Shevuon, February 3, 2012

Two weeks ago, Gann released its first Annual Report. The report details

the school’s yearly revenues and expenses, contains an extensive list of donors and highlights new developments in the curric-ulum. According to Director of Institutional A d v a n c e -ment Susan Appelbaum, it is common for non-profit organizations to produce a n n u a l reports. Ap-p e l b a u m emphasizes the report as an “impor-tant way to keep our community informed about the financial health of our school…recognize the people who support our school… [and] highlight some of the wonderful things going on at Gann.”

Spearheading the process was Marketing and Com-munications Associate Laura Ayer, who worked with the Institutional Advancement Of-fice to decide what to includve in the report and to create the optimal layout. Ayer chose the tagline “Challenge. Nurture. Inspire.” for the book’s cover, as well as the blue-green color scheme in order to distinguish it from the Viewbook, which was released earlier this year. Ayer

notes that some choices she made were unorthodox, such as “including quotes instead of the typical letters from our board President, Elizabeth Jick, and Rabbi Baker,” as well as adding student quotes to “better tell the story of Gann.”

One goal of the Annual Re-port is to inform members of the Gann community, including current students and parents as well as alumni and donors, of new developments at the school. “The stories we highlighted in our annual report were all success stories from the year,” Ayer shares. “[The stories] touched upon special program-ming, experiential learning like the GAINES program, athletic highlights and our teacher de-velopment program.”

Another important section of the booklet is the financial re-port, which details Gann’s reve-nues and expenses for the 2010-2011 year. It shows how much

money came into the school and how it was spent. According to the list and accompanying pie chart, Gann’s greatest source of revenue is its tuition, bringing in over $7 million last year, fol-lowed by gifts and grants at over $1.7 million. Topping the list of

expenses were sala-ries and bene f i t s , w h i c h accoun t s for 64% of Gann’s s p e n d -ing. The remainder of Gann’s m o n e y is spent on things

such as building maintenance, the educational program, the Is-rael trip and Exploration Week, to name just a few of many expenses.

Chief Financial and Ad-ministrative Officer Christine Miller says that Gann’s process of budgeting is different than the system used by many other companies and schools: “At Gann, we believe that budgeting is not a process in itself. Rather, we believe it is a central part of the conversation about where the school is going.” Accord-ingly, each year, department chairs meet with Miller and other members of the adminis-t r a t i o n

In Here• Gann’s Robotics team,

R.A.B.B.I., wins the Inspire Award at last weekend’s Hudson Val-ley Regional Robotics Competition and heads to the World Champion-ships in St. Louis.

• Gann celebrates the Chinese New Year with martial arts, calligraphy and snacks.

• Gann’s photography teacher Lindsay Metivier is nominated for Boston Phoenix’s Best of Boston for her art gallery, Aviary.

Out There• The New England Patri-

ots set to play in Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants this Sunday.

• House Republicans propose bill for spending an estimated $260 billion over the next 4.5 years on transportation programs, in addition to substan-tially increasing the size of trucks permitted on highways.

• U.N. Security Council plans to take up a draft resolution proposed by Morocco that calls on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down and transfer power.

Is there diversity at Gann?Senior Eliana Perlmutter shares her opinion on whether or not there is diversity at Gann Acad-emy.

Gann’s Second Royal Wedding?Dr. Golden and his fiancé Kim Davidson have set a date for late June.

Shevuon Hat chon שבועון התיכוןFriday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב • Shabbat: 4:43 - 6:14 • Volume 14, Issue 22

Page 3 Page 7

Gann releases the 2011-2012 Annual Report.

Gann Unveils First Annual ReportBy Sara NewmanSpotlight

Credit: Liam Gandelsman

continued on page 6

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 2

Remember circa January/February-time in the late 90s? Well, you were probably sit-ting in a pint- size plastic chair in preschool or kindergarten and you were most likely making cute little trees out of construction paper and glue and wishing them a happy birthday. Yes, that sounds quite like Tu B’shvat, the traditional Jewish birthday of the trees, as we know it. But what really is the significance of the tree in Scripture? Why do we celebrate the trees? What’s wrong with the birds? Or the cows? How about the grass and the flowers?

