Monthly Dateline Newsletter
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Columbus Torah Academy Monthly Dateline
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CTA Monthly Dateline is a little different this month since students have been learning at home since March 16. We have been in daily touch with our current teachers and families, but not the entire CTA family. We hope you and your families are staying safe and healthy.
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PASSOVER MESSAGE VIDEO LINK FROM
HEAD OF SCHOOL, RABBI AVROHOM DRANDOFF
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CTA IS THRIVING - AN UPDATE IN THE ERA OF COVID-19
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On March 4, when the first case on the U.S. east coast of Covid-19 was announced in the media, CTA administrators began assessing what impact the health crisis would have on the school. Immediately, students and teachers were reminded about proper handwashing and all surface areas in classrooms and the building were wiped down with a virus defeating solution.
Little was known at that time that the situation would become more widespread and the steps to maintain normal life and use of our typical educational model at CTA would be transformed in ways never imagined. The rate at which new information became available and continues to become available is a test in consistent communication and analysis. Rabbi Drandoff, with the support of the Board of Trustees and in consultation with his administrative team, has aligned the school with CDC and WHO recommendations, follows all of the government regulations and orders, and with the professionalism of teachers, is continuing to meet the needs of our families and our students.
Since March 16, students have been learning at home using a variety of educational mediums. Students in grades K-6 brought 3 day packets home and then transitioned to Weekly Lesson hyperdocs on March 19. Students in grades 7-12 use a 4 class a day model and began right away using Alma, our student information system, which organizes class lessons and assignments. Using tools including Google classroom, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Zoom, and other online learning resources as well as traditional modes of paper, pencil and books, students are engaged in learning and will continue as the government order has at this time been extended until May 1.
CTA has a beautiful building, vibrant classrooms, and a plethora of learning tools in our “brick and mortar” building. That is where our learning takes place. Until now. We can boast that the transition to at home learning has been relatively seamless, however, there were some learning curves for teachers, students and parents that everyone has approached positively with a growth mindset. Teachers and administrators continue to fine tune at home learning and establish measurable goals to ensure that our students are continuing to learn and thrive. We will pick up following Passover vacation which begins on April 6 with classes resuming on April 20.
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THANK YOU: TEACHERS BREATHE LIFE INTO LEARNING
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Not enough good can be said about our dedicated teachers who are continuing to support our students and each other during this challenging time. They are using their creativity and positivity as they continue to interact with their students.
As Upper School Principal, Mr. Lou Staffilino noted, “The teachers have responded with skill. Junior High and High School teachers are driven by class content and content standards. These past few weeks have been about making edits to those standards.”
He continued, “Teachers are editing their curriculum to ensure that the students are learning the critical elements in each subject area. By refining the curriculum into the "must haves" and determining what are reasonable tasks and learning for students at home. Editing is not easy for teachers who love their content.”
He explained what it would be like to have social studies teacher Mr. Pray to think it’s OK for students to miss a section of the Stalin Documentary or science teacher Dr. Park choosing which body system gets more time or less time. The teachers know, as we do, that these classroom experiences build on each other to create successful learning.
As Mrs. Miller, Lower School Principal, explained, “Our teachers are learning a great deal in addition to teaching. They have learned how to make videos of their lessons, how to host a Zoom session, and how to use online platforms such as EPIC, RAZ KIDS, FRECKLE, and BRAINPOP. The online systems are great because they are set up to allow teachers to track student participation in each lesson.”
She continued, “Right now, we are looking into what is the best way to have students submit finished work to their teacher.”
Faculty are interacting in ZOOM meetings weekly as grade level teams, departments or full staff to review teaching methods and evaluate what is working best and where there are challenges. Over the past week there has been a lower school parent survey in addition to upper school teachers surveying their students. These tools plus parent, student and teacher suggestions are helping to guide the next steps in at home learning.
Teachers and administrators are checking in with students, parents and each other as the stay at home measures can be isolating and increase anxiety. Our teachers are missing our students. They are missing the day to day interactions. The smiles and sweet voices.
