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Mrs. Burov's Kita Dalet (4th grade Jewish Studies class) in costume for their video clip, see it here.
  
This Week

by Carla Goldberg

Preschool Director

 

This is my 23rd year teaching Passover at Akiba-Schechter. I love that we have so many traditions that we teach from year to year - the songs, the plagues, making a Seder plate and a Haggadah. Yet I also love and am specifically struck by how thoughtful and intentional the teachers have been in their planning for their specific classrooms this year. Each teaching team has really looked at the make-up of their classroom and has planned according to their children's strengths and interests. Each teacher has thought about what is the essence of the holiday that they want to convey to their class this year.  

Families join for the Model Seder in the Purple Kindergarten.

This thinking has created some very meaningful experiences for our students at Akiba-Schechter. For example, the Ready!Set!Go! classroom created a unique Haggadah this year. They have continued their ongoing study of printmaking and used that technique throughout the Haggadah. They also have photos of the children doing yoga poses for the ten plagues. The Downstairs Green Room focused on acting out the story - complete with costumes for the Israelites and the Egyptians. In the Lime Room at Akiba 2 the children love to act things out, so the teachers took photos of the children acting out the ten plagues. In the Yellow Room at Akiba 2 the children painted their feet and made a mural of the Israelites leaving Egypt. The Kindergarten classes sang a special song in Hebrew to learn the order of the Seder. There are many more examples I could give about the creative and intentional teaching and learning that is happening around preparing for Passover.

 

I hope that as parents you are able to witness this learning through your children's actions. One parent shared with a teacher that when she went to buckle her two-year-old into his car seat he shouted, "I want my freedom!" Now this is a child who understands the essence of Passover!

 

I wish everyone a wonderful Passover and spring vacation!


The four sons and the Hagaddah - fabulous video by Kita Dalet!
Mrs. Burov's Kita Dalet wrapped up their Passover unit by learning the song "Four Sons" by Naomi Shemmer and creating this fun little video to wish everybody a Happy Passover!
Preschool Update
The Upstairs Yellow Room kids practice their Passover songs with Carla and Danya.

This week, the Upstairs Yellow Room has been busy preparing for their Passover Seder! After weeks of working, the children have finally completed their Hagaddot and are so excited to bring them home tomorrow! They have also been busy preparing their songs and story for their classroom Seder, practicing with Carla, their special guest leader, almost every day!

Pajama Day in the Purple Kindergarten! (Remember, the Israelites had to leave Egypt in the middle of the night, so they probably were wearing their pajamas, right?)

This week the Purple Kindergarten cooked up a storm getting ready for their Passover Seder along with putting on the finishing touches to a very special Passover package that is being sent home this week. On Tuesday, the kids all dressed in their pajamas and pretended they were the Jewish people leaving Egypt in the middle of the night. Even though it was a sad time in Egypt, they had tons of fun being at school in their pajamas! Then on Wednesday, the children sang the four questions with pride at their Seder and then at the end, Yuri Lane, a parent in the class, did an interactive beat box performance about the ten plagues. There was a lot of shaking, moving and grooving going on between the parents and the children.   


Grades 1-8 Update
Major planning and detailed work goes into these pyramids in Mr. Esse's History class.

The first and second graders in Mr. Salk's class have been having a lot of fun with words lately. Besides thinking about their favorite words - zamboni, beluga, shmaltz, and Ashkenazi, for example - they are or will be writing all kinds of poems, including rhyming poems, haiku, limericks, cinquains, and one we call a "snail" poem. Here's an example:

 Love by Jacob

They have brought me a dog.

Inside it barks
a song.
My heart
swells with love,
with small octopi
of red.

They have brought me a dog.

