On The Bridge June 16, 2011
Gesher Jewish Day School 14 Sivan, 5771
|
|
|
| Shabbat Shalom | |
שבת שלום
Candlelighting: 8:19pm
Sh'lach
שלח־לך
Torah Portion: Numbers 13:1- 15:41
Haftarah: Joshua 2:1 - 2:24
Yasher Koach to today's Torah readers: Sophia A., Sam M.
|
|
|
| Greetings! |
Our school year is drawing to an end- one more day! Our children will be advancing another grade in their school careers. When all is said and done the many lessons learned day by day this school year meld in with the pre-existent knowledge base which our children's sophisticated brains have been constructing and reconstructing every day since they were born. The children's understanding of themselves has ben forming all the while, too. On behalf of our faculty we feel privileged to have contributed our part. We will miss our graduates and are very proud of them and their accomplishments here at Gesher. Each one added something special to the mix. A big thank you to the grads and to their parents for their support over the years. Mazel tov and yasher koach to: Mallory, Coby, Natalie, Ilan, Sarah, Emmett, Yaira, Zach, Morgan, Daniel, Jessica, Ianne, and Arielle! Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Mr. Ennis in the hospital and deliver to him a check for $6,312, donations from over 50 Gesher families and teachers. Mr. Ennis, and his wife, Octavia, were incredibly moved and grateful. They wanted us to know that they are truly blessed to be connected to our school. Since I first met Mr. Ennis seven years ago, I've always been grateful to him for how purely he expresses his deeply seated faith. Yesterday again, he said it simply, "G-d is good!" Shabbat Shalom! Best wishes for a wonderful summer!
Zvi Schoenburg Head of School |
| Upcoming Events |
See our full calendar of events!
June 16- MS Dance
June 17 - Bridging Ceremony, gr. K-2, 8:30 a.m
- Bizz- Buzz Spelling Bee, 8:30 a.m.
- ES Awards Ceremony, gr. 3-5, 11:15 a.m.
- End of School- noon dismissal
- PTO Picnic, noon
parents are welcome- join us for all of the above special activities!
September 6- Back to School!
|
|
|
|
|
School News
| |
Click here to view the latest article on Gesher in the Washington Jewish Week!
Thank you to all of the students and families who contributed to the School Supply Drive. The supplies will be given out at the beginning of next school year to families in our community who need. 2011-2012 School Year Bus Information. Click here to view the 2011-2012 Bus Letter Click here to view the 2011-2012 Bus Contract Click here to view the 2011-2012 Bus Schedule 2011-2012 ABC Information- Early bird discount for families who sign up by June 22nd! Click here to view the 2011-2012 ABC Brochure Click here to view the 2011-2012 ABC Contract Click here to view the 2011-2012 ABC Bank Debit Authorization Form Gesher alumni who are gradutating in 2011 have been accepted to the following schools: This is a partial list, if you can fill us in on what our other alumni will be up to please contact [email protected]. American University, University of Arizona, Charleston College, Christopher Newport, Culinary Institute of America, Eckerd College, Emory University, George Mason University, Indiana University, James Madison University, Johnson & Wales University, Longwood, Mary Washington, University of Maryland, McGill, University of Michigan, Northeastern, Penn State, SUNY Binghamton, Syracuse, Tufts, VCU, Virginia Tech, Washington University, William & Mary. Two alumni will be spending a year in Israel next year, and Samantha L. will be the International Nesiah of BBYO. Yasher Koach to all of our wonderful Gesher Alumni! Pictures of the Week:  | |
Kitah Gimel students enjoy the Roman Feast!
|
 | |
Kitah Dalet students during their Jewish History Presentations
|
 | |
Zev S. presents his World War II project at a class exhibition
|
 | |
Kitah Chet students dig up their buried time capsule!
|
 | |
Award winners from the Middle School Awards Ceremony.
|
 | |
Kitah Chet graduates receive their diplomas!
|
 | |
The graduating class of 2011!
|
|
Gesher Green
| |
Garden Help Wanted!
