In every good educational institution,there must be a strong partnership betweenparents and faculty. Children are nurtured in bothsettings, and it is vital that each play an interactive role with theother to the end of creating the strongest springboard from which to launch ourchildren’s education and overall care.

This is especially true in a private, religious school environment, which intrinsically fosters a warmth and closenessthat is unique and deep. We all strive together for the same purpose- to help raise our children up as high as theymay go, in every sense of the word. This autumn has once again seen a ...continued on back coverPOLLY GOLTCHE, Writer and Editor

GHILA KRAJZMAN, PhotographerCANTOR BENNY ROGOSNITZKY, DirectorREUVEN ELSON, ATELIER INDUSTRIES, Design and Printing

A couple of weeks ago, the students of Park East DaySchool were delighted to welcomeback Rabbi Arthur Schneier, afterhis extended absence.They greeted him with cheers, banners, songs, and acelebratory cake. The Rabbi, whose eloquent wordsalways teach and inspire, spoke from his heart. Hereminded children, faculty and assembled staff thatsometimes it takes illness to remember what mattersmost. We should be grateful for eyes that see, ears that

hear, and that all parts of our bodies function as theyshould. What an important lesson for us all- to appreciate

the gift of good health and the wisdom to express Hakarat ha’Tov to G-dwho created us.

The Rabbi asked everyone to join him in the recitation of Modeh Ani, ourdaily prayer thanking Hashem for having awoken another day Welcoming

Rabbi Schneier back home was a very happy occasion. The Park East familyfeels incomplete without his warmth, wisdom, and inspiration. �

Rabbi Schneier’s Message: Remembering What is Important

Parentsand Schoolan Essential Partnership

PathwaysRABBI ARTHUR SCHNEIERPARK EAST DAY SCHOOL

WINTER 2014 | VOLUME 5 | 5774

Rabbi Arthur Schneier Park East Day School 164 East 68th StreetNew York , NY 10065212.737.7330

Rabbi Arthur SchneierPark East Day SchoolParent Association Board 2013-2014Jennifer Krug Aliza Licht Sharon MakhlinCO- PRESIDENTS

Anna Claire Salama-CaroFrances Zelazny-GanzErin HaasEstee LiebermanVICE PRESIDENTS

Erin Rudensky Mary ShelaTREASURERS

Debra AlvoRECORDING SECRETARY

Diana MannCHESED COMMITTEECHAIR

Ilana YunisErin HaasCLASS MOM LIAISONS

Debbie Lewittes EigenGRANDPARENT LIAISON

W W W . P A R K E A S T D A Y S C H O O L . O R G

wonderful bond between Park East Day School and its parents. OurParent Association Board members continually meet and work towardour common goals. Events such as the Champagne & Sushi Social and Family Fun Day werefestive and enjoyable occasions for families to come together and share more than simple,daily school routines. Special events create a school spirit, and desire to play a part in “the ParkEast Family.”

Our beautiful new playground is a tribute to the outstanding work of our Parent Association,and its dedication to making this long-awaited addition to our school a reality. The gleeful faces of the children, in all grades, as theyrun out to recess onto the bright new space, mirror sheer delight every recess. The significance of having families that are devoted toour institution is invaluable. The presence of mothers and fathers, grandparents, extended family members, and our students, atspecially planned events throughout the year, brings Park East to the forefront of city institutions- educational establishments thatare so much more than simply places to learn New York State curriculum. We exemplify the essence of a large family that worships,learns, plays, and grows together. We are so very fortunate, and grateful to have the continued support of our amazing ParentAssociation, and look forward to all the wonderful contributions that this group affords the members of the Park East Day Schoolcommunity all year long. �

Parents and School Continued from cover

The Importance of Tzedakahby Ivory D. Rios, Coordinator for Development Operations

CHARITABLE GIVING AT YEAR END:WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOWCharitable donations are an excellent way to reduce your tax burden for theyear, all while doing something for the greater good. We urge all parents,grandparents and alumni to consider, along with their tax advisors, ways to makea charitable donation to Park East Synagogue in the most tax advantageous way.

TIMING OF GIFT:

Determining the date of delivery is important because: (1) it determines the taxyear in which the gift is deductible; (2) for assets that fluctuate in value (e.g., stock),it determines the value of the gift.

Checks - A check that you mail to a charity is considered delivered on the dateyou mail it (the postmark date). In order to take advantage of a tax deduction in2013 your contribution must be postmarked by Deember 31, 2013.

