9th Grade Geometry Classes Learn About Connection of Geometry to Torah
By: Jono Katz and Rachel Lefkowitz
On March 19, two different Geometry classes in the ninth grade learned about the connection of Geometry to Torah. Rabbi Gedaliah Jaffe, a Talmud teacher at Frisch, taught these ideas to the two classes. Rabbi Jaffe described that the Menorah's different branches can symbolize different branches of wisdom in life, with the shamesh (center branch) representing the Torah and one of the branches being Math.
Rabbi Jaffe explained some measurements used in the Gemarah. For example, an "amah" is the length of an arm, approximately 18-24 inches. He then taught us about T'chum Shabbos, the law that states that you can only be 2,000 "amos" out of a city. He said that you "have the advantage" if you use the figurative circle circumscribed around a city, and we calculated that the area is larger.
In Masechet Eruvin, it talks about an application of T'chum Shabbos where we were able to use the information given to figure out a certain distance using a trigonometric ratio. In Masechet Shabbos, it talks about a sloping mountain and we used the Pythagorean Theorem that we learned to figure out the different side measures. There are many more examples of how Math applies to many things that apply to our lives, and Rabbi Jaffe showed the students that Torah and Math are highly connected.
Rabbi Jaffe explained some measurements used in the Gemarah. For example, an "amah" is the length of an arm, approximately 18-24 inches. He then taught us about T'chum Shabbos, the law that states that you can only be 2,000 "amos" out of a city. He said that you "have the advantage" if you use the figurative circle circumscribed around a city, and we calculated that the area is larger.
In Masechet Eruvin, it talks about an application of T'chum Shabbos where we were able to use the information given to figure out a certain distance using a trigonometric ratio. In Masechet Shabbos, it talks about a sloping mountain and we used the Pythagorean Theorem that we learned to figure out the different side measures. There are many more examples of how Math applies to many things that apply to our lives, and Rabbi Jaffe showed the students that Torah and Math are highly connected.
The Annual Frisch Dinner
By Amanda Leifer
The Frisch School held its annual dinner at the Glenpointe Hotel in Teaneck on Sunday, February 7th. The dinner began at 8:00, but many parents, teachers and guests arrived at7:45. The cocktail hour was served in the lobby while student musicians entertained guests and was followed by the main event, a buffet dinner, which took place in the main hall. The Jazz band performed, and then there was a performance by the school choir. Videos about each of the guests of honor were shown and each couple was called up to receive a thank-you gift from Frisch. The guests of honor, Dr.Monique and Mordecai Katz, were presented with gifts from the school and then the other honorees, Abby and David Flamholtz, Alisa and Jonathan Gellis, and Mrs. Yael and Rabbi David Goldfischer were given their awards. The formal program closed with Rabbi Goldfischer's video spoofing "Frozen."
Frisch on Fire
By: Rena Farkas
Frisch on Fire, Frisch's Chanukah Chagigah, took place on December 18th, during 2nd and 3rd period, in the auditorium and cafeteria. The seniors wore black Frisch On Fire T-shirts and sat around the stage while other grades sat on the floor. The program kicked off with the Menorah Challenge: each grade had 8 students per team, and the students pushed their teammates on chairs while the students who sat on the chair held lanterns. The first team to get eight members to the other side won. Before everyone joined hands to dance, some of the Chinese auction winners were chosen. The program concluded with dancing followed by ice cream in the cafeteria.
Seniors go to 911 Memorial
By: Kayla Blumenfeld
The senior grade went to the 9/11 memorial on Monday, November 24th. They left before 1st period and returned in the middle of 7th period. Rabbi Bashist and Pittinsky chaperoned the students with help from staff and parent volunteers. The students got to see the two reflecting pools upon their arrival. Sarah Barth ('15) said "It was really special to see the pools because they had the names of all the victims names written on granite bordering the pool." The students then entered the museum where they walked from room to room looking at the pictures and videos from 9/11. Before exiting the museum, you were able to write a note about 9/11 that was projected onto a wall for everyone who walked by to see. Sarah Barth said "that it was a special experience and am grateful that I had the opportunity to go."