Unfortunately, the Torah is not par-ticularly egalitarian when it comes to flora and fauna; the preferred natural creation is clearly the tree and no other. Hashem takes excessive pride in this creation and specifi-cally demands a certain amount of care to be applied to its maintenance. In fact, in Vayikra 19:23, we are warned against pick-ing the fruit of a newly planted tree for the first three years of its life. G-d seems pretty

protective, doesn’t He? Not only that, but come fourth year, the fruit does not become available for consumption as might be ex-pected, but rather is designated as the sa-cred ma’aser for G-d. Only after five years can we eat the fruit off of our tree.

Not only does G-d mandate special protection for His favorites, but the text of the Torah also compares them to human beings, creating a compelling analogy be-tween preserving the life of trees and hon-oring the sanctity of human life. Chapter 20 of Devarim, verses 19-20, read as follows: “If you besiege a city...to wage war against it...do not harm [any of] its trees by chop-ping it with an ax, because you eat from it you are not to cut it down; For, is the tree in the field a man to join the besieged to escape you?”

Rashi explains this metaphor by empha-sizing the innocence of the tree, stressing that it should not be oppressed by the same famine and thirst that is to plague the be-

sieged population simply because it falls in the way of conquest; there is no reason to destroy a tree that bears fruit. But why this comparison to human beings? Although the tree is initially equated to a certain kind of human being, one’s enemy, this analogy is rejected on the basis that the tree should not be treated as an equal to the enemy, because it has caused no harm. Instead, it should be spared, just as a friend or an ally is protected in return for the benefits that it provides to the conqueror. As such, it seems that this analogy serves to indicate a divine protection that rests over even the simplest of living things.

Trees sustain humanity through fruit, shade, and as we now know, oxygen. G-d warns us not to aimlessly destroy the exact source of our survival, imparting an indi-rect lesson on the significance of gratitude. So, let’s celebrate the trees!

Tu B’ShvatBy Hannah Vaitsblit and David Tye D’var Torah

Starting at the young age of 16, teenag-ers in Massachusetts are eligible for their learner’s permit. After six months and a vast amount of classroom and road hours, these teens can apply for their drivers’ licenses and finally hit the road by themselves. For some people, a driver’s license makes their parents’ lives easier, while for others, it’s a ticket to freedom. But for most, driving is a rite of passage, a privilege they’ve been looking forward to since the beginning of their social career.

A recent student survey revealed that the large majority of Gann stu-dents eligible to drive have access to a car, whether it be theirs or their parents’. More than 55% of the students answered that they drive their own car. Almost 27% said they use their parents’ car when they drive, and only 18% said they share a car with a sibling. Of the students that drive their own car, only 17% have bought new cars–the others drive used or inherited family cars.

Recently, a very new and very techno-logically advanced car was released in Eu-

rope. The “Hiriko”, a small, revolutionary fold-up car has been called the solution to “urban stress, urban transportation, pollu-tion and job creation” (Yahoo! Autos). This 1.5 meter, two-seater electric smartcar has no doors, a motor located in its wheels and

is able to fold itself up to make parking easier. Additionally, its wheels can turn at right angles to accommodate tight-spaced parking.

Despite the fact that this new car was an American idea developed in Boston’s MIT media lab, it’s currently only be-ing designed and sold in Europe. Though America does have some of its own cool, ecofriendly smartcars, we don’t sell any-thing quite like the “Hiriko” yet. Only

a mere 4.5% of Gann student drivers an-swered that they drive smartcars, and only 15% drive hybrids. With all the new tech-nological developments in cars, hybrids and smartcars become expensive compared to the common sedans and SUVs that get

average gas mileage (of which the large majority of Gann student drivers answered they drive).

As for future plans, the makers of the “Hiriko” are already discussing as-sembling small cars that will be able to drive 75 miles without recharging, and whose speed will be electronically set to stay within city limits. In this day

and age, technology is becoming more and more sophisticated with the development of new cars, but the most popular brands of cars among Gann students are reported to be the average Hondas, Toyotas and Subarus. For those of you without a license or a car, hang in there-your time will come. And for those that do, just kick back and enjoy the ride.

