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