s new life & times of aya newsletter 7... · assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!...

Dear Parents, Students, Staff & Community-Members:

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu!

The school year is officially over, but AYA is still abuzz with activity: Summer School

began June 14, and Summer Camp has been running since June 7. Students ages 3 – 11

are all enjoying the many wonderful activities that have been planned for them. [Look

inside for more information about the camp.]

With the end of each school year, we bid farewell to those who are moving on – we

congratulate our Seniors who were a truly successful group of students, and we pray that

Allah gives them much success as they move on with their educational careers.

Masha’Allah, three of the seven Seniors had already completed almost two full years of

college credit at USF prior to graduating. We also pray for the success of the teachers and

staff who will not be returning to AYA next year.

As we close one school year, we begin, almost immediately, to plan for the next. We look

forward to a year of new beginnings and of continued success. We are busy interviewing

teachers, preparing curricula and setting schedules. The High School curriculum will be

enhanced with the addition of AP Economics and AP American Government, which will

be offered to both 9th- and 12th-grade students who choose to rise to the challenge. Both

the Middle School & High School curricula will be also be enhanced with the new system

of Electives, which will give our students even more options; Spanish will be offered for

the first time, insha’Allah, and will be in addition to the electives already offered: PE,

Home Economics, Media Production, Yearbook, Technology and Newsletter.

AYA‟s offices will be open throughout the summer and welcomes parents looking to

register their children. Come by, tour the campus if you have not had a chance before,

and see first-hand the wonderful education that awaits your children! The office will be

open daily from

9 am – 2 pm.

It is a long summer- school will not resume until after Eid - and many of our families have

taken advantage of this opportunity to spend Ramadan and Eid overseas with their

families. I pray that everyone has an enjoyable summer filled with learning and

excitement, and that everyone who is traveling returns safely and brings back many

wonderful memories and stories to share.

Wassalamu alaikum,

Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh Principal

Life & Times of AYA n

ew

s

5905 E. 130th Ave., Tampa, Florida 33617 www.ayatampa.com (813) 987-9282

Bismillahi-r- Rahmani-r-Raheem

CALENDAR of

JUNE 2010 JUMADA AL-AKHIR 1431

7-17 Summer Program Session 1


JUNE

Look inside...

Advice Column 11

Kids‟ Corner 9

2010 Graduates 2

Middle and High School News 8

Teacher‟s Spotlight 6

Arabic Column 12

Awards 3, 4, 5

JULY

AUGUST

NO SUMMER PROGRAM

2-12 Summer Program Session 3 11 Ramadan begins


SEPTEMBER 10 Ramadan ends

14 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

AYA Summer Camp Info:

Session Dates mentioned above.

Mon – Thurs from 9 am - 1 pm

Ages 4 - 11

$110 per session (includes snacks)

3rd child will get 10% off

Payment is due before the beginning

of each session

Register in the Front Office Contact Person: Sr. Nora (front desk)

Phone: 813-987-9282

For email inquiries:

[email protected]

http://www.ayatampa.com/

American Youth Academy

Maram Yousef Noor Tamari Valedictorian Salutatorian

Saad Abufreijeh Ramy Mitwalli

Mohammad Shair Zade Yousef

Abdel- Hakeem Hijaz

Graduation Ceremonies:

Top: 8th

Grade, Right: 5th

Grade,

Below: K5A and B


12th Grade: Saad Abufreijeh: A languid breeze, polite, shy, kind, respectful, loved by all, Abdel-Hakeem Hijaz: Amicable and gregarious, polite, kind, respectful, wonderfully witty, Ramy Mitwalli: Intellectual, most likely to succeed, overall excellent student, Mohammad Shair: Diplomatic, polite, kind, respectful, has great leadership potential, Noor Tamari: Assiduous in the pursuit of learning, polite, positive, always ready with a smile, full of energy, overall excellent student, Maram Yousef: Overall excellent student, hardworking, honest, polite, focused, always ready with a smile, Zade Yousef: Speaks with great expression, most improved in Math and Science.

8th Grade: Fares Abdelmajid: Wonderfully witty, most likely to succeed, always ready to help out, Isra Aisheh: Great at sports, always ready with a smile, full of energy, hardworking, passionate, and caring, Nadine Al-Ashker: Most likely to succeed, full of energy, helpful to others, Jasmine Albadawi: Great at all sports, full of energy, polite, shy, kind, respectful, helpful to others, always has a sparkle in her eyes, Nadine Albadawi: Great at all sports, has wonderful manners, kind, respectful, always ready with a smile, always has a sparkle in her eyes, Abdullah Annahas: Has wonderful manners, respectful, honest in all situations, Sally Ashour: Has beautiful handwriting, great at sports, full of surprises, full of energy, Mohammed Hamed: Wonderfully witty, respectful, hardworking, kind to everyone, helpful to others, Salam Hamed: Speaks with great expression, outstanding in Social Studies, considerate of others, respectful, has wonderful manners, great at sports, most likely to succeed, Faris Hawari: Kind, respectful, has wonderful manners, Ahmed Herbawi: Helpful to others, respectful, has wonderful manners, great at sports, considerate of others, Jamal Hijaz: Always ready to help out, most likely to succeed, full of surprises, always ready with a smile, Musa Khaled: Constantly delving into knowledge, full of surprises, most likely to succeed, Sami Mari: Amazingly smart and a great reader, always anxious to know more, always ready to help out, full of surprises, Serene Mostafa: Most likely to succeed, has wonderful manners, considerate of others, avid reader, helpful to others, Ahmad Qasem: Polite, kind, respectful, great at sports, considerate of others, full of energy, Nael Rifaie: Always ready with a smile, encourages others to do well, has wonderful manners, Wael Rifaie: Helpful to others, has wonderful manners, and has beautiful handwriting, Dania Rum: Encourages others to do well, loved by all, full of energy, Salha Saed: Respectful and kind to all, always ready with a smile, has wonderful manners, Rami Shehata: Respectful, kind, polite, full of energy, full of surprises, Hammam Suliman: Respectful and kind to all, always ready with a smile, great leadership potential, always ready to help out, Shaden Yousef: Always ready with a smile, always ready to help others out, great at sports, full of energy, has wonderful manners.

