We are pleased to announce this year's Tikkun Olam winner for Gesher's Annual Spring Gala: Candace Nachman.  We are thrilled she accepted the honor and will be joining us on March 27 to receive her award.

Many in the community nominated Candace.  The criteria on which we based our decision:

Gesher Guardian of the Bridge Event - Tikkun Olam Award 

The Gesher Guardian of the Bridge Tikkun Olam Award was established to recognize a Gesher Alumnus for the Mitzvot of Tzedakah and G'milut Hassadim (acts of loving-kindness).  The award is given to a former student who has applied the Jewish principles and values learned at Gesher to make a positive impact in the world.

Let there be light!

NOVEC power company is confident that they can restore all power to their customers in Northern Virginia very soon.  Coming into Shabbat, the school still has only partial power, but we trust that power will return by Sunday.  We will let you know of any alternative plans if needed, before the coming school week.
 

Yasher Koach to the Gesher United Boy's Basketball Team on their first win!       
 

Yasher Koach to Kitah Gimel on their Amidah Siyum!

Recycled Art

For our Middle School interdisciplinary week and "Junk Art" units, Ms. Wolin needs clean plastic soda bottles, soda cans, paper tubes of various sizes, egg cartons, old cds, buttons, hardware(screws and washers etc) dowels, skewers, fabric, round things and any other recycled materials that are interesting and can be used to create.
 
 

Spotlight on Gesher Students and Alumni!

Want to hear about current Gesher students doing amazing things in the community?  Wondering what those Gesher Alumni are up to?  Click here to view Gesher Students in the Spotlight, and click here to view the Gesher Alumni Page.  You may be able to find out who...

• danced in 11 performances of the Nutcracker
• volunteers with the Rockville Fire/EMS Department
• plays clarinet in the McLean Youth Orchestra
• is the next International Sh'licha for the International Board of B'nai B'rith Girls
• preformed in the Little Theatre of Alexandria's production of Oliver! 
• recently placed first all-around at the Commonwealth Cup Gymnastics Competition 
   

Parents who carpool to school:

We are planning for your transportation needs for next school year.  As always, we will work to do all we can to meet the needs of individual families, while maintaining an efficient route.  We would like to know if you anticipate using the bus or car service next year or would like to request service or suggest a bus stop.  Please email dmendelson@gesher-jds.org to let us know.  Thank you!

Pictures will appear in next week's edition of On the Bridge.
 

Seeing G-d Through Trees

Our Tu B'Shevat celebration this year was a very interesting discussion and exercise in observations.  Jeanne Leckert visited the elementary classes (grades 1-5) and Josh Gensler worked with the Middle Schoolers.  In each class, the leaders brought tree parts, and children each chose one.  We spent some time REALLY looking at it and making careful observations.  Then we read a piece by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner containing a midrash about two of the lucky people who crossed the Red Sea.  For these particular people, there was no miracle, only mud.  It then compared them to Jacob, who dreamed of the ladder and angels.  When he woke up he realized that G-d was there and he hadn't known it.  After hearing this passage, we talked about what it means to be fully aware of what's going on around us, and why that's important.  Finally we came up with ways to bless trees and thank them for all they give us.  Hearing the responses from the children was very interesting and insightful. 

The Gan had a different celebration.  The guest of honor at their Tu B'Shevat program was "Blue Box Bob," from the Jewish National Fund.  He told them all about planting trees in Israel.  Everyone had a great time.

Check it out!

If you go to Google maps, (http://maps.google.com) and type in our address (4800 Mattie Moore Ct) you will get a great "bird's eye view" of the campus and building.  If you go to the maximum magnification, you can see the courtyard with its rough outline of the state of Israel.  It looks great!

Tired of the frigid weather? Does the realization that it's not even February yet have you down? Here are some PTO events you can look forward to warming up to in March.

Mishloach Manot  -- ordering, assembly and delivery

Purim Carnival

Book Collection for the 3rd Annual Gesher Used Book Sale -- SAVE YOUR BOOKS!!!   

PTO Coffee: March 11 - Learning to navigate the internet safely for your child - with Officer Twombly of the Fairfax County Police Department

We are all members of the PTO and your participation is always welcomed. If you'd like to volunteer to help with an event, and in the process meet other parents and have some fun, go to the Gesher homepage, click on "My Gesher" and then "Volunteer Sign-Up." Or just talk to any PTO Board member.

Thank you for the opportunity to keep you abreast of PTO happenings this quarter. For the 3rd quarter, I'll be turning over this column to our very capable PTO Secretary, Julia Malakoff. First though I'd like to thank all the parents who have given of their time and energy to help keep the PTO and our school vibrant. A very special thank you to Michelle Nash and Cynthia Rutzick, PTO Co-Presidents, for their indefatigable spirit and hard work.

Mitzvah Coupon Donations will appear in next week's edition of On the Bridge.

 
Crumbs kosher bakery opened up in Arlington!
 

Olam Tikvah Sisterhood invites the community to an afternoon of Food, Fashion & Fun!

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.