My Goals for WYHS in 5769

Before Yom Kippur (and a seemingly endless Succot break), I shared with you what I felt were WYHS' accomplishments in the past year. The following are my views on WYHS' challenges in the year to come;

1. Higher Ivrit Profile- We've added levels (7 girls & 6 boys) and have certain Judaic classes (seniors girls honors Chumash & special speakers) in Hebrew. We need to go to the next level. Hebrew in the Highlites, daily announcements, etc.

2. Easing Freshman Transition- Coming from the mini senioritis of 8th grade into the most serious month of the Jewish year (Elul), makes the jump from middle school to high school work even harder. We need to do more to ease their academic transition.

3. Additional Athletics- We've started conditioning this year and need to increase it, to keep our athletes in shape when they are not playing a sport. We're open to starting new teams (eg. girls softball, mens golf) as well.

4. We Need More Space- Though WYHS is not presently overcrowded, it's at capacity. With larger classes on the horizon, we need to create more classrooms and offices, and to schedule college prep classes in a way that minimizes hallway traffic.

5. Keep Costs Down- We are sensitive to the current economic situation. Our goal is to keep our tuition increase and trip fees to a minimum, without compromising our excellent academic and extracurricular programs.

6. Highlighting Other College Options- We feel strongly that our students should continue in an environment in which they will realistically remain religiously committed. Though the majority of our graduates succeed at Yeshiva University, our students need additional options.

7. Girls Bkius Night Seder Program- Our boys are participating in an excellent Gemara bkius program run by Yeshiva University. We'd like to create a similar after school Halacha or Tanach option for our girls.

8. More Venues for Parental Input & Participation- Please share with me ideas you have for this.

My wife and I look forward to greeting the freshman parents Saturday Night at the annual Melava Malka at our home. It's an important opportunity for the families who live in different communities to meet each other and open up lines of communication.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Perry Tirschwell