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

Hillel Academy Partners with the Straz Center’s Patel Conservatory Hillel Academy was chosen to be a partner school with the Patel Conservatory - to - Go Program. Partner schools are selected by the Straz Center in order to develop performing arts educational experiences based on need and expressed commitment. Through our participation as a partner school, our students are gaining a true appreciation for the performing arts, and they are strengthening their arts education experience. In conjunction with the support of our existing Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative, expert music educators from Patel Conservatory are enriching the school’s environment with musical theory, instrumentation, dance and creative collaboration.

Our lower grades gain from the Patel experience as part of their general music class which focuses on developing musical skills through singing and instrumental performance activities ensuring readiness for future musical experiences. Third and fourth graders are being introduced to the fundamentals of playing a string instrument. They’re learning to read music and how to follow a conducting pattern and play simple sequences from a variety of genres. Fifth and sixth graders learn African drumming combined with African and Indian dancing. Their focus is on understanding the traditions in tandem with singing, moving and playing instruments.

We would like to continue the goal of the Isaac B. Solomon Initiative in opening our students’ minds to the connection between culture and music”

The Hillel Academy music program is enhanced for the seventh and eighth graders as they are experiencing an Introduction to Musical Theater. The students combine dance, music and theater in one setting while developing their skills through improvisation, voice and scene work. Middle school students also have the opportunity to be part of Rock School, a weekly band session for students who own their own instruments. Head of School Amy Wasser states, “We look forward to creating a meaningful and lasting relationship with Patel Conservatory and watching our enhanced music program develop into a crucial component of the school.

Shayna Sered Lever and Shelby Freeman

Local Jewish Federations Support Hillel Academy Hillel Academy is the beneficiary of charitable funds from both the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties and the Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation. Due to these gifts the school is able to offer financial assistance to Hillel Academy families who would not be able to send their children to the school. “Being the only Jewish day school in Tampa Bay, The Jewish Federation of Pinellas & Pasco Counties recognizes the importance of supporting the Hillel Academy and we’re pleased that we can help families from Pinellas and Pasco realize the dream of a Jewish education.” Mark Segel, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties “The Tampa Jewish Federation understands how important it is to have a Jewish day school in our community and greatly appreciates the critical role Hillel Academy is playing in preparing the next generation of Jewish leaders. The Federation is proud to make a significant annual allocation to the school to fund a large portion of its tuition assistance program because our board members recognize that Hillel Academy is an exceptional school and an invaluable community asset.” Gary Gould, Chief Executive Officer Tampa Jewish Community Center & Federation

Hillel Academy Granted Gift from the June Baumgardner Gelbart Foundation

“June’s commitment to the perpetuity of Judaism is exemplified by the teachers and staff at Hillel in their dedication to the education and future of Jewish children in Tampa Bay. By the Foundation’s funding of scholarships for students whose families are unable to afford the cost of full tuition, we honor June’s memory, her love of children and her desire to assist those in need.” Marc A.B. Silverman, Esquire Trustee, June Baumgardner Gelbart Foundation

June Baumgardner Gelbart was born in New York City and moved to Clearwater in 1957. She was both a strong business executive and a caring, committed and proud Jew who was involved in community and philanthropic efforts throughout her life. Along with her husband, Richard Baumgardner, June operated the Kapok Tree Restaurant group. Following Richard’s death, June and the company donated land to the City of Clearwater for the Richard B. Baumgardner Center for the Performing Arts which includes Ruth Eckerd Hall. June sold the company and lived part-time in Australia with her second husband, Ben Gelbart. (continued on page 2)

June Baumgardner Gelbart

IN THIS ISSUE CELEBRATE

Mission Statement

HILLEL HAPPENINGS

Hillel Academy’s mission is to provide a superior education that encourages a love of learning and a strong Jewish identity. To that end, Hillel students are encouraged to attain the highest possible level of personal achievement.

GIVING

Hillel Academy offers morning bus service from North Pinellas county with bus stops at Temple Ahavat Shalom, Woodlands Square in Oldsmar, and Westchase. Bus service from South Tampa also will be offered for the 2014 - 15 school year.

CONGRATULATING

Hillel Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS) and the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC) and is a member of the Jewish Community Day School Network. The school is recognized by the U.S. Dept. of Education as a Blue Ribbon School.

Hillel Academy | 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue, Tampa, Florida 33612 | 813-963-2242

www.hillelacademytampa.org

WINTER 2015

Gelbart Foundation (Continued) During her lifetime, June was an active member of Congregation Beth Shalom, Clearwater, a Lion of Judah through the Jewish Federation of Pinellas and Pasco Counties, a life member of Hadassah and was active on several committees of Gulf Coast Jewish Family and Community Services. June was also a life member of the

Miniature Art Society of Florida and she was a supporter of the Florida Orchestra.