5th Grade: Hadeel Abraham: Most likely to succeed, helpful and friendly, great at sports, full of energy, always ready to help out, always ready with a smile, Reham Ali: Always ready to help out, most likely to succeed, always ready with a smile, Amali Alshalabi: Always ready to help out, has a beautiful smile, always knows what to say & when to say it, reads and speaks with great expression, Abdurraheem Annahas: Always ready to help out, encourages other to do well, Fatima Bouarfa: Honest in all situations, kind to everyone, always ready with a smile, wonderfully witty, Maytham Fahda: Full of energy, loved by all, always ready to help others out, full of surprises, avid reader, Amer Fariz: Considerate & helpful to others, avid reader, great at sports, well-mannered, reads Arabic with confidence, always ready with a smile, Ahmad Hamed: Kindhearted and kind to everyone, always ready with a smile, helpful to others, Yasmeen Hassan: Has wonderful manners, always ready with a smile, considerate and kind to everyone, generous with her belongings, honest in all situations, Taj Hussein: Loved by all, always anxious to know more, avid reader, most likely to succeed, Tamara Irshaid: Kind to everyone, always has a sparkle in her eyes, full of surprises, full of energy, great leadership potential, always ready to help out, Ahmed Kamel: Kind to everyone, helpful to others, full of energy, respected by all,


Continued from page 3.

Rami Mari: Constantly delving into knowledge, has wonderful manners, kindhearted, avid reader, always ready to help out, considerate, full of energy, Mohanad Marie: Avid reader, always ready to help out, full of energy, full of surprises, constantly delving into knowledge, Ammar Mattar: Reads with great expression, great leadership potential, full of energy, constantly delving into knowledge, Majd Merai: Kind to everyone, speaks when it is to be heard, full of energy, has great artistic potential, Nermean Qasem: Has wonderful manners, always ready with a smile, considerate of others, Sara Saed: Kind to everyone, generous with her belongings, always has a sparkle in her eyes, Adam Shehata: Always anxious to know more, loved by all, Amin Taha: Kind to everyone, wonderfully witty, avid reader, loved by all, honest in all situations, Sullaiman Yousef: Full of surprises, kind to everyone, respected by all

K5A: Ahlam Abuaram – Has wonderful manners, is helpful and kind to everyone, Mahdi Ahmad – Full of energy, Likes a good challenge, Shahed-Fatima Aisheh – Helpful to others, always anxious to know more, has great leadership potential, Abdul-Hadi Almadanali- Full of energy, most improved behavior, Lydia Ben Bourennane – Most likely to succeed, helpful to othrs, always ready to help out, Mohannd Daaboul – Full of surprises, speaks with great expressin, respected by all, very brave, Abrar Hamdan – Brave, helpful and kind to everyone, keeps the Prophet (saws) as her role model, Ibrahim Hamdan – Always ready to smile and help out, honest in all situations, nice to his friends, Donia Khawaja – Has wonderful manners, kind to everyone, adjusting well to AYA, respected by all, Zainab Mohamed – has wonderful manners, kind to everyone, has great artistic potential, Amal Nahhas – Always anxious to know more, considerate of others, kind to everyone, Omar Rifaie – Full of energy, great leadership potential, wonderfully witty, speaks with great expression, Omar Saad – Full of energy, great at sports, has wonderful manners, Yosef Safiah – Full of energy, speaks with great expression, always has a sparkle in his eyes, Nagam Saleh – Always wanting to know more, kind to everyone, reads with great expression, always has a sparkle in her eyes, has beautiful handwriting, Lana Shada – Loved by all, always ready to smile, avid reader.

K5B: Bara’a Alrousan – Has a great imagination, most likely to succeed, Hamzah Annahas – Cheerful and full of surprises, Ali Chahbandar – Works so well with numbers, always ready with a smile, Abdulhakim Chefchaouni – Reads with great expression, keeps the Prophet (saws) as his role model, Zakareya Elsayed – Full of energy, constantly delving into knowledge, Suhaib Fariz – Loved by all, Always ready to help out, Farah Ghanem – Very creative, has great artistic potential, Bilal Qasem – Has wonderful manners, gives great hugs, Samah Quneibi – Has wonderful manners, honest in all situations, Ibraheem Rifaie – Tells funny jokes, always has a sparkle in his eyes, Azeeza Sarour – Speaks with great expression, has great leadership potential, Malik Shalabi – always ready with a kind word for everyone, Nour Sullaiman – always ready to help others out, Banah Swar – has beautiful handwriting, always knows the right things to say, Amnah Taha – Wonderfully witty, always anxious to know more, Mamoun Zayed – generous with his belongings, always being considerate.

Prinicipal's Honor Roll: Asadullah Fayiz, Adam Mansour, Sanna Nassar, Rama Abdulmagid, Danya Awshah, Rita Benkirane, Sana Chahbandar, Abeer Hassan, Dina Irshaid, Omar Omer, Salam Twam, Danya Yousef, Abdul-Hakim Zekri, Layal Barakat, Jihad Gomaa, Leya Rum, Sewar Quneibi, Sabrina Awshah, Abraham Irshaid, Serene Mostafa, Yasmin Khawaja, Atef Rum, Umar Abunamous, Maryam Fahda, Ramy Mitwalli, Noor Tamari, and Maram Yousef.

High Honor Roll: Dana Barakat, Adam Essoufi, Nadeen Hassan, Lina Ibrahim, Hedaia Mohammed, Abdullah Omer, Nader Sarsour, Mina Arslan, Hasan Benbourenane, Khalil Khawaja, Omar Obeid, Ahmad Abdulmagid, Mostafa Zayed, Osama Gurwala, Khaled Yousef, Dina Awshah, Hamza Bouarfa, Sarah Gomaa, Abdulrahman Chahbandar, Sarah Rifaie, Haneen Saad, Nadine Al- Ashker, Rula Hijaz, Subrine Hijaz, Lama Mattar, Sarah Quneibi, and Suzan Ashour.

