Every Tuesday throughout the school year, our students have the chance to immerse themselves in everything from yoga and ultimate Frisbee, to Arabic and robotics, to Mishmar learning and Chesed opportunities. Under the guidance of faculty advisors who are experts in their fields, they will develop new interests, meet new people, and find new ways of contributing to our school community.
CHESED
Book Discussion and Library Volunteers
This is a club designed for those who love to read for pleasure and relaxation. One Tuesday per month, students will discuss a book selected by the group during chug period; the other three Tuesdays will be devoted to assisting Mrs. Monchar in the library during the chug period. Students will be taught to perform a variety of tasks, from shelving and covering books, to assisting with circulation desk duties, to designing bulletin boards and delivering materials to classrooms. Students who help on a regular basis will receive “chesed” hours. See you @ the library!
Chesed
The Chesed chug is a great opportunity to fulfill your Chesed hours during the school day and make a difference at the same time! In this chug, you will have a chance to participate in an activity of your choice and to build a real connection to people in need of chesed. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring elementary school students, working in Sinai as a "Sinai buddy," and visiting Care One (the local nursing home). In addition, our group will create and oversee Chesed opportunities for the entire school. Remember: you need 18 hours of service to fulfill your annual RKYHS Chesed requirement, and 54 hours to be inducted into the Rabbi Abraham Wahrhaftig Chesed Society.
Peer Counseling
This program, open to juniors and seniors in good academic standing, offers students a chance to develop their leadership skills while helping other students at RKYHS cope with teen and high school issues. Peer counselors will receive training from the Guidance Department to organize, facilitate, and participate in freshman and sophomore workshops, special mental health programs, and other programs of their own design. In addition, peer counselors will participate in Students for Social Awareness, as well as Lunch and Learning opportunities focusing on career options in counseling.
Social Action Committee
The Social Action Committee is a student-run club that focuses on social problems locally, nationally and internationally, promoting awareness of critical issues and attempting to find solutions.
HUMANITIES
Band (By audition only)
The RKYHS band will offer students opportunities to play together with classmates in a relaxed, informal setting. The group will develop a repertoire of music of various styles based on the interests and abilities of the participants--Jewish rock, reggae/dub, jazz, klezmer, oriental, etc. Band members should have a basic foundation of their instruments, and must be able to work well with others. The ability to read music is preferred, but not required. The band will rehearse primarily during the chug period, with performance opportunities scheduled periodically during the school year.
Business Investing
The U.S. stock market is the greatest generator of wealth the world has ever known. Yet few Americans take advantage of its potential. Why? Simply stated, Americans have not been taught how to invest. By learning the fundamentals of investing and an overview of the financial markets, you will begin your journey on the road to financial success.
Choir
Come raise your voice as a member of the RKYHS Choir. As a member of the choir, you will not only learn great songs, but will perform in front of a number of different audiences. Last year, the choir performed at the school’s dinner and stole the show!! This chug is open to any student who really wants to work hard, sing well, and have fun while doing it!!
Classic American Film
What's the best thing about going to the movies? Talking about them afterwards, of course! Join us for the second year of the Classic American Film chug, and enjoy films in virtually genre--Gangster, Musical, Western, War, Caper, Horror, Comedy, Social Drama, Romance, Thriller, Sci-Fi, Animation— by master directors such Hitchcock, Ford, Wilder, Curtiz, Huston, Kubrick, Sturges and Disney, and starring the most iconic figures Hollywood ever offered! Gable, Bogart, Cagney, Davis, Lancaster, Dean, Monroe.....They're all here! Every week, participants will explore the Giants of Genre—and gain insights into the celluloid dreams that have changed our perception of the world. Students will receive a DVD to watch during the week, and then share with the group the scenes that stirred them.
Crafting a Compelling College Essay
This enrichment chug is designed for seniors interested in crafting compelling essays to accompany their college applications. The chug will be conducted as a workshop--i.e., students will work in small groups, under the direction of the advisor, to refine their themes and polish their prose. This workshop is meant to complement the advisement services provided by the RKYHS Guidance Department; so before joining the workshop, all participants will be required to consult with their college counselor/s and families about the focus of their essays. Enrollment is limited, and the class will be offered in the fall semester only.
JUDAICS/JEWISH CIVICS
Now entering its seventh year, the Jewish Civics club dedicates itself to tikkun olam--repairing the world--both domestically and around the world. In previous years, members of our club supported U.S. troops in Iraq by sending care packages; volunteered at homeless shelters, foster homes and Ground Zero, supported victims of 9/11 and their families, participated in AIDS Walk NY, and the NJ State Park clean-up, visited the state capital in Trenton, built homes for Habitat For Humanity, and contributed to many other worthwhile endeavors. This year's focus will be something new and exciting. To promote the values of tolerance, respect, diversity, understanding, and to break down stereotypes among Jews and other minority groups, the RKYHS Jewish Civics Club will be teaming up with a group of students from a local, urban high school. Joint activities will include various get-togethers, including a mid-year trip to the NY Tolerance Center to attend a specialized training entitled "Tools For Teens.” The program will culminate with a joint community service project.
