Keeping clubs going, welcoming the new students

Though this year is unconventional, to say the least, Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School has been committed to sustaining its robust and wide array of clubs, teams and student activities.

Since HAFTR has separated students, by grade, into cohorts in an effort to prevent cases, HAFTR club leaders have shifted their activities to a virtual format.

Dozens of clubs ranging from sign language to globalization to environmental action have been meeting on Zoom on different nights of the week, so that students from different grades can engage with one another and also participate in multiple clubs and teams if they so choose.

The Robotics team recently took part in a virtual “Roboduel” in which members competed against other schools and controlled their robots from their own computers at home. Selected senior and junior members of the HAFTR Speech, Debate and Model Congress team, including myself, virtually competed in the Yale Model Congress conference from Dec. 3 to 6 against hundreds of students from all over the country.

Although the students missed portions of the tournament due to Shabbat, HAFTR participants still had ample opportunity to present the bills they authored addressing the nation’s most pressing issues, debate imperative mock legislation, and meet students with a wide range of political opinions, all of whom share a deep appreciation and enthusiasm for American democracy.

Clubs and teams have long been an integral component of the HAFTR High experience, and club advisers and students have been exceptionally creative, imaginative and committed to safely maintaining their various activities.

Senior girls enjoyed an exciting “Girls’ Night Out” on Nov. 17. Wearing masks and carefully observing social distance protocols, the girls kicked off the night with glass bowl making. The girls had so much fun designing and decorating their bowls.

After they completed their project, the girls participated in a photo scavenger hunt, in which they raced around the building completing various challenges and photographing them.

The night offered the senior girls a chance to compete, collaborate and bond with their friends, while being careful to maintain the safety and well being of all in attendance. To top it all off when the night concluded, the girls were left with hundreds of photos to capture the wonderful memories.

On Nov. 15, prospective ninth-grade students and their parents tuned into HAFTR High School’s annual open house via a livestream. Although students were not able to walk through the halls or meet teachers and students in person, the online format offered eighth-graders even more opportunities for insight into the HAFTR experience.

For example, students viewed footage of real classes, which allowed them to witness the different teaching styles of various teachers and students’ engagement and enthusiasm in their classes.

Students even gained a sneak-peek into the science lab to observe a chemical reaction take place right before their eyes. In addition to HAFTR’s exceptional academics and teachers, students learned about the wide variety of clubs and teams offered at HAFTR and viewed clips and photos of many of the clubs in action.

Students also heard from HAFTR students and faculty about their experiences. Principal Naomi Lippman discussed HAFTR’s unique academic program, in which each student’s course load is individualized to his or her own abilities.

Guided by caring counselors and teachers, HAFTR students can reach their potential, whether it is academically, spiritually, or creatively. Attendees also had the opportunity to hear from various HAFTR students who expressed the unique culture, in which students collaborate, build each other up and celebrate one another’s achievements.

Although I will not be in the building to welcome them next year, I can assure all incoming freshmen that HAFTR is the perfect place to challenge yourself, academically and beyond, and do so surrounded by warm students and faculty who are all committed to fostering your success.