It’s a staple of the fall season: Central’s annual Open House. On Motza’ei Shabbos, November 12, Central opened our doors to prospective parents and students to learn about the incredible Central experience. They were able to explore our rigorous and engaging academics, while also enjoying presentations about student life and extracurriculars.

A child growing up in 2022 has a host of different challenges from a child of 50 years ago. Besides a world transformed by technology, dramatic changes in attitudes, culture, and mindset transformed the world that children find themselves in today. Descriptions such as entitled, disrespectful, and self-absorbed are characteristics many have attributed to “generation Alpha.” How does a parent trying to raise a child in such an environment educate and nurture a child in a climate different from that of 10-20 years ago?

On Sunday morning, HANC’s Early Childhood Center opened its doors to prospective students and their parents, showcasing the warmth of the HANC family and giving the children an opportunity to explore the multitude of educational opportunities that make the ECC a special place to learn and grow. As the children entered, they were invited into a photo shoot and then guided to the extensive indoor play area. Once everyone arrived, the children and parents were invited to the seating area, where each child was presented with a HANC knapsack filled with school information and a HANC water bottle. The crowd was formally welcomed by Rabbi Ouriel Hazan, Director of HANC’s West Hempstead campuses, and Mrs. Trudy Rubinstein, Director of HANC’s Early Childhood Center.

On Sunday, November 6, HANC High School welcomed eighth grade prospective students and parents to its annual Open House. Some 200 families participated in the event! Guests signed in using iPads with the assistance of HANC geniuses and were greeted by the school band. The program showcased the HANC High School experience, emphasizing the theme of this year’s Open House, HANC Makes IT Happen.

On Monday, October 24, Central welcomed Rahel Bayar, lawyer and CEO of the Bayar Group, to discuss a crucial topic with all four classes: boundaries and consent. Bayar brought her experience as a former sex crimes and child abuse prosecutor to an honest and direct conversation about safe spaces and how Central students can protect themselves, and one another, in the larger world.