by admin | Oct 15, 2021 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Hashem told Avraham, Lech Lecha. This translates as go for yourself, go for your own sake. What does this mean? Go for the sake of your own soul. In Charan you will not be able to become great. If you leave Charan, you will become the forefather of a great nation.
Hashem tested Avraham with a challenge he was able to handle. Hashem never asks a person to do more than they are capable of. We need to exert ourselves and put in maximum effort, but it is within our ability to do so. We are able to overcome any challenge Hashem sends our way.
Shlomo HaMelech tells us in Koheles, “Whatever you are able to do with your might, do it.” We need to do whatever we can, but we do not need to do anything beyond that.
R’ Zusha of Anipoli once told that when he gets to the world to come, he is not afraid of being asked why he wasn’t as great as Avraham Avinu or Moshe Rabbeinu. He said that he did not have their abilities or talents and so he was not expected to be like them. But he was very scared of a different question. He was afraid of being asked, “Why weren’t you Zusha? Why didn’t you accomplish what you were able to do?”
Our job is to do whatever we can. Avraham Avinu was tested 10 times. He clearly demonstrated his conviction to do his best, to the best of his abilities. We can do the same.
(Aleinu L’Shabei’ach, Rabbi Yitzchok Zilberstein)

Mrs. Rosskamm
Judaic Studies Supervisor

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade

Baruch Hashem, we had another great week in kindergarten and first grade Judaics!
In Kindergarten aleph-bet, we learned all about the letter “bet” with a bouncy ball in it! We then discussed the important mitzvah of bikur cholim (visiting the sick to help them feel better) and made our very own bikur cholim books. In first grade aleph-bet, we’re very busy reviewing the letters with fun stories and games.
We were also so excited to learn all about how much Hashem wants to hear our prayers about anything, anywhere, and in any language. The first graders had a great time decorating their very own siddurim (prayer books). We can’t wait to use them in school every day!
In parsha, we acted out the story of parshat lech lecha with funny costumes. The first graders then were able to draw out some scenes from the parsha story. The kindergarteners made an exciting project showing how each of us is a star, just like Hashem promised Avram Avinu!
Looking forward to another great week!
Morah Chavi

Second Grade

This week in 2nd grade we learned about Avrum and his wife Sorai. We acted out the Parsha in class pretending we were Avrum smashing down his fathers idols. Avrum at a young age realized the must be some purpose in the world, there must be a G-d in the world. The sun sets in the evenings therefore, the sun is not a G-d. The moon only shines at night therefore the moon is not a God. We learned that Avrum was so careful about not letting his sheep graze in any land that didn’t belong to him, but his nephew Lot did allow his sheep to graze in other fields. It was for this reason that Avrum and Lot separated and Lot went to Sdom to live. We learn from this to be careful not to touch or use anything that does not belong to us without permission. It was so exciting to start our new Kitva (Handwriting) book this week. Shabbat Shalom, Morah Spiegel

Terach, father of Avrum, comes back to his store and seeing all his idols smashed. Avrum told his father the idols had a fight and the biggest idol smashed all the others.

Third Grade

What a great week we had together in third grade. We are really getting to know our Aleph Bet and Nekudot.
The boys and girls catch on really quick with all the sounds.
Our Dikduk/Hebrew grammar skills are progressing as well. We are learning how to write our nouns properly. In Zachar and Nekaivah form.
We had a special visit from Rabbi Kuritsky who taught the class about the beautiful mitzvah of Tzitzit. The boys proudly put it on and made the Brachah.
Our Ella Hanuka showed us how we always have Hashem in front of us no matter where we are. We had such a fun time playing a game she prepared.
We love to learn the parsha. It comes alive as the boys and girls draw beautiful art.
We can’t wait to learn more and grow!
Morah Ferber

Mrs. Ferber invites Rabbi Kuritsky to give a Tzitzit presentation to the 3rd grade.
Rabbi Kuritsky came into the classroom wearing a Talit [gadol] = a large talit.
He also brought in two Talit katans for the boys to wear and say a Bracha on.
He explained to the class that every jewish male is obligated by the Torah, when wearing a 4 cornered article of clothing to attach to the corners, Tzitzit. The Rabbis, going back thousands of years, established that every male Jew should wear a four cornered article of clothing every day so as to obligate themselves in the mitzva and receive reward for wearing Tzitzit.
Every male student in third grade took a turn wearing a Talit katan aka Tzitzit.
The presentation was enjoyed by all 3rd grade students.

Fourth grade
As we end another super week of school, it is amazing to see our accomplishments.
Each day was filled with learning and excitement.
In Tefilla we spoke about the Prayer that discusses not to have a bad neighbor. We spoke about how important it is to have good neighbors. Many children had stories about bad neighbors that they have. Many of the stories involved dogs and it was so interesting hearing all the remarkable stories. Lia Amos had a great story about her neighbors and a dog which they have.
The Tefilla sounded very beautiful. The students got smiley face points for Davening. It was very inspiring. Mrs. Adams joined us a couple of days for part of Davening and enjoyed it as well.
We spent much time this week working on our beautiful Parsha notebooks. It was a big project for the children. The students were very busy cutting and gluing, making sure it looks in tip top shape.
In Kesiva we spent a lot of time writing the Hebrew letters in scrip. The students are mastering getting to really know their Kesiva.
We started practicing for our Chumash play. We practiced the songs. Mrs. Rosskamm came from the other side of the building just to hear the beautiful sounds of the children.
A happy Birthday to Mia Factor. We are very proud of you. May Hashem give you a long happy life with only good things.
The theme of this week in our class was Kindness. The students were helping each other out whether it was with the Parsha notebooks or getting to know the Hebrew letters in script.
Keep it up!!

5th and 6th Girls
Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week!
We began many different subjects, including Jewish law – Mitzvot, Ani Maamin – the 13 Principles of Faith, Tefilah – prayer.
We began our exciting Shomrei Halashon program. The girls are working to speak positively about others and are building up their points.
We began our Tefilah – Davening contest. The girls have a yellow key with 8 circles on it. Every day at the end of Davening, I go around and the girls tell me whether they deserve a hole punch or not. (I’m truly impressed by the girls honesty – you brought your daughters up well!) When all 8 circles on their key are hole punched, they get the next color key on their key ring. When the class has 150 key rings, we will be celebrating with a very exciting party. When a girl has all 5 colors of keys on her key ring punched out, she will receive a special prize.
This is because Tefilah – prayer – is the key to open and bring on the blessing in our lives that G-d is waiting to give to us, as soon as He hears from us. He wants a relationship with us because we are His dear children.
We had a wonderful time on Friday decorating cupcakes in honor of Shabbat. We also enjoyed singing Shabbat songs.
Shabbat Shalom!
Looking forward to another incredible week.
Enjoy your weekend.

Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz

5th and 6th Boys
5th and 6th boys have begun reading and translating Mishna!
We began Sefer Shmot-Parasha Vayera.
We discussed a “life skill”:
When we want something from HAshem, even if it something we are deserving of, we should pray!
We saw this in Parashat Vayera,
Hashem tells Moshe that He heard the cries of B’nei Yisrael, and is now ready to redeem them from Egypt. It was already the time that Hashem had promised to our grandfather Avraham Avenu [in in this week’s Parasha-Parashat Lech L’cha] to take us out, we still needed to cry out = to daven.
We learned the same criteria in Parashat B’reishis, although HAshem had created the plants, grass etc. they did not grow out of the ground until Adam Hareeshon davened.
We, of course, learned a lot about the Parasha.
We are learning the “laws of getting up in the morning.
There is a daily raffle to help motivate the T’fila.
Some winners went home with smashed pennies from Rabbi Kuritsky.
The boys are scoring very high on their [Parasha] tests, so far.
Rabbi Kuritsky

7th and 8th Girls

7th and 8th grade girls are davening beautifully, with Ariella S. in the lead! Yaffa in show place.
Rabbi Kuritsky raffled off a prize to motivate the wonderful girls, even more.
To date, the girls have taken two Parasha tests and one Halacha test. The girls are acing the tests.
The Halacha was regarding the laws of girls’ obligations in the morning and about T’fila.
We began to learn about Yehoshua , which was apropos, especially since we recently read in shul on Simchat Torah about the passing of Moshe Rabbeinu, which is followed by Yehoshua taking over to lead B’nei Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael.
Mr. Kaufman is taking out a small group of girls, daily to help them with K’riah reading Hebrew.
They were tested, and did very well!
Rabbi Kuritsky

It was another terrific week in our class.
In Tefilla we started the explanation of the first Beracha of Shmona Esreh. There is a lot to learn about the Beracha and we had many interesting lessons on it. Jeffery knew the words of Shomoma Esreh really well.
In Gemara class we were learning about that “a Halacha that is in the Mishna is learnt from a Pasuk. A big thank you to Kobe for reading the Pasuk so beautifully. The noise level of the class of saying the Gemara was soo loud and beautiful and very inspiring. Rabbi Kuritsky told me that a Student came over by lunch break and asked him a good question on the Gemara.
We said over a Story about a Student who loved cooking. However, when it came to eating, he would make sure it was always Kosher even though it was not always easy.
In Halacha we spoke about when you make a Beracha you should concentrate on the Bracha and not be doing something else.

Topics from the Parsha:
Avrum and Sorai left Choron, and went to Eretz Ca’naan. Lot, and all of the people that they taught about Hashem, came along.
Another test: They finally reach Eretz Ca’naan and there is a famine. Avrum passed the test and didn’t complain or question Hashem. They then traveled to Egypt, with Soai hiding in the box.
The shepherds of Avrum and Lot argued about where to allow their sheep to eat. Lot chose to live near Sedom.
Avrum and Eliezer came to rescue Lot from the strong “4 Kings”. Hashem made a miracle and helped them win, and the dirt turned into arrows.
We heard the story of when dirt turned into arrows for Nachum Ish Gam Zo.
Avrum married Hagar and had a son named Yishmael.
Hashem changed the name of Avrum to Avraham and Sorai to Sorah.
Hashem gave Avraham Avinu the Mitzva of Bris Milah.

Lunch at SIHA

Lunch in SIHA is an enjoyable learning experience.
Every day, the children enjoy a delicious, nutritios meal, after which all classes (5-7) are responsible to clean their table and prepare for ברכת המזון Birkat Hamazon.
Each child holds a beautiful laminated Birkat Hamazon card and sings Birkat Hamazon along with rabbi Kuritsky.
Miss Ety Perez and Mr Kaufman give out raffle tickets for our daily raffle.
To date rabbi Kuritsky has awarded quite a few students with prizes ranging from “smashed pennies”, slime and led…. to brownie bars.
Thank you miss Ety, Mr Kaufman, Mrs Belli, miss Recaro and rabbi Kuritsky for running a fun, enjoyable and educational lunch.

Thoughts from Mrs. Hazen

Planning is the stuff weekdays are full of. As teachers, we create plans upon plans. There are curriculum plans, lesson plans, assessment plans, even plans for recess and dismissal. More mundanely, our days start and end with plans (what am I wearing today? What’s for dinner? Did I remember to take the laundry out?)
Of course, plans are important. They signify responsibility. Yet, in the classroom, the best stuff sometimes happens unplanned.
My current sixth grade is a class full of actors. It wasn’t planned. I do read-alouds with all of my classes; but this class took the idea of playing a role and ran with it. With the unabashed elan of youth, they do silly and serious voices, and imbue their reading with real character. Sometimes they are so into it, that I forget to stop on time and we end up reading a bit longer than we should.
It’s great fun, of course, but it also leads to some very deep class discussion on topics such as bullying, the desire to belong to a group, and even the desire to be apart from a group. These discussions translate into deep writing on the topic – so we got to where we wanted to be, even if the path we took wasn’t exactly planned.

So, this week’s thought is on the wonders of serendipity. It’s a big word that means something happy and unplanned, and I feel like those amazing small moments of serendipity happen when we let ourselves be spontaneous, even for just a little bit.

Imagination and fun aren’t just for kids, either. One of my favorite poems is Instructions, by the celebrated American author Neil Gaiman. It’s a poem about fairytales and myths, and a part of it goes like this:

From the back garden you will be able to see the wild wood.
The deep well you walk past leads to Winter’s realm;
There is another land at the bottom of it.

A cheer for serendipity, and for seeing the amazing in the everyday.

Mrs. Hazen

Elementary School

Kindergarten
This week kindergarten did an amazing job! I am so proud of them. They learned how to spell and read their first words. They even read their first book! They learned the letters T, S, C, D, and O. They were able to put those letters together to read and spell different words. They played games in groups and made the letters using monkey string. They also learned all about the parts of a book. In math they learned a fun song to help them learn how to identify and write the numbers 1-10. Through dancing they are now able to count to 20 and subitize within 5 super fast. They really enjoyed listening to the Shape Monster book and they loved finding different 2D shapes to feed our shape monster. In science they learned all about their sense of touch. They got to feel different types of objects and they decorated a hand with different types of textures. They also learned about their sense of smell. They smelled jars that contained different scents and they used their sense of smell to determine what was in each jar. In social studies they discussed what it means to be fair and what it means to be responsible. They realized that even though they are young they can help others and be responsible in school and at home.

This week in ELA students capitalize and punctuate sentences. Identified complete subject , complete predicate, simple sentence, and combined sentences with a compound subject. Wrote a personal narrative about favorite family story and what they have done to make their neighborhood, home, or school a better place.
In Math students were finding factors, multiples, common factors and common multiples of given numbers. Identifying prime and composite numbers.
In Social Studies students read about major landforms and bodies of water in the United States.
We are continuing to read our class chapter book Flora and Ulysses.
Please remember to read every day for 20 minutes and log it. Logs will be collected every Monday. Also please keep practicing the multiplication table!

