SIHA Newsletter for 2/25/2022

by admin | Feb 25, 2022 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parshat VaYakhel/Shekalim
Candle Lighting 5:25

This week after the Torah is read in Shul, a second Torah is removed and an additional portion is read.
We read about how each Jew contributed a 1/2 shekel coin each year toward the Korbonot brought in the Mishkan/Bais HaMikdash. Every Jew was obligated to bring the same amount. We are told that a rich man cannot give more and a poor man cannot give less.

We are all equals in the eyes of Hashem. Hashem wants each of us to have part and to do our part in the service in the Mishkan/Bais HaMikdash. No matter what role we may play in life, no matter our financial circumstances or abilities, no matter where we may live or what we do to support ourselves, every person counts. Every person must contribute. Every person is a part of that whole. Not even one person’s contribution can be left out. Each person’s role is essential and is a necessary part of the master plan.

One person may have a more glamorous job. Another person might have a more obvious role. One person may have more respect. Another person may have more schooling. At the end of the day, we all need to do our best in the role we have been assigned. We all need to make sure our contribution to the big picture is complete to the best of our abilities.

Mrs. Rosskamm
Judaics Studies Coordinator

Special Announcements

Dear SIHA Family,

Please be reminded that Mishloach Manot orders are due by March 3rd!

School pictures will be taken on 03/07 and 03/08.

• 03/07 K-5th grade with sibling pictures
• 03/08 6-8th grade and staff

Ordering information can be found on form found here: https://form.jotform.com/13134053030
Any questions can be addressed to our PTA President, Naama Zadok at [email protected]
The deadline for placing orders is Friday, March 4th,

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade
We baruch Hashem had another great week in Kindergarten and first grade Judaics!
In kriah, the first graders are knee-deep in their new green aleph champs! They are learning the nekuda chirik. The kindergarteners celebrated finishing their white aleph champs and began learning the letter samach! They learned about praying from a “siddur” and made their very own ones!
In kesiva, The first graders learned how to write the letters pay and daled. They do a great job!
We began learning about the upcoming holiday of Purim this week! It is so exciting to hear the Purim story about King Achashveirosh’s party and what happened to his wife Queen Vashti. We are taking great care to write the Purim story in our beautiful megillas that we are each making!
On Friday we each got to make our very own challahs! It was super exciting and we can’t wait to eat them on Shabbat!
Have a great week!
Looking forward to another great week!

2nd grade accomplished so much this week. They love playing Beat the Clock in Kriya and can see for themselves how their reading skills improved. We spent a lot of time reviewing Hebrew prefixes and many familiar vocabulary words. We are learning all about Purim and spoke a little about the more recent Purim miracle of the Gulf War which took place in 1990-91. During that time there were 39 missiles sent into heavily populated areas of Israel, yet by the grace of Hashem there were hardly any casualties. This was also right after the downfall of communist regime in Russia and many Russian Jews returned to the land of their forefathers after years of religious oppression in Russia. Sadly, one of the first things they received upon arriving was a gas mask. On February 29,1991 ( which coincided with Purim that year) President George Bush announced a ceasefire and the war was over. Just as G-d saved the Jewish nation 2000 years earlier during the time of Queen Esther, the cycle of history repeats itself with Hashem’s miracles saving the Jews again. While other nations and empires have come and gone over the past 2000 years. Through miracles the Jewish nation continues to survive. 

Welcome back! We had a great week of learning.
We started to learn about the Purim story! They are all so excited.
We also continued to learn the Parshiot. We now know the first 2 books of the Torah.
The students are really knowing their brachot. We say them beautifully each day.
We ended off by a wonderful Parsha lesson which they all participated in beautifully.
This week Lielle Garber was chosen to take home our Siddur. Great job!
Can’t wait for a fun filled week as we prepare for Purim!

Shabbat Shalom!
Morah Ferber

Fourth Grade

Dear Parents,

This week was a week to remember for life.
The Chumash celebration was a true joy to be part of. Each child shone as they performed amazingly. The feeling of excitement in the air was truly remarkable. The boys practiced for many long weeks, and it was sure well worth it.
Thank you to all the Parents who took time from their busy schedules to join us.

In Tefilla we spoke about the first Haliluka. It speaks about praising Hashem with all our being. We discussed that our life mission is to Praise Hashem.
In our Chumash class we spoke about how Avrohom warned his shepherds not to let their animals graze in other peoples’ fields. We emphasized how important it is to be careful with other peoples’ belongings.
In Halacha class we were excited to start learning about the upcoming Holiday of Purim.

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,
Stay healthy and well.
Rabbi Berelowitz

5th and 6th Boys

This week we reviewed Mishna 1-3 of the first perek in Mesechet Sukkah.The boys completed a worksheet on Mishna 2-3 and Boruch Hashem they knew the material very well. We also learned Parshah Points on this week’s parshah Parshat Vayakhel and we read in class the first 5 pesukim of Megilat Esther.The boys also davened very well. We missed Rabbi Kuritzky this week and we are looking forward to him coming back next week. Have a good Shabbat.

7th and 8th Boys

Dear Parents,

We had a busy week and covered many new and exciting topics.

We delved into the topic of Berachos. We discussed the various Berachos which we are required to recite before eating foods. We also discussed which Berachos are meant to be said after we are done eating. We explained how these Berachos are a way of saying thanks to Hashem for the delicious food.

In Biur Tefilla class we spoke about the Beracha of Ahava Rabbah. The Beracha discusses the intense love that Hashem has towards us. We also ask Hashem to unite us and bring us together so we can properly serve Him.

In Gemara we spoke about how it is better to learn the study of Torah than the Korbonot of Shlomo Hamelech.

In Halacha we started learning about the exciting upcoming Holiday of Purim.

Topics from the Parsha:
שַׁבָּת הַחוֹדֶשׁ: this is the last of the 4 special פַּרְשִׁיוֹת . We take out 2 סִפְרֵי תּוֹרָה, the first one we ‘layn’ is פרשת ויקהל and פּקודי and the second one we ‘layn’ is from פרשת בֹּא which tells us about the Mitzva of רֹאשׁ חֹדֶשׁ.
מֹשֶה רַבֵּינוּ gathered together all the Jews to tell them about the building of the משכן.
The Jews were very excited to hear that Hashem had forgiven them for the חֵטְא הָעֵגֶל and that His שְׁכִינָה would be close to them. They very quickly and generously gave up their gold, silver etc. to help build the משכן.
The next day a message was sent: “We have enough materials, please don’t bring any more.” The 12 נְשִׂאִים were disappointed because they hadn’t given anything yet. They were only able to give the 2 stones for the אֵפוֹד and the 12 stones for the חוֹשֶׁן. Since they didn’t give right away, a letter was taken from their name ((נְשִׂאִם, and it is written in the תורה without a י.

Have a Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Berelowitz

Elementary School

Kindergarten

This week kindergarten began reading their second first grade reader and they all did amazing! They learned how to compare and contrast the first 2 stories in the reader. They learned how to read er, ir, and ur words and how to spell words that have blends at the end of the word. The class had a lot of fun celebrating Twosday. They had a Twoday dance party, did things in twos, made a Twosday hat, and they wrote about what they will do when they turn 22 years old. In math they learned how to solve subtraction word problems by writing number sentences, using number lines, ten frames, number bonds, drawing pictures, counting on, and making bar models. In science they learned all about magnets. They had a lot of fun experimenting with magnets to discover which objects are magnetic and which objects are not magnetic. In social studies they continued to work on their social studies fair projects. The children know all about their topics and they are so excited for the social studies fair!

First Grade

This week our first graders read a story about a girl named Rosina who attends a school for the deaf. While examining the main idea and details, we learned that Rosina’s family and school are not that different from SIHA. Students also finished the first half of the Singapore Math curriculum. They are excited to see their progress.

Second Grade
2nd grade had a very fun week! This past Tuesday was “Two’s Day”! On February 2nd, one of my students pointed out that the date was all 2’s. 2/2/22. Another student then said, that will happen again on 2/22/22. We looked at our calendar, and to our amazement, 2/22/22 was on Tuesday, or should I say “Two’s Day.” The students suggested we have a “Two’s Day” party, and I loved the idea! Parents sent in goodies, and we celebrated this palindromic date! In our academics, we had some unit tests this week! We had a unit test in math, on multiplication and division using 2 and 3. In grammar, we had a test on verbs. I was very pleased with the grades on these tests! We are also finishing up Charlotte’s Web, while continuing to practice our parts for the social studies fair.
In science, students learned the cause of the seasons; were able to understand and discuss basic facts about the moon; Identify which phase of the moon occurs in various locations in its orbit around Earth.

In science, students learned and discussed the importance of water and what is groundwater; learned the processes that water goes through across the planet. Developed an understanding of why it is important to take care of our water resources.

Fourth Grade

This week in ELA we continued to prepare for the State test. Completed reading comprehension, short and long response writing.
In math we worked on adding , subtracting, solving word problems, and converting decimals. We continue to practice for the state test and noetic contest.
In Social Studies we read, discussed and answered questions about The American Indians and the early settlers of the Midwest.

In science, students became familiar with the processes involved in volcanic eruptions; understood the way eruption types form from volcanic cones; identified the differences in magma viscosity and how it relates to volcanic eruption explosiveness.

Fifth Grade

Greetings and salutations!
This week has been short but busy for 5th grade. We continued learn new vocabulary words. We also continued our novel study in class. We discussed what we read, wrote journals, and answered questions over the reading. We also practiced comparing and contrasting the setting in a story.
Lastly, the 5th graders began a small procedural writing project over how to make their favorite breakfast!

In science, students learned and described how water, wind and ice change landforms; explored the science of weathering and erosion to understand how Earth’s surface changes. Students discovered what happens during weathering, and the different ways this material is moved through erosion.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies

6th Grade ELA and Social Studies

Sixth graders had a good week! We continued our novel study of Watsons go to Birmingham. We also completed our vocabulary unit, and will be practicing for our unit test next week!

