By Sara Varon
“My daughter has never been happier.”
“I miss school….can we have classes on Chol Hamoed?
“I don’t want to graduate. Can you make a Seminary?”
“I never thought I’d say this, but I LOVE CHUMASH CLASS!!”
“The girls look like they are having a blast! Is this really school?”
“What’s that music playing? The school bell? No way!”
These are actual quotes, the wondrous musings of people who have experienced Bnos Chomesh Academy in Crown Heights.
After a summer away, today I got a chance to stop by the most precious, happy (and happening!) school I ever did see, and I couldn’t be more proud (and relieved) that such a space exists in our community.
Established in 2007/5767, Bnos Chomesh now enters its “Bas MItzvah” year- 12 years of warm, nurturing, challenging and effective education.
While I wasn’t a first-hand witness of the school for the first 10 years, I witnessed its 11th year, and even as a staff member, my perspective about education and understanding teenagers was totally redirected and influenced by the BCA aura, mottos, and energy.
“Our success can be distilled down to 3 things,” says Principal and co-founder Mrs.Dena Gorkin. “Attention to detail, incredible staff, the Rebbe’s brochos.”
The attention to detail goes way beyond providing challenging and engaging Limudei Kodesh and Limudei Chol curricula. There is a specific educational plan for every single student that takes into account her physical, social, emotional, academic and spiritual needs.
I remember last year, when I worked at BCA, I heard an iPad ringing from the next office. I went to answer and it was a student. “Sara, can you put me into Chaya Toby’s class?” I tried not to act surprised, that a student who was sick at home was asking to attend class. And after a few more times of answering the iPad, I stopped being surprised at all. I learned not to expect anything less from BCA students.
While one student may receive individual sessions because of a learning disability, another will be tutored because she needs a higher level of challenge. Sometimes an entire course is created that benefits all students, just to address a ruchniyusdike challenge of one student. No need is too small or insignificant to warrant the attention of the BCA staff.
Mrs. Gorkin taught me that if a girl doesn’t feel successful in school, she doesn’t feel successful at her life (after all, she’s in school 8 hours of the day!). At Bnos Chomesh, the staff makes sure that every girl feels successful in some way.
One thing I loved was the school’s elective periods which took place every day. BCA believes that education is a wholesome experience, and should include more than writing and history. Every day, the girls have a 40-minute period of art, dance, sports, creative writing, piano, guitar, ukelele or other artistic expression.
And the BCA staff….it is like no other. When you walk into the school building at any time of day, every staff member will welcome you as though to her own home. No matter who you are, old friend or soon-to-be-friend, the same warm greeting awaits you. These are the dedicated teachers and counselors who use their sixth sense and gentle-yet-firm approach, teaching, motivating and inspiring BCA students. The students know how hard their teachers work and how much they care. When asked in an anonymous survey, 100 % of students said they felt comfortable to confide in at least one staff member of school.
BCA staff members are a unified team, working to constantly improving and enhancing their craft. Whether a staffer serves as receptionist, guidance counselor, teacher or administrator, all attend ongoing professional trainings provided on site. Teachers in their early years are guided individually by veteran staff members as they hone their skills. Mrs. Gorkin believes that If we expect students to grow, their educators must constantly be growing and learning, both in Ruchniyus and in Chinuch endeavors. According to Mrs. Gorkin: “Humility is key. We must constantly do an honest cheshbon hanefesh to assess where we need to improve, both personally and professionally. Our Rebbeim have taught that being involved in Chinuch al Taharas Hadodesh is a privilege. I keep on my phone a copy of a letter in which the Rebbe writes that ‘לא כל אחד זוכה לזה–not everyone merits this’. It is a constant reminder of the tremendous responsibility we have been charged with.”
BCA teachers know the importance of “being there” for their students and you will find them inviting students for Shabbos, running out to buy lunch for a girl who left hers at home, sending a birthday text or just taking a struggling student out for a walk (and of course a stop to buy a bakehouse pastry). Staff members share in their students’ successes and failures and keep in touch with students long after they have traded in their school uniforms for adult-life attire.
Bnos Chomesh was named for Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka, in the spirit of the Rebbe’s heartfelt request to establish mosdos in her name. The Rebbe’s brachos have been a visible constant since the school’s inception, taking it from one class in a basement shul to a a full 4 year, Regents-curriculum high school in a 10<000 square foot building purchased in 2017. Sometimes it's the miraculous appearance of needed appliances or equipment at just the right moment, at other times it's the unexpected resolution of a student's serious life challenge...the Rebbe's brachos are felt through all the growing pains. All of the positivity that is poured into the school is felt by each and every student. Whether in Math class or Art class, Chumash or Guitar, students are seen fully engaged and very often, smiling. Yes, smiling in Math class. Because learning should be joyful. And Bnos Chomesh it is. To find out if Bnos Chomesh is right for your daughter go to www.bnoschomesh.com or call 718-708-7078.
You haven’t known what “it’s like a family” means, until you’ve been to Bnos Chomesh.
…is unbelievable! Joy, laughter, success and growth, warmth and care.
Priveleged to have taught in BCA, I can say every word here is true!
Rabbi Pinchas Herman; he’s awesome!
Beautifully written and all true!!
Great article, sounds like an amazing school,,,