 

Mr. Esse's 5th/6th History classes have taken their small pyramid project and extended it into a major endeavor. They started with only sugar cubes and glue in their attempt to replicate the four major structures on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, namely the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre and Manakare, along with the Sphinx. Focusing on problem solving, the students were only given the dimensions of the pyramids without any other instruction. They then had to figure out how to build their pyramids with limited supplies. Some students decided to incorporate cardboard. Others used styrofoam. The planning and problem-solving has been excellent. Both classes hope to finish shortly after Pesach break and are looking forward to showing the rest of the school their hard work.

 

Mrs. Burov's Kita Hey and Vav (5th/6th Hebrew class) learned about fables. First they read a sample fable and discussed its purpose. They then read and analyzed known some of Aesop's fables, as well as legends and even Bible fables such as Yotam's Fable (in Shoftim [Judges]), the fable of the poor's sheep (in Samuel), the fable of the vineyard (Isaiah). Finally the class had a fable festival: Every student introduced the class to a fable, explained it and eventually the class chose one fable to write in the style of a poem.  

On the Afikoman Hunt in Mrs. Burov's Kita Gimmel

Mrs. Burov's Kita Gimmel (3rd grade Hebrew class) worked hard on their Avdut (slavery)/Cherut (freedom) unit as part of their Passover preparations. As a reward, they played "Hunt the Afikoman." The entire class split into four groups (every group had a different color) and started the hunt using riddles that led them from one station to another and eventually to the Afikoman. At every station they had to show their knowledge and decode the message that contained the next clue. They all had a great time!

 

In Ms. Rotfeld's Science classes, the 5th and 6th grade students are wrapping up their unit on evolution by creating two timelines:  a world and history of the Earth timeline and a personal and world events that happened in their lifetimes. They have been learning how both humans and the Earth have changed over time. The 7th and 8th graders wrapped up their study of behaviors of gasses by participating in several labs using a micro vacuum apparatus. They boiled room temperature water by reducing the pressure and inflated a balloon with minimal air in it by pulling the air out of the bell jar. Now they have moved on to the Periodic table. Students will be creating films, board games and PowerPoints to explain various groups on the Periodic table.

3rd/4th graders play a "pronoun game" in Ms. Gorosh's class on their Smartboard.

The students in Ms. Gorosh's 3rd/4th grade class have become grammar experts. They are currently studying homophones and pronouns more in depth. To practice pronouns, they played an interesting puzzle strategy game on the Smartboard. They were divided into teams and had to figure out how to make a path to their side connecting the pronouns. They had a great time and are now pronoun experts!

  

Mrs. Gold's 6th grade class has been focusing on discovering new ideas and Divrei Torah for the Pesach Seder. Each student created his or her own Hagaddah that can be used at their families' Seder. They listened to each other's questions and came up with interesting and thoughtful answers.  

 

In our learning of Sefer Shmuel (the Book of Samuel), Mrs. Gold's 7/8th grade Tanach class has been getting to know King David and has reached a difficult Perek (chapter) in his life. They talked about the attitude towards sinning in the Tanach. One opinion suggested that our ancestors were not perfect, and we see their mistakes in order to learn from them, and another opinion views the people in the Tanach as perfect and on a totally different level. The students discussed the value of each opinion before they began learning the chapter of David's mistake.  
Tova and Rivka work on a Chesed Passover project.

Amidst their Hagaddah and Pesach preparation, Mrs. Brackman's and Mrs. Gold's Jewish Thought classes found time to do an act of Chesed in their class. They prepared Pesach activity bags for Jewish children who will be in a hospital over the holiday. They worked together to create a bag with a fun project to help children enjoy the holiday even though they are not feeling well.

 

Art with Debbie
Julia and Claire work on Nile crocodiles.

Kindergarten artists folded origami Jumping Frogs, which they decorated quite adorably. They also cut, folded, and embellished Nile Crocodiles made from colored paper, adding scales, wiggle eyes, and other fanciful features.

 

1st grade artists created wonderful metallic-looking pictures.  They drew simple motifs with craft glue, letting it dry before painting over it in their choice of gold, silver, or copper tempera paint; finally, they "antiqued" their art pieces with shoe polish giving it an "oxidized patina". These amazing works really have the appearance of metal!