Teachers are keeping up with each other through a WhatsApp group. They are sharing memes and thoughtful videos and they are also sharing encouragement. Rabbi Drandoff asked them to share, what, as educators, is the most important thing we can provide our students during this time of extended isolation? Here are a few quotes from the Faculty and Staff WhatsApp:
*Connection
*Brain stimulation and distraction from worry
*Comfort knowing we miss them
*Be a role model for flexibility and kindness
*Make them feel safe
*Hope
*Unity
*Remind each of them they are a bright light unto the world
*Sense of purpose
*Empathy
*Empowerment
*Listen
*Remind them they are loved
Teachers are missing their students and each other. Virtual meet ups just aren't enough. Enjoy this video teachers made to express how much they are missing the students. Soundtrack to the video is a song to Some Things Never Change from Frozen II with lyrics written by kindergarten teacher, Jamie Bindell, and performed by her daughter, Layla, a 5th grade CTA student.
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PHOTOS OF OUR AT HOME LEARNING
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Families are stepping up to the challenge of at home learning. They have shared images of what they are doing. From daily school work, davening, virtual classes, art projects, baking, cleaning for Passover, virtual play dates and youth group events, watching movies, family game nights, reconnecting with their siblings and more. Check it out.
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Keep sharing your pictures and videos
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Story Time: Mrs. Nicole Miller, Lower School principal, has been coordinating virtual read aloud meet ups every evening last week and this week with guest entertainers: Morah Cheri and music, Ms. Kurre and math, Nurse Chris and yoga, and Mystery Readers, Morah Esther and Morah Jamie.
Story Time is open to any age student. Join on Monday, April 6 at 6:30 pm when Morah Miriam Gisser leads activities for the Passover seder.
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Our Friends in Israel:
Our Shlichim, Morah Ronit and Moreh Dror organized an opportunity for 5th grade students to connect with their peers at the Shilo School in Kfar Saba, Israel. Fifty students participated on the virtual community speaking Hebrew to each other.
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SAVE THE DATE - 24 HOUR DAY OF GIVING
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Please note that the calendar is being revised to reflect cancellations and events being transitioned to virtual. In addition, new events are being added.
April 6: Get Ready for Passover Read Aloud for young children, 6:30 pm
April 7-17: Passover Break
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SHABBAT CANDLE LIGHTING TIMES
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April 3: 7:41 pm
April 10: 7:48 pm
April 17: 7:55 pm
April 24: 8:02 pm
May 1: 8:09 pm
May 8: 8:16 pm
May 15: 8:22 pm
May 22: 8:29 pm
May 29: 8:34 pm
June 5: 8:39 pm
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Yosef (8th grade class of 1992) Romanoff on the birth of a son and to grandparents Ellen and Sonny Romanoff
Joey (8th grade class of 1998) and Lindsay Schottenstein on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Jacob and to grandparents Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein and great grandmother Geraldine Schottenstein
Ely (Class of 2001) Cole on the birth of a son and to grandparents Marilyn and Stuart Cole
Rebecca (Barnett) (Class of 2003) and Hal Levy on the birth of a son and to grandparents Rick and Terri Barnett
Daniel (Class of 2005) Perel on the birth of a son and to grandparents Pearl and Mel Perel.
Samuel (Class of 2011) and Emunah Rosenstein on the birth of a daughter and to grandparents Tricia & Andrew Rosenstein
Emily Chase (Class of 2012) on her engagement to Akiva Schick and to parents Drs. Dan and Leslie Chase
Rick Cohen on graduating from Nursing School
Rabbi and Mrs. Zalman Deitsch on the marriage of their son JJ to Frada Jacobson
Rabbi Avi and Miriam Goldstein on the birth of a son
Rabbi and Mrs. Reuven Greenberg former faculty member on the engagement of their daughter Basya
Rabbi and Mrs. Areyah Kaltmann on the engagement of their son Mendy to Devora Lea Seffaf of Montreal
Rachel Kurre, Intervention Specialist, on her marriage
Rabbi Ilan and Rebecca Schwartz on the birth of a son
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Sarah (Class of 2012) Epstein and Mark Epstein on the loss of mother and wife, Jean Epstein
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Have a lifecycle event to share?
