It's Happening In Miami

North Miami Beach - Scheck Hillel Community School has been named a 2020 National Blue Ribbon School by U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. The recognition is based on the school’s overall academic performance and quality of programs. This is the second time Scheck Hillel has been recognized with this prestigious national award (2011); it is the only Jewish school in Florida to receive it this year.

The U.S. Education Department recognized Scheck Hillel as an Exemplary High Performing School: one of Florida’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests. Scheck Hillel stands among only 317 public and 50 private schools in the nation to receive this recognition.

“We applaud our students and faculty, as this Blue Ribbon recognition celebrates their accomplishments. In our 50th anniversary year, today’s honor reinforces that it is the continued partnership of our Scheck Hillel’s school families that makes great things possible.” said Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School.

The coveted National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of educators, families and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging and engaging content.

“Congratulations to this year’s National Blue Ribbon School awardees,” said Secretary DeVos. “It’s a privilege to recognize the extraordinary work you do to meet students’ needs and prepare them for successful careers and meaningful lives.”

The U.S. Education Department invites National Blue Ribbon School nominations from the top education official in all states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and the Bureau of Indian Education. Private schools are nominated by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE).

The 2020 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards Ceremony will be held virtually Nov. 12 and 13.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a virtual or in-person tour of the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.942.9787 or write to [email protected].

Scheck Hillel Community School is the first South Florida private school to announce that it will start its school year with Scheck Hillel @ Home: the school’s rigorous and personalized academic program for online instruction, prioritizing the health and safety of students’ families, faculty and staff.

“Today, we are at the epicenter of the pandemic. It would be unconscionable to bring close to 1,300 people to campus now,” said Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School. “This decision does not come lightly. Our ultimate goal is to return to and remain on campus. This goal has not changed. It has only been strengthened. We will be healthier and safer for having waited. ”

While online, the school will offer tuition discounts by grade level, in addition to loyalty tuition credits announced in the spring, as a way of showing appreciation for its families.

Scheck Hillel´s online learning program includes: Full day live instruction. A personal Chromebook for every child in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade, pre-loaded with all the software and resources for the school year. School supplies and printouts for all students through Upper School. Vibrant Student Life programming. Student counseling for social-emotional support. Family and community programming.

For more information on Scheck Hillel’s reopening plan please visit eHillel.org/HillelatHome.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

The summer “command center” at Scheck Hillel Community School is abuzz with activity. From planning campus logistics and sanitization measures to intensive professional development and installation of new technologies, Scheck Hillel is prepared to deliver on its pillars: providing a rigorous college preparatory education steeped in Jewish values and community. All the while, the health of our students, faculty and staff is the priority.

The command center is in itself a community of constant learning led by Head of School Vanessa Donaher and Rabbinic Head Dr. Ezra Levy. Members of the school’s leadership team, faculty, staff and volunteers rotate in and out of the center, ensuring that each decision made meets the highest quality standards. “No single person or entity has all the answers in this situation. A unique and ever-changing landscape requires collaboration and a healthy amount of listening,” remarked Mrs. Donaher.

On campus or online, Scheck Hillel’s key area of focus is the educational product to be offered in the fall.

• Academics will kick off with an optional, free of charge Academic Boot Camp for Kindergarten-Grade 12 for the two weeks immediately before the start of school. Students will refresh skills and make connections online; 240 students registered for this incredible value-added opportunity.
• A comprehensive Student Orientation program will aid the transition to school for students who return in-person or online.
• To reinforce the connection between school and home, Scheck Hillel will provide every student entering Kindergarten-Grade 5 with a brand new Chromebook for the school year.
• School supplies and printouts also will be provided by the school for all PK2-Grade 5 students.
• Taking lessons and feedback from spring’s swift move to its Hillel @ Home model, the online offer is strengthened in both quality and quantity:
  • Increased live daily instructional time
  • Developmentally-appropriate schedules
  • Enhanced Class Pages with easier user experience as the point of access to all classes, including specials like art, music and PE
  • New flat-panel interactive displays in all classrooms to enhance in-class instruction and deliver a strong online concurrent learning experience
  • Essential supplies, print outs and textbook packages for all students (in addition to Lower School school supplies)
  • Expanded faculty office hours to include further opportunities for one-to-one connection.
  • Counseling groups to bolster social-emotional learning
  • A vibrant Student Life program to maintain ruach and community

The cornerstone of a strengthened online component is intensive faculty training. Led by Chief Academic Officer Craig Carpentieri, and designed by I LAB Instructor and Lower School Technology Coordinator Nancy Penchev, the program is personalized and self-paced. In the first week of training, Scheck Hillel teachers completed 200 classes. “I know how much our teachers love our children. I know how much they love teaching. And they wanted to improve their skills in using specific technology tools,” Ms. Penchev said.