 

2nd grade artists made large, simple origami boxes into which they designed Pesach-related dioramas; some had their dioramas depicting plagues, while other students' dioramas represented seders. Either way they were very beautiful and exquisitely detailed.

 

3rd and 4th grade artists cut, folded, and decorated 20-facet dodecahedron models from a single sheet of paper. The most challenging part of the project was the precreasing of the pattern along all of its dotted lines. The final step, namely taping their models together, took three or four hands to accomplish, so everyone worked together, holding each other's models in place while the other person taped. It was fun and the models were beautiful!

 

The Library is Looking for New Media Interns
by Thea Crook
Librarian

As this semester draws to a close and we join with family and friends for Pesach, I wanted to be sure that our parents are aware of the opportunity that we have created for 6th, 7th and 8th graders to raise money for their 8th grade Israel trips. Students can apply to become media interns in the library. They are trained to use the digital catelogue, to sort and shelve books by color code and genre and to come up with creative ideas to make the library a destination of choice at Akiba-Schechter.

For every hour that a student works in the library, she or he can earn $8.00 that is applied toward the trip.  Our current interns have earned hundreds of dollars towards their trips.  Please contact me for more information and I'd be happy to show you what we've accomplished this year and what I have in mind for next year.  I'm always eager to hear suggestions from you and your children and I look forward to collaborating with you in the year ahead. The best way to reach me is by email.
 
Have a meaningful Passover!
Silent Auction: Summer Camp Deals!

Thinking about overnight camp for your child, but haven't decided? Check out these two late additions to the Silent Auction - unbelievable values!!

Here is a fabulous opportunity for a first time camper who has not yet registered.

 

Camp Nageela

 

A full-session of camp for a first time camper! Located on 550 wooded acres in Marshall, Indiana, Camp Nageela Midwest features miles of undisturbed nature trails and waterfalls. Our campus boasts a heated outdoor pool, low & high ropes challenge courses complete with a five-story climbing wall and zip line. The arts center will delight the creative, while our professional sports fields, state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts and six outdoor covered basketball courts are sure to impress the most competitive sports enthusiast. Warm, caring, and professional staff are at the core of Nageela, ensuring safe unforgettable summers year after year. Camp Nageela Midwest is accredited by the American Camping Association.  Value: $2,495  Opening bid: $800

 

Camp Nageela - Scuba Diving Certification - can be used by a returning camper.

 

Looking for a Unique Jewish Camp experience this summer? Join the Scuba Diving Certification Program this summer at Camp Nageela. Professional Courses taught to receive PADI Open Water Scuba Certification that lasts a lifetime and can be used worldwide!  Purchaser must pay camp tuition.. A $500 value being offered for $200. 

 

If interested in either opportunity, please call Debbie Schneider at 312-208-0427 during the Passover break. 

Issue Number
April 11, 2014
Volume 10, Issue 28
Candlelighting: 7:07 p.m.
Parasha: Acharei Mot
In This Issue
This Week
Preschool Update
Grades 1-8
Art with Debbie
Library Interns Wanted
Silent Auction Deal
Dvar Torah
Quick Links

Parent Portal

 School Calendar 

 

Like us on Facebook    Visit our blog   View our videos on YouTube
Dates to Remember
Friday, April 11
Passover Break Begins
Monday, April 14
First Seder in the Evening
 
Thursday, April 24
Classes Resume
Wednesday, April 30
An Evening with Michael Brandwein on How to Have Great Communication with Your Kids
7:00 p.m.
Akiba-Schechter
Click here for more info.

Monday, April 28
Yom HaShoah
Classes in Session
Dvar Torah
Why Karpas?
by Rabbi Holman

 

We eat the vegetable of Karpas to recall that G-d took us out of Egypt in the spring. Why is that so significant? On other holidays we don't have specific rituals to symbolize their seasons. Why recall spring on Passover? G-d could have chosen to take us out of Egypt at any season, and we would have been happy to be freed regardless of whether we had to walk in the rain, mud or burning sun. Yet in a display of love, G-d took us out in the most comfortable and opportune time for travel. We remember this gesture with the Karpas at the beginning of our Seder, and do our best to reciprocate with the rest of the Mitzvot of the evening. 

