Dear Friends,

Welcome to Westchester Hebrew High School!

Great things are happening at WHHS, where each day affords students with learning opportunities, in and out of the classroom. Our faculty, distinguished by its talent, experience and dedication to the education of students, sets the tone for what promises to be an energizing school year. Our faculty members inspire exploration and always seek to innovate and integrate elements of the curriculum.

In addition to returning faculty members, I am proud to welcome Mr. Michael Tedesco as, Director of College Guidance. Mr. Tedesco comes to us from New Rochelle High School, where he guided over 2,000 students through the college application process. His impressive track record and experience, along with a caring personality and positive attitude, promise to enrich the guidance program at WHHS. WHHS also welcomes Professor Michael Berkowitz who will be teaching Advanced Placement Psychology, and Mr. Gerry Carter, who joins WHHS as Business Manager. Gerry’s professional qualifications as well as his caring personality and desire to help, are welcome additions to the WHHS family.

On the academic front, we seek to create an active and avid community of learners and to continue to implement new curriculum modules with an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies and integration. Classroom projects are integrating Judaic and Secular Studies, current with historical events, and classroom studies with life experiences.

This interdisciplinary approach to classroom studies bridges a gap that sometimes exists for high school students. Students often question the relevance of their in-class studies to the world. Members of our math and science departments will work with students to demonstrate the relevance of mathematical processes and physics to basketball. Can’t get more relevant than intertwining math with sports!

In addition, we are placing a focus on the role of effective communications in the development of our students. By placing an emphasis on taking responsibility for their actions and being able to communicate with fellow students, teachers, administrators and their parents, we hope to prepare students to advocate for themselves as they continue to grow and branch out.

Last, but certainly not least, students at WHHS will have many opportunities to participate in extra-curricular activities and to perform acts of Chessed. I am extremely proud that a group of seniors, as in years past, set up the Shabbat apartments at Westchester Medical Center in Valhalla every Friday afternoon. Other students participate in Habitat for Humanity, Midnight Run and Project Embrace, to name just a few.

I am honored to be at the helm of WHHS during this dynamic phase of our development and am eager to share some of our ongoing initiatives. Feel free to contact me if you are interested in learning more about WHHS.

Rabbi Jeffrey Beer