Greetings and salutations!
Grammar this week was all about compound and complex sentences. In reading, we continued our novel study of Maniac Magee. We discussed characterization and focused on making good notes on where in the novel found examples.
In social studies we focused on lines of latitude and lines of longitude. We mapped the equator, prime meridian, tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn. We discussed how our location effects our climate.

Ms. Tatic would like to commend Izzy Hanuka for being a great student!

5B
Grammar this week was all about imperative and exclamatory sentences. In reading we continued our novel study of Holes. I am happy to see that the class is very excited about this novel!
We discussed the plot quite a bit and took turns reading.
In social studies we focused on lines of latitude and lines of longitude. We mapped the equator, prime meridian, tropic of cancer and tropic of Capricorn. We discussed how our location effects our climate.
Ms. Tatic would like to commend Ella Dery for being a diligent student!

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies

6th Grade

Sixth grade had a great week!
In ELA, we practiced identifying hard to find subjects in inverted sentences and imperative sentences. In reading, we continued our novel study of Fish in a Tree. Students discussed characterization, character motives, and did an activity on similes. In Social Studies, we wrapped up our lesson on ancient Mesopotamia by reading an excerpt from the laws of Hammurabi. Students wrote a journal comparing and contrasting the laws of Hammurabi to the Bill of Rights we studied earlier.
Mrs. Hazen would like to commend all of sixth grade, but especially Zev, Victoria, and Charles for their amazing job reading.

7th Grade

Seventh graders had a busy week!
In grammar, this week was all about the direct object. In reading, we continued our novel study of Fever, 1973. We discussed plot and characterization, and are starting our first journal!
In Social Studies, we wrapped up our unit on African trading kingdoms. We reviewed and are ready for our quiz on Monday. Mrs. Hazen would like to commend Noam Tisona for his awesome classwork!

8th Grade

Eighth graders had a busy week!
In grammar, this week was all about direct and indirect objects. Students practiced identifying direct and indirect object in sentences. In reading, we continued our novel study of Lord of the Flies. We characterized our four main characters and discussed the symbolism of the conch.
In Social Studies, we wrapped up our World War I unit with a test. Students answered an essay question, and wrote about the causes and the effects of World War I. Mrs. Hazen was particularly impressed with Lana’s writing on the test!

Middle School Math

This week, both fifth grade classes worked on creating factor trees, prime factorization, exponents, and prime power factorization.

The sixth-grade class is so close to finishing their first unit. This week they worked on classifying numbers, comparing rational numbers, converting decimals into fractions and vice versa!

The 7th grade class has been hard at work solving two-step equations. The 7th grade honors class also have been using their skills to solve real world problems that require defining a variable, writing an equation, then solving it.

The 8th grade class has been solving literal equations and solving for just one variable with respect to others. They have also started working with rates, ratios, and proportions.

Middle School Science

6th Grade

Students learned the earth’s major systems and how they interact; common tools used by Earth scientists;
Activity:Students created a layered book to help them organize the important steps of the Scientific Method.
During an experiment students were able to define and calculate the density of a solid using water displacement.

7th Grade

Welcome Back to SIHA’s finest form of communication regarding the progress of all SIHA students. 7th grade is discovering the ways in which we identify the characteristics of physical properties, the difference between a physical and chemical change and how we determine the various characteristics of matter. Students will watch various videos and conduct hands-on investigations to determine the density of an object.

8th Grade

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.

Jewish History

7th grade concluded our introduction to Jewish History. We then moved on to take a very strange quiz as an introduction to creation of the world! The students were quite curious about the quiz questions and are eagerly waiting to find out the answers next week!

8th grade learned about the reign of Shlomo HaMelech and his times. It was a time of peace and therefore, Shlomo HaMelech was able to build the Bais HaMikdash!

SIHA Newsletter for 10/8/2021

by admin | Oct 8, 2021 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parshat
Noah

Imagine a five-year-old, walking with her mother into the hospital for her second chemotherapy treatment. The little girl knows what’s coming. She remembers the pain. She understands the nausea. She knows what it’s like to brush her hair and watch clumps come out. Yet, she holds her mother’s hand, and goes along, because “Mommy said I need to do this.”
The child doesn’t understand cancer. She certainly doesn’t understand how throwing up for a week cures it. But she knows that Mommy loves her. She knows that Mommy takes care of her. And she knows that Mommy knows what’s best. She fully trusts her mother.
That is the type of trust we can develop in Hashem—the almost blind trust of the child. I know that Hashem is looking out for my best interests. I know that Hashem loves me more than I love myself. And I know that Hashem knows better than I do what’s for my best. So I trust Hashem. I trust that Hashem is right here, in charge of my life, orchestrating the events for my ultimate good.
So I walk through life fully confident. Not confident that things will turn out as I have planned them. Not confident that life will have a Hollywood ending. But confident that Hashem has chosen the best path for me, and is leading me down it. So I take Hashem’s hand, so to speak, and walk with unwavering trust.

Taking Control of My Thoughts

One of the best techniques to grow in trusting Hashem is to memorize certain phrases and repeat them over and over like a mantra: Hashem loves me more than I love myself. Hashem knows better than I do what is for my best.
When I say these phrases again and again, they start to sink in. I begin to recognize on an emotional level that “I don’t really know.” I learn to trust in Hashem’s wisdom and kindness. And then I can do that which we humans find so difficult to do—accept what Hashem has decreed with joy.
Real bitachon takes a lifetime to develop. It’s a growth process, with many steps along the journey. Each of the Avot and Imahot had many, many difficult life situations—not because Hashem couldn’t do any better or because He was uncaring, but to emphasize that we can’t learn faith/bitachon just from stories, in the beit medresh. It’s only when we are challenged by real life situations that we are forced to respond and inspire ourselves that we CAN rise to the occasion. Do we transcend or do we just crumble?

Today’s generation is similar to Noach’s. Pernicious influences swirl about us, and the allure of the material world constantly threatens to engulf and silence the yearnings of our neshama, our soul that wants to believe, have hope, and exude strength.
Torah learning and living is the antidote to the corrosive forces that impinge upon us. With its uplifting, restorative energies we can ennoble ourselves immeasurably. As the crowning point of creation, man represents the nexus between Heaven and Earth, with each force struggling for dominance over man’s soul. Torah learning and living encourages us to immerse ourselves in the purifying waters of faith and connection to the Almighty. Bitachon counteracts the flood waters of decadence that threaten to suck us in.
Let us take care to ensure that our embrace of the Torah is complete and that we move on to deepen and secure our connection to the ennobling power of faith. Only thus can we continue to expand our personal growth and our ability to reach heights we never thought possible.
Wishing you a wonderful Shabbos.
Sincerely,

Dr. Chana Uzhansky

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

Special Announcement

Dear parents,
Thank G-d, programming is off to a great start!
We had a beautiful Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan assembly where we introduced our theme.
Our theme this year is stores. Each student is trying to build up their store credit by participating in our monthly contests. The monthly contest will be fulfilling a specified Mitzvah/act of kindness which we will explain to the students by that month’s assembly.
Building up store credit by completing the contest will not only earn the student a prize and ticket into the month’s exciting raffle, but will earn them “credit” that G-d will reward them with forever.

