Winter Break

The faculty and staff of The Shoshana S. Cardin School wish all the students, families, alumni, and friends a restful and safe break. We look forward to seeing you in 2010!

Alumni visits

One of the best ways to advance Cardin in the community is to have articulate, positive alumni who share our story. I have known this for some time, but this past week, when several graduates wandered back to say hello, I overheard familiar voices in the hallway and realized that they are our very finest messengers. Their comfort with who they are, their enthusiasm for what they learned at Cardin and how well prepared they were for college is a testament to our faculty and , by extension, our mission. These young men and women were greeted warmly by former teachers and classmates; everyone anxious to hear about new their new adventures. Four of them have agreed to travel with Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon, our Director of Admissions , to a recruitment program. When prospective families meet them, I am confident that they will understand what their own children will gain with the privilege of a Cardin education. I add my welcome to our alumni and thank them for letting everyone know what is so special about The Shoshana S. Cardin School.

Marjorie Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Gift Giving on Hanukkah

In giving gifts on Hanukkah, we try to make each gift special and appropriate to each special person in our lives.

Teaching can be understood as the giving of gifts from teachers to students and from students to teachers. The teacher offers a story to the students, and in return, the students offer an insight the teacher never had before. The teacher gives hard work and energy, and in return, the students give the wonderful gift of letting the teacher see them learn.

Here are some of the gifts I have received from my students at Cardin:

The gift of a smile
The gift of a challenge
The gift of a new interpretation
The gift of imagination
The gift of a question
The gift of an answer
The gift of a mistake
The gift of a correction
The gift of a conversation
The gift of silence
The gift of joy
The gift of acceptance
The gift of a favor
The gift of kindness
And the gift of a basketball team to cheer for

Gift giving is at the heart of what makes a learning community, indeed at the heart of all caring and loving relationships. So, keep the gifts coming and I will keep sending them too.

Happy last night of Chanukah,
Rabbi Seltzer

Hanukah and History

Many people are rightly concerned about historical revisionism – as well as making some stories “politically correct.” It may be worth pointing out, however, that our tradition engages, from time to time, in historical revisionism, and that is most true around the current holiday of Hanukah. In this insightful piece in The New York Times by David Brooks we glean the historical reality of Hanukah:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/11/opinion/11brooks.html?_r=1&ref=opinion

Leslie Smith Rosen
Dean of General Studies

Let’s Not See Our Shadows This Year!

Our goal is to have 100% of the Cardin community make a contribution to the Annual Fund by GROUNDHOG’S DAY!

For some unknown reason, I have always loved the celebration of Groundhog’s Day. It is the definitive holiday for the optimists among us. Just when we are in the depths of winter, we begin to think about the fact that spring is within our reach. So too, with the current state of fundraising; the economic climate feels cold and dark. If we pull our resources and each of us makes a gift that is with our reach, we will feel warm and helpful. Please join me in meeting our goal and Groundhog’s Day will have special meaning this year!

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

College Trivia

A bit of College Trivia in honor of our seniors who are anxiously awaiting their college application decisions:

Q: Can you name the 8 schools the make up the Ivy League?
A: Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, Yale University

Q: Ebay was founded by a graduate of what prestigious institution?
A: Princeton

Q: Who was Al Gore’s roommate at Harvard University?
A: Tommy Lee Jones

Q: At which university was Gatorade invented?
A: University of Florida

Q: How many colleges are in the Big 10 athletic conference? Can you name them?
A: Eleven - Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Northwestern, Ohio State, Penn State, Purdue, Wisconsin

Q: Which colleges have their own working ice cream creameries? (there may be more)
A: University of Wisconsin, Pennsylvania State University, Kansas State University

Q: What colleges exist where you take only one class at a time for three weeks at a time?
A: Colorado College, Colorado; Cornell College, Iowa; Tusculum College, Tennessee

Q: What was the first coeducational college campus in the United States?
A: Franklin College (now Franklin and Marshall College) – Rebecca Gratz (a Jewish woman) enrolled when the college started in 1787.

Q: Which college graduated the most US presidents?
A: Harvard University

Q: Who won the first NCAA Division 1 basketball championship?
A: University of Oregon

Hallie Schein
Director of College Counseling

Why Art?

Last week our sophomore students met Israeli artist, Tamar Messer. While listening to her explain her beautifully illustrated Haggadah, I realized that a week doesn’t go by at Cardin without some kind of hands-on experience with the arts. In addition to our regularly scheduled art classes and electives, students have opportunities to participate in minyanim and workshops making art, producing films illustrating Talmudic teachings, creating visual representations of passages from English literature, building models of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and making collages for History class. It would be difficult to find a class taught in our school in which the teacher does not incorporate the arts in some form.

Why art?

Elbert Hubbart said that “Art is not a thing; it is a way.” Art is not only a subject to learn about. At the Cardin School “art” is something to live; it is a way of learning and a way of looking at the world. Art is not only an enjoyable activity; it is also a powerful learning tool for students who may struggle with verbal expression. It can also be used to demonstrate many aspects of good writing – the artist has to pay attention to tone, mood, audience or purpose similar to a writer. Visual expression can help a student associate the material with art, increasing retention.

It is very difficult to overstate the significance of art in studying Torah. Both visiting artists, Tamar Messer and David Wander, called their art “visual midrashim” – visual commentaries on the text. I am sure they would agree with Aristotle who said that “the aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance”. It helps connect our experiences, emotions and thoughts with text study. And if it is true, as Jerzy Kosinski said “the principle of art is to pause, not bypass;” art helps us to create an intimate, personal moment with the Torah. We pause and look more carefully and then we express our reflection with shape, color and texture.

The connection between Torah and Art is not a modern invention. God was the first to appoint an artisan – Betzalel, to overlook the building of the Mishkan (the Tabernacle) – “to weave designs, to work with gold, silver, and copper… - to perform every craft” [Ex. 31:2 – 5]. It is obvious that the artistic experience of creating and living among beautiful things is as important or maybe even necessary for performing ritual acts.

At Cardin, every student has a chance to become a disciple of Betzalel and to create his or her own visual midrashim on the Torah, reflecting his or her own individuality, creativity and understanding.

Rochel Czopnik
Judaic Studies Instructor

Thinking About Gifts and Miracles

Miracles, celebration, triumph -- they are all a part of the Hanukkah tradition. This year as we celebrate the Hanukkah season, let's remember the true spirit of the holiday. Hanukkah begins at sundown on Friday, December 11 and my guess is that while we are thinking about tradition, miracles, parties, and latkes, many of us are pondering gifts- for our children, grandchildren, friends and neighbors. Please don't forget your gift to Cardin!

Gifts to the Annual Fund Drive at The Shoshana S. Cardin School are used during the year in which they are received, and support the operating budget. They help make up the difference between tuition and the actual cost of a Cardin education. Our goal this year, $125,000, is lofty. We are convinced that with the growing enthusiasm surrounding the coming new Owings Mills campus and the clear understanding that our daily needs continue to be greater than the funds we collect from parents annually, we will meet that objective. One hundred percent participation will go far in our efforts to secure grants and support from charitable institutions. These funds allow us to continue programing such as the annual theatrical performance, our unique minyanim and lecture series and Interim Week.

Remember that your unrestricted gift goes immediately and directly to support the Cardin experience. Is there a better gift than that of a superior Jewish and secular education? Wouldn't it be grand to celebrate our own Cardin miracle with 100% participation?

Have a joyous holiday!

