From the desk of Mrs. Deborah Rapoport

A fresh pack of notebook paper, neatly stacked and unwrinkled. Pre-sharpened pencils whose eraser edges are still sharp and unmarked. New school supplies carry with them the promise of a fresh start, of new insights yet to be developed, of new skills yet to be learned, of new ideas yet to be learned. Assembling those school supplies for the first day of school was probably my favorite part of the school year when I was a student. My goals for the year, at that point, were probably not unlike those of many students, to be accepted by my peers, to get good grades, and to not get called on if I hadn’t fully prepared for class.

As a teacher, my goals have changed. I look forward to the start of school each year as a time to try out a new activity in my classroom or share some new information I learned in my summer reading. I have new students to get to know and many light-bulb moments to anticipate. Reaching the point that each of my students has grasped the overarching concepts and the myriad of details in our study of neuroscience is my goal.

Now as Assistant Principal, I look forward to helping to ensure that the students’ academic experience is the most productive one possible, from supporting the teachers in their teaching, to supporting the students in their learning. I will be working on professional development and new teacher mentoring, curriculum flow and instructional design. And I will continue to be a resource to all students in the High School who would like to improve their academic skills. Helping students to identify their strengths as learners, and teaching them how to use those strengths to tackle academic challenges are my goals, and a blessing that I get to enjoy every day at BT.

As we usher in both the new academic year and the Jewish New Year, I encourage each student to set a goal for the year. Not the typical goal of earning a certain grade, but what is more lasting and more within their control is a skills-based goal, whether learning how to get more out of their reading, or more actively and confidently seeking out their teachers’ assistance and guidance. By working to improve their academic skills, learning the tips and tricks to make their work better and more efficient, our students will be able to achieve the larger goals they will set for themselves in the years ahead.

May the coming year be one of academic challenge and personal growth for all of our students. May each of us take a few moments to set a goal for ourselves, determine what skills and actions are necessary to achieve that goal, then develop and carry forth a plan to acquire the skills to accomplish the goal. Meaningful goals take time and persistence to achieve, with plenty of opportunities for small successes and setbacks along the way. But, in the process of working towards our goals, we will find ourselves becoming more confident in our abilities and more successful in our efforts. L’shanah tovah!