Friday, March 5, 2010

Purimpalooza is coming

February 22, 2010

Dear Ozrim:

This Saturday is Purimpalooza, so pick out your costume and do not forget we have class on Saturday, not Sunday. See you at 3:30 at the temple!!! There will be plenty of food and fun – Kyra has made sure that the chocolate fountain works (she assembled and disassembled it several times on Sunday).
This week Laura won Frick, and she is the perfect pastry slicer. Lately we have had a higher number of absences, please remember that the students in your classes look forward to seeing you and spending time with you. When you are absent or not in class it detracts from their learning experience. Please make every effort to be at Religious School and in class whenever possible.

Andrew looked zoned out all day. Paul wants everyone to remember no jeans except at Purimpalooza. Jeremy was Duff Man with juice for his class. Bari may actually be shorter than every student in her class. Kelly is the Dancing Queen (Abba), and Josh is the Patrick Swayze of his class.
Morgan had water logged boots. Candace had her Selena hat, Jonathan his zip up sweatshirt, and Val the lowest hanging purse on earth. Rachel won Vanity Fair with her zebra shirt, and Kim’s checkerboard shirt won honorable mention. Max is raising enthusiasm, Carl hovers over his class, and Mose the beatnik won GQ this week. Rabbi Remer continues his Hebrew lessons in class, and Mason was like a Saint Bernard – he and his teacher had a triage going in class.
We have Purim, then a week of class, then two weeks off, then Passover, then we come to the home stretch (April and May). I realize religious school’s schedule has been bizarre this year, and it is hard to get into a rhythm, but let’s pull it together for the children! Y’all are the key.
Thank you for all of those that have to read my ranting but are pulling your weight and doing your job in a professional manner! I truly appreciate your dedication and how responsible you have been in making this program a success.
Dennis

Monday, February 8, 2010

February 8 Update

February 8, 2010

Dear Ozrim:

Next week is President’s Day, so no class. Also, Max Gru will not be at Sunday School next week. We begin anew February 21! This week the Frick went to Laura (she’s back, Henna and all). Josh spent his week racking up recommendations. Jonathan won the Ultra Brite Smile Award. Jeremy for some reason hates Twilight and he along with the rest of you need to work on your math tables when it comes to the number 18.
Garrett took an outside stroll after services. Ari (McAri, I should say), turned down another job offer on Sundays because of the Ozrim pay! J Bari finally returns to her class to find no Hebrew. Kelly knows the word for butterfly in Hebrew. Max Gre won the Waddle Award for limping more than Dwight Freeney. Mason and Laura want to compete in Ozrim v. Food to see who can eat 36 gefilte fish.
Rav Remer was teaching Hebrew. Reese may have finally graduated from Tie U. Mose walked around like Radio Raheem from Do the Right Thing. Lydia won Vanity Fair with her boots and long coat, and Hana gets a special mention for her Grace Slick tights. Paul had fab footware (Ug shoes), but Jake (in his Richard Lewis look) and Reese win GQ. Carl was relegated to pencil man – he needs a life size pocket protector.
We had a good week this week, so here is the Hebrew phrase of the week: Mi Dat (I cannot write in Hebrew on my computer). Have a good two weeks, and we will see you February 21. Do not forget the youth led service this Friday night!
Dennis

Monday, February 1, 2010

February 1, 2010

Dear Ozrim:

No using cell phones during class, including and especially during services. You are the role models for all the students; that is not an option.
Let’s have fun in February. I am declaring February crazy tie month. Come to class in your most outrageous (but not inappropriate) tie – guys and girls. This is Purim month, so let’s have some fun.
This week Zach won the Frick by arriving first. Mason kvetched that Ozrim pay would not be properly referred to as “sustenance,” unless we were talking about impoverishment. I just want to remind you that when I was a high school teacher assistant we were expected to work 13 hours without breaks, shoveling coal, and we didn’t expect money, we were just thrilled if the Rabbi gave us a piece of challah, then we would walk home in the snow six miles uphill knowing we had done a good deed. Minimum wage? Hah! Minimum wage back then was a bathroom break! If we needed a ride, we went to the Yellow pages, looked up the phone number, then waited in line to place our dime in a pay phone.
This week Lydia won Vanity Fair with her fancy outfit and riding boots. Morgan also won Vanity Fair for her skirt. Val wore her Papa Don’t Preach Madonna gloves. Candace worries about what is written about her. Reese won GQ this week, and he even had his jacket dry cleaned. Mose wins GQ honorable mention, even with the Elvis tribute sideburns. Jake did not wear a tie – he came to school incognito. Jonathon wore his sweatshirt – we need to have Ozrim embroidered on it. Max Gru wore his shirt untucked because he forgot a belt. Carl wore shades of gray and hid upstairs. Garrett wore his Quidditch sweater.
Hana is xenophobic about foreign languages. Josh was Moses leading the children of Israel through the halls. Rachel had the Kodak moment of the day walking down the halls with her arm over the shoulder of a student. Ask your parents what “Kodak” means. Jeremy’s former students asked to have him back in her class.
Important announcement: Max Gre just got his license. That means that not only is he on the road, but Emma just got her permit, so beware when getting into a vehicle. With great power comes great responsibility.
See you Sunday wearing a funny tie.
Dennis

