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Wilkes/UHI Partnership: Learning about the Pilgrims

Recently, Barbara Welch’s third grade students at the United Hebrew Institute visited Dr. Robert S. Gardner and his Education 360 class at Wilkes University for the purpose of learning about the events surrounding the Pilgrims’ emigration from Europe to America.

The university students researched and prepared their lessons for the first meeting with UHI’s students. UHI’s students prepared, also, by learning about who the Pilgrims were, why they wanted to leave England, and about their eventual decision to leave Europe for America. They were introduced to Squanto and Samoset and learned how these two Native Americans not only learned English and were able to communicate with the Pilgrims but also how they generously gave of their time to teach the Pilgrims how to survive. The students also learned that President Abraham Lincoln wanted to institute two Thanksgivings, one to give thanks for general blessings and the other to remember the Battle of Gettysburg. After visiting Wilkes University, the third graders were then ready to write the initial drafts of their reports.

Once the reports were written, the initial drafts were forwarded to Gardner’s students who proofread these initial drafts for content, grammar, and mechanics. Members of Gardner’s class then visited UHI to share their suggestions for revision. The third grade students then revised their reports.

Here are some of the elementary students’ reflections on working with Dr. Gardner’s class:
“Your presentation was great and taught me a lot of things.”
“I learned how to spell lots of new words.”
“I learned a lot about the Pilgrims, Squanto, and Samoset.”
“I learned about the English people.”
“I learned not to forget to dot my i’s and cross my t’s.”
“I now know about Thanksgiving.”
“They helped me make better sentences.”
“I learned at Wilkes that I need to look for my mistakes.”
“Everyone taught me something new.”

Over the past years, UHI has enjoyed an ongoing partnership with Gardner’s Wilkes University students. It is evident that the Wilkes students are enthusiastic and well-prepared, and we are thankful for their mentorship of our students.

