From the Head of School - Mrs. Brenda Bluestein

Welcome to Bornblum Solomon Schechter SchooI. I am thrilled to be starting my first year as the new Head of School at BSSS, having recently retired from a 30- year career in public education. For the past 7 years I was the principal of Germantown Elementary School. It is an honor for me to be a part of the BSSS family as I continue my career as an educator. I am looking forward to establishing a relationship with each of the families, students and teachers at Schechter. My goals for the school year are to continue to build upon the framework established by the school’s founders and benefactors. We will continue to provide an exceptional, quality educational program founded in Jewish values and principles, create a student-centered environment where each child’s unique abilities are nurtured and celebrated, promote two-way communication between parents and teachers, and advance the school’s goals through technology integration that will enable students to meet the challenges of the 21 st century.

BSSS is a wonderful, family-oriented, high achieving school. Our school is a collaborative partnership where parents, teachers, students, staff and the community work together to achieve goals. We have a dynamic and talented faculty who are caring, dedicated, innovative, enthusiastic and committed to the success of each student. They set high expectations for learning, create a positive atmosphere where students demonstrate respect of self and others, and promote student growth by helping children become independent thinkers, creative problem solvers, effective communicators and life long learners. Our parents are enthusiastic cheerleaders who support our efforts, actively assist with activities throughout the year and are involved in their children’s education. BSSS students excel academically in a rigorous and challenging dual curriculum program of Judaic and general studies. The students also embark on a journey of self- discovery, self-respect and self-discipline as they learn about social action, personal responsibility, social skills, ethical values, diversity and empathy.

Explore our website to learn more about our amazing school community. I have an open door policy so please feel free to call or e-mail me at any time. Better yet, come by and visit us to experience our many programs and activities. Thank you for your interest in BSSS.

Brenda Bluestein

Head of School

General Studies Principal - Mrs. Sally Baer

Moving into an administrative position after 29 years of teaching is a most exciting opportunity. Being at BSSS makes it that much more meaningful for me since my commitment to this school began at its inception, 20 years ago, when I began teaching second grade here. Having enjoyed teaching young children everything from math and reading to how to get along with peers has been a tremendous learning experience for me and I believe has helped to prepare me for the new challenges I shall meet as General Studies Principal.

As I have expressed concern over how difficult it will be for me to be “out” of the classroom, I have come to understand that I shall instead be in many classrooms! I hope to make a positive impact in fostering a school wide love for learning, respect for one another, and commitment to our Jewish heritage. Developing a strong sense of what happens on a daily basis throughout the school is helping me to know why BSSS has the outstanding reputation it does. My goal is to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of Schechter by knowing each child individually, offering professional support to teachers as needed, and keeping current on changing trends and models in education.

It is absolutely amazing to be part of the dynamic team of Schechter faculty, parents, and students. When I count my blessings of family, friends, and good health I include Schechter as one of the many things for which I am thankful. I look forward to working with each and every BSSS family this year and hope that my open door policy brings you in to simply stay in touch.

Judaic Studies Principal - Mr. Sharon Knafo M.A

BSSS is a school that is open to various denominations of Judaism and committed to excellence, meeting the diverse needs of the students and providing inspiration and understanding of modern Jewish life.
My goal is to work together with the Judaic Studies and General Studies faculties to create an educational environment that will embrace the love of the arts and sciences, Torah, Israel and the Hebrew language, combining modern teaching methods and creating a unique learning environment. The joy of seeing our graduates experiencing success and being role models in our community is the fruit of our labor that we most appreciate.

GENERAL STUDIES

Lower Grades

Sue Balogh
"Mrs. B." has been an inspiration for Schechter first graders since the school's inception. Mrs. Balogh specializes in teaching children responsibility and organizational skills. Music and poetry are important components of her language arts and math instruction.

Karen Raff
Child-centered classrooms and individualized learning are two of the hallmarks of Mrs. Raff's teaching. She has a true love for teaching and children. "Helping a child seek independence," is what Mrs. Raff characterizes as the most unique aspect of her teaching.

