Visiting Israel, thinking science and competing in bowl games

I have three weeks of Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway (HAFTR) High School life about which to report. So much has happened that I cannot possibly go into detail about each event. Let me briefly fill you in on what we have been doing.
Every year at around this time, the seniors attend a special program called “Israel Night.” Usually after high school graduation and before beginning college, students take a year to study in a yeshiva or seminary in Israel.
Israel nights took place on Nov. 11 for senior girls, and Nov. 19 for senior boys. Many students participated in the programs and spoke about their plans. The current situation in Israel was discussed at these events, and ultimately students and families will decide what’s best for each student.

Science anyone?

During last week’s club hour, there was a special meeting for students interested in science research to learn about this year’s science summer programs. Susan Szaluta, college guidance counselor, Stanley Blumenstein, the Science Institute advisor, and Rebecca Isseroff, the science research advisor, reviewed the science and engineering programs that are available to students for the summer in between junior and senior year. There are, however, also programs for sophomores and some for freshmen. The students who attended the meeting are excited about the upcoming summer, even though it is seven months away. We don’t really need an excuse to look forward to the summer, do we?

We ID
Remember the mandatory student IDs that I talked about in the beginning of the year? If not, let me jog your memory. New this year, students were issued photo identification badges that have to be accessible at all times and must be shown at the door upon entering the building.

Bowl competitions
College Bowl competitions were held, both for junior varsity and varsity. HAFTR won the varsity games but sadly not the junior varsity ones. College Bowl tests a person’s general trivia knowledge, with categories ranging from pop culture, current events, history, science, math, English literature and grammar, and other subjects.
HAFTR High has two teams for Torah Bowl, one for girls and one for boys. Both teams went to meets recently; the girls came in second place and the boys split a pair of games. Torah Bowl is similar in format to College Bowl, but requires the participants to answer detailed questions about a certain Bible section that is previously selected.
HAFTR High students marked Veterans Day by attending school, and I had two tests that day. The other HAFTR divisions had the day off.
That is all for now. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!