Pictured from the left, first row are Joseph Schwartz; Laurel Roth; Zahava Griver; Bekah Kornfeld; and Gavin Good. Second row: Dr. Robert S. Gardner, Assistant Professor of Education, Wilkes University; Brittaney Costigan; Angela Palmerio; Marjorie Whispell; Nicole Scharpnick; Amanda Coombs; Michael Bauman; Jonathan Martin; Barbara Welch, UHI Language Arts Teacher; and Cora Gibson. Missing from the photo are Kaci and Madison Kranson.
UHI Names Shofar Honoree
 The Shofar Award was presented to Harris Cutler and Barbara Welch was the recipient of the Excellence in Teaching Award at the annual Shofar dinner of the United Hebrew Institute which was held at the Woodlands Inn and Resort.  The Master of Ceremonies was Jeffrey Davidowitz who greeted those attending and introduced the people seated at the head table and dignitaries in the audience.  The Star Spangled Banner and Hatikvah were led by Cantor Vladimir Aronzon of Temple Israel in Scranton who has two children who graduated from UHI and one child who is currently a student.
 Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Rabbi of Congregation Ohav Zedek and Principal of UHI, gave the invocation.  Marcus Cutler led the prayer before meals.  During dinner, a report was given by Dr. Barbara Bell, Chairperson of the School Board. 
 Sandra Himelstein, Administrator and Shofar Coordinator, gave a Shofar report and thanked all those who had helped with and supported the annual campaign.  She then presented a special gift to Mrs. Barbara Meyer who has written the dedications for the Shofar Ad Journal for more than 20 years.  
 Mrs. Himelstein then presented the Excellence in Teaching Award to Mrs. Barbara Welch who has been a member of the UHI faculty for 17 years.  Mrs. Welch was commended for her years of encouraging reading and writing excellence in our students.  Her partnership with Wilkes University which brings professors and Wilkes students to UHI to assist our young writers is but one example of the extraordinary program which she offers at UHI.
 Rabbi Nemetsky presented a report about the school year.  He thanked the faculty and staff for their dedication and for the adaptations made during the past two years.  He reported on special projects that were conducted throughout the year including Junior Achievement and an advanced Chumash class and new computers in the lab.
 Joshua Greenberg, a graduate of UHI who is about to enter Yeshiva University, then spoke about what his education at UHI had meant to him.
 A video produced by Kevin Greenberg was shown.  Several rabbis and residents of Elan Gardens spoke about our Shofar Honoree, Harris Cutler, and his service to Elan Gardens and the Jewish Home of Northeastern Pennylvania. 
 The Shofar Award which is annually given to a person who has served the community and the United Hebrew Institute was then presented to Harris Cutler.  Harris was a graduate of UHI as were his children, Marcus, Geoffrey, Joseph, Charlotte, and Max.  Mr. Cutler has served on the Board and served two terms as President of the Board.  He has chaired the Picnic Committee and continues his service on the Board.  He is an outspoken supporter of the school, and demonstrates his commitment and dedication in many ways.  The award was presented by Rabbi Joshua Levy, former principal of UHI and currently associated with Torah U’Mesorah, the National Association of Hebrew Day Schools.  Mr. Cutler responded and thanked everyone who supported the school and honored him this evening.
 This was followed by a special presentation to Harris Cutler which was made by Marcus, Geoffrey, Charlotte, and Max Cutler.  Son Joseph was unable to be present as he is studying in Europe.   The gift was a beautifully inscribed and illustrated Book of Shmos, Exodus, which was given by his family and friends.
 The evening closed with a benediction given by Rabbi Larry Kaplan, Temple Israel, Wilkes-Barre.
 The Chairmen of the Shofar Campaign were Rabbi Roger Lerner, Temple B’nai B’rith; Rabbi Larry Kaplan, Temple Israel; and Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Congregation Ohav Zedek.  Sandra Himelstein is the Shofar Coordinator at UHI.  Members of the committee were:  Dr. Barbara Bell, Anita Coplan, Jeff Davidowitz, Maria Griver, Av Himelstein, Jill Kranson, Bedonna Mitchneck, Sara Pisarz, Connie Roth, Jeffery Roth, Kathy Roth, Molly Rutta, Cookie Savitz, Malki Schwartz, and Janice Zarad.

Pictured above from left to right: Rabbi Joshua Levy, Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Harris Cutler, Sandra Himelstein, Barbara Welch
 
Mission Statement
 United Hebrew Institute inspires its students to develop a lifelong love of learning and a deep and abiding connection with their heritage, tradition, and Israel.  Our school nurtures each child's unique gifts and empowers students to become responsible, morally sensitive young citizens who will play a vital role in any environment into which their future takes them.  When our students graduate, they leave with a depth of knowledge, a love of learning, a sense of community responsibility, and a connection to Judaism and Israel that serves them well and stays with them for a lifetime.
 
The Heart In Kindergarten At UHI

            The Kindergarten class at the United Hebrew Institute has been learning all about the human heart with their teacher, Nicole Klapat.  They found out where it is located and what it does.  Keeping the heart healthy was a major topic.

            In order to enhance the classroom learning, Mrs. Jenny Rizel was invited to visit the class.  Mrs. Rizel was the nursery teacher at UHI for several years and is now enrolled in the Physician's Assistant Program at College Misericordia.

            Morah Jennie, as the children call her, brought her stethoscope and talked more about the function of the heart, what you hear when you listen to a heart beat, and ways to keep your heart healthy.  The students listened to their own heartbeats and heard the "lub-dub" sound. She also talked about blood pressure and took the blood pressure of each child.
 
