Life & Times of AYA

Dear Parents, Staff, Students & Community-Members:

Assalamu alaikum & Ramadan Kareem!

Welcome back to another wonderful year at AYA.

As we go into our 6th year, we have so much to be proud of and so much to be

thankful for. With everyone’s hard work and dedication and with Allah’s

guidance: We accomplished accreditation and a move into new buildings…We

have improved our programs…We have strengthened, even more, our faculty, staff

and administration…

So where do we go from here? Nowhere but on to even bigger and better things,

insha’Allah.

We look forward to greater parent and community participation in AYA events and

activities…We look forward to greater student participation in community service

projects…We look forward to a greater mastery of skills by our students leading to

higher test scores…We look forward to teachers working collaboratively to

provide the greatest possible learning experiences for our children.

Join us as we move into the future…Join us Saturday, September 5th

for the AYA

Iftar…Join us Sunday, September 13th

for the Ramadan Qur’an

Competition…Encourage your children to join the After-School programs that

will be starting after Ramadan:

Qur’an Hifth Program

Sports: Basketball, Cross-County Running, Gymnastics, Martial Arts,

Soccer & Tennis

Look inside for pictures of our first days back to school…Look inside for pictures

of our Martial Arts winners at last weekend’s regional competition…Look inside

for the wonderful articles and interviews…..

May Allah shower us with His blessings& with His mercy during this most holy

month of Ramadan, & may He accept our deeds, our acts of worship & our

sadaqaat.

Wassalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu,

Sr. Magda Elkadi Saleh Principal

new

s

5905 E. 130th Ave., Tampa, Florida 33617 www.ayatampa.com (813) 987-9282

SEPTEMBER

Look inside...

5 AYA IFTAR 7 Labor Day/ NO SCHOOL

13 QUR’AN COMPETITION

16- 22 EID BREAK

25 SOTM ASSEMBLIES

25 EID PARTIES (K3RD-5TH)

28 AFTER-SCHOOL SPORTS/

ACTIVITIES BEGIN

30 Sta ff Day/ NO SCHOOL

CALENDAR of

The 9th Grade Newsletter Class is

thrilled to bring you AYA’s

monthly newsletter this year,

insha’Allah. We hope that the

each issue is not only informative,

but also FUN to read! If you have

any questions or concerns, please

email us at

ayanewsletter@yahoo.com

September Newsletter Deadline:

Tuesday, September 29, 2009!

AUGUST 2009 RAMADAN 1430

Message from the Board…………2

New Director Welcome…………..3

Ramadan Mubarak……………...…4, 5

First Day of School…………...….6

American Youth Academy

Page 2

Introducing the Newest Members of AYA’s Phenomenal Teaching and Administrative Team:

Hayat Ileiwat: Director of Elementary

Maha Yousef: Director of Early Childhood Sylvia Saad: Receptionist

Alia Chishti: Administrative Assistant Mitzi Walker: K5B

Sonya Wilson: Gr. 3 Assistant Jeff Quick: Gr. 4A

Hebah Biuk: Gr. 4B Awatef Elmohd: Secondary Science/Arabic/Qur’an

Adeeb Saleh: Secondary School Math/English Raghad Abu-Owaimer: Arabic/Qur'an/IS Muhammad Annahas: Arabic/Qur'an/IS

AYA Students (Above): Suhaib Ajjaj, Arain Rafhat,

Adam Mansour, Korosh Jabbarri, Zaid Chefchaouni,

Elnaz Taherkalateh, Maytham Fahda, Subreen Ajjaj,

Bilal Mansour and Br. Reza. (not pictured Hasan and

Hussein Harake)

Students from AYA’s after-school Martial Arts

Program competed in the 2009 Youth Summer

Challenge last weekend in Largo. Children from ages

4-18 competed in the kata and kumite(fighting)

divisions. Masha’Allah, AYA students did an

outstanding job and brought home lots of medals!

GO AYA EAGLES! Br. Reza would like to thank all the parents for taking

time to help during in this event. It was successful and

fun for all the competitors.

The students are currently preparing for the next

tournament which will be held at AYA before the end

of the year, insha’Allah. We look forward to seeing an

even bigger turnout from AYA students and parents.

Dear Parents, Staff and Community-Members:

Assalam-o-Alaikum wa Ramadan Karim

We would like to take this opportunity to say welcome back to

another school year. It is indeed an honor to serve the students,

parents and the community of American Youth Academy.

This year is a special one. We started the school year with the

beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan. Also, we started the

year in brand new, state-of-the-art facilities.

The transition that we went through in the past five years was a

major one. We went from struggling for survival, to financial

stability, to quality education, and alhumdulelah, we have

overcome all obstacles with great team work. Of course, we

could not do this without a strong faith in ALLAH (SWT) and

your continuing support.