Marjorie Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Athletics Update

The basketball teams travel to in-conference rival Jemicy today. The girls’ play first with a start time of 4pm and then the boys will follow at approx. 5:30pm. The winners of these games will hold sole place of 1st in the conference standings.

Later on this week the girls’ will travel to the 33rd St. YMCA to face Baltimore Lab on Wednesday and the boys’ will travel downtown on Thursday to face Cristo Rey.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

30,000 Free Books!

30,000 Free Books!

No, really! 30,000 free books!

It’s the first day back at work after the Thanksgiving holiday, and one thing I’m always thankful for is having something entertaining to read.

I buy a lot of books, but I also read a lot of books, stories, and plays that I can download for free (legally!).

Here’s one of the best online sources: the Project Gutenberg site. They have literally thousands of books in electronic format: everything from Shakespeare plays to Sherlock Holmes mysteries by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, to big novels by Charles Dickens and Jane Austen. Most of these books are “public domain,” meaning the copyright has expired for the texts, and the authors can no longer get royalties. (Well, considering a lot of these authors are long dead, they probably don’t need our money anyway).

Sure a lot of these books are old—but that makes them CLASSICS. You’re certain to find something you’ll like, either to read on your computer screen, or to download to a portable device in different formats.

Happy reading!

Dr. Norman Prentiss
English Department

Go Cardin Basketball teams!!

The basketball teams look to improve their records this week as the girls face BT on Thursday at 4pm with the boys following that game taking on Norbel at 5:30pm. All games this week are home games which are played at the Park Heights JCC.

For updates, scores, stats and game summaries check out our team pages on www.highschoolsports.net.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Why Give?

With what I hope was a meaningful Thanksgiving now behind us, we are moving ahead to Hanukkah and the end of 2009. As we approach the last year of the new decade, it is certain that we at Cardin have much to celebrate, which translates to many challenges. Funding a Cardin education is an investment in Jewish continuity. Your annual gift helps to ensure that our children will be prepared to take leadership roles in Baltimore and beyond in the years to come.

Parents, grandparents, trustees, alumni and friends are aware that support for The Shoshana S. Cardin School strengthens a vibrant educational institution . As you visit classes and overhear conversation in the hallway, our commitment to pluralistic Judaism is evident. Students from many different Jewish backgrounds are both challenged and nurtured by outstanding educators dedicated to creating a passion for lifelong learning.

You have received your annual fund request by now. Please read it carefully and then respond to the best of your ability. As Cardin grows, it is essential that we build our culture of giving to include every person touched by the mission of the school.

One of the most astute writes of our time, Dr.Seuss said in The Lorax

“Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Please care!

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

The Jewish Climate Change Campaign Comes to Cardin

“Then your light will break through like the dawn." Isaiah 58:8

The Shoshana S. Cardin School was one of the first stops on a month-long tour of The Jewish Climate Change Campaign, powered by Teva, Hazon, GoGreenInIsrael.org and veggie oil. Seven Jewish environmental educators are traveling cross country over the course of the month, stopping in 20 cities, to bring their innovative Jewish perspective on environmental climate change to schools, and teaching students how everyone can play a part. This campaign is a call to action, a call to demonstrate that the Jewish people can help light the way to more sustainable living.

Cardin’s 9th and 10th graders had the opportunity to get on board the climate change bus tour and roll towards a cleaner future. Students participated in a two-hour workshop which included:

• The Topsy Turvy Bus fueled by veggie oil
• Bus tour with explanation of the grease and composting systems
• Solar panels demonstration
• Human powered bicycle generator.
• Building their own solar oven
• Educational content on energy consumption, conservation, and climate change
• Resources on the Jewish Environmental movement
• Ways to get involved in The Jewish Climate Change Campaign

To follow along with the tour as they make their way to the west coast click here to view their blog: www.Jclimatebus.wordpress.com

Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon
Director of Admissions

Congrats to Cardin Basketball Teams!

What a way to start off the season. Both the boys’ and girls’ basketball teams won last night in their season opener against conference foe, Sojourner Christian Academy.

Last year, Sojourner knocked both the boys’ and the girls’ teams out of the conference tournament, but last night’s contests were decided early in each game.

The girls’ played first and jumped out to an early and comfortable lead using full-court and half-court presses. The presses resulted in turnovers that in return resulted in easy baskets for Cardin.

The final score for the girls’ game was 32 – 18 with sophomore Arielle Bodner leading the scoring with 18 points and while adding a game high 5 assists and 8 steals. Captains Mollye Lipton and Ally Richmond controlled Sojourner on the defensive end combining for 19 rebounds, 10 of which were on the defensive boards, and 5 steals.

Overall, it was a very exciting game and we look forward for more to come.

Following the girls’ game the boys’ took the court. Not to be outdone by the girls, the boys also jumped out to an early lead with a ferocious full-court press resulting in turnovers and easy baskets.

Led by sophomore point guard and leading scorer Matt Danoff the boys ran their half-court offense superbly, opening up scoring opportunities for a number of players. Everybody on the boys’ team played, making it a well-rounded experience for all members of the team. I don’t have all of the stats for the boys’ game, but they will be posted at some point during the day on www.highschoolsports.net. From speaking with some of the managers, including official scorebook keeper Daniel Solomon, team Captain Segev Goldberg probably led in assists, with Captains Steven Verovsky and Rubin Waranch playing significant roles on both ends of the court with rebounds and points scored.

Overall, both teams did a great job and we are very proud of the hard work and dedication they have shown to Cardin athletics. Keep up the good work.

Thank you to all of the fans including family, faculty, students, and alumni. We had a huge turned out and it looks like we are going to need to make sure that on our new campus we take into consideration the amount of support these teams get when building our new gym.

Please remember to check out the team pages when you visit on www.highschoolsports.net. On the team pages you will find updated stats, scores, and game summaries. You also can support our school through the spirit wear. Just click on Cardin Apparel and design your own apparel. Not only will you be showing off your school spirit, but also a portion of the proceeds goes towards the Cardin athletics department.

Thanks again to everybody and have a wonderful and safe break. Happy Thanksgiving!

Sincerely,

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

News from the Art Room

Now that school is really in full swing, the art room has become a very busy place.

The Studio Art 12th grade girls are finishing up their papier mache busts and working on still life paintings. The Surrealism elective is coming to an end and there will be many beautiful collages to hang in the Moadon soon. Tuesday morning Art Minyan students are designing their own clocks to go along with their study of Kohelet, chapter 3 – “to everything there is a season….”. And last but not least, the Friday morning Art Minyan students are working on creating faux stained-glass pieces depicting Hanukah themes. And sometimes students just come in to work on their drawing skills when they happen to have a free period. Right now I have the pleasure of having Dora’s company as she is drawing a still life.

Elaine Brandes
Art Instructor

Athletics Update

This is a big week for Cardin athletics as both basketball teams begin their regular season. On Tuesday the girls’ team will start at 4pm with the boys’ team following at 5:30pm.

Come out and support our students as they continue to be ambassadors for Cardin.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Giving Thanks and Pie on Friday

Giving Thanks

The 18th blessing of the Amidah is called “Hoda’ah” or “Thanksgiving.”

It begins with a phrase from I Chronicles 29:13: “Modim anachnu lach…” (“We give thanks to You…”)

The Hebrew word “modim” implies both gratitude and acknowledgment.

In our tradition, the number 18 signifies “’life.”

So, in thanking God, we are reminded of the daily miracles of life.

Praised be God to whom thanksgiving is due.