Credit card - Contributions charged on your credit card are deductible in the yearyou make the charge.

ABOUT GIVING SECURITIES:

While cash is the most common form of charitable gifts, gifts of appreciated assetssuch as stocks, bonds, mutual funds and other securities not only make aconvenient gift but can provide you with significant tax benefits as well.

Stock certificate - The gift of a stock certificate is completed on the date ofmailing or other delivery to the charity or to the charity's agent. However, ifyou give a stock certificate to your agent or to the issuing corporation fortransfer to the name of the charity, your gift is not completed until thedate the stock is transferred on the books of the organization. �

Thank you for considering us as you make yourphilanthropic decisions this year.

As the year draws to a close, we would like to express our gratitude forall that you have done for our school andour children. Please help us to continueeducating students of promise with astellar educational program that will enrichthe lives of many deserving children. Your contribution of any size is appreciated.We hope we can count on your support.

W W W . P A R K E A S T D A Y S C H O O L . O R G 32

It’s my pleasure being with your children everyday. There is little I enjoy more than being inthe classroom and watching theirresponsiveness to each other, their teachers andwhatever is being presented. As the happinessof our children is so important to all of us asparents, I decided to take a sampling from ourpreschoolers as to what makes them happy.Some of their responses:

“What makes you happy?”

“…when I see someone smile…”- Remy Appel (3)

“…when I go to my friend Suzanne's house…” - Blake Yellin (3)

“…when mommy gives me special time in my bed at night…”- Jonathan Shukovsky (4)

“…gym with Judith...” - Melanie Kramer (4)

“…when my mommy puts me to bed...”- Serena Yunis (4)

“…hugs...”- Hannah Weisberg (Kindergarten)

“…when my mommy tickles me…” - Sami Rose Fischman (Kindergarten)

“…I can't decide I have too many...” - Leah Rosenblum (Kindergarten)

“…jumping up and down...”- Jesse Email (4)

“…walking the dog...”- Alex Kramer (4)

The message here seems clear- being happy and finding joy appears to be intrinsic toour children. It happens naturally, and it happens in the simplest ways. Be it a hug,an activity shared, witnessing delight in another’s face, taking a moment with a belovedpet- it looks like what is essential to happiness is feeling a bond with our world. �

The Essence of Happiness by Debbie Rochlin, Early Childhood/Admissions Director

In order to drive a car one must study and pass a written exam inorder to secure a license. Likewise, a doctor, a lawyer, a teacher - asall professionals, must successfully complete a course of study andpass a multitude of written examinations in order to work in theirrespective field.

What about parenting?There is not a more important job,

yet there are no prerequisites, no requiredcourses, nor are there any written exams

or formal training required prior tobecoming a parent. And yet, a parent faces

some of the most critical challenges and tasks imaginable.

One may spend years in a classroom studying the most complex dataand theories; however, parents are often overwhelmed by how torespond to the needs of their children.

I am often asked by parents, “What went wrong?” “What am Isuppose to do?” “I can’t bear watching my child cry. How can Iprevent my child from getting so upset?” These questions arecertainly worthy of discussion, but first I think it’s important toexamine the goals and aspirations we have for our children.Foremost we need to provide a safe and nurturing environmentwhere our children can grow physically, emotionally and socially. Itis a parent’s responsibility to teach his/her child acceptable versusunacceptable behaviors, right from wrong, so that he/she grows upto be a responsible individual who contributes to the betterment ofour society.

Although there is no written manual on “The Essentials ofParenthood,” let me offer some thoughts and suggestions: provideunconditional love and acceptance- it is important for a child to feelthat the parents’ love is unconditional. Children, like their parents,are not perfect. They each have strengths and weaknesses.

Have patience- remember that your son/daughter does not wake upin the morning and ask him/her self, “How can I annoy my parentstoday?” Children look to their parents for guidance and their intentis not to upset you, but rather to please you.

Setting limits- this does more than help children learn right andwrong. By using positive strategies, such as natural and logicalconsequences to set limits, a child feels remorse rather than revenge.Setting limits promotes responsibility. Limits that one uses shouldalways be based on the child’s developmental stage, temperamentand abilities.