Cheshvan Contest – Washing

Cheshvan Contest:
Every time a student washes Netilat Yadayim for bread, correctly, they will earn a check on their chart. As well as when they wash in the morning, after waking up, they will make a check on their chart.
Washing for Bread:
Take the cup in your right hand,
Pass it to your left hand,
Pour twice on your right
And twice on your left.
Make the Beracha “Al Netilat Yadayim.”

Washing in the Morning:
Take the cup in your right hand,
Pass it to your left hand,
Pour on your right, left,
right, left,
right, left – 3 times on each hand.

We had a great time decorating washing cups at the assembly that the students can use to wash their hands correctly.

We are looking forward to an incredible year together!

Shabbat Shalom!
Enjoy a relaxing weekend!

Best Regards,

Miss Dershowitz
Mrs. Ferber

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade

We baruch Hashem had a great week in Kindergarten and 1st grade Judaics!
In Kindergarten, we were so excited to learn the first of the aleph-bet, aleph, with our friend Parpar. Parpar also taught us the mitzvah of emet – saying the truth. Please review our aleph-bet notebooks; we worked very hard on them. In first grade, we reviewed the letters gimmel through enda chaf.
In parsha class, we heard the story of Parshat Noach and made a fun “Noach’s teiva” project!
We also learned about Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan and the concept of always thanking Hashem. We know that Hashem’s love for us is “infinite”, as Ava smartly put it!
In first grade, we also learned about the months of the Hebrew Calendar.
In kindergarten, thank you to our Shabbat Ima – Brittany Sanders, and our Shabbat Abba- Ilan Kadymir!
In first grade, thank you to our Shabbat Abbas – Coby Rosner and Ethan Sandler!

We’re looking forward to another great week!

Mrs. Ferber

Second Grade
In honor of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan SIHA students were treated to an assembly where the theme was water. Children were taught the correct way of washing Nitlas Yadiom. They were given a chart to be filled in every time they wash and say the correct Brocha. Next Rosh Chodesh their charts can be redeemed at the SIHA Prize store.

Third Grade
This week 3rd graders started to learn some skills of the Hebrew language.
We started off with singing our Aleph Bet and Nekudot, practicing our reading, and writing it as well.
This week Tuesday Meir Yakobzon showed us that Torah is equal to all other Mitzvot, and made a beautiful decoration for our classroom.
We really enjoyed our Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan assembly where we reviewed the way we wash our hands in the morning and for bread.
We end off our week with the wonderful Parsha story as we get ready for Shabbat.

Mrs. Ferber

Fourth Grade

Dear Parents,

Yes, it’s true! We had our first full week of School! The children were very excited to learn and accomplish all that they did.

In Tefilla we spoke about fear of Hashem. We said over different Parables. The children Daven beautifully and it’s a pleasure to listen to them. Ben got loads of points and really tried hard. Matthew and Ethan were our soloists, and we are very proud of them.
In Kriah we had a quiz on the letters. The Students did very well and got high scores. I think we are ready to go on to the next level. Tanya, Alivia, and others did a super job and really knew it on a high level.
We spoke in Parsha class about Noah’s Ark and even did a model Ark in order for all the students to be able to understand it. It was tons of fun.
We started our “Lashon Tov” contest that whoever says something good about their friend, they get a point and the person it was said about, gets a point.

A big thank you to all the Parents that came to Orientation. May Hashem give us a healthy and successful year.

Have a Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Berelowitz

5th and 6th Girls

Dear parents.
Thank G-d, we had a wonderful week!
We began many different subjects, including Jewish law – Mitzvot, Ani Maamin – the 13 Principles of Faith, Tefilah – prayer.
We began our exciting Shomrei Halashon program. The girls are working to speak positively about others and are building up their points.
We began our Tefilah – Davening contest. The girls have a yellow key with 8 circles on it. Every day at the end of Davening, I go around and the girls tell me whether they deserve a hole punch or not. (I’m truly impressed by the girls honesty – you brought your daughters up well!) When all 8 circles on their key are hole punched, they get the next color key on their key ring. When the class has 150 key rings, we will be celebrating with a very exciting party. When a girl has all 5 colors of keys on her key ring punched out, she will receive a special prize.
This is because Tefilah – prayer – is the key to open and bring on the blessing in our lives that G-d is waiting to give to us, as soon as He hears from us. He wants a relationship with us because we are His dear children.
We had a wonderful time on Friday decorating cupcakes in honor of Shabbat. We also enjoyed singing Shabbat songs.
Shabbat Shalom!
Looking forward to another incredible week.
Enjoy your weekend.

Best regards,
Miss Dershowitz

5th and 6th Boys

It has been an accomplishing week!
Since our return to school after Sukot break, we learned alot about Parashat Bereishit and Noach.
We are davening nicely daily.

We started Mishnayot Mesechet Baba M’tzia Perek Shnayim Ochazim!
To celebrate this occasion Mrs. Kuritsky baked a delicious chocolate cake which was enjoyed by all students [and Rebbie as well]!

Avigdor and Matthew came in the classroom (as actors) holding on to a [my] Talit each exclaiming that they were the finder [of this lost, unidentifiable] and the rightful owner!
All boys had a chance to say their opinion of who is really the owner, acting as a Beit Din – Jewish, Torah Court.
We then delved in to the Mishna and actually began the text.
We are practicing getting our brachot correct, in a kinesthetic fashion.
We enjoyed a terrific Rosh chodesh assembly with an inspiring video on Wednesday, the first day of Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan.
Stay tuned to the news letter, to find out about more of our amazing accomplishments!

Rabbi Kuritsky

7th and 8th Girls

It was so nice to get back together again after sukot break and begin our inspiring lessons.
The girls really daven beautifully.
I am so impressed that many of the girls even daven shmone esre .
On Wednesday and Thursday we added the special prayer of ya’ale v’yavo to recognize that it was Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan.
On Thursday we even said [part of] Halel!
We have begun our weekly lessons in Parasha. So far we have learned about Parashat Bereisit and Parashat Noach.
We kicked off learning Navi with an introduction to sefer Yehoshua.
We began beur t’fila explanation of prayers by learning the translation of Elokai N’tzor.
There is more in store…
Stay tuned to next week’s newsletter!

7th and 8th Boys

Yes, it’s true! We had our first full week of School! The children were very excited to learn and accomplish all that they did.

In Tefilla we spoke about Baruch Sh’amar. In our Tefilla class, Kobe is our Super Davener. “Keep it up”. We spoke about how by Davening you are standing infront of Hashem the King of Kings and we have to Pray with all out intentions
In Gemara we are learning the Mishna that says cases of when a person goes to Galut – the city of refuge for killing a person by accident.
The boys really understood the cases well. Noah said over the Mishna to the class like a Professional teacher. The class had Partner learning. It was great to see how much they enjoyed the learning.

