Robbins Hebrew Academy

3 Middle School STEM students were given a challenge: create a device that will protect an egg when dropped from a great height. The students divided into planners and creators. Eventually, the creators would build the device, but first the planners had to strategize and investigate device prototypes.To get the job done, the kids headed to RHA's Imaginarium. Imagine a room that is meant only for exploration, discovery and creation. We've got it. We built it as part of our school-wide renovation because the latest research identifies creativity as a top ingredient for developing innovative minds. Modern-day rooms like the Imaginarium (also called a makerspace) promote inventiveness, hands-on exploration and out-of- the-box thinking. Students draw on disciplines as diverse as science, engineering, design, music and language to build and test their ideas. They use everything from the most basic materials – Lego, art supplies and cardboard – to more sophisticated approaches like coding, robotics and electronics. But it's not what students use that matters. It's the mindset of creating something from nothing. So how do you drop an egg safely? Students used paper, tape, tissue, string and springs and turned them into padded containers that could withstand a fall. Happily, no eggs were harmed in the process. For the past three years, Ronnie and Sabrina Strasser have brought their talents and energy to RHA as annual gala chairs. Now they want to do more. "My father always told us that it is easier to criticize than do," Ronnie says. "So I do." Ronnie has taken on the role of chair of the Building Original Minds campaign. His committee is the driving force behind a five-year capital campaign to renovate the school and take its academic and extra-curricular programming to the next level. For the Strassers, becoming involved at RHA goes far beyond facilities. It is about enhancing Jewish education. It has long been a priority for Ronnie, who is dad to a 28 year-old son and a daughter, 26. Like their father, both kids are C.H.A.T. graduates. Now there is a new generation of Strassers. When it came time to choose a school for their girls, Abby, 8 and Chloe 5, Sabrina says RHA was their top pick. The Strassers rave about the school, particularly the curriculum, the teachers and the accessibility of Introducing… The Imaginarium the administration. Growing up in a more traditional home with Israeli parents, Sabrina also likes that the girls are learning strong values. "We have seen major improvements in the school over the past few years. The renovation of our Early Years Wing now gives it the demeanor of a private school," says Ronnie. "There is a renewed energy and it's extending to the upper grades." The Strassers have kicked off the campaign with a generous donation. They believe the future depends on it. "We are not just working at this for the benefit of our kids," says Ronnie, "but for the benefit of all Jewish kids." Ronnie says this is the perfect time for him to take on this role. "I have the opportunity, the capability and the time." And along with Sabrina, he has the passion. "RHA felt right from the beginning. We were looking for a smaller, close-knit community where our daughters would feel confident." Campaign Stars Ronnie and Sabrina Strasser

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