Vayeira 11-14-08[1]

PARSHAT VAYEIRA
5769 NOVEMBER, 14, 2008

I LOVE “AHAVTI”

TECHNOLOGY HITS LS

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here are many exciting things happening in our department. We have just received 4 new computers for the kindergarten classroom as well as 20 new computers for our computer lab so we may participate in the Waterford/SuccessMaker reading, math and science programs. These programs build a solid foundation of skills that are needed for your children to become successful learners. The activities they receive motivate by adapting instruction to each learner’s pace, instruct the children with focused instructional time, and teach objectives and offline materials to enhance their skills. As they complete their activities, their teachers receive printouts (data) confirming what part of the curriculum they have just worked on, what skills they have mastered, or what skills they need to be helped with. The Gruss representative trained Mrs. Blumberg and Mrs. Frank, and the children began working on the program right after that. The children will work with these programs two to three times per week. We have high hopes that this program will provide reinforcement as well as enrichment for our students. A special thank you to the Gruss Foundation as well as the Kupferman family for underwriting these tremendous programs so that our children can benefit by using them. We look forward to continuing to challenge all of our learners so they can reach their full potential.

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ere is another example how we encourage your children to grow spiritually. This is an actual letter that was written to the students. This program is well underway, and the results are sizzling. Dear Students, In the booklet you will find many important ideas, facts, items of general information which a Jewish person ought to know. Most of these are familiar to you. Others may be new. Since you will not be able to master all of them in class, they will require extra time and individual practice. At the end of each Chodesh, your teacher will introduce and explain the material to be covered during the following Chodesh. The rest will be left to you. When you feel that you know it perfectly, your teacher or I will check you. When you have mastered it, you will earn the privilege and satisfaction of being placed on the "Principal's List", which will be posted on the bulletin board. Anyone who makes the " Principal’s List" three times in a row will earn the title "Principal's Scholar". Do your best. We will not push you, but everyone will help you. Let's hope this challenge turns all of you into scholars. B'Hatzlacha,

Rabbi Eli Kugielsky

WEEKLY CLASS HIGHLIGHTS

The EC18 Picaso’s enjoyed finger-painting with autumn colors as well as with acorns as part of the autumn theme. The EC2 explorers enjoyed a nature walk around our campus collecting leaves and pine cones. The EC3 junior scientists experimented absorption and repelling by using droppers filled with water on various materials such as a sponge, foil, paper, and plastic baggies ,to see which material absorbs liquid and which material repels liquid. The EC4 program integrated 3 subjects into 1 when they painted footprints for the letter ‘F’ on a large piece of paper representing the derech (road) for the letter ‘Daled’ while reenacting Avraham’s travels for the weekly Parsha.

GOOD AND WELFARE

Mazal Tov to Avishai, Etan and the entire Jesselsohn family on the Bris of their baby brother Ariel Yehuda. EC4 Welcomes Kalli Poche’ and her entire family to RMBA. Mazal Tov to Avidan, Gabbi, and Netanya Abramson on moving in to their new home. Mazal Tov to Morah Gabi and the entire Gelman family on the B’nei Mitzvah of her children Sam and Lilly. EC18 Welcomes Atara Segal, sister of Kedem and Adeev, to RMBA.

The Kindergarten bookworms started reading a chapter book called Flat Stanley and can’t wait to begin their social studies and geography project associated with it. The 1st grade future zoologists were very excited as they began their unit on “Animal Habitats.” This will lead to their individual animal reports. Our 2nd grade poets wrote, published, and illustrated their own and original poems. Our 3rd grade mathematicians welcomed a very special visitor to their math class. Mrs. Nicole Andrews, our MS Math and Science Club teacher, gave a special class for extended thinking. She is now planning on coming every other week. The 4th grade scientists discovered different ways to examine matter using classroom and household materials. They mixed oil and vinegar to explore density,

CHIZUK

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hile at the park one day, a woman sat down next to a man on a bench near a playground. "That's my son over there," she said, pointing to a little boy in a red sweater who was gliding down the slide. "He's a fine looking boy," the man said. "That's my son on the swing in the blue sweater." Then, looking at his watch, he called to his son. "What do you say we go, Todd?" Todd pleaded, "Just five more minutes, Dad. Please? Just five more minutes." The man nodded and Todd continued to swing to his heart's content. Minutes passed and the father stood and called again to his son. "Time to go now?" Again Todd pleaded, "Five more minutes, Dad. Just five more minutes." The man smiled and said, "Okay." "My, you certainly are a patient father," the woman responded.

NOTES AND REMINDERS Reminder: Parent conferences on Thursday, 11/20. Please arrange your schedule if you have not yet done so. Reminder: Granparent/Special Friend Day on Tuesday, 11/25. ECE - 10AM - 10:45 AM, LS - 8:30 AM - 10AM. Reminder: Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, 11/26 Friday, 11/28. School will not be in session those days.

The man smiled and then said, "I am a recovering workaholic. My oldest son Tommy and I aren’t that close. I never spent much time with him and now I'd give anything for just five more minutes with him. I've vowed not to make the same mistake with Todd. "He thinks he has five more minutes to swing. The truth is . . . I get five more minutes to watch him play."