Topics from the Parsha:
• Noah and his family were the only people doing what Hashem wanted, they didn’t follow everyone else.
• Hashem could have saved Noah even without an Ark- but Hashem told Noah to build one for 120 years, so that the people would have a chance to repent.
• Hashem destroyed the world mainly because the Sin of stealing. We learned how careful we need to be with other people’s belongings.
• It wasn’t easy for Noah in the Ark: it was smelly, noisy, bumpy, and there were lots of animals that Noah and his family needed to feed at different times.
Noah sent out the Raven bird once, and the Yonah three times.
• Hashem promised never to punish the world again with a Flood. And Hashem showed Noah the rainbow as a sign of that promise.
• The Tower of Bavel led by King Nimrod, the wicked people wanted to build a huge tower and fight with Hashem (of course they weren’t able to). Hashem didn’t destroy all of the people because they had the character trait of “peace.” We see how important it is to have peace with everyone.

Have a Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Berelowitz

Thoughts from Mrs. Hazen

In praise of Mondays

I love Mondays. They’re my favorite day of the week.
A fun hidden benefit of teaching is that each Monday is a brand new promise. We start something new; learn something new, discover something for the first time. Even if the material is not new to me, it will be new to my students, and through their eyes I discover it again.
Another awesome thing about Mondays is that just like school years, no two Mondays are alike in a school. No two classes read a book the same way, or interpret it the same way. No matter what lesson I have in mind, I’ve never had two classes understand it the exact same way.
It can be easy to get caught up in a routine, and to start looking at a week as a series of tasks that have to be checked off. Nothing could be further from the truth. No two weeks and no two days are alike; so while Fridays are intrinsically awesome and the weekend is a prize at the end of each week, Mondays are equally as awesome, and a present to be enjoyed.
I’m going to leave this brief note with an excerpt from a poem by Emily Dickinson, which speaks to the idea of enjoying every day for what it brings. Happy weekend, everyone, and see you next week!

Forever – is composed of Nows –
‘Tis not a different time –
Except for Infiniteness –
And Latitude of Home –

Elementary School

Kindergarten
This week kindergarten did an amazing job! I am so proud of them. They learned how to spell and read their first words. They even read their first book! They learned the letters T, S, C, D, and O. They were able to put those letters together to read and spell different words. They played games in groups and made the letters using monkey string. They also learned all about the parts of a book. In math they learned a fun song to help them learn how to identify and write the numbers 1-10. Through dancing they are now able to count to 20 and subitize within 5 super fast. They really enjoyed listening to the Shape Monster book and they loved finding different 2D shapes to feed our shape monster. In science they learned all about their sense of touch. They got to feel different types of objects and they decorated a hand with different types of textures. They also learned about their sense of smell. They smelled jars that contained different scents and they used their sense of smell to determine what was in each jar. In social studies they discussed what it means to be fair and what it means to be responsible. They realized that even though they are young they can help others and be responsible in school and at home.

Ms. Syetta

Mrs. Adams

Second Grade
During our first full week of school, 2nd grade is diving into our opening units of study. In ELA we are learning about different kinds of sentences, and how to identify and differentiate between them. We started reading our first book, “The Chocolate Touch,” by Patrick Skene Catling. In math we are learning about place value, expanded form, and comparing numbers. Each student was able to come up to the board and write a number in the thousands in expanded form! In the pictures, you can see Zachary Kipnis converting a number that was written by his classmate, Joseph Cohen, into expanded form. You can also see Jaiden Rebibo, who insisted on trying a very difficult problem, working on the expanded form of a number in the ten billions!

In science, 2nd graders were so excited to learn about plants.
Students learned what a living thing needs to grow, and how all plants are alike. Different types of leaves that the students brought were being observed during a science class. The crayon leaf rubbing activity outlined was another fun way for students to see some of the details of leaves.

Mr. F

Third Grade
During our first full week of school, Grade 3 students accomplished a great deal. During our Grammar lessons, students continued to work on identifying complete sentences, fragments, statements, and questions. They had also had a chance to work in their spelling journals. There they were able to practice their spelling words and on their development of well bodied sentences. During our Reading lessons, students began their study of poetry. They were able to analyze the structure and elements of The Wind, by Robert Louis Stevenson. This is a genre that is going to be our focus during the next few months as we begin our class novel Love That Dog next week. During the Math lessons, students continued to learn about concepts within the Place Value. They were able to practice representing and converting numbers in multiple forms such as model, expanded, standard, and word. To demonstrate their understanding and for the simple joy of it, students created Place Value Donuts! It was a fun project which turned out wonderfully. They also have been refreshing their memories through addition and subtraction word problems. During our Social Studies lessons, students learned the meaning of and the importance of the Pledge of Allegiance. We analyzed each phrase and learned the meaning of every word and how they relate to our community, class, and world as a whole. Students were so enthralled in the concept of republic nations and kingdoms that we even dipped our toes into world history and the British Royal Family.

In Science, students learned and compared the characteristics of living things. They can’t wait to perform the first science experiment next week.

Miss Sasha

This week in math we started our unit on whole numbers. Related the value of each digit in a 5 or 6 digit number to its place. Arranged group of numbers in order. Found unknown numbers by adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. Rounded numbers to the nearest hundred thousand, ten thousand and hundred thousand.
In ELA students identified sentences, sentence fragment, declarative , interrogative, imperative and exclamatory sentences. Students also identified and wrote compound sentences using a comma and the conjunctions AND, OR, or BUT.
In writing students are working on personal narratives.
In Social Studies students were introduced to the study of geography and why it’s important. They also learned about the location and formation of the major landforms and bodies of water in the United States.
In Reading students started to read their first class chapter book Flora and Ulysses and they seem to enjoy it:)

In science, students learned and identified life processes of plants and animals; understood that living things are made up of cells and that cells perform different functions. A short Quiz about cells was assigned.

Mrs. Shats

Fifth Grade
5A

In ELA, 5A learned about sentences, sentence fragments and the 4 types of sentences.
They practiced finding central ideas of a text and support the central idea with key details.
We also had an amazing discussion about dignity as we began our class novel, Maniac Magee.
In social studies, students practiced learning about geography. They practiced finding the equator and prime meridian. They learned about how to find the western hemisphere and the continents within it.

In science, A new chapter was introduced to the students. Chapter 1 “From single cells to human body” Students will learn and analyze processes that take place in cells.
Students were able to compare and describe the interactions that take place in plant and animal cells. Having observed the onion cell under the microscope, students were able to learn the differences between animal and plant cells in addition to the function of the different parts of the cell.

In Math, 5A has been working on factors and multiples, identifying whether numbers are prime or composite, and challenging word problems.
Ms. Tatic would really like to commend Izzy on being a great student! Good job!

