Post Covid School Life
Shira Yehoshua | January 2023
Picture this: you walk into school feeling an unfamiliar breeze brush across your face, feeling somewhat naked as you're no longer trapped behind that thin piece of fabric disguised as a health precaution. Looking around, not one of the faces surrounding you looks as they once did, largely due to the restrictive barriers such as masks, plexiglass, and social distancing.
That is what my first day back in tenth grade looked like, as I’m sure it did for many others. I found myself in my sophomore year of high school trapped in the “ice breaker” stage as many people in my grade, as well as myself, were still not yet familiar with each other yet.
Despite being a unanimously experienced pandemic, we all have our own individual experiences dealing with the effects that it had on each of us. For some, covid meant losing loved ones, while for some it merely meant struggling with zoom, online test-taking, scrubbing down groceries, maskne, quarantine, and at-home workout videos.
While school life can be stressful, covid-19 posed more challenges than anyone could have predicted such as adjusting to an entirely new structure and routine.
Perhaps it is the transition from middle school to high school or possibly just the post covid effects which led to the unmanageable overflow of emails and notifications that I received on the daily.
Occasionally I forget that all this even happened but the truth is, school life has changed drastically from the lunch program to little hand sanitizer bottles in almost everyone's bag. Think about it: just two years ago you had to deal with all that.
That is what my first day back in tenth grade looked like, as I’m sure it did for many others. I found myself in my sophomore year of high school trapped in the “ice breaker” stage as many people in my grade, as well as myself, were still not yet familiar with each other yet.
Despite being a unanimously experienced pandemic, we all have our own individual experiences dealing with the effects that it had on each of us. For some, covid meant losing loved ones, while for some it merely meant struggling with zoom, online test-taking, scrubbing down groceries, maskne, quarantine, and at-home workout videos.
While school life can be stressful, covid-19 posed more challenges than anyone could have predicted such as adjusting to an entirely new structure and routine.
Perhaps it is the transition from middle school to high school or possibly just the post covid effects which led to the unmanageable overflow of emails and notifications that I received on the daily.
Occasionally I forget that all this even happened but the truth is, school life has changed drastically from the lunch program to little hand sanitizer bottles in almost everyone's bag. Think about it: just two years ago you had to deal with all that.
Chanukah In SKA
Elana reichman | december 2022
On Chanukah, the halls of SKA are filled with Chanukah joy that can be felt miles away! Chanukah is one of everyone’s favorite times of the year, but Chanukah in SKA is unlike anything else. The student body looks forward all year to the fun festivities of Chanukah. In SKA, each day of Chanukah brings something new and exciting. On Monday, all the girls went to a teacher's house for a breakfast full of fun and games. On Tuesday, the Student Council put together a donut decorating activity. There also was a silent DJ party later that day. On Wednesday, each grade had the opportunity to participate in a Chesed activity and had a grade party. On Thursday, SKA had its annual Chanukah auction. To end the jam-packed week, SKA had pre-shabbos piping hot latkes. SKA never fails to make Chanukah a fun and enjoyable time for everyone!
More than academics
Abigail lampert | June 2022
Throughout the 2021-22 school year, students enjoyed multiple trips and look forward to many more. Beginning with Tefillah at The Beach during the Aseres Yimei Teshuva, students were offered the opportunity to daven by the sea. About a month later, students in all grades went on chessed trips. The freshmen were given the choice of volunteering at Masbia Soup Kitchen or at Bobbie’s Place, sorting clothing. The sophomores went to IVDU, a school for students with special needs. The juniors and seniors had the opportunity to perform a chessed shel emes, cleaning a cemetery for people who cannot afford burials. School is more than academics. SKA instills a love in giving back and doing chessed, even at the expense of missing class. There are so many lessons to be learned outside of the school building.
In the upcoming month, students are preparing to go on their end of year trips. Students are excited for an out of school bonding experience after a long, hard year. The freshman have the amazing opportunity to hang out with their fellow classmates at the American Dream Mall. They will begin their trip with a picture hunt around the mall with a yummy lunch to follow. They will end their day at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park.
Sophomores and juniors will begin their day by doing Bikur Cholim. Later they will go to the Jewish Children's museum. Following that, they will attend a presentation by Rabbi Klatzko. Lastly they will end the day with a fun trip to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream and get dinner from Chickies. What a packed, fun day!!
Seniors begin their trip with a talk by Rabbi and Rebetzin Weinberger at Aish Kodesh. After they participate in an interactive adventure at 5Wits, they will hear from the very inspirational Mrs. Smith from New Square.
Thank you SKA for these amazing experiences!
