From literally thousands of entries, one of our high school age boys has won a county-wide award for Extra Curricular/Special Achievement from Florida’s Superintendent’s Advisory Panel.

The plaque was presented by one of the judges Ms Rivero, a Dade County Art teacher on the Advisory Panel, at an impressive award luncheon held a few weeks ago arranged by The Easter Seals Organization. It was as though they had ordered the event especially for us as the all the table linen was burgundy – very similar to Neytz’s school colors!

What amazed our honoree and his companions was that they had not realized that so many other children from both public and private schools were entered for these awards – and from the three categories, only one student in each was chosen. And one was ours!

The Assistant Superintendent and the Director of Exceptional Education of Miami-Dade County School District, among other notables present, told many of the 80 or so people attending that they had in fact seen our kids’ artwork firsthand, and that it was truly exceptional!

Internationally renowned artist, Tatiana Lombrozo, who was attending her own exhibition that day, this extraordinary student’s art therapy teacher described in her speech about him (read by Dr Dolly Aizenman, the school’s Academic Director) said: “he is one of our most gifted students, with rich and sophisticated perception of the world around him. During this school year, he has mastered the techniques of ceramics, painting, woodcarving, and collage. All his work sparkles with unerring taste, unique artistic approach, and love for Jewish tradition.”

Neytz haChochma ESE is a distinctive and special Hebrew day school where Yidishkeit permeates throughout, which was personified by the fact that the Neytz attendees were allowed to bring a kosher lunch (our recipient’s personal choice!!).

Our winner has only been at our school since September, when it was ascertained that there were huge gaps in his academic education. In April, he passed the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Tests (FCAT) with amazing scores as well as winning this award for extra curricular activities,

We are extremely pleased that The Children’s Trust Foundation is not only renewing funding for these out-of-school programs, but once again is including Camp Neytz, our exceptional summer camp, where our staff is hand-picked for their ability to motivate and inspire with special emphasis being placed on conflict resolution and social interaction.

At Camp Neytz, we emphasize fun, self-discovery, love and structure, creativity and Yiddishkeit. Kids have tons of summer enjoyment while being in a wholesome and nurturing Jewish environment.

We are grateful to The Children’s Trust who has enabled us to give extra attention to our very special children.

Because of them, tuition scholarships are being offered on a first come, first served basis and a few are still available.

For further information please contact :
Dr Dolly Aizenman Academic Director
Neytz haChochma ESE
Tel 305 945 7443
E-mail: DrDolly@neytz.org

For people with attention problems, paying attention in a high stimuli environment, such as watching a 3-ring circus or playing a video game, is not an issue. However, focusing and concentrating on tasks as simple as reading and comprehending a book or memo, listening to a teacher or in a meeting, and writing with little effort can seem impossible. Through the use of computer technology, unique one-on-one support, and a dynamic training program, Play Attention's innovative learning system was developed to actually train your brain to pay attention and focus. Under a grant from The Children’s Trust Foundation, Neytz haChochma Exceptional Student Education School has acquired a Play Attention iLab and is offering the services of its trained Play Attention therapists to the general population.

Working on five learning process skills areas, the Play Attention changes neuropatterns (the structure of the brain) to achieve the following outcomes:

• Increased ability to focus
• Increased ability to distinguish social clues
• Increased test scores
• Increased reading comprehension
• Increased ability to complete tasks
• Increased ability to follow multi-step directions
• Increased self-esteem

The Play Attention Learning System is a patented advance of technology NASA astronauts and U.S. Air Force pilots use to stay attentive in the cockpit. Now, this same technology is used at Neytz haChochma to overcome attention, concentration and focus issues.

The system begins with a “cool” bright red sensor-lined helmet that resembles one used for bicycling. The sensors monitor the user's attentive state and cognitive, or thinking process, which is fed into a small interface system that attaches to a computer. Users complete a series of video game-like exercises that are controlled by the mind alone. They can see and hear real-time feedback of how they're progressing in focusing, finishing tasks, increasing memory, and filtering out distractions. This is called Edufeedback. Feedback is continuous and immediate. A trained therapist works with each client to modify unwanted behaviors and develop appropriate social skills. Often, within a short time, behavior can be modified to reduce or eliminate calling out, fidgeting, impulsivity and so on, while improving time-on-task, focus, comprehension and more. The therapist guides the user through a series of video game exercises that are controlled only by the user's mind! The Play Attention Learning System is designed to deliver the clarity and focus that allows you or your child to achieve personal success never thought possible.

