This was sent by an anonymous student:
The greatest accomplishment for any educator is to inspire his or her students. This link is to a tribute to the Androns in which some of their former students describe how they were touched and inspired by Michael and Lillian Andron.
It was prepared for a Hillel luncheon two years ago, to honor them for their 18th anniversary year. This was not prepared by the school. It was prepared by HCT alumni from across the country and edited by Michael Andron’s son, Benjamin, also an alum of the program.
I don’t know any other educator or administrator at Hillel that inspired their students the way that Michael and Lillian Andron did. This short dedication prepared by their own students is a testament to their inspiration.
26 responses so far ↓
1 admin // Jul 31, 2007 at 11:59 am
I have to say that while my goal is to keep this website up to “Save Hillel,” it’s quite sad that this dedication went largely unnoticed while other concerns seemed to continue.
If this website is supposed to save Hillel while also profiling the positive at Hillel, why is it that the accomplishments of the Androns — and the work of their students — are ignored?
2 Aaron // Jul 31, 2007 at 1:22 pm
I think the lack of postings on this topic was due to the fact that it feels like rubbing salt in a brand new gaping wound.
Some students have not yet “recovered” from the shock of losing Michael and Lillian. Alum are still sitting in disbelief. And parents and teachers are still wondering what happened to any sense of normalcy in their school.
When I posted the YouTube link back in February, I never imagined that we would face a Hillel without the Androns.
Perhaps if we could post (positive things) about a member of the Hillel Family who still works at Hillel?
3 admin // Jul 31, 2007 at 1:31 pm
I think we should emphasize the positive in all areas.
Whether it is from a student reflecting on a former or current teacher, these things need to be said.
I don’t want a negative vibe emanating from this blog, because for whatever reason, people like Isaac and David start questioning my own motives. I don’t have any motives, but I’ve been asked to keep this blog up for people who do. I respect those wishes if they respect the wishes of simply being respectful.
4 Anonymous // Jul 31, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Admin, thanks for posting the link but I have seen it before. While the Androns leaving Hillel is a great loss for the school, it’s a GREAT plus for the community and JCC.
5 Anonymous // Jul 31, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Silence is agreement. You did not get any postings on this thread because everyone said all there was to say on the earlier threads.
What more is there to say?
6 admin // Jul 31, 2007 at 5:23 pm
Well, for one thing, say some positive things.
7 Anonymous // Jul 31, 2007 at 5:26 pm
I don’t see a positive. The board tacitly gave Holden the free reign to push out the Androns, one of the greatest assets this school has ever had, by making them miserable and slashing their salaries…how is that positive?
8 admin // Jul 31, 2007 at 5:34 pm
There are other positive things you can be doing here. Why not start focusing on positive goals and aim to achieve them?
Should this thread have had no commentary so that people could mourn? Look at how the Androns touched the students! Someone could have at least said “this is beautiful. They will be missed.”
But nothing happened here.
The point is, silence is not really agreement as I’ve noticed. I read “Here! Here!” all the time. That’s agreement, and it’s certainly not silent.
I’m saddened by the events within Hillel which prompted me to start this website. But instead of spending your summer vacations posting about your dread for the school year next year, focus on how to make it better. Be positive.
9 Anonymous // Jul 31, 2007 at 8:22 pm
“Should this thread have had no commentary so that people could mourn? Look at how the Androns touched the students! Someone could have at least said “this is beautiful. They will be missed.”
Words to this effect were already said on previous threads several times.
10 admin // Jul 31, 2007 at 8:30 pm
So say it again. It is not healthy to continually dwell on the negative.
11 Good Wolf // Jul 31, 2007 at 8:48 pm
Negative vibes do not help; however those of us unfairly, unwarrentedly; un-contracted are still very annoyed (sarcasm).
12 anonymous // Jul 31, 2007 at 9:53 pm
The Androns were a tremendous asset to our school. They touched the lives of so many people and made Hillel a better place. The amazing professional productions will never fade in the memories of those of us who were part of the theater program whether as a patron, an actor/actress, techie, volunteer, or a qvelling parent of a child.
We salute the Androns and wish them much success in the future.
13 admin // Aug 1, 2007 at 12:25 am
I know that many people are annoyed. And I, too, am annoyed about it. That’s why I created this blog.
But the anonymous poster in the objectives post is right, which is why I added emphasis in the last sentence. I feel that I need to make it clear that I don’t condone the negativity.
You can still fight the good fight. The approach, however, needs to be carefully considered. Above all, when there are pieces of gold that are posted on this site, like the email sent to me by the student with the YouTube video for the Androns, acknowledge it. We all need to soak in the positive too.
14 Carrot Top // Aug 9, 2007 at 10:12 pm
Where is everybody? Evaporated like skim milk? This is important!
15 Anonymous // Aug 10, 2007 at 12:48 pm
What is?
16 Anon // Aug 10, 2007 at 1:35 pm
The issue of saving Hillel is important.
BUT IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO SAY, DON’T SAY IT.
Saying “where is everyone” is wasted space.
17 Good Wolf // Aug 10, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Saving Hillel is important. I too am astonished with the quietude here. Perhaps people are working in the background…
18 Aaron // Aug 10, 2007 at 5:14 pm
I suspect things are quiet because there is no new news… Wait a while…
19 Anonymous // Aug 10, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Once school starts again…
20 anonymous // Aug 10, 2007 at 6:53 pm
The teachers return to school on Monday. Things will pick up shortly. A new front page should be posted.
21 censorship and propaganda // Sep 18, 2007 at 7:07 pm
From an email to teachers: censorship and propaganda. The teachers need talking points? The new troika is Holden - Druin - and the PR person running the school! Who’s happy now?
Dear Hillel Faculty and Staff,
We write to make you aware of events that recently transpired at Hillel and to share the following points so you may verbally communicate these messages to school members if/when you find it necessary. Thank you for recognizing that this e-mail is exclusively for faculty and staff.
We uphold our promise to maintain open communication and to provide information as soon as it develops. We appreciate your effort to convey this information appropriately. Parents, and in turn the administration, rely on you as trusted partners.
These bullets outline the key messages to share when you communicate to anyone regarding this matter. If you have questions, please contact Adam Holden, Rabbi Druin or Ilana Lipson. Thank you for taking the time to demonstrate Hillel’s commitment to its children when you represent the institution and share anything school-related with the community.
22 Anon // Sep 19, 2007 at 10:44 am
hello, why isnt anyone commenting on this email that the teachers received
23 Anonymous // Sep 19, 2007 at 12:30 pm
What’s there to say that hasn’t been said already?
24 Aaron // Sep 19, 2007 at 12:33 pm
is there anything more to this e-mail?
25 Anon // Sep 19, 2007 at 12:38 pm
the thing is that the teachers are still getting threatened. and this is icing on the cake… or on the i ce cream that they served before chag
I am also wondering what else is contained in that email. It doesnt show enough info.
26 Anonymous // Sep 19, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Aaron…we seem to be missing a critical piece of information–i.e. the specifics of what this email refers to.
Which situation are teachers being coached to respond to now?
A student situation, a parent situation?????
In that case, no one outside Hillel has any right to know. However, the mere fact that a teacher has posted this email here leads one to believe that, yet again, teachers are being threatened in some manner…perhaps about the blog as they were only a week ago by Rabbi Druin…or perhaps about being able to TELL THE TRUTH about how they are treated…
What was omitted from this email????
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