From the Head of School - Mrs. Brenda Bluestein

Welcome to Bornblum Solomon Schechter School. We strive 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.
The 2008-2009 school year has started off with much excitement and great anticipation. The completion of our building addition has created a positive energy experienced by the school community and community at large. With five additional classrooms our Upper Grade students now have a building of their own. The spacious Wendy and Avron Fogelman Hall serves as a lunchroom and assembly hall where we can hold Tefillah services, Kabbalat Shabbat, and Judaic and general studies school-wide programs. The expansion of Scheidt Hall (gym) means our Physical Education program can include a much wider repertoire of games and activities.  Our computer lab has a much larger home with new state of the art tables.  Three new conference rooms allow for privacy and confidentiality during parent-teacher meetings. Our enrichment and support teachers now have their own classrooms. “Art on a cart” has now gone by the wayside and the art room can be used as intended.  It is a new school year at BSSS and an exhilarating new beginning for our students, parents, staff and community.
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.

Amanda Goodwin
Amanda Goodwin received her B.A. from Concordia University in Irvine, CA. She is currently working on her Masters of Education from the university’s online program. She is a California native who taught fifth grade on the island of Oahu, Hawaii for four years before moving to Memphis with her husband in September of 2007. As a teacher, she hopes to instill a love for learning in her students through motivation, inspiration, encouragement, and enthusiasm.

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.

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.

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.

Etel Priel
Etel Priel was born in Israel and studied education in Bet-Berl, Israel. During her years as an educator she has been a kindergarten through sixth grade teacher in both Israel and the United States. Mrs. Priel is married to Moshiko, who is currently working in Israel. She is the mother of 3 children: the oldest is 27 years old and her middle son is 21. They both live in Israel and serve in the Israeli Army. Her youngest daughter who is 15 moved with her to Memphis.  She received her B.A. diploma in Jewish Studies at the Baltimore Jewish University during one of the three missions to the United States, all as part of her husband's job as a diplomat to the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C. She has attended courses specialiazing in evaluation methods and the treatment of students with learning disabilities focusing on written language and mathematics.

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.

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.

Beverly Kay
I'm am so thrilled to be librarian at BSSS and love every minute of my Mon., Tues.and Fri here. We have a new and improved, relaxed and cheery library. I would love to desplay any student art work and or small collections.
Parents and grand parents may want to donate in honor of their children's birthday, Chanukah etc.some new e-books , dvds and cds

I'm "Mama Bevie" to my 8 grand children, been married to Lewis for 43 years, and have 6 children [3 in-law]

Went to school in Clayton,Mo and college in Nashville at Peabody Vanderbilt. Fifteen years ago went back for my librarian's degree, With MCS for 13 yrs as library media specialist and after a day of retirement went part time with Temple Israel and MJHS before coming to BSSS.

My goal is to have children love the library and become lifelong patrons and readers. Children have free choice of collection for checkout but I try to guide them in the right direction.

Hope all will Read -a Latte!!

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.