Backboard of Basketball Hoop Shatters
By: Zach Horowitz
On November 12th, during a junior varsity girls’ basketball game, a side basketball hoop shattered in the Frisch School's gym. There is still no definite answer as to what caused the backboard to shatter. However, one theory is that the loud noise from the buzzer was the cause. As a result of the accident, the Frisch administration closed the gym’s doors, but reopened them seventh period after the glass was cleaned up. Even with the broken backboard, the junior varsity boys’ basketball team still managed to host a game the following day.
Frisch Open House
By: Rena Farkas
The Frisch open house was held for eighth graders, on November 9th, in the Frisch building. Students and their parents came to the school and were greeted with schedules and assigned tour guides who led them around the building. They were split into three different groups: Yellow, Green and Orange. In the shul, speeches were given by Rabbi Ciner and some Senior students. After the opening remarks, parents and students went with their tour guides to sit in on classes to give the 8th graders a feel for what classes are like at Frisch. During the tour, the students walked into the gym to get a glimpse of the clubs and extra curricular programs that the school has to offer, while having the opportunity to listen to the jazz band and eat chocolate. After the main program, tables of food were set up in the back of the gym. Macaroni, wraps and cake were offered as well as multiple beverages and a gluten free option.
Frisch Engineering Program
By: Amanda Leifer
Frisch’s Engineering program has expanded from 1 sophomore class (when it started four years ago), to 6 classes this year. There are now 3 freshman classes and 3 sophomore classes in which students will learn the basics of engineering, circuitry, and coding. There is also a final presentation at the end of the year during which students present all of the projects they make during the school year. “Tenth graders started the year by building autonomous robots, and investigating engineering aspects of biological systems. Ninth graders are learning about Ohm's law of electricity while building circuits,” said Mrs.Silverman, the school engineering teacher.
The engineering program is funded by CIJE (The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) , which recently bought a 3D printer for the lab. The lab is also getting a license to Solidworks, a 3D printer design program. Tenth grade students will be learning to design parts for their year-end projects on the 3D printer. Also new to the lab program this year, parents and alumni who work in robotics or a field of engineering will be coming to the lab to lecture students about different engineering concepts. “An additional component of the course is an introduction to the external professional world, exposure to advanced ideas and products at the forefront of technological development and an introduction to the entrepreneurial sectors of the high tech industry” Mrs. Silverman wrote in an email to parents about the program.
Ronit Langer (15’), a senior who took engineering as a 10th grader, is researching and working on her senior project that will integrate engineering and Halacha. “During engineering we face complications every day and we’re left on our own to fix them based on logic” said engineering student Jon Katzman (17’)
The engineering program is funded by CIJE (The Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) , which recently bought a 3D printer for the lab. The lab is also getting a license to Solidworks, a 3D printer design program. Tenth grade students will be learning to design parts for their year-end projects on the 3D printer. Also new to the lab program this year, parents and alumni who work in robotics or a field of engineering will be coming to the lab to lecture students about different engineering concepts. “An additional component of the course is an introduction to the external professional world, exposure to advanced ideas and products at the forefront of technological development and an introduction to the entrepreneurial sectors of the high tech industry” Mrs. Silverman wrote in an email to parents about the program.
Ronit Langer (15’), a senior who took engineering as a 10th grader, is researching and working on her senior project that will integrate engineering and Halacha. “During engineering we face complications every day and we’re left on our own to fix them based on logic” said engineering student Jon Katzman (17’)
10th and 11th Graders Will Take a Practice SAT and ACT
By: Max Weisbrot
On Wednesday, October 29, and Tuesday, November 4, students in the 10th and 11th grades will be taking the practice SAT and/or Practice ACT. These practice tests have a few purposes: to help students understand what they need to practice to succeed on the actual tests, to help students get an idea of what the testing environment will be like and to help students decide which test to take. Parents were notified in an email to send in checks for 15 dollars for the Practice SAT or 18 dollars for the Practice ACT to cover the costs of the tests. Though the test administration might be stressful, Rabbi Ciner reminded students that “...colleges do not see the test scores and their purpose is purely practice.” Students can expect to get their test scores back in late November.