In the upcoming month, students are preparing to go on their end of year trips. Students are excited for an out of school bonding experience after a long, hard year. The freshman have the amazing opportunity to hang out with their fellow classmates at the American Dream Mall. They will begin their trip with a picture hunt around the mall with a yummy lunch to follow. They will end their day at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park.
Sophomores and juniors will begin their day by doing Bikur Cholim. Later they will go to the Jewish Children's museum. Following that, they will attend a presentation by Rabbi Klatzko. Lastly they will end the day with a fun trip to the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park at American Dream and get dinner from Chickies. What a packed, fun day!!
Seniors begin their trip with a talk by Rabbi and Rebetzin Weinberger at Aish Kodesh. After they participate in an interactive adventure at 5Wits, they will hear from the very inspirational Mrs. Smith from New Square.
Thank you SKA for these amazing experiences!
What the students have to say
Abigail lampert | January 4, 2022
A survey was sent to all SKA students. 163 students responded. Here are the results:
When students were asked if they wear black skirts everyday or mix it up a bit:
When students were asked if they wear black skirts everyday or mix it up a bit:
This response is not surprising. Most students in SKA decide to wear black skirts and colorful/decorated shirts.
When students were asked if they prefer SKA’s old system for lunch or SKA’s new system for lunch:
When students were asked if they prefer SKA’s old system for lunch or SKA’s new system for lunch:
This response greatly surprised me! The old lunch system was when vendors would come daily with an array of choices and students would wait in line and decide what they wanted to order. The new lunch system requires students to order lunch in advance for the semester. Students can choose what days of the week they would like to order for, but cannot choose to skip that day of the week for the whole semester. One student gives her feelings on the new system and ordering in advance, claiming “I hate having to decide my mood [in advance]. It’s so much better to choose what I want that day.” On the other hand, another student says of the old system, “I hate the lines.”
When students were asked if they prefer when the building is cold and it is hot outside, or when the building is hot and it is cold outside:
Looks like the majority of students prefer when the building is cold and it’s hot outside. I definitely don’t like when the building is so cold but I surely enjoy the warm weather outside!
When students were asked if they prefer typing/writing notes on their iPad on GoodNotes or on paper:
When students were asked if they prefer typing/writing notes on their iPad on GoodNotes or on paper:
GoodNotes takes the win! I personally like taking notes on GoodNotes so I don’t have to deal with carrying around multiple notebooks. GoodNotes has many features that allow for easier use such as the lasso tool where you can move around your handwritten notes, place images into your notebook, sharing your notes directly with a friend, or place handouts from teachers directly into your notes.
Dear FreshmEn
Farrah crane | January 4, 2022
Dear Freshmen,
You’re only at the beginning of what could be the most exciting, fun, and challenging 4 years of your life. It might feel really scary right now to only be at the beginning, but even the greatest, most intelligent people had to start somewhere.
Just remember…
Don’t feel shy about joining clubs just because you are the youngest. SKA is a warm community and everyone wants to help everyone succeed. Joining a couple of clubs or teams each year is better than waiting till you’re an upperclassman to join, and feeling the stress of having too much on your plate.
What middle school you went to does not determine who you are and what you can achieve.
Step out of your comfort zone and join a club you think you would like, even if people in your social circle aren't part of that club or team. Clubs and teams can help you discover your talents and it would be a shame to miss out on such a great opportunity.
One bad mark does not mean you have failed the class. If you fail a test, always meet up with the teacher and discuss what you can do or how to improve for the next test. Don’t let one bad test define you.
Adversity will only cause you to grow and help you become a stronger person. Don’t expect high school to be only ups; there are many downs, but these downs help you grow as a person. At the end of high school, you aren’t going to be the same person you were freshman year, and that’s not a bad thing. Change is good and although it feels scary, at the end you will realize how important it is.
If you don’t make a team, it should only push you to work harder for next year. Try not to give up after one try.
High school is about taking risks and trying new things, so don’t shy away from that.
Our experiences shape who we are, so make memories.
Always remember to treat everyone well even if they aren’t in your social circle. People remember how you treat them and you can leave a big impact on a person.
Try to become friendly with most of your grade, it makes the school days more enjoyable and it's fun to be able to talk to everyone.
You’re only at the beginning of what could be the most exciting, fun, and challenging 4 years of your life. It might feel really scary right now to only be at the beginning, but even the greatest, most intelligent people had to start somewhere.
Just remember…
Don’t feel shy about joining clubs just because you are the youngest. SKA is a warm community and everyone wants to help everyone succeed. Joining a couple of clubs or teams each year is better than waiting till you’re an upperclassman to join, and feeling the stress of having too much on your plate.
What middle school you went to does not determine who you are and what you can achieve.