Terri Burson
I have been teaching 30 years in Memphis, with the majority of my teaching career at Temple Israel Preschool and Kindergarten. I hold a B.S. in Elementary Education from Ohio State University and a Master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Memphis. I am beginning my 5th year of teaching at BSSS and I look forward to another wonderful school year. I am the proud mom of two daughters, Hallie and Blair. My husband, Paul, and I are enjoying life as "empty nesters" along with our miniature schnauzer, Lucy.

Blair Trotz
After having three children of my own and all of them graduating from Schechter,I decided it was time to work at the school I have been so fond of all of these years. While this is my first year at Schechter, I am no stranger to the school, it's goals, ideals and mission. I have been teaching at the JCC for the last 18 years and I am looking forward to this new challenge.

Jeane Taylor
Jeane Taylor has taught for 23 years in both the public and private school systems. She has a BS in Education from the University of Memphis. She has taught 3rd grade for most of her career and loves this age group because of their enthusiasm. While motivating her students to do their best at all times, she also wants them to develop a love of learning that they can take with them for the rest of their lives. Solomon Schechter has welcomed her and she already loves her class.

Bonnie Kochman
Mrs. Kochman sees each child as a unique individual with different learning styles. She believes that a challenging child-centered learning environment together with a warm, caring teacher will result in success for every child. She hopes to share her “love for children” and her “love for learning” with each of her students.

Felicia Riedell
Felicia Riedell received both her Bachelor of Science and her Masters of Science degrees in Elementary Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. She prides herself with her ability to instill good organizational skills in students and to encourage them to use problem-solving techniques. Incorporating learning strategies and using critical thinking methods are integral parts of her teaching style. She promotes self-confidence in her pupils.

Gail Traynor
With more than twenty years of experience, Mrs. Traynor creates a classroom environment that challenges children intellectually, provides meaningful forms of personal achievement, and promotes learning as a proactive endeavor. She fosters individual success and excellence with instruction that is enriched by her enthusiasm and sense of humor.

Kasey Weiland
Mrs. Weiland has been teaching for five years, most recently in the Shelby County School system. She has always taught fifth grade and is thrilled to be a part of Schechter’s diverse staff. Mrs. Weiland believes that learning should be both challenging and fun. She strives to use the interests and abilities of her students to help plan meaningful instruction.

UPPER GRADES

Deanna McAlexander
Mrs. McAlexander is delighted for the opportunity to realize her dream of teaching in the Upper Grades at Schechter, especially in her favorite subject areas of language arts and world history. She taught third grade at Schechter for five wonderful years, and before that taught college art history for ten years. While sharing her enthusiasm for learning, her goal is to challenge students intellectually and help them understand the world and their place in it. She holds a BA from UT, an MA from UVa, and completed the MA in teaching at University of Memphis.

Lisa Frisch
As each student is an individual, Mrs. Frisch believes the student must be guided to find his/her personal way to learning. Her goal is to build strength in subject content areas by utilizing active teaching strategies that engage the attention of the learner. Mrs. Frisch holds a BA from The Newcomb College of Tulane University and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis.

Nancy Foshee
Nancy Foshee is a 30-year veteran of the Memphis City Schools where she taught English and history in grades 4-12AP. She has a Bachelor's in Secondary Education, a Master's in Curriculum Design, and an Education Specialist's degree in Elementary Education. She is married to Frank Foshee; together they have three grown children and five grandchildren. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Foshee has written two historical novels and is working with a literary agent to get one published.

JUDAIC STUDIES

Varda Schuman
Morah Schuman, a native Israeli, began teaching first grade Judaic Studies at our Memphis School over 19 years ago. She introduces the first graders to Hebrew language, the Bible, and participation in prayer during worship services. She feels her greatest achievements are her ability to connect with each pupil individually as well as a class, and to have all her students become proficient in reading, writing and speaking Hebrew phrases, as well as following prayer in the Siddur by the time they complete first grade.

