On The Bridge 11/4/2010

Bullying occurs when a person or group of people repeatedly threatens or hurts (physically or emotionally) another person. It can take place in schools, at the park, on-line, during sporting events, in the workplace, and even at home. Bullies can be male or female, young or old. Repeated actions of bullies include: name calling, exclusion, hurtful pranks, public humiliation and defacing one's property. This behavior is usually done intentionally, and it is never appropriate.

Recently, bullying has been a national "hot topic", and we are taking an active stance to prevent bullying at Gesher. Tomorrow, as part of our faculty meeting, a speaker from JSSA will address the teachers and staff about bullying at school. This will include what teachers and staff should do or say when they see or hear about bullying, as well as ways to play a more active role between classes and on the playground.

As always, our goal is to make Gesher a safe place for all students to learn and grow. In the coming weeks, we will be speaking with each grade about bullying and friendships. In addition, JSSA has offered to hold an evening event about bullying for parents, if there is enough interest. Please send me an e-mail if you are interested in attending a JSSA presentation about bullying, or if you have any other questions LStrouse@gesher-jds.org.

Bullying involves an imbalance of power. Let's work together to create a school where all students have equal power.

Shabbat Shalom!

Laura Strouse
Guidance Counselor

Upcoming Events

See our full calendar of events!

November 5- Noon dismissal for students.

November 7 - Global Day of Jewish Learning Brunch and Learn! 10:30 a.m. - Noon

November 9 - Admissions Open House, 9:30 a.m.

November 10 - Shomrei Gesher Phonathon, 6:45 p.m.

November 12- PTO Coffee, with guest speaker Orlee Turitz, 8:30 a.m.

- Early Friday Dismissals Begin! 2:30 p.m.

November 13- Dinner with a Twist!

November 15-16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences

November 19- PTO Family Kabbalat Shabbat - All welcome!

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 ONE week 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.

SCRIP IS AVAILABLE!

A great gift for the holidays! Major retailers want to give money to Gesher! Scrip is substitute money - gift cards from retailers. Gesher has two kinds of scrip - retail and grocery. Retail scrip is gift cards (see http://glscrip.com for a list of available retailers) which you can order online at https://secure.serve.com/gesher/retailscrip.php. There will be some scrip available at school during Grandparent's/VIP Day. We will place an order before Thanksgiving so that scrip comes in for Chanukah. Deadline for ordering is November 17. Please contact Rochelle Goldberg rdgoldberg@hotmail.com if you have questions or are interested in helping out with this program.

GESHER ANNUAL SHOMREI GESHER PHONE-A-THON

Our annual fundraising phone-a-thon will be held Wednesday evening November 10 at 6:45pm. The annual fund monies raised go directly to our operating expenses. Please let me know that you can help us reach our goals by contributing just an hour of your time on Wednesday evening.

We will give you some training before the calls (and there will be chocolate!) To volunteer, please contact Rochelle Goldberg rdgoldberg@hotmail.com.

If you are not able to volunteer, please answer the phone when we call and consider giving to this very important fund!

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.

School News

*This week's On The Bridge was sent on Friday instead of Thursday due to technical difficulties.

ATTENTION ALL GESHER STUDENTS!

Use Your Creativity to Create a Poster for the Gesher Chanukah Musical: The Odd Potato

Contest Rules:

A. Create a Poster on 11"x17" Paper or on 81/2"x11" Paper, using Crayons, Markers, Pens, or Collage

B. The Poster Must Include the Following Information:

The Odd Potato, A Chanukah Musical

Put on by Gesher Jewish Day School Players

Wednesday, December 8, 7:00 pm

The Last Candle of Chanukah

C. A Brother and Sister Celebrating Chanukah with a menorah carved out of a potato!

Open to All Gesher Students, gr. K-8

Grand Prize: A New Gesher Duffel Bag!

Posters Due: Friday, Nov 19

Brunch and Learn

The Global Day of Jewish Learning on November 7 marks 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 here to see a quick inspirational video. Gesher will host a "Brunch and Learn" for students and parents 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 have a story with an art activity and a nature activity for younger children and of course a video of the siyum itself!

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

Noted Author to Visit Gesher

Preceding her evening appearance at the JCCNV Book Fair, well-acclaimed author of The Bee Season and The False Friend, Myla Goldberg, will visit Gesher on November 11 to meet with our seventh and eighth grade students and discuss what it's like to write and get your writing published.

Thank you to the Saadia family

We appreciate you donating Hebrew books to the school library.

Pictures:

8^th graders begin discussing their class trip to Israel.

4th grade field trip to Great Falls

Bryn and Aya draw a picture in their passports on continents day.

Shoshana M. learns about different currency from around the world.

Gesher Green

Spotlight on the Bird Center at Gesher Green

Our last Gesher Green habitat to spotlight is human-made. It is our bird sanctuary. We have done two things to help attract more birds to Gesher. One is our feeder station. Here we have several different feeders hanging from a lovely holder built by Cynthia Rutzick. It is near the playground. We see mostly finches and sparrows here.