Step out of your comfort zone and join a club you think you would like, even if people in your social circle aren't part of that club or team. Clubs and teams can help you discover your talents and it would be a shame to miss out on such a great opportunity.
One bad mark does not mean you have failed the class. If you fail a test, always meet up with the teacher and discuss what you can do or how to improve for the next test. Don’t let one bad test define you.
Adversity will only cause you to grow and help you become a stronger person. Don’t expect high school to be only ups; there are many downs, but these downs help you grow as a person. At the end of high school, you aren’t going to be the same person you were freshman year, and that’s not a bad thing. Change is good and although it feels scary, at the end you will realize how important it is.
If you don’t make a team, it should only push you to work harder for next year. Try not to give up after one try.
High school is about taking risks and trying new things, so don’t shy away from that.
Our experiences shape who we are, so make memories.
Always remember to treat everyone well even if they aren’t in your social circle. People remember how you treat them and you can leave a big impact on a person.
Try to become friendly with most of your grade, it makes the school days more enjoyable and it's fun to be able to talk to everyone.
Morah rikki’s love for cooking
Tari moskowitz | January 4, 2022
Some of you may know Morah Rikki as an Ivrit teacher at SKA, and others might know her as a cook. Through the lessons in Ivrit, she cooks amazing foods with many of her classes. I interviewed Morah Riki and asked her a few short questions about it.
Me: “Morah Riki, what made you start to cook?”
Mora Rikki: “ I first started cooking when I got married, a long time ago”
Me: “What are your favorite foods to make?”
Mora Rikki: “challah and soup”
Me: “why?”
Morah Riki: “I love cooking because i feel like feeding people is touching to the soul”
Me: “how is it to cook for nine kids?”
Morah Rikki: “I love cooking for them. I make a whole feast for them, because I love to see them happy with their favorite recipes”
Me: “what's your favorite recipe book?”
Morah Rikki: “I don't use cookbooks, I prefer my own recipes”
Me: “what are some last words of advice?”
Morah Rikki: “anything you do in life, you can do it your own way. You don’t have to follow any recipes, anything can be replaced. If you don’t have a certain ingredient, you can always change it up, and use a substitute. Everything can be changed, except the Torah, nothing can be replaced in the Torah”
Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!
Me: “Morah Riki, what made you start to cook?”
Mora Rikki: “ I first started cooking when I got married, a long time ago”
Me: “What are your favorite foods to make?”
Mora Rikki: “challah and soup”
Me: “why?”
Morah Riki: “I love cooking because i feel like feeding people is touching to the soul”
Me: “how is it to cook for nine kids?”
Morah Rikki: “I love cooking for them. I make a whole feast for them, because I love to see them happy with their favorite recipes”
Me: “what's your favorite recipe book?”
Morah Rikki: “I don't use cookbooks, I prefer my own recipes”
Me: “what are some last words of advice?”
Morah Rikki: “anything you do in life, you can do it your own way. You don’t have to follow any recipes, anything can be replaced. If you don’t have a certain ingredient, you can always change it up, and use a substitute. Everything can be changed, except the Torah, nothing can be replaced in the Torah”
Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!
What is STUCO?
Abigail Lampert | December 23, 2020
How do you truly enjoy all SKA has to offer? I believe that to do this you need to get involved. This year I joined the student council. When I ran, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to take on this responsibility. Once I started the job, I realized I had made the best decision. I have made close friends in different grades, learned so many leadership skills, built relationships with teachers, and planned amazing programs…and it’s only November! The beauty of SKA is that friends aren’t limited to your grade. Student council has helped me connect with people I may not have otherwise known.
This year, we have an opportunity to learn leadership skills through an NCSY skill building program. We are constantly learning new ways to improve through a WhatsApp group chat. Girls from many schools, along with an NCSY advisor, share ideas with each other. We have occasional meetings and discussions about how to improve our schools.
Through the student council, I have built strong relationships with teachers and advisors. I love planning programs that I know my friends and I will enjoy. I highly enjoy being able to participate in a group that makes changes within our school community. Whether it’s a simple “pick me up” program or selling cholent and kugel, it’s always a good time with student council.
This year, due to COVID restrictions, we’ve had to learn how to plan accordingly. Individually packed food, socially distant activities, and the challenges of zoom are all things that have affected the ways in which we plan. These things don’t only have to be viewed as a challenge, rather as challenges that we can face. We have learned how to think outside the box so that we can adhere to CDC guidelines. Student council can’t wait to plan more programs for you!
This year, we have an opportunity to learn leadership skills through an NCSY skill building program. We are constantly learning new ways to improve through a WhatsApp group chat. Girls from many schools, along with an NCSY advisor, share ideas with each other. We have occasional meetings and discussions about how to improve our schools.