If your child:

• Constantly does homework over the course of hours when it should take minutes...
• Reads a story and can't tell you what it's about...
• Can't sit still for more then a few seconds at a time...
• Is labeled 'unteachable,' even though he or she exhibits high intelligence...
• Seems anti-social or can't keep his hands to himself...
• Can play video games for hours on end but can't carry on a full conversation...

Or, if you're an adult who:

• Loses things frequently...
• Starts numerous projects, but can't see any of them through to the end...
• Is so disorganized it has cost promotions or even a job...
• Feels isolated because listening to others in social settings is too difficult...
• Disrupts family dynamics with sudden outbursts...
• Has difficulty following step-by-step instructions...
• Can't filter out distractions at will...

Calling Neytz haChochma to inquire about Play Attention might change your life!

Since 1996, Play Attention has made a real difference in the lives of its users. According to a recent survey, 91% of respondents reported Satisfaction or better. “Finally,” says Dr. Jeanne Guertin, Ph.D., Educational Psychologist, “Play Attention brings hope to the thousands of children and adults who have failed to meet their potentials. The use of Play Attention develops their ability to focus on and complete tasks that help them reach their personal goals. This is the first behavior based system that helps the child or adult to understand and control both positive and negative habits all on their own. Immediate feedback and attention focusing educational games make a real difference to the learning process. There is a real difference in this methodology and it brings new hope for people of all ages."

Imagine offering a program that increases the ability to concentrate, builds cognitive skills necessary to be a good learner, and shapes behaviors of students or clients to free them from the bonds of their attention problems. Under the clinical supervision of Dr. Eric Y. Reznik. Initial consultation free of charge. Call Neytz haChochma at #305.945.7443 and make a difference!

Mrs Felicia Bryn, math and science teacher at Neytz haChochma ESE since its inception seven years ago recently spoke at the school’s Holocaust Remembrance Day about her latest book based on her experiences as a holocaust survivor. ‘Never Forget To Lie’ the book where she tells about her extraordinary life when as a child, being the only survivor of all her relatives, she was taken, hidden and finally brought up by a family of Catholics!

Mrs Bryn didn’t know any yiddishkeit, all she knew was how to be a Catholic and how – ‘never forget to lie’. Not only were the Neytz kids fascinated and enthralled but when this amazing tale became known in Poland, it became part of children psychology curriculum at various Polish universities.

But that wasn’t all – Yad Vashem also heard about the book and realized its great potential in making the world know about such a terrible and unthinkable time, so now they offer copy to each visitor. Learning about Mrs. Bryn’s tragic experience made the Neytz kids connect with Yom haShoah.

All this fame has not changed Felicia Bryn, she is still one of the most beloved of our teachers and has certainly has a way of keeping ‘her boys’ not only interested in her math and science classes, but absolutely adored - for just recently, as part of a science project she took them on a field trip to heaven. Well not quite, she actually took them to outer space – via Cape Canaveral, The Kennedy Center. There they learned about life and space and the importance of physics to our future.

Lately there has been quite a bit of excitement for the boys. On Lag B’Omer they went out for the day to play games and go boating and fishing. They culminated it with a very well received bar-b-que.

The main piece of food to be barbequed was a huge fish that the boys collectively caught. In reality, as becomes a fisherman’s tale, the fish was only the size of a small child’s palm! But they did want to see it cooked. They were persuaded that it would be better to come again when it had grown bigger. So accordingly they threw the fish back – but soon realized they would never get catch it again, as to their utter amazement, a hammer head shark appeared and ate it all up!!

Neytz‘s field trips are becoming legendry - from under the water to flying in space – where next and how?

Neytz haChochma, the solitary program of its kind in North America, is the only Jewish school certified by the state of Florida to provide Exceptional Student Education (ESE), The majority of its funding comes from private donations from within our community, since government funding barely covers 25%. For this reason, Neytz haChochma is constantly challenged with finding new and effective ways to raise funds.

The vital need for the quality special education Neytz haChochma provides is evidenced by our greatly expanding student enrollment. We’ve outgrown our present building and are unable to accept any more students. Plans have been approved and construction will commence in 2006 on new and greatly expanded facilities at our present site.

Only 20 students can fit in the cramped and totally run down building that brings hope to the many families who year after year, find us and can no longer cope without us.

But we do own the land and now permission to build. The new building will house 40 children including the upper ages who will have a residential facility. It will also have vocational labs to help them attain proficiency in work related areas enabling them to lead productive and useful lives in the community.

Won’t you help realize theirs and our dreams?

For further information please contact: Dr Dolly Aizenman
Academic Director
Neytz haChochma ESE
Tel 305 945 7443
E-mail: DrDolly@neytz.org

As we are celebrating the last day of Camp Neytz, the most exciting camp for kids who, for various reasons, are not able to enjoy regular camps, one camper after another approaches us with a sad face. What is the problem? “Can we please have camp for another week? Or two?”

