On The Bridge November 11, 2010
Gesher Jewish Day School 4 Kislev, 5771
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| Shabbat Shalom | |
שבת שלום
Candlelighting: 4:40pm
Vayetzei
ויצא
Genesis: 28:10 - 32:3
Haftarah for Ashkenazim: Hosea 12:13-14:10
Haftarah for Sephardim: Hosea 11:7 - 12:12
Yasher Koach to today's Torah readers: Yaira, Mallory, Jessica, Nico
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| Greetings! | |
Last Monday I attended the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) Annual Conference in Richmond. The theme of the Conference was "Embracing the New Essentials." I brought with me the two large white cubes which are now in our lobby, each displaying four examples of our students' art work. The Gesher blocks were a welcome addition and elicited favorable comment among the other displays of K-12 student artwork in the Richmond Convention Center.
In her keynote address, Ashley Merryman, author of NurtureSchock: New Thinking About Children, addressed the issue of how to tap into student motivation for learning. She emphasized that there are essential differences between intrinsic motivation (based on values generated from within, such as what we call in our tradition, Torah lishmah, learning for its own sake) and extrinsic motivation (such as grades, approval of others, and trinkets). Intrinsic motivation is the goal- it is not only the more long-lasting, it is also self-generating and transferable from one learning situation to the next. Extrinsic motivation is not generally desirable because it tendsto be short term and can extinguish intrinsic motivation.
Along these lines, Ms. Merryman asserted that research shows that in the classroom positive self-esteem is achieved by students as a result of having experienced success in learning and not as a result of having received feel-good words of praise. Indeed, misused praise has a negative impact on self-esteem and on learning. Kids see through it and learn to disassociate greater effort with the outcome desired. Merryman provided us with the following tips on using praise in the classroom:
1. Be honest
2. Scale back
3. Be specific
4. Praise the process (not person)
5. Do not promise future performance
6. Don't confuse/associate praise with encouragement
7. Don't use praise to manipulate
8. Timing is everything
She told us to let our students know that failure is okay- because it is a pre-requisite for self-correction which has strong association with learning. And who are the best students? They are the ones who are the most self-aware and the most reflective.
Shabbat Shalom!
Zvi Schoenburg
Head of School
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| Upcoming Events |
See our full calendar of events!
November 12- PTO Coffee, with guest speaker Orlee Turitz, 8:30 a.m.
- Early Friday Dismissals Begin! 2:30 p.m.
- Report cards go home.
November 13- Dinner with a Twist!
November 15-16 - Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 19- Kabbalat Shabbat - All welcome!
November 23- Grandparents - VIP Day!, 8:30 - 10:30 am
Thanks a Latte!
November 24- Erev Thanksgiving, noon dismissal
November 25-26 - Thanksgiving Break, no school
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| Development and Fundraising | |
Dinner with a Twist is here!
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
Thanks to all the volunteers who made calls at our annual fundraising phone-a-thon on Wednesday evening (Rochelle Goldberg, Miriam Berkowitz, Carol Gordon, Jane Shichman, Mark Rutzick and Zvi Schoenburg). And thank you to all the families who participated by making gifts to Shomrei Gesher. Your gift helps fund all the wonderful learning experiences our children get here at Gesher. We hope to achieve 100% participation by the parents- this is really important to our major donors!
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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| School News |
Calling all Grandparents and Very Important People! Grandparents/VIP Day is NOV 23rd! Invitations are in the mail...
Watch your mail for fabulous invitations for all grandparents and interested community guests to join us in school from 8:30 to10:30 AM on Tuesday, November 23. RSVP online here. We will thank all our Shomrei Gesher (Annual Fund) supporters with a Thanks a Latte breakfast at 8:30 AM.
Please join us in the Chadar Ochel (cafeteria) at 8:30 AM. After brief remarks, our grandparents and VIP guests will visit in classrooms and in the Bet Midrash where they will participate with our students in morning tfillot (prayers), General and Judaic Studies lessons, and our Head Heart and Hand projects. If you know anyone who would like to come and visit, please contact Rebekah Dickinson at rdickinson@gesher-jds.org or 703 962-9209.
Jewish Life in Mr. Lincoln's City
This fall marks the sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) of the election of Abraham Lincoln as President of the United States. We are proud to have on display a special exhibit from the Jewish Historical Society of Greater Washington. It is called, "Jewish Life in Mr. Lincoln's City." Next time you come by the school give yourself a little extra time and treat yourself to a visit to Old Time Washington DC in a particularly poignant era of her history.