As the holiday of Thanksgiving approaches, we also thank our wonderful community for the daily miracles of life at the Shoshana S. Cardin School.

Thank you students, teachers, parents, board members and friends, and have a meaningful and relaxing Thanksgiving.

Rabbi Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

PS - Happy Birthday to Mr. Whitfield! Cardin celebrated this occasion with several varieties of yummy pie.

Science of Chocolate Milk

Is it a substance? Mixture? Solution? Or suspension? How do you know?

In General Science, students are beginning their chemistry unit. Their first chapter has students learning about the classification of matter and how to use physical properties to classify, identify and choose materials. Matter is anything that takes up space and has mass. It can be classified as a substance, or matter that has the same composition throughout (element or compound), or a mixture, which has varying composition (heterogeneous and homogeneous). Mixtures can be further subdivided into solutions, colloids, and suspensions, which are categorized based upon the size of the largest particle. Further, a physical property is any characteristic that can be measured or observed about a material without changing the composition of the material. Examples include viscosity, conductivity, malleability, hardness, melting point, boiling point, and density. Scientists use these properties to identify materials and to choose appropriate materials.

In the Chocolate Milk Activity, students will classify chocolate powder, chocolate syrup, and milk based on their physical properties, such as viscosity, boiling point, and density. Then, they will have the opportunity to enjoy a glass of yummy chocolate milk!

Courtney Sims
Science Teacher

Development Update

With the exciting news about our acquisition of land in Owings Mills, the folks in the Development and Marketing arena have been focused on getting out into the community. We are checking the pulse and making sure that everyone is aware of our great news. To than end, some of us attended The Jewish Health, Wealth & Lifestyle EXPO on Sunday at the Pikesville Hilton. We joined some 60 other organizations and businesses. It was truly a delight to have so many people stop by to admire our architectural drawings and wish us a heart mazal tov. The vibes are good!

Next on the engagement calendar is representation at the BLEWS Annual Dinner meeting on December 8 where Senator Ben Cardin will be presented the BLEWS Public Service Award. Senator Cardin has been an important and committed friend of our school. What a great way to usher in the holiday season.

Speaking of which, how about honoring those on your gift list with a contribution to one of our many scholarship funds? Such gifts are long lasting and directly impact the lives of our students. Consider one of the following as you ponder the options for holiday giving:

Ann Zaiman Judaic Fund – The Ann Zaiman Judaic Fund was established by Rabbi and Mrs. Joel Zaiman to be used to subsidize enrichment opportunities supporting The Cardin School’s Judaic Studies program. Rabbi Stuart Seltzer, Dean of Judaic Studies at the Cardin School, has sole discretionary control to approve disbursements from this fund.

Rabbi Seymour L. Essrog Scholarship Fund - The Rabbi Seymour L. Essrog Scholarship Fund was established by the children and grandchildren of Rabbi Seymour L. Essrog z”l to provide financial assistance to eligible students.

The Jay A. Meyers Memorial Fund - The Jay A. Meyers Memorial Fund was established by the Meyers family in memory of Jay A. Meyers z”l, father of Jeremy Meyers ‘08, to provide scholarship assistance to students in financial need.

Friends of Shoshana S. Cardin Scholarship Fund - The Friends of Shoshana S. Cardin Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships to deserving students.

The Jacob Sokoloff Scholarship Fund – The Jacob Sokoloff Scholarship Fund was established by Ethel Blumenfeld, the sister of Jacob Sokoloff z”l, to memorialize his commitment to Jewish education and to provide scholarship assistance to eligible students.

The Library Fund - The Library Fund was established to purchase books, technology, and other materials for The Shoshana S. Cardin School library.

The Marlene and Stewart Educational Fund- established to enrich programs for students.

Contact Margi Hoffman, Director of Development and Marketing for more information .

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Athletics Update

Well the basketball teams are working hard to get ready for the season. The first games for both teams are on November 24 at the Park Heights JCC with the girls game starting at 4pm and the boys game starting at 5:30pm.

This Sunday the teams enjoyed a relaxing, fun morning of basketball as we had an open gym from 10am-noon. With the teams mixed up of boys and girls, including a few of us older boys and girls, Ms. Sims, Mr. Jeff Zaleon, and myself, we played pick-up games the entire time. It was a lot of fun and the kids learned a little bit along the way as well.

So come out and support our teams!

Thanks,

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Aspirations, Dreams, and Hopes

President Obama’s recent winning of the Nobel Peace Prize stirred much debate. He is the youngest person to even have won the prestigious award and many said he really has not done anything to merit it. They say that his accomplishments thus far are primarily rhetoric and aspiration. They represent his hopes and dreams for a better America and a better world. Noble and grand though they may be, those aspirations are yet unfulfilled and those dreams are but visions of reality, but not yet reality.

Aspirations…dreams and hopes…visions of reality. They may – or may not be – the stuff worthy of a Nobel Prize. I am not sure. But, on a different level and in a different arena, aspirations, dreams and visions of the future are the stuff of everyday existence.

Just ask parents. Parents cannot possibly know precisely how their children will turn out, but it does not prevent them from investing seemingly never ending energies in making aspirations, dreams and visions of the future a reality.

Just ask any teacher. Do teachers know how any of their students will ultimately turn out? Of course not, but it does not prevent them from doing all they can to inspire, encourage, challenge, cheer on and yes, educate, those who have been entrusted to their care.

As a rabbi and educator, I often think about the many Jewish children growing into adulthood without a significant Jewish education. I then think about my students here at Cardin. I don’t always know why they chose Cardin. I have no idea what role Judaism will ultimately play in their lives. All I know is – these are the ones that have been entrusted to me. These are the ones I have dreams about. These are the ones I have hopes for.

What will come of those hopes and dreams? I can’t say for sure, but experience has already taught me that some dreams very definitely come true!

Rabbi Yaakov Chaitovsky

Champions!!

Both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams won the Chesapeake Athletic Conference Championship!

Congrats to all of the players, coaches, and fans.

The cross country team also had a competitive showing in there Championship meet.

A special thanks to the seniors on the fall teams:

Michelle Cassel (GSoc)
Amanda-Megan Levin (GSoc)
Mollye Lipton (GSoc)
Kayla Reisman (GSoc)
Segev Goldberg (BSoc)
Avi Miller (BSoc)
Allison Waskow (XC)

The basketball teams have started practicing and getting ready for another exciting season.

The first games are on November 24 at the Park Heights JCC with the girls’ game starting at 4pm and the boys’ game starting at 5:30pm.

Congrats to our fall teams and good luck to our winter teams.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

A Time for Planting and a Time for BUILDING

“A Time for Planting”
In the Talmud, a beautiful story is found of an eccentric teacher named Honi, the Circle Drawer, a miracle worker who lived 2,000 years ago. One day, Honi saw an elderly man planting a tree and he asked him, “What are you planting?” The elderly gardener answered, “A carob tree.”

In how many years will it bear fruit?” asked Honi.

“70 years,” the old man responded.

“But you are very old,” Honi continued. “Will you live to see it bear fruit?”

The old man answered by saying, “When I came I found trees planted by those who lived before me. I am only doing for future generations what was done for me.”

“And a time for Building”
In the spirit of this story, the Cardin community is moving to its new permanent home at the former Rosewood Center in Owings Mills. Yes, it’s the first phase of the project, just a seed.

We can only begin to imagine what it will look like in 70 years!

Shabbat Shalom.

Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

November updates

Can’t believe it’s November already! OTOH, my classes have accomplished a lot. Just yesterday we finished reading The Scarlet Letter in 11th Grade Honors English. Using a speculative article by a forensic doctor, we did an analysis of whether there was sufficient evidence in the book to justify an off-beat claim that Chillingworth was slowly poisoning Dimmesdale. Later this week we will read the initial reviews of the book from 1850, and find out why it was considered as shocking as it was at the time. The students have also finished half of their vocabulary lessons for the year! Soon we are turning to the horror genre with some classic creepy tales by Baltimore’s own, Edgar Allan Poe. Students should enjoy writing their own scary stories next month.

In my senior seminar, we are studying the 20s and 30s and we all just enjoyed seeing the original of The Jazz Singer film. We talked about what messages the movie was making regarding assimilation of Jews into modern American life. Seniors are starting to pick their senior thesis topics – Adin was the first to turn his in, which will be on the impact of findings in quantum physics during the 20th century. Should be an interesting, if difficult, piece to read.

So all in all an interesting and busy start to the year!

Leslie Smith Rosen
Dean of General Studies

DARIUS GOES WEST: THE ROLL OF HIS LIFE

Darius is a pretty busy guy. In the summer of 2005 he left his hometown of Athens, GA for the first time ever, to travel west with 11 of his best friends for the journey of a lifetime. At that point he had never been out of Athens, never slept anywhere but home or in the hospital. In June 2008, Darius graduated from high school. Soon after, from September 2008 through September 2009, he traveled throughout the country with the Darius Goes West crew to promote the film and raise money for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) research. And just six weeks ago, on September 27, 2009, Darius turned 20 years old. He celebrated in New York City with his movie crew and they watched the television premier of Darius Goes West on MTV.

And he still hasn’t stopped. Right now he’s working with the crew to promote a contest called America’s Giving Challenge. The charity that has the most individual donations (it’s not the amount of money, but the number of givers) by this Friday, November 6 can win up to $50,000 for their charity (use this link if you’d like to give: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/248667?m=edd8a396).

Although Darius is a very busy guy he won’t be able to travel to our screening. His crew has gone back to their respective colleges and graduate schools and Darius isn’t able to travel on his own, without significant help. But he’s all set to be talk with us on November 15th. Following the movie screening the audience will be able to chat with Darius via Skype. He won’t physically be in the room with us, but our projection system will make it seem like he is. Isn’t it amazing what we can do with technology?

Considering that Darius is battling a disease that is fatal to ALL boys with DMD by their early 20s, it’s just awesome to see all that he is doing. He has done more in his short life than many of us who have lived, and will live, much longer.

Please come out on November 15th to see the movie, to chat with Darius, and to help us raise money for Charley’s Fund, to find a cure for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Please buy your tickets now ($5 ea). Kayla and Beth are selling them at school. Or you can contact me. Tell your friends about this awesome movie. I look forward to seeing you there!

Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon
Director of Admissions

word of mouth

Word of Mouth – It was brought to my attention that “word of mouth” is the original social networking. That makes sense! Telling people about Cardin face to face, with sincerity, enthusiasm and commitment is a far stronger way to attract new families and potential supporters than print ads or other sophisticated media. As we work together to advance our school, those of us in the development office are anxious to continually let the community know about the myriad of challenging and intriguing programs in which our students are engaged. It is our job to let everyone knew about our talented faculty, dynamic and motivated students and involved parent association. To that end, Anne Greenspoon, the Director of Admissions and I have planned a session entitled Planting Seeds for Our Future to be held at school on Thursday, November 12 at 8:00AM. Please join us to learn techniques about advocating for Cardin!

Someone once shared this quote “Sanely applied advertising could remake the world.” Let’s start by talking to everyone about Cardin and making our own little change in the world.

Marjorie R. Hoffman

Director of Development and Marketing

Thinking about Purim in October

Saturday night, after Shabbat, ghosts and goblins, pirates and aliens, will roam the streets knocking on doors and begging for sweets. America will be celebrating Halloween. Several months from now American Jews will be celebrating Purim. So, probably, because it’s going to be Halloween, I am thinking about Purim. On Purim, I step outside of myself and into someone else’s costume. Even the Scroll of Esther itself sets the precedent for mask wearing. Esther the Jewess dresses up as a queen and Mordecai parades on a horse wearing the royal robes. So, maybe, just on Purim, I want to be a muscle man or Elvis, or even try to feel what it’s like to be Queen Esther or Mordecai. For one day only, our tradition gives me permission to be someone else. Then I step back into my skin and get back to the business of living. Once again, I become Rabbi Seltzer, Dean of Judaic Studies at the Cardin School.

Dia de los Muertos

Who would have thought that death could be a joyous occasion? How many of us could celebrate death “New Orleans style” – with music and dancing? How many could do it “Mexican style”? See if you can…

Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)

http://www.azcentral.com/ent/dead/articles/dead-history.html

More than 500 years ago, when the Spanish Conquistadors landed in what is now Mexico, they encountered natives practicing a ritual that seemed to mock death.

It was a ritual the indigenous people had been practicing at least 3,000 years. A ritual the Spaniards would try unsuccessfully to eradicate.

This ritual, which maintains some of the basic Aztec principals (such as the use of skulls) and has since been merged with Catholic theology, embraces death and ‘celebrates’ it. Unlike the Spaniards, who viewed death as the end of life, the natives didn’t fear death and viewed it as the continuation of life. To them, life was a dream and only in death did they become truly awake. Today it is celebrated in Mexico and certain parts of the United States, including the Valley.

Today, people don wooden skull masks called calacas and dance in honor of their deceased relatives. The wooden skulls are also placed on altars that are dedicated to the dead. Sugar skulls, made with the names of the dead person on the forehead, are eaten by a relative or friend, according to Mary J. Adrade, who has written three books on the ritual.

The Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations kept skulls as trophies and displayed them during the ritual. The skulls were used to symbolize death and rebirth.

The skulls were used to honor the dead, whom the Aztecs and other Meso-American civilizations believed came back to visit during the month long ritual.

"The pre-Hispanic people honored duality as being dynamic," said Christina Gonzalez, senior lecturer on Hispanic issues at Arizona State University. "They didn't separate death from pain, wealth from poverty like they did in Western cultures." However, the Spaniards considered the ritual to be sacrilegious. They perceived the indigenous people to be barbaric and pagan and in their attempts to convert them to Catholicism, the Spaniards tried to kill the ritual.

But like the old Aztec spirits, the ritual refused to die. To make the ritual more Christian, the Spaniards moved it so it coincided with All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day (Nov. 1 and 2), which is when it is celebrated today. Previously it fell on the ninth month of the Aztec Solar Calendar, approximately the beginning of August, and was celebrated for the entire month. Festivities were presided over by the goddess Mictecacihuatl. The goddess, known as "Lady of the Dead," was believed to have died at birth, Andrade said.

In rural Mexico, people visit the cemetery where their loved ones are buried. They decorate grave sites with marigold flowers and candles. They bring toys for dead children and bottles of tequila to adults. They sit on picnic blankets next to grave sites and eat the favorite food of their loved ones.

In Mesa, Arizona the ritual has evolved to include other cultures, said Zarco Guerrero, a Mesa artist. "Last year, we had Native Americans and African-Americans doing their own dances," he said. "They all want the opportunity to honor their dead."

