A Peek Into What's New

By: Dahlia Siegel ('25)

he GMSG is a school unlike any other Jewish high school in the country. With a mere 29 girls, there is ruach and a lively spirit equal to or more than that of a larger school. Though this school year there have been some changes, the GMSGers have quickly adapted to them and have welcomed them with excitement and enthusiasm. This school year, the theme is positivity. This has encouraged the girls to attack these new changes with a positive mindset. With several new classes, extracurriculars, teachers, and leadership positions, the GMSG has had plenty of exciting new opportunities. With positivity as our drive, the girls are able to adapt to the changes and see them as enhancements and special opportunities.

This year, the GMSG athletics has changed dramatically. Because of the influx of students interested in playing basketball this year, the GMSG was required to hold tryouts. The returning Lady Macs are excited to introduce the new players and can’t wait for a great season. The team is also ecstatic because for the first time in school history, they will be competing in two tournaments, as opposed to their

From Creation to Celebration

regular one. The first and new tournament of the year will be the HAFTR tournament in New York. Then the Lady Macs will return to the Hyman P. Galbut Tournament, hosted by RAHSG in Miami Beach. The Lady Macs are elated with the number of tournaments that they have been invited to this year and are eager for the basketball season to officially begin. They can't wait to create memories on and off the court in New York and Miami. The GMSG Lady Macs look forward to bringing home not just one, but maybe even two championships!

Another athletics modification this year has really tested the students’ flexibility. The GMSG’s P.E period has been transformed into a yoga class! Every Tuesday for this quarter, Mrs. Barbara Klazmer welcomes the students into the gym with soft music playing and a serene atmosphere. The GMSGers build bonds during this time and reflect on their day while also learning new poses. Yoga is a highlight for many girls each week and the GMSG has been enjoying this new update.

Mrs Lederman, the GMSG Menaheles, is new this year and has

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Wonders

Page already brought many ideas and excitement. Mrs Lederman listened to the GMSGers’ suggestions for the new school year and as a result, for the first time in GMSG history, the students have a choice of a Judaic studies elective class. Their options include taking Gemara taught by Rabbi Weiner or the alternative of Women in Tanach, taught by either Mrs. Lederman or Mrs. Grunwald. Mrs. Lederman executes every detail, big or small, into the activities and the GMSG is extremely grateful and appreciative of her. As sophomore Sara Shimanovich said, “Mrs. Lederman helped our Judaic classes become more interactive and interesting.” Mrs Lederman has already brought energy, Judaic opportunities, and an overall good environment to the GMSG and we are excited to see what else she has to bring.

Student Council plays an important role in the GMSG, allowing students to represent their fellow classmates and have a voice in what goes on. This year, an additional position has been added called, “Mishmeres Head”. The Mishmeres Head is in charge of guiding the GMSG regarding Shmiras Halashon, or guarding one’s tongue.

Led by Atara Segal ('25) and Chani Vayavodkina ('24), they utilize a program run through the Chofetz Chaim heritage foundation, which sends the GMSG a box once a month with a theme centered around positive speech and enhancing a positive mindset. For each month's theme there are posters inside the box to hang around the school as a reminder to have that mindset. This addition to the GMSG has been influential and has inspired many girls to refrain from speaking ill of others. The GMSG hopes that this addition to student council will continue to elevate the students’ speech in a positive way. This program fits with the theme for the year, positivity, and will help guide the girls towards positive speech. Last but not least, the new fob system installed around the main school as well as the GMSG, has enhanced security and safety at school.

GMSGers are now required to keep a fob on them at all times in order to get into the school. This new security system not only keeps the school safe but helps the girls and their parents feel a sense of security in the school.

Junior Atara Segal says, “I love these new fobs, I've only lost mine and gotten locked out of the building three times so far.” In all seriousness, the fobs are an addition that takes time to get used to but the benefits are undoubtably incredible.

Positivity is the underlying principle that the GMSG aims for specifically this year, but also in general. With a positive mindset any challenge can be overcome. There are many new and exciting additions to the GMSG this year, some that people love and some that take time to get used to. But at the end of the day, our school is a tight knit community that can tackle any change with flying colors. Luckily for us, the additions this year won’t be hard to get used to.