The last Lower
School link for the year should have a major trumpet introduction!!!
Another year (or your first year!!!) We did it!! Your kids did it!!! Our
teachers did it!!! We have completed successfully another major step in
your children’s lives. Growth is obvious from the sheer new heights
they’ve reached physically, to the advancements they’ve reached
academically. We are heartened by the wonderful programming we’ve been
able to offer and the receptiveness of our students to the excitement and challenges.
What lies ahead
for next year? The major change is that the entire Lower School
will be adopting the Singapore Math curriculum. This year, it was taught
in grades 2 and 3, as well as in the Middle School (for the second year) and is
being received with much enthusiasm and acclaim (by teachers, students and
parents). At Back to School Night in September, there will be a
presentation for the parents about this program. Teachers are already
receiving training, with more on the schedule.
Another change
is in a few staff members. Hamorah Gali and Mrs. Freedman, as well as Lea
and Shlomit, our Bnot Sherut are returning to Israel, and Rabbi Moses is
pursuing another direction. Last night we had a staff get
together/farewell party which was so poignant and bittersweet. The bonds
of friendship and respect are so strong; so difficult to say goodbye to people
who have become entwined into our everyday lives. We wish them all
hatzlacha! I am confident that our staff will be equally welcoming to new
staff members and that you and your children will grow to love and admire their
successors.
Part of the
charm of the Lower School is the manner in which newcomers, both students
and staff , are received and taken in to your hearts. Both family and student
buddies have proven to be special and pave the way for new friendships.
We ask all parents to encourage their children to include newcomers into their
summer and start of the school year activities (think guests for Succot!!) Plan
Ahead. As
we have seen over the last few years, we have quite a few new students
enrolled, transferring in from area schools and moving in from out of town (and
country). It is with great sadness that we say l’hitraot to our families
who are leaving to return to Israel. You certainly will be missed!
On a personal
point, I am so excited to say that after school today, I am going to the Hebrew
Home to pick up my husband – so he may return to our home!!! It has been
a very long haul and I so appreciate all your support and encouragement.
Ayn rah blee tov – there is no bad without good. I now possess a much
stronger understanding of the need for and strength of bikkur cholim – both as
a mitzvah we are privileged to fulfill and as an organization. Thank you
for your kindnesses.
Another year
draws to an end. I thank assistant principal Tammie Rapps I thank
assistant principal Tammie Rapps for her assistance, creativity and warmth,
which have helped create such a positive environment in the Lower School,
Naftali Quartey, our administrative assistant, who makes everything possible,
Suzy Israel, head of Education Support Services, for her dedication to each
child’s education, and Rachel Handloff, Guidance Counselor, for
strengthening our caring community. To all the teachers, who have worked
so diligently to sustain each student, to the MJBHA personnel who have worked
so hard so that we may serve our students in a clean and safe surrounding. Your
work is recognized and appreciated. To our beautiful students, you are the
heart and soul of our school, and make every day beautiful!! I also
acknowledge and am grateful to our parents who trust us with their
children; we recognize – and take seriously - our responsibilities.
And of course, I am ever so grateful to Hakodesh Baruch Hu for watching over us
and guiding us.
I look forward to seeing you at Tuesday’s 10:30
(prompt) Step Up ceremony, as we say farewell to our 5th graders and move our
other students up a grade. Shabbat Shalom
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