Keshet Programming Continues in an Atypical Year

 

By Hadassah Bernstein-

Keshet continues to bring education and fun for its students this year despite the pandemic.

COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Offers a Promising End to the Pandemic

 

By Isaac Shiner-

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorizations (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine, an important milestone in battling this pandemic. The vaccines were approved for individuals 16 and 18 years of age and older respectively and consists of a two-dose series separated by 21 days and 28 days respectively.

Ida Crown's Chesed Program Active Despite Pandemic

By Gabriel Gordon-Burstyn-

Rabbi Yoni Fox and Mrs. Zeffren run Ida Crown’s Chesed program; Rabbi Fox says that he saw it as imperative that even in the pandemic there is a schoolwide Chesed program. Rabbi Fox wanted to find a way to do Chesed while minimizing risk for the student body, and he finally found this opportunity with the Chicago Mitzvah Campaign.

ICJA’s Senior Leader Program to help Freshmen Adjust to High School Life

 

By Isaac Shiner-

This year, 23 seniors were selected to be a part of the Senior Leader program. The Senior Leader program at Ida Crown Jewish Academy assigns a senior to a group of freshmen each year. The seniors work to make the freshmen feel welcomed at Ida Crown and help them transition to high school life. The Student Social Services department, led by Mr. Zbaraz (Doc Phil) and Ms. Avner, runs the program and selects the senior leaders from a group of applicants. 

Ida Crown Makes Changes Due to COVID-19

By Ari Baral-

Every new school year always brings some change, but no change to the student’s everyday school life has been as drastic as the school year of 2020-2021. 

Ida Crown Hosts Graduation Ceremony In August

By Hannah Stein- 

    Amid the strangest of springs because of a global pandemic, fifty seniors graduated from Ida Crown Jewish Academy. This year’s graduation was unparalleled in many ways: the seniors and their families sat six feet apart outside, everyone had to wear masks, only one person could be on the stage at a time, and only immediate family members could join the graduation ceremony in person. Regardless of the extenuating circumstances, the seniors were smiling. 

Ida Crown Welcomes 58 Incoming Freshmen

By Hadassah Bernstein-

Ida Crown welcomed 58 incoming freshmen joining the school this year from the various middle schools in Illinois and throughout the United States. These feeder schools include Akiba Shechter, Arie Crown, Chicagoland Jewish Day School, Hillel Torah, Joan Dachs Bais Yaakov, Solomon Schecter, and Torah Academy of Minneapolis. Let us meet these new freshmen!

ICJA Removes Controversial Vaping Signs After One Day; Pledges to Take New Measures

By Dahlia Matanky-

Ida Crown removed new signs that the FDA sent out to schools nationwide after just one day. 

These signs were intended to combat vaping and warn students against the dangers of vapes, yet both students and faculty complained about the vulgarity of these posters. 

As Tensions Flare in Israel, ICJA Students Ramp Up Advocacy

By Jacob Miller and Simone Miller-

With a few days remaining before Congress recesses for the winter holidays, ICJA students have increased their lobbying efforts. The lobbying comes at a time when Israel faces threats from terrorist organizations based in Gaza.

Ida Crown Freshmen Attend Fridayton

By Gideon Miller-

On Friday, November 15th, the Ida Crown freshman class went on their Freshmen Fridayton.  Every year, Ida Crown organizes a Fridayton for their freshman class, in which they schedule Friday and Shabbat activities.

ICJA Already Provides Students with the Resources CTU Demanded During Their Strike

By Melinda Burgin-

On October 31, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) ended their strike, receiving many of their demands, such as higher pay for teachers, at least one certified psychologist and nurse per school, and an increase in spending on the training of such officials. They also agreed to provide more English as a second language teachers and more funding towards athletic equipment. 

Soccer Field Update

By Bayli Alter-

After an extensive renovation, Dean Rabbi Leonard Matanky is optimistic that Ida Crown’s soccer field will be ready for use soon.

SAR Academy Assistant Principal Arrested on Charges of Child Pornography

By Bayli Alter-

On Friday September 13, Rabbi Jonathan Skolnick of Salanter Akiba Riverdale Academy (SAR) was arrested on charges that include child enticement and possessing child pornography. 

New Mechanechet program Implemented at ICJA

By Dahlia Matanky-

The Mechanechet program consists of two mechanchot, Mrs. Jenny Hagage and Mrs. Lynn Kraft. Inspired by Academy Alumni Sara Weiss ‘18, the program aims to provide Academy girls with Judaic teachers that they can look to for Jewish advice and religious confidence. 

Mathletes

By Simone Miller-

Ida Crown’s mathletes team kicked off the year in their first meet on Thursday, September 26.

Ida Crown Makes Changes Based On Accreditation Feedback

By Gideon Miller-

AdvancED, an accrediting agency, accredited Ida Crown this year, and made suggestions to the school. ICJA plans to implement new changes based on their accreditation feedback.

New Feeder Schools Contribute to Class of 2023

By Sarah Friedman-

The class of 2023 is lucky enough to have a large variety of students from a wide range of schools and backgrounds. The Class of 2023 includes students from Hillel Torah, Arie Crown, Solomon Schechter, Cheder Lubavitch, Akiba Schechter, and various public schools. Some students have relocated from states including Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.