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STARS v. JAGUARS LIVE!!!! (12/2/09)

Eliezer Jones — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Free Webcam Chat at Ustream

1-Dec-09 6:00 PM

College Acceptance

Eliezer Jones — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 18:00:00 GMT

10-Jun-09 1:00 PM

National Honor Society Winners

Marina Segal — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:00:00 GMT

Current Members

Jesse Buchine

Amit Goldstein

Jacqueline Guttman

Marissa Katz

Hannah Klein

Avi Levy

Suzy Malca

Barry Mueller

Chaya Miriam Nimchinsky

Talia Saghian

Matthew Sarafzadeh

Yair Schiff

Clarice Shkedy

Daniella Singer

Shoshanna Yaffee

Inductees

Adam Adler

Allison Bootin

Michael Mitzner

Netanel Pollak

Yehonatan Pollak

Rachel Rolnick

Atara Urkowitz

Rebecca Yoshor

9-Jun-09 4:00 PM

Awards Night

Marina Segal — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:00:00 GMT

On Monday night, June 1st, the Middle and High School celebrated the annual Awards Ceremony and Honor Society induction. It was a beautiful night which celebrated the continued academic, middot, athletic and community service excellence of the RMBA students. The Awards Ceremoney began with Rabbi Pollak presenting an overview of this year's upper school highlights and accomplishments.

The awards included Judaic and general studies academic awards, awards for kindness to peers, excellence in tefillah,community service, commitment to Israel, art as well as the coveted Warren Blumberg Memorial Award (the Sever Panim Yafot Award) chosen by the High School students themselves. The awards were presented by the upper school faculty members.

The evening also included the National Honor Society induction ceremony. We are proud that almost one third of our high school students have been granted membership to this prestigious society, according to the national standards which the National Honor Society sets.

The event came to a close with Coach Cole presenting the athletic awards for this successful athletic year. All in all, the evening celebrated a very rewarding year for the Upper School students at Beren Academy.

Winners List – RMBA Awards Ceremony 2009

Tikun Olam Award

This award is given to the student who has been the most involved in serving causes inside or outside of the Jewish community.

MS - Anna Weinstock

HS - Barry Mueller

Eishet Chayil (Woman of Valor) Award

This award is given to the young woman who best models how to integrate strong, committed Jewish values into life in the modern world.

MS - Lauren Mueller

HS - Hanna Klein

Chrysalis Award

This award is given to the student who has shown remarkable personal growth and academic achievement.

MS - Adelle Berkowitz

HS - Allison Bootin

Most Outstanding Judaic Studies Student

This award is given to the 11th or 12th grade students who have the best grades in Judaic Studies, have shown the best work ethic, and maintained a consistently positive attitude towards his or her studies.

HS - Yair Schiff

Most Outstanding General Studies Student

This award is given to the 11th or 12th grade students who have the best grades in General Studies, have shown the best work ethic, and maintained a consistently positive attitude towards his or her studies.

HS - Shoshana Yaffee

Chesed Award

This award is given to the student who best shows kindness to fellow students.

MS - Avi Passy

HS - Jesse Buchine

Tefilah Award

This award is given to the student who has shown exemplary growth in his or her connection to Hashem through tefillah. Nominations are restricted for faculty who regularly supervise morning tefillah groups.

MS - Yossi Hoffman

MS - Ariel Wadler

HS - Isaac Mirwis

HS - Miriam Stock

Excellence in Math Award

This award is given, through the generosity of Mrs. Linda Shkedy, to the student with the highest grade in the highest level math class offered at the school in any given academic year. Nominations are restricted for faculty who teach math.

HS - Yair Schiff

Keter Shem Tov Award

This award is given to the student who has achieved excellence in Middot (personal character traits) and Derech Eretz.

MS - Shalev Amiel

MS - Sara Grzebinski

HS - Michael Mitzner

Warren Blumberg z”l Sever Panim Yafot Award

This award is given to the students who consistently show a positive attitude and greet everyone they meet with a smile. The nominations for this award are made by our students.

HS - Daniella Goldstein

Matmid Award

This award is given to the students who demonstrate a remarkable appreciation of Torah study by participating in extra-curricular learning opportunities, in and out of school.

MS - Michoel Kessler

HS - Mathew Sarafzadeh

HS - Clarice Shkedy

Israel Award

This award is given to the student who shows remarkable dedication to Medinat Yisrael and her residents.

HS - Rachel Rolnick

Art Award

This award is given to the student who has achieved excellence by demonstrating talent, passion and commitment to Art.