In Social Studies, our whole week was about getting ready for our Social Studies Fair. We wrapped up our research papers and are preparing our presentations!

7th Grade ELA and Social Studies

Seventh graders had a great week! We continued our novel study of Night by Elie Weisel. Students read passages and discussed them in class. We also continued our test prep, specifically in long responses.
In social studies, our whole week was about preparing for the Social Studies Fair. We practiced our debates, and every team got to go at least once!

8th Grade ELA and Social Studies

Eighth graders had a great week! We continued our novel study of Fahrenheit 451. We read passages and discussed them in class. We also wrapped up our vocabulary unit and are preparing for a test next week.
In Social Studies, we are wrapping up our speech writing, and practiced giving speeches in class. I can’t wait to see what the 8th graders prepare for next week!

Middle School Math

5th grade is finishing up their unit on decimals.
6th grade is learning about percentage.
7th grade finished the module on slope and did a mini project. They had to write their name and color code which lines were positive, negative, zero, and undefined.
8th grade is learning how to perform operations with polynomials.

Middle School Science

6th grade
The students were able to name each layer of the Earth’s atmosphere; described each layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. The students will be able to define the “Greenhouse Effect”. The students learned about the Ozone Layer and were able to explain the importance of the Ozone Layer.
Students considered heat transfers that occur in everyday situations and investigated three specific ways that heat moves: conduction, convection, and radiation; described and gave examples of the three methods of heat transfer.

7th Grade

As students learn about the nervous system and the brain, they are conducting research. Each student was assigned an organ of the nervous system and/or a part of the brain that they had to investigate. Students researched the importance of their organ and identified the role of their organ, where it is located, what it’s special function is and how it interacts with other parts of the body. Once this was established, students had to investigate using two of the five questions, or create their own question. These were some sample questions provided: How does trauma affect the cerebellum? How does poor diet choices affect the cerebellum? How do toxins affect the cerebellum? What body systems or organs are affected if the cerebellum is damaged? Students plugged their part into the question and investigated various sources to complete a summary. Students then had to state their claim and provide evidence that supports their claim. As they continue to work hard, next week I will publish some of their results. Excellent Job, 7th Grade.

8th Grade Science

8th graders just completed their Diffusion Through Membrane state lab. Students investigated which molecules were able to diffuse through the membrane. Students created a model cell and filled it with glucose and starch solutions. They placed this cell into a beaker with water and iodine and waited 20 minutes to investigate exactly what took place. Students were able to make the conclusions that the iodine diffused into the cell and created a chemical reaction with the starch solution. This was evidenced by the color inside the cell, as it turned a blue/black color. Then students had to investigate even further to determine what happened to the glucose solution, if anything. Students had to undergo a few tests to determine if the glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. They had to place water from the beaker into a test tube with Benedict’s solution and Iodine to determine if it did in fact diffuse, but they discovered that this was not the way to test for glucose. So, upon further investigation, they placed water from the beaker that the cell was placed in a test tube and added Benedict’s solution, then they placed their test tube into a bubbling beaker and waited five minutes to determine if glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. Upon completion of their investigation they determined that glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell, as this was evidenced by the color change. Once the test tube liquid was heated in a water bath the color changed to green, then to orange which is indicative of the presence of glucose. This was the conclusion of their lab.

Jewish History

7th grade had a very exciting review of Unit 2, Our Nation’s Founders. The students had beautiful recall of what we learned and had a lot of fun sharing that information as we prepare for a test next week.

8th grade finished learning about the times of the second Bais HaMikdash and began watching a beautiful video about it.

SIHA Newsletter for 2/18/2022

by admin | Feb 18, 2022 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parsha Ki Tisa

Candle lighting- 5:16
Havdala-6:17

In the aftermath of the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe’s mortality is transformed to immortality as he gets G-d to change his mind.
Hashem, who had threatened to destroy Klal Yisrael after the sin of the Golden Calf, finally assures Moshe that His presence will accompany them on their sojourn. Yet, Moshe, it seems, is still not satisfied. In what appears as a daring move, he asks Hashem for more. Not only does he want assurance of the accompaniment of the Divine presence, Moshe now asks Hashem to “show me Your face” (Exodus 33:18). It is not enough that Hashem forgives the Jews for the most audacious sin of their young history. It is not enough that he assures them that he will guide them in the desert. Moshe wants more! He asks for a mortal existence despite an immortal act. He wants to connect to the corporeal with the Omnipotent in a way never done before. He wants to feast his soul on the most spiritual meal ingested through human vision. He wants to see G-d.
Hashem explains that it is impossible to see Him and live. Thus, the answer is, “No. You may however, see my back” (cf. Exodus 33:20-23). Of course the world of G-d’s face as opposed to his back has many great commentators and kabbalists explain the difference. However, the interest here is Moshe’s persistence. Why was he dissatisfied with G-d’s first offer? What propelled him, after almost losing Klal yisrael to ask for the greatest show of G-d’s bond to His creation’s?
Lou Maidenbaum, former President of Met Foods was sick in a hospital bed.
A week before he passed away, he was in his hospital room and was experiencing some discomfort. He pressed the button for a nurse, but no one came. Five minutes later he rang again. Still no response.
He therefore picked up the telephone and dialed 9-1-1. “Emergency services, came the woman’s voice, “what is the problem?” “I’m having difficulty breathing” gasped Lou. “Where are you calling from?” “Mount Sinai Hospital, Room 321,” came the response. “Mount Sinai Hospital?” Repeated the incredulous dispatcher, “what are you calling us for? You are in the Hospital already!” Lady,” he shouted to the operator. “This is my life we are talking about. And If this is the way I’ll get the best response, then I’m calling 911!
Moshe Rabeinu knew that he was — on Sinai — with G-d — receiving the Torah. However, that was not enough. He was not complacent about his accomplishment. He was not content with being the transmitter of eternity. He wanted more! He wanted to attain the highest possible level of mortal achievement. He wanted to see G-d. He wanted to spiritually feast on the face of the Omnipotent. Moshe was only concerned, to attain the greatest degree of spirituality that he possibly could reach. There was nothing else on his mind or in his soul. Hashem responded that if that level is attained, the soul will flee from its mortal constraints and refuse to re-enter a corporal being. “No man shall see Me and live” (Exodus 22:20). So Moshe had to concede with the highest level the physical body could endure. Moshe’s quest to go higher than Sinai taught us a great lesson. No matter what level you think you are on, you must reach for the stars.
Good Shabbos
Chana Uzhansky, Ed.D.
Head of School

Chana Jane Uzhansky Ed.D
Head of School
SIHA
(718)987-9700 (ext 3)
sihebrewacademy.org

Special Announcement

Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week at SIHA!
We began the Adar contest, spreading the Adar joy around by including others.
Lots of times, it can be rough to include others, when we just want to do something/hang out with our best friend etc.
Every time a student includes another friend/neighbor/classmate/cousin/sibling etc. (even when it’s rough..) either at home or at school, they can add a paper clip to their class’s chain.
At the end of the month of Adar (Adar 2), the winning class with the longest chain will have an epic ice cream party

Look out for the exciting details of Siha Purim celebrations ’22!

Shabbat Shalom U’mevorach!
Have a wonderful and relaxed extended weekend!

Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz
Mrs Ferber

Judaics

Second Grade
We had another amazing week in 2nd grade. On Tuesday we celebrated Purim Koton. Purim Koton only comes around when there is a leap year in the Jewish calendar. We played a game of Purim Bingo. Congratulations to our winners Seth, Ari and Chava. The children are learning the Purim Story and enjoy drawing and coloring pictures of the Purim Story. We reviewed how to say the names of family members in Hebrew. In Parsha this week we learned about the Chet Hoaigail, the sin of the golden calf. Hashem and Moshe were upset because of this and when Moshe came down after 40 days he broke the tablets of the 10 commandments, Moshe went back and begged Hashem to forgive the Jewish people for committing this sin, the Jews did Teshuva, Hashem forgave the Jews. The day Moshe came back down from the mountain the second time became known as Yom Kippur from that time on. Since the Jews were forgiven at that time, every year we repent, do Teshuva and hope that Hashem forgives us for our sins before Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Shabbat Shalom!

Third Grade
Another week flew by in Third grade. We are trying to pack it in as we get closer to the Holidays.
We learned new Milim- words and are reviewing them. In Dikduk we are continuing to practice pronouns.
We sing and chant the Chamisha Chumshei Torah,the Five books of Torah. That means that the third grade will know all the Parshiot and in the correct order!
The Kriah level is really advancing! Please continue to practice Kriah. Any page in Tehillim is fine. It is so Important for the skill.
This week Meir Yakobzon will be taking home the Third grade Siddur. We’ve added so much already to the Davening! We even added something to say on Friday evenings! Lecha Dodi- to welcome the Shabbat queen.
Have a peaceful Shabbat and enjoy Monday.

Morah Ferber

Fourth Grade
Dear Parents,

It was a very accomplishing week in class.

In Tefilla class we learnt the Beracha of Ashrei. We spoke about how in every generation we thank Hashem for everything. We also discussed that in this beautiful Tefilla every line starts with another one of the Aleph Bet. The children were amazed to know that.

We had the great joy learning Chumash. The children were very involved in the Chumash. We learned that when Avram came to Egypt, they gave him a lot of cattle. Lia and Jacob said the Pesukim really well.

Of course we had much Kriah practice. The children switched off saying the second part of Shema that they are not very used to.

Alivia Clift and Zohar Zadok are the “Students of the week.”

Our Play practice was tons of fun to practice. We hope you are as excited as we are.
Can’t wait to see everyone.

Have a Shabbat Shalom,
Stay healthy and well.
Rabbi B.