Boys Receive Intramural Basketball Jerseys
By: Zach Horowitz
On Monday, September 29, during both lunch periods, Frisch faculty handed out the basketball intramural jerseys to the boys in the cafeteria near the sophomore boys' lockers. The faculty consisting of Rabbi Sher, Rabbi Spier, and Mrs. Besser allotted reversible jerseys to all students who signed up for the gym basketball program. The sleeveless jerseys were white and red, both sides containing the word Frisch, with an emblem of a cougar's paw below.
Extended Time Testing Begins
By: Max Weisbrot
On Monday, September 22, a new testing system to accommodate students who receive extra time was implemented. The new system involves extra time students' taking the tests in a different room from the students who do not need extra time. Frisch juniors were among the first ones to see the new system in action on Monday and their opinions on it are mostly positive. In an unscientific survey, 65 out of 100 juniors surveyed favor the new system to the old one. Said one student who prefers to remain anonymous, “Although there was quite a bit of confusion...I think it is a good idea because now the extra time students don’t have to deal with the rush of students leaving and entering the room at the bell.” Although a majority of students favor the system, 27% opposed it. Junior Orren Ravid said that he prefers "the old system because the confusion involved in finding different rooms and getting students settled in with their tests takes away from a lot of the extra time they deserve.”
New Davening System
By: Rena Farkas
This school year has introduced a new davening system for students at the Frisch School. This year, each grade has been separated to provide smaller minyanim. The 11th grade has also been split in half to fit the smaller davening locations: the publications room and the music room. The new set up is designed to enhance kavannah and make discipline easier to enforce. The system potentially makes talking a more difficult thing to do because any conversation can be heard more easily if there are fewer people in the room.
An unscientific survey conducted on September 18th revealed that 86% of Freshmen surveyed liked the davening system, 98% of sophomores liked the davening system, 80% of juniors liked the davening system and and 70% of seniors liked the new davening system.
An unscientific survey conducted on September 18th revealed that 86% of Freshmen surveyed liked the davening system, 98% of sophomores liked the davening system, 80% of juniors liked the davening system and and 70% of seniors liked the new davening system.
New Gym Program Begins
By: Rena Farkas
Frisch's new individualized gym program, in which students may choose which gym program they wish to attend, debuted on September 15. Before the school year began, students received an email asking them to list four of the gym options in order of preference. Of the initial 10 options for girls gym and 8 for the boys, only four programs for the girls and five programs for the guys were actually executed. The gym offering for the girls are Jog! Run! Sprint!, Zumba, Kick Boxing, and Pilates. Boys will be participating in basketball, soccer, weight lifting, tennis, and track. Ayelet Berger commented that the system provides "a great incentive to get teenagers to become interested in exercising in the way that they want to" though Gabe Dardik, taking soccer, jokingly said that he is "upset that [he] can't be in zumba."
New Secretaries in Frisch
By: Amanda Leifer
This past summer, Frisch hired two secretaries, Rachael Kohl, and Ilana Lehrer to post information around the school, make student schedules, email information to students, answer phone calls, and help the administration stay on track. The two previous secretaries, left the school for personal reasons. Toby Moses, who has been working in Frisch for the past two years “Love[s] having the extra help and other people to talk to.” Rachel Kohl said “I find the atmosphere here very energizing.” about her new job. Prior to working in Frisch Rachael worked as an administrator for Camp Moshava Bair. Ilana Lehrer worked as a lawyer for twelve years, and this is her first job as a secretary in a school. She said about her new job, “It's great, a lot of fun and very busy.”
