This week has been exciting as the children in our hallway have been preparing for Chanukah. We have been singing songs, baking cookies, making crafts, melting candles, and so much more! Hands-on activities and student centered interactions leave plenty of room for creativity and inquiry. In addition to the goal of having students try to direct the activities, based on their interest, is also the seamless integration of Judaic and General studies activities. This can really be seen through the following animated discussion that occurred in kindergarten. Grace Kleinfeldt and Naomi Doppelt proudly told the class that they had won second place in this year's Jewish News Chanukah concert - Mazel tov! As winners, they received a monetary award of $18 each. Mrs. Nachlas asked them if they knew why $18 was a significant number, they didn't. Thus began an activity that blended math, kriyah and gimatria. Mrs. Goldman quickly jumped in with her trusty popsicle sticks and counting by 10's and ones, and matching each letter to its number correspondence, the children learned about how Chai = 18! What a great lesson!

You will see that many of the classes created beautiful and imaginative menorahs. Please note that for safety reasons, we have made a conscientious decision to create menorahs that don't actually light, but ones that your children can add a flame to each night of Chanukah.

May the Chanukah holiday bring light to your families! Chag Urim Samayach!

Shabbat Shalom!