Be a role model- children observe and imitate the actions of theirparents, the tone of the voice, how they react to various situationsinvolving disappointment, loss, failure, success, etc… It’s not justwhat you say, but what you do that resonates with your child;

Practice good communication-successful communication isimportant in all relationships. Communication includes not justyour words, but also your tone and your body language. It isimportant to communicate with your children by spending qualitytime with them, talking, listening and making eye contact withoutthe interruptions of our technical gadgets. At dinnertime, gadgetsshould be off and answering machines on. We can usually return aphone call but we can’t go back in time and share moments thatwe’ve missed with our children.

Each child is unique and has individual strengths and weaknesses,but essentials for all children include love, structure and consistency.�

The Essentialsof Successful Parenting

by Dr. Sherry Wiener, Director of Student Services

Life as a Teacherat Park East:

What’s Essentialby Barbara T. Etra, Principal

Staff development is an integral part of a teacher’s professional life at RabbiArthur Schneier Park East Day School. This year we are studying “EssentialQuestions”, a topic of multiple tangents and important concepts.

In September, Dr. Norman Blumenthal, child psychologist and prominent speaker,addressed thorny questions that often confront the classroom teacher. Which

questions do we wish to encourage, which to deflect, and how to answer questions inan age and grade appropriate manner was discussed. For example, why is someone else

smarter, faster, more powerful than I am? Why is something so hard for me to learn?Why are my parents angry with me? How come mom, dad, grandma, my friend, etc… is

really sick? Why do bad things happen when I’m being good? How do you know there is aG-d?... A remarkable, intense, informative session made every adult in the room think about

our words, their power to heal or harm, encourage or deflate.

The teachers also began opening sessions with a study of essential questions, based on the work ofJay McTighe and Grant Wiggins and their impressive study on “Understanding by Design” and “Curriculum

by Design.” Collaboratively teachers practiced creating overarching and topical essential questions, which honedtheir skills on selecting what is being taught and for what purpose be it academic content, skill or strategy. Asquestions are a teacher’s stock and trade, it is imperative that the design of questions be thoughtful, planned,and directed as well as motivational and purposeful. Additional sessions were held developing the essentials ofall types of questions to maximize learning and understanding for all students.

Judaic Studies teachers have spent extensive time with Paula Weber, Judaic Studies Curriculum Coordinator,debating and evaluating which portions of each chapter in the Torah portions they are teaching need to be studied

in greater depth than others. The “essence” of finding what is or primary importance in terms of knowledge and enrichment for studentsat different grade levels was emphasized as part of an on-going curriculum development and refinement.

Additionally, a CIJE (Center for Initiative in Jewish Education) staff developer has worked with our teachers on the bells and whistles ofSmart board interactive technology. Separate sessions were held for general and Judaic staff as language and resources differ thoughmethodology and teaching techniques are the same.

All teachers at Park East are life-long learners. We continue to study throughout the year as we identify emotional, behavioral, and academicessentials as we ourselves continue to grow. �

1 cup of Kindness1 cup of Compassion½ cup of Empathy¾ cup of Integrity

3 Tablespoons of Respect2 ½ Tablespoons of Mindfulness2 teaspoons of Perseverance

1 teaspoon of yeast

With equal amounts of kindness and compassion,

thoroughly mix in empathy. With an awareness of

another’s plight, reach deep inside and add the

integrity that is so essential in creating a mensch.

Blend in a good portion of respect, mindfulness, and

the yeast necessary to have patience to watch the

rewards of being a good person. Add perseverance,

for the lifelong path of being a mensch requires

awareness, and vigilance with one’s own behavior.

Keep blending; the profound joy of being a mensch

will bring a sense of rightfulness and peace to one’s

life, and is a blessing. �

What’s Essential?The Recipe for Being a Mensch

So what is essential? Certainly, children need to have exposure to print in all forms; the most successful readers generally come fromliteracy-rich homes that are filled with magazines, books, newspapers, and journals of all sorts. They are children who are engaged invivid language with adults every day. Our best readers are those who have been taken to libraries, museums, and a plethora of specialkids’ activities, and they are those who have spent countless hours on the laps of people who have read endless bedtime stories to themin the earliest years. And they are those whose own bookshelves are filled with collections of children’s literature that beckon and intrigue.

But what is absolutely essential? Given all the ingredients, what is it that children simply must have in order to become true readers, whogravitate toward books, and delight in finding yet another perfect read? The answer to this is very likely that they need to witness ourrespect and passion for the written word. What we must do is verbalize this joy from the very start. Not forgetting that ability and affinity

for literacy are also hardwired, we must acknowledge the impact of ourown behavior toward reading. Our children need to witness us withprint in our hands. They must hear us talking about the newest novelor publication, or non-fiction book that we found, and they must hearfrom us that reading is a joy. We may go through all the motions ofmaking books available, and reading them, but what we as educatorsand parents must do is to express to our children how very muchenjoyment there is in reading, and how much we ourselves areenchanted by the act.