Driving Into the FutureBy Lily CohenIHOT

Credit: Liam Gandelsman

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 3

שחקנית וזמרת זואי דשנלמאת: אנה פסמן, עורכת

עיברית

Credit: Fox

Have you noticed how much happier Dr. Golden, Associate Head of School, has been this year? Well, that is because he is happily engaged to Kim Davidson! Yes, Gann is about to have its second royal wedding of the year. So who is this lucky woman, anyways? Davidson is a psychologist in a Watertown public school who works with elementary school students.

Davidson is from Portland, ME, so some may be wondering how she and Dr. Golden met. They were both a part of a community service program called ReachOut, sponsored by the Jewish Community Relations Council. David-son was one of the coordinators at an event where volunteers tutored adults studying to take the GED. Dr. Golden explains, “As it happened, I had to drop out of the program after a few weeks. However, I had her e-mail address from that experience, which proved to be an important detail several months later as we started to see one another again at the Vilna Shul, American Jewish Committee (AJC) events, and other Jewish events in town.”

Aside from being very active in the Jewish community, the couple also enjoys

spending time outdoors. Davidson says, “We like spending time outdoors taking walks or hiking. We also like cooking together and traveling. Day trips to Maine (where I grew up) is one of our favorite des-tinations.” Dr. Golden echoes his fiancé’s words, adding, “My favorite date was when

we went snowshoeing. It was something that I had never done before. In fact, before

the date, I pictured putting on the old wooden version of snowshoes that I had seen in the movies! The date was a window into Kim’s love for nature. Ever since, we have taken many walks and hikes together around Boston and in the Pacific Northwest.” The couple seems to enjoy winter activities, but one of Davidson’s favorite dates was when they went to tea at the Taj. She states, “It was the perfect place to have a long, relaxing conversation to get to know each other better.”

After dating for eight months, Dr. Golden finally proposed on August 5, the day after the couple returned from a vacation to the Pacific Northwest. He led Davidson to the roof of his building with a cake box in his hand.

As Davidson had taught English for three years in Japan, Dr. Golden knew to go to a Japanese bakery for a special cake. David-son describes, “He opened the cake box and explained that he would let the cake do the talking. It was a strawberry shortcake from the Japonaise Bak-

Gann’s Second Royal WeddingBy Maya Feldman, Copy EditorStudent Lounge

Dr. Golden and fiancé Kim Davidson.

continued on page 5

Credit: Jane Berger

("New Girl")

"Death Cab for Cutie"

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 4

WallInfoPhotosFriends

February 3rd, 2012   Events:Tuesday, 2/7Advisor LunchWenesday, 2/8Professional Development Early Dismissal - 3pmFriday, 2/10Junior Shabbaton

Gemini

You’ve got to dance and get crazy today-your so-cial energy demands mo-tion! Even if it feels flighty or silly, that’s cool, because you can sweep up oth-ers in your ebullient mood!

Horoscope

Share: Quote of the Week

Because the time we already spend on Facebook isn’t enough,

here is gannbook...

To be featured in gannbook, send your submissions to

Alana Windmueller ‘12

Home Profile Account

 Birthdays:

  Rachel Wolfman

Teacher Fun Fact

World LanguageEdited by Rahel Nessim

Rabbi Bard

Elie Lehmann 2/5Elana Aronson 2/5Joe Davenport 2/7

Jacob Rich 2/8

Haley Cashman

Joe Sandperl

Jonah Naghi 2/3

Alana Windmueller

Caught-Off-Guard Picture of the Week

Ellie Deresiewicz 2/8

When asked about Mr. Kadden:

“He is basically a step down from G-d.”

Poll: Which came first?

A Joke by Sterling DixonHay tres clases de personas:

Las que saben contar y las que no.

Did you know that Rabbi Bard can talk like Donald Duck?

Danny Orlin and Noam Newberger

Sudoku

Chicken 51%

Egg 49%

Which came first: the Chicken or the Egg?