5th and 6th Girls
Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week.
The girls presented their Ani Maamin #3 projects. They did a great job!
We learned the first Perek (chapter) of Megillat Esther. The Megillah (scroll) of Esther is the story of Purim.
After every lesson, the girls answered the questions on it, as well as colored the pictures of that day’s story in their Megillah booklets.
We learned the after-blessing of Borei Nefashot, which we say after all foods which are not from the 5 grains (wheat, spelt, rye, oat, barley), not from the Shivat Haminim (7 special fruit of the land of Israel) and not wine or grape juice.
So, drinks, meat, chicken, candy, yogurt, eggs, etc. all have the after-blessing of Borei Nefashot.
We had an awesome celebration because the girls finished their Davening keys. The lesson of the keys is that Hashem has so much blessing set aside for every one of us. When we daven, it’s the key that is opening up our personal storehouses of blessing so it can shower our lives.
Mazel tov to our wonderful girls for using this magical key of talking to G-d and completing the contest!
Shabbat Shalom U’mevorach!
Enjoy your extended weekend!

Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz

5th and 6th Boys

As I write this blurb, I am sitting at home recuperating from today’s surgery.
My students and their accomplishments are close to my heart.
This week Mr Kaufman reviewed the Parasha after we went over Parashat Kisisa and covered many of the fascinating details of the Parasha. One of them is about the half a shekel . Each jew [man over 20 years of age] was responsible to donate a half shekel coin 3 times. This time, the half shekel, was for the korbanot-sacrifices that will be brought throughout the year. I once heard the reason for only a half is to show that each of us Jews are not complete on our own, we are all one nation. The sin of the egel hazahav the golden calf, which our forefathers did. Hashem teaches Moshe How to pray. The tremendous light that would shine from Moshe after learning Torah directly from G-d.
In Mishna, we moved on to learn about the interesting cases of one who would drape a sheet over the s’chach of a suka, or under it. We also learned about having a canopy over different types of beds and their Halachot.
We began M’gilat Esther with the back story . How and why did Achasveirosh make this grand party?
We ate delicious baked ziti which Rebbie brought for all boys to enjoy, while learning and practicing the Brachot of M’zonot and Al Ha’michya.
The week ends without Rebbie Kuritsky physically in the classroom, but his heart and soul are with his boys.
Shabbat Shalom

7th and 8th Girls
As I write this blurb, I am sitting at home recuperating from today’s surgery.
My students and their accomplishments are close to my heart.
I am extremely fortunate to have such wonderful students who were praying forme/doing a mitzva on my behalf; Mia Portman, Saying Sh’ma in my merit others davening, Noah and Doron putiing on their T;filin in my merit. Leora M. wishing me well,and Noga sending me a nice “get well and come back soon” email.
These are just some examples. All of my wonderful students are rooting for me. Thank you!
The girls covered many of the fascinating details of the Parasha. One of them is about the half a shekel. Each jew [man over 20 years of age] was responsible to donate a half shekel coin 3 times. This time, the half shekel, was for the korbanot-sacrifices that will be brought throughout the year. I once heard the reason for only a half is to show that each of us Jews are not complete on our own, we are all one nation. The sin of the egel hazahav the golden calf, which our forefathers did. Hashem teaches Moshe How to pray. The tremendous light that would shine from Moshe after learning Torah directly from G-d.
We began M’gilat Esther with the back story . How and why did Achasveirosh make this grand party? We studied how in earlier times even non Jews were well aware of the fact that our G-d, the one and only G-d, the G-d of us Jews is real! The wicked king Belshatzer knew of the prophecy that after 70 years of the Jews in exile , the Jews would be redeemed. He made his calculations, but they were wrong! He died. Now, a few years later Achashveirosh is sure that his calculations are correct. He brazenly takes out the holy vessels taht were used on the first Beit Hamikdosh-Temple and uses them for his party.
The girls reviewed and were quizzed on Halacha in our speciial Halacha for Girls book. We learned that it is important not to have anything in our mouths while saying a Bracha, to be dressed respectfully, and noy even to motion to someone while saying a Bracha. We also learned that it is important to know which Bracha we are about to say prior to beginning the Bracha, as we need to know, before saying Hahem’s name wht we are about to praise Him for.
The week ends without Rebbie Kuritsky physically in the classroom, but his heart and soul are with his boys.
Shabbat Shalom

7th and 8th Boys

Dear Parents,

It was another great week in class.
In our opening lesson we spoke about the 12 Shevatim. It was very interesting to see the names especially being that our Asher is one of the names. We also discussed the fruits and grain that Eretz Yisroel is blessed with. The students were really amazed at all the fruits.
In Biur Tefilla class we spoke about the Beracha of “Ahavah Rabah” that we say right before Shema. We discussed how Hashem loves us. We also spoke about how we ask Hashem to learn, teach, and to keep the Holy Torah.

In our Gemara class we learnt a fascinating concept. Rabba says that you learn a lot from your Rabbis, more than that from your friends, and the most from your Students. I really have to thank my wonderful Students for giving me the opportunity. A different Gemara we spent much time on, is that the Gemara says, who gives the army to fight in war, it is the people that are learning Torah. I explained to the class how much our Torah is accomplishing in the world.

In Halacha class we started learning about the laws of Purim We learnt about the fast of Esther. We are very excited for the upcoming Chag.

Asher Hecht and Leam Bilik are the “Students of the week”

A big Happy birthday to Oren Dery. We wish you a long happy life. Also thank you the delicious Dunkin Doughnuts.

Topics from the Parsha:
Hashem told מֹשה to collect a מחצית השקל from every man over the age of 20.
The תּוֹרָה now tells us what happened right after מַתַּן תּוֹרָה. The following day, ז’ סִיוָן, משה רַבֵּינוּ told the Yidden that he would be going back up onto הַר סִינַי for 40 days and nights to learn the whole תורה.
The Yidden started to count right away, waiting for משה to return and teach them the Torah.
They counted 40 days until טז’ תַּמוּז and when משה didn’t return they became nervous. The שָׁטָן started to trick them to believe that משה wasn’t going to come back.
The עֵרֶב רַב started (and the rest of the Yidden followed) asking אהרן for a new leader, an עַבוֹדָה זָרָה.
אהרן realized that he had no other choice, so he agreed to help them. He secretly was thinking of a way to push it off, hoping that משה would return before any עַבֵירוֹת were done.
He first told them to go collect all their jewelry and bring it to him. He thought that they wouldn’t give it away so fast. He was wrong – they came back very quickly with piles of gold.
שֵׁבֶט לֵוִי was the only שׁבט that did not join in.
When they threw the gold into a fire, it melted, and the ערב רב used magic to turn it into an עֵגֶל הַזָהָב – a real עבודה זרה.
אהרן tried another plan: “I will build a מִזְבֵּחַ to bring קָרְבָּנוֹת, tomorrow”, hoping that משה would return before then. Again he was wrong, the שטן got the Yidden to wake up early, and they started dancing and singing with the עבודה זרה.
Hashem told משה what the Yidden were doing, and how angry He is. The Yidden deserved to be destroyed.
משה started to Daven, asking Hashem to be מוֹחֵל the Yidden and not to destroy everyone.
משה רבּינו went down from הר סיני and when he saw the עגל הזהב he threw down and broke the לוּחוֹת: the Yidden don’t deserve the Torah right now.
משה רבינו went back up הר סיני for the third time on א’ אֶלוּל to learn the תורה again and receive a new set of לוחות. He stayed for 40 days and nights again, and returned on י’ תִּשְׁרֵי- יוֹם כִּיפּוּר.

Shabbat Shalom.
Rabbi Berelowitz

Elementary School

Kindergarten

This week kindergarten learned how to read and spell ALL words. They learned a song to help them identify the literary elements in a story. They can now identify the characters, setting, problem, and solution in a story. They also read a nonfiction story about animals in a park. In math they learned how to solve addition word problems by drawing pictures, using ten frames, and filling in bar models. They also learned how to count by 2s and use mental math to add plus two to a number from 0 to 30. In science they reviewed force and motion and listened to a story from The Magic School Bus all about force and motion. In social studies they continued working on their social studies project and they practiced their parts for the Social Studies Fair.

Second Grade
This week 2nd grade completed the 2A Singapore Math books! On to 2B! We are now learning how to find missing numbers in addition and subtraction equations, and working on our mental math skills. We are continuing our unit on poetry, and continuing to read Charlotte’s Web. In grammar, we are fully prepared for our test on verbs. In social studies, we are continuing to work on our parts for the upcoming social studies fair. —

In science, students learned what happens when Earth rotates around its axis; the cause of the seasons. Students were able to understand and discuss basic facts about the moon.
Mrs. Belli wants to mention Brianna Sanders for her excellent participation during the science class discussions.

Mr. A. Ferrera B.S.Ed
Generalist Teacher, 2nd grade
SIHA

Third Grade
This week Grade 3 finished their class novel, The Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. They are very excited to work on their Cereal Box Book Report for Tuesday. During Math lessons they continued to develop their problem solving skills using all four operations. Students also solved for perimeter. During their Grammar lessons students practice modifying nouns into their singular and plural possessive form. During the Social Studies students continued to work on their Fair presentations and reports.
In science, students learned and understood how life on Earth changed over time.
Describe three types of fossils; the importance of why scientists study fossils.

Miss Sasha

Fifth Grade
Greetings and salutations!
This week the 5th graders continued their vocabulary study.
They also continued reading their class novels. We focused on learning about perspectives as people and applying them to our characters.
We also kept our writing skills sharp by working in our ready workbooks. The 5th graders had a lot of fun reading the plays in the workbooks- some children really did a great job with acting out the plays!

5th Grade Social Studies

5th Graders are working very hard on their play and we are rocking and rolling. One group will be completing their tri-fold board on The Declaration of Independence and the remaining 3 skits will be performed via classroom. I want to give a special shout out to all the students in 5B these students are working so hard and it is evidenced by their participation in their play. Excellent job Brandon, he has had all of his lines remembered since Monday, way to go Brandon. Benjamin is doing a great job at projecting his voice and memorizing his lines. Abby and Ethan, excellent job, all lines remembered by Wednesday. WOOHOOO, keep up the great job and excellent team work.

5A is working very hard on their plays as well. The Declaration of Independence students are working hard on putting together their tri-fold board presentation. Fantastic job to Elior, all lines remembered by Monday, WOOHOO! Great job to Oren, Izzy for remembering their lines as of Wednesday.