HS - Talia Saghian

9-Jun-09 2:00 PM

AP Art

Marina Segal — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

RMBA Launches AP Art Program and Unveils Hidden Talents

This Fall, Robert M. Beren Academy launched an official AP Studio Drawing Art program and within the first year, two students submitted a top rate portfolio to the AP Collegeboard. Senior RMBA students, Michal Kurtis and Talia Saghian, studied Elements of Drawing and Design with Yocheved Stock, RMBA Art Director. Last summer, entering her Senior year at RMBA, Michal spent the summer in New York City and studied fashion illustration at The Fashion Institute of Technology. Succeeding with top grades in the course, Michal took her designs to advanced levels in the AP Drawing class in her Senior year at RMBA. Her Concentration of Drawings, the theme of her portfolio consisting of 12 submissions was fashion design, illustrations and original designs inspired by past fashion decades, and the outlook of fashion design to come. In addition, Michal explored texture, line, value, shape and space, within the framework of the Elements of Design. Michal is pursuing a career in fashion, and has an advantage over other students in her pursuit.

Talia Saghian, Senior at RMBA began her year in AP Studio Drawing with a love of art. Talia’s talents soared and she excelled in the program with passion and drive. Talia concentrated on graphit pencil sketches and explored the human face and body as well as a concentration in shoe design. “Talia and Michal spent the year exploring a dream to draw, they are now graduating RMBA with a wonderful Judaic and Academic studies and have the tools in advanced drawing and design to take with them too, “ says Yocheved Stock.

This summer, Yocheved will be attending a Summer Institute at Rice University to open the AP Art Program to 2-D and in the near future 3-D Design. Students have already expressed interest for next year’s 2-D Design program along with the Studio Drawing Program. The 2-D program will include, Graphic Design (Emuna Carmel is the Graphic Design Coordinator and teaches Photoshop), photography, and collage,this enables students who would like to be creative and artistic but are not advanced in drawing, to participate in the AP Art program.

Photo 1: (girl) Graphite Pencil illustration by Talia Saghian

Photo 2: Fashion Illustration in Graphite Pencil by Michal Kurtis

Photo Credit: www.maltzphotography.com

9-Jun-09 9:00 AM

Montessori Year-End Musical

Marina Segal — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 14:00:00 GMT

Broadway Once Again Returns to Robert M. Beren Academy

The annual Montessori Spring Musicals took place on the evening of Tuesday, June 2nd. They included acting, singing, and dancing and were delightfully entertaining. Mrs. Lubel’s Lower Elementary class began the evening with a mini-musical based on Stone Soup, a Grimm Brothers Tale. This tale is about how three travelers trick the starving townspeople of a village to make a feast. The children learned that by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater good is achieved.

Immediately after this musical, Mrs Ross’ students performed Welcome to the Jungle, a mini-musical based on one of Aesop’s fables. A group of storytellers narrated the story of Panya, a tiny mouse who convinces a ferocious lion, Akeetah, to allow her to escape. The fable ends with the mouse returning the favor by rescuing the lion from a trap. The students learned that doing acts of kindness can come back to bring you great blessings.

The final musical of the evening was performed by Mrs. Lubel’s Upper Elementary students. This year, students studied ancient civilizations, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and China. They researched and displayed their findings on display boards in the lobby for others to view. Their musical coincided with their studies. Dig It had the audience travel back in time to discover the archaeological mysteries of the past. The audience joined inquisitive archeologists, Taki, Tut, and their fossil friend, Lucy. They explored the farm laborers of early Mesopotamia and Egyptian mummies who rap. They met a chorus of ancient Greeks and met Romulus and Remus who dream of building the great city, Rome. Confucius visited and shared words of wisdom. The children discovered that if people in history have made a difference, each of us can make a difference too.

9-Jun-09 9:00 AM

Math Awareness Week

Marina Segal — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:00:00 GMT

This week was Math Awareness Week at R.M.B.A. The lower school students spent the week trying to solve a number of problems posted around the school. They studied each problem posted and had to come up with the answer to the question "What's wrong with the solution?". Each problem had a mistake and some of them were pretty tricky. There were twenty problems and for each one the student got correct, his/her name went into a drawing for a prize (maximum 20). Twelve winners will be selected. The boys and girls also used their estimating skills to try and guess how many M&M's were in a big jar in the main lobby.