June established the June Baumgardner Gelbart Foundation as a trust, to be activated upon her death. After she passed away in 2003, the Foundation began operations. Its mission is to support

programs for needy children in Israel and programs for Jewish children and the elderly in the U.S., primarily in the Tampa Bay area. Many institutions have benefited from June’s support, including Hillel Academy. The Foundation has supported the school

and its students for the past five years. In particular, students from Pinellas County, who may not otherwise have been able to attend the school, have benefitted from the generosity of June Baumgardner Gelbart.

Back to School Bagel Bash Joy, excitement and anticipation filled Hillel Academy on Sunday, August 17th as Head of School Amy Wasser welcomed students and their families to the Back to School Bagel Bash. Intermediate teachers greeted new and returning students and showed them their classrooms. Many of the younger ones could be seen searching for their names on newly laminated labels on the desks. Sixth graders attended orientation and spent time decorating their lockers and filling them with books and school supplies.

The primary grades were treated to their own orientation sessions on Monday, August 18th. Bagels and other baked goods were the hit of the morning - along with the newly installed GaGa court which was enjoyed before, during and after the morning rain!

School club representatives were on hand to answer questions and enroll the children. Clubs are offered on a trimester schedule enabling children to choose activities more than once during the school year. Hip Hop was added to Creative Movement and Dance this year. Other clubs include the Chess Club, the Act Up

Drama Club, and the ever popular Cooking Kosher with Mrs. Keren Amoyal. PTO is offering newly designed spirit wear this year. The bright turquoise t-shirts were sold for the first time at the Bagel Bash and are available for purchase throughout this school year. Shirts may be worn on Food Bank Fridays and Seventh grader Noah Pearlman and fifth grader spirit and field days. Parents may Tal Egosi wear the shirts when chaperoning field trips, volunteering at school or just to show off Hillel spirit while out and about in the community.

Welcome our New Faculty Members Summer Faculty Professional Development

When you see two new faces around campus, please introduce yourself and welcome Sara Fisch, our Reading and Learning Specialist and Nancy Berman who joined the Hillel Academy middle school team as the Judaics teacher. Ms. Fisch is partnering with our classroom teachers to bring the best tools to Hillel Academy students and faculty to ensure the needs of all learners are met. Ms. Berman has many years of experience in the Jewish community. She is a valued asset for our school.

Sara Fisch with Nonie Hyman

Grant Slater, Hillel Academy’s Athletic Director, spent his summer following his passion for the film and entertainment industry. Mr. Slater and his brother, Todd Slater, of Slater Brothers Entertainment,

entered their film “The General” for submission in the 18th Annual Flickers: Rhode Island International International Film Festival. The film was selected from over 5,000 submissions from over 60 countries for exhibition during the festival and it was a contender for the Flickers’ Grand Prize for Best Feature Film. For the 6th year, Mr. Slater and his brothers presented the Slater Brothers’ Annual Hamilton

Women of Distinction The Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation presented the Bobbe Karpay Women of Distinction Program on Thursday, December 4th at Congregation Schaarai Zedek. The three women who were honored are important members of the Hillel

Amy Basham attended the Experiential Science Education Conference. Stephanie Brown, Elizabeth Glidden and Rebecca Guindine attended Reading and Writing with the Common Core. Susan Guess attended Safety at the Front Desk Workshop.

Susan Ben Avraham, Pam Bromberg, Alicia Flasher, Pam Fonte and Dale Solomon attended the Florida Council

Faculty Accolades Hebrew teacher Mazi Goldenberg spent 10 days at The Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Ms. Goldenberg was awarded a fellowship from the Legacy Heritage Teachers Institute.

Several Hillel Academy faculty and staff members attended extended education courses during the summer in preparation for this school year. Hillel Academy invests in our teachers so they are better able to serve and educate our students.

of Independent Schools (FCIS) 21st Century Learning Academy.

Academy family.

Ellen Kopel Puretz was the Woman of Distinction from Hillel Academy and Amy Wasser, our Head of School, was Congregation Kol Ami’s honoree. Hillel Academy parent Bonnie Elozory was the Hesed Shel Emet Woman of Distinction.

