TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

I have come to believe that no parent or teacher knows the way a child's life will unfold, or the inimitable mix of talents and circumstances, accidents and opportunities that they will have. But what we do know is that when children immerse themselves passionately and joyfully in their work, they learn, and they grow, in ways that constantly surprise and humble us. Teaching all skills, in every field and discipline, requires good coaching. What parent or teacher hasn't been humbled by the realization that we are never in direct control of what our children learn? The best we can do is to "get to know them," to provide them with inspiring examples and clear feedback, to let them make their own mistakes, and to do our utmost to help them succeed.

That's why I believe that "sparking passion" is so central to teaching and to learning, why meaningful education is always personal, and why our children's successes, small or large, are always uplifting. The teachers here at the Gordon School are all about personal relationships with students and "sparking that passion" in our children. As we have reflected this week on TEACHER APPRECIATION I am reminded again how much I value that special quality of our teachers to truly connect with our children. TODAH RABA to our faculty... May you go from strength to strength.

Shabbat Shalom

Steve Bogad, Head of Day School & Tikvah Center

TO MOM, WITH LOVE

Mothers hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.  

The ECC children spent a festive week honoring their moms!  Conversations revolved around reasons why moms are loved, the children noted similarities and differences between how people and animals care for their babies, and the teachers read stories that enriched this special celebration. The language charts that captured the children's thoughts are priceless!  I invite you to stop by and read them, your heart will melt!  This theme truly provided a wonderful springboard to explore and promote literacy skills and language acquisition . . . who doesn't want to express how they feel about their mommy?  Today, we wrapped up this special week with a Mother's Day Shabbat, and the love could be felt all around us!

One of the privileges of working with young children is that we have the opportunity to watch them reach milestones on a daily basis.  Right about this time of the year, we look at each one and we see such growth. We strive to nurture, challenge and encourage the children but most importantly, we continue to empower them to achieve whatever they set their minds to.

To all the moms who entrust us with their precious jewels, I wish you a Happy Mother's Day, and every day thereafter.

Shabbat Shalom,

Sandra Huzenman, M.S.

Early Childhood Director/Kindergarten Pedagogical Liaison