Both classes are working very hard at participating and remembering their lines. They are learning how to work together in a different capacity as they must be mindful of each other and themselves, especially as they are waiting for their turn to speak. Very good 5th grade.

In math, 5th grade has been performing basic operations with decimals and incorporating mental math strategies.

In science, students identified types of water ecosystems and adaptations that allow them to survive in saltwater ; learned and identified characteristics in freshwater ecosystems.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies
6th Grade
Sixth graders had a good week! They continued their novel study of Watsons go to Birmingham, and worked on their next vocabulary unit.
6th Grade Social Studies

Greetings and salutations!
This week has been all about the Social Studies Fair. The 6th graders have all been busily researching and writing their essays. I am looking forward to their presentations!

7th Grade
Seventh graders are busily preparing for their Fair! Students worked on finalizing their essays and started practicing for their debates. Naomi and Noam did an excellent job!
In ELA, students continued their novel study of Night. They also worked hard on state test prep and their next vocabulary lesson.

8th Grade
Eight grade is busily preparing for their Fair! Students have spent the week doing research and composing their informative speeches on American history and culture. I look forward to seeing what they can do next week!
In ELA, we continued our novel study of Fahrenheit 451. Students wrote and discussed one of the central themes of the novel: individuality and conformism.

Middle School Math
6th grade finished learning integer operations and applying it to the order of operations.
7th grade has learned how to compare unit rates and slopes of equations, tables, and graphs.
8th grade started learning about polynomials and how to combine like terms.

Middle School Science

6th grade

Students were able to explain how the Earth’s atmosphere protects and sustains life on Earth; understood that Earth’s atmospheres are divided into the layers which are classified according to temperature changes with altitude.

7th Grade

As students learn about the nervous system and the brain, they are conducting research. Each student was assigned an organ of the nervous system and/or a part of the brain that they had to investigate. Students researched the importance of their organ and identified the role of their organ, where it is located, what it’s special function is and how it interacts with other parts of the body. Once this was established, students had to investigate using two of the five questions, or create their own question. These were some sample questions provided: How does trauma affect the cerebellum? How does poor diet choices affect the cerebellum? How do toxins affect the cerebellum? What body systems or organs are affected if the cerebellum is damaged? Students plugged their part into the question and investigated various sources to complete a summary. Students then had to state their claim and provide evidence that supports their claim. As they continue to work hard, next week I will publish some of their results. Excellent Job, 7th Grade.

8th Grade Science

8th graders just completed their Diffusion Through Membrane state lab. Students investigated which molecules were able to diffuse through the membrane. Students created a model cell and filled it with glucose and starch solutions. They placed this cell into a beaker with water and iodine and waited 20 minutes to investigate exactly what took place. Students were able to make the conclusions that the iodine diffused into the cell and created a chemical reaction with the starch solution. This was evidenced by the color inside the cell, as it turned a blue/black color. Then students had to investigate even further to determine what happened to the glucose solution, if anything. Students had to undergo a few tests to determine if the glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. They had to place water from the beaker into a test tube with Benedict’s solution and Iodine to determine if it did in fact diffuse, but they discovered that this was not the way to test for glucose. So, upon further investigation, they placed water from the beaker that the cell was placed in a test tube and added Benedict’s solution, then they placed their test tube into a bubbling beaker and waited five minutes to determine if glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell. Upon completion of their investigation they determined that glucose did in fact diffuse out of the cell, as this was evidenced by the color change. Once the test tube liquid was heated in a water bath the color changed to green, then to orange which is indicative of the presence of glucose. This was the conclusion of their lab.

7th grade is learning about the life and times of Yosef HaTzadik and how everything that happened to the Jewish people depended on their actions!

8th grade learned about the sad times of the destruction of the Second Bais HaMikdash, how the destruction was caused by infighting, and how the Sages took measures to preserve the Torah throughout the hard times to come.

Newsletter for 2/11/2022

by admin | Feb 11, 2022 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parshas Tetzaveh
Candle Lighting: 5:08

In this week’s Parsha, the Torah devotes an extensive amount of space to talking about the clothing the Kohen Gadol and the Kohanim wore while working in the Mishkon/Bais HaMikdash.

Why does the Torah give so much attention to their clothing? We have many commandments that have only one or two words in the Torah and the details are explained in the commentaries. Here the Torah explicitly writes out each detail.

The Torah is teaching us how important our clothing is. It is not just something we wear. Our clothing makes a statement. The way we choose to dress ourselves is an expression of who we really are. A dignified person dresses with dignity. More than that, dignified clothing push a person to act in a dignified way. Our actions reflect the clothing we choose to wear.

When serving Hashem in his own house, the Kohanim had to dress in a way that reflected the holiness of their position. The regal, white clothing they wore showed everyone that they were serving the true King of Kings in his palace. Their clothing helped each Kohen act in the regal, dignified manner required of a servant in the palace of his King.

We all must dress in a way that reflects our status of children to the true King.

Gut Shabbos,
Mrs. Rosskamm
Judaic Studies Curriculum Coordinator

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade
Baruch Hashem, we had another great week in Kindergarten and first grade Judaics.
In kriah, the first grade finished learning the nekuda cholam! Our word wall is growing; the children know so many Hebrew words! The kindergarten learned the letter NUN. They had a great time playing matching and learned about the mitzvah of “nikayon”- keeping clean.
In yahadut, the children continued learning the thirteen articles of Jewish faith, the ani maamins! They are learning a song for all the ani maamins and know it really well!
In parsha, we learned about the clothing which the High Priest, the kohen gadon, wore when he did his service in the Beit Hamikdash.
In kesiva, the first graders began a new booklet! They learned the letters samach and chaf.
The first graders also began learning another prayer – adon olam.
Looking forward to another great week!

Second Grade
We had a busy week reviewing our Brochos, doing projects, learning new vocabulary words and listening to a story when learning the first Brocha of Brichas Haschar (morning blessings) The first brocha is a wish for us to have the ability to distinguish between Yom-day and layloh-night. The ability to differentiate between good and bad. Right and wrong. We heard about the boy who had a hard decision to make, he had gevura(strength) to make the correct decision and made the right choice. We learned how to say the names of the seasons in Hebrew and how to say many other Hebrew words. Shabbat Shalom!

Third Grade
What a wonderful week! Third grade has made me so proud!
We finished learning Vihaya in Shema. They can now read it carefully and beautifully. Our Davening is truly something special to Hashem.
We even started a special contest. One student gets to take home the Third grade Siddur for Shabat. What a beautiful way on a special day of Shabbat to Daven from this Siddur and show our families how nicely we Daven during the week. This week Gal Zadok was chosen to be the first to bring it home. We are all so happy for her.
Our kriah skills are advancing. Some students even completed the first Kriah race!
We learned the exception of how to read a Patoch Chet at the end of the word. All we do is change the order. First the sound of the Nekudah then the letter. Like the name of our dear classmate נח.
This week Lashon Torah we reviewed our Rosh Milim as well as adding another 7 new words!! They are reviewing beautifully!
In Chayainu we moved onto learning the Five books of the Torah and chanted it well.
Parshah was learned nicely. We cut and pasted our Mishkan together just like it was in the Midbar. We learned bout the special clothing the Kohen and Kohen Gadol wore.
Have a wonderful Shabbat!

Morah Ferber

Fourth Grade
Dear Parents,

What a terrific week we had.
We started our week with a very moving story with Dr. Leibowitz who saved a woman’s life in the cafeteria in Boston Hospital. The woman after getting better was so thankful to Dr. Leibowitz for saving her life. We learn from this story how we have to Thank Hashem everyday for giving us life.
In Explaining the Davening we spoke about the amazing Tefilla of Yehi Chivod. We discussed how Hashem’s honor is all over the world.’ In every country and every city Hashem presence is there.
In Chumash we spoke about the famous story of when Avram came with Sarai to Egypt, he told Sarai to say, “you are my sister”. We acted out the Pesukim with Avi. We are very proud of Avi.

We practiced for the upcoming performance which we are very excited about. Stay tuned for details.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Berelowitz

5th and 6th Grade Boys

5th and 6th grade boys

7th and 8th Grade Boys

What a fun filled week it was.
In explaining the Davening, we went through the Beracha of Sim Shalom, that we ask Hashem to Please put peace in the land. Students went on very well to explain what is the importance of having peace in the land.
In Gemara we learnt a classic Gemara. It discusses that even though there were not Arai Miklat – cities of refuge, Moshe did the Mitzvah right away. A great lesson we learn is to not push off a Mitzvah and do it right away.
Topics from the Parsha:
The Mitzva to light the מְנוֹרָה in the מִשְׁכָּן was done by the כֹּהַנִים.
מֹשֶה’s brother אַהַרֹן was the first כֹּהֵן גָדוֹל and his sons were the כֹּהַנִים.
Hashem told משה to make special clothing for the כהן גדול and for each כהן הֶדְיוֹט. When the Yidden would see these special clothes, they would realize that theכהנים are special and deserve special respect.
The כהן הדיוט had 4 בְּגָדִים: 1)כְּתֹנֶת- long shirt 2)מִכְנָסַיִם- short pants 3)מִגְבַּעַת- pointy hat 4)אַבְנֵט- long, colorful belt.
The כהן גדול had these same 4 but his hat was called the מִצְנֶפֶת and was not as pointy. The כהן גדול also wore 4 extra בגדים: 1) חשֶׁן on his chest with the אוּרִים וְתּוּמִים behind it 2) אֵפוֹד – colorful apron that tied in the front. 3) מְעִיל- long blue coat that covered both his shirt and pants. It didn’t have sleeves. 4)- צִיץ a strip of gold with the Name of Hashem on it. He wore it on his forehead and it tied at the back of his head.
Some Halachos about these בּגדים: Only a כהן can wear them. A כהן can only wear them in the מִשְׁכָּן. When he leaves, he needs to take them off. They can’t add any other clothing (sweater) or be missing any.