Honor Roll: Mohammed Ahmad, Amina Ahmed, Nehal Ali, Hana Bondogji, Ameen Merai, Jeleel Uzuner, Subreen Ajjaj, Saleh Alhammad, Aliya Hack, Eman Mustafa, Zaid Chefchaouni, Amro Hijaz, Amin Nasr, Hebah Nassar, Ammar Mattar, Lara Mattar, Abdullah Nassar, Subhi Quneibi, Lana Sarsour, Hanadi Abraham, Fatima Beydoun, Safah Gurwala, Diana Mustafa, Samer Sarsour, Areej Suleiman, Amani Taha, Fares Abdelmajid, Faris Hawari, Musa Khaled, Shaden Yousef, Rahma Elmohd, A'la Faria, Mohannad AlAshker, Suha Rifaied, Bushra Annahas, Jafa'ar Harake, Omar Kazzoun, Saad Abufreijeh, Abdel-Hakeem Hijaz, and Mohammad Shair


Students of the Year – Masha’Allah 1st Grade: Lina Ibrahim, Adam Mansour, Hedaia Mohammad 2nd Grade: Salam Twam,

Abdul-Hakim Zekri, Rita Benkirane, Rama Abdulmagid 3rd Grade: Leya Rum, Layal Barakat 6th Grade: Sarah Gomaa, Lara Mattar, Sewar Quneibi 7th Grade: Sabrina Awshah, AbdulRahman

Chahbandar, Abraham Irshaid 8th Grade: Serene Mostafa 9th Grade: Sarah Quneibi 10th Grade: Atef Rum, Yasmin Khawaja 11th Grade: Maryam Fahda 12th Grade: Maram Yousef

March Students of the Month K4A: Ahmad Dibo & Yousef Shakweer, K4B: Dalia Hawari

K4C: Asma Ahmed & Sadeel Matoubsi

K5A: Mohannd Daaboul & Donia Khawaja,

K5B: Hamzah Annahas & Farah Ghanem

Gr. 1A: Nadeen Hassan & Abdullah Omer,

Gr. 1B: Laith Hamil

Gr. 2A: Danya Yousef & Omar Omer

Gr. 2B: Danya Awshah & Rita Benkirane

Gr. 3: Kenda Ahmad & Ronza Saad

Gr. 4: Suhaib Ajjaj

Gr. 5: Reham Ali & Nermean Qasem

April Students of the Month K4A: Abdullah Husain, Sr. Farah‟s K4 Class

K4C: Samiha Kazi

K5A: Ibrahim Hamdan & Hadi Almadanali

K5B: Abraheem Rifaie

Gr. 1A: Adam Essoufi & Nader Sarsour, Gr. 1B: Hasan Harake

Gr. 2A: Abdul-Hakim Zekri & Dina Irshaid

Gr. 2B: Rama Abdulmagid & Abeer Hassan

Gr. 3: Zena Omer & Laith Hijaz

Gr. 4: Mostafa Zayed, Muhammad Ibrahim,

& Amina Laghmani

Gr. 5: Yasmeen Hassan

May Students of the Month K4A: Ahmedullah Laghmani, Sr. Farah‟s K4B Class

K4C: Mustafa Ismail

K5A: Donia Khawaja & Lana Shada

K5B: Samah Quneibi & Azeeza Sarour

Gr. 1A: Asadullah Fayiz & Nehal Ali, Gr. 1B: Jaleel Uzuner

Gr. 2A: Mina Arslan & Sana Chahbandar

Gr. 2B: Khalil Khawaja & Omar Obeid

Gr. 3: Layal Barakat, Jihad Gomaa & Leya Rum

Gr. 4: Rezan Merai

Gr. 5: Taj Hussein & Tamara Irshaid

Students of the Quarter 6A: Sewar Quneibi

Gr. 7: Fatima Beydoun and Safa Gurwala

Gr. 8: Shaden Yousef

Gr. 9: Subrine Hijaz and Lama Mattar

Gr. 10: Suha Rifaie and Atef Rum

Gr. 11: Suzan Ashour


What do you do at AYA? -75% of the time I am the Network Engineer, 25%

of the time, I am the Technology Teacher.

Do You Like AYA? Why?-Yes, it is like my second home. Everyone is friendly;

the people are like my family.

Do you have special talents?-I am a Black belt in Tae Kwon Do and was on

Egypt’s National Elective Team for the Olympics.

Are you planning to do anything for the future of AYA?-I plan to integrate

Technology with Education, and help make AYA a cutting edge institution,

Insha’Allah.

New Teacher Spotlight: Br. Moataz

By: Kamal Taha

Where are you from? -Alexandria, Egypt.

What did you earn your degree in? - I earned a degree in Philosophy and ITT Tech for Network Engineering in Egypt.

Where did you work before you came to AYA? - I worked at Dell, before that I worked in Egypt.

AYA SPORTS

By: Rula Hijaz

In April, AYA students and teachers took to the field again in a Spirit Week re-match. The High School students played volleyball against the teachers. The Middle School Students tied the teachers in the last few minutes of their Flag Football game. The score was 3 to 3. The games were lots of fun, and we hope to keep the Students VS. Teachers sports matches for years to come!

Two weeks ago, AYA competed in the “Let It Fly Tournament” against three other teams also known as the Eagles. Out of 9 teams AYA was represented by three teams, two Middle School teams and a High School team. Our two Middle School teams competed against each other and team A won against team B by 2 points. The High School team lost their games, however over the summer our boys plan to work hard and practice as much as they can, so that they can come back with a vengeance at next year’s tournament, insha’Allah…. GO AYA EAGLES

AYA’s sports writing contributors would like to remind all AYA students to stay active, eat well, and drink plenty of H2O during our long summer vacation!