Siddur Presentation 2012
 The first grade students at United Hebrew Institute each received their own Siddur (prayer book) at a special presentation in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center.  This event marks the attainment of sufficient proficiency in their studies of the Hebrew language and davening (saying prayers).  Each year the Siddurim are presented as a gift from Atty. and Mrs. Larry Keiser in memory of their son, Jonathan.
 With a representation of the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem as the backdrop for their performance, the children presented a program about Friendship.  Geveret Sophie Pernikoff, their teacher, wrote the words that they each spoke and created “the Wall”.  Accompanied by Sandra Himelstein, they joyously sang about being friends and peace.
 Each year, the parents make beautiful covers for the Siddur that their children receive.  The Siddurim are presented by members of their families and a bag of candy is presented to each by a sibling or friend as a reminder of how sweet the occasion is.
 The students were addressed by Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Principal..
 
UHI Goes to Wilkes
Recently, Barbara Welch’s fourth grade students of the United Hebrew Institute visited Dr. Robert S. Gardner and his Education 360 class of Wilkes University for the purpose of learning about the lives of historically significant women. In honor of Women in History month, this project combined historical research, poetry, and art.
The university students researched and prepared their lessons for the first meeting with UHI’s students. UHI’s students also prepared by researching their assigned person.
After learning the history of these individuals, Welch’s students extended what they had learned by writing an acrostic poem which highlighted the contributions of these historically significant women. 
Once the acrostic poems were written, the information was forwarded to Gardner’s students who read and proofed these initial drafts for content, grammar, and mechanics. Members of Gardner’s class then visited UHI to share their suggestions for revision. In addition to completing the acrostic poems, UHI’s students along with the Wilkes students completed a character traits web in which they analyzed how their assigned person viewed the world, thought about important issues affecting society, and how they often spoke about these concerns. This information was then incorporated into a drawing of these noteworthy individuals.
Over the past years, UHI has enjoyed an ongoing partnership with Gardner’s Wilkes University students. The reflections of the UHI students on working with Dr. Gardner’s class included references to the knowledge gained about these famous women in history as well as the language and writing skills which were improved through this experience.

Pictured from the left:
First row are Marilyn Ogof; Adina Bell; Natalie Zarad; Olivia Roth; Saraea Kaplan; Sinclaire Ogof; Avi Rizel; Coby Kornfeld; Harrison Levi; Nadav Griver; and Jonathan Rutta.
 Second row: Barbara Welch, UHI Social Studies Teacher; Abigail Kaster; Jennifer Earley; Jessica Sanders; Katherine Shoemaker; Jessica Short; Meagan O’Connell; Jill King; Amanda Peters; Joshua Olzinski; Rachel Greenlaw; and Dr. Robert S. Gardner, Assistant Professor of Education, Wilkes University.
 Missing from the photo is Samuel Schwartz.
 
Kindergarten Graduation at UHI
Graduation exercises for the Kindergarten class at the United Hebrew Institute in Wilkes-Barre were conducted in the Weiss Auditorium at the Jewish Community Center.    Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Principal, greeted families and friends and introduced Geveret Sophie Pernikoff , Judaic studies teacher, who directed the students in their presentation, Mimi and Simi, a musical play which demonstrated the lesson that a person who is truly happy is a person who is satisfied with what he has.  Mrs. Pernikoff was assisted by Ms. Nicole Klapat, secular teacher for the Kindergarten.   Accompaniment was provided by Mrs. Sandra Himelstein.
 Following the student presentation, diplomas and certificates were presented by Ms. Klapat, Rabbi Nemetsky, and Mrs. Pernikoff.  A reception was provided by the parents of the graduates.
 
SIDDUR PRESENTATION AT UHI

The teachers of Grades 2 through 6 joined together to assist their students in preparing for Mothers’ Day.
All students were provided with a mug and appropriate markers to use for decoration so that they could design a gift especially made for their own mothers.  Following the completion of the mugs, the students then created an original card to present to their mothers along with the gift.

This project was coordinated by Mrs. Carole Panunzio, Mrs. Barbara Welch, Rabbi Moshe Gutstein, and Rabbi Yaakov Rizel.  The joint effort with all classes working together provided a creative and meaningful experience which was a lot of fun.

