EXTRA CURRICULAR - Bnos Yaakov

EXTRA CURRICULAR
Chessed Program
"vbch sxj okug”. The world will be built on sxj. sxj
is not just a weekly chore to fill, rather it is a privilege!
In cegh ,ubc our girls are motivated to become
sxj ,ukgc and thus be a part of “building the world.
Our sxj program headed by Mrs. Baila Brach is an
integral part of Bnos Yaakov’s curriculum. We
launched our program with a beautiful “sxj brunch”
in our gym set up to model
a “Chase” bank depicting
the theme of chasing sxj.
hbpsrh sxju cuy lt”
“hhj hnh kf .
The sxj heads were
“tellers” encouraging all
the girls to make deposits,
and choose a ”sxj plan”
which was best for them.
After an inspirational
speaker and slide show,
the girls started their heartfelt
sxj program.
The sxj jobs the girls are
involved in include partners
with special needs
girls, Beer Hagolah part-
ners, Adopt-a-Bubby, Helpa-Mom,
and others. The
girls keep a sxj journal
tracking their sxj hours and
experiences, which they
share with each other. Our
girls are also encouraged to
constantly look for sxj
opportunities throughout
their day. After four years of
wonderful sxj experiences,
we hope all our girls
will epitomize not just an
sxj cvut but a sxj ;sur,
a person who actively
pursues sxj at every opportunity!
hrt, anho
tvc, hartk
anj, vjhho
,urv
g. jhho vht
1012 Avenue I • Brooklyn, NY 11230
Tznius
“I never knew ,ughbm had so much depth….” “I am really interested in learning
all the different parts that make up true ,ughbm”! These were some comments
from our Bnos Yaakov 9th and 10th graders following our magnificent and inspiring
iuhg khk on ,ughbm. The theme was “The Real Hue”; focusing on our inner beauty
and true essence. The room was an array of colors and decorations which portrayed
the theme. Following an elegant and delicious supper (cooked by our parents),
the girls were privileged to hear different takes on ,ughbm from Mrs. Wrona,
Mrs. Ungar, Miss Ginsberg (who is spearheading the program) and special words
of inspiration from Mrs. Miriam Lieberman, a paragon of chesed and kiruv work,
as well as editor of A Time and special writer for the Binah magazine.
The evening culminated with a heartwarming kumzitz, headed by Bracha Borenstein
on the keyboard. The “Tznius
Event” was both a chizuk and an inspiration
for our girls to launch our year
long ,ughbm program. It consists of a series
of special lessons/stories/workshops
exploring and developing all
aspects of ,ughbm, inside and out.
G.O./
Extracurricular
Some of the greatest strides in learning
and overall development often occurs
among our students outside the classroom
whereby girls are able to shine in
new areas! Production, big and small, promotes
achdus and simchas hachaim, allows
girls to express their outstanding
talents and form beautiful new friendships. GO
and extracurricular activities offers girls the opportunity
to develop new strengths and explore different
facets of their personalities. Girls bond with
each other and their teachers by going on refreshing
outdoor trips, i.e. apple picking, the board
walk, Central Park flower conservatory, as well as
stimulating educational trips. They are treated to
exciting weekly Parsha games and monthly Rosh
Chodesh events hosted by their GO. Inspirational
and magnificent Chanuka and Purim chagigas
serve as an incredible showcase for our girls’ talents
through art, dance, music and games. Last, but
not least our extraordinary and uplifting Shabbatons
create warm memories of Bnos Yaakov that girls will cherish long into adulthood.
At Bnos Yaakov, we believe that not only
should we serve Hashem with happiness,
but that happiness allows us to serve
Hashem properly! Girls who are
genuinely happy are eager to do
mitzvos and help each other out.
Smiling teachers, exuberant learning and
extra curricular activities foster in each girl
a love towards the Torah and Mitzvos.

Welcome to Bnos Yaakov!
It is Bnos Yaakov’s sacred mission to guide young girls
on their journey as ktrah ,ubc and in their role of carrying
on our precious vruxn.
u Our ase hsunk curriculum emphasizes vru, and
vpeav which teach our girls a ohhjv lrs. Throughout
our four years, a strong foundation of vbunt and iujyc
is woven into the ase hsunk curriculum, creating the
bedrock of survival in these turbulent times.
u Our solid education enriches our student’s knowledge
of the vru, and provides the girls with the necessary
skills to decipher and understand oharpn in depth.