Granted, most kids have great fun in camps and want it to last longer, but Camp Neytz is special. In addition to activities and events found in other camps, such as Giant Water Slides, Wild Animal show, Treasure Hunt, Passport to Israel game, and exciting field trips to the Everglades, the Parrot Jungle, and the Wannado City, among other places, we offer different kinds of therapy. Our campers don’t just do Martial Arts, they have Martial Arts therapy where they learn anger management, self-control, and discipline. Our exceptionally talented campers have a Ceramics class where they work on their focus and sequencing abilities and their fine motor skills, as well as the ability to express their emotions through shapes and colors rather then aggression or obstinacy. Play Attention therapy allows kids with attention or processing deficits have fun playing computer games with their brain instead of their hands. Positive Action groups encourage team playing, conflict resolution, and leadership skills. Finally, individual therapy is available to those who need it.

This summer, Neytz haChochma ESE was able to provide all this because of the grant from The Children’s Trust Foundation. It is a Jewish camp, after all, so Morah Rifka Mendelsohn, our terrific Camp Director, trained and inspired the counselors to lead Dynamic Davening and Lively Learning classes. But above all, it is the atmosphere of love, trust, and understanding which makes these special kids feel that there is a place where they are welcome to be themselves yet learn to get along with others. That’s why they want it to last longer.

This summer, thanks to the Children’s Trust Foundation, Camp Neytz served more than thirty kids. Camp is over, and school is starting in September. Neytz HaChochma school for exceptional students serves students ages 5 to 18 who, for reasons other than learning disabilities, cannot function in the mainstream classroom. Neytz HaChochma runs a full Hebrew Day School curriculum, in addition to the Sunshine State-approved secular studies curriculum. All the therapies that we had in Camp Neytz, and more, are offered as a part of our regular school day and in the afterschool program. Neytz HaChochma is accepting applications for 2005 – 2006 school year for certain age groups. The afterschool program is also open for enrollment at three convenient locations.

For information please contact Dr. Dolly Aizenman at #305.945.7443.

This is to announce that thanks to the dedication and assistance from our community, we have finally moved to our new permanent home located at: 152 NW 165th Street, Miami, FL 33169. We’ll be announcing our grand opening event in the near future, at which time we’ll be looking forward to meeting all of you and giving you the grand tour of our new facility.

In addition, we are proud to inform the community that we have been awarded a grant from The Children’s Trust Foundation to begin our long awaited out-of-school program. We have various activities throughout the week for our current and former students, as well as all the children from our neighboring communities, who would like to participate. Our current weekly schedule is as follows:

Hours of operation for the Out-of-School Program are Monday – Thursday 3:30 to 5:30 PM and Friday 1:30 to 3:30 PM.

Monday – Intensive reading with a reading specialist.
Tuesday – Team building athletic activities with a certified physical education coach.
Wednesday – Art therapy and ceramics with a world renowned artist. Parents are welcome to participate with ceramics for a minimum charge.
Thursday – Martial arts therapy conducted by an International Martial Arts Hall of Fame Honoree / Psychologist.
Friday – Musical drama club conducted by a talented Rabbi / Psychologist.

We are always on the lookout for new fun and educational activities and projects for the kids. So as new projects pop up, we’ll be sure to inform all our neighbors. Please call us for more information, since space is limited for participants of ages 4 – 18. The out-of-school program is free for our current and former students. A nominal charge will be assessed for kids who are not our students.

We are grateful for the support the community has given us in order to continue this program for the kids. However, we need your help now more than ever. If you would like to volunteer, we would love to assist you in getting involved and donating your time and talents to the children. We are also organizing a buddy / mentorship program called The FROGGY Project, which would pair up a former and current student along with a community volunteer for guidance. The purpose of this project is for the kids to bond and form a relationship where they can support and empower each other, which in turn will build their self-esteem, self-confidence and self-worth, as well as develop their social skills. Volunteers would serve as their guides and participate in various activities with the kids ensuring they are safe and that the program is fulfilling their needs.

Another way you can continue supporting Neytz haChochma is by making a financial or in-kind contribution. Neytz relies on the support of individuals, corporations and various organizations to enable us to expand and continue serving this special segment of our community. You can mail a check payable to Neytz haChochma or contact us for other ways you can contribute to support the school. For more information, please call (305) 945-7443 or e-mail neytzkid@bellsouth.net . Neytz haChochma is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax-deductible.