In the United States and in Mexico's larger cities, families build altars in their homes, dedicating them to the dead. They surround these altars with flowers, food and pictures of the deceased. They light candles and place them next to the altar. "We honor them by transforming the room into an altar," Guerrero said. "We offer incense, flowers. We play their favorite music, make their favorite food."

Srta./ Morah Frumin

Spanish & Hebrew Instructor

College Majors and more

Choosing a major is a tough decision and students may even start college undecided. Cardin 11th and 12th graders are in the midst of this exciting college application process. A great way to begin this process is to explore a range of fields and interests. College Majors 101 is a FREE, NACAC approved resource that lets you search various fields of study and links you to related university/college websites. The site utilizes specially made YouTube videos, course descriptions, and career explanations to provide you with more information. I highly suggest that you take a look at this fun, free resource! The website is: http://www.collegemajors101.com/

Cardin students are also meeting with lots of college representatives! This week's visits include: Muhlenberg College, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Syracuse University, Goucher College, and List College. At these meetings, students get the chance to learn more about the colleges and have one-on-one meetings with the admissions representatives.

Enjoy!

Hallie M. Schein
Director of College Counseling

Developments in Development

After months of careful planning, The Cardin School’s inaugural Vision in Action Celebration, which honored Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum was a colossal success. The 195 guests enjoyed the musical selections of Rabbi Yaakov Chaiotovsky, feasted on a gourmet dinner catered by Hoffman& Company and were delighted to hear personal and humorous tales from the Greenebaum’s son and close friends. Rabbi Stuart Seltzer retold the Noah story featuring Marlene and Stewart building a school rather than an ark. We far surpassed our financial goals and look forward to reaping the benefits of the newly established newly established
Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Educational Fund.

Development work is never ending, so join me in thanking our many donors and get ready to celebrate when The Associated ratifies the contract on the Owings Mills campus.
May we all go from strength to strength and party to party!


Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Athletics Update

This week is a busy and exciting week for Cardin athletics.

Monday, Boys’ soccer will travel to Patterson Park to face Cristo Rey in the last regular season game. The game starts at 4:30pm and the team will be dismissed from Cardin at 3:25pm.
Approximate return to Cardin will be around 6:30pm.

Then the Championships begin!

Jemicy has graciously volunteered to host all three fall sports championships this year.
The Jemicy Upper School campus is located at the former Ruxton Country School campus, just north of the Rosewood land on Garrison Forrest Road.

The Jemicy School
11202 Garrison Forest Rd,
Owings Mills, MD 21117

We are very excited for this year’s fall sports championships because Cardin is being represented in all three sports!

Here’s the information related to each sport including dates, opponents, dismissal times, and start times of the games.

Date Sport Opponent Dismiss Start
Tues, Oct 27 Cross Country CAC Schools 3:25pm 4:30pm
Wed, Oct 28 Boys’ Soccer Jemicy 3:25pm 4:30pm
Thurs, Oct 29 Girls’ Soccer Jemicy 3:25pm 4:30pm

So please come on out and support our Cardin students as they represent our school in such positive ways.

Thanks,

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

“Imagining With A Little Help From My Students”

“Imagining With A Little Help From My Students”

Sometimes I try to imagine who wrote each of the individual morning blessings we recite every day. Sometimes I try to imagine the events, experiences, or occasions which “inspired” the creation of a particular blessing. And sometimes I ask my students to help me with the “wondering.” This week’s Torah portion is Noach. Mark Mazer from the graduating class of 2008 helped me imagine Noah composing many of our morning blessings.

“Who open the eyes of the blind”
Noah might have said this upon first seeing land after the Flood. However, he might also have said this upon first being approached by God, thankful that he has been informed of the impending doom.

“Who releases the bound”
Noah might have said this after being released from the Ark, finally able to move about freely.

“Who clothes the naked”
Noah might have said this after waking up from his drunken stupor when Shem and Japheth dressed him.

“Who makes guides us on our path”
Noah might have said this with his first steps on land, after having spent so much time on the Ark.

“Who strengthens the people Israel with courage”
Noah might have said this with a deep breath upon preparing for his life after the Flood, knowing that it would be a long hard journey, and that he would need much strength.

Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

Athletics Update

The Cardin Race for the Cure team rose over $1500 this year! Thank you to everyone who participated.

Boys and girls soccer continue their winning ways. With both teams leading the conference with undefeated in conference records and looking to continue that streak as they both face conference opponents in the upcoming games - girls soccer at Cristo Rey on Thursday and boys soccer at Cristo Rey on Monday.

The cross country team continues to take strides in a positive direction as they prepare for the conference championship this upcoming Tuesday at Jemicy.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Does Ice Cream Cause Drowning?

Does Ice Cream Cause Drowning?

In AP Statistics, we are learning about correlation—a mathematical measure of the relationship between two variables. When two variables are correlated, we can use the value of one to reasonably predict the value of the other. We can find examples of correlation everywhere. Here’s an example dear to my heart—for those of us who drink coffee each morning, there is a correlation between caffeine intake and reported energy level. When we have our daily caffeine fix, we tend to report high levels of energy. When we miss our morning coffee, we typically report low energy levels. In this case, caffeine intake and perceived energy levels are correlated because a change in one variable biologically causes a change in the other.

It is therefore natural to assume, every time we see a relationship on paper between two variables, that one variable explains the other. This is a dangerous statistical fallacy known as confusing correlation with causation. There may be a mathematical pattern between two quantities, but that pattern does not mean that a change in one causes a change in the other.

An example: there is a correlation between ice cream sales and rates of drowning. When ice cream sales are high, rates of drowning are high. When ice cream sales are low, deaths by drowning are far less common. Do ice cream sales, then, cause people to drown?

Of course not. It turns out that a separate variable—time of year—affects both ice cream sales and rates of drowning. During the summer, it is hot and sunny, so people buy ice cream to cool down. People also swim and visit the beach more during the summer, and thus there are more swimming-related accidents. Ice cream sales and drowning therefore have a clear mathematical relationship despite the fact that neither variable has any effect on the other.

Correlation and causation are easily confused. Our minds are trained to find simple, easily-articulated patterns, so we often look at the relationship between two variables in a vacuum, forgetting that in the real world, quantities are affected by a multitude of different factors. The next time you read that two values are connected to one another mathematically, remember that real-world quantities are produced by a tremendously complex system of different influences. The correlation you see does not automatically imply causation.

Todd Bryant
Mathematics Instructor

Open House this Sunday!

This Sunday, October 25th is an opportunity for Cardin to shine. Prospective families will be coming to Cardin to learn about our school, to evaluate and see if they feel that Cardin is a place where they fit as well. Families will hear from faculty, students, parents and alumni and we will have an opportunity to highlight all that makes Cardin so special. Guests will, of course, have a chance to ask their questions.

This is the perfect time to refer a friend. Let them know about our Open House and encourage them to come. Encourage them to bring a friend. Friends, family, neighbors, colleagues, schoolmates, fellow congregants are all welcome. The program begins at 3 pm. I look forward to welcoming a full house!!

Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon

Director of Admissions

Another Shehecheyanu moment

The world of development is multi-faceted. Right now we are planning our first major event, honoring Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum for their visionary leadership of our school. It is 9:30 on Monday morning and the celebration will take place on Wednesday evening. Since 9:05, I have had several phone calls from generous people who want to join us, place tributes in our virtual journal, sit with particular people, select alternative food and wish us well. It is all very exciting as we look forward to another first at the Shoshana S. Cardin School. This is truly another Shehecheyanu moment for our community! Watch for photo highlights next week.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Personal Finance class on TV

The State Comptroller came to visit Cardin's Personal Finance class today. He watched as Mrs. Schein taught the students about the taxes that are taken out of gross wages when they get a paycheck. Cardin's program is a model for other financial literacy courses around the state. The class was also joined by a camera crew from a local news station. Barring any other huge newsworthy events, a feature on Channel 2 (WMAR-tv) will be on tonight sometime between 5 and 6:30 pm. Congrats to Mrs. Jan Schein and the financially literate 12th graders!