100 Students Surveyed

David Tye

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 5

Gann’s Second Royal Wedding continued from page 3

Avi Tesera, a 35-year-old Ethiopian-Israeli, has brought the issue of racism in Israel to public attention after he claimed that a housing developer in Kiryat Malakhi discriminated against him based on his race. According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, Tesera alleges that the contractor tried to steer him away from buying there, despite Tesera’s ability to pay. He claims that the contractor inflated the price of the unit to a sum much greater than that of the similar apartments surrounding the one Tesera was interested in. Tesera commented, “Until now I haven’t been able to buy a better apartment than my old one, and it’s not for lack of money.” Tesera claims the contractor was trying to avoid selling to Tesera be-cause of his ethnicity. Haaretz reported that the contractor, Yaakov Vaknin, has said, “I will sell to anyone willing to pay.” Vaknin denies that he would reject Tesera because of his race. What truly happened between Tesera and Vaknin remains in dispute.

Tesera’s allegations made national news in Israel, when, according to JPost, Chan-nel 2 reported that Kiryat Malakhi’s neigh-borhood council signed a pledge agreeing to not rent or sell houses to Ethiopian-Is-raelis. According to the report, this pledge was signed because the residents felt that

attracting Ethiopians would decrease the real estate value in their town.

Furthermore, Channel 2 reported that a member of the town said that he doesn’t want Ethiopians in his community because they will bring their Ethiopian traditions with them. He fears that they will perform

African rituals in public spaces, including the ritualistic slaughter of animals. Gann junior Lara Mofsowitz responds, “As someone who was born in South Africa, it is offensive to [assume] that these Ethio-pians will perform sacrificial ‘African’ acts in public. [Ethiopian-Israelis trying to buy homes in Kiryat Malakhi] have probably been living in Israel for a while.”

In response to the Kiryat Malakhi scan-dal, hundreds of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on January 25 to rally for change. The

crowd consisted of people of all ethnicities and ages, and they chanted slogans such as “The people demand social equality,” and “We will not allow blacks to be miserable.”

Racism in Israel has developed into a serious problem. The Meyers-JDC-Brook-dale Institute issued a study finding that, on

average, Ethiopian immigrants with advanced degrees earn half as much money annually as their white coun-terparts with similar degrees. Ac-cording to Haaretz, anti-Ethiopian hate graffiti has begun appearing in Kiryat Malakhi following Tesera’s allegations.

Even before the Kiryat Malakhi incident, Israelis have gathered to protest discrimination against Ethi-opians. On January 18, an estimated 5,000 people gathered in Jerusalem to protest the inequality accorded to Ethiopian-Israelis. Among the pro-testers were Tzipi Livni, the Leader of the Opposition, and Shelly

Yachimovitch, leader of the Labor party. Michael Harlow, a Gann Academy

sophomore, expressed his dismay about the allegations of discrimination. Harlow said, “I am very disappointed to hear about [the discrimination]…This goes against the principle of ‘Hachnasat Orchim,’ [or] welcoming guests, and to me that is an im-portant value that should be maintained.” (Facts from Haaretz and JPost)

Over 1,500 demonstrators, mostly Israeli Jews of Ethiopian descent, protest racism in front of the Knesset in Jerusalem. Credit:AFP

Ethiopian Jews Face Discrimination in Israel By Sloane GrinspoonIsrael

ery (my favorite) with the words “Will you marry me” written in Japanese. I couldn’t have asked for a more special proposal!”

Golden and Davidson’s engagement affects not only their own lives, but also the lives of many people in the Gann com-munity. Senior Rachel Nieves, one of Dr. Golden’s advisees, enthuses, “He’s such a great guy and advisor and he does so much for everyone in the school, and I’m so happy that he’s found someone that can really appreciate his insane greatness!!!”