5B
In ELA 5B learned about sentence fragments, sentences, and interrogative and declarative sentences. They practiced finding central ideas of a text and supporting it using key details.
Students had a blast presenting their interpretations of Camp Green Lake before beginning our class novel, Holes.

In social studies, students practiced learning about geography. They practiced finding the equator and prime meridian. They learned about how to find the western hemisphere and the continents within it. Ms. Tatic would really like to commend Ari for his hard work! Keep it up, Ari!

In science, A new chapter was introduced to the students. Chapter 1 “From single cells to human body” Students will learn and analyze processes that take place in cells.
Students were able to compare and describe the interactions that take place in plant and animal cells. Having observed the onion cell under the microscope, students were able to learn the differences between animal and plant cells in addition to the function of the different parts of the cell.

In Math, 5B has been hard at work with mastering their multiplication and division skills, finding the factors and multiples of numbers, and challenging word problems.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies

6th Grade

In ELA, students started our novel study of Fish In a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt. Students read the first section of the book, had an awesome discussion in class, and answered reading questions in their notebooks. In grammar, this week was a review of sentences, sentence fragments, subjects and predicates. Students also started their vocabulary study with our first chapter!
In Social Studies, we started our year with a chapter on geography. We reviewed our map skills, and learned about the geography of the Fertile Crescent in preparation for our unit on ancient Sumer.
Mrs. Hazen is impressed with all of her students, but Charles deserves a shout-out. He did amazing in both ELA and Social studies, and received a perfect grade on his first quiz!

7th Grade

In ELA, students started our novel study of Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Andersen. Students learned the historic context of America’s first epidemic, and participated in a classwide virtual trip to Historic Williamsburg, where we looked at the inside of a house from the 1700s, and a coffeeshop. Students read the first section of the book, had an awesome discussion in class, completed a vocabulary activity and answered inference questions. In grammar, this week was a review of sentences, sentence fragments, subjects and predicates. We also started our first vocabulary study chapter!
In Social Studies, we learned about the earliest Americans: the Maya, Inca, Aztec, and the various tribes of North America. Students also participated in a primary source analysis activity about Christopher Columbus.
Mrs. Hazen would like to commend Eva and Madi for being amazing students this week!

8th Grade

In ELA, we started our first novel unit of the year: Lord of the Flies by William Golding. We started with an activity defining allegory. We read the first part of our novel and had a riveting discussion in class. Students answered reading comprehension questions, and analyzed the novel’s language for tone and mood.
In Social Studies, this week was all about World War I! We started our unit on this historic event by discussing the causes and context of the war. Students also participated in an activity where they analyzed primary sources related to WWI.
Mrs. Hazen is particularly impressed with Jeffrey, who is an example to all others in terms of scholarship and character!

Middle School Math
6th grade

The sixth grade class has become masters at comparing and arranging negative and positive integers, identifying numbers’ opposites and absolute values, finding the greatest common factor of two numbers, and least common multiple.

7th grade
The seventh grade started off the week by reviewing how to add, subtract, multiple, and divide fractions. Throughout the week they have also been hard at work simplifying algebraic equations and writing and solving one step equations.

8th Grade
The eight grade class have been solving multi-step equations. They have been also applying their skills into solving word problems by defining variables, writing equations, and then solving them.

Mrs. Bronstein

Middle School Science
6th Grade

Students learned the earth’s major systems and how they interact; common tools used by Earth scientists;
Activity: Students created a layered book to help them organize the important steps of the Scientific Method.
During an experiment students were able to define and calculate the density of a solid using water displacement.

7th Grade

Welcome Back to SIHA’s finest form of communication regarding the progress of all SIHA students. 7th grade is discovering the ways in which we identify the characteristics of physical properties, the difference between a physical and chemical change and how we determine the various characteristics of matter. Students will watch various videos and conduct hands-on investigations to determine the density of an object.

8th Grade

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.

Jewish History

Jewish History is off to an amazing start. I have been getting some very intriguing questions that are giving me a challenge! Thank you Noam for your amazing questions. Thank you Jeffery, Ilan, and Koby for fantastic answers!
7th Grade started out at the very beginning. We finished the introduction and are moving on to an overview of the timeline of Jewish History.
8th Grade reviewed what we covered last year by exploring the people of each era. We then began our study of the first Jewish Kings! We took a brief look at King Shaul and moved on to learn about King David!

SIHA Weekly for June 18, 2021

by admin | Jun 18, 2021 | Newsletter

Dvar Torah

Parashat Chukat
Highlighted in this week’s Parasha is the Parah Adumah The red heifer [aka cow].
The ashes of the red cow is used to purify any jew who became Tamei thru tum’at met being in contact with/under the same covering as a dead [jewish] person.

Once we are on the subject of a heifer…
A story is told in a holy book called Psikta Rabasi, there once was a heifer, owned by a Torah observant jew. Alas, the owner fell on difficult financial times and he was forced to sell his cow [to a non jew]. The new owner was very pleased with his new heifer. She worked very hard for him daily. She helped him plow his fields and draw his wagon. On the seventh day after purchasing the heifer [it seems it was purchased on a Saturday night], the heifer resisted even getting off the floor of the barn. The new owner screamed at it, kicked it and even whipped it, but to no avail. The heifer refused to get up, to work.
The new non jewish owner made his way back to the original owner with a serious complaint; the heifer is not even budging,let alone working and it is not even one week since the purchase! The original owner said he will come. He walked over to the non jewish owner’s barn, bent over to the cow’s ear and explained; “when I owned you, you did not work on the 7th day because I am a jew,and not only does a jew not work on Shabbat, even his animals are not allowed to work, but now you’re owned by a non jew, there is no rule that you can’t work on Shabbat, please get up and work”.
The heifer immediately rose and obeyed his new, non jewish owner’s commands to work. When the non jew saw what happened, he was astounded and demanded to know the witchcraft/magic spell that the jew used! The jew explained that there was no witchcraft/magic, it was just that the cow didn’t work previously when owned by me, because I am a jew and a jew’s animals are restricted from working on Shabbat just as a jew is.
The non jew was so impressed that he exclaimed “if a heifer who has no sense and can not even speak, can recognize that there is a creator,I, a human who can speak and who has intellect, all the more so, I must recognize that there is a creator.
This “non jew” ended up converting to Judaism and becoming one of the greatest Torah teachers of all times. He is known as “Rav Yochanan ben Torsa” literally = Rav Yochanan son of a cow, because it was the cow [heifer] that caused him to realize that there is a creator,and plan and purpose in this world!
Let us all see the obvious signs of our creator wherever we go, and let us remember that if someone can be influenced by a heifer/cow all the more so they can be influenced by us and our actions. We as jews must be careful to always realize that people are watching and learning from our ways.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Y.S. Kuritsky

Congratulations to the SIHA class of 2021!

