Schechter Hosts HS Open House

 by Sam Levenson, SSLI '27

Yesterday, Schechter hosted an open house to tour prospective high school students and families. There were many parents and children who came to visit and to see if Schechter would be a good fit. Attendees saw a wide range of presentations, speeches, and demonstrations so that they could recognize the Judaic and academic excellence of our school. 

Student ambassadors gave a glimpse into life at Schechter to prospective families! (SSLI Instagram)

Lori Kantorowitz, the Director of Admissions, Recruitment, and Engagement, organized the program, led student ambassadors, and arranged the exhibits and speeches. Kantorowitz expressed that the main goal was “to showcase the unique and excellent education at Schechter, and the warm and inviting community.”

The event began with introductions from Assistant Principal (and PPN Advisor!) Mr. Thorgersen and Elinor Schlissel, the student government president, as well as summaries of each department from the department chairs, detailing the classes they supervise and the various AP and honors classes Schechter offers. There were over twelve student ambassadors representing the high school, all helping to guide prospective students and families and answer questions during a panel at the end of the event.

Before the main speeches and introductions began, touring families were able to look around the gym and see the club boards, which gave a sense of the extracurricular activities offered at Schechter. Some student ambassadors stood next to their club’s board and were able to pitch their club to the touring students and parents.

The open house continued with a few different presentations from teachers of the different core classes at Schechter. The English Department showcased a deep-dive into poetry analysis; the Hebrew and Spanish departments demonstrated their curriculum with a conversation between two students, one speaking solely in Hebrew and one speaking only in Spanish. The Jewish Studies Department and the Social Studies Department collaborated to present a mock trial for Adam, Eve, and the snake. Junior Corey Flyer said, “We were each put on trial to testify to their experience in the garden…. The goal was to determine who is at fault for eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge.” He continued by explaining how he feels glad to have been able to showcase our school’s dual curriculum and “give students and parents a glimpse into the wonders of Schechter.”

Overall, the open house ran smoothly and was able to give a wide view of the way we learn and experience education at Schechter. Senior Samson Mildron concluded, “I volunteered because I want to help ensure that our Schechter Kehilah grows and grows….” Lori Kantorowitz summarized that “Anyone who attended got a real sense of the Schechter High School and who we are as a school and as a community.”

Sam Levenson is a writer for Paw Print Now and has been published on the site since October 2023. Sam is currently a sophomore at Schechter School of Long Island and can be reached at the following email address: slevenson27@schechterli.org