International Film Festival, July 31st through August 3rd, in Hamilton New York. Recently the Ex-ecutive Director of the Canadian Sports Film Festival has contacted Mr. Slater to see if the film could be screened inToronto and/or Winnipeg during the spring of 2015. Says Mr. Slater, “It is nice when they come looking for you.” DVD cover of Mr. Slater’s movie

The women were celebrated and honored by the community and after a keynote presentation by Lynda Fishman, MSW, author, clinical social worker and inspirational speaker, the event attendees enjoyed a dessert reception. Women of Distinction - Ellen Kopel Puretz, Amy Wasser, Bonnie Elozory

Middle School Retreat

On Monday and Tuesday, September 22nd and 23rd, the entire Hillel Academy Middle School traveled to the DaySpring Conference Center for the annual middle school retreat. The Center is an hour away from the Hillel Academy campus on the north bank of the Manatee River near Ellenton, Florida. It offers a tranquil and naturally beautiful location. The purpose of the retreat is to give

the students the opportunity for personal growth, and to bond and build relationships, particularly with and among the 6th graders who are new to middle school this year. In addition the 8th graders are challenged by the high ropes course.

. Hillel Academy 8th graders Gabe Shandles, Max Weiner, Adam Wertheim, Laney Jacobson and Ben Axel with Stephanie Ross in the front of the group. Activity: High Ropes, part of the annual Middle School retreat with Path-finders Outdoor Educators.

The trip was led and chaperoned by the Middle School faculty.

Hillel Academy’s Aerial Photography Drone has Landed on Campus! As part of their MakerLab experience, Hillel take a drone certification test. Academy middle school students have the The first four Flight School candidates to work opportunity to take part in the drone’s Flight with the drone were Noah Gamson, Carol School. Under the direction of Director of Kornworcel, Ariel Solomon and Alissa Chernin. Technology Michael Gamson, groups of four As the students become certified, others will be students at a time learn to assemble the drone, invited to train on the perform a series of drone’s operation. pre-flight procedures and fly the drone at The aerial drone has incrementally higher also been used to altitudes. They begin photograph soccer by flying the drone as games and helped the low as 10 feet above the third grade students ground and advance to with a search & rescue flying it more than 50 feet mission conducted high. They fly the drone in the back field as further and further away part of their maps and in order to capture the geography lessons. perfect 360 degree video. 6th grader Arielle Solomon with the drone The Hillel Academy After mastering the drone is a Phantom process, each student will

DJI Vision 2 Plus manufactured by DJI. Visit this vimeo link - https://vimeo. com/108153107 - to see for yourself. Mr. Gamson noted, “Investing in the latest technologies is not just about finding useful applications in the present tense. It is about inspiring the next generation by giving them hands on experiences with the tools which will shape their future. The student who prints a tchachke on our 3d printer today may become the surgeon who fabricates a heart valve with tomorrows version of 3d printing. The flight school candidate who photographs activities on the backfield from 200 ft in the air might become the next great explorer. Putting this technology in students’ hands shows them that anything is possible in the world they will ultimately inherit.”

A Joyous Holiday Celebration - Simchat Torah Early on the morning of Monday, October 20th the Hillel Academy student body gathered at neighboring Temple Beth Am to celebrate Simchat Torah. On this holiday, the last words of the Torah are read and the Torah is re-rolled to start reading from the beginning of the scroll once again. Middle school students, teachers, parents and other family members held the Torah while all the younger students gathered in front of the unrolled scroll to see it’s beauty and learn more about its meaning. One

Hillel Academy parent Rabbi Hearshen among the students

special moment was when the children were asked to find a Hebrew word that began with the same letter as their Hebrew names. The students also found the five books of the Torah and the two times the Ten Commandments are in the Torah. Amy Wasser, Head of School, reminded the children that a scribe had visited Hillel Academy a couple of years ago. All the writing in the Torah has

Bats, Bats, Bats! On Friday, October 24th, Francine Prager from Tampa Bay Bats, a bat rescue, rehabilitation and educational organization, visited Hillel Academy’s primary grades. Ms. Prager has been working with bats for more than six years. The revenue garnered through teaching classes goes toward running the rescue operation and feeding the bats more than 30,000 mealworms a month! The Hillel students were treated to an age-appropriate lesson on bats as part of their science curriculum. In keeping with the mission of Tampa Bay Bats, the children and adults were taught about how beneficial these gentle animals are and myths surrounding them were dispelled. The students were well prepared for Ms. Prager’s visit. The day before the bats came to school, the students created bat headwear to wear during the presentation and they learned about bats’ echo-location abilities. In fact, Ms.