3-Apr-09 10:00 AM

Ultimate Frisbee Tournament

Marina Segal — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Below is the link to pictures from this past Sunday's first annual M.A.D. (Making A Difference) Ultimate Frisbee Charity Tournament. It was an amazing event. There were 90 players, 15 teams and students represented from RMBA, Emery Wiener, Bellaire, Torah Girls Academy, High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and Memorial High School. We also had representatives from Special Olympics Texas there and all the players were addressed by a Special Olympics Texas athlete before the games began. It was such an amazing event and over $1000 was raised for Special Olympics Texas. Thank you to all the staff that came out and played along with the students. Tryouts for next years team starts next week (just kidding).

http://www.berenacademy.org/en/photos/search.asp?albumid=32

2-Apr-09 2:00 PM

Volcanoes - 3rd Grade

Marina Segal — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

March was volcano month for Mrs. Frank’s 3rd graders. Over a period of two weeks, in 3 separate sessions, they constructed volcanoes. Each group made their volcano from paper mache’, then painted it. The climax came last Wednesday afternoon when each group set off its volcano on the playground. The kindergarteners were fascinated witnesses to the eruptions.

2-Apr-09 2:00 PM

Family Trees - 2nd Grade

Marina Segal — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:00:00 GMT

Mrs. Frank’s 2nd grade students each constructed a “Family Tree” to go along with their Social Studies unit. The children traced their families back through at least their great grandparents.

The students were learning about ther ancestors, their immigration to the United States, and the traditions that were passed down to us by them. They also studied about what life was like long ago.

The family trees were fantastic. Each child had a different idea on how to present his/her family. A great job was done by all.

2-Apr-09 2:00 PM

Judaic Night of the Arts

Marina Segal — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 01:00:00 GMT

RMBA' s First Annual Judaic Night of the Arts was Tuesday Evening, Rosh Chodesh Adar.

From ECE through 12th grade, students participated in an exhibit that filled the lobby halls. Kindergarten and 1st-2nd grade students completed paintings on canvas as a group effort. The two themes were "I Never Saw Another Butterfly" and the City of Jerusalem and the 15 Songs of Ascents from Tehillim. 3rd and 4th grade students learned about the artist Yaakov Agaam and Kinetic Art, Art with Movement. The students prepared artwork that moves as you interactively walk by it.

Middle School girls visually translated the 15 Shir Hamaalot and helped prepare a scrapbook of memories of Hurricane Ike, Songs of Ascents. Middle School boys, with the help of Rabbi Helprin prepared prototype garments of what Tzizit looked like and are now currently working on Kosher Tzizit. They are learning to tie the knots properly and will be able to repair their own Tzizit when needed.

The High School elective class prepared a cooperative canvas of their "images of the Holocaust", with thought and passion the impressions are one of a kind. In addition, they produced a tribute to 9/11 and the Jewish Lives Lost in the fall of the Twin Towers. They are currently learning the techniques of "learning to draw on the right side of the brain". These techniques allow students who never felt they could draw to excel in their sketching. The new AP art class impressed and overwhelmed many parents with their talents and abilities. Emuna Carmel's Graphic Art's class produced a special exhibit of their advanced technology works. Mr. Plastrik's class contributed to the Holocaust exhibit and produced a mural of Jewish History.

The M.A.D Organization, Marissa Katz and Shosh Yaffee, once again this year produced an art fundraiser. The custom designed Judaic clocks sold out very quickly. The money was raised for AMIT and their S3 Program, Students in Solidarity for Sderot.

The First Annual "Art without a Home Sale" was a huge success. Gently used artwork was donated to RMBA and almost sold out. Thank you to Mrs. Mindy Mitzner and Mrs. Dorit Gutman for the wonderful artwork collected. Mrs. Cathy Tucker organized a beautiful Gift Boutique of Judaic gift items and more. The event was for adults and High School students with desserts served by our very own High School Students. Yair Schiff and Sam Gorme provided entertainment with their guitars.

We look forward to the Second Annual Judaic art Night next year!

25-Feb-09 7:00 PM

Alumni Update - Roya Rahmanian

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Roya Rahmanian graduated from Robert M. Beren Academy (Hebrew Academy) in 1996. She studied in Israel at Michlalah and then went to Columbia University. Roya was very involved in Jewish activities in college - she was on the editorial board of "Iggrot HaAri" (the Columbia University Student Journal of Jewish Scholarship) and a contributor to "Perspectives" a Jewish student literature and poetry publication. She graduated from Albert Einstein College of Medicine in 2005 and is now working as a Pediatrics Attending in the Schneider Children's Hospital outpatient clinic and urgent care center. She lives in Flushing NY and is married to Michael Samuels. They have three children - Daniella 5, Eliana 3 and Gavriel 10 months. Currently she is a member of her shul's sisterhood (N'shei Yisrael) and volunteers for her daughter's school PTA.