Chag Kasher V'Sameach!

After-School 

After Passover

Thursday, April 24th
(the day we return from Passover break), there WILL be a 4:30 p.m. bus. All the regularly scheduled after-school programs will meet as usual, with the exception of Fencing. The Spring Fencing session will resume the following week.
Have a great Passover break!

Celebrate Akiba!

Online Tribute Book

View all the wonderful messages celebrating Akiba, our toastees, and our wonderful staff and community in our online Tribute Book.
Refuah Shleima
...to Toibeh Sarah Gersten (3rd) who is recovering from surgery.

...to Stephanie Friedman, mom of Shira (6th) and Julia (Green Kindergarten), who is recovering from surgery.

Book Contest
books
For Grades 1-8
March 31 - April 28
Read as many books as you can! Click here for:
Make those Doctor's Appointments
For Parents of children entering:
Kindergarten
2nd grade
6th grade
(and/or asthma or food allergies)
The following forms need to be submitted by 7/15/14. Forms must be dated AFTER 8/24/13. This is a state law and failure to get your forms in on time may interfere with your child's ability to start school in the fall.
Kindergarten:
DCFS Medical Form, Vision Form, Dental Form
2nd Grade: Dental Form
6th Grade: DCFS Medical Form
If your child of any age has either a food allergy or asthma, a new action plan MUST be summitted every year.
Forms are available on the Parent Portal.
Passover Books

PJ Cares Event

@ Akiba-Schechter

Sunday, May 4
10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
$10/family
Best for children ages 8 and younger
Activities include:
Plant & harvest microgreens
Interactive animal show

Fencing Summer Camp

fencing clip art
The Akiba-Schechter Fencing Club is offering another Fencing Camp this summer! It will take place June 16-20 in Loeb Hall and outdoors, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (until 12:30 on Friday). For students entering 3rd through 8th grade. No fencing experience necessary. Cost is $320 + $30 equipment rental fee. We need a minimum of five students to go ahead with the camp. Join us for games, field trips and lots of fencing! Email Coach Sara Price if you are interested. 
Lunch Volunteers Needed
  hot lunch  We are always looking for lunch volunteers for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and especially for 4/29 and 4/30. Tuesday volunteers are here from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and Wednesday volunteers are here from 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Even if you can only do part of a shift, we will gladly accept your help. To volunteer, please email Havah Hope.  
ATT Educator of the Year Award

This award was won by two Akiba-Schechter teachers, Michelle Rotfeld and Scott Salk in past years, thanks to nominations by parents!

 

The ATT is now looking for nominations for the Fifth Annual Hartman Family Foundation Educator of the Year Awards.

One award of $15,000 and two awards of $5,000 will be presented to three outstanding teachers.

Nomination Form

Nomination deadline:

May 9, 2014.

For more information, call the ATT at 773-973-2828 or visit www.att.org.

Box Tops for Education

 

Please keep collecting Box Tops for Education, found on many General Mills products, and drop them off at the collection boxes at both the Preschool and Day School front desks.

Thanks!

 

Kehillah Korner

Kehillah Fund logo  

Since 2004 Akiba-Schechter has received $308,300 from the Kehillah Fund. Our average monthly allocation is $4,000.

 

We are grateful to our leadership and parents who contribute to the fund. Kehillah Fund represents the broad Jewish community and advocates for day school support.

 

We endorse the Kehillah Fund and are proud of our partnership. Over 1400 community members participate in the recurring donor program in support of day school education.  To date, Kehillah Fund allocations to schools across Chicagoland have reached $5.5 million.

 

Kehillah Fund

8180 McCormick Blvd.

Skokie, IL 60076

(847) 745-1668 [email protected]

 

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