Chanukah Musical: The Odd Potato
As in previous years, Gesher will perform an all school Chanukah musical for family and guests at our annual Chanukah family celebration. This year, the celebration will be the eighth night of Chanukah, Wednesday, Dec 8th. The story of the Odd Potato is a charming adaptation about siblings and their challenges to having a family Chanukah celebration. Each elementary grade has a featured song to perform and they are busy learning their song in music class. Selected performers from our Middle School serve to narrate and act out the story to tie the songs altogether!
A pre-show dinner by Z-tov will again be coordinated by the PTO.To make reservations for your family visit https://www.gesher-jds.org/rsvp.php . The cost is $10 per dinner. As always, our afterschool program is available on a drop-in basis if it is more convenient for you to meet your child(ren) here at Gesher at 5:45pm for dinner and then the program. Please do provide notice to Meredith Parnes mparnes@gesher-jds.org if you'd like to take advantage of afterschool drop-in care that Wednesday; there will be a flat $10 charge. We will be staffing as necessary for the number of children who RSVP.
Whether or not you plan to join us for dinner, all students are asked to report to the Gesher gym no later than 6:30 that evening, where parent volunteers will be ready to help the children get into their places, costumes and warm up their voices! The gym will be open to parents at 6:55 for audience seating and the performance begins at 7pm. The show will run around one hour. We look forward to celebrating Chanukah with our school community! Thanks to so many volunteers, both PTO and classroom parents who are helping with many aspects of the evenings festivities and show!
Poster Contest!
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. Depict A Brother and Sister Celebrating Chanukah with a menorah carved out of a potato!
The Contest is Open to All Gesher Students, gr. K-8
Grand Prize: A New Gesher Duffel Bag!
Posters Due: Friday, Nov 19
Noted Author, Myla Goldberg, Visits Gesher
Preceding her evening appearance at the JCCNV Book Fair, tonight, November 11, well-acclaimed author of The Bee Season and The False Friend, Myla Goldberg, visited Gesher to meet with our seventh and eighth grade students and discuss what it's like to write fiction and get your writing published.
Thank you to the Kaplan family
For their donation of the 4 DVD set of the recent documentary 'LIFE' narrated by Oprah Winfrey. It is a state-of-the-art amazingly filmed BBC co-production that will be a great tool to learn about LIFE SCIENCE for any student.
Mishkan T'filah
We are pleased to enhance our Middle School tfillot (prayers) with the addition of a new set of the Mishkan T'filah Siddur. Mishkan T'filah has taken the Reform movement by storm since its publication in 2007 by the Central Conference of American Rabbis. From the layout of the pages to the original content there is much for us to learn!
Invention Convention!
Since last year we have been holding an INVENTION CONVENTION with the 3rd Grade, at the end of their unit of 'Ideas & Inventions'. Third graders receive specific instructions from their teacher and fulfill their assignment according to a rubric, which will carry their ultimate grade.
According to Mr. Ackerman this year surpassed all expectations. The enthusiasm, punctuality and ingenuity of all 21 students proved contagious. "As a class, this 3rd Grade deserves an whole A".
Some of the inventions submitted were 'Compostacar' 'Cochlea Aid' 'Water Purifier' 'Sibling Entertainer', etc. The exhibit end this Friday, November 12, outside the Science Lab. See pictures below!
Pictures:
 | Kitah Gimel's Invention Convention!
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 | | Kitah Gimel's Invention Convention! |
 | Gan and Kitah Alef students enjoy a visit from Frog and Toad.
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 | Stephanie and Abby S. measure salt to make a salt relief map of VA.
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 | Kitah Dalet students make salt relief maps of Virginia.
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 | Kitah Gimel demonstrates a dance during Native American Day.
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 | Kitah Gimel students give a presentation on Native American Day.
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| Gesher Green |
 Help Wanted
The Gesher Green team would like to plant two native trees on the side of the playground. Someone has offered us saplings, but we need to move them. We need help! We would like to do this on Sunday, Nov. 21. Please contact jleckert@gesher-jds.org if you are available.
Gallon jugs needed
Please send in CLEAN gallon milk or juice jugs. Gesher Green needs them for a project. |
| 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 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!
