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| December 16, 2011 | 20 Kislev, 5772 |
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MJCDS Maggid/Teller
the weekly newsletter of
Madison Jewish Community Day School
Photo courtesy Kathy Mazur & the 3-4 class Jewish Lens Project
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| Shalom! | |
We were so proud of our students last Sunday as they sang and performed for the community in honor of Hanukkah.
We were also grateful and thrilled to cart away many, many books donated at our booth to The Road Home, an organization serving homeless families with children in collaboration with local faith communities. Many thanks to Nancy Brower, Alice Schneiderman, Sarah Byer and everyone who donated!
In this week's Maggid, our students study the Hanukkah story in Hebrew and English, and the 1-2 class learns about the writing process and crafts a class book of their favorite compositions.
Shabbat Shalom!
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| Learning the story of Hanukkah |
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Photo by Ariel Hoffman
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Even before Thanksgiving, students already started to ask when it would be time to start getting ready for Hanukkah. We began our studies at the beginning of Kislev, getting ready for special events and learning about the meanings behind Hanukkah stories and customs.
One of our first focus points was readying ourselves for the early celebration of Hanukkah at the Goodman Campus that took place last Sunday. At the same time, all students studied the story of Hanukkah. Kindergarten students heard the basic story of the holiday, focusing on who, what, where, when and why. They heard the story in both Hebrew and English. They also enjoyed learning holiday songs. Students were especially pleased to add their special personal touch of a jump, a turn, a twist or a bow to their counting song about the number of days of Hanukkah. Our first and second grade students reviewed blessings, sang songs, and focused on reading the story in Hebrew, learning new vocabulary and answering questions about the story in Hebrew, both in discussion and in writing. Third and fourth grade students engaged in a more in-depth study of the story in Hebrew, reading letters and learning about the problems that arose during the time of the Maccabees. Students then wrote letters responding to various challenges the Jews had during this time period. All our learners loved preparing for the performance: learning songs, doing art work and planning how to stage the production. Toward the end of the month, this learning will continue as they read short stories in Hebrew and English and create surprise presents for parents. They will also create gifts to share with the elderly and needy. If you would like to donate $5 for a tzeddekah project we would be most grateful. We wish all the happiest of times during this special holiday season. Chag Sameach! -Meisha Leibson
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| 1/2 Class Creates Book |
As they finish a unit on poetry and fiction, first and second grade students worked diligently to "publish" selections of their own writing.
Students selected their best and/or favorite pieces that they had written during the unit. They then continued the writing process through revising, editing, and proofreading.
Students made their own changes and corrections, listened to feedback from their peers, and conferenced with their teacher. Final drafts had to be proofread, and then students had the opportunity to make their own illustrations to accompany their stories and poem.
On your next visit to their classroom, ask students to proudly show you their new class book.
In the meantime, to read the story that goes with second-grader Jojo's artwork (above), "Super Hero School," visit http://www.madisonjewishdayschool.com/index.php/beit-sefer/directors_blog/super_hero_school_written_and_illustrated_by_second-grade_student_jojo/.
-Jodi Harris
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| Announcements |
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Photo courtesy Kathy Mazur and the 3-4 class Jewish Lens Project
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Monday: Wear Performance Clothing
Students will travel this Monday to Oakwood and Wynwood retirement communities to perform Hanukkah songs. Please have the children wear the same outfits (or equivalent) as they did last Sunday.
Kindergarteners should wear either black or blue long bottoms and a solid colored shirt. (They will be representing different colored
candles.)
Third and fourth grade students should wear a solid white shirt and either blue jeans, black pants or blue pants.
There is no special attire for 1-2 students.
Hanukkah Havdalah Save the Date
Save the date for a gathering of MJCDS families Saturday night, Dec. 24 at 5:45 pm at the Rudins' home. We will do havdalah and celebrate Hanukkah and the beginning of winter break. Please be in touch with Felice Rudin at frudin@sbcglobal.net and volunteer to bring a vegetarian item for either dinner or dessert. Todah Rabbah to the Rudin family for the idea and the hospitality!
Community Announcements
Beth Israel Latke Party
Thursday, December 22, 5:45-7:30pm
Beth Israel Center, 1406 Mound St.Light the menorah and enjoy latkes, games and music by Under the Radar. Cost: $10/person, $6/child age 5 and under, $35 maximum per family. RSVP to office@bethisraelcenter.org by Dec. 16.
Havdalah Disco Party
Saturday, January 21, 6:00-8:00pm
Goodman Community Center, 148 Waubesa
Come for Havdalah, stay for the dance party! All ages welcome. Email Dina@jewishmadison.org with questions or to RSVP.
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Book Orders Due Today!
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Hanukkah is coming! What better gift could there be than books?
Order online at www.scholastic.com/bookclub or return the form to your child's classroom teacher. Mrs. Harris's classes use code HGZG2. Orders are due today.
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| Upcoming Events |
Fri. Dec. 16: Swimming Lessons
Kabbalat Shabbat Together 1:25 pm
Mon. Dec 19: Students perform Hanukkah songs at Senior Residences
Thurs. Dec. 22: Children's Museum Field Trip
Fri. Dec 23: K-2 Shabbat, 8:10 am
Swimming
Sat. Dec. 24: Havdalah & Hanukkah Party
Dec. 26 - Jan.8: Winter Break
Sun. Jan. 8: Board Meeting, 8 pm
Mon. Jan. 9: School Resumes
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Let's stay in touch! Keep the lines of communication flowing with your child's teachers by calling school at 608-204-9900 or by emailing them at:
Jodi Harris jodi.harris@madisonjewishdayschool.com
Geri Goldman geri@madisonjewishdayschool.com Meisha Leibson meisha@madisonjewishdayschool.com Rabbi Ben-Gideon rabbi@madisonjewishdayschool.com |
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