February 13, 2009 Shevat 19, 5769Dear MJCDS Parents, Thank you for all your help! We appreciated the $5.00 for the plant money. Thank you too for sending in fruits and seeds etc. for our Tu B'Shvat celebration. Monday's gathering was a lot of fun as we planted parsley seeds, started rooting potato eyes, and indulged in various fruits that represented Israel. We want to thank Debbie for sharing her book about growing beans that we read on Monday as well! Thank you too extends to those who are sending in much needed shoe boxes! We missed Faygie on Tuesday due to a simcha. We wish the entire Matusof family a hearty mazel tov on the newest addition to the family - a new granddaughter for Faygie and Rabbi Matusof. Our students affectionately wrote joyous cards of welcome to the new baby girl! In General Studies first grade students continued working on word problems, multiply step programs as well as noting how multiplication reframes addition. Kindergarten students are working on the number line and making certain that they know how to add and subtract using this tool. All students have been introduced to singular and plural nominative pronouns in English, sign language and Hebrew. Reading and comprehension skills have been strengthening as well as sight vocabulary growing. All students begin a science study on the forest habitat. Animals abound and with the melting snow it is fun guessing what animals live there and in our neighboring Arboretum. During Hebrew and Judaic studies students continued learning various Hebrew letters and vowels, learned about the weekly parasha and started hearing about the upcoming holiday of Purim! First grade students finished their first Ariot book and began another! They are writing simple words and sentences. Kindergarten students are working on learning to work independently and focus more on oral Hebrew vocabulary. This week they worked on words related to the Aron HaKodesh/holy ark. The week ended with Rabbi Laurie Zimmerman joining our Kabbalat Shabbat celebration. She narrated a short story with the help of our student actresses. This helped them understand the true meaning of Shabbat and being thankful for what we have. All enjoyed her visit. Reminder: Please have children come to school on time. Please send in an art smock if you have not done so already in addition to an extra set of clothing that your child(ren) can change into as needed! Please SEND IN SHOE BOXES! We need this for a special activity. Thank you for sending in $5 for the purchase of a plant which was given to an elderly person. Until next timeÖ have a sweet Shabbat. Kol tuv, Meisha and Jodi |