• Ethan Azaraev
• Taylor Badalov
• Michael Clift
• Orian Cohen
• Joshua Dinar
• Rachel Dym
• Josef Jehudai
• Shai Koldin
• Amiel Lavy
• Yosi Malka
• Yehuda Mirocznik
• Joshua Osher 
• Gabriella Schwartz
• Eliana Volfson
• Joshua Yarden-Kushel

The graduation ceremony was beautifully arranged. A special thank you to everyone who worked very hard to make it happen, especially Ms. Ilanit, Ms. Ety, Ms. Ortiz, Mrs. Rosskamm, Dr. Uzhansky, and of course our stellar PTA parents!

It was truly a special day!

I am immensely proud of our graduates. They have worked past many challenges to get to this day: Covid, remote learning, personal struggles, and challenging curricula. They came to their graduation with poise and bearing of young adults they are truly becoming. 

Amiel’s heartfelt speech was truly wonderfully written. Shai’s did a similarly phenomenal job with his speech. In addition to that, Yosef and Ethan presented an insightful Dvar Torah. I am including their speeches below for anyone who did not get a chance to see them in person. 

Yosef Jehudai’s Dvar Torah

Ethan Azaraev’s Dvar Torah

Shai Koldin’s Speech

Amiel Lavy’s Speech

Shabbat Week Contest!

Please see flyer below for details:

Judaics

Kindergarten and First Grade

We had wonderful week in Kindergarten Judaics. We learnt a new nekuda patach and have been having a wonderful time doing many patach activities! We have also been practicing for our graduation and are very excited for it!

In First Grade Judaics the children have been practicing a lot for our siddur play! Walk down the hall and you will hear us singing and practicing our parts! We cannot wait to get our siddurim and are looking forward to our play!

Second Grade

We had an amazing week in 2nd grade. The class put on an outstanding performance at their Siddur Play/Party. A special thank you to Gal’s mom,Naama Zadok for dedicating the siddurim and for setting up an elaborate celebration on Tuesday. It is a huge milestone when a child receives a Siddur. The same prayers that your children have learned have been recited by our great,great grandparents for generations. Your children are now the next link of our beautiful golden chain. This week at SIHA all the students are reviewing what G-d created each day of the week and rested on Shabbat. The classes have been doing different projects each day of the week in honor of Shabbat. From delicious cookies to flowers for the Shabbat table. There is an exciting raffle for all SIHA students this week with fantastic prizes for the winners. Make sure to read all the details on the flyer included in this weeks newsletter. I would love to see you at my daughters wedding Monday night June 21, reception 5:30, ceremony 6:30 at the Legacy 1275 36th St. Brklyn,NY 11218 Shabbat Shalom!

Fourth Grade
4A

The feeling of Shabbat was real this week in 4A! Morah brought in a wrapped up gift, and altogether we had a class discussion about gift giving. The children participated in the discussion by giving examples of what their two yr. old brother/cousin/ friend is capable of giving….(jelly bean, his scribbles art work…) then we went older to a 13 year old (money, card ) twenty… parents, oblivious the older one is ,the more sophisticated / valuable the gift is.
Then we explained that Hashem also gave the Jewish Nation a gift from His treasure house…, and as we opened the present three children unscrambled the Otiot of Shabbat! If Hashem tells us that it is a good gift then we know that Shabbat is precious!
We had hands on baking potato kugel, chocolate chip bars, and everyone got to bake their own Challa! Our classroom smelled delicious from all the baking! The class said Amen, and watched the Mitzva of Hafrashat Challa. In addition, we also finished all the crafts that Programming – Miss Dershowitz assigned. Tefilat Hadlakat Neirot, Shabbat Cookbooks, Challa Covers and more!
Looking forward to everyone joining the school wide program/contest this Shabbat!

Shabbat Shalom!
Mrs. Bistritz

This week is shabbat week here at SIHA. Mrs Bistritz’ 4th grade made delicious potato kugel, baked delicious chocolate chip cookies, formed and baked beautiful חלות, decorated gorgeous flower vases, and made apple cobbler. The children had a great time preparing and are looking forward to their whole family enjoying the fruits of their labor.

4B
4th:
Last newsletter, wait what? Time really flies when we are having fun and learning well too! We are leaving our beloved 4B classroom behind with some shadows:

Shadows:
shadows of morals, life lessons well heard
of sweet sounds of learning as we pondered each word
shadows of victory steps in the proper direction
of skills that were mastered to the utmost perfection
of songs, crafts and games and a whole lot of laughter
of answering deep questions as we considered each factor
of relationship and bonding, the purest of connections
of learning to accept each other with our imperfections
of unity and togetherness, reaching goals that we share
of the satisfying, sweet taste of having “done” a SIHA year
shadows of discoveries, the fruits of exploring
of fluttering wings on super-students who are soaring

I am so thankful for having had the opportunity to teach this truly exceptional group of super- students this year. They are sponges, always eager to absorb whatever lesson is being offered to them. I must admit, young as they may be, I learnt so much from them too! Every one of them will forever have a very special place in my heart. Oh, how I’ll miss them so please encourage them to be in touch!
Always,
Morah Toba

5th and 6th Boys
As the year comes to a close, we are using the opportunity to really internalize the ideas we have learned.
On that note , I would like to share a story that I have often told the boys.
There was a man who was late for an important meeting in the city, and as he drove around in circles he prayed:
“G-D, if you send me a parking spot, I promise I’ll become a kinder person, I’ll give more charity, I’ll start keeping Shabbat, I’ll put on tefillin everyday. Please G-D, PLEASE!”
A moment later a car pulled out of a spot in front of him, and as he maneuvered himself into the empty spot, he spoke to G-D once more:
“Never mind G-D, I found a spot already!
This lesson is one I have shared with the boys from day one.
On the need to make G-D part of our daily life, and not just in moments of stress.
As you may know, this week was Shabbat week at SIHA.
The school as a whole will be attempting to keep Shabbat and experience its beauty.
And this, in essence, is the purpose of Shabbat.
For 25 hours we take a step back and appreciate that although we work hard and accomplish,
ultimately, success is in G-Ds hands.
Thank you for entrusting me with your children this year, each one is a gem!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Levy

The 5 and 6th grade boys had so much fun decorating black and white cookies while learning about Shabbat. On the first day of creation G-d created light and darkness so we decorated the cookies in honor of this day of creation. The boys enjoyed learning and singing the song “Just one Shabbos and we’ll all be free!”

