Issue 6: November 9
Dear Families,
I am delighted to reflect today as our school community recently marked the 5th anniversary of our Bernard Zell Day of Service. This is one of those special moments when the entire school gets together as a community to take action reflecting on our commitment to Tikkun Olam. We do so with power and passion, and it doesn't matter if you're in Nursery or 8th grade--all of us can be leaders and help make the world a better place.
This day honors the memory of my late husband Judd Horwitz. Judd was a man who led with head and heart, and, as a founding member of Streetwise, made a tremendous difference in the lives of the homeless. Some people see the homeless as hopeless, but my husband believed there is always hope and he volunteered countless hours of service so that homelessness could be transformed into hopefulness and everyone would have a place to call home.
I cannot fathom a more meaningful legacy to honor Judd's legacy than our Bernard Zell Day of Service. And in the midst of what is currently unfolding in our country, we cannot stay silent, we must take action.
I am filled with tremendous pride as our students represent the hope---the light not only for today but also for tomorrow. Our community's commitment to Tikkun Olam has never been more important or more needed in our world. Please know that I am filled with admiration, appreciation and love for all of you.
Shabbat Shalom,
Dr. Alyson Horwitz
Interim Head of School
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2018 Bernard Zell Day of Service
Last week was our annual Bernard Zell Day of Service and we're so proud that 510 students and almost 40 alumni participated in acts of loving kindess, and exemplified the Jewish value of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Every day we give our students the courage to embrace a changing world--and the capacity to make it better. Click here to view photos of the day and click below to view a video recap.
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SK Learns to Observe Like Scientists
Senior Kindergarten students are learning that sometimes they draw and use art materials for creative art, but sometimes the students use drawings for scientific purposes. SK collected leaves and used them for a fascinating leaf investigation!
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3rd Grade Students Practice Mindfulness
Students in 3rd grade are learning mindfulness exercises, such as attending to the here and now, in a considerate, nonjudgmental way. They are monitoring their breath in a way that helps their brain think more clearly. The students have noticed that when they take time to focus on their breathing, they end up feeling more calm and ready to learn.
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8th Grade Creates Art With Nature During Shabbaton
Recently, our 8th-grade trekked to Camp Chi for their community-building overnight Shabbaton experience. Total immersion in the pine-scented woods gave students the opportunity to appreciate the outdoors, work collaboratively and construct beautiful artistic creations from natural elements.
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In Solidarity with Pittsburgh
We're proud that our 8th-grade students are leading the way in helping our community commemorate the tragedy at the Tree of Life Synagogue in a meaningful way. Madeline Meadows and Abby Cyrluk, two 8th graders, will be spearheading the effort to create an art project in memory of the eleven victims of the Pittsburgh massacre.
Learn More About This Moving Project
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Behind-the-Fence Club
The Behind the Fence Club, lead by Benje Casper and Josh Mather met for the first time this week. At these meetings, the students are able to learn first hand from architects, engineers, and building contractors about building process! They walk through the site, view the time-lapse footage of the building, and follow the process step-by-step. This week, they met with the contractors from Bulley and Andrews and learned how many people it takes to build a building.
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Yad B'Yad at The ARK
Last Sunday, 26 Bernard Zell community members participated in an educational program learning about the ARK and their services. They helped sort food, organize and shelve donations in the ARK's food pantry. We are so grateful for our community's efforts to make the world a better place!
GET INVOLVED: Upcoming PTC Events
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We are working on a fun and exciting project that involves students, teachers, administrators, staff and even parents! A camera crew will be at school next Wednesday, November 14, doing quick interviews. It's all part of our campaign to roll out our strategic plan, and you'll be able to see our (mini) movie in the coming weeks, so stay tuned!
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We are off to a great start having raised over $555,000 from our families so far. Please join the 117 families who have already made their gift and help us reach 100% parent participation. Because of your support, the Annual Campaign impacts our school and
students in so many meaningful ways. Every gift matters. You can make your donation by clicking here or contacting Rachael
Fenton in the Development Office. Please follow link below to see a listing of our donors and percent participation by grade.
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Sibling Applications Due Next Week
A reminder that sibling applications are due Friday, November 16. To begin your sibling application, log in to BZ Connect, go to your resources page, and click "Begin Sibling Application." If you have any questions, please contact Director of Admissions, Katie Rich.
Of course, if your friends and family are interested in joining our school, be sure to let them know that applications for the 2019-2020 school year are now available by sharing this link to our Prospective Family Inquiry Form. Applications for Nursery, JK and SK are due Monday, December 3.
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Meet the Latkes Author Visits Bernard Zell
Alan Silberberg, author of the new Hanukkah book, Meet the Latkes, met with all JK, SK and 1st-grade students this week. He introduced students to a silly family of latkes who were confused about the story of Hanukkah. Luckily, their dog, Applesauce, saves the day and explains that the "Mega-Bees" are really the Maccabees. Silberberg shared his cartooning skills, answered student questions and created cartoons for the classrooms. All the students had "latke" fun!
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JV Girls' Volleyball Wins Championship
Mazel tov to our JV Girls' Volleyball team and coaches on their championship victory last week--the first ever for our Girls' Volleyball program! This season, the Eagles won 11 straight games, secured a regular-season championship and the number-one seed in the playoffs. Way to BE AMAZING, Eagles!
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Enter the Library's First Ever Lego Menorah Contest!
Create a flameless menorah using pieces and accessories you already have. Menorahs will be on display in the library for all to see. All entries are due Friday, November 30 and will be returned after December 14. All menorahs must be able to stand on their own. Partner projects welcomed! Contact Library Associate Andie Townhouse with any questions.
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Mazel Tov From Our Community
Mazel Tov to Marci and Rob Laragh and big sisters Eliana (SK) and Julia (N) on the birth of William, born on October 30, 2018!
Mazel Tov to Annabelle Garelick, who will become a Bat Mitzvah on November 10, 2018!
Mazel Tov to Eliza Lampert, who will become a Bat Mitzvah on
November 10, 2018!
Mazel Tov to Elena Schwartz who will become a Bat Mitzvah on
November 10, 2018!
Upcoming Events
All Families: Sunday, November 11 | PTC Yad B'Yad JCFS Project Winter Warmth 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. (Learn More and RSVP)
All Parents: Wednesday, November 14 | New Directions in Student Services 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. (Learn More and RSVP)
All Families: Wednesday, November 14 | Fall Choir and Band Concert 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in Blum
All Families: Monday, November 19 | PTC Holiday Shopping Entertainment Book Goes on Sale (Learn More)
All Families: Monday, November 19 | Parent Teacher Conferences 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. (No After School Programming)
All Families: Tuesday, November 20 | Parent Teacher Conferences 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. (No School)
Important Links
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