Our focus this year, as always, is to continue improving our level

of academics. Last year’s CTP scores showed that our students

scored above and beyond average when compared to other

students statewide. For that, we have to thank our administration,

staff and all of our teachers who work tirelessly to enable our

students to achieve their goals.

Finally, we would like to welcome our staff, students and parents

back to a new year. We at the Board would like to hear from you.

You can email your opinions or suggestions to

board@ayatampa.com.

Wa assalam-o-Alaikum

Board of Directors

American youth Academy

The Finest and Cleanest

Cash and Carry Club

4001 E. Lake Ave.

Tampa, FL 33610

American Youth Academy

Page 3

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Education, and was previously employed as a VPK Specialist and Florida Certified Teacher for children in grades K3 through 3rd in Seminole County Public Schools. When asked why she pursued the position at AYA, Sr. Maha said that with its acclaimed accreditation, focused mission, and excellent reputation, AYA represents a unique opportunity for Muslim families. She is so excited about being able to use her experience and training to help shape AYA’s Early Childhood Department into one of the best in Florida. Her vision is for the pre-kindergarten students to become lifelong learners and happy children who cannot wait to return to AYA each year. Under Sr. Maha’s direction, there will be a few changes in the Early Childhood classes. Parents should expect to see more hands-on activities, integrated or multi-learning teaching techniques, and the use of math, language, and literary concepts in all aspects of class work and class play.

She advises parents to invest as much time as they can in the first five years of their child’s life, to help their children establish the confidence they need to be passionate about learning. Reading for pleasure and visiting the library regularly should be a part of everyone’s family routine. She believes that at AYA, “children are our specialty, and AYA is the place for them to succeed.”

FUN FACTS: Sr. Maha is the mother of delightful triplets, whom she treasures. She loves camping and taking her family to unique vacation destinations.

Sr. Hayat Ileiwat

DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY

DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTAR

Sr. Hayat Ileiwat has been a part of the Tampa community for many years. She worked in the English Department at IAF for five years before leaving to take care of her family. Before coming to AYA she worked at the Center for the Study of International Languages and Cultures at the University of South Florida.

Although she said that she recognized many faces, since arriving at AYA, Sr. Hayat has been impressed by the tremendous growth and development on campus and in the student body.

She is ecstatic about all the physical changes around the school, and she feels that the quality of teaching and the programs now offered at AYA is inspiring. A few of the new programs adopted by the Elementary Department are: the Al-Nooraniyyah Program; which will strengthen your child’s ability to read and understand all sources of Arabic, and Singapore Math; which focuses on the development of higher order mathematical reasoning. Sr. Hayat said that her main objective will be to help teachers strengthen the Elementary writing and reading comprehension curriculum. Her goal is for AYA to be the best school in our community. Sr. Hayat recommends that parents have their children read at least 15 to 20 minutes EVERYDAY, and to make sure to ask their children about what they have read. She also advises parents to communicate with their child’s teachers often, and invites parents to meet with her anytime. FUN FACTS: Sr. Hayat is the mother of four beautiful children whose ages range from 21 to 4. She loves to read Shakespearean sonnets; and her favorite foods are lasagna and Godiva chocolates.

Sr. Maha Yousef

DIRECTOR OF EARLY

CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

After working for many years in banking and business, Sr. Maha Yousef changed her career course and pursued a Master’s Degree in Education. She earned a certificate in American Montessori

American Youth Academy

Page 4

Ramadan Ramadan By Kamal Taha Ramadan is the Islamic month of fasting. In Ramadan Muslims cannot eat, drink, smoke, or indulge in anything that

is in excess from Fajr to Maghrib. In Ramadan, Muslims are told to read the entire Qur’an, some Muslims do this

in the Tariweeh prayer. During the Tariweeh, one of the thirty Juz’as is prayed each night of the month, so by the

end of Ramadan the whole Quran is read. Also, there is a special day during the last ten days of Ramadan called

Laylat al-Qadr. It takes place one of the odd days. It is believed to be the day when Prophet Mohammed (P.B.U.H)

received the first verses of the Quran from Angel Jibreel. Muslims stay awake during the night praying and reading

Qur’an. When Ramadan is over, Muslims celebrate Eid - ul – Fitr. Muslims dress in their best clothes and go pray

at the mosques. Celebrations continue with family and friends for three days.

A Ramadan Poem By: Donna Sibaai

Researched by:

Mizba Khan and Lama Mattar

The holy month of Ramadan

For all Muslims has begun.

Praising Allah through the day,

From dawn to dusk we fast and pray.

We pay zakah (charity)

for those in need,

Trying hard to do good deeds.

When the sun has set, and day is done-

I'll break this chain, but only one.

By the end of Ramadan, this whole chain

will be all gone!

It's time for Eid and lots of fun!!!