The garden beds that the children have planted all look beautiful! There are lots of delicious vegetables and herbs available already, and many more on the way. These plots will need to be maintained over the summer. Gesher Green is looking for 3 or 4 volunteers who love eating fresh, organic food and don't mind getting a bit dirty! With 3 or 4 volunteers, each family only needs to come two or three times all summer. A schedule will be created around everyone's vacation/camp/swim team activities. You will be responsible for harvesting, and for helping weed the beds. Bring the children. Many of them love to work in the gardens.
Also, we have some beds whose crops are finished for the season. Those plots are available if someone would like to plant in them. It's very nice soil and already fenced against deer, rabbits, etc.
If you would like to help in the garden contact Mrs. Leckert at [email protected]
|
Head, Heart, and Hand
| |
Yasher Koach to all of our students who have worked so hard this year on their Head, Heart and Hand Tzedakah Projects!
Kindergarten theme: Welcoming Guests - Gan students raised $250 for the Red Cross at the Shushan Bakery!
1st Grade theme: Kindness to Animals - Kitah Alef students raised $222 for the Humane Society of Fairfax County
2nd Grade theme: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself - Kitah Bet students raised $157.61 to provide four birthday parties for kids in Israel through the Birthday Angels organization
3rd Grade: Visiting the Sick - Kitah Gimel students made 2 quilts for the Ronald McDonald House. They have also been collecting soda can tabs throughout the school year.
4th Grade theme: Opening the Eyes of the Blind - Kitah Dalet students raised $105.50 for the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind
5th Grade theme: How wondrous are all of Gods Creations - Kitah Hay raised $76.80 for the Jewish Foundation for Group Homes. The families of kitah hay also contributed to a shower to outfit the new Berish Family Group Home in Annandale.
|
| PTO | |
Mazel tov to our new PTO board for 2011-12!
As we say goodbye to the current school year, Cynthia and I wanted to thank all of the parents who stepped up time and again to help make the school year truly special for our kids. We are so proud to be part of such an active, caring community. Cynthia Rutzick has been the driving force behind most of our new initiatives the last couple of years and I want to especially thank her for all her time, her commitment, and most of all her unceasing energy. I also want to thank Naomi Hutchins, Amy Friedman, Julia Malakoff and Dana Goldstein who are some of the hardest working moms in our school and each of whom has done tremendous work for the PTO this year. We hope everyone can join us for one final party after school ends on Friday. If you can help with the picnic, please send an e-mail to our fabulous event chair- Sigi Saadia ( [email protected]). Thanks for a phenomenal year! -- Michelle Nash
Yasher Koach to our PTO Officers Elected for the 2011-2012 School Year: Co-Presidents: Michael Frame and Chris Matricciani Vice-President: Amy Friedman Secretary: Karen Kapen Treasurer: Naomi Hutchins 
Keep sending in those Box Tops!
|
| Development and Fundraising | |
It was August of last year that the Dickinson family packed up the car with the last few remaining items in our Atlanta home, loaded the dogs, the cat and the kids, and hit the road for the 13 hour drive to Virginia. After three crazy weeks in July of packing, moving, and preparing a home for sale after 10 years, we spent two weeks unpacking and acclimating to our new hometown.
We were filled with many emotions, excited to embark on the journey.
On September 7, Rachel, Abigail and Avah took their seats at their Gesher desks for the first time, as I set foot in the Development office a week earlier, ready to take on the challenges and opportunities that awaited. The warmth of our community's welcome, the embracing of our family and the care shown our children, was overwhelming. We felt "at home" right away, part of the Gesher family from day one.
Since then, we have successfully completed numerous events, projects, campaigns, and programs, all designed to raise much-needed money for our school, expand and improve the programs and services for our children, and elevate the community's support and involvement with Gesher. From car magnets to community-wide Expos, we continue to promote the vitality of our Jewish community in Northern Virginia and the value of a sustained Jewish Community Day School as essential for our future.