Once again, we thank you all for your support in helping us to keep this school available for these children. We wish you and your family an abundantly sweet, healthy and prosperous year.

While Neytz haChochma stresses religious education, secular studies are conducted in compliance with the Miami-Date County Public Schools Curriculum and the State of Florida Standards for respective grade levels in the mainstream classroom. Students at Neytz haChochma are required to complete both a Hebrew Day School and a secular curriculum.

For the second year in a row, students at Neytz HaChochma placed in the top 10 percentile state-wide in the Florida Comprehensive Achievement Tests (FCAT). Neytz haChochma is the only Jewish school certified by the state of Florida to provide Exceptional Student Education (ESE).

Additionally, students in grades three to six recently completed Parshas Miketz and had a siyum celebration complete with a play performed by the students, directed by Morah Rifka Mendelsohn, Principal of Judaic Studies. Neytz HaChochma follows a skill based Judaic curriculum.

Neytz HaChochma is an unaffiliated Jewish Orthodox Exceptional Student Education school, certified by the State of Florida that serves students who are unable to function productively in a mainstream classroom.

For more information about the school, contact Dr. Dolly Aizenman, Academic Director at 305-945-7443.

Neytz haChochma is the only school in North America specifically designed to exclusively meet the needs of Jewish children with emotional disabilities who are unable to function productively in a mainstream classroom. With the firm belief that all Jewish children’s hearts are open to Torah learning, Neytz haChochma accommodates various emotional and cognitive exceptionalities, other than learning disabilities, in a self-contained Hebrew Day School setting. This special program, in its sixth year of inception, provides alternative teaching methods and innovative forms of therapy, and then returns children back to their mainstream schools as successful students and future productive community members.

Although Neytz haChochma is an Exceptional Student Education school approved by the State of Florida, the majority of its funding comes from private donations from within our community, since government funding barely covers 25% of all costs. For this reason, Neytz haChochma is constantly challenged with finding new and effective ways to raise funds. At present, it is the only program of its kind in North America.

The community needs to be aware of the need and urgency in saving these children’s lives. Supporting this organization is both painful and a blessing. It reminds us that there are troubled families within our cherished community, and at the same time, offers hope in knowing that there is something we can all do to help them. We do not like to think that these things happen within our Jewish Community, but they do. We need to support Neytz haChochma by effectively assisting this precious segment of our community.

This year, Neytz haChochma is holding a fund raising Melave Malkah on February 26, 2005, at the Shul of Bal Harbour, dedicated to the memory of our dear student Kalman Plotke OBM. This year’s honorees are the Mayor of the Town of Bay Harbor Islands, the Honorable Isaac Salver and his gracious wife Mrs. Bahee Salver. Neytz haChochma is also proud to honor this year’s Teacher of the Year, everybody’s favorite Mrs. Felicia Bryn, and Volunteer of the Year, enthusiastic and dedicated Ms.Chani Kramer. In addition, Neytz haChochma is putting together an Ad Journal, which will benefit the school by raising additional funds. Neytz haChochma is asking every member of the Jewish community to kindly consider offering your support by attending this event or by placing an Ad in the Journal.

Should you require further information regarding the Melave Malkah, Ad Journal or general information about the program, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Dolly Aizenman, Academic Director of Neytz haChochma, at (305) 945-7443. She and her staff will be happy to assist you with your inquiries.

Neytz haChochma ESE is a unique and special Hebrew day school. It is the only one in North America specifically designed to meet the needs of Jewish children who, because of various emotional and cognitive exceptionalities, other than learning disabilities, are unable to function properly in a standard classroom setting. Neytz haChochma provides alternative teaching methods and innovative forms of therapy, and then returns the children back to their mainstream schools as successful students and future productive community members.

Neytz haChochma’s students performed its traditional annual Purim Production last week at the Renaissance Gardens Retirement home. They also debuted in front of a group of Yeshiva Toras Chaim students. The Neytz Kids lovingly do the Mitzvah of entertaining the elderly and the sick by bringing smiles, fun, and sunshine during this joyous holiday.

The Neytz Kids, with the assistance of their Judaic Studies teacher, Rabbi Avraham Bukspan, created, produced and performed a hilarious “news broadcast / talk show” shpil based on Purim events. They “covered” these events based on differing points of views from both a Jewish and non-Jewish broadcasting company. Rabbi Bukspan posed as “Rabbi Springer” (a spin off from the popular and outrageous Jerry Springer Show), who served as the liason between the Jewish and non-Jewish personalities reporting the breaking newscasts. The Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS) was represented by anchors Daniel Rather, Dovid Jennings and Tuvya Koppel and the Persian News Network (PNN) was represented by popular animated personalities Boris and Natasha, with occasional musical entertainment by Casey Cassum Jr. counting down the Persian Top 10. All these personalities interchangeably interviewed the king, his prospective brides and their anxious fathers.