Moon Gazing

On Sunday, October 18th and on Monday, October 19th, we will celebrate Rosh Hodesh Cheshvan. Rosh Hodesh is a time for new beginnings, for learning new things, for making new relationships and for making changes in our lives.

The various phases of the moon are windows we can look through to see passages of educational time.

The first light of the moon sparkles like the light in an excited student's eyes.
The first quarter of the moon is the student who is half way toward a goal.
The full moon is the face of mastery and articulation.
The waning quarter is internalization, personalization and reflection.

The new moon is a student walking into the classroom for the first time.
The first quarter of the moon is a time for new friendships.
The full moon is a community of learners.
The last quarter moves friendship into new territories.

The new moon is the first day of school.
The first quarter of the moon is a sense of belonging.
The full moon is declaration, acquisition of knowledge, responsibility, obligation, confidence,and acceptance.
The last quarter is graduation.

Witness the phases of the moon this month. What do you see?
Be patient, open, and trust in gazing into the darkness.

Happy Rosh Hodesh,

Rabbi Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

Study Halls

Study Halls

Many of the study hall periods have a new feel this year. Students have a “home-base” for study halls with desks and comfortable chairs at which to study, extra copies of textbooks, computers for group and individual assignments, and a whole wall of study skills information and graphic organizers. On the occasion that students have no homework to complete during this time, they can engage in a game of chess or scrabble, or challenge themselves to put together a difficult puzzle. Students are also able to use this time to ask peers or teachers for assistance with difficult subjects, and they have been very productive during this time.

Amy Fink
Instructor of History

If Columbus could see us now...

U.S. History

America has come a long way since Columbus discovered the New World. The U.S. History classes began the year learning about colonization, and the reasons behind European expansion into the New World. We’ve explored the development of a new people through the creation of mock-colonies of our own, skits, student and teacher-made PowerPoint presentations, and intense discussion. This week we’re working hard to follow the maps of the Revolutionary War and create a timeline of the battles. Students are learning how to put their work into writing through the start of research papers, journaling, and answering document based questions. This will be a great year as we continue to explore development and cycles of America’s history. What would Columbus say if he could see us now?

Amy Fink
Instructor of History

Athletics Update

Last week was a good week for the boys’ soccer team who added three wins to their record and now is riding a four game win-streak into this week. They travel to Queen Anne school on Thursday for their second meeting of the year. The first meeting Queen Anne School outscored Cardin 4-2, but this is a different team playing now.

The girls’ are coming off a much tougher week, but look to bounce back as they play Queen Anne School on Tuesday and Beth Tfiloh on Wednesday. Both games are at home with a start time of 4:30pm.

The cross country team continues to improve both individually and as a team. They have another meet this Tuesday at Jemicy with a start time of 4:30pm.

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

BLEWS

Like the Cardin students before them, our Class of 2012 joined the ranks today by entering into BLEWS. BLEWS - the Black/Jewish Forum is a Baltimore based program that was created over 25 years ago by area rabbis and pastors to promote increased respect between the diverse communities. The kick-off gathering included a lot of get-to-know-you activities as well as goal-setting. I found it noteworthy that the majority of students voiced their most important goal as getting to know more about each others’ cultures. The day concluded with a Sukkot-related activity where the students harvested (or weeded) at a local elementary school.

I know the 10th graders were really anticipating their first meeting. They were curious about what they would be doing, who they would meet, if they would have fun, etc. As a spectator, I could see that the Western students really took an interest in our kids. And just like the Cardin students before them, perhaps BLEWS will not only spark dialogue between the students, but hopefully it will give the kids the opportunity to create lasting friendships.

Jackie Villet
School Counselor

Personal Finance Enlightenment

“A handful of benighted states lack requirements for high-schoolers to learn anything about personal finance. Maryland is one,” So says Jay Hancock in Educating Md. Students in Finance is the Smart Move (http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bal-bz.hancock02oct02002023,0,1380804.column. BUT WAIT! Although we live in a “benighted state,” we are far from being unenlightened. Cardin students are required to take a personal finance course in their senior year, enabling them to make wise financial choices. Someone should tell Jay Hancock that the Cardin School has moved beyond the dark ages of personal finance requirements!

-Barbie Prince
Head of School

Giving from our hearts

Last week, as I was exiting the beltway to turn onto Reisterstown Road, I had red light. Standing beside the line of cars, me was a young woman holding a sign explaining that she was unemployed with two small children. I noticed that person in the car in front of me made a donation. She then moved and was standing right beside my car, looking sad and sincere. I pondered for less than a minute and reached into my purse. Just as the light was chain gin, I handed her my contribution and she resided with “I will pray for you- thank you so much.”

The Shulchan Aruch , YD 249:7 says “if a person convinces another person to give, their reward is greater than when they give on their own.”

I spend my days devising ways to raise thousands, perhaps one day, millions of dollars for our school. This is something so foreign to the young woman on the beltway, yet we all want what is best for our children and families. In these very challenging times, let’s all think when asked to give and then give from our hearts for all the right reasons.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

eating in the sukkah

Here are some pictures from faculty and students eating lunch in our Sukkah!

Athletics Update

Coming off of one of the best week’s in Cardin athletics history, the fall sports teams are looking forward to another exciting week of games.

Hoping to ride the momentum from last week’s impressive wins the boys' and girls' soccer teams have big games today. The boys team will host Cristo Rey Jesuit at the Baltimore Hebrew Fields at 4:30pm, while the girls team travels to the Park School at 4:30pm. Later this week the boys will host Kingsbury on Wednesday and then travel to the Waldorf School to host in-conference rival, Jemicy, on Thursday. The girls team will host Jemicy on Thursday. All games this week have a start time of 4:30pm.

Let’s not forget about our cross country team! After setting some personal bests and having multiple players place in the top ten last week, the cross country team will head to Jemicy again on Tuesday to continue to take positive strides. All cross country meets are held on Tuesdays at Jemicy with a 4:30pm start time.

The best part about our teams on-field success is that although competitively we are becoming stronger, we are still known as the “friendly school." Much credit goes to our students, coaches, faculty, and fans for representing Cardin in a positive way that is noticeable. Sportsmanship has carried our sports program over the years when we may not have had the most competitive teams. I appreciate that even after wins, we haven’t lost what makes us such a great school.

You can still sign-up and/or donate to the Race for the Cure by going to www.komenmd.org and searching “The Shoshana S. Cardin School.”

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Sukkot Ushpizin

There is a custom of inviting ushpizin – symbolic guests – each day to join us in the sukkah. These honorary guests are Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Aaron and David. One is invited each day. Recently, some people have invited the matriarchs and other important women of the Bible to be ushpizin in the Sukkah. One list includes Sarah, Rachel, Rebecca, Leah, Miriam, Abigail and Esther. Since our generation has witnessed an increase in the number of Sukkot, additional famous guests from the Bible have been known to drop by, if not for the entire meal, only for dessert.

Can you figure out which Biblical figures could be visiting the Cardin Sukkah this year?

