Issue 17: May 3
JK 103 Opens Super Sweet Shop
After many months of preparations and planning, the students of JK 103 were excited for the Grand Opening of their Super Sweet Shop right before Passover break! Before opening, the students discussed what roles should be in their store and chose to take turns throughout the morning manning each station. Some of the jobs included greeters, candy experts, photo booth managers and the "Thanks for coming - have a sweet day!" exit workers!
Cultural Immersion in 3rd Grade
This week, 3rd graders met with Happie Datt and Amita Banerji from the Indo-American History Museum. The 3rd-grade class is studying Indian culture to prepare them for their field trip to the Indian community on Devon Avenue in West Rogers Park.
Middle School Leads Ceremony for Yom HaShoah
To commemorate Yom HaShoah, 5th-7th grade students shared 6-word poems written by 7th and 8th graders, lit yartzeit candles to honor those killed and read a special Kaddish interspersing the names of concentration camps. Students also wonderfully performed a Readers' Theater adaptation of the book, Who Was the Woman Who Wore the Hat by Nancy Patz. As students wore a variety of hats, their questions and conversation led us all to wonder about the woman who wore the hat and lost her life.
Additions to Our New Building
This week, our Capital Project Co-Chair, Dana Hirt, and architects from Wheeler Kearns traveled to Wisconsin to handpick the perfect outdoor boulders that will be placed in the Kikar Shalom (Entry Plaza) of our new building. The boulders will serve as bollards for our new building, but they will also be a place for students to sit, climb, play and learn. These boulders follow the Reggio Emilia style of learning and the idea that the outdoors is an extension of our indoor space.
Class of 2019 High School Acceptances
Mazel Tov to the Class of 2019 for an outstanding high school admissions experience! Our students' success is a testament to the academic rigor that is woven throughout our curriculum as well as the way our extraordinary faculty help our students develop their individual passions and creativity. We are proud of each and every one of our 8th graders and know they are prepared to excel in high school and beyond. Click below to view a video that captures the excitement of our 8th graders!
8th Grade Arrives in Israel for Tiyul
Since 1996, our students' exploration of their Jewish identity culminates in eighth grade with the Tiyul, a two-week experience in Israel that provides them with hands-on learning to deepen their connection with Israel and Jewish culture. Our current 8th graders just arrived in Israel; check out their adventures in our blog that will be updated daily!
Chicagoland High Schools Visit BZ
On Wednesday afternoon, we were delighted to welcome 18 Chicagoland high schools to Bernard Zell for our 2nd Annual High School Fair. Seventh grade parents and students had the opportunity to speak with principals, admission directors and teachers from each school, and learn more about their curriculum and programming. All five northside selective enrollment schools were represented (Jones College Prep, Lane Tech, Northside Prep, Walter Payton and Whitney Young) along with 13 independent schools.
PTC Elects New 2019-2020 Officers
Thank you to outgoing PTC Exec Members, Erin Estell, Jodi Harris, Leslie Heller and Nancy Zinder, and to outgoing Grade Coordinator Chair, Judith Shear. We are so appreciative for your dedication and commitment to Bernard Zell.
Ex-Officio: Claudia Mendelson President: Tracy Ankin President Elect: Elana Tennenbaum Treasurer: Lori Silverman Community Engagement: Julie Zuckerman Secretary: Jodi Gruber Fundraising/Retail Strategist: Ericka Thacker Communications/Marketing Strategist: Merritt DeWitt Grade Coordinators: Allyson Becker, Danielle Sandler
2018 Financial Report
The 2018 Financial Report is now available and includes a vast retrospective of the previous fiscal year and the stories of student accomplishments. Click through to learn more about Bernard Zell's operations, faculty, staff, volunteers, families and all the individuals who have made important financial contributions in support of our crucial mission of educating the next generation of Jewish leaders.
Volunteer for the Book Fair!
Our annual Spring Book Fair will take place May 8, 9 and 10 in the gym. There will be a wonderful selection of books for summer reading and beyond. We are in need of parent volunteers to help staff this literacy event. Helping out for even a few hours can make a big difference! Click below to volunteer.
Mazel Tov From Our Community
Mazel Tov to MS math teacher, Melissa Mack, and her husband Jerry on the birth of Addison Charlotte on April 13, 2019!
Mazel Tov to Myles Levine, who became a Bar Mitzvah on April 13, 2019!
May 4, 2019!
May 11, 2019!
Upcoming Events All School: Wednesday, May 8 | Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day All Families: Wednesday, May 8 - Friday May 10 | Book Fair (Sign-Up to Volunteer) All School: Thursday, May 9 | Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration in the Sanctuary, 8:45 a.m. Grandparents and Special Friends: Friday, May 10 | Special Friends' Day All Parents: Tuesday, May 14 | PTC Meeting, 8:15 - 9:15 a.m. and Share Our Spare "Stuff the Truck", 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. (Learn More) All School: Friday, May 17 | Shabbat Lunch to Welcome Back the 8th Grade All Families: Sunday, May 19 | PTC Yad B'Yad Gardening at Brookdale (Sign-Up Here) All Families: Monday, May 27 | Memorial Day (No School) All Families: Tuesday, May 28 | Music Awards Breakfast, 7:15 - 8:30 a.m. in Blum All Student-Athletes and Families: Wednesday, May 29 | Athletics Banquet, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. All Parents: Friday, May 31 | PTC Community Appreciation Event, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. Alumni Families: Thursday, May 30 | Class of 2015 Senior Send Off, 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. All Families: Monday, June 3 | Faculty Milestone Celebration in the Sanctuary, 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. All Families: Thursday, June 6 | 8th Grade Graduation, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. All Families: Friday, June 7 | Last Day Of School, 11:45 a.m. Dismissal Important Links |