Monday, January 25, 2010

January 26 Update!

January 26, 2010

Dear Ozrim:

There have been several times when I have come into classes and found Ozrim sitting on tables or cabinets or other furniture – no more. Ozrim should be walking around the classroom or sitting amongst the students.
This week Morgan was bright and early and won the Frick Award, eating a Cinnabun. Jeremy was almost decapitated by Rabbi Paley. Rachel and Bari were twins (Vanity Fair honorable mentions, too). Garrett was on nurse duty with a child calling home.
Andrew found any excuse to not be in class, possibly a flashback from when he was my “assistant.” Laura was a Mayflower (Wo)man, moving chairs (not a Pilgrim). Ari was everywhere (he wins Muabelhcie), and was also the puppet master. Hana left her vulture’s perch to get a book from the office. Alexa took attendance and was confounded by a group of second graders – learn your kids’ names, guys.
Vanity Fair this week was shared by Miss Lydia and Alexa. GQ was won by Jake (new skinny tie) and Reese (no Bears tie). Max worked with Lilliputians. Kelly is a silent dancer. Carl had a matching shirt-watch color combo going. Paul was the Johnny Appleseed of juice.
Kyra made sure no one was beaned by the hanging exit sign. Mason increased his class’ attendance – it’s like having Justin Timberlake in class (all the kids want to see him). According to Kyra, Candace (solo) wore cute gold earrings and tan boots. Jake changed the clock batteries (they call him Mr. Timex). Josh was colorful – like a Teletubby. Mose is still wearing his prison purple striped shirt. Someone actually let Kim use scissors in class. Jonathan has a new one on one assignment.
See you Sunday (yes, we teach two Sundays in a row)!
Dennis

Friday, January 15, 2010

January 15 Update!

Hagafen
OZRIM™ 2009-2010
3809 Pilot Drive
Plano, Texas 75025
972-712-1198
deichelbaum@edlaw.com

January 12, 2010

Dear Ozrim:

Don’t forget to put the Purimpalooza on your calendar for February 27. I will need for you to let me know ASAP if you will not be available.
Graduating seniors should check out the Brotherhood’s website and see if you are eligible for applying to receive the Bob Weinfeld Scholarship. Deadline for applications is May 1.
This week we had our switch in assignments (for many of you). Jeremy was pleased to have the best of both worlds in his assignment. Kim was put in sixth grade but she blended in so I missed her. Paul was happy to return to his favorite class. Carl was less excited than expected. Kelly was thrilled with her assignment.
Andrew had the same hairdo as his teacher this week. Garrett and Candace now have Purim PHD’s, as they were treated like the title character in Being John Malkovich. Candace’s best friend laughed when she nearly broke a table. Speaking of her, Val was Rosie, the Bounty Queen. Laura cut up her hand in art (she also had the world’s longest scarf). Kyra went through extensive training her first day as my assistant. Kyra needs practice in her Quasimodo skills.
Jonathan was the strong, very silent type. Zach worked one of one with students, while Max Gre was grading work. Mose led a group himself, while Mason is getting used to older kids. Frick this week is Mason and Reese, Reese winning GQ honorable mention. Morgan wore army boots.
Max Gru won GQ even with his stripes in different directions (he also led a group). Hana won Vanity Fair with her combo Ozrim shirt/skirt. Alexa won both Vanity Fair and Ultra Brite smile award.
Ari was poking kids along in the hall. Lydia wants her kids running in the halls. Josh straggled behind returning from services (he was sad that they ended). Rachel wins Muablehcie for her good coverage.
Happy MLK Day. See you a week from Sunday!
Dennis

Monday, December 14, 2009

12-14 update

Hagafen
OZRIM™ 2009-2010
3809 Pilot Drive
Plano, Texas 75025
972-712-1198
deichelbaum@edlaw.com

