Update from the Chairman of the Board

Dear ASHAR family,

I am writing to update you on several matters as the new school year is about to get underway. I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am for this upcoming year. Never before have we had such a wonderful complement of administrators, staff, and teachers. Rabbi Beller, Dr. Schnur, and Mrs. Borgen continue to impress and astound me with their academic plans. The teachers and the PTA have been hard at work preparing classrooms and decorating hallways. Special thanks to Beverly Hagler for her hard work, exuberance, and commitment. I am awed and humbled by the participation of so many of our parents - we cannot make it without you.

First, I am thrilled to say that we have hired a new Executive Director to fill Yossi's large shoes. He is Josh Friedman, and is a new member of the parent body as well. He is starting B'ezrat Hashem on Wednesday, September 10th. Please welcome him warmly, and take (a little) pity on him when you ask for his help, since he will be learning on-the-job about ASHAR. I am very confident that he will be a fabulous addition to the administration, as he is a true mentsch and a multi-talented individual. Parents may still call the business office and speak with Geri, who has my undying gratitude for stepping up and handling at least double her workload! Last but not least, thanks to the parents, administration, teachers, and janitorial staff for their patience during this transition.

Two girls from Israel are going to be first grade assistants, as part of their Sheirut L'eumi obligation. I met them on Wednesday and they are delightful, and will add so much to our school. This was only accomplished because you, dear parents, conceived this plan and executed it from A-Z. I don't want to leave anyone out by name, and it is impossible to list all the wonderful people involved, but special thanks goes to Noam Stein, Rachel Katz, Tammy Schaum, Bruce Klein, the Friedman family, Rabbi Beller, and Morah Sharona. Many others donated time, effort, and money to make this dream a reality.

On the insurance/building front, I am disappointed and frustrated by our lack of speedy movement forward. Please don't despair, as I can assure you that there will be a settlement and a rebuilding process. However, we undeniably have a delay in settling the claim that stems from some incomplete work by some of our experts and representatives. It is easy for me, in hindsight, to criticize and complain, and believe me, I have. But I also am sure that everyone involved is trying his and her very best, and insurance claims tend to be unique and sometimes unpredictable. Daryl Hagler and I have and will continue to spend many hours and meetings to get this settled. I ask for your forgiveness at the state of the demolition and for your patience and tolerance, not as a Chairman, but as a parent of children in ASHAR. I remain firmly committed to demolition and rebuilding for my own children, as much as yours.

Forgive the length of this letter, but I have to ask those parents who have not yet become involved to please reach out to me and offer help. Specifically, I need people who may have experience with grant writing and fundraising. I need people to volunteer to help fix things in the building if they are able. Please sign up with the PTA, they really need everyone! Email me if you can help staff events, set up chairs, stand by the door, be an assistant for a day in a classroom. If you can give only a few hours, I'll take it.

As always, I am available for questions, comments, and concerns. Please email me at cselmon@hotmail.com.

Welcome back!!

Sincerely,

Chana Selmon, M.D.
Chairman, Board of ASHAR