HAFTR Highlights

Creating a safe and secure environment

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After a long and well-deserved summer break from the rigorous academic routine, it was finally time to return to Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School.

Though there is never a dull moment at the high school, the first day was especially hectic: freshmen scurried throughout the halls, trying to navigate the seemingly endless maze of hallways; sophomores had exposure to their first Advanced Placement courses; juniors ran from one college-level course to the next; and seniors came to the realization that college is just right around the corner. It is not uncommon to hear the words “college” and “university” echoing on the loud speaker this time of year.

HAFTR High has been a safe environment since day one; however, the high school has recently developed new programs and implemented new policies to enhance both the physical security and psychological wellbeing of its student body. Unfortunately, we currently live in a society where criminal activity as well as alcohol and substance abuse are extremely prevalent.

Experimentation with drugs and alcohol is becoming ever more popular among adolescents, so HAFTR has partnered with Madraigos, a nonprofit organization that offers several innovative services and programs aimed at improving the quality of life of challenged teens and young adults.

Earlier this month, representatives from Madraigos, Chanie Delman and Mindi Werblowsky, met with 11th and 12th grade students to discuss the means by which alcohol and substance abuse can be prevented within the adolescent community. Delman and Werblowsky addressed both the biochemical effects of consuming such substances and provided advice for overcoming temptations and combating peer pressure.

A team member of Madraigos, Yavniel Field, is now serving as an intern under the direction of Assistant Principal Joshua Wyner in the Center for Student Services at HAFTR, providing students with direct access to the organization’s preventative services.

HAFTR has also hired a new security agency. Led by Glenn Leusink, vice president and director of Training and Development for SOS Security, an assembly was held to inform students of the new security protocols to help ensure proper conduct in the case of an emergency. One of the many safety precautions being taken includes requiring students to wear their student IDs during school hours and needing the ID to enter the building.

Despite the seriousness of the new programs and policies, fun still abounds. The Welcome Back BBQ provided an opportunity for students and faculty to greet returning friends and to become acquainted with unfamiliar faces. Freshmen bonded at an off-campus, where they take part in hands-on activities to build teamwork skills. The retreat began with a ropes course challenge at Adventure Park in Long Island, followed by laser tag and paintball at Indoor Extreme Sports in New York City, and culminated with dinner catered by the Courtside Grill. The sophomores also experienced some off-campus time, engaging in rewarding community service opportunities during a field trip to clean the grounds at the Silver Lake Cemetery in Staten Island.

With the new additions the administration has made to safety and security and the enhanced student support system, students at HAFTR High School should flourish academically and socially, and grow as individuals. The school year is off to a great start and we can’t wait to see what else is in store as it progresses.