We inspire the girls with an excitement for the truth of
vru, through projects and creative, hands on learning.
u We provide a strong background in vfkv which is
the blueprint and guideline of how ktrah kkf conducts
ourselves at all times.
u Through in depth analysis of ohtcb hrpx, rxun hrpx
ohkv,, ,uct herp, vkhdn, hkan and we aim to inculcate
in our girls a deep understanding of human nature and
give them powerful tools to guide them in all their interactions
urcjk ost ihc .
u We believe in creating girls, each who are an cvut
and sxj ;sur in their own right. Under our dynamic
sxj program, girls learn about and are held accountable
for incorporating acts of school service sxj, at
home service sxj and community sxj services.
Through an atmosphere of ohna ,trh and, ,jna
ohhjv stimulating learning, and dynamic ,ufbjn who
serve as wonderful role models, Bnos Yaakov is proud
to assist young girls as they blossom into ktrah ,ubc.
Inside
t
t
t
- Mrs. Wrona
An exciting overview of our Limudei Kodesh curriculum
A “brainy” synopsis of our General Studies program
Chessed, Extracurricular & more!
A Vision Takes Root...
Issue 1
March 2011
Bnos Yaakov grew out of a vision and a mission to create a Bais Yaakov school that
would be a pillar of strength in today’s tumultuous and high tech times. Bnos Yaakov
would be a beacon of light and a fortress of Torah for girls in the Tri State area.
u Bnos Yaakov offers girls a stimulating, ase hsunk and enriched General Studies.
There is a strong academic program with an emphasis on thinking, writing, reading,
science and computer skills.
u Bnos Yaakov promotes a variety of learning methods, such as dynamic lecture,
Q & A, cooperative learning, small and large group work, presentations
and projects. Learning is integrated whenever possible i.e., in 10th grade, biology
is interconnected with nutrition, exercise, gym and baking. All cuy ohnh
are taught thematically through all subjects one week prior to the upcoming
cuy ouh. Each semester in every subject, students take one comprehensive
exam and complete one real world project.
u Bnos Yaakov believes in developing multiple intelligences in our students.
Everyone is given an opportunity to shine in at least one area. Girls are encouraged
to develop their spatial, kinesthetic, musical, linguistic, artistic, mathematical,
inter/intra personal and leadership skills. Students’ E.Q. as well as I.Q.
(Emotional /Intelligence Quotient) is developed throughout high school to create
thinking girls who interact positively and effectively with others at all times.
To create a well balanced student, Bnos Yaakov believes, students should learn
with rigor and creativity. This serves to develop articulate students who become
critical thinkers and excellent problem solvers, a very necessary tool in navigating
today’s world. All of the above academic accomplishments, are meant only
as a springboard. The shining traits of ,ughbm, sxj, and humility, should be the
girls’ constant companion alongside all of their accomplishments to develop
them into wholesome ktrah ,ubc of true ij and refinement.
- Mrs. Ungar
Boruch Hashem, Bnos Yaakov has experienced tremendous thnas t,ghhx and
has seen phenomenal growth. Currently, for c”ga,-2012, we have 144 students
enrolled for our third year of operation! We owe a huge debt of cuyv ,rfv to
our outstanding teachers and staff for creating such a warm school of ifu,. To
celebrate, Bnos Yaakov is launching their Inaugural Dinner. Please join us as we
hear Reb Shmuel Kamenetsky’s warm words of vfrc hrcs. The dinner will
pay tribute to Mr. & Mrs. Leibel Berger, Mr. & Mrs. Yankee Elbogen, Mr.
& Mrs. Gershon Ginsberg and Mr. & Mrs. Ephraim Weber, our exceptional
founding members who helped Bnos Yaakov from a dream to a reality.
To show your support of the school and place seats or ad reservations, please
visit www.bnosyaakov.com (dinner link) or call Bnos Yaakov at
718.506.1110. Thanking you for your support of ,ubcv lubhj. - Bnos Yaakov
Save the Date!
