On The Bridge October 28, 2010
Gesher Jewish Day School 20 Cheshvan, 5771
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| Shabbat Shalom | |
שבת שלום
Candlelighting: 5:55pm
חיי שרה
Chayei Sara
Genesis: 23:1- 25:18
Haftarah: I Kings 1:1- 1:31
Yasher Koach to today's Torah readers: Emmett, Ilan, and Zach N.
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| Greetings! | |
The themes of this year's Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE) Assembly, which was held this past Sunday-Tuesday in Baltimore, were: affordability, leadership, and promoting the value proposition of Jewish day schools. Over one thousand people turned out from all over the US and Canada, with representatives from Panama, South Africa, and England, as well. Gesher had a record delegation of eleven (including nine members of our Board of Directors). Several of us also had the pleasure of presenting a well-received session called: Cutting the Apron Strings- From "Mom and Pop" to a Mature Strategic Operation.
What did we learn? There were many takeaways for us including ideas about: how to promote the school, how to connect using the social media, how to keep costs down while raising the quality of the educational program, how to plan for the future, how to communicate effectively, and how to position the school for the "new normals" of the current economy and for the future.
How we learned at the conference was also part of the message. On Monday morning, all one thousand participants engaged in a three-episode case study specially commissioned for the Conference. By working in small teams and studying the case of a fictional day school, with all its complexities and multiplicity of perspectives (and did I mention, tzuris -troubles!), we were engaged in exactly the kind of 21st century learning exercise that is the hallmark of what is much regarded to be best practice in schools.
The conference, as always, was a great occasion for networking and connecting at all levels. We have so much to learn from one another! In an important new study by Dr. Jack Wertheimer on the new generation of young Jewish leaders who are out there developing and innovating new and exciting formal and informal non-establishment Jewish organizations, fully 40% of the leaders of such groups are day school graduates- way out of proportion to their percentage in the population of Jewish gen-x-ers or millenials. As an aggregate, Jewish day schools are making an essential contribution to reshaping an emerging and robust Jewish culture. It's nice to know that our kids are part of something big!
Shabbat Shalom!
Zvi Schoenburg
Head of School
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| Upcoming Events |
See our full calendar of events!
October 31- PTO Book Talk, Meet Author Meredith Jacobs, 1:00-3:00 pm
November 7 - New! Global Day of Jewish Learning Brunch and Learn! 10:30 a.m. - Noon
November 13- Dinner with a Twist!
November 15-16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
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| Message from Jo Gordon | |
A Constellation of Purple Stars
By Jo Gordon
If you happen to be walking through the administrative hallway 'behind the wall,' stop outside Mrs. Gordon's office to see the growing constellation of Purple Stars that frame her doorway. Students whose names are on those stars were 'caught being good!' They were especially kind to a classmate in need of TLC or volunteered to clean up a mess that they did not make or offered a chance to do something to a peer who had not yet had the opportunity, and so on. Every day, students come to Mrs. Gordon's office with the Purple Star in hand, smiling from ear to ear as they recount the good deed they have done to earn their name on the wall.
It is important to note that there is no prize for receiving a Purple Star - the star is the treasure! The recognition that kindness is noted and admired is the reward! The visit to Mrs. Gordon's office to tell her a sweet story is the cherry on top!
Yasher koachto all of our Purple Star recipients to date and to their teachers for catching them in the act... of being good!
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| School News | |
How Nice to Learn Together
Our Judaic Studies teachers' historic collaboration with the Judaic Studies teachers of Jewish Primary Day School (JPDS) has begun! How good and pleasant it is to learn together in the presence of the distinguished faculty of the Melton Research Center: Charlotte Abramson, Marcia Kaunfer, and Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer. Our goal is to further our students' learning of Torah by styling more coherent curricula that engages students' higher critical thinking.
Reminder to parents- a new month is coming! Anyone ordering lunch online on a monthly basis should be forewarned!
Carpool Reminder
If you pick up your children up in the carpool line, please be aware that when either of our bus drivers
is displaying his stop sign, it is illegal for any car to pass the bus. If either bus departure is delayed for any reason, our driver will fold in his stop sign and you will be signaled that it is OK to pass the bus. This law is in place for the safety of children who are in the process of boarding the bus and getting seated.