AYA Almunus: Awab Nasr By: Amjad alshalabi

For this year‟s final Newsletter, I interviewed AYA

Alumnus Awab Nasr. First, I asked him when he

graduated from AYA, and he replied, “I graduated with

the class of 2006.” Next, I asked him where he was

going to college and what he was majoring in. He

answered, “I am currently attending the University of

South Florida, and I am majoring in Accounting and

Finance. The next question I asked was, “How did

AYA help you prepare for college?” He replied that, since he had a really small

class, he could always go to his teachers and ask them about any concepts that

he did not understand. He said that the SAT prep courses were really helpful,

too. I asked him what his best memories about AYA were, and he said that he

had a lot of great memories at AYA! I finished my interview by asking him

what advice he would like to give the current High School students, and he told

me that we should stay focused and always aim for the best! “Never settle for

anything less!” At the end of the interview, he also added that AYA students

have a responsibility and ability to do great things!

The AYA Parents' Meeting & Open

House took place on Saturday, May

15. This was a great opportunity for new and

returning parents to get information about

AYA and register their child(ren) for next

year‟s classes. It also gave parents the

chance to meet the teachers their child will

have next year, talk to the Administrators

about any questions or concerns, and tour the

school. If you were unable to make it to this

event, and have any questions or concerns

about registration, next year‟s calendar, etc.,

please call the AYA office at: 813-987-9282.

Graduation By: Yezun Ali

As this year came to end, many AYA students were getting ready to graduate! Everyone was a little nervous because they were moving

on to more responsibility, but were happy to be growing up.

The Elementary and Middle School Graduations were held on Friday, May 27th

2010, in the Masjid Extension. The Extension was

decorated with hundreds of balloons. Sr. Khulude headed the decoration committee, and, with the help of parents, students and a few

professionals, it looked amazing, masha‟Allah!

The K5 students started commencement by receiving their first AYA diplomas at 11:00am. The 5th Grade ceremony started at 5:00pm,

as these students anticipated how things would change for them as Middle School students. The 8th Grade ceremony took place at

8:00pm. These students could hardly believe that they would soon be the Big Men and Women on campus next year! Since so many students graduated, it was a happy moment for everyone.

The Senior Graduation was on Sunday, May 29th

2010, and was held at USF. It was a bitter-sweet experience for our AYA graduates.

They are ready for college and all the experiences that lay ahead of them, but they will miss their time at good ol‟ AYA.


Sayonara Seniors! By: Lama Mattar

Every year we have a class that brightens our year and changes our attitude toward High School. They make us want to finish our journey and

get us looking forward to our final months in High School. I recently interviewed our AYA graduates of 2010, and asked them about their

journey and what advice they have for AYA students. They will be missed very much by everyone. May Allah guide them to their success

in life with ease.

What was your favorite memory at AYA? Noor: “Hanging out with Maram. Also, the time when my tire fell off of my car and Maram

and I jumped out... It was actually a pretty funny experience.” Mohammad: “Taking Br. Sohbi off topic in math class and him ranting

about nonsense.‟‟ Hakeem: “The day I got a 95 on my chemistry test!” Maram: “Well, there are many memories, but one thing that sticks

in my mind was when Noor‟s tire fell off of her car! It was the most hilarious moment that we experienced.” Ramy: “I really don't have a

favorite memory, but the best of my memories will be the nice, caring environment that our school provides us; they nurture us until we

achieve our self-actualization. (Believe it or not, it‟s true!)” What Advice do you have for AYA students? Zade: ”In the future don‟t

follow your dreams, follow your heart. Who knows, you might even become the president.‟‟ Mohammad: “Take school work seriously.

Life is tough, and education is the only ease.” Saad: “I advise the students at AYA to strive for their goals. Never give up, and always do

what is right.” Noor: “Don‟t overwhelm yourselves with work, enjoy your time and study hard for the SAT‟s.” Hakeem: “Always study.”

Maram: “Believe in yourself and never settle for just anything.” Ramy: “I would definitely advise the other students at AYA to stay on

top of their school work. No matter how close your friend is to you, never let anyone keep you from reaching the top; none of your friends

are going to benefit you in gaining admissions to the university you want.” How did AYA help to prepare you to reach your goal?

Zade: Well, I don't have a goal right now, except for trying to get good grades and leave this school. So, the way they helped me is by

having wonderful teachers. I really learned a lot.” Saad: “Actually, believe it or not AYA helped me reach my goal in a lot of ways. First

and foremost they have excellent High School teachers that teach with their hearts and want us to reach our goal. Also, AYA provides duel

enrollment that helped me prepare for college, and the profession that I am interested it.” Noor: “I couldn't have asked for a better

administration. The teachers really want the best for us and they taught me so much. I now feel prepared for anything they throw at me at

USF.” Mohammad: “It has given me the opportunity to start a new page in my life.‟‟ Hakeem: “It taught me to know what was wrong

and right in Islam.” Maram: “AYA helped me in many ways. It helped me become a well rounded person. The things that the teachers

taught me at AYA are what USF professors will be teaching, so Alhamdulilah the information provided at AYA is very important and is

greatly appreciated. Never take your teachers for granted.” Ramy: AYA has/is been a great impact on my life. It provided me with an

outstanding Islamic education, plus an amazing opportunity to challenge myself with University level courses at USF. Alhamdulilah, I am

already done with almost a year and a half of college while I am still in high school (which also means I have thousands of dollars of college

tuition already paid for).” What would you like to do as a Career? Zade: “Very questionable. I really can‟t see in the future, but

if Allah wants I might consider being a game developer for Sony.” Saad: “Insha‟Allah I will become a Doctor.” Hakeem: “Sports

Medicine.” Mohammad: “To go to Harvard to become a lawyer, and later on peruse a Ph.D in Theology.” Ramy: “Insha‟Allah, I am

hoping to become anesthetist/anesthesiologist.” Maram: “Insha‟Allah I want do something in the Medical field, but so far I do not have

anything specific, yet.” Noor: “Pharmacy.” How did being in an Islamic School impact on your life? Zade: “Being in an

Islamic private school could be hard coming from a public school. Not to give any wrong ideas. I came from UAF, so being in an Islamic

school was alright. There are too many rules and they give us a 500 page handbook and told us to sign it without knowing what‟s inside. It‟s

like when Obama gave Congress a 500 page proposal for Medicaid. Just sign it and see what happens. Nonetheless, being in an Islamic

school is the best way to improve your life. It did for me.” Hakeem: “It taught me self discipline and self respect.” Mohammad: “AYA

has helped mold an Islamic nature within me for my future. I‟m a big boy, now!” Ramy: “As previously mentioned, AYA has taught me

more than just the foundations of my Islamic education, it has given me enough knowledge & wisdom to face the real world with the

challenges that come along with it. [Note: I am not saying that this school is flawless, everyone makes mistakes, but patience is a major virtue

if one wants to succeed in life.]” Saad: “Being in an Islamic school taught me right from wrong, and the steps necessary to become a good

Muslim.” Maram: “An Islamic school helped me improve my deen and become a better Muslim.” Noor: “One of the greatest things I am

taking as I leave AYA is that my Iman is stronger. I feel like if anyone asks me anything about Islam, I could give a good and confident

answer.”