Join us at the
Bnos Ya akov
InaUGURaL DInnER
Wednesday, May 11, 2011 • t”ga, rhht ’z
at Young Israel of Avenue K
2818 Avenue K, Brooklyn, NY
Reception: 7:30 pm Dinner: 8:00 pm

Limudei Kodesh
In 9th grade we are traveling through
,una rpx with Miss Ginsberg learning themes alongside
in-depth analysis of oheuxp and oharpn. We have
recently focused on concepts such as "ktrah hrufc
hbc "- how we serve as a "light unto the nations”,
and the awareness that if ‘v wants someone to be successful,
they can achieve what seems difficult or even
impossible such as ubhcr van serving as the jhka to
take us out of ohrmn. There is wonderful positive energy
in the class as we analyze the oheuxp and discover
lessons that emerge. At times, students can
be found in groups of two or three as they try to
figure out a icnr together. In our journey through
,una rpx, we are approaching the end of ohrmn ,ukd
and gaining a deeper insight into the purpose of the
,ufn not only as punishment for the ohrmn but as lessons
for us. The girls are working on the major project
of the year; an in-depth report on the ,ufn
which will culminate with an animated and musical
DVD of all the ,ufn – appropriate viewing for all ages!
In ohrcs anuj, our 10th graders are plunging through
the significance and ruen of each mitzvah in the vru,.
Many of the mitzvos studied are reinforced in vfkv
and throughout all their other asue hsunk – solidifying
their deep understanding of the vpeav of each mitzvah
and how it enhances their daily lives. The girls are
also honing their meforshim skills by preparing
lubjv rpx on their own for each lesson. Through their
preparation and the insightful anuj lessons they can appreciate
the beauty of each of the mitzvos in ohrcs anuj.
‘hruyxv; the study of how we became who we are today:
Together with Miss Feldberger ‘hruyxv is the fascinating
discovery of the survival and development of the Jewish
people. In ‘hruyxv class, we journey through the
years and are introduced to remarkable personalities,
ohnfj hshnk, who have shaped our destiny and continue
to inspire us in our daily lives, giving us a renewed
sense of pride and ohhjv ,peav. We relive the
confrontations and celebrations of our ancestors. Each
lesson is informative, interesting, and intriguing. While
learning ‘hruyxv, girls are encouraged to comprehend
events, and understand the cycle of cause and effect.
Challenging extra credit questions promote research,
leading girls to further enrich their knowledge.
hvsu, \ hnho yucho
juna
vxyurhw
At Bnos Yaakov, ohcuy ohnh are given very special attention. Mrs. Dancinger
gives the girls a full picture of the origin, meaning, beauty and special impact of
each cuy ouh. A week or more before each cuy ouh, most classes suspend their
regular lessons and focus on the cuy ouh – creating a true interdisciplinary experience.
In vfkv – girls learn all the relevant ,ufkv about the upcoming cuy ouh,
in thcb or ohkv, or vkp, – they learn the relevant ,ukp, or ,uruypv, in anuj –
the essence of the cuy ouh, and in ohcu,f – they focus on a particular middah
personified within the cuy ouh such as simcha in preparation for ,ufx. The goal
of Bnos Yaakov is for our girls to be knowledgeable, completely immersed and
ready to participate with all their heart and soul for the upcoming cuy ouh!
The learning of sifrei kodesh gives girls a
great appreciation of the Torah and a
dveikus to Hashem, creating a rock solid
foundation of emunah and bitachon within.
pra, vachg
Through the lens of the weekly varp, the girls connect with our ,uct and ,uvnt
and other l”b, figures, and realize that their ancestors’ lives directly impact their
own lives today. Thus far, we’ve covered themes such as climbing the ladder
of spirituality, ohbck inhx ,uct vagn, big things come in small packages, attitude/altitude,
and looking at the glass half empty or half full. Each week the
girls learn a od,p relating to the weekly theme, with stories and songs interspersed
throughout the lessons.
preh tcu,
In ,uct herp, with Mrs. Wrona, the 9th graders are learning pearls of wisdom
about different character traits and how to acquire magnificent ,usn that will
direct them through life. They focus on topics such as anger, friendship, cuy ihg,
vjna, and others. Through oharpn, hrpo rxun , articles, poems and hands-on
assignments, the girls are learning to identify their weaknesses and strengths,
and are given the necessary tools to concretely improve their middos.

vfkv classes are practical and engaging, and are the
highlight of the week for both 9th and 10th graders.