Chera Garlick, another devoted advisee, says, “When I heard that Dr. Golden was engaged I literally jumped up and down. It was so exciting for our whole advisory!” While eating dinner with the couple at the Senior Shabbaton, Nieves noticed how much happier Dr. Golden seems when he is around Davidson. Nieves notes, “You could just tell that she brightened his mood by just being with him.” After getting to know Davidson during the meal, Garlick adds, “Kim is so nice! I go to shul with

her so I have seen her before but I have never sat down and gotten to know her. She definitely makes him very happy.” Clearly, students are very excited for Dr. Golden to begin a new chapter in his life.

The wedding is currently planned for June 24 in Davidson’s hometown of Port-land, Maine. Rav Daniel Klein, former JSL team member, will officiate the wedding. We wish the couple only the best in their future together. Mazal Tov!

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 6

Gann’s new Chinese program is blos-soming in its second year. Now that it is out of its first year, it is beginning to pick up momentum with students both new and re-turning. It is one out of the four foreign language options available for students to take instead of a free block. Taught by Mrs. Santengelo, Chinese I and Chinese II classes each learn only the basics of the complicated langauge. Chinese II is only available to students who took the class last year.

As the French program is slowly be-ing phased out, Chinese may completely take its place in the coming years. The class is still in a bit of a new place as the newest major language being offered, so there is little precedent for what the class is “expected” to learn.

Most students have identified their own goals for the class. Sophomore Ilana Shecter established her goal of becom-ing fluent enough to start off in a good place when she takes Chinese in college: “As the amount of overseas business increases, the need to communicate in different languages also increases. If I am involved with an oversea business, I want to be my own translator.” This is Shecter’s second year taking Chinese and she plans on taking it for the rest of her time at Gann, saying, “it’s my language of choice of all the ones they’ve offered, that should mean something, right?”

The complexity of the class and Chinese

itself is overwhelming. The language is not just based on the vocabulary, but there is also an art to writing and reading the char-acters. The Chinese I first year students

have already had to memorize over 100 different characters and are quizzed each week. “The class is pretty complex but we go along at a good pace,” says freshman

Amos Armony, whose Chinese name is “安墨” (“an—mo”), meaning “peaceful ink”. Armony adds that, “Instead of learning just the meanings of words like in Spanish, we

have to learn meaning, pronunciation, and how to draw/write the characters. Sometimes it feels like I’m learning three languages.”

Most of the students have agreed they’ve formed a close bond with Mrs. Santengelo, who they call Zhong Lao Shi (“Chinese teacher”). The relation-ship with a teacher is very important in a language class like Chinese, which is very dependent on tones and pronuncia-tion.

Outside the classroom, the program aims to increase knowledge of the eastern culture. Last Friday, the front lobby was decorated with blown up cal-ligraphy, dragons and Chinese lanterns to celebrate the Chinese New Year. Stu-dents enjoyed games of hackie-sack and delicious fortune cookies. Students also gave out bookmarks and gave people new Chinese names. Earlier in the year demonstrators came in to show martial arts and show students more about the Chinese way of life. They performed with swords and brawling and then took on challenges from students. The class-

es are also planning a field trip to Taam China, a kosher restaurant serving Chinese food. Off to a good start, it seems that the Chinese program will continue to grow.

Gann Unveils First Annual Report continued from page 1

Chinese Program Brings Excitement to GannBy Harrison DaleSpotlight

The Chinese program has brought the Gann com-munity into the spirit of the Chinese New Year with decorations all around Gann.

Credit Liam Gandelsman

to propose their annual budget, which is discussed until an agreement is reached. A “rough draft” of the budget is brought to the Board of Trustees each December, when an estimate idea of next year’s tuition is decided. A few months later in May, the

final budget is determined. Head of School Rabbi Baker is pleased

with how the report turned out. “I see this as a wonderful way to celebrate our last year and to pay tribute to the community of supporters who help sustain and grow our

school,” he comments. “I think it is meant to tell the story of some of the exciting things that happen at Gann throughout the year, and to inspire people with a sense of Gann’s mission and purpose.”

Interested in the layout of the Shevuon?Send an email to Emily Dale if you want to be the next Shevuon Layout Editor.