Through the student council, I have built strong relationships with teachers and advisors. I love planning programs that I know my friends and I will enjoy. I highly enjoy being able to participate in a group that makes changes within our school community. Whether it’s a simple “pick me up” program or selling cholent and kugel, it’s always a good time with student council.
This year, due to COVID restrictions, we’ve had to learn how to plan accordingly. Individually packed food, socially distant activities, and the challenges of zoom are all things that have affected the ways in which we plan. These things don’t only have to be viewed as a challenge, rather as challenges that we can face. We have learned how to think outside the box so that we can adhere to CDC guidelines. Student council can’t wait to plan more programs for you!
SKA's new bell schedule
Jenny Lifschitz | January 6, 2020
This year, SKA has made many new changes to its bell schedule, with both positive and negative results. For example, many students love early dismissal on Wednesdays, but dislike shorter lunch. The freshmen didn’t know SKA before its “new bell schedule,” but the older grades have a lot to say on what has been going on.
SKA wants to hear your opinion on the matter, which is why I interviewed students all around the school to hear what they have to say. Their thoughts on this topic were very diverse, displaying the many aspects of the schedule change.
In Their Own Words:
As a whole - Orli Flug, ‘22 - “At first I didn’t like it so much, but I’m starting to adjust better.” Lili Paritzky, ‘22 - “I like what we have now as opposed to the beginning of the year." Anonymous Junior - “They keep changing it: how am I supposed to find my classroom?”
Longer periods -Anonymous Sophomore - “It’s hard to sit still for 45 minutes and then walk to the next class.”
Fewer periods - Atara Sicklick, ‘22 - “I like that the periods are longer because although they create longer periods which could be tedious, it also takes away the classes that were unnecessary and taking up brain space.”
Shorter Lunch -Ayelet Teitelbaum, ‘21 - “I remember last year when we still had the time to go to Dunkin during lunch. This year, halfway to Dunkin, me and my friends had to turn around and come back to SKA since we realized we did not have a lunch period long enough to walk there. It’s only a few minutes shorter, but every minute counts.”
Early dismissal -Michal Hammer, ‘21 - “I love getting out at 4:30 on Wednesdays.”
Advisory schedule -Avigael Auber, ‘22 - “Tuesdays feel like forever.”
Longer breaks -Anonymous Junior - “Longer breaks are amazing. It’s the perfect amount of time to hang out with friends, meet with teachers, or do whatever you need to get done.”
No more clubs -Anonymous Senior - “I would have liked to still have clubs.”
An extensive poll showed that 44% of students prefer the old schedule, 29% prefer the new schedule, and 27% hold no preference. The poll was taken on sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike.
So, now you know what the students think of this controversial bell schedule that has either plagued or saved SKA. Do you think that there is anything the school can do so that everyone can win?
SKA wants to hear your opinion on the matter, which is why I interviewed students all around the school to hear what they have to say. Their thoughts on this topic were very diverse, displaying the many aspects of the schedule change.
In Their Own Words:
As a whole - Orli Flug, ‘22 - “At first I didn’t like it so much, but I’m starting to adjust better.” Lili Paritzky, ‘22 - “I like what we have now as opposed to the beginning of the year." Anonymous Junior - “They keep changing it: how am I supposed to find my classroom?”
Longer periods -Anonymous Sophomore - “It’s hard to sit still for 45 minutes and then walk to the next class.”
Fewer periods - Atara Sicklick, ‘22 - “I like that the periods are longer because although they create longer periods which could be tedious, it also takes away the classes that were unnecessary and taking up brain space.”
Shorter Lunch -Ayelet Teitelbaum, ‘21 - “I remember last year when we still had the time to go to Dunkin during lunch. This year, halfway to Dunkin, me and my friends had to turn around and come back to SKA since we realized we did not have a lunch period long enough to walk there. It’s only a few minutes shorter, but every minute counts.”
Early dismissal -Michal Hammer, ‘21 - “I love getting out at 4:30 on Wednesdays.”
Advisory schedule -Avigael Auber, ‘22 - “Tuesdays feel like forever.”
Longer breaks -Anonymous Junior - “Longer breaks are amazing. It’s the perfect amount of time to hang out with friends, meet with teachers, or do whatever you need to get done.”
No more clubs -Anonymous Senior - “I would have liked to still have clubs.”
An extensive poll showed that 44% of students prefer the old schedule, 29% prefer the new schedule, and 27% hold no preference. The poll was taken on sophomores, juniors, and seniors alike.
So, now you know what the students think of this controversial bell schedule that has either plagued or saved SKA. Do you think that there is anything the school can do so that everyone can win?
SKA Looking Glass 2021