The entire student body and staff of Hadar Bet Yaakov of Fresh Meadows came together for two days of collaborative achdus in this past week’s “Hadar Is Raising the Bar!” Charidy campaign. Students and teachers stayed late into the night, working their way through phone lists to share the HBY experience with the public. Earlier in the day, principals reviewed the basics of phone etiquette and gave everyone a pep talk, explaining that the most anyone can ever do is simply be positive and try her best. As long as the girls held on to those two principles, they would do fine in fundraising.

We often hear about tributes to special teachers, both moros and rebbeim. There are, baruch Hashem, so many outstanding people who serve the Jewish youth of our communities. The students of Ezra Academy put together an unbelievable week of tribute to one of their most beloved moros. While she has been unable to teach classes since the beginning of the school year, the impact she has had on the students over the last several years has left an indelible impression.

There is an excitement in the air in HANC Middle School about doing the amazing mitzvah of wearing tzitzis. HANC eighth grader Avishai Newman founded and launched The Tzitzis Project at the Uniondale campus. The aim of the project is to create a positive feeling about doing the day-to-day mitzvah of wearing a four-cornered garment with tzitzis.

YTM recently held an exciting Sukkos vacation Ki Heim Chayenu BBQ luncheon at the yeshivah for talmidim in grades five through eight who learned and davened during the Pesach break. In recognition of their accomplishments, the boys enjoyed hotdogs, hamburgers, french fries, chips, and delicious ices. The hanhalas hayeshivah was thrilled that over 100 boys participated in the program and are proud of their success.

Chesed is a huge part of the Central ethos. Year after year, students make it a habit to get involved in their communities, lend a hand, and become a force for good. The excitement Central students feel for service work is heartfelt and genuine.

The Cheder of Queens has been busy preparing for the weekly parshiot. For Parshat Chayei Sarah, the different classes prepared wells. For the unit of senses, the UPK class designed flowers to learn about smell. The 3 Pre-K class prepared challah and learned about a well too. Every day is jam-packed with new and fun activities for the students.