Students Receive School Planners
By: Max Weisbrot
On Monday, september 15th, Frisch students got their student planners. Student planners are meant to be an easy way for students to write down homework assignments, tests and important dates. Junior Shaina Cohen summarized the feelings of many students, “ Last year, I was very disappointed with the lack of school planners and felt like the student council did not care about me at all. I am hoping with this amazing start, the student council can do a lot for students like me.” The student council and administators were able to afford the planners thanks to a sponshership from Dougies of Teaneck. The planners include, helpful tips for Math, Science and English classes, a schedule of vacation days and important school events, the time periods last on each day, enough room on a page for all 11 subject's homework, quotes that are meant to inspire students and helpful tips for the SAT and ACT test. Jared Dallas, a member of student council said, "I am hoping these planners show our dedication to a great year for all students at Frisch."
Seniors Take Grade Picture
By: Michael Reinhart
Monday, September 15th, the seniors came to school in formal attire for their formal class picture. Senior male students came in wearing suits and ties, while female students came in wearing "Shabbos clothes". The seniors davened in the Shul instead of the Beit Midrash so that they could take the picture right after davening, and before 1st period. Tillie Haramati ('15) said; "The picture went great, and it was so fun coming to school with everyone dressed up!"
New Teacher Offices Around the School
By: Max Weisbrot
This school year at Frisch, there have been new offices in each student hallway. Frisch principal, Rabbi Ciner, said in his grade assembly speech that these new offices are for the new position "dean of grade." According to Rabbi Ciner there is going to be a head of each grade; his or her job is to be there whenever students need them for both student problems and life problems. The deans are; Rabbi Goldfisher and Rabbi Bashits for seniors, Mrs Scharf and Rabbi Schulman for juniors, Rabbi Sher and Mrs Jacobs for sophomores and Rabbi spier and Mrs Ben David for freshman. Frisch Junior Orren Ravid was excited about the idea," Sometimes, in a school with over 130 kids per grade it's hard to get personal attention and help from a teacher. I'm hoping that will change with the new student advisory offices."
First Boys Trip to YU
By: Amanda Leifer
On Thursday September 11th after school, thirty-six male students went to Yeshiva University to hear a shiur from Rabbi Yitzchak Cohen about deriving joy from the Torah. He explained that the joy one feels from learning Torah should be more profound than what one feels when his favorite sports team wins a game. After the shiur was completed, the students broke up into chevruta to discuss and learn about how brachot make us thankful. “Going to YU for the last four years has really changed me. I see what a true dedication to torah is and I’ve grown because of it” commented Justin Feldman (15’).
Aisac Program
By: Zach Horowitz
On Wednesday, September 10th, Rabbi Goldfischer and Rabbi Sher ran a program for the juniors and seniors, in the shul, regarding Israel’s situation over the summer. They addressed what happened this summer, along with students who volunteered to speak, Liana Chesir, Sara Edelman, Arianna Kigner, David Kirsch and Keren Schwartzman. All the students spoke about their experiences in Israel this summer, while the war in Israel was going on. Aside from the students speeches, the program covered the Hamas tunnels and the death's of Max Steinberg - an American who moved to Israel and joined the Israeli army. Additionally, the program focused on the three kidnapped boys Eyal Yifrach, Gilad Shaar and Naftali Frankel.
The New School Online System
By: Amanda Leifer
On September 4th, a new system for posting assignments online was introduced to the students called Haiku. Haiku can be accessed from both computers and on an app specifically designed for the Ipad. It is replacing the portal that was used in previous school years. This previously used portal and haiku are similar, both displaying classes, weekly assignments, and Homework. Rabbi Pittinsky said “It’s a full fledged learning management system, where a teacher can share everything electronically going on in class, such as links, videos, grades and classroom discussions. It’s sort of like edmodo but so much better. The app is compatible with google drive and allows you to turn in videos or audio recordings as well.”
The New Gym System
By: Zach Horowitz
On Wednesday, September 8th, Rabbi Ciner addressed the 11th and 12th graders in the shul regarding the new gym format. Both, the 11th grade and the 12th grade have gym together last period on Mondays and Wednesdays, and there are many different gym options for the students to choose from, such as basketball, football, hockey, soccer, tennis, insanity, weight lifting, Zumba, yoga, Pilates, and running. According to the new gym rules that were discussed, students only have to attend 75% of their gym classes, a major change from last year's system.