Brunch and Learn
A grand siyum, called, The Global Day of Jewish Learning, has been announced to mark the occasion of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz' completion of a 45-year project of translating the Talmud into Modern Hebrew, English, and other European languages. Click hereto learn more. Study sessions/celebrations have been set up around the world- so we will do our bit at Gesher, as well. Our program will be a "Brunch and Learn" for students and parents together on November 7 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon. We hope you can join us that morning to study texts that teach us how to respond to our environment- the inspiration for our Gesher Green! We will also have an art activity and a nature activity for younger children.
Book Characters Come to Gesher
In conjunction with this year's JCCNV Jewish Book Festival, our favorite book characters, Frog and Toad will come to Gesher on November 5th to visit with our youngest students! For more information about the JCCNV book festival which runs from Nov 5 through Nov 14, click here or visit http://www.jccnv.org/arts-specialties/literary/book-festival.html
Gesher United Played Hard
Gesher United Soccer lost on Tuesday against Capitol Hill Day School, 2-1.
Pictures:
 | | Josh H. and Coby with Tal Brody, the Israeli basketball legend |
 | | Tal Brody and Sarah C. shoot some hoops |
 | | Avraham and Sara (played by Morah Melanie and Morah Jackie) welcome the Gan (Kindergarten) students to their classroom. |
 | | Students of our Gan get their feet washed by Avraham (played by Morah Melanie), while being welcomed into the classroom. |
 | | Gan students enjoy their snack. |
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| Development and Fundraising | |
Dinner is at 7:30pm.....Reservations Required!
You've seen the Invitation -- now it's time to make your reservation!
Reservations are pouring in daily, if you haven't yet done so, RSVP today!
Dinner with a Twist is just a few weeks away!
Click Here to see the exciting lineup of hosts and guest speakers
and make your reservations online.
For more information, please contact Rebekah Dickinson, Director of Development, at 703.962.9209 or rdickinson@gesher-jds.org.
Giant Food Bonus Cards
Please register your Giant Food card. Giant cards need to be registered each fall. Gesher will earn cash from Giant Food every time you shop at Giant and use your card. This even includes Peapod purchases. So please register your card now. Our school number is 02238. See more grocery stores you can register with on Gesher's website.
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| Gesher Green |
 Going Outside with Gesher Green
Last Friday several classes went to their special habitat for a Gesher Green activity. The weather was beautiful, and everyone had fun learning in a new way.
The first grade is learning about the meadow's insects. We went there with large nets to see what we could catch. Each child had a turn swinging the net and catching bugs. Then we dumped them on a sheet for all to see. We caught fewer than we expected, probably because of the cool temperatures. We'll do this again in the spring after we have learned more about insects, so we can study them more closely.
The second grade's focus this year is also in the meadow, but they are looking at the plants. One plant which we have in abundance is called "dogbane," and is a relative of milkweed. The long skinny seed pods are full of hundreds of fluffy seeds. The children harvested these pods and used the fluff to stuff a pillow, like they would have done in colonial times. One astute child noted that she's glad those days are over - making a pillow this way is a lot of work!
The third grade is looking at the forest. We coordinated with their current social studies topic of Native Americans to walk through the woods and look at the trees. We discussed how our woods is both similar and different than what Native Americans would have seen.
Finally, the Middle School went into the garden. Last week the sixth grade weeded one of the beds, and on Friday the seventh and eighth grades finished the job, and planted winter wheat. Hopefully, if it grows successfully, we will harvest it in the spring, thresh, winnow and grind it, and use it to bake challah.
It was a great day. And don't worry, Gan, and grades 4 and 5¸ we're working on lessons to take you outdoors, too! | | 1st graders use large nets to catch insects in the meadow |
 | | 3rd graders walking through the woods and looking at the trees |
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| Admissions News |
Volunteers needed for upcoming Admissions outreach!
There are several community programs that Admissions will be attending and participating in the month of November. We are sponsoring refreshments at two children's book events at the JCCNV book festival and we will have a craft activity table at an upcoming OTPS (Olam Tikvah Preschool) Rocknoceros concert. Each event is also a great opportunity to talk with parents about Gesher and provide admission materials! Parent volunteers at these events would be most appreciated! If anyone has experience with our PTO popcorn machine, your help is needed on the Nov 14th. To volunteer, email Debra at dmendelson@gesher-jds.org or call 703-962-9216.