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 7

WritersRachel Brody ‘13, Lily Cohen ‘13, Tyler Crane ‘12, Harrison Dale ‘15, Eden Diamond ‘14, Jordana Gardenswartz ‘13,

Josh Goldstein ‘12, Annika Gompers ‘14, Sloane Grinspoon ‘13, Jake Katz ‘12, Jonah Kriger ‘13, Sarah Newman ‘14, Ellie Pasternack ‘14, Eliana Perlmutter ‘12, Rebecca Pritzker ‘13, Ezra Porter ‘12, Gil Propp ‘13, Abby Schwartz ‘13,

Jackie Teperman ‘13, Hannah Vaitsblit ‘12, Rebecca Wihl ‘14, Matt Zackman ‘13Editor in Chief Jeremy Jick Managing Editor Sarah Kusinitz Layout Editor Emily Dale

Assistant Editors Ellie Deresiewicz, Anna Fasman & Aaron Goodtree Copy Editor Maya Feldman Photography Editors Liam Gandelsman & Maya Warburg Faculty Advisor Shoshanah Zaritt

Hebrew Editor Ilana Rosenbluh Faculty Consultants Deb Carroll, Matt Conti & Jonah Hassenfeld

At Gann and other Jewish day schools, I hear people talk about being in “a Jew-ish bubble” and being sheltered from the real world. On the other hand, the Gann admissions website is filled with the word “diverse.” Similarly, the school mission statement reads, “Gann Academy forms a diverse and pluralistic com-munity. Our diversity is a strength. An atmosphere of mutual respect provides a welcome forum for grap-pling with fundamental religious questions and strengthening individual Jewish identities.” So is Gann diverse? Does going to Gann keep us isolated from the larger world? Does Gann prepare its stu-dents to enter a non-Jewish world?

Compared to public high school, Gann has less general diversity due to the fact that we are all Jew-ish. Many of us have known each other for years before high school from Jewish schools or camps. At Gann, we are com-fortable around Jews and it is easy to stay in the “Jewish bubble” by strictly doing ac-tivities with people through Gann, Jewish youth groups and synagogues. Yet, there are opportunities to interact with non-Jews through teams, community service, explo-ration week programs and more. There is opportunity to be exposed to other commu-nities but a lot of interaction with non-Jews involves taking initiative.

Within Gann’s Jewish community there

is plenty of diversity. For example, in my close group of friends there are students from different geographic regions, public school, pluralistic day school and Jewish schools affiliated with three different de-nominations. Gann’s mission statement is correct when it says, “Our diversity is our

strength.” My friends and classmates have differ-

ent practices and beliefs. Still, we all come together for holidays and celebrate in cre-ative ways that make us all comfortable and allow us to enjoy each other’s company. At the same time, within my friend group, if someone makes a claim with which we disagree, we won’t just let it slip. I ben-efit from these conversations because my friends challenge me to figure out what I believe. Gann also keeps us engaged about why we believe what we do and why we act how we do through classes, Shabbatonim

and creating an atmosphere for discussion. This self-knowledge is great preparation for college and life in general.

Online, I found an advertising blurb about Gann. It markets that “Gann Academy balances rigor in a supportive, growth-focused community. Guided by

Jewish teachings and diverse perspectives, you will discover who you are, what you love, confidence in your abili-ties, and the opportunities ahead–WHO WILL YOU BECOME?” Gann may lack the diversity of other schools but it is an ideal atmosphere for doing what we advertise and discovering who we are and what we want to be-come. Gann does indeed allow us to try out new things in a “supportive” environment to discover our passions.

Gann’s admissions website has a quote from 2011 graduate Avi Small: “Gann kind of comes at you out of nowhere. You walk into the building on that first day and all of a sudden out of an odd corner you hear a ukulele jam band. You never expect a mo-ment like this, but you grow used to them coming.” Avi captured one of my favorite parts of Gann. I love walking around seeing students and teachers playing music, jug-gling and discussing. People are comfort-able with who they are and are prepared to go out into the world having the confidence to explore their beliefs and new activities.