Leaving a party

Energetic wild crazy

Lights flashing behind

Goodbye to AYA

Missing teachers

most of all University

Math class so boring

When will I ever use this?

Somebody shoot me

Noor Tamari

Music fills the room

Crowds dancing around joyful

Faces filled with glee

The deepest hatred

Happy to get set and go

The sigh of relief

Released in the world

Two months to reach conclusion

Tears, diplomas, bye

Maram Yousef

Cheating‟s like farting

Everyone has done it once

But no one admits

Oh how bad it was

Insects climbing on the wall

Bye Bye forever

Many memories

Good and bad last forever

Thank God I am gone

Ramy Mitwalli

The strobe lights glow bright

The ecstasy in my mind

They call me buddy

I detest this place

Ominous cemetery

The cries of the dead

The nostalgia

Moving on towards the future

I give my salaams

Mohammad Shair

Dancing all night long

I don‟t want this day to end

Just listen to this song

Thank God it‟s over

Don‟t wake me up anymore

Get the diploma!

Fashionably late

Sleeping all day and night

AYA is a dream

Saad Abu-freijeh

In My Words: 12th

Grade Haikus


Middle and High School News! By: Yasmine Hussien

April and May were VERY busy months at AYA. Between CTP's,

end-of-year field trips, exams, and graduation ceremonies, it was very

hectic for administrators, teachers and student alike.

At the end of May, the 5th

Grade students shadowed the 6th Grade

students for a day to see what it will be like to have passing periods,

different classes, lockers, and more responsibility. The 6th

graders

did an excellent job giving the younger students a tour, and this

activity should help the 5th graders with their transition into Middle

School next year, insha‟Allah.

The field trips for the Middle and High School students were a bit

different this year than in the past. The 6th and 7

th Grade student went

on two different trips: Silver Springs in Ocala and Historic

Kissimmee. The 8th thru 12

th Grade boys went paintballing, and the

8th thru 12

th Grade girls went horseback riding. The students had a

blast on all the trips, I think the teachers had a lot of fun, too!

The Eco Club finished the year by winning third place in the Recycle

Regatta at the Dragon Races of Tampa Bay. Great Job Umar

Abunamous and Omar Kazzoun! The members also had an end of

the year celebration and are looking forward for next year‟s exciting

activities, insha‟Allah.

The Student Council sponsored an End of the Year Fun Day for the

Middle and High School students. After the last exams on Thursday,

the 6th thru 12

th Grade students enjoyed an afternoon of water and

shaving cream fights and a barbeque luncheon. Everyone thoroughly

soaked Br. Mahmoud and Br. Souheil.

Even though exams will be over by the time this newsletter is

published, it is important for students to remember to keep up with

their studies throughout the quarter, so that they do not have to cram

at the end of the semester. Remember to use Study Sheets to fill in

important information and to keep track of what you do not

understand. Make sure to ask your teachers about any items you do

not understand. Focus, work hard and have faith in Allah SWT, and

you are sure to have a successful result!

Elementary News By: Rahma Elmohd

As the school year came to an end, the Elementary students found

that now was the best time to start relaxing. The students were

mostly helping their teachers pack up for the year. However, since

the school year still hadn‟t ended, the Elementary staff was planning

a series of exciting events! These events included an end of the year

field trip to Lowry Park Zoo, a highly anticipated AYA FUN Day,

and the end of the year parties and graduations. The AYA FUN Day

hosted a variety of activities, such as Bucket sponge relay, WATER

slides, Musical chairs, water balloon toss, moonwalks, trackless

train and a joust & bungee activity!

Article update: After going on their end of the year field trip, the

Elementary students said that it was an exciting experience and a

relaxing and peaceful way to end the year. Also, all the students

had a BLAST at the AYA FUN Day. In conclusion, I would like to

thank all of the Elementary staff for their hard work throughout the

year, and for their determination to make this school year a success!

Thank you STAFF!! I hope you all have an amazing summer!

8th Grade Graduation By: Hussien Qasem

As High School students, we already know what it‟s like to

graduate out of Middle School. Now, the 8th

Graders of

2009-2010 will get their chance to feel the same excitement

to graduate and become young adults. I got the chance to

interview a few of the 8th Grade boys to find out their opinion

on graduating. My first question was, “How do you feel

about graduating?” The students I asked said that they were

excited, but some were concerned, because they know that

classes will be more challenging. Others said that they were

happy simply because they were passing. My next question

was, “Are you excited about going to High School?” The

majority said they were. Most of their reasons were the

same, “I want to go to High School!” For the ones that said,

“NO,” it was because they were worried, since starting next

year, everything counts! One student said, “I am happy,

because I will be a Big Man on Campus,” and another was

depressed, because he will miss the 8th Grade.

Then I asked what they will miss about the 8th Grade. Some

said the teachers, the good memories, and all the fun they had

in 8th Grade. Many said they will not miss much and are

ready for the move up, because they will get more privileges

in High School. My last question was, “What do you look

forward to the most about High School?” They replied, “To

be called High Schoolers, having new classes, driving,

working toward their High School diploma, and the end of

the year field trips!”

It‟s not fun leaving

Memories are forever

Tears run down my face

Going to High School

It‟s not as great as it seems

Because it scares me

Shaden Yousef

Ring sigh of relief

I love you sister D.J.