If you marry a great leader, don’t expect him home for supper.

The hole was deep and cold, and I didn’t have my coat.

Whatever you do, wherever you go, we’ll always go through it together.

The way to a brother’s birthright is through his stomach.

The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

When he lifted the stone I knew he was the one.

I am the funniest man in the Bible. I brought the house down.


Hag Sameach,

Rabbi Stuart Seltzer
Dean of Judaic Studies

I read it, but I don’t get it

I read it, but I don’t get it *

What is a teacher, a parent, or tutor to do when a student remarks, “I read it, but I don’t get it?”
Have you heard your child say any of these statements?

“I’m just not a very good reader.”
“I read it but I don’t get it.
“It takes too long to read.”
“I’m an OK reader, I am just not interested.”
“I like to read sometimes, but there isn’t anything good to read.”
“Reading is boring.”

What causes students to be successful in class and struggle with reading? Often, students approach a text without strategies, ways of decoding the text and using reading strategies. Below are a few strategies to aid in the reading process:

1. Setting a purpose for reading

a. People read for different reasons. For example, you may read a horror story to be entertained and a history of World War II to learn more about the subject that interests you. When you read, it is often helpful to set a purpose for reading, or determine what you’d like to get out of a piece of writing. To get an idea of that purpose, try asking yourself questions that begin with who, what, when, where, why and how.

2. Annotating a text

Annotating a text involves the following:
· circling important phrases
· underlining key sentences
· taking notes in the margins of a text/document
· rephrasing the author's language into your own words
· raising questions

3. Rereading a text

Just as having more than one conversation with another person leads to closer understanding, conducting a number of readings leads to a richer and more meaningful relationship with, and understanding of, a text.

If your first reading is for basic information and evaluation, subsequent readings can take on different levels of focus (on style and tone, on details, on examples, on intellectual or ideological tradition, etc.).

In re-reading, work to separate parts of arguments (e.g., thesis idea, evidence, preview, counterarguments) and to understand how these parts work to support the author’s thesis.
(http://writing.umn.edu/sws/quicktips/process/crit_read.htm)

The strategies above are a few of the many reading strategies to assist in critical reading.

-Joel Neft
English Teacher

* Title borrowed from Cris Tovani’s book, I read it, but I don’t get it

College Reps Visiting Cardin

Every fall, college admissions representatives set out on their fall travel. During this time, the representatives visit high schools, attend college fairs, and promote their institutions. Here at the Cardin School, dozens of representatives come each fall to meet with interested 11th and 12th graders. This is a chance for interested students to learn more about each college and also for the representatives to get to know Cardin. College admissions is a multifaceted process that rests strongly on relationships formed between the high school and college.

The following colleges and universities have already visited Cardin this year:
Florida Southern College
Hood College
The Technion Israel Institute of Technology
Beloit College
UMBC
Hampshire College
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Tampa
Yeshiva University
Emerson College
University of MD, College Park

The following schools will be visiting Cardin in the coming weeks:
Elizabethtown College
University of AZ
Drew University
Simmons College
Johns Hopkins University
Lehigh University
Young Judaea Year Course in Israel
Franklin & Marshall College
Dickinson College
Juniata College
Vanderbilt University
American University
Stevenson University
Clark University
Emory University
Binghamton University
Ohio Wesleyan University
Brandeis University
Muhlenberg College
Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Goucher College
List College (JTS/Columbia/Barnard)
Ohio State University
The George Washington University
and more...

Thinking About Giving

Thinking about Giving…Many of our congregations rightfully take advantage of record attendance at services during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur to explain the myriad programs that they offer and then ask for financial support. At Cardin, as we plan for various needs, it important for donors and prospective donors to think about why they give, and what they hope the gift will accomplish. As a Jewish day school community, the best question to ponder when thinking about giving is what compels you to send your child to Cardin? Can you think of a particular moment when you knew this was the right choice?

The economic times are a challenge, but as you are aware our need is great. So, think about giving. In Psalms 106:3 it says, “Happy are those who act justly, who do righteousness (tzedakah) at all time. Be happy!

Margi Hoffman
Director of Development

Athletics Update

This week is a very exciting one for our athletics program. Today the boys’ soccer and our coed cross country teams will be traveling to Jemicy. This is a rivalry game for our soccer team and the opening meet of the season for our cross country team. The girls’ soccer team will also be opening their season today playing at home v Jemicy.

Lastly, we are pushing to have a high participation rate for Cardin athletes in the Race for the Cure on Sunday, October 18th. It’s a great opportunity for Cardin to get our name out to the community while doing a very good thing. Plus, when we get a bunch of the students, parents, and faculty to join in it becomes a fun activity away from the normal school related stuff. Sign-up before Oct. 1 to ensure that you get your t-shirt and race-day information in the mail prior to the event. And you don’t have to run, you can walk, jog, skip, or just hang out and eat the free food the vendors give away. The most important thing is that we sign-up. Our name is under T for The.
www.komenmd.org

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

Chickens Strike

Catastrophic Chicken Strike Set to Hamper Repentance Efforts in Baltimore

Jews in Baltimore may be looking forward to the practice of Kapores, (ridding their sins by spinning a chicken above their heads), but many of the city’s chickens have had enough and are planning a strike. They are planning to protest in Cardin’s parking lot Friday at 2:30 right when dismissal is taking place and the bus with 9^th/10^th grade students will be leaving for their Shabbaton. The chickents want to draw as much attention to their plight as possible. Chicken Little, the new president of the Union of Kosher Chickens, told Rabbi Seltzer that “We are not going to take it anymore! We are going on strike! Down with Kapores! Freedom for fowl.” Chicken Licken told Mrs. Prince that “it’s bad enough they make us into soup and schmaltz and Shabbat dinner.” Henny Penny told Coach that she refuses to be used for Kapores anymore. As of blog time, not a single member of the Baltimore Jewish community reached out to a single chicken. Rabbi Seltzer said that the currently planned strike could mar this year’s repentance efforts and hopes that a resolution will be reached.

Rabbi Seltzer

Science can be FUN!

Dr. Seuss meets science…

Bartholomew and the Oobleck 1949

As the story goes: in the kingdom of Didd, King Derwin orders snow and rain to be replaced by Oobleck and it rains down as a sticky, gummy, green liquid that clogs up the whole kingdom. Well, you can make your own ‘Oobleck’ at home with 1 part water mixed with 2 parts cornstarch and a little green food coloring. The peculiar thing about Oobleck is its amazing ability to be both a liquid and solid. Classified as a ‘non-Newtonian’ fluid it actually has a varying viscosity. This type of ‘fluid’ has possible uses in body armor as it moves like a fluid and resists impact like a solid. Try it at home and see what you think about your own Oobleck.

Mr. Whitfield

Science & Math Department Chair

You Make A World of Difference

“You Make a World of Difference.” That’s the quote on the pencil holder sitting on my desk. I received the pencil holder as a thank you at the end of one of my many years of teaching religious school. It was a simple thank you gift, but one that reminds me on a daily basis how important it is to let people know that we appreciate them and their help. So let me take this time to let you all know how appreciative I am for your help and that I think that “you make a world of difference.”

