[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 88 (Monday, June 9, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E916]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   ON THE OCCASION OF THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF AKIVA HEBREW DAY SCHOOL

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                          HON. GARY C. PETERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2014

  Mr. PETERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark a 
significant milestone in the history of Akiva Hebrew Day School in 
Southfield, Michigan--the school's 50th Anniversary of providing 
education to Greater Detroit's Jewish community.
  Founded in 1964, Akiva was created by a dedicated group of educators 
who sought to provide the Jewish community in Metropolitan Detroit with 
a school that provided its students with a comprehensive academic 
curriculum, while deepening their connection to their faith and 
heritage. Today, Akiva offers an outstanding academic program for 
children from nursery school through high school, while providing 
complementary curricula that foster a love for their Jewish heritage, 
the State of Israel, and a deep commitment to a way of life that values 
the lessons of the Torah.
  To support the ability of its students to achieve their maximum 
intellectual potential, Akiva provides them with a core academic 
curriculum that promotes the development of critical thinking and 
effective studying skills. Among the course offerings for students are 
an array of Advanced Placement level classes, as well as courses that 
support preparing them for higher education.
  As part of this commitment to its students' education, Akiva is 
constantly revising and fine-tuning its programming at all phases in 
its students' development. Under the leadership of Rabbi Tzvi 
Klugerman, Akiva has recently made changes to its kindergarten reading 
program to promote both bilingualism and improved phonics skills during 
the earliest stages of development. Additionally, Akiva has implemented 
the ROAR program in its elementary school, to reinforce positive 
learning strategies among its students early in their academic careers. 
In its middle school, Akiva is providing an enhanced math program, and, 
in its high school, Akiva has added more Advanced Placement courses.
  As a significant component of its curriculum, Akiva provides its 
students with a strong coursework of Judaic studies, which promotes the 
students' connection to their cultural heritage, faith, and the 
community--both locally and globally. Through a strong connection to 
their culture, Akiva students continue to take an active role in 
fostering the unique relationship between the United States and Israel, 
with many graduated students spending a year in Israel after high 
school. By practicing the tenants of their faith, Akiva students have 
supported a number of local non-profit organizations, like the Yad Ezra 
food pantry, the Friendship Circle and Yachad, which assist those who 
are experiencing moments of challenge in their lives.
  Mr. Speaker, again, it is my pleasure to rise and recognize the 
outstanding leaders, educators and students of Akiva Hebrew Day School 
as they celebrate the 50th Anniversary of this great educational 
institution. Akiva programs are providing its students with a broad 
array of experiences both inside and outside the classroom which are 
preparing them to be future leaders, as well as supporting the special 
connection between the United States and Israel. It has been my 
pleasure to be partner with Akiva and to interact with its students. I 
look forward to the incredible impact that Akiva will continue to make 
as its faculty and staff guide future generations in their development.

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