7th and 8th Girls
No one ever said commutes are easy, but I must say, it was worth the trip in from Jersey every day to learn and grow together with my beloved “fountain” girls. Each of my girls is a fountain, overflowing with knowledge, passion and on- target ideas. I loved hearing there beautiful trains of thought and am thankful for having had the opportunity to contribute little to that rich thinking. At the rate their going, they will truly get far in life in a very real way. Each one will always have a very special place in my heart and I’d love to be in touch.
Always,
Morah Toba

7th and 8th Boys

We are winding down with our beloved 8th graders.
Dear reader, by the time you see this in the SIHA newsletter, they will have already graduated. Congratulations! How sad. We will miss you.
This week, we learned that “food” belongs to Hashem (and we are stealing) until we make a Bracha , but after we say a Bracha the food belongs to us.
This week we also celebrated the Bar Mitzva celebration of Shai Nisim Koldin. Although Shai actually has been Bar Mitzva for quite a while, he did not have celebration due to covid 19. All Shai’s classmates attended the beautiful celebration. Shai had an Aliya L’Torah and read the Torah as well. Rabbi Ze’ev officiated. The decor and the ambience was really something to behold. The warmth in the air with family and friends participating was palpable. In attendance was Miss Etty Perez, Mrs. Ilanit Dinar, Rabbi Kuritsky and Dr. Uzhansky. It was a really special occasion.

Last “official” day of school for 8 Th grade.
Beautiful שחרית

Josh osher saying הבדלה for the 8th grade

At Shai’s bar mitzvah

An alumnus, Pazi, visits and sets a good example for 7th and 8th grade

Elementary School

Kindergarten
This week kindergarten was very busy getting ready for graduation! They have also been carefully observing and documenting all the fascinating things the caterpillars have been doing this week. Three of the caterpillars have now become butterflies, which the children have named Penelope, Philp, and Angela Doobie. They learned how butterflies eat, how they use mimicry and camouflage to survive, and they made their own butterfly using symmetrical designs. In ELA they worked on finishing the books they are writing about their favorite things, they read a story about robots, and they practiced reading and spelling words that end in ed, ing, and er. In math they learned how to add and subtract very large numbers by breaking numbers into tens and ones. Using this method they can now also add and subtract by 10 using mental math. In science they finished their celery experiment. When they ripped open their celery they found it amazing that they could see how the stem of a plant works. In social studies they learned how to read a map key to find places on a map.

Coby did an excellent job teaching the class about solar power and Raquel did a wonderful job teaching the class why we need to wash our hands before we eat.

I am so proud of kindergarten. Throughout the year they have worked hard and they always put their best effort into all of their work. They have grown so much and it is amazing how well they are now reading, writing, and solving math equations. They are so excited to share what they have learned in kindergarten with you at their graduation.

First Grade
This week our first graders proved to be fabulous once again. We completed the Science Unit about matter. We took our final Social Studies test. We counted groups of US coins including the half dollar. We have ready learned alot this year.

This week we also created beautiful Father’s Day cards and picture frames. As we reflect on all of the great things our fathers do for us, we are grateful to have them in our lives. We wish all of our wonderful 1st grade dads a happy Father’s Day.

Second Grade
This week in second grade, the students have finished their grammar unit on pronouns. On Wednesday, they took their last grammar test of the year and they did great! In math, the students continue to work on multiplication and have been reviewing math topics from throughout the year. On Thursday, the second graders had their end of the year party. They had a lot of fun!

Third Grade
This week grade three students learned how to correctly modify irregular verbs into their past tense forms. They also continued their literary journey along side the J.G.P. crew as they (rudely) came in contact with the mysterious Cloud Men. During their Math lessons, they continued to develop problem solving skills using all they had learned this past year. They also learned to convert length measurements and had fun measuring objects and areas with in the school grounds. During our Social Studies lessons, students presented their Wilma Mankiller reports to the class. They had also read about the creation of the Cherokee language. They are now very excited at the opportunity to create their own alphabet. As the year is winding down, I am both saddened and excited to see my kids move on (though luckily not too far). They have grown so much already, but there is still so much ahead.
Miss Sasha

Fourth Grade
4A

This week in math we finished our unit on Volume. We also finished our class chapter book Flora and Ulysses. This week and next week kids were given the chance to be the fourth grade teacher. Liam did an outstanding job! He created a presentation on how to sketch a person and provided all materials needed for the entire class. Ariella Khaimov did a beautiful presentation about Isreal and showed kids pictures of underwater museum. Evelina was a natural at teaching kids about Walt Disney and guided kids on how to draw a game character.

As this is our last newsletter for this year it’s a bittersweet moment for me. I truly enjoyed teaching your kids and watching them grow. This was by far one of the most challenging teaching experience I had. I was very nervous of how the kids would react to all the new changes but yet they adapted easily. I was truly blessed to have this class and wish them to continue to always work hard! Have an amazing restful summer!

Fifth Grade

Fifth graders had a great week! In ELA, students took their final quiz of the year! Everyone did a great job. We also completed our novel study of Sadako and a thousand paper cranes. Students made paper cranes, paper lanterns, and bookmarks with their name written in the Japanese Katakana script!
In social studies, we finished our final unit of the year, and we are looking forward to summer vacation!

In math, 5th grade finished their unit on proportions, ratios, and percents.

Middle School

Middle School ELA and Social Studies

6th Grade

Sixth grade is ending the school year with success! We are wrapping up our novel study of the City of Ember and we are writing a fictional story in one of the genres we discussed. Mrs. Hazen is very proud of everyone’s hard work, but she was particularly impressed by Oren Dery’s creative science fiction story.

7th Grade

Seventh grade had a great week! In ELA, we are wrapping up our novel study of the Indian in the Cupboard. We also wrapped up our creative writing unit by writing great stories. In Social Studies, we finished our final unit with a quiz. Everyone did a great job, but Mrs. Hazen is particularly impressed with Doron Glickman’s answers. He showed great insight and did an awesome job!

8th Grade graduated this week! Good luck to everyone!

Middle School Math
8th grade honors contributed regents prep.
7th grade honors finished learning about the Pythagorean theorem.
7th grade continued reviewing important algebra concepts.
6th grade learned how to write algebraic expressions from percent problems.

Middle School Science

7th Grade has ended their academic school year learning about how our body needs and responds to nutrition, whether it is good or bad. They investigated eating disorders, food history and conducted food analysis. Students that conducted a food analysis also brought to school the item that they analyzed. They even learned the concept of condensation and why it is important to allow baked goods to totally cool down, prior to applying any type of frosting or covering it for transport. Nonetheless, the effort of that student was stupendous, well done Leam. As we wrap up the school year students have been preparing for their Living Environment assessment. Students will have the opportunity to sit for a High School level course and complete the necessary regent requirements to fulfill that course criteria, pending how their assessment turns out. Students started taking this exam on Wednesday and will complete it on Thursday.

I want to wish all of these lovely students and their families a peaceful and restful summer. Looking forward to seeing how tall you get over the summer. See you in September, be ready to Rock and Roll!!!!

Recipe Analysis

Nutrition history project

Bulimia project

science project

Bulimia

Jewish History
8th grade accomplished a lot this year. We began during the period of the Jewish kings and worked our way through all the way until the 1200s learning many lessons along the way. We did not learn history. We learned FROM history.
Congratulations to all my 8th graders on their graduation.

7th grade is beginning to explore the first Jewish kings and we are looking forward to picking up where we left off next year.