The second project is the bird boxes. We have six boxes surrounding the back field. These boxes were specifically built to help the Bluebird population. Bluebirds are related to robins. They are about the same size, but with lovely blue backs. They eat insects, and are very helpful to gardeners and orchardists.

Bluebirds nest in holes in trees. They are not the only ones who nest that way, and competition for good cavities can be great. A generation ago, bluebird populations were very low, partly because there weren't enough good nesting sites. Nesting boxes were designed and built by caring individuals to help the bluebirds. Other small cavity nesters use them too, like wrens, chickadees, titmice and tree swallows.

Monitoring Gesher's boxes is the job of the fourth grade. Come spring, they will learn how to open the boxes. Each week they will look inside to see who, if anyone is living there. They will learn to recognize the nests of different birds, and then watch as the eggs are laid and the babies are raised. The students learn how to keep careful records, as any scientist must. The results are sent to The Virginia Bluebird Society who forwards them to the Cornell University ornithology department. They will use the data to help determine the health of these species.

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)

RSVP 703-962-9216 or dmendelson@gesher-jds.org.

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!

PTO

Thank you to all who attended the Meredith Jacobs event as she discussed her new book Just Between Us. The book is a guided journal for mothers and daughters. Meredith and her daughter, Sophie, credit their journal with opening lines of communication between them during times routinely thought challenging and with creating a closeness and comfort level we all hope to create. Please look for her book today. Thank you to Rochelle Goldberg for bringing this event to Gesher and to Morgan for all his help with set up!

Do you find yourself with some extra candy around the house this time of year? If so, consider turning those sugar-laden calories into a mitzvah by donating the candy to Treats for Our Troops. They collect extra candy and send them off to our troops. There are three collection points: (1) 5635 7th Street North in Arlington; (2) 6133 N 36th street in NW Arlington or (3) 3323 McMahon Road in Silver Spring. Donations are accepted during the first 2 weeks of November. For more info - treats4ourtroops@gmail.com.

Please join us for our First PTO coffee on November 12 when we will be honored to host Orlee R. Turitz, Assistant Director for Leadership Development, Jewish Federation of Greater Washington discussing "Women Making a Difference: "Eve and the Apple that Changed History"

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.

November 19 - Family Kabbalat Shabbat. Please join your child in the gym as we welcome Shabbat together as a community, grades K-5.

Caring Community

Mazel Tov to former gan aide, Marisa Gewertz on the birth of a baby boy, Jordan.

Mazel Tov to our bus driver, Mr. Ennis, and his bride, Octavia, on their upcoming wedding this weekend.

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 memory of Kenneth Barnett

Jane and Marc Shichman

Hattie, Ariella, and Mike Blejer

In memory of Harry Rosenblatt

Jane and Marc Shichman

Hattie, Ariella, and Mike Blejer

In memory of Louise Gabel

Jane and Marc Shichman

Michelle and Steven Stravitz

Esther and Andrew Uscher

Lynne and Donald Sandler

Hatte, Ariella, and Mike Blejer

Judy and Nathan Brown

In memory of Dr. Michael Billinson

Michelle and Steven Stravitz

Ingrid and Zvi Schoenburg

In memory of Harry Weber

Michelle and Steven Stravitz

Ingrid and Zvi Schoenburg

In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Morah Melanie's son, Ben E.

Maria and David Litman

In honor of the Bar Mitzvah of Morah Jackie's son, Avi S.

Maria and David Litman

In honor of the Bat Mitzvah of Moira J.

Ann Bennett

Community Announcements

Faces of Aliyah

Speaker, Orit Tabay

Thursday, November 4, 7:30 PM
Jewish Community Center of Northern Virginia

Please join Orit as she shares the story of her family's journey from Ethiopia to Israel and the many experiences that followed. Learn about the Jewish Ethiopian holiday called Sigd and even participate in some Ethiopian dancing! Click here for more information.

Wondering What to Do with Your Children on the Upcoming Parent-Teacher Conference Days?
The JCC of Northern Virginia's Vacation Day program is the place for Gesher students to have fun, make friends and participate in a variety of enriching activities! We offer full-day care at the JCC of Northern Virginia for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade from 7:30am to 6:00pm.
Cost: $65 for JCCNV Members per day
$75 for Non-Members per day
Interested in all 5 Gesher Vacation Days this school year?
Cost: $60 for JCCNV Members per day
$70 for Non-Members perday

Capital Camps

Capital Camps knows that Jewish identity is best solidified via participation in the two principle tools identified by research as having long-term impact - a quality Jewish Day school and a quality Jewish resident camp. Capital Camps will be offering $1000 incentive grants to new campers who attend Jewish Day Schools. Click here for more information, or contact contact Jon Shapiro at jon@capitalcamps.org. Registration for 2011 is NOW OPEN! Visit www.capitalcamps.org and Register Now!

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

5^th 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

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.

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,

Gesher Jewish Day School

4800 Mattie Moore Court

Fairfax, VA 22030

phone: (703) 978-9789

fax: (703)978-2668

www.gesher-jds.org

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