Is Gann Diverse?By Eliana PerlmutterOpinion

Although Gann attracts a relatively non-diverse demographic, the Gann com-munity has a great amount of diversity regarding level of observance, background and family. Credit: Liam Gandelsman

Shevuon hatichon, Friday, February 3rd, 2012 • י׳ בשבט, תשע״ב Page 8

As the Boys Varsity Basketball season winds to a close, the ten seniors on the team gathered for their senior ceremony, acknowledging the fast approaching end to their high school basketball careers. While some seniors played on the team last year, there are others, such as Josh Goldstein, who joined the squad this year. Goldstein believes that this season “has been a great experience.” He explains, “Our team is really close and we have built some great chemistry. I have learned so much this year as an individual but also as a member of the team.” Similar to Goldstein, fellow senior Jonah Naghi has seen this year as a great opportunity to come together as a team and get to know his classmates better. Naghi highlights chanting ‘defense’ alongside the rest of the players on the bench as a mo-ment that has brought the players together.

Senior co-captain David Roberts, a member of last year’s team, notes, “Last year there was a lot of good chemistry and

the majority of those guys had been play-ing with each other for more than three years. Although most of the guys were not on the team last year, we are not far from achieving the team chemistry necessary

to be a strong team.” With that being said, Roberts has found that playing alongside a team comprised of his friends has helped the team get closer to accomplishing the strong dynamic infamous of last year’s squad. Senior Jake Katz has not only loved

playing alongside his friends, but also believes that it has greatly helped the way the team plays. Katz points out, “Because I have hooped with these guys for so long, whether on previous Gann teams, summer league or just playing pick up, we have a great feel for each other and always know where the other one is on the court.”

Since the season is coming to a close, the boys on the team are looking to em-brace the last few opportunities they will have to play together. In fact, Goldstein sees significance in what he has learned about working as a team. Goldstein states, “On a team you really learn how to exist together, how to put your own needs aside to further the team even if that means not always being involved or taking the lead.”

Come cheer on the seniors and the rest of the team as they play their last regular season home game next Wednesday against Dexter!

This year, Gann welcomed Chanit List onto the coaching staff to coach Girls’ JV basketball. In addition, seven freshman girls showed up to tryouts. The JV girls work hard to win games, and even come to optional Sunday practices. With so many fresh, young faces, the future of the Gann Girls’ basketball program looks hopeful.

With a 7-3 record, no one can argue that the season hasn’t been going well. The team started off the season strong and is still improving. Junior captain Julia Gold-berg says, “Everyone is getting so much better every practice and game.” Goldberg adds, “Coach List works us hard and makes us better, but she still makes practice really fun.” On top of the great relationship that the girls have with Coach List, they have also bonded with each other. Freshman

Shayna Aaronson says, “I love practicing with my friends and working hard to play strong games.” Practice for them has been a time to both improve their game and spend time with friends.

Even though the team already practices four out of five school days, the girls are still determined to take every opportunity that they can to get some extra practice time in. Every Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m., Girls’ Varsity basketball holds a mandatory practice to which Girls’ JV is welcome, but not required to attend. Most years, the practices end up being only Varsity with an occasional JV player or two. However, this year more than half of the JV players have made an appearance. Freshman Re-becca Rosenbloom, one of the JV players who has chosen to go above and beyond,

says, “Going to Sunday practices helps me improve and see the game at a more intense level.”

Now is the prime time for the fresh-men to improve, since they still have three basketball seasons ahead of them. The girls know that they are the future of the bas-ketball program, but that they must work hard in order to ensure a future that is suc-cessful. Aaronson says, “At camp I play basketball and work on my skills so that I will be more prepared [for next season].” Rosenbloom also promises, “I will practice as much as I can.”

Come watch the girls in action at their next home game as they take on Waldorf School of Lexington this coming Tuesday!

A Promising Future Lies AheadBy Jackie Teperman

Boys Varsity Basketball Team Soaring Despite Missing PlayersBy Matthew Zackman

MVP of the Week goes to

Ben Bryer for scoring

23 points for the Boys JV Basketball

team against Commonwealth.

SCORE REPORTBy Miriam Silverman and Rachel Nieves