Prager said she had not presented to any other student group as prepared and informed as the Hillel students. Ms. Prager showed a short power point presentation which included photos of many amazing bats. The children asked questions and then the fun began . . . seeing live bats! Through the use of a bat detector, children heard what bat echo-location sounds like and they saw bats make have a snack of mealworms. When asked how and why she became involved with bats, Ms. Prager shared, “As one of the least understood and most maligned creatures on earth, all bats share an undeserved and unfair reputation. I am finding I can change that a bit – if only by doing it one person (or one class) at a time. My greatest joy comes when, after a program, someone comes up to me and says I used to

to be perfect or it has to be re-done by scraping the ink off the Torah and rewriting the letter or word. While the Torah was being re-rolled faculty members Sylvia Cohen and Lauren Jacobson led the children in songs. After the service when the children left the Temple to go back to school, each was given a candy kiss to symbolize the sweetness of the new year and the joy of studying Torah.

be afraid of bats but no more’.” And now many of the Hillel Academy primary students are among those who are no longer afraid of bats!

Francine Prager showing a bat to David Fink, Ethan Cohen and Gabrielle Flitman

Better Together - Hillel Academy Students visit Weinberg Village Seniors Hillel Academy has been awarded a grant from the Legacy Heritage Fund, through their Better Together program, with the goal of promoting intergenerational programming. Funds have enabled our school to develop a partnership with Weinberg Village, the senior Assisted Living Facility located on the Tampa Jewish Community Center and Federation campus.

Additional visits have included a computer based trivia game, making centerpieces for Thanksgiving and celebrating Chanukah.

According to the Legacy Heritage Fund, the Better Together program “provides students with the opportunity, prepared with the skills and sensitivities, to ‘live’ our traditions and practices, to actually engage in the fulfillment of the mitzvot (the concretization of our values) which will produce a next generation well prepared to lead, thrive and sustain our people going forward.” Each month our seventh grade students travel from school to Weinberg Village to interact with and enjoy time with the seniors. Weinberg Village offers their residents options for retirement living including a warm atmosphere, cheerful camaraderie and engaging programming. Visits from the Hillel Academy seventh graders contribute greatly to meeting the mission of Weinberg Village to enhance the quality of life for their residents and at the same time, the visits offer a wonderful learning experience for the Hillel Academy students. After their first visit, students offered these comments: “I loved this experience especially with the wonderful lady that I was paired up with. She was very funny . . . and she

The Weinberg Village residents are sharing memories about the holidays, including personal experiences and traditions, with the seventh graders. The students using photography and film will create a scrapbook which will be given to the residents. A copy of the scrapbook will also be given to Hillel Academy.

Molly Orlick and senior friend

was smart. I really like her and I think she liked me, too. Plus we had a lot of stuff in common,” remarked Courtney Elias. “The trip was fun and exciting,” stated Briana Miele. Sagi Amoyal said, “I think the visit was great and worked out well.” Molly Orlick added, “I really enjoyed going to Weinberg Village. The first person I met was Anita. We had a great conversation and she always elaborated on each question. We mostly just talked about what we felt like. I can’t wait to come back to Weinberg Village.” Ilan Rappaport and senior friend

Budding Entrepreneurs - Hillel Academy Eighth Grade Students During this school year, a new entrepreneurship program has been integrated into Hillel Academy’s eighth grade curriculum. The program was offered by Forward Thinking Initiatives (FTI), a nonprofit organization that has been teaching in the Tampa Bay area since 2005. Hillel Academy’s art teacher, Debra Campbell, is the owner of FTI and instructs the program. Forward Thinking Initiatives partners with LivAfrika, an organization charged with the mission of Empowering Women and Transforming Lives, to provide the goods the students are selling. The educational goals for studying entrepreneurship included exploring and mastering: cross cultural and economic issues of the target country (South Africa was Hillel Academy’s target country), transportation logistics; the role of customs, exchange rates, insurance, payment, contracts; working with

Fair Trade companies and sustainable communities; marketing and sales; and how to develop a corporate philanthropy. In order to meet these goals and maximize their learning experience, the eighth grade students started a small trading company and operated a retail “store”. The young entrepreneurs developed and used a company sales pitch as part of their sales and marketing campaign. They sold items that range in price from $10 to $60. Among the goods offered for sale were bowls and necklaces made from paper products, reversible bags designed for iPads, stuffed monsters made from fabric scraps and owls made from beads. All the goods were crafted from renewable resources, both found and donated objects. The Hillel Academy eighth graders each had a catalog to show potential buyers. They also sold the products before and after school in the front of the

school. By purchasing the retail items, buyers supported the students’ learning experience and they directly supported the women crafters and positively transformed their lives and the lives of generations to come. The students chose to donate 50% of the proceeds back to the South Africans and 25% to Hillel Academy. They kept 25% as commission. Ms. Campbell is uniquely qualified to lead our students in this learning experience. Her career began in economic development. She managed the iPhiladelphia Industrial Development Corporation’s

international division and headed the Asia Department for the Philadelphia Commerce Department before starting her own economic development consulting company. In addition to her teaching responsibilities at Hillel Academy, Ms. Campbell is currently the State Coordinator for the Consortium of Entrepreneurship Education and she serves on the Advisory Board of Creative Tampa Bay.

