The Agnon School is now Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School “Absolutely transformative” is how Jerry Isaak-Shapiro, Agnon’s head of school, described the gift of just more than 17 million dollars from the Joseph and Florence Mandel Family Foundation. In recognition of this gift, the school will be renamed the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School. “We recognize how truly fortunate we are to be the recipients of a gift of such magnitude, and we are pleased to know that Joseph Mandel and his family share the vision of a school that reaches out to the breadth of the Jewish community, said Issak-Shapiro. While gifts of this size are certainly rare, the manner in which the funds have been allocated may be unique to the Jewish day school world. The greater part of this “mega-gift” will go to an endowment for personnel and programs – increased compensation and professional development for faculty; the addition of a gifted and talented specialist to the school’s already robust Learning Enhancement Team; and an expanded Hebrew Immersion Program. The gift also provides funds for facility improvements, including a new central entrance, upgrades to the building’s façade and an expansion to the lobby. A capital improvements campaign will support additional physical enhancements, including the development of a state-of-the-art science lab, a library/multi-media center, an expanded cafeteria, and other facility improvements. Funds raised during the 2014 Spring Auction will ensure that an expanded gymnasium will be part of the initial renovation phase. “Of course the facility itself is important, and these funds will help to provide us with a place where our students can learn and thrive,” observed Isaak-Shapiro. “Yet even more essential than the building is the quality of the learning that takes place within it – and the driver of that learning is and always has been the teacher. Attract the best educators, retain them and support them – that’s the essence of a truly superior school.” 2015 NEDA Walk Eating disorders are real, complex, and devastating conditions that can have serious consequences for health, productivity, and relationships.They are not a fad, phase or lifestyle choice. Eating disorders are serious, potentially life-threatening conditions that affect a person’s emotional and physical health. People struggling with an eating disorder need to seek professional help. The earlier a person with an eating disorder seeks treatment, the greater the likelihood of physical and emotional recovery. In the United States, 20 million women and 10 million men suffer from a clinically significant eating disorder at some time in their life, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and more. The Hull Institute, a private counseling practice located in Beachwood, helps people who are struggling with eating eating disorders and other issues that surround them. This year, the Hull Institute is once again a proud sponsor of the Cleveland 2015 National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) Walk being held Saturday, Oct. 10 at Edgewater Park in Cleveland, and invites the community to help raise funds for this cause. Registration begins at 9 am and the opening ceremony beginning at 10 am. “The Hull Institute will be heading up a team of faithful supporters and asks that you consider joining us,” said Ann Hull, the institutes founder and president. “One hundred percent of the money raised from a NEDA Walk goes to NEDA and NEDA network members to help fund awareness, prevention, service and treatment programs.” To register or make a donation, please contact Ann Hull at annhull@hullinstitute.com or Nikki Becher at nbbecher@ yahoo.com. Ratner School Announces$4M Gift The Ratner School announced that a $4M gift from a group of donors has retired the school building mortgage, making funds available for exciting instructional and co-curricular programs. The lead gift of $500,000 is from Cleveland native Jan Lewis. Other gifts are from the Ratner and Miller founding families. “I’ve been inspired by my sister (long-time board chairman) Barb Miller’s commitment and energy,” said Lewis. “The Ratner School is a remarkable, progressive school, and I’m happy to help support its success. There’s nothing better than helping kids.” Michael Griffith, new head of school, says “this generous gift truly opens doors for The Ratner School to implement a number of new key initiatives that will make a tremendous difference for students. Staff and other specific committees, such as our STEAM committee, are working on many new projects, including the Entrepreneurial Center, the Ratner Learning Garden, increased technology in classrooms, a tuition reimbursement program, and expanding the Jewish Studies program.” “Since we are debt-free, we now have greater opportunities to invest in our kids,” said Griffith, who moved from principal at Shaker Heights High School at the end of June. "We are so excited, because this helps our school community to continue designing initiatives that support our ‘whole child’ philosophy of education." The Ratner School occupies a 14-acre campus on Shaker Boulevard that formerly housed Park Synagogue. The school was founded in 1963 by Lillian Ratner. The Ratner School offers co-ed Montessori pre-primary and Montessori-influenced primary and middle school education, serving children 20 months through eighth grade and from 30 different communities. The school prides itself on a philosophy of diversity and community outreach. The eighth grade graduating class this year included 13 boys and girls who are advancing to top local high schools this fall. www.theratnerschool.org, 216.464.0033 ext. 1122. When patronizing our advertisers, please say you saw it in Beachwood Buzz! October 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 63