Parashat Acharei Mot

It is THAT time of year again.  We have joyously celebrated Yom Haatzmaut (have you seen any of the pictures?!!) and are looking ahead to end of the year activities.   Coming up of course is the last in our series of “yoms,” Yom Yerushalayim, on May 8. That is quickly followed by Grandparents Day and Shavuot.  Lag B’Omer takes place on a Sunday this year, and we will have our traditional field day on an alternate date.  That will leave us just one month to fit everything in – the last field trips, Showcase, and class celebrations.  We truly hope that you will enjoy all the festivities and take pride in your children’s progress this year.

One of our joys is simply watching your children, seeing them rejoice, observing them grow into their new roles, trying on different ways to act, finding their places, being kids.  One of the beautiful features of children is the gift they have of making new friends, of allowing others into their lives, of learning from and helping others.  Children who might not have known each other on the first day of school are now inseparable.  I hear from so many parents of students new to the school who marvel at how their children have been included.  We know that there are numerous new students already enrolled for next year and we look forward to their (and their parents’) integration into our community.  It is one of  the hallmarks of our school and something about which you should feel great pride.  We are delighted that our students socialize with each other and are so open and welcoming.

Each year at this time, we look at all the classes and reflect on each student's placement.  Looking ahead to constructing the classes for the coming year, we look at many factors.  They include gender and geographic balance, as well as academic strengths and student personalities. We know that class placements are a critical part of the lower school experience. Each year we look at the placements to ensure that the children get exposure to various teaching styles as well as the opportunity to interact with different peers. We also recognize that every child has unique needs and some teachers match better with some students, therefore we dedicate much time and planning to this.   Please refer to the article below about Class Placement 2013/2014 for further information.  Shabbat Shalom

Parashat Shemini

Dear Parents,

I have edited and am recycling an article I wrote three years ago at this time of year:

At this time of year, coming back from Pesach, our school weeks are filled with commemorations and celebrations.  We are somber and then we celebrate.  Sort of like life.  Right after our return, we memorialize Yom Hashoah, this coming Monday, April 8..  Some parents ask what it means to be “developmentally appropriate” in regards to our programming.  I don’t think there’s a one-size-fits-all answer and even in school we make some very hard choices.  First and foremost, we are very careful about the pictures we utilize.  A child’s imagination can definitely conjure up vivid imagery and even outlandish pictures – but nothing can come close to some of the photographs from the Shoah, many of which are contained in literature, including children’s books.  We also steer clear of discussions of specific acts of violence and graphic details.  We do, however, tell sad stories at times, and in grades 4 and 5, sometimes mention separation of families, and even death, as the children’s discussions take shape.  The commemorations’ placements on the calendar also play a part in their being included in the curriculum.  Had they occurred towards the start of the year, when we hadn’t gotten to know the children so well and when they hadn’t been exposed to other messages of struggle and survival, we would approach these events differently. 

Today, it is believed that, with boundaries, Jewish children should learn about the Shoah at a young age, that matter of fact limited exposure will heighten their sensitivity and make it easier for students in the long run.   Additionally, with the more open nature of today's society and the opening of the Holocaust Museum, information more appropriate (if it really can be "appropriate" for anyone!!) for young children is available.   But, as with any information we may present in school, children’s own personal experiences as well as inter-personal conversations will color or flavor their intake or perception.  As with any topic, we encourage parents to be open with their children and aware of their thoughts and feelings and certainly to contact Mrs. Handloff with any concerns about behavior changes.  She, of course, is in contact with all the teachers and supervising the students to insure their adjustments.  We offer formal, developmental programming for grades 4 and 5 and we limit the amount and kind of material used in our younger grades. Sometimes, as happens, individual children will offer up personal information that offers more details.  We endeavor to maintain a balance in our classrooms and hope that each child will benefit from the “Shoah” curriculum.

The following week, on Monday, April 15, Yom Hazikaron, we will remember Israel’s soldiers and on Tuesday, April 16, we will celebrate Israel’s 65th birthday! Tied all together, the picture is one of the future and our responsibilities as Jews and as human beings.  Again, among other tasks, school should prepare us for the bigger world and the stresses and splendor of life in general.  The roller coaster of life’s experiences takes its twists and turns and well-adjusted children learn to stay on an even path.  I encourage you to talk with your children about the “Yoms” and share your own feelings and experiences as a way to honor our history and remember and celebrate as a family.  Shabbat Shalom (and welcome back)!