As all the recognized components are in place, the books shelved in little bedrooms and the teachers reading and introducing new lettersand sounds, sending home book bags of “just-right” leveled readers, what we must all remember is to remind our children of just howmuch pleasure there is in being able to read the written word, and to travel to new places, while never leaving our homes or classrooms.They need to catch the passion, and they will catch the literacy habit. This is essential, and this is the excitement that our children needto share to become truly motivated, successful readers. �

Catching thePassion

in ReadingWhat is Essential?

As parents, we instinctively know from the verystart, that books need to play an important role inour children’s lives. And so, when the time forreading acquisition comes, research shows,somewhere between the ages of roughly three, forthe very precocious, and perhaps six or seven forothers, we parents become concerned with “gettingit right”- making certain that we are giving ouryoung children all that they need to become readers.

But what is absolutely essential?Very likely that they need to witness our respect and

passion for the written word.

Healthy Food Initiatives:

GrandparentsKnow Best

by Judy Lewittes

An important project of the Park East Day School GrandparentsCircle (GPC) is to promote and support the School's healthfulfoods initiative. Recently, representatives of the GPC distributedHealthful Food Gift Bags to all Park East children. All items weredonated and included a small bag of Skinny Pop Popcorn, anutritionally sound, completely natural, non-geneticallymodified snack, a blue and white wristband inscribed with ourproject motto: “Park East Grandparents are Proud! HealthfulFoods Make Healthy Kids!”, a nutrition card about healthfulfood choices, prepared by our PA liaison Debbie Eigen, alertingparents to problems and hidden dangers with popular treats,and an organic apple. Future programs of the GPC include aJanuary "Learn At Lunch" series with a guest speaker and a boxlunch, and sponsorship of a Maccabeat concert on Sunday,February 2, 2014.The Grandparents Circle is open to all ParkEast grandparents, parents and friends. Our aim is to supportour grandchildren through projects and activities linked toSchool programs. �

Natalia Azatyan is delighted to join Park East Day Schoolas a teacher for the three-year-olds. She was raised in Armeniaand Israel, and has taught in several Jewish day schools on theUpper East and West Sides of New York City. Her experienceincludes working with diverse groups of students from Nurserythrough Middle School. Natalia received her Bachelor’s Degreefrom Hebrew University in Jerusalem; her Master's Degrees inEarly Childhood and Jewish Education were from New York

University and Hebrew Union College, respectively. Natalia’s goal for herself as ateacher here at Park East is to create a positive learning experience for everystudent, while also enabling each one to grow as an independent learner. She looksforward to sharing her knowledge with the children, and to continue growing asan educator.

Deborah Bellin joins Park East as a new teacher for thetwo-year-olds. She grew up in Newton, Massachusetts, andattended Maimonides School in Brookline, before spending ayear abroad in Israel, at Tiferet. Deborah recently graduatedfrom Yeshiva University’s Stern College for Women inManhattan, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhoodeducation as well as an Associate’s Degree in Judaic Studies.

Throughout her education at Yeshiva University, Deborah taught in many localpreschools. Although she still keeps her allegiance to the Boston Red Sox, andmaintains affection for her home town of Boston, New York has begun to feel likeher second home. In her spare time, Deborah tries to take advantage of ouramazing metropolis as much as possible. She is very excited to be part of the ParkEast family, and looks forward to her time with our twos!

Rabbi Elyashiv Kramer, our new Judaic Studies teacher,was raised in New York City, and is originally from Israel.He attended Yeshiva University for his undergraduate studiesin Sociology and Business and attended the school’s RabbinicalSeminary, receiving Rabbinical Ordination from Rabbi ZalmanNechemia Goldberg in Jerusalem. Rabbi Kramer was acounselor and co-director at Camp Shachar, a travel camp in

Israel. He has served as Shabbat group leader in Kehillath Jeshurun, AssistantManager for KJ’s basketball and baseball leagues, as well as a Youth Director forgrades K-12 at Congregation Ahavath Torah in New Jersey for four years. As well,he was a school psychologist intern at Clarendon School in Secaucus, New Jersey.He and his wife have three children and live in Passaic, New Jersey. Rabbi Kramer’sfavorite hobbies include spending time with family, playing basketball and soccer,and world traveling. Of course, he also loves to continue to learn Torah. He is

looking forward to a great year here at Park East Day School andabsolutely loves teaching Judaic studies!