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 | |
 This week I turn my keyboard over to PTO Vice President, Amy Friedman, who will be taking over the weekly PTO column to OTB. Before I completely relinquish my soap box, I would like to take some space to say "Thank You" to all the parents who have already given of themselves this year to the many programs and events that make Gesher such a special place. Thank you to our room parents who make so much happen. Thank you to the PTO officers, Amy, Julia, Naomi, Dana for all your countless hours of hard work, support and good humor. You are delightful and Gesher is lucky to have all of you. Last, but never least, thank you to my Co-President Michelle Nash. Michelle is steadfastly dependable, incredibly competent, and forward-thinking. She puts in more hours and effort than really anyone knows and she does all this with a selfless dedication to our school and kids, all the while being a pretty fabulous mom to her four kids. I thank you, Michelle, for your work. You are a wonderful co-president. I thank you most of all for the gift of your friendship. Cynthia
And a huge thank you to Cynthia for all her hard work and effort on behalf of all the families at Gesher. We are very fortunate to have two such dedicated and talented co-presidents leading the PTO forward. Amy
Now the announcements....
Join us for the first Mishpachat Gesher (PTO) Coffee this Friday morning Nov. 12 at 8:45. Reconnect with old friends and meet new ones, all while listening to a dynamic speaker over coffee and pastries. We are honored to host Orlee R. Turitz, Director of the Jewish Leadership Institute of The Jewish Federation of Greater Washington and an Executive Leadership Coach. She will be discussing "Women Making a Difference: Eve and the Apple that Changed History." Come hear an inspiring talk, schmooze and have a nosh.
There are just a couple more days to donate candy to Treats 4 Our Troops. So if you have some unwanted candy lying about the house, consider doing a mitzvah and dropping it at one of the following collection points to be sent to our troops: (1) 5635 7th Street North in Arlington, (2) 6133 N. 36th Street in NW Arlington, and (3) 3323 McMahon Road in Silver Spring. For more information, email treats4ourtroops@gmail.com.
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.
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Caring Community
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Mazel Tov to Avi S. on his Bar Mitzvah.
Mazel Tov again to Mr. Ennis and Octavia on their wedding! Mr. Ennis wrote the following in the wedding program: "Gesher Jewish Day School. To the President, faculty, staff, parents and students of the Gesher Jewish Day School, I would be remiss to not mention your love and support of me through the years. It has truly been one of my greatest pleasures to be part of such a fine institution. Thank you."
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| 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 Yehezkel Anglister
Jon and Judy Gabel
In memory of Ken Barnett
Jon and Judy Gabel
Roni and Neil Stern
Susan and Harvey Blumenthal
In memory of Harry Rosenblatt
Jon and Judy Gabel
In memory of Dr. Michael Billinson
Jon and Judy Gabel
In memory of Harry Weber
Jon and Judy Gabel
In honor of Avi S.'s Bar Mitzvah
Jon and Judy Gabel
Vicki and Simon Fishman
Elizabeth Whisnant and Kevin Hopkins
In honor of Ben E.'s Bar Mitzvah
Jon and Judy Gabel
Vicki and Simon Fishman
In memory of Louise Gabel
Vicki and Simon Fishman
Miriam and Jeffery Berkowitz
Roni and Neil Stern
Judy and Nathan Brown
Susan and Harvey Blumenthal
Zell and Phillip Rosenfelt
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| Community Announcements |
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra
The Fairfax Symphony Orchestra's Student Passport Club is growing! Our next concert is coming up, and we invite students ages 6-18 to join our club and attend the performance on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 8:00 p.m. at George Mason University's Center for the Arts in Fairfax.
FSO CONCERT INFORMATION:
Date and Time: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 8:00 p.m.
Location: George Mason University's Center for the Arts.
Cost: STUDENT TICKETS ARE ONLY $5 and adult tickets begin at $25.
Repertoire: Works by Rossini, Adams, and Mendelssohn
Guest Conductor: Eckart Preu
Soloist: Violinist Tim Fain, a "charismatic young violinist with a matinee idol profile, strong musical instincts, and first rate chops." (Boston Globe)
Parking: Free in Lot K; event parking fee in garage
No Reservations Required! Students may join the club any time. Tickets will be available beginning at 6:00 p.m., and should be picked up by 7:30 p.m. to avoid last minute rush lines. Students must be present to purchase the $5 student tickets. All ticket-holders are invited to a free, pre-concert discussion at 7:00 p.m.
Kids Night Out- Kick Off Event
On Saturday night, November 13th 2010, you can enjoy an evening alone while your children come to the JCC for a fun filled night of activities!
For one Saturday night a month, we are open and are looking forward to spending some quality time with your kids! The evening leisurely begins at 6:30 PM with some fun and games, followed by some sports, arts and crafts, swimming and ends with a movie and nighttime snack! Your children will be ready for pick up and bed just around 10:00 PM. Click here for more information!
Where & When
8900 Little River Turnpike
Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Saturday November 13, 2010
6:30PM - 10:00PM
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. Click herefor more information!
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
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
MJBHA Upper School Hebrew Academy Dramatic Arts Society presents Get Smart by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry. 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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