Now off to High School

Same people more work

Same teachers more studying

Stressed four more years left

Nadine Al Ashker

Middle school was cool

Football, recess, studying

I will miss this school

“Good luck‟s” what they say Something different would be nice

Another year here

Rami Shehata

Middle School is fun

We will grow up tomorrow

I will miss those days

High School is crazy

I heard it is difficult

Here I come High School

Fares Abdulmajid

Time is moving fast Memories increase with time

Time to move forward

Middle school is done

A new milestone ahead

9th

grade awaits us

Wael Rifaie

Middle to freshman

Feels like I‟m starting over

But it will be great

Middle school was fun

Lots of experiences

It‟s time to move on

Jasmine Albadawi

In My Words: 8th

Grade Haikus


By: Subrine Hijaz

** What is your favorite thing about AYA?**

Rewhida Ahmad: “The teachers are

my favorite part about AYA.” Suhaib

Ajjaj: “My favorite thing about my school is P.E and field trips.” Ahmad Ali: “I like the

after school activities.” Amine Benkirane: “I like the field days we have on special days.”

Zaid Chefchaouni: “My friends are what I like about AYA the best.” Sheik Ahmad

Hack: “I love my teachers the best!” Hussein Harake: “I like P.E. at AYA, it is so much

fun!” Amro Hijaz: “I love my friends.” Muhammad Ibrahim: “I love Language Arts.”

Amina Laghmani: “I like Math and the teacher who teaches it to me!” Aya Mari: “I like

the field trips a lot, because they are different and fun.” May Marie: “I love my best friends

and P.E. class.” Razan Merai: “My friends are the best thing at AYA. I love coming to

school every day to see them!” Bissan Mustafa: “My teachers are all nice, caring and

sweet to me. They are my favorite part about my school.” Amin Nasr: “P.E and my P.E.

teachers!” Hebah Nassar: “I love doing arts and craft!” Salah Eldeen Odeh: “I enjoy my

Social Studies class a lot and the field trips to all the places our teachers took us to.” Arian

Rafhat: “I like the after school activities and sports our school has.” Mohammad Rifaie:

“Social Studies” Suhad Rifaie: “I love my science class and all the fun games we play.”

Amjad Saad: “P.E. is the BEST!” Raghad Sobh: I like how this school has Islamic Studies

and a lot of other schools don‟t.” Khaled Yousef: “EVERYTHING!”

How I Can Have a

Good Impact on Society

By: Suhaib Ajjaj, 4th

Gr.

As a Muslim, I will help my

society in the future in many

ways. First, I would need to set a

good example of myself as a

Muslim. Second, I would help

out by volunteering in different

programs. Another way that I

can help my society is by getting

a good education.

I can set a good example by

following Islam correctly. By

doing this, I give Islam a good

name. I also need to be proud of

who I am. I would be friendly

and kind to all people in society.

I would do many volunteering

activities to help people. In

Ramadan, I would gather food

for the poor. I would even

donate money to the needy.

One more way that I can have a

great impact on society is by

getting a good education. With

an education I would be able to

have a good job. I can make a

good amount of money. This

will allow me to have the time to

volunteer and have the money to

donate to the poor.

Being a good Muslim role

model is important in society.

We have to set a good example

for the Non-Muslims and the

younger Muslim generation.

Being a good Muslim means

following our religion and

helping the needy.

SUMMER CAMP by Sr. Manal Ramadan

AYA‟s Summer Camp is bustling with activity Monday- Thursday. The students are really

enjoying a more laid back learning atmosphere. This session we focused on space and are

having a wonderful time exploring this magnificent subject. The camp classes are taught by

Sr. Mitzi Walker, Sr. Brianna Wootten, Sr. Manal Ramadan, Br. Jeff Quick and Sr. Mehwish

Khan. Students work on their creative writing skills, math concepts, and various hands-on

projects. The students enjoyed watching the breathtaking IMAX movie, The Hubble, at

MOSI and constructing their very own paper mache planetarium in AYA hallways. The

younger kids used glow in the dark paint to make constellations and everyone else had an

amazing time making a big mess with our paste and newspaper. After all of that hard work

our planetarium is finally up and you are more than welcome to come see it! The best part

this first session, however, was watching the 4th and 5

th graders launch the awesome rockets

that they constructed themselves! If you are interested in having your child join the fun,

please register with Sr. Wafa as soon as possible. Space is limited. Upcoming themes

include: Session 2: Florida History, Session 3: Oceans, and Session 4: Our Community


Good-bye VPK, Hello K5! By: Mohammad Fahda

K4 students have accomplished all the VPK requirements, and are

now ready to go to Elementary school next year. All the students are

very enthusiastic and eager to become K5 students. I interviewed a

few of the K4 students, and I asked them how they felt about

becoming Elementary students and what they are looking forward to

in K5.

Raghad Swar : „‟I want to learn about animals, new numbers, and

letters.” Serene Abulhaija: “I would like to learn new songs. ”

Shatha Ajaj: „I will be big enough to skate board. ” Salah Dean

Dabus: “I feel good about going to K5. I want to learn how to read.”

Ahmad Dibo: “I want to learn how to read.” Elyas Essoufi: „‟I want

to have fun and learn new words.” Ahmedullah Laghmani: “I want

to go to Elementary school to play.” Maryam Marie: “I want to

learn how to tie my hair and shoes.” Yousef Shakweer: : “I want to

learn how to write numbers and read.” Moayad Shehadeh: “I am

excited to write letters, numbers, and learn to read books.”

5th Grade Graduation By: A‟la Faria

As we all know, the 5th-graders graduated this year, and they

will be moving up to Middle School next year, so I decided to

interview a few of them to find out how they felt about next year,

and if they would miss their Elementary years.

What did you like about 5th grade? “It‟s fun and easy, and I

learned a lot.” How do you feel about going to Middle School? “I

feel that it might be hard and exhausting.” What will you miss the

most? “I will miss the Elementary teachers, all the easy stuff, not

switching classes often, and not having a homeroom.”