Club Fair
By: Kayla Blumenfeld
On September 8, during 6th and 7th period, the club fair was held in the back of the cafeteria. The clubs were set up by table and the students were able to walk around and sign up for clubs of their interest. There were a few new clubs including ice hockey, golf, the Frisch Farm. Sarah Barth ('15), president of PDAC(Political Discussion and Action Club) said " It wasn't only a great way for students to see all the clubs but a great way to meet the freshman and other new faces."
Freshman Join the Frisch Family
By: Michael Reinhart
Tuesday night, September 2nd, all incoming freshmen, their parents, and the senior big brothers and sisters gathered in Frisch for freshmen Orientation. Upon arrival, everyone davened mincha and then went straight to a large buffet of food in the gym where people started getting to know one another. After dinner the parents went to the shul to hear from Rabbi Ciner, while the freshmen were taken up to the cafeteria to hear from Rabbi Shachter, Rabbi Spier, and Rabbi Goldfischer before meeting their “big siblings”. When speeches ended freshmen boys went to take their pictures for their cougar cards while the freshmen girls went to learn how to open their lockers and scope out where every classroom is located in the school. After a few minutes the guys and girls switched. Incoming freshman Jono Katz said; “I’m so excited to start this year, and meet new people that I didn’t go to middle school with!”. The seniors were not any less excited as Michael Rubin (’15) said “It’s weird being a senior, but at the same really nice and exciting meeting my freshmen buddies and helping them out.”
Freshman Orientation
By: Rabbi Rosen
The Frisch School ushered in the 2014-15 school year with an orientation session for incoming 9th graders and their parents on Tuesday night, September 2. The 150 students were given their schedules and a light dinner before going off with their twelfth grade Big Brothers and Sisters. Parents were asked to sit in the main Shul where they heard a series of presenters review the areas of administrative responsibility.
Dr. Stein opened the speeches in his first public statement as the school’s Headmaster. He stated how he looked forward to the year and then he introduced the new principal, Rabbi Ciner. Rabbi Ciner spoke about how the school worked deliberately to help students become the “best version of themselves” by improving in all areas because, as he stated, “our singular focus is to make sure that we do right by” the students. He highlighted three new elements of Frisch, the grade deans (Rabbi Spier and Ms. Ben David for the 9th grade), the 9th grade Paul Family Beit Medrash and the new gym program. He then invited each member of the administration to come up and speak briefly about his or her area of expertise.
Dr. Rivka Schwartz, the new Director of General Studies explained her role as one dealing with curriculum, placement and class issues. She stressed that while it is often more convenient in the short term for the school to “swoop in and solve the problem” that challenges a student, a student should be given guidance and empowered to advocate for himself when that is the more prudent and rewarding course of action.
The Dean of Student Life, Rabbi Dr. Krug spoke of his goal of having students leave after four years, “ready for life.” Using a “holistic approach” the guidance department pays attention to the growth of each student in a variety of dimensions. He explained how excited he was about each year since every new year keeps him feeling young. He was followed by Rabbi Wald (Associate Principal – Judaic Studies) who spoke of the ongoing development of the Gemara curriculum which should get students to “engage with the text” and “feel a connection to the content.”
Dr. Weiss spoke as the Assistant Principal in charge of admissions and recruitment and Co-ordinator of Adult Education about the new Research Fellows program which will allow students to pursue independent research working with each other as a cohort in weekly meetings and hearing from industry specialists who come in to speak to the group each month.
The previous Director of Admissions, Rabbi Schachter is now the Rosh Beit Medrash. In that capacity he will be in the beit medrash, willing to work with students on their learning, whether it be studying for limudei kodesh tests or simply learning lishma. He will also be heading up two new learning programs: covering 3 mishnayot each day during lunch (with the goal of learning a seder of mishna each year) and learning a perek of nach for 20 minutes after school each day.