Alissa Chernin selling LivAfrika products

“Flipped Classroom” Approach to Teaching For the 2014 - 15 school year, one of Hillel Academy’s middle school teachers, Burl Peters, is using the “flipped classroom” approach while teaching Algebra 1 classes. The “flipped classroom” is an idea that has been around for quite a few years. It is used mostly in math classrooms, but is beginning to be used in many language classrooms as well. Mr. Peters described the more traditional math class which he has been teaching for many years: • the teacher gives a lesson in class while students take notes; • the students are given homework to

practice the newly covered skill; • the students check their homework the next day and practice may or may not continue depending on the results of the homework or plan of the teacher. He believes there are several drawbacks to this teacher centered approach to teaching. One is that students tend to do most of their practice at home, away from the teacher. This can lead to problems in process and application that are more difficult to fix if they are practicing incorrectly. Second, the pace of any lesson is determined by the teacher and the

content can only be taken in once. Lastly, students can spend a good amount of time struggling through a homework assignment they may not fully understand. The “flipped classroom” is just the opposite of this traditional approach, thus the name. In the student centered “flipped classroom”: • the students watch pre-recorded lessons at home with a set of guided notes; • students come into class the following day or days and practice those skills with their classmates and teacher present to provide support;

• the classroom teacher checks student work as they go and at the end of every practice session. This innovative approach allows students to watch video lessons at their own pace and repeatedly if needed. The video lessons are available to them all year for any review purpose. Students can practice skills with their classmates and work in a collaborative environment to help one another. The teacher is able to observe each student and their progress for a full period rather than spending time checking homework and giving a lesson. The teacher-student time is greatly increased allowing the teacher to more easily identify

“Flipped Classroom” Approach to Teaching (Continued) and correct errors in thinking and process. The students generally spend less time on work at home and do not have to go to their parents for help, which is often the case in a traditional classroom. Many “flips” are done using others’ recorded lessons, such as lessons from the Khan Academy or other sites. Mr. Peters decided to record his own lessons so that he could control the methodology, order

and content. According to Mr. Peters, “anecdotal evidence up to now is showing marked improvement for the majority of students. I personally am finding my ability to target and correct problems among the group or with an individual student is greatly enhanced. The increased amount of oneon-one time that can be given is helping immensely. The classroom environment

is very loose and allows the students the freedom to assist and corroborate with one another. This adds to their understanding greatly when one explains a concept to another. I can challenge those who get it more quickly and assist those who are struggling with the concept too. This is one aspect of the flip that I did not foresee, but differentiation is much easier in the flip.”

Molly Orlick, Burl Peters and Noah Pearlman

Hillel Happenings During First Semester On Wednesday, November 6th the Hillel Academy second graders visited the Dalì Museum in St. Petersburg. On Thursday, November 6th the kindergarten classes celebrated their 50th day of school. The children dressed in 50’s garb, played with hula hoops, had a sock hop and enjoyed root beer floats while learning about the number 50 by counting by 2, 5 and 10. The annual Book Fair was held November 17 - 21. Proceeds from the Book Fair fund the Hillel Academy Library. Just in time for Chanukah gift giving, a table of Jewish books and puzzles was offered for sale in addition to books covering numerous other subjects and interests. Sandy Szekely, Hillel Academy’s librarian, said, “this year’s best sellers included Mindcraft handbooks based on the computer game, Dolphin Tale 2 (the easy reader and the junior novel versions) and Sunshine State readers that are available in the library but popular to

purchase.” On Tuesday, November 18th and Wednesday, November19th, the fifth through eighth graders were treated to field trips to the Leepa-Rattner Museum of Art in Tarpon Springs. On Wednesday, November 19th the Hillel Academy PTO offered an educational presentation by Ms. Abrams, LCSW, following the November meeting. Ms. Abrams, a local expert and fellow Hillel parent, spoke on helping your child reach his or her potential. Parents learned how personal, familial and community traits can impact our children’s functioning. Thursday, November 20th was the Great American Teach-in day at Hillel Academy. Students in third grade attended presentations by ophthalmologist Dr. Stacey Goldstein, Dr. Jessica GoldsteinGurfinchel and FBI Special Agent Allan Gurfinchel.