The plot thickened when the audience discovered that there was a murder conspiracy taking place, which was caught on a hidden camera. The children made the entire scenario even more entertaining with stock reports, consumer tips and commercial breaks, which featured songs and jingles which they wrote and produced. The audience was completely so enveloped in the performance that they laughed along with the jokes and cheered when it was reported that the good guys had been victorious.

The Neytz Kids definitely earned a warm reception, applause, and cheers. After the performance, the actors mingled with their new fans and received a standing invitation to return with another show next year. In addition to the performance at Renaissance Gardens, the children also delighted the guests with an art exhibit and sale of their creative ceramic masterpieces.

The next Oscar deserving performance will be inspired by the Model Passover Seder on Monday, April 18, 2005 at 11 a.m. The entire community is invited to enjoy this production by the Neytz Kids. Please call the school for more information about this event. You won’t want to miss it! In addition, Neytz haChochma ESE is currently accepting applications for the 2005-2006 school year and scholarships are available for those who qualify.

Please call Neytz haChochma for more information at (305) 945-7443 or email at neytzkid@bellsouth.net

Sushi Fest - sponsored by Harriett and Alex Paul in loving memory of their mothers.

There was standing room only on Sunday January 29th at the home of Chava and Michael Genet of Flamingo Drive, Miami Beach. Mrs Linda Gershater, daughter of a Japanese mother, the only kosher sushi chef with real Mesorah – came especially from White Oak, Pennsylvania to teach Miami mothers and daughters to roll sushi. This was all in aid of Neytz haChochma ESE, the unique school, specifically designed to assist children from the Jewish community, who have difficulties functioning in a regular classroom environment.

In the magnificent black granite kitchen of the hosts, Linda, her clothing covered by a black apron with multi-coloured sushi emblems embroidered all over it, not only taught these eager students how to make sushi but also explained that contrary to popular belief, sushi is not raw fish; but it really means vinegared rice, and could be made without fish at all, if so desired!

A great deal of fun was had as the ladies tried to roll the ingredients; rice went flying, vegetables ended up on laps, but within a short space of time – the expertise given by this master chef who is the sushi chef of choice for almost all the kosher functions in Pittsburgh - paid off.

Not only did the husbands and fathers of these newly ‘rolled’ sushi chefs have delicious meals taken home to them, but the ladies themselves savoured, learned, made and ate – their own creations.

Behind the scenes, prior to the ladies arriving, Rabbi Avrohom Bukspan, a Neytz teacher, aided and abetted Linda by helping prepare the many ingredients necessary for this culinary fest!

And indeed on the day itself, Dovid, the son of the school’s founders Gershon Aizenman and Dr. Dolly Aizenman, took time out from his Smicha program to work alongside Linda as her sous chef. Dovid was not arbitrarily drafted in to do this job, as he had been trained some years ago by Mrs Gershater herself while studying at his Mesivta near her home.

During the fun filled few hours, Heidi, daughter of the sponsors, who are beloved benefactors of Neytz haChochma School, was shown how to dress in a traditional kimono. It was a beautiful plum wine colored outfit, handmade by Linda’s grandmother, complete with an orangey pink sash (now known to the onlookers with its Japanese name of obi), the customary wooden platform shoes – getas - and special socks.

As usual, everything to do with Neytz haChochma – from the sponsors of this event, the hosts, the star of the show and the school’s director – is family orientated – and that is why it has incredible results.

Neytz haChochma ESE is a unique and special Hebrew day school. It is the only one in North America specifically designed to meet the needs of Jewish children who, because of various emotional and cognitive exceptionalities, other than learning disabilities, are unable to function properly in a standard classroom setting. Neytz haChochma provides alternative teaching methods and innovative forms of therapy, and then returns the children back to their mainstream schools as successful students and future productive community members.

In order to ensure that we will be able to continue our matchless work, please join us at our forthcoming Melave Malka on Saturday, March 25, 2006, where we will be honoring Chasya and Haim Mordokh for their exceptional care towards us and so many others in the wider community. We are also delighted to celebrate on this occasion, 30 outstanding years of Chinuch by one of the most extraordinary and best known teachers in the whole of the Miami Jewish community, our own much-loved Rifka Mendlesohn, Director of Judaic Studies.

For more information about this forthcoming event and Neytz haChochma in general, please contact Dr. Dolly Aizenman - Academic Director at 305 945 7443 or email at info@neytz.org.