(Abdurraheem Annaaas)

What did you like about 5th grade? “The Eid parties, extra

recess time, answer sheets for tests, and the movies you watch

after CTP.” How do you feel about going to Middle School? “I

think it‟s going to be hard, I‟m scared of bullies. The people in

Middle School might think I am just a kid, because I‟m short.

What will you miss the most? I will miss the snacks, being in

line when we go to lunch, field trips, and I my 2nd Grade teacher.

(Thj Hussein)

What was the best memory in your Elementary years? “The

Masha‟Allah Club, when we played duck duck goose, and when

we played football.” How do you feel about going to Middle

School? “I‟m excited, because I can walk through hallways and to

lunch without a teacher.” What will you miss the most? “Getting

free snacks, and not having to do that much work.” (Rami Mari)

What was your best memory in your Elementary years? “In

4th Grade when we went to Busch Gardens, and the Masha‟Allah

clubs.” How do you feel about going to Middle School? “I‟m

excited, because I don‟t have to go dismissal.” What will you

miss the most? “Nothing much.” (Amin Taha)

K5 Graduation By: Mizba Khan

As we all know, the K5 students are graduating from the

K-building and will be moving up to the Elementary

building next year. I decided to interview a few K5

students to find out how they felt about this transition.

What do you like most about K5? “I liked the

computers, my teacher, the food, and my friends.” What

do you think about graduating? “I am happy to graduate.

I can‟t wait to go to 1st grade.” What didn‟t you like

about K5? “I did not like playing arts a lot.” {Lana

Shadn}

What do you like most about K5? “I liked reading,

math, science, English, and my teacher.” What do you

think about graduating? “I am HAPPY!” What didn‟t

you like about K5? I didn‟t like it when people hit me.”

{Ibrahim Hamdan}

What do you like most about K5? “I liked doing art,

playing at centers, playing bingo, and my best friend

Ibrahim.” What do you think about graduating? “We are

so happy that we are very loud.” What didn‟t you like

about K5? “When people are mean to me and math.”

{Shahed Aisheh}

What did you like most about K5? “I liked math,

reading, science, and my friends.” What do you think

about graduating? “I am HAPPY!” What didn‟t you like

about K5? “I didn‟t like drawing that much.” {Abrar

Hamdan}

I am leaving you

And of course I won‟t miss you

Goodbye Middle school

Here I come, High School

Where it‟s time to be for real

Just another year

Sally Ashour

Goodbye Middle school

You have made me who I am

I won‟t forget you

Moving to High School

Up I go spreading my wings

Can‟t wait to leave AYA!

Dania Rum

Memories of past

No more boring Middle school

Success in High School

Oh High School, High School

Hope it‟s more fun than 8th

Grade

Future exciting

Abdullah Annahas

It‟s finally here

Ready to open the door

To explore High School

Middle to High School

Here comes the

Geometry

Oh God, please help me

Nadine Albadawi

Middle school was fun

I had a lot of good

times

Hope next year‟s better

Moving up to High

School

I‟m going to have my

friends

Exciting and new

Nael Rifaie

In My Words: 8th

Grade Haikus II


Br. Ahmad (President)

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 813-943-4237

DEAR SR. HELPOUT, I am having trouble with an issue at school that, in my opinion, is difficult to stop. I am having trouble with cheating and letting my friends cheat off of my work. I have heard so many people, teachers and students, claim that cheating is a form of lying and is haram. So, that’s a double bad deed every time I do it. It is hard for me to stop, because not only do I depend on my friends for help during a test, but they also depend on me. I feel awkward asking them to stop cheating off of me, because I am afraid of what they will think. I don’t want to disappoint them and I don’t want them to think that I don’t want to help them, but I really, really, think that it is wrong and I want to know what to do?

SINCERELY, GUILTY CHEATER DEAR GUILTY CHEATER, I understand your situation, trust me. A lot of people have the same problem, but unlike you, they don’t think it is such a big deal. They’re WRONG! Like you said, cheating is not only taking someone’s answers or giving someone answers, but you are lying to yourself, you’re helping your friends lie, you’re lying to your teachers and parents, and worst of all, you’re lying to Allah. Most cheaters think they are so slick for getting away with cheating. To tell you the truth, you are not so slick in front of God, are you? He still sees you, and you’re still lying no matter how you try to rearrange the situation. So forget about what your friends think, and forget about it if you need help, you can work that out. Just remember it’s better to get a bad grade on a test than a bad grade on the biggest test of all- YOUR LIFE! STUDY HARD and you won’t have to worry about getting help. Everyone gets stuck on a few questions; all you can do is try your best to solve it (and by the way, how do you know your friends know the correct answers anyway?). On the other hand, your friends will understand. Just tell them you don’t cheat--it’s not as hard as you think. You can also form a study group, so that you can help each other to prepare for the exams. If they don’t understand, then you need to look for new friends, because the friends you have aren’t working out too well. One more thing------there’s no such thing as slick---SOMEONE WILL SEE YOU!

SINCERELY, SR.HELPOUT

Summer Vacation By: Jasmin Gutierrez

Summer is round the corner and many people are planning

to have a great time, insha‟Allah. Many students are

planning to go overseas, some are planning to go out of

state, and a few plan to go to different cities in Florida.

The majority of the students plan to go to the beach to get

some color and to enjoy the nice breezy weather.

However, for the students who did not do so well on exams,

summer might mean summer school.

This summer is not a regular summer that lasts for two

months. Since Ramadan begins in August, school will not

resume until September 14th. This means that students have

more time to relax and sleep in, and enjoy the summer.

With a long summer plenty of students may take an

adventure around the world. We also have the chance to

have a really successful Ramadan, because we will not have

the extra pressure of starting a new school year right in the

middle of it. So, use your time days and nights wisely and

gain all the hassanet you can, insha‟Allah.

Summer School By: Abdullah Tamari

I hope you all did well this year and passed every class with

flying colors. However, for those of you received a70% or

lower in any class, there are a few things to keep in mind.

First of all, if you are a Middle and High School student

who did not pass a class, you will have a chance to retake

your exams. If you are still unable to bring up your grade,

you will have to repeat your current grade. Yikes!

