Religious School Parent Bulletin March 21, 2014
It was great to see so many of you at our Purim Palooza celebration! A special Yasher Koach to all of the teens who read the Megillah and the English readings.
Also a big Mazal Tov to Morah Liora, our 3rd Grade teacher, for being named the Outstanding Judaic Educator of Southern Arizona! This is the third year in a row that a teacher from the Anshei Israel Religious School has won this award (2012: Morah Nichole; 2013 Morah Renee). We are so fortunate to have such wonderful teachers in our school!
Friendly reminders:
The entire family is encouraged to attend our Passover Family Workshop on Sunday, April 6, 9:00am to 12:00pm. Join us to create a paper Seder plate and hear a Passover story (Grades K-2); make matzah and participate in a Readers’ Theatre (Grades 3-6); and attend a Model Seder (all grades). Then we’ll have some Passover goodies. This is a mandatory day of religious school and we strongly encourage parents to attend with their children … it will be fun for all!
TEACHERS' CLASSROOM RECAPS:
Kindergarten and 1st Grade – Renee Hulsey
Fun was had by all on Sunday at the creative Megilla reading where we used our groggers to drown out Haman's name, and then participated in the Purim carnival. We look forward to seeing everyone next Sunday. Don't forget to bring tzedakah!
2nd Grade – Bryan Gordon
The students played a fun Hebrew game to reinforce their knowledge of Hebrew letters and vowels. We also learned a new vowel: the “double duty” cholam (which serves as both an “o” sound and as the dot for the shin.)
3rd Grade – Laura Olesen
We had another wonderful week. The Purim Palooza carnival and Megillah reading was great fun and I enjoyed all the excitement! We continued finishing up in our current Hebrew books and did our four corners practice. The students also began some Pesach preparations for our school Seder and did a great job! Thank you all for the beautiful cake. I hope everyone got a piece because it was delicious!
4th Grade – Elana Israel
The 4th grade had a blast at the Purim carnival and creative Megillah reading! On Tuesday, we discussed our Passover traditions and began learning about the various parts of the model Seder that we will lead. In Hebrew we read with new letters and vowels. The students’ progress has been amazing!
5th Grade – Courtney DeYoung & Sarah Artzi
This was truly a fun week for the 5th Grade! On Sunday, we celebrated Purim in great style. We started with a creative Megillah reading, complete with costumes, groggers and lots of noise, and then moved on to the congregation's Purim Palooza carnival. There were games, prizes, jumping castles, and, of course, plenty of hamentashen. We appreciate the many students who showed their "Purim pride" by coming in costume! In Hebrew this week, we combined two of our Hebrew classes for a rousing game of Jewish Trivial Pursuit: 5th Grade vs. 6th Grade. The energy was terrific, and a tie-breaker round will be played in the near future.
6th Grade – MeMe Aguila
Sixth grade continued their study of American Jewish History.
7th – 8th Grade – Sivan Shahmoon
In class this week we researched some poems and short stories that could be presented in the Holocaust Memorial service. We look forward to presenting this service on Tuesday, April 29.