Students in the middle school attended presentations by: Dr. Deborah White, an internist; Dr. David Berger, a holistic physician; Jason Winorker who works in

attorney for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; and Stephanie Bergen, an Assistant Attorney General. The second graders traveled to Dinosaur World on Thursday, November 20th. They conducted a fossil dig, explored a cave, roamed the forest where dinosaurs lived and met with a paleontologist.

After reading The Chocolate Touch and Charlie and the Dr. White and Jake Lewis Chocolate Factory, third grade students the natural gas industry; Amy Morris, a visited the Schakolad boutique chocolate behavior analyst; Karin Malin, a medical factory in Tampa. on Friday, December malpractice attorney; Johnathan Flasher, 12th. They learned about how chocolate is a senior relations specialist at USAA made and had the opportunity to mix, dip, Insurance; Chris Cates, an assistant and decorate various treats into delicious baseball coach at USF; David Cohen, chocolate.

Hillel Academy Chanukah Celebration On Thursday, December 18th the Hillel Academy community - students, faculty, staff and their families - celebrated Chanukah during a Chanukah Concert and Family Dinner at Congregation Kol Ami on Thursday, December 18, 2104.

who has toured throughout the world for over 25 years. Patti Rinner, Hillel Academy’s music teacher prepared the students for the concert.

Hillel Academy students, wearing custom designed Chanukah t-shirts, Julie Silver and Hillel Academy students The special concert and a 3 piece band guest was Julie Silver, a celebrated and beloved of local musicians had the opportunity to performer of contemporary Jewish music not only enjoy Ms. Silver’s music, but they

performed with her during the Chanukah Concert.

Co-chairs Marcy Fries and Jody Rappaport for organizing this event.

Ms. Silver personally chose the songs each grade performed including her rendition of Hallelujah as the opening song which was sung by the entire school as they entered the sanctuary from multiple locations. The program finale was another of Julie Silver’s songs, Shir Chadash.

Ms. Silver resides in Southern California. She was raised in Newton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Clark University in 1988. Without backing from a major label, Ms. Silver has sold more than 100,000 copies of her CDs. Her songs have become so tightly woven into the fabric of American Judaism that they have become “standards” in worship, camp, and academic settings.

Following the Chanukah Concert, students and families enjoyed a Chanukah buffet dinner. Hillel Academy thanks the Chanukah Concert

Support Gift of Gold Save the Date for Hillel Academy’s premier fundraising event, Gift of Gold which will be January 24th at the Carrollwood Country Club. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. The theme for the 2015 Gift of Gold is “A Night on the Red Carpet”. The evening’s festivities include a silent auction, musical entertainment provided by Dueling Pianos and a Kosher buffet. The 2015 Hillel Academy honorees will be Jack Ross, Jewish Community Center Executive Director, as “Producer of the Year” and Hillel Academy parents, Sandy and Sabrina Solomon, for “Musical of the Year”. The Solomons are founders of Hillel Academy’s Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative. Event Co-chairs are

Carolyn Fink, Bonnie Amsterdam-Miele and Susan Marlow. The annual event is the core component of the community day school’s annual fundraising campaign. Like many private schools, tuition at Hillel Academy covers approximately 80% of the school’s operating costs. Donations and fundraising make up the remaining 20%. Proceeds from Gift of Gold help fund scholarships, financial aid, teacher education and campus improvements. Event tickets and sponsorship opportunities for Gift of Gold are available. Sponsorship levels range from $10,000 to $250. Please visit - hillelacademytampa.

ejoinme.org - the Gift of Gold website for sponsorship details and benefits. The website also contains information on tributes and business ads which can be purchased for inclusion in the Gift of Gold event program. “Your participation as a sponsor is vital in making our event a success and achieving our fundraising goals” states Carolyn Fink.

Gift of Gold

For further information, call the Hillel Academy office, (813) 963-2242 or email the Gift of Gold committee: giftofgold@ hillelacademytampa.com.

Hillel Academy Contribution Funds General Fund

Mini Jacobson Wolf Scholarship Fund

Donations go into the general school operating budget.

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

Maurice Levine Library

Donations purchase library books and materials for student use.

Building Fund (Campus Development Fund) Donations support the enhancement and maintenance of facilities.

Yunger Halpern Scholarship Fund

Donations provide a Jewish child in need of assistance in providing an education at Hillel Academy.

Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative Fund

This fund was established in memory of Isaac B. Solomon by his family. Donations will enhance the music program 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 Scholarship Fund Chernin Family Scholarship Endowment Fund Allan Fox Scholarship Endowment Fund

Hillel Academy Contributions

School Year: July 1, 2014 to December 12, 2014 (donations listed as of print deadline)

Annual Fund

Elanit Aarons Sheldon and Marcia Adler Keren Amoyal Aiden Bardach Max Bardach Steven Barna Amy Basham Susan and Rene Ben-Avraham Gil and Snait Ben-Herut Howard and Stephanie Bergen Lew and Ileana Berger Herbert and Gloria Berkowitz Nancy and Peter Berman Janet and Stan Blander Scott and Frieda Bloom Pam and Jeff Brener Pamela Bromberg Stephanie Brown Jeffrey and Janice Caine Larry B. Caine Debra Campbell Alan and Lisa Cohen David, Audria and Ethan Cohen Sylvia Cohen Congregation Schaarai Zedek Gus Coto Marilyn and Alan Daniels Diffley Guitar Studio Jane B. Dugan Jordan and April Eckert Edibles by Ethel

Ruth Wittenstein Professional Development Endowment Fund Ruth Wittenstein Scholarship Endowment Fund Hillel Academy Unrestricted Endowment Fund

Hillel Academy Library Endowment Fund Steve and Laura Kreitzer Hillel Academy Endowment Fund Miriam Lengyel Endowment Fund Schilit Family Endowment Fund

Joseph and Rachel Egosi Dorothy Ehrlich Thea and Herbert Ehrlich Susan Elias Rob and Janet Ettleman Barbara Feinberg Matthew and Carolyn Fink Sarah and Murray Fisch Jim and Betty Fisher Alicia Flasher Pam Fonte Susan Forman Jeff and Sharon Fox Helen Freid Bob and Cathy Friedman Ilona Friedman Friedman/Rodriguez Family Joyce Fries Stacy and Jeffrey Gad Michael and Lorinda Gamson Elizabeth Glidden Tracy Gold Haim and Mazi Goldenberg Maya Goldenberg Mark and Jane Goldman Nathan Goldman Marisse and Tony Goldman Gary and Phyllis Gould Jack and Chantarat Grace Nancy and Ephraim Graff Wendy Grant Cathy Grossman Susan and Richard Guess Steven and Rebecca Guindine Joni and Michael Hatch Carrie and Josh Hearshen Michael and Emma Hechtman Heather Hernandez Herb and Rachelle Herzog

Evan and Ellie Hirsch Bobbie and Stan Hollander Cynthia Horwitz Betty Howard Neal Huneycutt Chaim Hyman Rosalind Jacobs Deborah and Jordan Jacobson Laurin and Ron Jacobson Carol and Mark Jaffe Laurie A. Jewell Rhoda Kaiser Keith and Guenita Kanarek Richard and Mary Kanter Barry and Lili Kaufmann Linda Kelley Larry and Shawn King Nancy and Warren Kinsler Andres and Ariana Kornworcel Ilana and Moshe Ladetzky Mary Hogan and Robert Lavey Harry and Caren Lever Fred and Roberta Lipschutz Robert and Michelle MacKinnon The Mallin Family Robert and Linda Markowitz Stuart and Joann Marofsky Bonnie and Benjamin Miele Briana Miele Donna and Ira Nadelman Lillya Mzhen Maritza Patet Pearlene Pearlstein Burl Peters Herta and Sam Pila Kalman W. Pila Morris and Andree Prostak Ron and Susan Pross Michael and Karen Reisman

Annual Fund (Continued)

Carl and Recia Richman David and Francine Rosenberg Jay and Annette Safer Marilyn Schleicher Rita and Ronald Schonwetter Kailie and Maurice Shaw Neil and Trish Shaw Jamie and Melinda Sheer Jody and Dennis Sherman Norman and Irene Sholk Dorothy Shulman and Ron Reismann Grant Slater Sarah Slohn Justin and Dana Sock Dale Solomon Steven and Randie Specter Ralph and Miriam Steinberg Steve and Sandy Szekely Gary and Lisa Teblum Stanislav and Irene Timofeev Suzanne Ullrich Arthur and Elaine Viders Stephen and Robin Viders Sydelle M. Vogel Wainberg Family Foundation Paul and Rae Wallach Shira Wallach Sally Warner Amy Wasser Sara Wilson Renee and Jason Winoker Howard Winstock Jessica Wittcoff Josh and Michelle Wolf Amy Wright Miriam and Dan Zohar