Scheck Hillel has been a model of collaboration and problem-solving this summer, when committed educators have learned from each other, from peers in other schools and from national leaders. Mrs. Donaher recently met with Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho for an exchange of ideas and experiences.

Scheck Hillel is fully in the “doing” phase of what will be an extraordinary year of learning and coming together. As Lions we roar, as students we soar!

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

Scheck Hillel Community School’s Summer School is now open for everyone, even for those who do not currently attend the school. This year’s program will be taught exclusively online. Qualifying students currently in Grades 6-12 have the opportunity to advance as well as recover credits (as determined by the student’s school) in courses they have not yet mastered.

Geometry Honors is offered for advancement to qualifying students, and all courses offered by Scheck Hillel during the school year can be taken in an accelerated format during Summer School. First semester courses are offered during Summer School’s first session (June 15-July 2), and second semester courses are offered during Summer School’s second session (July 6-July 24).

To register or for more information, please visit eHillel.org/SummerSchool. Admission process applies.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a virtual tour of the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.942.9787 or write to [email protected].

Scheck Hillel Community School and Leumi invites you to join international favorite Shooby Doob Shloimy in his Passover virtual concert for all ages. The free concert is hosted live by Scheck Hillel Community School and presented by Leumi for the entire community.

Make the concert even more fun by learning the lyrics and movements in advance! Visit eHillel.org/ShoobyDoob for details.

When:
Monday, April 13, 2020
4 PM EST

About Shooby Doob Shloimy
Shooby Doob Shloimy is one of the world's favorites in educational Jewish children’s music.
With his catchy lyrics, rhythmic beat and hip melodies, Shooby Doob Shloimy captivates the hearts, minds and souls of Jewish children and their parents throughout the world to their Jewish heritage with warmth and joy.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

North Miami Beach, Florida – Scheck Hillel Community School and Kesher shared Apple iPads with Regents Park Nursing Home, so their senior residents may connect with loved ones during this time of social distancing. This technology will also allow students of the two schools to conduct Facetime chats, send pre-recorded messages and virtually perform music via the schools’ band and orchestra for the nursing home’s residents. The students visit the nursing home regularly throughout the school year and hope to maintain the bonds through technology.

Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School, and Dr. Ezra Levy, Scheck Hillel’s Rabbinic Head and Kesher’s Head of School, personally delivered the iPads. “We want to help our community in every way we can. We understand that this time of isolation can be very hard on the elderly, especially when they can’t be with their loved ones. Hopefully this can help as many of the residents and students know each other from the weekly visits we make throughout the year,” Donaher said.

Dr. Levy reflected: “This moment of crisis and uncertainty reinforces the need to incorporate the core values we teach our students into our daily life. Today is an example. It is our hope that this technology will bring joy and comfort to our neighbors.”

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

ONE OF NATION’S LARGEST JEWISH DAY SCHOOLS SWIFTLY TRANSFORMS TO VIRTUAL INSTRUCTION

North Miami Beach, Florida – Within 48 hours, Scheck Hillel Community School transformed its entire academic program for more than 1,100 students into a virtual school as an effort to keep the campus and community healthy and to uphold its commitment to continued academic excellence. With this nearly overnight transition, students and teachers are continuing to maximize learning while not physically on campus. On March 12, Scheck Hillel was the first independent school in South Florida to announce its move to virtual instruction.

“I want to thank our faculty and staff for working tirelessly to create a most meaningful educational experience, our parents for their partnership, and our students for their technological savvy, resilience and smiles,” said Vanessa Donaher, Head of Scheck Hillel Community School. “Our students are our responsibility: thus this proactive action to lead and help ensure their well-being and that of our faculty, staff, families and the greater community. As a Jewish day school, we have an ethical and moral responsibility to do our part in helping to stop the spread of this virus. Our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected by COVID-19.”

In an effort to keep screen time to a minimum, every grade level has an age-appropriate mix of independent work assignments as well as live instruction and recorded content, which can be accessed via desktop/laptop computers, mobile phones, tablets and web-browsing smart TVs. In addition, live classes are scheduled at different times to allow time for siblings to share access to family devices.

“Students have been absolute rock stars! They have adapted so well to this new environment,” said Katie Geiman, a Kindergarten teacher at Scheck Hillel. “Their whole world just kind of flipped upside down, but they have been absolutely wonderful.”

Enrichment is also extending into virtual instruction. Every week, students receive physical education videos with fitness and nutrition tips that kids can apply at home, music challenges, and art assignments. Maintaining the school’s focus on social-emotional development, all teachers and counselors have daily office hours and personally reach out to students weekly. In older grade levels, students have weekly meetings with the grade’s guidance counselor, and the school’s counselors, from Early Childhood through High School, are at the ready to provide support for students and families through live virtual sessions, mindfulness tools and demos, all conducted via Scheck Hillel’s instructional platform.