Keep it up,
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Berelowitz

7th and 8th Girls

We studied about the Giv’onim who tricked the Jews, Yehoshua included, into believing that they were not among the Seven Nations of K’naan. They did so in order to save themselves. Upon learning that they were tricked, Yehoshua does NOT kill, or punish them. He keeps his oath to them.They are to remain as slaves but not for Hashem/Mishkan, only to the B’nei Yisrael. We filled in our beautiful workbooks as well.
In Halacha, we completed Chapter five. The Laws of “How to say a Bracha”. We studied how to concentrate, when saying a Bracha. We learned that there should not be anything in our mouths and many other pertinent Halachot.
We learned about this week’s Parasha, Parasha T’tzave, which discusses the elaborate clothing of the Kohanim as well as the Kohen Gadol. We learned and were shown pictures [of course not real photos as they are not in our possession] of , not only their clothing but the ornamental items worn!
We learned about the Five special articles in the Mishkan and the miracles involved with each. We also learned that the purpose of these miracles was to prove that Hashem’s Shchina-Presence was in the Mishkan.
Weekly Parasha quiz on Monday and Halacha quiz coming up as well.
Recalling a week ago….we were visited by Batya, a wonderful woman came all the way from Lakewood N.J. to inspire the girls and tell them about upcoming events.

Elementary School

Kindergarten

This week kindergarten practiced reading and spelling ING words by making king of ING puppets.They read a story about an egg that fell out of a nest. They practiced retelling the story using all of the literary elements they learned so far. Then, they made a comic book strip to retell their own story using all the literary elements. In math they finished making their subtraction book. They practiced subtraction by playing games with toys, pennies, and a basketball. They also learned all the different strategies they can use to subtract. In science they learned all about force and motion. They worked in groups to make ramps that would make their toy car go the fastest and the farthest. It took each group a long time to problem solve to create a steep ramp but in the end both groups persevered and independently built their own ramps. In social studies they continued to practice their part in the Social Studies Fair and they worked on their tri-folds.

Second Grade
This week, in 2nd grade, we are wrapping up our unit on multiplication and division using 2 and 3. We are continuing to master the 2 and 3 times tables. We go around the room saying the 2 and 3 times tables as fast as we can! We were able to do the 2 times table up to 22 in 5.1 seconds! We did the 3 times table up to 33 in 6.3 seconds! Every day we try to beat our best time! In grammar we are wrapping up our unit on verbs. We have been analyzing poems also, while continuing to read Charlotte’s Web. In social studies, we continue to learn about the Three Branches of The United States Government, in preparation for the social studies fair.

In science, 2nd graders are so excited to learn about “Our Solar System”. 1st lesson students learned the causes of day and night. Using a flashlight, students demonstrated Earth’s rotation.

Mr. A. Ferrera B.S.Ed
Generalist Teacher, 2nd grade
SIHA

Third Grade
This week Grade 3 students spent much of their E.L.A. and Social Studies lessons preparing for their S.S. Fair. They worked on their research report drafts and practiced their play lines. They are very excited to put all the pieces together next week. They had also developed their letter writing skills while working on a gratitude project for our dear police officers. Students wrote well organized letters and made cards (decorated beautifully) to show their appreciations for the sacrifices and dedication of the N.Y.P.D. During our Math lessons students worked on solving multiple step word problems using all four operations. They also began to work with areas and perimeters of shapes.

In science, students learned and understood the properties of rocks; identified properties of minerals; explored the content of soil; compared the different kinds of soil; and explained how soil forms.

Miss Sasha

Fifth Grade
5th Graders are busily preparing for their Social Studies Fair! Students are in groups and are practicing for a play based on American history. In ELA, students are continuing their novel studies.

Students learned and identified characteristics of 6 major biomes; compare the adaptive characteristics of species that improve their ability to survive in a particular biome. 5th graders are working to represent each biome on a beautiful diorama.

5th grade learned about place value and adding/subtracting decimals.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies

6th Grade
6th graders had a great week! In Social studies, we are busily preparing for our social studies fair. Students are preparing a research paper and a presentation on an ancient culture they studied in Social Studies this year. We are all looking forward to seeing what they come up with!
In ELA, we started a new novel: Watsons go to Birmingham, 1963.

7th Grade
7th graders had a great week! In Social studies, we are busily preparing for our social studies fair. Students selected topics and are placed into groups, and are preparing for a riveting debate! In ELA, students worked on test prep and continued their novel study of Night.

8th Grade
8th graders had a busy week! In Social Studies, we are busily preparing for our social studies fair. Students have chosen topics related to American History and Culture and are preparing informative speeches on. In ELA, we continued our novel study of Fahrenheit 451.

Middle School Math

6th grade learned how to perform integer operations.
7th grade practiced solving equations with distribution.
8th grade reviewed piecewise functions.

Middle School Science

6th gr.

Students learned Earth’s changing position with regard to the Sun and the moon has noticeable effects; understood that Earth’s surface is covered by a relatively thin layer of water, which responds to the gravitational attraction of the moon and the Sun with a daily cycle of high and low tides. Students reviewed Unit: “Earth’s Water” concepts.

7th Grade Science

Students are investigating the connection between our brains and the nervous system. Students will be discovering the various parts of the brain including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, pituitary gland, the spinal cord and the hypothalamus glands and how important these parts are to our daily life. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles. You also need the cerebrum to solve math problems, figure out a video game, draw a picture, recall both short and long term memory, it also helps you reason. The cerebellum controls balance, movement, and coordination. The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood. The pituitary gland releases hormones into your body, including ones that control the amount of sugars and water in your body.The hypothalamus gland is like your brain’s inner thermostat and keeps your body in the state of homeostasis with reference to body temperature. The spinal cord the spinal cord and nerves — known as the nervous system — that let messages flow back and forth between the brain and body.

8th Grade Science

Students are in the process of completing two NYS labs. Making Connections Lab which is a lab that allows students to investigate which body systems work together to keep our body balanced during exercise. Students will make connections as to the waste products that are released during exertion and which body systems are responsible for making this happen, what our body needs more of during exercise and how our body maintains dynamic equilibrium during this process. They will also be working on the NYS Diffusion through Membrane lab. During this lab, students will conduct a simulation at which time they will make a cell, fill it with macromolecules, place it in water with an indicator and determine which molecules will either diffuse into or out of the cell. They will explain the molecular activity in areas of high concentration and low concentration and they will be able to explain why some molecules can pass through the cell membrane and why some need assistance to pass through the cell membrane.

Jewish History

7th grade learned 3 very important definitions this week. We learned what exactly the birthright was, what anti-semitism really is, and what it means to be the Chosen people. We had some really intense discussions as the class internalized these difficult concepts.

8th grade learned about the Herodian dynasty and how fighting leads directly to destruction, although the class disagrees if we woke up a sleeping lion or a sleeping bear!

SIHA Newsletter for 2/4/2022

by admin | Feb 4, 2022 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parshat Terumah

Candle lighting: 4:59pm

Havdalah: 6:02pm

The Mishkan was the first home Jews made for G-d. But the very idea is fraught with paradox, even contradiction. How can you build a house for God? He is bigger than anything we can imagine, let alone build.

Not only does it seem impossible to build a home for G-d. It should be unnecessary. Hashem can be accessed anywhere, as readily in the deepest pit as on the highest mountain.

The answer, and it is fundamental, is that Hashem does not live in buildings. He lives in builders. He lives not in structures of stone but in the human heart. What the Jewish Sages and mystics pointed was that in our parsha Hashem says, “Let them build me a sanctuary that I may dwell in them” (Ex. 25:8).

For Hashem to connect with us He had to do what the Jewish mystics called tzimtzum, “contract” Himself, screen His light, soften His voice, hide His glory within a thick cloud, and allow the infinite to take on the dimensions of the finite. That was the easy part (As finite beings we couldn’t withstand His glory at Mt Sinai). The difficult part had nothing to do with God and everything to do with us. How do we come to sense the presence of God? It isn’t difficult to do so standing at the foot of Mount Everest or seeing the Grand Canyon. You do not have to be very religious or even religious at all, to feel awe in the presence of the sublime. However, how does one feel the presence of God in the midst of everyday life? Not from the top of Mount Sinai but from the plain beneath? Not when it is surrounded by thunder and lightning as it was at the great revelation, but when it is just a day among days?

That is the life-transforming secret of the name of the parsha, Terumah. It means “a contribution”. Hashem said to Moshe: “Tell the Jewish nation to take for me a contribution. You are to receive the contribution for me from everyone whose heart prompts them to give” (25:2). The best way of encountering God is to give.

The very act of giving flows from, or leads to, the understanding that what we give is part of what we were given. It is a way of giving thanks, an act of gratitude. That is the difference in the human mind between the presence of God and the absence of God.

If God is present, it means that what we have is His. He created the universe. He made us. He gave us life. He breathed into us the very air we breathe. All around us is the majesty, the plenitude, of God’s generosity: the light of the sun, the gold of the stone, the green of the leaves, the song of the birds. The world is Hashem’s art gallery and His masterpieces are everywhere.

When life is a given, you acknowledge this by giving back.

But if life is not a given because there is no Giver, if the universe came into existence only because of a random fluctuation in the quantum field, if there is nothing in the universe that knows we exist, if our moral convictions are self-serving means of self-preservation and our spiritual aspirations mere delusions, then it is difficult to feel gratitude for the gift of life. There is no gift if there is no giver. There is only a series of meaningless accidents, and it is difficult to feel gratitude for an accident.

The Torah therefore tells us something simple and practical. Give, and you will come to see life as a gift. You don’t need to be able to prove God exists. All you need is to be thankful that you exist – and the rest will follow. That is how Hashem came to be close to the Jews through the building of the Mishkan. It wasn’t the quality of the wood and precious metals and drapes.” It was the fact that it was built out of the gifts of “everyone whose heart prompts them to give” (Ex. 25:2). Where people give voluntarily to one another and to holy causes, that is where the Divine Presence rests.

