Dear Parents:

The Yeshiva is very excited to announce that Dr. Philip Schwartz will be taking over as Secular Studies Principal for the Boys Division, following the sudden resignation of Mr. Colin Stevens this week. Mr. Stevens is leaving immediately to pursue another career opportunity.

Dr. Schwartz’s move into this particular administrative position has been under discussion for some time. He has worked closely with the principals on every facet of school, both secular and Judaic, in addition to his duties as school psychologist, learning specialist and Middle School coordinator. He has proved himself to be an innovative educator who has already introduced many of his
creative ideas into the Middle School program. He and Mrs. Chana Biberfeld were in fact the creators the Middle School program and continue to administer it. He has also been working actively with department heads and administrators to draft a schedule for next year and to review our curricula and requirements in each discipline.

Dr. Schwartz has outstanding qualifications and experience in the field of education. He has an M.S.W. and a doctorate in clinical psychology. During his eight years in private practice, he worked extensively with several school systems to arrange appropriate educational/psychological services for many of his clients. He has worked at P’TACH in Baltimore for the past two years, and has four years experience teaching Limudei Kodesh and secular subjects,
including Psychology, Study Skills and Social Skills at the Yeshiva.

Dr. Schwartz is liked and respected by students, parents, and staff for his integrity, professionalism, responsiveness, and unfailing good humor. (He has also endeared himself to the boys by his faithful attendance at Yeshiva Knights games.) In addition to his impressive credentials, he is a true ben Torah who has earned the absolute, unanimous support of the administration.

Sincerely,



Jeffrey Lee Cohen  Shayne Hoffman    Rabbi BenZion Berliant
President           Co-Chair, Board of Education Co-Chair


 

 

 

March 5, 2002

 

 

Dear Parents:

 

Last year I advised you that the Yeshiva and the Torah School had been approached by Montgomery County about their need to use the Belt School and their offer to exchange this property for the former site of the Hebrew Academy.  We agreed to work with them on this possibility. After many negotiations, the Boards of Directors of both the Yeshiva and the Torah School approved the concept, which ensures that neither school incurs a financial loss if such a move became necessary.  Recently we were informed that it is “likely” that we will be asked to move to Montgomery Hills Junior High (the former Hebrew Academy) to make room for the reopening of a public school here in 2005. 

 

In accordance with the terms of our negotiations, the County will present us with a building of the same caliber as our current location, renovated to our specifications.  While we love our new building and recognize that it is not easy to settle into a new location, we are excited about the tremendous possibilities such a move will allow. The buildings are the same size and we will be considerably closer to a Jewish community.   While Dennis Berman and I will be busier than expected in the next few years overseeing the move, it will be well worth it in the long run.  This move is expected to occur in time for the opening of the 2004-2005 school year.  We expect to receive the initial construction plans shortly so that the county can begin the renovation within the next six months.  

 

The terms we negotiated are very advantageous to both schools, despite the inconvenience of moving once again.  Thankfully, we have agreed upon a provision making this a permanent home! You may recall that we encountered a few difficulties with the surrounding community, although many neighbors have come by to thank us for the renovation and beautification of the property.  Not unexpectedly, the neighbors near the new site are supportive of the Yeshiva’s proposed move. The administration and the Board of Directors have enthusiastically supported the proposal, which is not surprising since this location originally was our first choice.   While we will not suffer any financial loss as a result of this move, it is critical that all parents maintain their regular monthly payments to the school. This will ensure that we pay off our prior construction costs in a timely manner at the budgeted amount.