Pictured above are: Row 1: Lily Drak  Row 2: Harrison Levi, Jacob Kaplan, Zachary Kornfeld  Row 3: Avi Rizel, Coby Kornfeld, Laurel Roth, Olivia Roth  Row 4:  Madison Kranson, Marilyn Ogof
 
Mother's Day Project at UHI
 The first grade students at United Hebrew Institute each received their own Siddur (prayer book) at a special presentation in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center.  This event marks the attainment of sufficient proficiency in their studies of the Hebrew language and davening (saying prayers).  Each year the Siddurim are presented as a gift from Atty. and Mrs. Larry Keiser in memory of their son, Jonathan.
 With a representation of the Kotel (Western Wall) in Jerusalem as the backdrop for their performance, the children presented a program about Shabbat (the Sabbath).  Geveret Sophie Pernikoff, their teacher, wrote the words that they each spoke and created “the Wall”.  Accompanied by Sandra Himelstein, they joyously sang about celebrating Shabbat.
 Each year, the parents make beautiful covers for the Siddur that their children receive.  The Siddurim are presented by members of their families and a bag of candy is presented to each by a sibling or friend as a reminder of how sweet the occasion is.
 The students were addressed by Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Principal, and by Attorney Keiser.
 Pictured above from left to right are:  Yechezkel Rizel, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Yaakov Rizel; Elizabeth Aronzon, daughter of Cantor and Mrs. Vladimir Aronzon; Chloe Levi, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dror Levi; and Gavin Lehner, son of Mrs. Sandra Lehner.
 
Early Childhood Exercises at UHI
 The early childhood class at the United Hebrew Institute in Wilkes-Barre conducted closing exercises in the Weiss Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center.  Under the direction of their teachers, Mrs. Jennifer Ripka and Mrs. Jenny Rizel, the students presented a musical program which reflected their studies throughout the year.  Two topics which were covered were seasons and Hebrew vocabulary.  They were accompanied by Mrs. Sandra Himelstein at the piano.
 Following the students’ program, there was a power point presentation which depicted many of the varied activities in which the children participated throughout the year.  A reception was given by the parents of the students.

Pictured  above are: Seated on Stage – Ilana Drak, Lior Griver, Jacob Kaplan, Kylie Kranson, Shalom Rizel, Aadyn Dyanick, Rochel Gutstein. Standing:  Mrs. Rizel
 
Learning Fair at UHI
 The annual Learning Fair at the United Hebrew Institute was held in the Weiss Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center.  This event provides an opportunity for all students to display projects and work which reflect their learning activities throughout the school year.
 This year the event included some new aspects.  First it was preceded by a family pasta dinner which was prepared and served by the UHI PTA.  Following dinner, the students of each class had an opportunity to address their parents and friends concerning the displays which they were about to see.
 From “Bugs” in the early childhood class to “Cells” in Grade 6, the variety of displays included dioramas, posters, poetry, and pictures of learning activities.  Students submitted projects in both Judaic and general studies.
 
An Overview of United Hebrew Institute
 United Hebrew Institute was founded as a community-supported school because a group of visionary leaders felt the community must assume responsibility for the continuity of Jewish life. They saw education as the wellspring of personal and communal continuity. 
 United Hebrew Institute provides a thorough foundation in secular studies coupled with classical Jewish texts stressing moral and religious values. We are a Torah U'Mesorah School that embraces children from all Jewish religious streams, as well as those who are unaffiliated.
 A major goal of United Hebrew Institute is to educate the heart as well as the mind; to develop a strong sense of ethical values; an understanding of the history of the Jewish people; a respect for the traditions and practices of Torah learning; a competence in Hebrew; a sense of responsibility to be participating citizens; and a spiritual bonding with Israel.
 United Hebrew Institute’s impact does not stem from its academic program alone. An atmosphere is created in which the attitudes and ideals of our heritage and values can thrive. The successful fusing of ideas and ideals marks our school with distinction.

 
Wilkes University Conducts Writing Workshops at United Hebrew Institute
  As part of the ongoing partnership between Wilkes University’s English Department and UHI now in its sixth year, UHI’s fourth through sixth grade students had the opportunity to write with Wilkes again this spring.