Hence the special word that gives its name to this week’s parsha: Terumah generally translated as “a contribution” but it actually has a subtly different meaning for which there is no simple English equivalent. It means “something you lift up” by dedicating it to a sacred cause. You lift it up, then it lifts you up. The best way of scaling the spiritual heights is simply to give in gratitude for the fact that you have been given.

God doesn’t live in a house of stone. He lives in the hearts of those who give and pay it forward.

—
Chana Uzhansky Ed.D.
Head Of School

Special Announcement

Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had an unbelievable week!

The joyful spirit of Adar has arrived; and this year, due to the Jewish leap year, we’ve got it double! (There are 2 months of Adar this year.)

Shout out to Mr Jaffe for sponsoring our spectacular magic show this week in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar! The kids all had a fantastic time with Jerry and many kids even had him write them an autograph 😉

This month’s exciting contest:

We are working on spreading joy and making others happy by including one another. Lots of times, it can be difficult to invite another friend to join your sleepover, party, play date, etc or you’re playing a game and there are other kids watching who may be really happy if you invited them in..
Every time a student goes out of their way to include another person, they will add a paper clip to their class’s chain. At the end of Adar, whichever class has the longest chain will win a fantastic ice cream party!!
Ready, set, go!

Shabbat Shalom!
Have a happy and wonderful month of Adar!

Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz
Mrs Ferber

A great big SIHA congratulations to our amazing Students of the Month for January!

Kindergarten – Gadi Amos
First Grade – Liad Hanuka
Second Grade – Ari Leivent
Third Grade – Daniella Usubov
4th Grade – Joshua Applebaum
5A – Taila Badalov
5B – Hanna Kimerling
Middle School Judaic Studies – Ethan Shenkman
Middle School Secular Studies – Madison Graham

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade
We baruch Hashem had another great week in kindergarten and first grade Judaics!
In kriah, the first grade began learning a new nekuda “cholam – oh!”. They’re great at it. The kindergarten learned the letter mem sofit and its mitzvah of netilat yadaim.
In kesiva, the first grade learned the letter chaf sofit.
We began learning the 13 Jewish principals of faith, the “ani ma’amins”, through song and stories. We already learned four of them!
We also learned about the mishkan in parsha.
In honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar, we enjoyed an exciting magic show!
Looking forward to another great week!

Second Grade

It was wonderful being back at school this week. Wednesday in honor of Rosh Chodesh Adar (the new month of Adar Aleph) the children colored a decorative poster which says משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה which means ״When the month of Adar enters we increase our joy.” Ask your child to sing the song in Hebrew for you. We are learning so many Hebrew words as we build our Hebrew Vocabulary as well as perfecting our reading skills. We are continuing to review the various Brochos we make on different foods and we learned about the laws of Kashrut and different kosher signs. Shabbat Shalom.

Welcome back to Third grade at Siha!
We came back full swing Davening and learned wonderfully.
They know our Hebrew Milim Really well and the Rosh Milim as well.
In Chayainu we are still practicing Our Jewish months and Holidays, and their dates. A test is coming up for that.
In Pitgam with thanks to Noach Sharoni we learned about the happiness that comes during the month of Adar. We are all trying to make sure that no one in our class feels sad.
For this Rosh Chodesh we started to say Halell! The special prayer that is only said on Rosh Chodash. Third grade Davens really nicely and maturely with a lot of Kavanah. It surely makes Hashem proud!
This weeks Parsha came alive learning the parts of The Mishkan- the house where Hashem lived.

Have a great Shabbat!

Morah Ferber

Fourth Grade
Dear Parents,
It was a great week “getting back to business” after mid-winter break. It was great to see all the smiley children back in the classroom.
In Davening we started the beautiful Tefilla of Mizmor L’todah. We spoke at length about how we have to serve Hashem with a smile. We said a great story about how Mike loved always doing Mitzvot with a smile and it helped throughout his life.

In Chumash we learned about that Avraham Avinu was living in Eretz Yisroel and there was a hunger. He therefore went to Egypt to get food. We spoke about how a person cannot live even for a while without food.
Sarina and Matthew were the students of the week.
Keep it up.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Berelowitz

5th and 6th Girls
Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a fantastic week!
We continued on in Shemoneh Esrei learning Birkat Selicha and Birkat Geulah. We learned about the special Mitzvah of Birkat Hamazon, the after-blessing of bread.
The girls all enjoyed delicious sweet rolls and we blessed Birkat Hamazon out loud when we were finished.
The girls had a wonderful time at the Rosh Chodesh Adar magic show and we sang Hallel (Praise to G-d; sung on Jewish holidays) together.
We learned the 3rd Ani Maamin, Principle of Faith. We enjoyed the story of the Atheist college professor who asked his class, “Do you see the board?”
They responded, “Yes!”
“Do you see your professor?”
“Yes!”, they replied.
“Do you see G-d?”
“No!”
To which the professor rejoined, “Then there is none!”
A student came to the front of the classroom.
“Do you see the board?” He mimicked.
“Yes!”, the class replied.
“Do you see your professor?”
“Yes!”
“Do you see his brain?”
“No!”
“Then there is none!”
We’ve learned how we cannot see G-d. He is not physical in any way. However, we understand that there are many things we cannot see or comprehend
comprehend; yet we know that they truly exist.
The one thing we must understand is not what G-d is, but what He does. He created and controls the world, loves us, takes the best care of us and wants to connect and have a real relationship with us.
We can connect to G-d by talking to Him, praying to Him, keeping His commandments, learning Torah and being kind to others.

Shabbat Shalom!
Have a wonderful and relaxing weekend!

Best Regards,
Miss Dershowitz

5th and 6th Boys
5th and 6th grade boys are getting ever nearer to the end of Parashat Va’eira. We are currently learning about the Maca of Barad = hail. This was hail like no other. A mixture of ice and FIRE. Yes, fire! They agreed to get along to do the will of their creator-Hashem and help punish the Egyptians for what they did to our ancestors, the Jews in Egypt.
In Mishna, we are currently learning the laws about if one made a Suka under a tree, or if one made a Suka and built another Suka on top of the first Suka! What happens if one built a Suka in a house?!
In Parasha we learned Parashat T’ruma which discusses the Mishkan, the resting place of Hashem, while our ancestors were in the Midbar-the wilderness. Rabbi Kuritsky brought in a beautiful book which illustrates/depicts the Mishkan and its Keilim-vessels.

7th and 8th Girls

7th and 8th grade girls
In Parasha we learned Parashat T’ruma which discusses the Mishkan, the resting place of Hashem, while our ancestors were in the Midbar-the wilderness.
Rabbi Kuritsky brought in a beautiful book which illustrates/depicts the Mishkan and its Keilim-vessels.

This week, we continued our “daily self marking Tfila” chart. Girls are motivated to daven daily as they realize the significance of both davening and being graded on it.

In Navi-Prophets, we are continuing our study of the Jews- our ancestors conquering the “Promised land”-The land of Israel. We discussed how six kings tried to fight against us but lost.The Giv’onim are trying to trick Yehoshua into thinking that they are some other country, not one of the Seven Nations, so that the Jews will not be compelled to kill them.
Stay tuned into the newsletter , and next week we will fill you in as to what happens.

We really enjoyed the Rosh Chodesh treat; cupcakes and a real live magician.
He changed a few students into …. No. Not really., but we did enjoy the merry making nonetheless. This Rosh Chodesh has a special significance, as it is the month of Adar I, as ther are 2 months of Adar, this [lunar] year. Although we do not celebrate Purim during this month, it is Adar and a month of happines, nonetheless.
Thank you Miss Dershowitzand Mrs. Ferber!

7th and 8th Boys
What a great week we just experienced.
In Davening we had lessons on the Beracha of Shemoneh Esreh of Modim. We questioned Students about what they are thankful for. Asher and Mark had really good answers.
In Gemara class we spoke about two main topics.
One. We spoke about what type of cities the A’rei Miklat were. Were the cities of the Ari Miklat big or small. Meaning to say, is it easy to conquer or not.
Two. We learnt a fascinating Gemara that a Student that goes to Galus his Rabbi comes with him. We learn it from a pasuk. The Gemara says a statement that here we see a person should not teach a Student that is not proper.

Topics from the Parsha:
Hashem told מֹשֶה to start collecting the materials that would be needed for the building of the משכן. Everyone would have the זְכוּת to join in. Each person would give however much they wanted to, and no one was forced to give. (Of course everyone wanted to give though!) Some of the materials collected would be used to make the clothing of the כֹּהַנִים.
The משכן was inside the חצר. The משכן had 2 parts: the קֹדֶשׁ and the קֹדֶשׁ הַקָדָשִׁים, which were separated by a curtain. The ארון was inside the קדש הקדשים; the שולחן and מנורה were inside the קדש.
The ארון was made of 3 boxes, one inside the other. The outside and most inside ones were made of gold, the middle one was wood. It was covered on top by the כַּפֹּרֶת which had the כְּרוּבִים on top.
The שֻׁלְחָן was made from wood that was covered with gold. It had 6 shelves, with 2 breads on each shelf. They were called the לֶחֶם הַפָּנִים. They were kept there the whole week and then eaten by the כהנים. They stayed fresh and warm the whole week.
The מְנוֹרָה was made from one big piece of gold. It had 7 branches (not like our מנורה) with flowers, cups, and balls on it for design. משה didn’t understand how to make it, so Hashem told him to throw the piece of gold into a fire and the מנורה was made.
The walls of the מִשְׁכָּן (קְרָשִׁים) were made from עַצֵי שִׁטִים covered with gold. Each beam was 10 אַמוֹת tall.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Berelowitz

Elementary School

Kindergarten

This week kindergarten became the King of ING! They learned how to read and spell many different words with the ING sound. They read a nonfiction story about a Fox and a Kit. In Math they continued to review subtraction by playing many games. They played subtraction games such as who stole the cookie from the cookie jar, a game with rubber ducks, dice, and they played subtraction bowling. They also reviewed their math facts and learned how to add plus 9 to a number using mental math. In science they learned all about the forces push and pull. In social studies they made a puppet for Groundhog Day. They also learned about the Washington Monument, the Great Seal of the United States, and they practiced their part for the Social Studies Fair.