Rabbi Goldfischer told parents that his mandate is to ensure that “every student in the building is taken care of” and that “no student falls through the cracks.” Through the new advisory program each student will have a chance to meet with a faculty member on a weekly basis and this faculty member will be able to answer questions, address issues in a timely manner and be a “constant presence” who can act as an advocate so that each student has a voice. These advisors operate in addition to the guidance counselor who helps coordinate things when there is a larger student issue or crisis which has arisen.
The final administrator to speak was Mrs. Weitzman, the executive director, who is in charge of non-academic operations but who tries to infuse the values of the school into the business side. Rabbi Ciner closed with the words of tefillat haderech, and then brought up the co-presidents of the Frisch Parents; Association who welcomed all the new parents to the family and encouraged their participation in the FPA.
Dr. Stein opened the speeches in his first public statement as the school’s Headmaster. He stated how he looked forward to the year and then he introduced the new principal, Rabbi Ciner. Rabbi Ciner spoke about how the school worked deliberately to help students become the “best version of themselves” by improving in all areas because, as he stated, “our singular focus is to make sure that we do right by” the students. He highlighted three new elements of Frisch, the grade deans (Rabbi Spier and Ms. Ben David for the 9th grade), the 9th grade Paul Family Beit Medrash and the new gym program. He then invited each member of the administration to come up and speak briefly about his or her area of expertise.
Dr. Rivka Schwartz, the new Director of General Studies explained her role as one dealing with curriculum, placement and class issues. She stressed that while it is often more convenient in the short term for the school to “swoop in and solve the problem” that challenges a student, a student should be given guidance and empowered to advocate for himself when that is the more prudent and rewarding course of action.
The Dean of Student Life, Rabbi Dr. Krug spoke of his goal of having students leave after four years, “ready for life.” Using a “holistic approach” the guidance department pays attention to the growth of each student in a variety of dimensions. He explained how excited he was about each year since every new year keeps him feeling young. He was followed by Rabbi Wald (Associate Principal – Judaic Studies) who spoke of the ongoing development of the Gemara curriculum which should get students to “engage with the text” and “feel a connection to the content.”
Dr. Weiss spoke as the Assistant Principal in charge of admissions and recruitment and Co-ordinator of Adult Education about the new Research Fellows program which will allow students to pursue independent research working with each other as a cohort in weekly meetings and hearing from industry specialists who come in to speak to the group each month.
The previous Director of Admissions, Rabbi Schachter is now the Rosh Beit Medrash. In that capacity he will be in the beit medrash, willing to work with students on their learning, whether it be studying for limudei kodesh tests or simply learning lishma. He will also be heading up two new learning programs: covering 3 mishnayot each day during lunch (with the goal of learning a seder of mishna each year) and learning a perek of nach for 20 minutes after school each day.
Rabbi Goldfischer told parents that his mandate is to ensure that “every student in the building is taken care of” and that “no student falls through the cracks.” Through the new advisory program each student will have a chance to meet with a faculty member on a weekly basis and this faculty member will be able to answer questions, address issues in a timely manner and be a “constant presence” who can act as an advocate so that each student has a voice. These advisors operate in addition to the guidance counselor who helps coordinate things when there is a larger student issue or crisis which has arisen.
The final administrator to speak was Mrs. Weitzman, the executive director, who is in charge of non-academic operations but who tries to infuse the values of the school into the business side. Rabbi Ciner closed with the words of tefillat haderech, and then brought up the co-presidents of the Frisch Parents; Association who welcomed all the new parents to the family and encouraged their participation in the FPA.
The Start of a New Year
By: Kayla Blumenfeld
The 2014-15 academic year opens this week at the Frisch School and with the new year, the school is introducing a number of changes and additions. One of the first traditions, and one not undergoing any alteration is the process of turning the new cubs into cougars. The students of the class os 2018 will transform from cubs to cougars after freshman retreat which leaves on October 23. This Tuesday night, September 2nd, ninth graders and their parents are invited to attend a freshman orientation where they will get a taste of the school and meet their big brother/sister. Jessica Adler ('15), a big sister, says "I'm so excited to meet the incoming freshman and begin the new school year!"