The girls are privileged to have the knowledgeable
R’Benzion Schiffenbauer teach them ,ca ,ufkv and
cuy ouh, as well as the ,ufkv of urhcjk ost ihc such
as otu ct sucf, ohrcs ,tbut etc. Girls are encouraged
to come in every Monday with difficult questions
that may have come up over Shabbos.
,hrcg is enlivened with our very
special and engaging Miss Brison,
an award winning language teacher
in Hebrew and French! Under Miss
Brison’s firm direction, the girls
speak only Hebrew in class. A veteran
language teacher who is on the
board of Hebrew Regents, she
teaches our girls to value and
master the language via the
immersion method and
Ulpan style Hebrew. Special
class highlights include the
wonderful songs the girls
learn. and the Eretz Yisroel
style celebrations of each
girl’s birthday. And finally,
the girls are wrapping up a
special Hebrew newspaper
loaded with interviews and
articles – all written in Hebrew
. Coming up: hilarious
short Hebrew skits in class
and a class visit to an Israeli
owned store where all conversation
must be conducted
only in Hebrew! We applaud
Miss Brison for her joie d’vivre, sense of fun and originality!
In r,xt ,kdn, the girls are uncovering the deeper layers underlying the story of
ohrup, and its impact on all generations. They are learning about the essence of
r,xt and what made her (and us) worthy of being a true queen. Midpoint through
the year, groups of girls were assigned oheuxp in r,xt ,kdn to research in- depth.
This activity culminated in magnificent presentations by the girls through skits,
slide shows, songs, poems, decorated cookies and professional handouts loaded
with meforshim and insights. Mrs. Danzcinger was overwhelmed by the display
of her classes’ consistent learning, hard work and creativity!
Delving into halacha, kesuvim,
and mussar arms our girls with
practical life skills that polish
and refine them to the utmost.
V isit with Pearl Benisch
ndhkv
vkfv
,phkv
In vkhp, rutc with Mrs. Schwartz, our 10th graders are learning rjav
,ufrc word by word. Understanding the deeper meaning behind
each vkhp, has increased their vbuf immensely and has opened their
eyes to the beauty and power of vkhp,. Two major projects completed
over the year include the creation of a vkhp, portfolio by each
girl consisting of an essay of a researched role model from l”b,, in
vkhp,, and one live interview with a person who is their role model
in vkhp,. The second project is a creative and in depth research report
on rjav ,ufrc. All of this, of course, is designed to enhance
the girls’ positive association with vkhp, and their actual davening.
,vhkho
In Mrs. Groner’s 9th grade ohkv,, the girls are learning lknv
sus’s beautiful vrha to Hashem that is so infused with his
essence. The entire class is engaged in putting together a magnificent
scrapbook on all the ,ukgnv rha which the girls will
keep. For the project, girls are paired to research a specific
,ukgnv rha and create a sheet explaining their erp through essays,
poetry, photographs and drawings. In addition, each pair
creates an original song explaining their erp, which is recorded
together with the talented and musical Mrs. Groner. The final
CD is distributed to the girls to be sung over and over again!
nakh gcrh,
In hkan, with Mrs. Wrona, the
10th graders are learning to appreciate
the depth and beauty
of ohcu,f, and are keeping a
journal applying the lessons
they learn to their current lives,
ie. v,an ck cuyu” “shn,.
One student’s excerpt, “I
was disappointed when
soda spilled on my gown
during my sister’s wedding
but by internalizing the
vnfj of vnka I was able to
focus on the vjna and
truly be happy. Not only
that, but B”H, I have the
ability to learn and study
and I should appreciate that
as well.” Through the vnfj
of vnka, the girls are able
to gain a better understanding
of perfecting their middos
and coming closer to
tuv lurc ausev, which is, of
course, the ultimate goal of
each member of ktrah hbc.

History
Join our 9th graders as we become amateur historians, identifying trends, analyzing
characters and discovering motivations so that we may understand the whys of the past
and bring our predecessors to life. While we primarily focus on secular history, Mrs.
Langner believes that no history class is complete without the amazing story of Bnei Yisroel
and how Hashem manipulates world events for our destiny. Mrs. Langner’s passion for
accuracy in history can be seen by the constant incorporation of the Jewish perspective;
ultimately, all students realize there is only one historical timeline.
In addition to the usual classwork and primary and secondary source homework, our budding
historians complete and present two research projects. The first, Moments in Time,
is about milestones in modern history, and the second, In Person, examines the life stories/achievements
of the people of Ancient Greece and Rome.