Recruiting for Cardin is a community effort. I would like to let you know how much I appreciate all that you do to help our recruiting effort at Cardin. Thank you to:

Parents who volunteer to make phone calls.
Parents who come to recruitment programs to talk about their Cardin experience.
Students who wake up early on Sunday mornings or stay out late on weeknights to be Cardin Student Ambassadors.
Faculty members who stay late or come in on Sundays to help with Open Houses, special events, and other recruitment activities.
Families who open up their homes to host parlor meetings.
Board members who are caring and committed to the mission of our school.
Cardin office staff who prepare, set up, and clean up our recruitment programs.
All who will take a yard sign advertising our Open House and display it in their yard.

I know that I will have lots more opportunities to say thank you over the course of this year. Please be on the lookout for a unique way that we will say thank you to families for helping to recruit new students to Cardin. In the meantime, please remember that all your help really does make a world of difference.

Anne Tanhoff Greenspoon
Director of Admissions

Development News

Last Wednesday as part of our regular minyan series, the Cardin community had the privilege of hearing Lee Hendler speak about philanthropy and why it is a Jewish imperative. I am glad that I was able to take a break from planning the Vision in Action celebration honoring Marlene and Stuart Greenebaum, to hear some inspirational words of Torah. Her message to the students about helping others because it is the right thing to do, stimulated thoughtful questions and conversations. It was wonderful to watch as the students absorbed her spirited words describing her experiences as a philanthropist growing up in a non-observant Jewish family; a family who took great personal joy in helping others. As we educate the next generation of leaders for our community, it is my hope that they internalize and appreciate the kind of exchange that took place and that they too consider the needs of others now and in the future.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing

Race for the Cure

Have you registered to be a part of The Shoshana S. Cardin team on Sunday, October 18? Go to www.komenmd.org and look for us under teams! We need you!!

Please call Margi Hoffman at 410-585-1400 extension 220 with questions.

Athletics Update

This weekend Coach Minton helped run a baseball clinic with the Orioles.

Cross Country continues training by working on their long distance pace and finishing sprints for the first cross country meet next Tuesday.

Girls Soccer will open its season at home against Cristo Rey tomorrow at 4:30pm across the street at Baltimore Hebrew. Thursday’s game v Beth Tfiloh has been cancelled. So for the remainder of the week the girls will be practicing.

The boys’ soccer team will practice through the week preparing for their face off with BT on Thursday at 4:30pm at Summit Park Elementary School.

Last week’s game v Queen Anne School was a close one, but the boys couldn’t quite pull it off. Final score was 4-2.

Please come out and support our students as they continue to positively represent our school.

Thanks,

Foye C. Minton, Jr.
Dean of Students & Director of Athletics

The Sounds of Silence

On the day before Rosh HaShanah our tradition instructs us not to sound the shofar.
Instead we listen to the silence.

When Rosh HaShanah falls on Shabbat we do not sound the shofar.
Instead we listen to the silence.

Maybe our tradition is teaching us to pay attention to the silence, to listen to the silence, and to honor the silence.

The silence of a friend who lost a loved one
The silence of a student who doesn’t have a friend
The silence of deep mysterious space
The silence of a student who is afraid to ask a question
The silence of someone is embarrassed to ask for help
The silence of the poor
The silence of peace
The silence in the house when a baby is sleeping
The silence at a play just before something dramatic happens
The silence when the television goes off
The silence when the cell phone battery dies
The silence between two people who are very comfortable with each other
The silence at dawn
The silence in between the shofar notes
The silence of repentance
The silence of compassion
The silence after apologizing
The silence after accepting an apology

Rosh HaShanah is almost here, so we must be silent a while longer, to appreciate the silence and what it means to end it.

Shanah Tova U’metukah!

Rabbi Seltzer

(I want to thank the members of Cardin’s Reform and Conservative minyanim for helping me to make this list)

L'shanah Tova!

Tikkun Olam and the New Year

As Rosh Hashanah approaches, our school has conducted special minyanim relating to Tephilah Tzedakah, and Teshuva. In contemplating these essential aspects of Jewish thought and practice, I would like to share inspiration that pertains to Tikkum Olam. The New Year provides an opportunity to contemplate how we can repair our world, and I look for models that provide a framework of possibilities.

My brother and his wife contemplated the plight of abandoned children in Oregon, and petitioned Social Services to request adoption of children that were currently in foster care. They made the decision to adopt to start their family. This was a life changing decision, and they were ready for the commitment.

After two years of bureaucratic madness, they grew quite frustrated in that no children were assigned to them in the adoption process. Finally, Oregon Social Services contacted them and made a request. They were seeking an adoptive family for three children, all siblings: two brothers and a sister. Their ages were four, three, and one. Can you imagine being middle aged and suddenly going from no children to three? They accepted for adoption the three children and an instant family was their reality.

I visited my family in Portland, Oregon this summer and enjoyed meeting my two new nephews and niece. They had great energy, were all smiles and full of laughter, and were well on their way to the adjustment of foster care to an adoptive family. I was overjoyed for all.

I am not suggesting that we seek adoption of three children as a Tikkun Olam moment, but hope Rosh Hashanah generates the opportunity to find a way to determine what Tikkun Olam means to us individually as Jews, and to the greater benefit of humanity as a whole. My brother has provided me with much to contemplate, and I admire and respect his decision. I hope this New Year we find the path to Tikkun Olam that works best for us all.

Bob Cantor
Social Studies Chair
Psychology and History Instructor

Postsecondary Paths

Last night, several parents and students came together for the annual College Night program. As a group, we learned from Mrs. Karen Felton, the Senior Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Maryland College Park. After leaving this event, I reflected on the diverse post-secondary paths taken by Cardin students over the last three years.

Although nearly 100% of Cardin graduates are bound for four-year colleges, I think it is important to recognize that there are several ways of getting there. Some students may begin at a community college. Contrary to previous public opinion, the community college option is actually an academically rigorous path where students can pursue various courses of study and cultivate their passions. Furthermore, this path is often a less expensive option than traditional residential four-year colleges. Sometimes, beginning this way can help financially prime a student for later academic endeavours.

A second popular post-secondary option for Cardin students and other students around the world is a gap year. A gap year is a year between high school and college where the student typically defers enrollment to college to travel, intern, work, etc. Cardin students who have pursued this option have done so through gap years in Israel such as Young Judaea and Israeli yeshiva study programs. This year, The Cardin School will be hosting a MASA Gap Year in Israel Fair on November 3 from 5-7pm. This event will be open to the surrounding community and will feature representatives from numerous gap year programs and Israel/Jewish studies college programs. For more information on gap years in Israel, visit www.masaisrael.org.

No matter how the student gets there, post-secondary education is becoming a hot topic in our society. I have started a college counseling blog that comments on contemporary issues in college counseling. Every child is unique and there is no single path toward future success. For some students traveling in Israel for a year will help them mature and prepare them for rigorous academic studies in college, while other students may just dive right into a campus experience. No matter their path, I am confident that Cardin students will succeed and thrive.

Hallie Schein
Director of College Counseling

Vision in Action

Dewitt Jones is a renowned National Geographic photographer whose work reflects his enormous skill. His patience in capturing the world around him is result of goal-setting and refusal to settle for less than the best shot. He has said” It is passion that gives us the energy we need to creatively tackle the challenges before us. When we couple passion with solid techniques and craftsmanship, we can make our vision come to life.”

In the Cardin development world, our vision is clear, our techniques are proven, and we work consistently to maintain the energy needed to pursue that vision. Our inaugural Vision in Action dinner, honoring Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum for their commitment to our school takes place on Wednesday, October 21. We are hoping that you will join us as we continue to bring our own vision to the forefront in the Baltimore community.

Marjorie R. Hoffman
Director of Development and Marketing