Opportunities to sponsor A Day of Learning are now available at CTA. For a $180 donation, you can make a
donation, in honor, in memory, in appreciation, for a speedy recovery or in celebration of a person, a birthday or an event. To schedule a day, contact
[email protected]
or
[email protected]
.
The sponsorship will be listed in the CTA Weekly Communicator, the monthly CTA Dateline, posted on the monitor in the school lobby, and announced to the students.
For the month of March
- For Thursday, March 5, the 9th of Adar is sponsored by Todd and Eliza Delman and family in observance of the 14th yarzheit of Todd’s mother, Sharon Delman, z"l, Chaya Sarah Nacha Bat Ze'ev Wolf. May her neshama have an aliya.
- For Monday, March 9 is sponsored wishing Henry Schwarz a Happy 70th Birthday from his family. Henry is past board member and also a parent to 3 CTA alumni. Happy Birthday!
- For March 13, is sponsored by Leah Kohn in honor of the yarzheit of her husband Paul Kohn, Moshe Eliyahu ben Elyokim HaKohen, z'l which will be observed tomorrow, Adar 18. Mr. Kohn is the grandfather of students Eliezer, Esther, Orah and Abby Kohn and family. May his neshama have an aliya.
- For Monday, March 23, the 27th of Adar, is sponsored in memory of Linda Greenberg, z"l (Rivka bat Hayyim u'Bracha) on the 2nd anniversary of her yarhzeit by Cantor Jenna Greenberg, Rabbi Joshua Ginsberg and family. May her memory be for a blessing.
- For March 25, the 29th of Adar, is sponsored in memory of Moishe Herszage, z"l (Moshe Yehuda ben Pinchas) on the 26th anniversary of his yarzheit by Shari and Dotan Herszage and family. May his memory be for a blessing.
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CTA accepts donations to our Annual Fund or Scholarship Fund throughout the year. We also accept Tribute Donations in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Donations can be made through the school office at 614-864-0299 or online by clicking
here
. Donations received 3/1/20 through 3/31/20
To the Annual Fund
Yitzchak Gold in memory of Sonia G. Fesman
Alex and Susan Rosen in honor of Jonathan and Miriam Gisser's Miami Marathon run
Dr. Marc and Sharon Schramm for the buddy bench in memory of Naomi Litchman
Larry and Robin Garvin for the buddy bench in memory of Naomi Litchman
Drs. Stephen and Michelle Lessnick in honor of Dotan Herszage
Jackson Leonard in memory of Irv Baker
Diana D'Angelo-Wolff in honor of CTA faculty, staff and lay leadership
For a Day of Learning
Fred and Shelly Salutsky for a refuah shelaima for Sora Dena bas Pessy
Leah Kohn in memory of Paul Kohn, z"l
Lou Staffilino in honor of grandson, David, on his 5th birthday
To the Matanot L'evyonim Fund for Purim
G
ary Liebesman and Stacy Leeman for Matanot L’evyonim
Ben and Adina Kozberg
Roy and Shoshi Yaari
Roman and Victoria Ilin
David and Ayala Kohn
David and Esther Bernzweig
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CTA was accepted into the JewishColumbus cohort for Life & Legacy. The Life & Legacy Initiative is a partnership of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation and JewishColumbus. Over the next four years, CTA along with 17 other local Jewish organizations will receive training, coaching, and incentives to raise awareness of the importance of planned giving.
Are you interested in finding out how you can leave a lasting gift to CTA? Have you already included CTA in your trust, retirement fund, will or life insurance policy?
If you answered yes to either question or want to find out more about Life & Legacy, contact Rabbi Drandoff, Shari Herszage or Board President, Bob Wolf.
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If you have a CTA Tzedakah Box, don't forget to fill it and empty it often.
THE NEXT SCHEDULED DROP OFF (OR MAIL IN) DATE IS Monday, April 20, 2020
. You can choose to send in a check with the amount of the contents or put the change and cash into an envelope or baggie and send in with your child. Amounts are counted towards your Give and Get and are a great addition to the donations the school receives. If you need a new or more Tzedakah boxes, contact Shari.
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Keep Up With CTA Via Social Media
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