Whose achievements are still impacting western civilization
today. In Bnos Yaakov, 9th grade history is a
story just waiting to be told!
History is alive at Bnos Yaakov! The focus in 10th
grade history is weaving past and current events
seamlessly to understand that anything that happens
today is an outgrowth of thelong and rich history preceding the event. In Miss
Englard’s class, girls travel through the Middle Ages towards the French and Russian revolutions.
The 10th Graders understand the current conflict in the Middle East is based on
the history of Islam. By reading primary sources and comparing and contrasting different
government styles, they can analyze the origins of today’s political tension and hostility
between the western and Moslem ruled countries. After learning about the Japanese feudal
system and constructing 3-dimensional towns depicting the Japanese manor, they visited
the Museum of the City of NY to view an informative exhibit on the Samurai. Learning
about Japan in-depth enabled them to understand why Japanese law in the 21st century
is so strict and why the Jewish boys in Japan are facing such a severe sentencing.
Besides for identifying the causes of the crusades, the girls can describe Rashi’s and
Rabbeinu Gershom’s roles at the time and the great impact the Dark Ages had on
the Jews. Miss Englard peppers her fascinating classes with projects in drama,
art, dance, music and slide shows. Recently, students enacted town hall meetings
from the era of the Reformation where they deliberated topics of historical
relevance.
More important than the skills and facts that Bnos Yaakov students have
learned, they have developed an avid interest in historical trends, and
current events and can be seen eagerly debating political issues among
themselves in and out of class!
Museum of New York City
Japan’s Feudal System
Shiel Medical Lab
Biology
The tenth grade biology curriculum of
Bnos Yaakov is in accordance with the
highly accredited NSTA (National Science
Teachers Association) standards. The classic
standards of hypotheses, reasoning and
experiments are practiced along with critical
thinking and problem solving skills. The
study of biology provides students with an
internal view of how the human body functions.
Together with our innovative Mrs.
Rosenberg students learn about The Cell, The
Human Digestive System and The High
Speed Brain! They also explore the circulatory,
respiratory, nervous, endocrine and
musculoskeletal systems , the five senses
and the genetic code! This wonderfully rich,
dense and creative course of biology allows
the girls to immerse themselves in deep inquiries,
research and current science articles,
such as stem cell research, cures for
cancer and the latest on nutrition and exercise.
Girls can be seen working in pairs on microscopes
as they examine the entire circulatory
system in motion through the tail
of live goldfish. They have experimented
with baking soda, iodine and saliva to understand
the breakdown of digestion through enzymes.
The latest project is scientifically
tracking and recording the effects of their individual
consistent , month long exercise routine.
A highlight of the girls’ year in
biology was going to the comprehensive
Shiel Medical Lab in the Brooklyn Navy
Yard where girls had a chance to see biology
and technology merge in incredible
ways.
The scholarly approach to science in Bnos
Yaakov is a mixture of critical thinking,
reading, writing, reasoning and
problem solving. This
thoughtful approach is
meant to infuse girls with
awe and gratitude to
the Ribono Shel Olam
for the incredible miracle
of our healthy working
bodies each and
every day!
Emotional Intelligence

English
Bnos Yaakov believes strongly in excellent oral and written
communication. Towards this end, our proffesional Miss
Rothkopf has incorporated the NWP (National Writing Program)
of writing and literature workshops. Students are asked to write
on a plethora of genres and topics throughout the year. Girls
keep journals; they write personal narratives, newspaper articles,
poems, literature responses, descriptive paragraphs, essays
and research reports. The writing workshop is a process
where students are expected to write, revise, conference,
rewrite, and revise again. Finally, girls are expected to
sharpen their collective pencils and turn into editors. They
are taught to proofread and eliminate spelling, grammar
and punctuation errors. We take pride in polishing our
girls’ writing skills until they gleam like jewels!
In literature, we are getting a taste of everything
from Shakespearean drama to non-fiction to
dystopian sci-fi, to short stories and poetry. In the
coming months, students will be inspired by the classic
poets to write their own poetry, complemented by
illustrations created in art class. Hopefully, a beautiful
magazine of original poetry will emerge from the publishing
house of Bnos Yaakov!