Our fabulous first graders are having a blast learning about explorers. They have mastered the 7 continents and 5 oceans, and are now excited to hear about the voyages of exploration by sea. Students have researched about Ferdinand Magellan, Juan Ponce de Leon, Leif Erikson., and even Sacagawea We look forward to sharing this knowledge during the Social Studies Fair.
In addition, students are “exploring” the properties of matter. We learned that matter exists just about everywhere, and can be observed with the five senses. Students were interested to see how different tools help scientists gather data about the world. We gathered data about our classroom using magnets and paper clip chains. They were so happy to test objects for magnetism and measure them for length.

Second Grade
This week 2nd grade began learning about poetry. We learned some vocabulary words related to poetry, read and analyzed a poem, and wrote poems of our own! In grammar, we are continuing to learn about verbs. We are learning how to differentiate verbs based on tense. In math, we are mastering our 2 and 3 times tables. In social studies, we are continuing to learn about the three branches of government in The United States, in preparation for the social studies fair! In the picture, you can see Joseph Cohen, who is so determined to complete all of the remaining pages in his math workbook, that he brought it to recess with him, and worked on it during his free play time! Now that’s dedication!

In science, students learned the causes of endangered and extinct animals; the ways to prevent endangered animals. Putting the clues together and assembling dinosaur bones was an exciting activity during science/Art class.

Third Grade
This week grade 3 students began to use long division! They also continued to develop their problem solving skills using multiple operations. During their Social Studies lessons, students began to prepare for the Social Studies Fair. They reviewed what a true patriot is and were introduced to 10 key figures in American history. They each received their patriot to research and also embody during our play. During our Reading lessons students analyzed chapter 8 of our class novel as well as the elements of biographical stories.

In science, students learned and distinguished between endangered and extinct animals; 4th graders created camouflages of different animals.

In science, students inferred the effect of change in an environment; described how organisms, including humans, affect their environment; described physical and behavioral adaptations.

Fifth Grade
Fifth graders had a busy week! Both classes worked hard to write beautiful paragraph while using evidence from a nonfiction, historical text. We paid special attention to placing our textual evidence in context and making it a part of our paragraph, rather than just copying a quote and leaving it there. Students also worked on their vocabulary, and their class novels.

In Math, 5th grade finished their unit on ratios.

In science, students described some natural and human causes of extinction; identified ways humans can work to prevent the extinction of endangered species; identified the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in ecosystems; described how energy flows from one organism to another in food chains and in food webs.

5th Grade Social Studies

5th Grade will be working on their Social Studies production over the next couple of weeks. Both classes are assigned specific skits that they will perform. 5A will have 3 productions, “Child’s Work,” “The Declaration of Independence,” and “West to Hope” and 5B’s production is “Stealing Freedom.”

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies
6th graders had a busy week!
In Reading, we finished our unit on Milkweed. Students are creating a theme poster that will analyze the ‘big ideas’ behind the writing. Students also reviewed and studied for their unit three vocabulary test. Congratulations to Ruti for getting the highest score!
In Social Studies, students wrapped up their unit on China with a creative project in which we learned about the pottery of the Hmong people.

7th Grade
7th graders had a great week! In Reading, we started our novel study of Elie Weisel’s Night. Students read in class and had some fruitful discussions! We also continued practicing our writing using textual evidence, and worked on our next vocabulary study chapter.
In social studies, we started our unit on the American Revolutionary War. Students took notes and looked at primary sources from this time in our nation’s history.

8th Grade
8th graders had a busy week! In reading, we continued our novel study of Fahrenheit 451 by learning about the setting of this novel and examining key characters. We also worked on our next vocabulary unit.
In social studies, we continued our unit on the Cold War by learning about the Vietnam War.
Middle School Math

6th grade finished their unit on rates.
7th grade is reviewing percent change and proportionality.
8th grade reviewed graphing and solving absolute value functions.

Middle School Science

6th grade science

Students were able to identify fresh water sources; understood the breakdown of the ocean zones by depth, characteristics and organisms that inhabit those zones.
Mrs. Belli wants to mention Avigdor for an excellent participation during science class and great score on the Quiz.

7th Grade Science

Students are investigating the connection between our brains and the nervous system. Students will be discovering the various parts of the brain including the cerebrum, cerebellum, brain stem, pituitary gland, the spinal cord and the hypothalamus glands and how important these parts are to our daily life. The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles. You also need the cerebrum to solve math problems, figure out a video game, draw a picture, recall both short and long term memory, it also helps you reason. The cerebellum controls balance, movement, and coordination. The brain stem is in charge of all the functions your body needs to stay alive, like breathing air, digesting food, and circulating blood. The pituitary gland releases hormones into your body, including ones that control the amount of sugars and water in your body.The hypothalamus gland is like your brain’s inner thermostat and keeps your body in the state of homeostasis with reference to body temperature. The spinal cord the spinal cord and nerves — known as the nervous system — that let messages flow back and forth between the brain and body.

8th Grade Science

Students are in the process of completing two NYS labs. Making Connections Lab which is a lab that allows students to investigate which body systems work together to keep our body balanced during exercise. Students will make connections as to the waste products that are released during exertion and which body systems are responsible for making this happen, what our body needs more of during exercise and how our body maintains dynamic equilibrium during this process. They will also be working on the NYS Diffusion through Membrane lab. During this lab, students will conduct a simulation at which time they will make a cell, fill it with macromolecules, place it in water with an indicator and determine which molecules will either diffuse into or out of the cell. They will explain the molecular activity in areas of high concentration and low concentration and they will be able to explain why some molecules can pass through the cell membrane and why some need assistance to pass through the cell membrane.

—
Mrs. Giordano
Science Teacher
Staten Island Hebrew Academy

Jewish History
7th grade learned what it means to have been born a Jew and what it gives us! We had some really intense discussions this week!
8th grade continued to review the last few units as we prepare to move on.

SIHA Newsletter for 1/21/2022

by admin | Jan 21, 2022 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parshas Yisro
Candlelighting: 4:43

This week’s Parsha teaches us about the greatest moment in all of world history, the giving of the Torah to the Jewish people. This event was the highlight, the point of it all. Hashem himself came down and gave His Torah, His guidebook for a perfect life to the Jewish people.

Yet, the Parsha begins with an interesting incident. The Torah tells us that Yisro, Moshe’s father in law, came to join the Jewish people. Why is it important for the Torah to tell us about this, especially right before telling us about the giving of the Torah.

Hashem is teaching us a very important lesson. The Torah tells us, “And Yisro heard.” Rashi explains that Yisro heard about the miracles that Hashem performed for the Jewish people. The Torah is teaching us something unique and incredible over here. The entire world heard about Kriyas Yam Suf and the other miracles Hashem did for the Jewish people. Yet, only one person listened. Only one person paid attention to what happened, took its lessons to heart, and acted upon those lessons. Yisro head about the miracles. He listened. He paid attention. He acted upon what he heard about.

The rest of the world also heard about these miracles, but they chose to ignore what they heard. They did not listen or pay attention.

Hashem is constantly sending us messages through what happens in the world around us. It is up to us to listen and pay attention to those messages.

This incident is the perfect introduction to the giving of the Torah. Before we can be ready to receive the Torah, we must first be ready to listen and accept the messages we are given.

Good Shabbos

Mrs. Rosskamm
Judaic Studies Coordinator

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade

We baruch Hashem had another great week!
In kriah, the first grade was busy reviewing the loud and sleepy sh’va rules. They’re very good at reading long words and had a great time guessing Morah’s mystery word. Our word wall is growing each day! The kindergarten learned the letter mem who brought them to visit an eye doctor to read the eye chart and check if they need ‘mishkafayim’ (glasses) or not.
In kesiva, the first grade started their second kesiva book and learned to write the letter taf.
We had an exciting BRACHOT PARTY to celebrate finishing to learn all the brachot! The kids also did a great job on their brachot tests! I’m so proud!
In parsha, we learned about how the Jewish nation received the Torah on Har Sinai who was the most humble mountain. We learned how important it is to be humble and not to brag.
Enjoy your vacation!
Morah Chavi

Second Grade

The weeks zoom by in 2nd grade. On Monday we celebrated Tu’beshevat by making beautiful edible fruit projects and learning about Tu’beshevat. The rest of the week we reviewed the various Brochos we make on different foods. We practiced our Kriya and spent time learning the significance of “Shema Yisroel.” We heard a story about an older lady who was a young girl during WW11. Before she was separated from her mother. Her mother taught her “Shema Yisroel.” One day a Rabbi visited the Gentile Orphanage and said “Shema Yisroel,”three children recognized the prayer and were rescued and taken out of the orphanage. This Shabbat we read Parshat Yitro. We learned about Yitro and about the giving of the Torah in this weeks Parsha. Have a wonderful break. Shabbat Shalom!

Third Grade
What a wonderful week we had in 3rd grade!
I’m so proud of the class. They are learning beautifully, and Davening beautifully.
We made a lovely Tu Bishvat project and practiced our Brachot. They are continuing to practice what brachot to make on each food they eat.
In Chayainu we learned the 3 festivals Shalosh Rigalim and the month they fall out in.
The boys and girls learned the Parsha so well! I’m really proud!
Hope you all enjoy your winter break!
Stay warm safer and healthy!
Shabbat Shalom!

Morah Ferber

Fourth Grade

It was a great week being it started with Tu B’shvat fun. The school gave out supplies to make our own fruit tree. The children were tree experts, and the trees were very big it hardly fit into the bag. There were many delicious treats on the tree.
In Davening we continued explaining the Second part of Baruch She’amar. It was amazing to see all the different ides the children had about the Tefilla.
In Chumash we continued learning about the test of Avram, that he left his land and birthplace to follow Hashem’s commandment. It was one of the tests that he had.
We spoke about that the first place Avram came to was Shechem. Avram knew that his children would be there, and he Davened for them. We have to realize how much our Ancestors did for us, and we have to be very thankful to them.
In Parsha we spoke about the greatest gift we got; it was the Torah. There is no joy in the world like learning Torah. We must try to do the best we can and learn as hard as we can.