General Fund

Coral and Jonathan Axel Jim and Betty Fisher The Guess Family JPMorgan Chase Foundation Match Carol and Mark Jaffe Glenda and David Minkin Sanofi-Aventis U.S. Charitable Trust Trish and Neil Shaw Family Jody and Dennis Sherman Sandy and Stephen Szekely Seth and Jodi Weisblatt Aida and Charles Weissman William and Elaine White Cheryl and Allen Worsham

Building Fund/Campus Development Adam and Lynn Chernin Ellen Crystal Steve and Rebecca Guindine Craig and Ann Kalter Sheldon and Clara Kopel Jason and Hillary Rosenberg

Pila-Reiber Holocaust Library

Peter and Saralee Black Diane Greenbaum Johnnie and Luanne Huneycutt Tracy and Mark Kayton Moritz and Elizabeth Pila Sam and Herta Pila

The Shaw Family Sandy and Sabrina Solomon Albert and Judy Tawil Harry and Lynn Teichman USAmeriBank The Wainberg-Jacobson Family Amy Wasser Deborah White and David Pearlman Zeno Office Solutions Dan and Miriam Zohar

Gift of Gold Sponsors

Gift of Gold Donors

Moritz and Elizabeth Pila Jody and Dennis Sherman

Maurice Levine Library

Alvarez Homes Louis and Eileen Astra Howard and Stephanie Bergen The Black-Diamond and Warlaumont Families The Blatt Family Adam and Lynn Chernin Alex and Jenny Chernin Cheval Golf and Athletic Club Maureen and Doug Cohn Congregation Beth Am Congregation Kol Ami Congregation Mekor Shalom Congregation Rodeph Sholom Congregation Schaarai Zekek Environmental Custodial Service Eric Krause Designs Carolyn and Matthew Fink The Forman Family Sondra and Stanley Friedman Hiregy/Bill and Marcy Fries Jeffrey Gad / Akerman LLP Laureen Galeoto and Mary Ellen Hogan The Goldman and Kopel-Puretz Families Donna Goldman and Mayer Fishman Gary and Phyllis Gould Eric and Dana Gruman The Hechtman Family The Hirsch Family The Hirschkowitz Family The Huneycutt Family Jacobson Pediatrics Scott Jaffe Keith and Guenita Kanarek Brad and Eileen Kanter Eric Krause The MacKinnon Family Jonathan and Karen Mallin Ralph and Margot Marcadis Susan and Michael Marlow Frederick and Lynne Merriam Pasco Iron & Metal, LLC Ronald and Susan Pross Publix Supermarkets Rooms to Go Jack Ross The Seldes Family / Interior Design Consulting Charyn and Glenn Selig

Josh and Danielle Gamson The Mackinnon Family

Mini Jacobson Wolf Scholarship Fund Marilyn and Alan Daniels Nancy and Michael Shaw

Alan Fox Endowment Peter and Saralee Black

Yunger-Halpern Scholarship Fund Adele Yunger Halpern and Jonathan Halpern

Isaac B. Solomon Cultural Music Initiative Saralee and Peter Black Hilary Black and Jeff Diamond Deborah and Jordan Jacobson Erma and Steven Ruffkess

Jonathan Anton Memorial Scholarship Fund

Joyce H. Karpay

Education Grants

Naon Legacy Heritage Grant

T.O.P. Funds

Chernin Family Scholarship Joseph & Ruth Wittenstein Philanthropic Fund

Grandparents’/Grandfriends’ Day Donations Sondra and Stanley Friedman

Trust and Gifts

Herman Forbes Charitable Trust

SAVE THE DATE Saturday, January 24 Gift of Gold

Hillel Academy 2020 W. Fletcher Avenue Tampa, Florida 33612

Thursday, March 19 Project Night Thursday, March 2ndSunday, March 12 Spring Break (Passover) Tuesday, April 21 Patel Final Performance Thursday, May 28 Graduation Friday, May 29 Last Day of School

Hillel Academy Referral Program Hillel Academy has initiated a Student Referral Program. Please share your positive experience with family, friends and neighbors and suggest that they, too, might benefit from being a member of the Hillel Academy family. It’s simple. Please inform Cathy Grossman, Admissions Director, if you refer someone to the school. If they tour,

apply and enroll a child, you will receive a $500 tuition credit as our way of thanking you for the referral. Please call or email Ms. Grossman for further information. She can be reached at (813) 963-2242 or cgrossman@ hillelacademytampa.com.

Mara Blander, Lea Visher and Aliyah Bergen