Dina Knafo
Morah Knafo grew up in Denmark and made aliya to israel.She studied Hebrew and Judaic studies at Bar Ilan University, earned a BA in professional education and has teacher diploma in Judaic studies and PE from the Religious college Givat Washington. Morah knafo has taught two years in the Israeli ministry of education and has taught Second grade Judaic studies for eight years here at BSSS.

Michal Banit
I have a BA and teaching diploma in Hebrew. In Jerusalem I taught at the Jewish Agency, Hebrew University and several ulpanim (Hebrew language classes.) I enjoyed teaching students from around the world at all different ages. I love the challenge of working with people from different backgrounds, helping them to learn the language and culture of our heritage. It is important to me to help people connect to Israel, develop a sense of being part of its people, and take pride in it as well.

One of my favorite quotes is from Theodor Herzel, the founding father of
modern Israel,"Im Tirtzu - ein zo agada" - "If you wish - it's not a dream."
I believe this quote reflects my teaching philosophy.

Maya Adar Sharabi
Morah Sharabi was born in Israel and grew up in Bat-Yam. She studied education at the "Seminar-Hakibbuzim" in Tel-Aviv. She believes that "the goal of education is to cultivate the special talents of each child as they are each special and unique."

Michal Almalem
Morah Michal Almalem's teaching career began with her work in the Israeli army supervising student travel groups. After completing her army service, she obtained degrees in archeology, art history, and education at Hebrew University. Morah Almalem taught in museums before working in a high school as a Jewish art history teacher. She is married and the mother of two adorable boys. The Almalem family has journeyed to Memphis to begin a business, and Morah Almalem is pleased that her travels have brought her to Schechter.

SPECIALTY PROGRAMMING

Kathleen Wynn, Physical Education
"My ability to make each child feel good about his accomplishments in class, whether they are great or small," is the aspect of her teaching for which Mrs. Wynn is most proud. In terms of physical education, Schechter students certainly know no boundaries.

Amir Sharabi, Computer
Before coming to Memphis, Moreh Sharabi earned degrees from Sapir College and Tel Aviv University in Industrial Engineering and Management with a concentration in computer application. He served in the Israeli Air Force. Moreh Sharabi believes that each student can gain computer expertise and his goal is to help students develop high levels of competency with the computer.

Jennifer DeWit, Librarian
Mrs. DeWit earned an undergraduate degree from Brown University and a Masters Degree in Library Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Her enthusiasm and excitement for reading and books is infectious. "My goal is to get to know each child and guide each one to make a connection with books and literature for pleasure," states Mrs. DeWit.

Paula Greenberg, Art
With a Masters Degree in Art and Education, Mrs. Greenberg has implemented an innovative "discipline based" art program for all Schechter grades. By combining the study of art history, aesthetics, art criticism and art production, children and parents are continually amazed at the masterful results of their creative learning. The numerous local and regional awards the students win each year continually prove their success.

Bracha Nahary, Hebrew Language Support
Morah Nahary has been teaching Hebrew for many years at all levels from elementary school through high school. While bringing her love of the language to her students, Morah Nahary gets pleasure when she sees her students reading, writing and speaking Hebrew. According to Morah Nahary, "Hebrew is not just a language, but the language that our forefathers spoke. Hebrew connects us to our heritage."

Annette Eisenberg
As a support teacher for grades 1-5, I am able to work with a diverse group of children. They all have needs special to them. I believe all children are able to reach their fullest potential given favorable circumstances. Finding the right formula isn’t always easy, but trying new ways to fit a child’s individual learning style is a good way to begin. Children have huge spirits and a willingness to learn. Empowering them can be quite a daunting task. I believe it is possible with lots of encouragement and a willingness to try different techniques to get positive results. When a child leaves my room feeling good about what they accomplished for the day, I then feel good about what I am doing.

Rena Knopf
Mrs. Knopf is delighted she has joined the BSSS staff as the Enrichment teacher.She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin in Madison with a double major in English and Hebrew and Semitic Studies. She earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of Memphis. Mrs. Knopf previously taught 6th, 7th, and 8th grade CLUE in the Memphis City Schools system.