Sunday, Nov 7 - Character Breakfast with Curious George & Friends (set up is 9:00) The program starts at 9:30 at the JCCNV.
Sunday, Nov 14 - Poets, Pastries & Popcorn (set up is 1:30) The program starts at 2:30 at the JCCNV. Popcorn making expertise welcome!
Sunday, Nov 21 - Rocknoceros Concert (set up is 3pm) The program starts at 4pm at Congregation Olam Tikvah. We are sponsoring a Chanukah craft activity.
Next Admissions Open House- Tell your friends!
Tues, Nov 9 from 9:30-11a.m. or Sun, Jan 9 from 10-11:30a (child care available in the Gesher gym for the Sunday Tour)
Refer a Friend Program
Help build enrollment for the 2011-2012 school year and save on next year's tuition through our Refer a Friend Program!
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| PTO | 
Author Meredith Jacobs and her daughter will speak at Gesher at 1 pm, Sunday, October 31, on their new book, Just Between Us: A No-Stress, No-Rules Journal for Girls and Their Moms. Please join us for this engaging, free event. You may pre-order books.
Turn in your box tops as the first submission deadline is coming soon. Gesher receives 10¢ for each submission, which totaled over $500 last year. Drop them off in the office or send them by Kiddie Mail.
Thank you again to the Are You Smarter than Your Parents? committee -- Great Job.
November 19 - Family Kabbalat Shabbat. Please join your child in the gym as we welcome Shabbat together as a community, grades K-5.
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Caring Community
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Refuah shlemah (a full recovery) to Pat Sultzbaugh, our Director of Building and Grounds. We expect Pat will be back to work on Monday.
Condolences to George Billinson, Gesher alumni parent, on the loss of his father, Dr. Michael Billinson. |
| Mitzvah Coupon Donations |
Mitzvah Coupon donations can now be made on-line through our secure website, www.gesher-jds.org. Simply log in and click on the Donate link at the top of our homepage.
In honor of Moira Caitlin Hill Jones
Dottie Bennett
In memory of Kenneth Barnett
Roni and Neil Stern
Dr. and Mrs. Todd Berner to the Cohen Library Fund
Melanie and Jon Eisen
Iris and Biff Henley
In memory of Harry Rosenblatt, Sharon Rosenblatt's father-in-law
Michelle and Steven Stravitz
Jeanne and Mark Leckert
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
Melanie and Jon Eisen
Iris and Biff Henley
In memory of Louise Gabel, Judy Gabel's mother-in-law
Roni and Neil Stern
Ingrid and Zvi Schoenburg
Michelle and Steven Stravitz
Michelle and Paul Nash
Kitah Alef Parents
Jeanne and Mark Leckert
Ellen Sue Schor
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
Vicki and Simon Fishman
Gesher Faculty and Staff
Melanie and Jon Eisen
Dana and David Goldstein and Family
Donna and Jim Yazman
Benjamin G. and Family
Judy and Nathan Brown
In honor of Jason Ruiz's new baby, Maya Rose
Jeanne and Mark Leckert
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
Gesher Faculty and Staff
In memory of Yehezkel Anglister
Michelle and Steven Stravitz
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
In honor of Zedek Eliyahu Yehudah Kofsky, son of Paulette Butler-Kofsky and Andrew Kofsky
Wendy and Joel Fischer
Refuah Shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery to Matt Schor
Ellen Sue Schor
Refuah Shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery to Bill Steinbach
Iris and Biff Henley
Refuah Shlemah - a complete and speedy recovery to Lauren Smith
Iris and Biff Henley
A Speedy Recovery to Pat Sultzbaugh
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
In honor of Morah Jackie's son becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Vicki and Simon Fishman
In honor of Morah Melanie's son becoming a Bar Mitzvah
Vicki and Simon Fishman
In memory of Fred Schoenburg
Yvonne Fujimoto and David Shurberg
In memory of Mary Helen Eiden
Iris and Biff Henley
In memory of Francis Gottlieb
Iris and Biff Henley
In memory of Ken Gutterman
Iris and Biff Henley
In memory of Dr. Michael Billinson
Michelle and Steven Stravitz
In memory of Harry Weber
Michelle and Steven Stravitz
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| Community Announcements |
Women's Philanthropy Outreach: DC, Maryland, Northern Virginia
Tuesday, November 16, 7:00 PM