Congratulation to Matthew and Maayan on being in this week Major Raffle winners.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Berelowitz

5th and 6th Boys
Another super week!
We began our “mark yourself daily daven chart”. All boys are expected to daven daily and then fill in their chart to receive credit.
We are plowing through the beginning of Masechta Suka, studying intricate laws of the size of the Suka, the covering of the Suka and the age [yes, you read correctly, the age] of the Suka. We had our first comprehension quiz on Masechta Suka and the boys aced the quiz.
We studied this week’s Parasha, Parashat Yitro which mentions Hashem giving the Torah , which is paramount to Judaism as well as the world at large. Even the supreme court has the ten commandments in front of the building as the Torah is The law of the land = planet earth.
We are getting ever closer to the end of Parashat Va’eira, the Parasha that we study more in depth. Hopefully very soon when we return after mid-winter break we will reach that milestone and celebrate it.
Wishing everyone two Shabat Shaloms, and a very enjoyable vacation.
Rabbi Kuritsky.

7th and 8th Girls

Thirteen Ani Ma’amins
Wow, what an amazing accomplishment!
We learned ALL of the THIRTEEN Ani Ma’amins. The girls wrote beautiful notes and now, filled in an outline beautifully.
We also learned and completed the laws of Sh’mone Esre. We had a quiz, and, of course, all the girls aced the quiz.Because we are heading into mid-winter break, we had our weekly Parasha quiz already on Thursday. Of course, the girls aced that as well. Thanks to Miss Dershowitz and Mrs. Ferber, the girls made exquisite Tu biShvat flower pots, using dried fruit as flowers. Naturally,most of the girls chose to give their gorgeous creation to Rabbi Kuritsky as a birthday present vs taking it home for themself.
We are looking forward to more inspiring accomplishments after the break. Enjoy!

Noam Tisona saying Havdala for 7th and 8th grade girls

7th and 8th Boys

What a great week we just experienced.
In Davening we had lessons on the part Shemoneh Esreh that says Hashem listens to our Tefillot. The next Beracha we discussed was that we say to Hashem “Please be appeased with our Tefillot.” We watched an amazing story, how after Praying a person can be answers in a tremendous way.
In Gemara we learnt that as soon as a person kills, he goes to the Arei MIklat. Following that, Bes Din sends someone to get him and the court puts him on trial. We discussed many words in the Gemara.

A goodbye to Mikai on his move to Yisroel. We miss him already. Hope he has great success wherever he goes.

A Mazal tov to Oren Deri on putting on his Tefillin. He had a beautiful occasion in School on this occasion. We want to wish him, a long happy life with much Beracha.
.
Topics from the Parsha:
יתרו heard about all the great ניסים that Hashem did for the Yidden: Splitting the Yam Suf, winning עַמָלֵק, the מָן, water from a rock and most of all, the ניסים that happened in מצרים and when the yidden went out of מצרים. He left all his riches in מדין and came to join the Yidden in the מדבר. He brought משה’s wife and 2 sons with him.
משה went out to greet יתרו and all the Yidden followed. We should always follow the ways of צדיקים.
יתרו saw how long משה רבּינו sat each day to answer the questions of the Yidden, and how long each Yid had to wait to ask his question. He gave משה an idea to appoint other צדיקים to also answer questions. Hashem said that this was a a good idea.
On ראש חדש סיון the Yidden arrived near הר סיני and the preparations for מתּן תּורה began.
On ב’ סיון, משה went up הר סיני and Hashem told him that He wants to give the תּורה to the Yidden. “Go and ask them if they are ready to keep all My Mitzvos.” The Yidden all together answered נעשה ונשמע” ”, we are ready and willing to do all of the Mitzvos. משה went back up to Hashem to tell Him that the Yidden want the תּורה.
We briefly discussed each of the עשרת הדברות.

Keep it up,
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Berelowitz

Elementary School

Kindergarten
This week kindergarten read a story all about a Big Blue Ox. They learned how to identify the setting of a story and then they painted the setting of the Big Blue Ox. They learned the CH sound and about the schwa sound. All week they kept finding and pointing out lazy vowels everywhere! They even found them in their names! In math they learned about different strategies they can use to add. The class played many games to practice adding and filling in number bonds. They are also almost done with their Math KB books! In social studies they continued to learn about the symbols of the United States. They learned about the Statue of Liberty, the White House, and they picked which symbol they wanted to represent in our Social Studies Fair. In science they did an experiment to review the three states of matter. They saw how a solid, like raisins, reacts in a liquid like soda. They found it hilarious to watch the gas in the soda make the raisins look like they were dancing in the cup.

First Grade

First graders continue to be amazing. We have learned so much this year. First graders learned about the phases of the moon in Science. Students loved identifying the crescent, gibbons, and full moon shapes. We even created a mini book about the moon wherein we made up names for the moon.

Students solved Math puzzles for fact families. In Reading We learned about different types of jobs and put them into categories. Finally, in Social Studies we began a unit about famous world explorers. Students understand that anyone can be a great explorer if they are willing to venture outward. Students are excited to see how these brave men and women traveled across great distances to discover new lands.

Lastly, we were privileged to say Happy Birthday to two of our classmates: Aviel Raytburg and Raquel Ashraf.

Second Grade

This week 2nd grade had a math test on multiplication and division. We have been continuing to read our book, Charlotte’s Web, and we have been writing paragraphs describing some of the main characters, as we continue our descriptive writing unit. We continue to learn about verbs in grammar. In Social Studies, we have started to explore the 3 branches of government in the United States.

In science, students learned and understand what is left of living things from the past. 2nd graders were so excited to know and learn about fossils; they can not wait to make their own.

Mr. A. Ferrera B.S.Ed
Generalist Teacher, 2nd grade
SIHA

Third Grade
This week Grade 3 students continued to practice their problem solving skills using multiplication and division. They drew bar graphs to demonstrate and organize their information in order to solve one and two step word problems. During their Grammar lessons, students practiced identifying and correctly using common and proper nouns as well as irregular plural nouns. During their Social Studies lessons students continued to learn about the early age of exploration. They read about the indigenous people early explorers had come across in the North American territories. They also learned about Samuel de Champlain and the various navigation tools that were used during his journey.

In science, students described adaptations that protect organisms in different ecosystems; learned and described how ecosystems change during natural disasters.

Miss Sasha

Fourth Grade

This week in ELA students worked proper adjectives, adjectives that compare, and spelling adjectives that compare. Completed explanatory writing activities.
In math students found fractional part of a given whole, multiply a whole by a fraction, and solve word problem with the use of a bar model.
In Social Studies students started to read about Living in the South. Read and discussed about the Memphis transportation hub, activities visitors can do while traveling through the Upper South, and what jobs people can do in the Upper South.
In science, students identified scavengers and their role in a food web and learned about decomposers and their role in an ecosystem.

Fifth Grade
5th Grade ELA

Greetings and salutations!
This week has been busy but exciting. The students practiced their vocabulary, began in earnest their new class novel, and focused on composing both long and short responses based on a passage on the Italian Renaissance. I am happy to say that we have had quite a few excellent discussions over the Renaissance and how things were back then.
The students were particularly fascinated about how rare books were before the invention of the Gutenberg printing press.

In science, students learned and identified the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in ecosystems; described how energy flows from one organism to another in food chains and in food webs. 5th graders created their own food web using different animal pictures.

In Math, 5th grade started their last unit on ratios. They also created geometry word problems. Here are two examples from Liam and Ariella K.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies
6th ELA
This week has been all about paragraph structure! Students explored the difference between the central idea of a story and its theme, and after filling out graphic organizers, wrote beautiful paragraphs. Students also continued their novel study of Milkweed.

6th SS
Greetings and salutations!
This week we wrapped up our unit on ancient China. The students enjoyed learning about the ambitious but short lived Qin Dynasty. The students were particularly interested and fascinated by the famous Terracotta Army that the first emperor of the Qin dynasty created to guard his tomb.

7th ELA
Greetings and salutations!
This week has been all about finishing our literary essay over The Master Puppeteer. I am looking forward to reading what the hard working 7th graders have come up with. Based on their drafts, I can tell that they would have written some amazing things.
In addition to essay writing the 7th grade practiced their vocabulary and threw themselves into testprep. Overall, it has been a rather heavy week and I know the 7th grade has earned their rest in the coming week!

7th SS
Students wrapped up our chapter on the road to the American Revolution by looking at the historic primary sources surrounding the battle of Lexington and Concord. Students discussed the sources and wrote about them.

8th Grade ELA and SS

8th graders had a busy week! We started our novel study of Fahrenheit 451 by discussing science fiction, and its place within literature. Students also did a close reading of the first part of our novel, and discussed metaphors and similes. In social studies, we wrapped up our unit on the Civil rights era and read about the key leaders of the Civil Rights movement.

Middle School Math

6th grade started their unit on rates.
7th finished their unit on exponents and scientific notation. They also learned how to solve multi step equations.
8th finished their unit on systems of equations.

Middle School Science

Students are discovering what it means to be alive! Students will be completing a Scientific Explanation answering the essential question “What does an organism need to be deemed alive?” They are investigating various articles and will watch a few videos to begin their investigation, so they can determine a position and make a claim. Once their investigation is complete, students will make their claim and support it with evidence from the sources they used to complete their investigation.

6th Grade

Students learned that Earth has continuously been recycling water since the outgassing of water early in its history. This constant recirculation of water at and near Earth’s surface is described by the hydrologic (water) cycle; identify fresh water sources as being either surface or underground.

Jewish History
7th grade learned about the cycle of history and how what happens to the father is a sign for his children. We had a small assessment this week. Gabby did an amazing job.

8th grade finished the unit and did a review. We will be moving on the the next unit right after the break.