WHY DO THEY CALL IT FASTING

WHEN THE DAY GOES BY SO SLOW! RESEARCHED BY: SARAH QUNEIBI

Ramadan Recipe Researched by:

Sarah Queibi

A Glass of Care

A Plate of Luv

A Spoon of Peace

A Fork of Truth &

A Bowl of Duaa’s.

Mix with spices of QUR’AN.

Enjoy This Meal.

RAMADAN MUBARAK

RESOURCE- INTERNET

Ramadan Kareem by: Rahma Elmohd

The first date of Ramadan is the MOST

delectable. I can feel as my heart is drowned by joy as I

bring it to my lips. And my lips scream with pride as I pass it by

my teeth. And my teeth chatter with joy as I slip it

slowly over my tongue. And my tongue cheers with love as it trickles

down my throat. And my thought sting with delight as it finally

flops into the empty pit of my stomach. And at that moment of pure pleasure do I

realize that Allah has blessed me with a small but amazing fruit.

A fruit with such flavor it can satisfy a man who has fasted a whole day of Ramadan.

Ramadan By Mohammad Fahda Ramadan is one of the holy months in the Muslim calendar. It is the month when the holy Qu’ran was revealed to mankind. It is a holy and blessed month, during which we should fast and pray. It is also a month when the poor and rich people are equal, and the rich people taste hunger like the poor. Allah promised the people in the holy Qur’an that their dua’a and prayers will be accepted, and a lot of rewards would be given to those who donate money in the sake of Allah. Ramadan is not only for fasting, but to also remember to have good manners and a good attitude.

Read Qu’ran

Allah is great

Make Salah

Allah is pwerful

Dua’a is the best

Allah created us

Never lie A

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By

Rita B

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American Youth Academy

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Ramadan By: Amjad Shalabi Ramadan is the month of fasting for the Muslims. It is the ninth month on the Islamic calendar. Fasting is supposed to teach Muslims patience, and to thank Allah for what they have. During Ramadan, Muslims ask for forgiveness for the bad things that they have done, they ask for guidance, and ask to stay away from evil. Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran and to pray for forgiveness.

Traditional Practices During Ramadan Researched by: A’la Faria

Having meals twice a day, one before the sunrise and one after the sunset.

Visiting the Mosque as many number of times any Muslim can visit.

Read the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan. Cook delicious foods, such as, fig and lemon chicken,

nutritious lentil soup, Moroccan soup, beef meatballs, tomato sauce, fresh fig cake, rich semolina cookies!

Read Qur’an

Allah

Make Saleh

Allah is best

Dua’a

Allah told us to

make Dua’a

Never Lie

By: Saleh Alhammad

Gr. 2

Kareem

What do you think about Ramadan? It is fun

and I enjoy fasting throughout the day and love

coming to the Masjid to pray Taraweeh....

~ Sofian Faria, Gr. 2

Read Quran

Allah is Merciful

Make Salah

Allah created the world

Dua’a!

Allah is One

Never lie

By Mariam Elsayed, Gr. 2

Read

Allah

Masjid

Allah is the best

Dua’a is good

Allah is gracesful

Never lie because

Allah is watching us

By: Omar Obeid, Gr. 2

By

K4

B S

tud

ents

By

K4

A S

tud

ents

By K5A Students

American Youth Academy

Page 6

raweeh, are performed after the daily night prayer. Befor the morning and night meals prayers are said.

raditional Practices During Ramadan

Title- by:

On the Other Side of the Door

by Jeff Moss

On the Other Side of the Door

I can be a different me,

As smart and as brave and as funny or

strong

As a person could want to be.

There's nothing too hard for me to do,

There's no place I can't explore

Because everything can happen

On the other side of the door.

On the other side of the door

I don't have to go alone.

If you come, too, we can sail tall ships

And fly where the wind has flown.

And wherever we go, it is almost sure

We'll find what we're looking for

Because everything can happen

On the other side of the door.

WELCOME to all the new AYA students and families!

Abedilrazzaq, Abulhaija, Abunamous, Ahmad,

Ahmed, Ajaj, Al-Jubeh, Almadanali, Atiyeh, Dabus, Elmohd, El-shaafi, Essoufi,

Foqahaa, Hasan, Hasan, Iraq, Jabbari, Marie, Sadeel, Mohammed, Mrabtaissa, Nassar,

Qurashi, Saed, Safiyah, Saleh, Sarour, Shakweer,

Shalabi, Shehadeh, Taherkalateh, and Yousef!

We hope everyone has a WONDERFUL 2009-2010 school year! Insha’Allah.

Back to School by Hussien Qasem

The first week back to AYA

was scary. Knowing that I

might not be back with my

class mates was the worst

thing I could think of. But

knowing I passed helped ease

me. I also found out that the

school had gotten a little more

advanced and efficient. I also

got to see some new and old

teachers this year. I can say

that this year may be easier

than the last. I just have to

see this week how it goes.