Shop and Shmooze at the home of Ilana and Gary Gamerman, Vienna, VA (Address provided upon positive response). Come and meet new friends, learn about the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and get your Chanukah shopping done early. We have several talented artists coming to show their jewelry and other pieces which will be available for purchase. All are welcome, no cost.For more information or to RSVP, please contact Mandy Kaiser-Blueth: Mandy.Kaiser-Blueth@shalomdc.org , or 301-348-7349
5th Annual JCCNV Jewish Book Festival
A Celebration of Jewish Writings and Jewish Authors
Sunday - Sunday, November 7 - 14
The JCCNV is pleased to take you on a literary journey with leading authors from across the country. Throughout the week, outstanding author lectures and programs will satisfy every literary taste. Be sure to peruse our comprehensive selection of books on sale for children and adults. We'll even wrap your books up for Chanukah gift giving! Events to look forward to: the popular Afternoon Tea with a renowned author, Book Club & Book Lover's Night, Light Lunch & Author Lecture, Israel Night and more!
For program details check our website often at www.jccnv.org or contact Laurie Albert at (703) 537.3064 or LaurieA@jccnv.org.
CAMP RAMAH IN NEW ENGLAND - ELEVATE YOUR SUMMER!
Camp Ramah in New England offers an outstanding overnight camp in a dynamic Jewish environment. The rich and varied programs offer campers the opportunity to grow, learn, and develop life-long friendships as they connect to Judaism in a unique way. All of this happens on the beautiful campus of more than 75 acres of prime lakefront land in western Massachusetts. Camp Ramah offers two-week sessions for children currently in grades 2-3 and four or eight week sessions for children in grades 3-10. Ramah New England draws campers from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, parts of New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, as well as Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC.
To learn more about this exciting opportunity for your child, please contact Ramah's NoVA liaison, Talya Kalender at 703.426.8348 or talyak@cox.net.
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY
Come hear from current campers about what Ramah has meant to them. We will also watch the new camp video and in a relaxed setting, explore your questions about Ramah.
November 22 - 7:00pm at the home of Talya Kalender. Please email Talya at talyak@campramahne.org to reserve your spot.
Grants and financial aid: A $1,000 incentive grant is available to all new campers attending our 4 or 8 week sessions. We are committed to helping find financial aid for all families; please do not allow finances to stop you from thinking about the experience of a lifetime for your child. To learn more, please contact Davey Rosen, Assistant Director, at 781-702-5290 x232, or DaveyR@CampRamahNE.org.
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy
Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy invites prospective families to join us for our Veteran's Day Open House. Thursday, November 11, 2010, 10:00 am - 11:30 am. Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy, 13300 Arctic Avenue, Rockville, MD 20853. For more information or to RSVP, please call Sharon Butler, Admissions Director, at 301-962-9400, x5630 or butlers@mjbha.org or visit www.mjbha.org/Admissions/RSVP_for_Admissions_Events.cfm
MJBHA Upper School Hebrew Academy Dramatic Arts Society presents Get Smart by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. Thursday, November 11, 2010, 7:30 pm and Saturday, November 13, 2010, 8:00 pm. Students/seniors $5.00, Adults $8.00. Tickets can be purchased at the Melvin J. Berman Hebrew Academy front desk or at the door. For more information or if you would like to become a sponsor, email Eliora Katz or Sandra Soltz at hadasproducers@gmail.com.
The Jewish Federation Wants to Help! If you are in need of financial
assistance at t his time, or if you know anyone in the community who
is in need, please do not hesitate to contact the Jewish Federation's Warm Line at 1-866-950-4AID.
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We welcome your inquiries. To schedule a tour, or for more information about admissions or making a donation to Gesher Jewish Day School, please contact us at (703)978-9789.
Sincerely,
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Gesher Jewish Day School
4800 Mattie Moore Court
Fairfax, VA 22030
phone: (703) 978-9789
fax: (703)978-2668
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Address or Email Changes
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