021

IYAR-SIVAN 5781 / MAY 2021 23 day schools in the New York area.  “A significant majority of our students scored above-average on the J-Sat tests,” Mrs. Winegaten states proudly. As a result, she notes, “We have schools fighting over Ahi Ezer Yeshiva graduates!” Clearly, the school’s strong tradition of dedication to growth has led to impressive results. Ivrit Programs The rest of the curriculum is laudable, as well.  Mrs. Paz, an acclaimed community educator, spearheads the school’s Ivrit program.  In addition to teaching Ivrit B’Ivrit to all grades, Mrs. Paz has created an Honors class for seventh and eighth graders, using a high school curriculum. Building on their success with the Yediot program, Ahi Ezer is continuing to integrate Lashon HaTorah and Dikduk skills on the demanding level of the COJDS curriculum. They are ahead of the curve, and it is clear that this is just the beginning. Secular Studies Mrs. Aliza Beyda is the principal of the Secular Studies Department. She works together with curriculum advisor Mrs. Matalon. Their goal is to prepare students for higher education in every possible way. Here, too, the mantra is to expand in new directions of growth.  This includes implementing new courses and teaching methods and staying on the lookout for future additions to the curriculum.  Advanced students in the fifth through eighth grades take part in honors classes for Math and Language Arts.  Mrs. Beyda noted, “Astoundingly, this year’s fifth grade honors have touched upon eighth grade-level statistics, while the eighth graders are preparing to ace the ninth grade Regents Exam.”  Preparing students to be competitive in today’s world means including advanced computer skills. Beginning in fifth grade, students learn the basics of using a computer, typing skills, and essential programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Another program that is critical to helping students achieve future success is the STEM program, which integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through this stimulating curriculum, students develop scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. Ahi Ezer is preparing the next generation of innovators.  Suplemental courses include Sephardic History, which provides students with an understanding of their rich heritage and instills pride in their community, tracing 3,000 years of the Sephardic heritage through photos and artifacts.  In another popular course, a teen-mentor visits the seventh and eighth grades to present classes in self-confidence, social skills, emuna , and Hashkafa/ Torah outlook.  These invaluable weekly lessons provide the almost-graduates with the self-esteem and skills vital to handling life’s challenges, readying them for their future roles as wives, mothers, and pillars of our community.  New this year is a class called the Eternal City, during which eighth graders brush up on their skills by researching the history and archaeology of Jerusalem! Lined up for Fall 2021 is a multi-faceted healthy living program, including nutrition education and physical education. To spice things up, each month the school will invite well-known Syrian chefs into their new state-of-the-art kitchen. These guests will demonstrate techniques for preparing healthy meals and desserts.  Ahi Ezer Weathers COVID In March of 2020 Ahi Ezer’s combination of love and professionalism stood them in good stead when NYC shut down. The previous month, with COVID still distant on the horizon, the Ahi Ezer principals foresaw the possibility of a lockdown.  They started preparing for remote schooling - just in case.  As a result, the school was able to spring into action as soon as the pandemic struck.  Distance learning began almost immediately, and teachers helped students fill the long hours after Zoom School with weekly art classes, voluntary Parasha and Tehillim time, and a nightly teacher-hosted program nicknamed “Ahi Ezer Live!”   There was more: drive-through events, packages full of toys and games, the annual bat mitzvah presentation, and a surprise “Every student here knows that she is loved and valued. Our goal is to produce a true bat Yisrael, and prepare her to fulfill her dreams...” -Rabbi Raymond Beyda Nursery room Kindergarten room