If you are an Elementary student, you have the opportunity

to go to summer school and work on any concepts that you

did not understand during the year. Summer school lasts for

two months and you will also have to pass your final test to

be promoted to the next grade. Don‟t worry--if you study

hard, you can do it!

Carpet cleaning

Upholstery cleaning

Office cleaning

Tile and grout

Strip and wax floor services

10% of the profits from all jobs mentioning

this ad go to AYA. Just let us know that you

saw this ad in the AYA Newsletter!


:أذ نك ثبقخ ي انصبئخ -أثب كذ أ أيب -إنك أب انشث

ي إيكببد ثقذسر انشخصخ عه رخ األثبء سكض عه يب هك -

.فس ياجعه ىي رغش، شجع ا، عه يب أدشصا ب أجضسكض عه ي -

.ال رزكشى ثقبغ ظعفى ىاالسزشاس ف دبر يثال عشف يب انز أد إن انشكهخ سكض عه إجبد انذم انالئىإ -

إك نى رفعم رنك نزجشح يشبعشب نكك رشذ أ رذصم عه " قم ن

نس ي عبدرك األبخ"، "ازبيب ". ال ثظعخ ادزشاو ثعط انقذ نسبع سأ، بقش دائب أعط-

.شجعى عه انزعجش ع انشأ انشبعش أيبيك .رقهم ي قذسار

- عه االسزقالل ارخبر ثعط ىال رشكض عه انزجعخ ثم شجع

ادزشو عالقبرى االجزبعخ ثأصذقبئى ال رشعشى ثبنزت . انجبصفبد

.يك عه ياجخ انشكهخ قبئب سهب األصيبد اسزخذو أسهثب عذ ياجخ -

.. انزفكش ف دهنب انعم ثشبغ ناجخ أسجبة انقهق نهزخهص يب

.يخزهفب صذب ثزنك رشسى أيبيى رجب رجت - انزذخم انسزش عذو ادزشاو خصصخ انطفم ي خالل

ساقت ع ثعذ يب ذذس نك. يشاقجخ كم كجشح أ صغشح قو ثب

ال رجعم انطفم خبئفب دز ثفشد ي .. رذخم عذ انعشسح..ن

.أك سزقزذى عه خهرف داخه ثإيكببر عه يقذاس يب سكض عه ظشسح أ ك يقزعب -

.ذصم عه انطفم ي سظب أ إشجبع ثبنشبغبد انيخ انز قو ثبرجت - . خ ي انذبح أيبو انطفم انززيشانشك انذائ د انفس ع

الدشكعه انجذش انشػ ع انذهل اإلجبثخ نه .

شجع عه اناجخ، سبعذ انطفم عه أ ذم انشكهخ ثذال ي أ -

.شة يبسكض عه انعالقبد اإلجبثخ انذافئخ عه أب انذف، سكض عه -

خشعه انعم يع اى انشبسكخ شجع .

فشصخ إلبء انعم، سبعذ عه أ خطػ جذن قز ى أعط -

االسزعجبل انذائى شثك ثش انقهق.. جذا . ال رزذذس يع : " انزخف انسزش ي انعبنى ي انخبسج رجت -

ال رضل انب ألك ال " ، "ال رهعت ألك سزعذ ثبنشض"، "انكجبس

عه انسجبدخ .. انجبصفبد انذسثخشجع عهنك، "رعشف انسجبدخ

...ثذال ي رخف ي انبء سعذ اننذصد فسك ثجعط انثقبفخ انالئخ ثب بست انعش، اجعم -

ي فس انعش أالدثبنزصشفبد انالئخ نس، أ دج يع . إرا كب ال ثذ ي انعقبة، ظخ انسجت ف، ث أعب انطشقخ -

صشف أ انفعم انسزقجمانصذذخ نهز . انعضف ع انذاس انبقشخ ف أيس دبرى، ازبيبرى، رجت -

.يخبفى، انزشكض عه انقذ، انقفض إلعطبء انصبئخ انشكهخ

ال رخش ي .انزشدد ف ارخبر انقشاس أ انزأجم انذائى إنذبدىرجت -

جبد غش اناقعخ، فز ارخبر انقشاساد ، أسفط ثظح ذء انزطه

.يب رعذ ث إرا كب يكب .-عض جم -فقكى هللا إن انهزق ثإر

أدذ ششف: انشخ

ف ربيجب انشكض اإلسالي

Dear Parents – Fathers & Mothers:

I give you these words of advice:

1) Focus on your children’s abilities & strengths and help them develop their talents

2) Focus on your children’s successes and encourage them to continue to achieve. Do not focus on their shortcomings.

3) When your children make a mistake, help them understand why they may have made that mistake. i.e. “You did not do this to hurt our feelings, you were just trying to get our attention. This was not in your nature.”

4) Listen to your children’s opinions and talk to them with objectivity and respect. Do not minimize what they have to say. Encourage them to discuss their points of view with you.

5) Encourage your kids to take leadership roles and not to always be followers. Encourage them to be independent and to take risks. Allow them to socialize and interact with others.

6) Guide your children how to react in the face of difficulties or difficult decisions. Be a positive example for them.

7) Avoid always getting involved in your children’s business. Keep a watchful eye from a distance and get involved only when absolutely necessary.

8) Focus on giving your children confidence in their abilities and in what they can accomplish.

9) Avoid complaining about life in front of your children. Instead, show them that there are solutions to all problems.

10) Encourage your children to work with others for the good. 11) Teach your children how to plan their time wisely, so that

they can accomplish what they set out to do without being in a rush and stressed for time.

12) Avoid scaring your children from different situations. Instead, give them the tools to deal with the situations successfully. i.e. Do not say, “Stay away from the water, it is dangerous.” Instead, teach them how to swim. Teach them to take calculated risks and give them the skills to be successful.

13) Learn more about the stages of child development so that you can choose appropriate activities for your children.

14) If you must punish your children, make sure they understand what they did wrong and what they could have done that would have been better.

15) Avoid delaying decisions out of fear of what your children may think.

16) Keep your promises to them as long as they are possible to keep. Avoid making promises that cannot be kept.

May Allah give you success,

Shaikh Ahmad Sharaf Islamic Community of Tampa

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