Communication / Social Skills
Bnos Yaakov believes in the importance of developing emotionally intelligent
young women who possess excellent communication and social skills. Towards
this end, Mrs. Ungar teaches 9th graders a variety of topics. Students take a
Myier and Brigges Type Theory Test and discover interesting things about their
personality and learning styles. This has led to amazing discussions about differences
between themselves, their siblings and friends. The unit culminates in a
deep understanding of how they learn best and how to view others with increased
tolerance. Girls follow Dr. Martin Seligman’s specific tips from The Optimistic
Child and practice CBT on charts over several weeks to learn how to
change pessimistic thoughts into optimistic ones. Future topics to be studied
and practiced are anger management and Siblings Without Rivalry by Faber and
Mazlish. By spring time we hope to explore the roots of healthy self esteem
and how everyone can acquire it. Lastly, girls will be learning what friendship
really means and how to make and become a genuine friend from sources
as varied as Pirkei Avos to Rabbi Akiva Tatz’s The Jewish Teenagers Guide to Life
to Dale Carnegie’s, “How to Make Friends and Influence People”! Girls complete
the year by working in pairs to create an original friendship chapbook with personal
tips and anecdotes on the best way to make and keep friends for life!
Mrs. Ungar believes that young ladies are best served by learning not only what
to say, but how to say it. Learning respectful communication, excellent social
skills, self awareness and emotional intelligence gives our students the tools to
interact with everyone in a distinguished manner that befits a Bais Yaakov girl!
Derachim
The girls are most fortunate to participate in the fascinating
course given by our dynamic and beloved Mrs. Brach, the head
of our program! Throughout a long academic day of learning,
BY believes our girls need to slow down and take time to integrate
all their learning in a practical manner. The subject, Derachim
– Direction, was created to give guidance to our
students day to day life. The girls develop a self awareness
and an understanding of what healthy change and self-improvement
is all about. Some of the concepts explored
are: Growth, Time Management,
Friendship, Self Esteem, Tznius, the
power of Music, Simchah, Ka’as,
Kinah, Gaavah and Self Discipline.
Each topic is followed with a
strong, practical, hands on application
of the topic.
Writing Workshop
Physics
Peek into Mrs. Pultman’s ninth
grade introductory physics class on
any given day, and you’ll see why we've
named the course, “Fun”damental Physics!
Whether students are on the floor making waves
with giant slinkies, rolling balls down inclines, or racing
up the staircase to calculate power output, our girls are
actively engaged in “mind on, hands on“ inquiry based
activities which help them understand the concepts in
physics, and make physics fun! Over the course of the
year, the girls gain a solid intellectual understanding
of physical principles behind such fascinating topics
as vibrations and waves, sound and music, light and
color, and energy and motion. We look forward to our
culminating “fun”tastic Physics Day field trip to Hershey
Park where the girls have the opportunity to analyze the
laws of force, motion, energy and gravity through the
incredible roller coaster rides, a magical show of physics
in motion.Even more importantly, all girls learn to view
the world with increased respect and admiration for the
intricate laws of physics all masterminded by v”cev/
Roller Coasters in Physics

Limudei Chol
Algebra
Geometry
Laptop Lab
Geometry with Mrs. Link has become a fascinating topic combining
the understanding of measurements and shapes of the world together
with concrete math/calculation skills. Projects in and out of class
abound. Optical illusion photography illustrated parralel lines;
math art helped the girls understand the concept of perspective;
while math architecture reinforced the chapter of similar polygons
and scale drawings. Our next amazing real world application project
is our math fashion project. Using the concept of circle geometry, each
girl is designing a circle skirt for herself or a large doll. They will learn
how to take accurate measurements and draw a scaled down pattern.
Students then cut an actual size pattern on fabric using large scale
compasses, concentric circles and circumference formula 2nr. As usual
the girls have exceeded Mrs. Link’s wildest expectations with their
outstanding creativity, enthusiasm and pride in their mathematical accomplishments!
Computer Technology
Bnos Yaakov is a strong believer in having girls become
proficient in computer skills. Technology is integrated
with our expert and creatie Mrs. Feldman throughout
our Hebrew and English curriculums. They
have been researching topics,scanning pictures,
creating magazine covers, creating “Winter Power
Point Slideshows” and an animated story DVD about
the Makos in Chumash Shemos.
10th graders are totally immersed in learning the
skills of Word Excel in the most creative ways. Just ask
any tenth grader about their new Purim basket business
all done on Excel!