There is no way to thank our volunteers enough because all of the above simply cannot happen without your help. Committee and volunteer-driven events and programs are the life-blood of development, so I want to take this opportunity to thank you so much for all you've done and continue to do to help me do my job. Hopefully yours was a positive and fulfilling experience and know that my door remains open.
Below is just a brief list of all we accomplished since September:
- Dinner with a Twist
- Phon-a-Thon
- Fine Arts Campaign
- Quiet-phase of our Capital Campaign
- All the Magic that is Gesher
- Installation of new sound, lighting and curtains for our stage
- Another Phon-a-Thon
- Israel Courtyard Dedication
- Annual Meeting with a first-ever Annual Report
- NoVA Bar/Bat Mitzvah Expo '11, collaborating with the JCCNV and the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington
- Announcement of The Campaign for Gesher: Securing Vibrant Community (on-going)
Please look for our Annual Donor Report as part of the Summer Edition of the Gesher Gazette in late July. Summer is the time to plan, as the coming months are not punctuated with the daily and weekly drivers seen during the school year. It is also filled with fabulous projects and goals that require the kind of time only summer can offer, preparing for another spectacular experience together.
May next year be even more successful, with objectives accomplished, and some laughs, too!
My best to everyone for a wonderful summer,
Rebekah
 | |
Michelle Stravitz addresses both Ann Bennett and Miriam Berkowitz during Gesher's 29th Annual Meeting. Michelle is Gesher's outgoing VP of Long-Range Planning, Ann is our outgoing President, and Miriam was installed that evening as Gesher's new President.
|
Thank you to everyone who participated in the GIANT A+ School Rewards Program this year! Gesher received a check for $331.84, which can be used in our school for any educational need!
|
Caring Community
| |
Mazel Tov to the Golden Family on the birth of Vivian Rose!
Mr. and Mrs. Ennis sincerely thank everyone who contributed to help out with Mr. Ennis' medical expenses.
|
| 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 Rebekah Dickinson (and all she does for Gesher) Laura and Daniel Strouse In honor of Sophia A.'s Bat Mitzvah The Gesher Faculty and Staff In honor of Cynthia Rutzick and Michelle Nash for their hard work and dedication to Gesher Vicki and Simon Fishman In honor of Liz and Peter Maer's new grandchildren: Orli Erin Maer and Shira Lila Magden Michelle and Steven Stravitz In honor of Susan and Bill Kristol's daughter's engagement Michelle and Steven Stravitz Miriam and Jeffrey Berkowitz In honor of our grandchildren, Daniel and Jonathan S. Joan and Charles Hershkowitz In honor of Michelle Nash and Cynthia Rutzick for their two years of service as PTO Presidents, and all the wonderful programs they organized. Thank you - Todah Rabah! The Gesher Board of Directors In memory of Phyrne Pitkin Julia Pitkin-Shantz and Mark Shantz In honor of Nathan's Award Julia Pitkin-Shantz and Mark Shantz In memory of Grace Schonberger Iris and Biff Henley In memory of Gloria Sitrin Iris and Biff Henley In memory of Bob Greenbaum Iris and Biff Henley In honor of Mollie Abraham's special birthday Iris and Biff Henley Refuah Schlemah to Joan Edelman Iris and Biff Henley |
| Community Announcements | |
Please click on the links below to view each flyer.
The Washington Jewish Week is now available for purchase from the newsstand in the office for $1
JSSA offers the attached Parent Guide to Major School Transitions.
Youth and Adult Weekend Karate Classes
Multi-sports camp this summer at the JCCNV
Join Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts!
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
|
|
|
Address or Email Changes
If you have changes to your email or mailing address, please send them to [email protected] so we can update your information. If you wish to be removed from the "On the Bridge" e-letter distribution list, please do not use the "SafeUnsubscribe" link below unless you wish to be removed from all email correspondence from Gesher Jewish Day School.
| |
|
|