The fourth grade students participated in short story writing workshops with Dr. Sean J. Kelly and the members of the Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter of the English honor society, Sigma Tau Delta. During the first workshop, Dr. Kelly assisted the fourth graders in arriving at possible plot lines for their short stories by providing the initial writing activities and suggestions for their writing. After they selected the plot line they wished to develop, UHI’s students had the confidence to complete their original short stories by providing details for the rising action, climax, and falling action of their stories.

When Dr. Kelly and his students returned the following week, they provided one-on-one instruction for the fourth graders by reading their written works and helping them to develop the short stories further by suggesting needed details. The students then revised their stories incorporating the needed changes.

This year the partnership has expanded to include writing that reflects a topic taught in both the social studies and language arts curricula, the writing of a myth. After the fifth and sixth grade students learned about mythology while studying ancient Greek history and read several myths in class, they were ready to write their own myths. During Dr. Thomas A. Hamill and Wilkes student Chelsey Schoch’s first visit to the school, the students explored what everyday question, mystery, or encounter they wanted to explain. In addition, Dr. Hamill had UHI’s students reflect on the history of the myth they chose to write as a lead-in to their writing. During the next week, the fifth and sixth graders wrote their original myths.

When Dr. Hamill and Ms. Schoch returned, UHI’s students shared and read their myths and helped each other by offering suggestions for change. Following these workshops, the fifth and sixth graders revised their written efforts.
 		  
 
   
  Pictured from the left, first row, are fourth grade students Nadav Griver; Natalie Zarad; Olivia Roth; and Adina Bell. Second row, left to right, are Samuel Schwartz; Jonathan Rutta; Coby Kornfeld; Harrison Levi; Saraea Kaplan; Avi Rizel; Marilyn Ogof; and Sinclaire Ogof. Third row, left to right, are Rabbi Raphael Nemetsky, Principal, UHI; Jason Neare; Dr. Sean J. Kelly, Assistant Professor of English, Wilkes University; Sara Crolick; Miranda Baur; and Mrs. Barbara J. Welch, Language Arts and Social Studies Teacher. Also participating was Erin Robinson, Wilkes University alumna.

 		   Pictured from the left are Lily Drak; Dr. Thomas A. Hamill, Associate Professor of English, Wilkes University; Chelsey Schoch, Wilkes student; Jacob Kaplan; and Zak Kornfeld.

 		  

 
Learning by Teaching at UHI
       One of the many values which we attempt to impart to the next generation is that of giving of one’s own talents to others. An opportunity to do just that arose in the middle school class of Rabbi Moshe Gutstein at the United Hebrew Institute.

     The students at UHI review the portion of the Bible which is read in the synagogue each week. Classes also study particular portions in greater depth throughout the school year. When the portion which they had been studying and knew so well came up for review, Rabbi Gutstein found a way to make it interesting for his class and to provide a learning experience for the second grade class of Rabbi Yaakov Rizel.

     The portion was divided into three parts, giving each student in middle school the opportunity to use their creative talents to draw up lesson plans. They spent a week of class preparing their lessons and coordinating their roles to make their first teaching experience a success.

     Zachary Kornfeld began the lesson by using his "creative license" and posing as the well known sports commentator, Marv Albert, to give a play-by-play of the eighth and ninth plagues in Egypt. The classroom lights went out as Zak told the second grade about the Six Days of Darkness in Egypt While his classmates used their acting skills to make the story come alive.

     Lily Drak then presented a lesson about the Passover sacrifice which was done by our ancestors in Egypt. She distributed a comprehensive review sheet which was fun to do. Jacob Kaplan then presented an “eyewitness account” of the final plague, Pharaoh’s surrender, and the actual Exodus.

     Our middle school students had an enjoyable and encouraging experience by sharing their talents and knowledge with others, and the second grade class enjoyed a meaningful learning experience.