Mishmar - Big Questions and Big Answers
The mishmar chug will explore some of the major questions that Gedolai Torah have dealt with throughout the centuries. Relying on original sources from Jewish Philosophy and Law, we will explore how these great thinkers responded to everything from the birth of new religions, to the challenges of modernity. Of course, the most important questions to deal with are yours - and to that end, we will also address the issues that participants consider most pressing in their lives.
NCSY
Are you Jewish because your parents are? Why be Jewish? Why be in a Yeshiva HS? Come to a club where YOUR opinion will be heard. Eat pizza while we discuss the issues that you and your friends always chat about. Join us today!!
Nivcheret Israel
Israel ought to be an integral part of the life of every Jew. It is the homeland for all the Jewish people throughout the world, and we as religious Zionists believe that it is the beginning of our salvation. By participating in this chug, you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about Israel from an insider. The club will help promote Israel awareness, and strengthen the connection between RKYHS students and the State of Israel during its sixtieth year.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Boys’ Basketball
In the Ben Torah Basketball League students will get to have fun playing ball with and against their friends. We are looking to form several teams with 6-7 players per team to play some serious basketball.
Chess
The main objective of the Chess club is to provide a place for students to learn and play the game of chess. Students will be able to improve their playing skills through practice and competition. If you don't know how to play, we will teach you!
Football (Boys Only)
ATTENTION ALL MEN! We're talking football, the perfect blend of brawn and brains, athleticism and strategy. We play in all weather conditions, so only the rugged need apply.
Girls’ Basketball
Attention GIRLS! Come, have fun, get exercise, sweat a little (or a lot), challenge your friends and challenge yourself. All 50 minutes of this chug will be spent playing competitive games, in 2 on 2, 3 on 3, 4 on 4, or 5 on 5 format. Use this time to brush up on skills, practice new moves, or simply have fun. Get your head in the game!
Karate (Boys Only)
The Karate chug is based on Karate-Do (Okinawa) and is a basic selfdefense course. We will practice some practical self-defense maneuvers against choking, knives etc. Come learn some moves and skills that will enhance your confidence and self-discipline.
This chug offers students a chance to participate in a sport that can be played throughout a lifetime at social events and/or competitively. While learning the rules and regulations of Ping Pong, we will also hold fun practice sessions, trial games, and tournaments. Champions will receive prizes. Playing Ping Pong is a great way to relieve the stress of a long day! Come join!!
Ultimate Frisbee (Boys Only)
What is Ultimate Frisbee? For those of you who already know what an awesome sport this is, no further explanation is needed, and we'll see you on the field. If you don't, suffice it to say that Ultimate Frisbee rocks! As described by one prominent publication, ultimate Frisbee combines “speed, grace, and powerful hurling with a grueling pace." Think of it as a mix of football, soccer, and rugby--but played with only a Frisbee. And there are no pads necessary. Ultimate Frisbee is a non-contact sport. Members of the ultimate Frisbee chug will practice the necessary skills and strategies. We will have fast and competitive games and tournaments, with an emphasis on skills, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Ultimate Frisbee Chug - Get in on the action!
Yoga (Girls Only)
What can yoga do for you? Most importantly, yoga teaches students how to relax, while increasing flexibility, aligning the body, energizing the spirit, and increasing muscle tone. It doesn’t matter if you’re out of shape and totally inflexible or if you’re a star athlete, because in yoga each person learns to respect her body’s limits with different versions of each pose. Why should you do yoga? Being in high school is stressful: There’s a lot of pressure to socialize, study, and look a certain way. So, give yourself a break once a week to take a deep breath and just relax.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Computer Programming
In this introduction to computer programming, students will learn to develop algorithms and stepwise solutions to complex problems, and to write programs based on the algorithms. Programming language will be determined by interest.
Environmental Issues
This is a discussion, research, and reporting-oriented chug. The focus is on biomes, habitats, and implications for the healthy future of the Biosphere. Are we experiencing global warming or climate change? What’s the deal with fossil fuels? What constitutes our own personal carbon footprints? Can we get an accurate handle on alternative energy sources and issues? Who are the experts who can help answer questions for us? How do we find this out? These and other related questions will be discussed, argued, and guided, toward “real” evidence; and students may have opportunities to do hands-on work with solar, wind-generated, and other alternative energy projects. This meaningful, Socratic experience will also bring a variety of media, and guest experts--from allied, science, religious, government, and other communities--into the mix.
Graphic Design
Ever wondered why some graphic materials grab your attention more than others? Sign up for this chug and find out! You will learn why and when to use different typefaces; how to design an effective page layout; the basics of color theory; and elements of webpage design. Whether you’re thinking of a career on Madison Avenue or just want to jazz up your Facebook page, join this chug to show your creative side and have lots of fun!
Lego Robotics Chug
This program is designed for students who have an interest in applied computer programming, design, and bioinstrumentation. The hands-on experience is delivered to RKYHS students by expert technology educators from Kean University who specialize in consumer and service robotics, including: Field Robotics, Surgical and Medical Robotics, Intelligent Toys and Entertainment Robots, Military, Law Enforcement and Security, Robotic Homecare and Assistive Technology, Home Automation Market, Public Safety Robotics, and Mechatronics and Animatronics.