The freshmans have been making real progress in Integrated Algebra with Mrs. Goldberger. 9th graders cover linear equations and functions
and discover that different functions graph differently and portray various mathematical scenarios. Exponents and polynomial operations
proved to be a very entertaining chapter. They used
mnemonic devices to help us remember which method of computation
to use for which type of problem. The girls had fun creating the
acronyms POP, PROP, and PWOP! Mathematics, and Algebra in particular,
is a cumulative subject and the students are recognizing that
as the year progresses. The girls learn new skills, strengthen old ones,
and reach true success.
At Bnos Yaakov, we believe Hashem created
us with two sides of the brain for a reason!
People with a left brain dominance often
excel in math, logic, science,
technology, grammar, languages,
and business. One
goal at Bnos Yaakov is to have students
maximize the use of the left
hemisphere to hone reasoning,
practical and organizational
skills. These are vital, efficient life
skills needed to complement the caring
Bas Yisroel who gets things done in
a timely manner!
Geometry Groups

Art
It is a treat to be able to allow our students to actively develop
the right side of their brain through the delightful activity
of creating art! Girls learn ‘to quiet’ their left brain and
activate all the rich abundant associations of visual imagery,
emotion and creativity. From Courbet to Picasso, the ninth
grade students have gained an invaluable and rich perspective
of how the different artists created different movements
in Art History. Miss Mayer encourages students to
draw different masterpieces inspired by the different artists’
unique styles. They also have the opportunity to think out
of the box and create original art. The tenth graders have
been honing their sketching and drawing skills by learning
professional techniques such as shading, perspective proportion,
negative space and contour drawing. As one of
our culminating activities, in collaboration with writing
workshop, both grades drew an image of their descriptive
paragraph. At Bnos Yaakov, every student understands
that everyone can learn how to draw. We are all grateful
to be given the opportunity to learn and practice art, a wonderful
hobby and creative outlet our girls get to keep for life!
The Right Hemisphere of the brain is known to be the seat
of imagination, creativity, emotion and intuition. Skills
of art, music, dance and drama are mostly located in the
right hemisphere. People with right side dominance
often see the global picture, display high
emotional intelligence, and possess a
sense of humor.
The optimal situation is when the left and right
hemspheres operate in tandem, complementing
each other perfectly. At Bnos Yaakov, we
believe our students must learn to exercise both
sides of their brain through academic and project
based learning. Both hemispheres should learn to
communicate with each other in total achdus. This important
endeavor is sure to create a thinking, responsible and
caring Bas Yisroel who is a credit to Hashem and Klal Yisroel.
Purim
Chagiga 2011
Music
Every Wednesday ‘the halls are alive with the sound of music’ at Bnos
Yaakov! We can practically see girls’ right brain cells lighting up as they are
enthusiastically trying out new chords on their guitars. Guitar with Mrs.
Plotsker is a weekly treat for the girls that allows them time to relax, let off
steam and generally have fun! On the academic front,
music is also an excellent medium that has been shown
to strengthen many skills in math, grammar and memory.
The girls have learned eight basic chords, two strums and a
pick, and are creating beautiful and melodious sounds. During
their lunch break, many students can be heard practicing
on their own and their unified singing adds a special atmosphere
of simcha to Bnos Yaakov!
Gym
Guitars by Mrs. Plotsker
It’s gym time..Mrs. Reifer’s here! Stand up straight.
Posture check. “1,2,3, hands down..smile!” Onto 5 minutes warm
up to stretch our muscles followed by aerobics for 5 minutes. In
Mrs. Reifer’s class, it’s never boring. Bnos Yaakov believes in introducing
our girls to all forms of exercise, sports and dance.
Girls plunge into yoga, lively wedding dances, energetic games,
basketball, jumprope, belts, and new activities like Kill the
Captin, Goldball, Elbow Tag.
Gym is a time to stretch our abilities to the max, learn all
about sportsmanship, let off steam and have an amazing
time with our friends. Every girl gets a chance to be a leader
for 10 minutes as they become the gym teacher while Mrs.
R checks everyone’s form! We are grateful for not only
Mrs. Reifer’s boundless energy and good cheer, but the
amazing lessons she imbues: it’s not how you play, it’s
how much energy you display. Girls are encouraged to
give it all they’ve got, show positivity, play hard, care about
their teammates and continue their exercise out of class!