December 14, 2009

Dear Ozrim:

A Happy Hanukkah to everyone. You are all invited to the Ozrim Reunion, an annual event at the Eichelbaum’s home each December 25 from 10-11:30 for Ozrim. I hope you can join us – there will be former Ozrim, some in college, others graduated, others married, some with kids! Fro mthere you can go to your movie and Chinese food.
This past week Laura won Frick, and possibly a spot on the next America’s Next Top Baker. She can do miracles with pastries. Andrew spent part of his day imitating the Count from Sesame Street. He also suggested that I add a link to each of my 70’s references so those interested can look them up on the web and better understand them. Of course, you are talking about someone that Andrew explained “tabs” to on Sunday, so it is unlikely I have the technological wherewithal to try that. I am still trying to figure out why they call this a “blog.”
This week’s GQ went to Mr. Black and White (Jake) and Mr. Black and Red (Ari). They sound like they are straight out of Reservoir Dogs. Max is now referred to as Man-no-tie (he is endangered in Florida). Mason will be starring in the sequel, Paul Blart, Restroom Attendant. One of Mason’s students gave him a Hanukkah card and called him “Nathan” (maybe the child has a lisp when he spells). Jon had picketers walking around his sweatshirt protesting animal fur.
Lydia has declared that Carl will get “Nun” awards this year. Lydia told scary goblin stories of Hanukkah. Paul and Kim were rejected by their teachers. Kelly apparently has the mark of the squealer (from the Bowery Boys). Hana wore colorful leggings, but Vanity Fair this week went to Bari in her ballerina skirt. She says she is a beast (when I was in high school that was not quite a compliment). Rachel also won Vanity Fair and was very colorful, too.
Josh is hoping for a dreidle scholarship to college next year. Max Gre was playing Where in the World is Carmen San Diego looking for a book. Mose won the Muablehcie for covering his entire class solo. Kyra wants everyone to remember no sweats; Garrett wants everyone to remember no jeans. Zach blends in with his students, and Jeremy thinks he is in choir. And last, but not least, the final comment on 2009, we are going to nominate Reese for the Nobel Prize in science when he cures peanut allergies.
See you December 25 or in 2010. Watch your email for your new assignments.
Dennis

Monday, December 7, 2009

It's almost Chanukah time!!!

Hagafen
OZRIM™ 2009-2010
3809 Pilot Drive
Plano, Texas 75025
972-712-1198
deichelbaum@edlaw.com

December 7, 2009

Dear Ozrim:

One more week in the semester, meaning this is your last week in your current assignment. I will be working over the break to determine new assignments. Seniors, please email your preferences (give me options) to. Assignments are, as always, based upon the best interest of the students and the religious school.
This Sunday may or may not be parties in classrooms. Remember, no peanuts or peanut products.
I would like each of you to decide and let me know whether or not you will continue in the program next semester. I say that because I do not want anyone in the program any longer that is not going to treat the position with respect or damaging the reputation of the program. I take this program very seriously; it is an opportunity for you to learn and contribute. That opportunity is not for everyone. Think about it.
This week Kelly was supposedly first, but she loses Frick to Jake, who arrived first and attended the meeting. Jake and Reese won GQ. Carl has returned to his orange and navy Bears outfits. Hey, did anyone notice the Bears did something the Cowboys have not done since y’all turned ten…they won in December!
Mason was left out of services. Josh wants to remind everyone that we do not play Sudoku during class. Zach is the Fred Astaire of Israeli dancing. Lydia worked very hard on an art project and punching holes in dreidles (good job). Ari looked like Admiral Perry as he and Max Gre ran a project station. Andrew made a list and was checking it twice.
Kyra had the wobbliest hair and wants to remind everyone no gum in class. Val and Laura looked like a scene out of Ben Hur (they were chariots for students). Val also had the longest earrings. Kim is no Magellan, trying to find east. Jon was the man without hands. Vanity Fair this week went to Hana, with Candace getting a mention for the best scarf. Funniest outfit was Alexa with her off colored “shoes.” Rachel looked like a scene from Dragnet in her Sergeant Friday jacket.
I would like to introduce all of you to Eric, the Mr. Livingston of Ozrim. Garrett taught Hebrew sign language. Paul wants to remind everyone that not only should students not use cell phones in class, neither should Ozrim. Jeremy taught about Hanukah. Last, but not least, we had Morgan, our Jedi who controlled her class with her light saber.
See you Sunday. Happy Hanukah to all!
Dennis