Miriam Paskind, our new Toddler teacher,grew up in Lakewood, New Jersey whereshe attended Solomon Schechter DaySchool and Lakewood High School. Posthigh school, Miriam spent a year in Israel inNativ, a college and leadership trainingprogram through United Synagogue Youth(USY). During that time, she took classes atJerusalem’s Hebrew University and lived on a

Kibbutz in the Negev. Following her return, Miriam attendedBinghamton University, where she majored in art history, witha concentration in architecture, and minored in Jewish Studies.Miriam most recently earned a Master’s Degree in EarlyChildhood, General and Special Education from Bank StreetCollege of Education. She enjoys singing and performing withher A Capella group, painting and drawing, designing andmaking jewelry, cooking and baking. Miriam resides onManhattan’s Upper West Side, and is thrilled to join the ParkEast Day School staff.

Sarah Rosenbaum-Jakubovic is a JudaicStudies teaching assistant in the third andfourth grade classes. She graduated with aBachelor’s Degree in Jewish Education fromStern College for Women, and is currentlyattending Azrieli Graduate School of JewishEducation and Administration for her Master’s

Degree in Jewish Education. As a student, Sarah did her fieldworkin Morah Chava’s third grade class at Park East Day School. Shewas amazed at what she saw and, learned so much from thatexperience, both from interacting with the students, and fromMorah Chava. It is exciting for her to now teach together withher former mentor, and she continues to learn and hone her skillsevery day. Sarah hopes to have a wonderful year of teaching andgrowing together with our children.

Rifki Ross, our new Judaic Studies MiddleSchool teacher, attended Michlalah-Jerusalem College for Women, BarnardCollege and has done some graduate workin Jewish history. An educator for 25 years,Rivki served at the Avi Chai Foundation whereshe implemented grant initiatives advancing

adult Jewish education. Although Judaic Studies is her passion -she’s designed and taught classes on Tanach, Tefilla, JewishThought and The Role of the Jewish Woman – she has also shared

her second love, writing, with students in special workshops.With both head and heart, Rivki seeks to empower and guidestudents, cherishing those relationships that extend beyond theirschool years. With a knack for poetry, many a course review, end-of-the-school year celebration, extra-curricular program, or Torahthought has been put to rhyme by Rivki, making her educationalstyle both unique and warmly embraced by her students.

Aliza Schmueli, our new Judaic studiesteacher, grew up in Israel until the age ofnine, when she moved to the UnitedStates. As a teen, she attended Shevach HighSchool in Queens, and returned to Israel toattend Neve Yerushalayim Seminary for twoyears. She earned her Master’s degree in Special

Education from Damaen College, and served as a Judaic studieshigh school teacher for the past seven years. With a passion forathletics, Aliza is both an avid spectator as well as participant inmany different sports. She served as a team coach for ten yearsat HAFTR Elementary School, and led them to the championship.Aliza lives in Queens, New York, where she spends her free timewith her husband and three children. Aliza is delighted with hernew placement here at Park East, and looks forward to getting toknow all students and staff.

Park East is happy to welcome our newKindergarten Hebrew Immersion teacher,Julia Shrier. Originally from Rochester, NewYork and now a resident of Manhattan, Juliaenjoys playing sports (specifically tennis andsoccer), and attending the theater andconcerts. She loves to sing, play piano, and

dabble on the guitar in her spare time. Julia graduated from SternCollege of Yeshiva University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree inElementary Education, an Associate of Arts Degree in JudaicStudies, and a concentration in Women’s Studies, and she holdsstate certification in both Childhood and Early ChildhoodEducation. Julia believes that education is about embracingdifference, and about creating a positive learning environmentthat fosters independence and creativity. She is so excited to seegreat results with the kindergarteners in our pilot HebrewImmersion Program, and to be a part of the faculty at Park EastDay School. �

We at Rabbi Arthur SchneierPark East Day School prideourselves on being part of aneducational institution that ismore than simply a place tolearn. It is a home, a settingthat nurtures and deeply caresfor each and every student,family, teacher, andadministrator on staff. We celebrate smachot together,and we are there to supporteach other in times of need.Park East is a family, and tothat close-knit group, we aredelighted to welcome ournewest members:

Spotlight on New Staff: Our Foundation

of Excellence