“We want to show our utmost appreciation,” said Annie and Jimmy Benarroch, Scheck Hillel parents. “We are in complete admiration of how quickly the school transformed to an online system and how, within a few hours all of our children were back into their routines.”

“Teachers have built out extensive class pages with resources for each course including video links, online labs, online assessments, daily calendars to find learning activities, and extra practice for learning. Virtual office hours are offered and teachers connect through email with students throughout each day to help with specific questions. Additionally, supplemental learning opportunities are offered as a way to increase learning beyond the classroom and build even stronger relationships,” said Nikki Gutierrez, a Scheck Hillel Middle School Science teacher. “Just today I hosted a discussion on the plants and animals of Florida where we learned about nature around us. Not only was it educational, but it was an opportunity to meet each other's pets and engage in a way that helps us get to know one another.”

Reflecting the school’s mission, Scheck Hillel’s Middle School Chessed (Kindness) Coordinator, Talia Eisenberger, continues to work with students to share kindness to the community. Throughout the year, students regularly visit nursing homes and the school intends to maintain these connections and lessons in caring for others through technology, lending Apple iPads and reaching out to residences north of South Florida. Now students can virtually visit nursing home residents conducting FaceTime chats, sending pre-recorded messages and virtually performing music via the schools’ band and orchestra.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

North Miami Beach, Florida – Nearly 300 people virtually joined Scheck Hillel Community School student Benjamin Winterman ‘25 in celebration of his Bar-Mitzvah on March 19. The ceremony was transmitted live through his school’s Zoom account, as well as Instagram and Facebook, so people all over the world could watch and congratulate him on this important day.

Scheck Hillel is Benjamin's second home, as it is his mom’s alma mater and his sisters are students there along with him. When the Coronavirus outbreak closed campus, the Winterman family decided to host Benjamin's Bar Mitzvah virtually, using the school's technology platform so their loved ones and Benjamin’s friends could be part of this important family milestone.

"Scheck Hillel is so much more than an academic institution. We are a community. And we enjoy and value our relationships," said Josh Meisels, Director of Scheck Hillel's Middle School. “We were all very excited to be able to be with him for this important celebration.”

Daniel Winterman, Benjamin’s father, thanked everyone for being there - virtually - by their side.. He congratulated his son and thanked his wife: “the example of how the strongest and purest force is always love.”

“The Torah always brought us - the Jewish People - together as the pillar of our faith and the binding law of our identity and community,” Cindy Winterman, Benjamin’s mother said. She also described the morning as a time when her son could be an example and light for all the community.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

North Miami Beach, Florida – Scheck Hillel Community School has been selected as 1 of 50 U.S. private schools nominated to receive education’s highest honor: the U.S. Department of Education's 2020 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence title. This nomination was announced in January 2020, by the Council for American Private Education (CAPE) review panel.

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools, schools demonstrating that all students can achieve to high levels. The National Blue Ribbon Schools award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content. National Blue Ribbon Schools are an inspiration and a model for schools achieving excellence. Awards will be announced in Fall 2020. Scheck Hillel is a 2011 National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].

Scheck Hillel Community School’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program presents “Mary Poppins, Jr.” The student cast and crew are introducing everyone's favorite magical nanny to a new generation on the theatre stage!

WHAT:
Musical Theatre Production of “Mary Poppins, Jr.” directed by Anthony Campisi with musical direction by Laura Bass and Angelica Losada and choreography by Ashlee Brown
WHO:
Scheck Hillel Community School’s Jordan Alexander Ressler Arts Program

WHEN:
Sunday, March 29, 2020 @ 11:00 AM
Monday, March 30, 2020 @ 7 PM
Wednesday, April 1, 2020 @ 7 PM

WHERE:
Scheck Hillel Community School (19000 NE 25th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33180)

BOX OFFICE:
Purchase tickets at eHillel.org/boxoffice
($13/ticket online or $15/ticket at the door)

About Scheck Hillel Community School
Scheck Hillel Community School educates and inspires students 18 months-Grade 12 to become exemplary global citizens with enduring Jewish identity and values through an individualized college preparatory curriculum highlighted by Design/STEM, Capstone, college dual enrollment, arts, athletics and community service. Its 14-acres include a 115,000-sq.-ft athletic complex with academic expansion plans. Set within a nurturing, diverse community, Scheck Hillel is one of the world's largest Jewish community day schools and a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. For more information about Scheck Hillel Community School or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact our Admissions office at 305.931.2831x173 or write to [email protected].