Is Shalhevet actually a day camp? Are there dead bodies hidden in the basement? Do teachers sell the students illegal drugs?
Rumors surrounding Shalhevet were discussed during a freshman and sophomore Town Hall March 3, where students discussed the
effects these rumors have on the school and their responsibilities to change Shalhevet’s image.
A common rumor was that the school was “Camp Shalhevet” — a place with more fun and games than learning. Another rumor going around was that teachers sold drugs to the students.
“When I told people I wanted to come to Shalhevet, some people tried discouraging me,” said sophomore Ariela Feitelberg. “People said that the students here run around all day having fun, but now I tell them that once you come here, you see that it isn’t true. Students work really hard.
“Yes, we do have fun here, but the great thing is that we have fun and learn,” she added.
For the first time all year, plenty of freshmen hands were waiting to be called on to add to the discussion. Many freshman spoke about rumors they had heard their eighth grade year.
”People were shocked when I came to Shalhevet,” freshman Maya Ben Shushan said. “To this day people still ask me if my teachers sell me drugs, and I have to tell them no. This is actually a great school, and I am learning a lot.” The dead body rumor apparently stems from the fact that the building was once a hospital.
While some students described the rumors they had heard, others focused on what students should do about it. The Town Hall topic was geared toward encouraging students to be aware of the way the school is portrayed.
“I think it is so important that we represent ourselves in a positive way,” said sophomore Naomi Abhesera. “Everyone is agreeing that we are all a family here, so shouldn’t we respect our family? I think we need to put an effort to show people that we aren’t bad. We need to respect the school and show them how great it is.”
Freshman Desi Kraim disagreed.
“I don’t think we need to care what other people think of us,” she said. “I don’t think we have to act differently to impress people. What is good about this school is that we are unique.”
The meeting was led by sophomore Rose Bern, who is the Agenda secretary. Her brother, Agenda Chair Toby Bern, was participating in a Yeshiva University assembly during the time of the Town Hall, along with the rest of the seniors and the juniors.
“I am happy so many freshmen wanted to speak up,” said Rose. “I think it shows that we all really care about this topic. No one wants our school to be portrayed negatively.”