23-Feb-09 11:00 AM

Camp Moshava Winter Newsletter

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT

23-Feb-09 11:00 AM

Alumni Get Together - New York

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:00:00 GMT

Over 20 Beren alumni gathered at a pizzeria in Manhattan for our first of three alumni get togethers planned by the newly formed Alumni Committee. Having trekked out in the snow, the alum enjoyed an evening together catching up, browsing through old yearbooks, and hearing from Rabbi Segal about the many exciting things happening at Beren. The next alumni reunion will be held later this month in Jerusalem and the final will take place in Houston in March. To learn more about alumni activities and to become involved please contact Rachie Jacobson Gold

23-Feb-09 11:00 AM

Searchable Databases

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Just in time for research papers! Attached are the multiple subscription database options that RMBA students, parents and faculty can access from school or home.

There are a few databases intended expressly for elementary students, so LS teachers, please take a look - you will find easily searchable interfaces.

This document explains all options and includes a few screen shots and how-to's.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Jennifer Jaeger

Librarian

Robert M. Beren Academy

23-Feb-09 10:00 AM

Texas Bluebonnet Award

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:00:00 GMT

Several Lower School students participated in the Texas Bluebonnet Award (TBA) reading program this year. Texas third graders through sixth graders who read at least five out of twenty books on the TBA list vote for their favorite book. RMBA students voted on Thursday, February 5th. It was a close vote, with One Potato, Two Potato by Cynthia DeFelice winning by one vote, edging out The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. Students who read five books were eligible to vote and received a donut after voting, while students who read more than five also received additional incentive prizes. When the statewide results are tallied and announced in March, RMBA voters will have an ice cream party to celebrate.

Pictured: Fourth grader Ariella Wolf read all twenty books on the list and received a gift card to Border's Bookstore.

23-Feb-09 10:00 AM

Yearbooks

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

Yearbooks are currently on sale for $60. The Yearbook Committee is still collecting cell phones to offset the costs of the book. If anyone is interested in placing an ad/message in the yearbook please contact Gail Adler (gadler@berenacademy.org). Please open the attached form for more information:

Yearbook Ads

23-Feb-09 9:00 AM

PTO Tu B'shvat Family Fun Day

Marina Segal — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:00:00 GMT

RMBA PTO Update:

Between serving breakfast to the Yaffee Tournament athletes, running a week long silent auction and hosting our first ever Tu B’shvat Family Fun Day, PTO has had a busy start to 2009. As PTO president, let me just say how thrilled I am at the level of participation for all of these events. Almost everyone, staff and RMBA families, has given in some way. Some people volunteered their time, while others donated to the auction. Some chose to bid on auction items and come to the family fun day. There were also many people who did all of the above. This level of participation has made a huge difference!

Although the final numbers are not in, I can say that this year’s silent auction sold significantly more than prior PTO auctions. Our increase in sales is due, in large part, to the amazing “Grade Baskets.” I want to make sure that all the room/grade parents, and their helpers, know that their efforts were not only appreciated but extremely profitable for the school. I also want send a big “Thank You” to Mrs. Stock who helped the kids make a great new addition to our auction with the “Grade Art Projects.” This was a fantastic way to have the kids contribute to the Silent Auction. It was wonderful to see the kids coming over and showing their friends and family what they had created.

When you consider the increase in money raised, as well as participation, I think everyone can agree that it has truly been an eventful and successful start to 2009 for PTO. If you have any input on these events that you would like to share, please email me at sctaibel@hotmail.com.

Thanks again!

Sarah Taibel

23-Feb-09 9:00 AM

Gift Baskets for Soldiers

Marina Segal — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 04:00:00 GMT

HELP SUPPORT OUR TROOPS!!!

Please forward to as many people as possible!

As in previous IDF campaigns, we at Bnei Akiva in conjunction with Dash Cham have again been asked by the IDF to initiate a program enabling concerned people to purchase and send TLC packages containing food and other items to IDF soldiers
serving on the front lines.

We are seeing a strong response to this latest program and in light of the ongoing activity on Israel's borders - the IDF is already distributing the” morale boosting" packages as they are readied.

Please help and respond generously to this most urgent request for our soldiers as they fight to protect Israel and its citizens.

Click here to place your order.

12-Jan-09 10:00 PM

Art Class Projects Support Israel

Marina Segal — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 16:00:00 GMT

A very special art project for the current situation in Israel was done by Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade Traditional and Montessori. The students first discussed what is happening in Israel, what shelters are, how children and adults go into them for safety when the sirens go off, how Israel is protecting their land. The students spoke and were eager to raise their hands and participate in the conversation. Some students spoke about their families in Israel, one student actually had an experience of living in Israel and going into a bomb shelter once.

The students made soft pillows with messages of love and safety for Israeli soldiers and families in Israel. Some children made cards too. One or two students kept their pillows to give directly to relatives, the other pillows will be sent to Israel on Monday.

8-Jan-09 10:00 AM