The Class of 2026 is hitting their stride! They are settling into their roles as leaders, navigating the high school counseling process, attending their final Bar Mitzvah ceremony as a grade, and challenging themselves to make the most of their final year at Bernard Zell. Eighth grade offers numerous opportunities reserved for the school’s oldest students, including the 8th Grade Buddies program and the annual field trip to the Adler Planetarium.

Over the past two weeks, 8th graders have been preparing to officially begin the Buddies program. Each student has been matched with an Early Childhood or Lower School classroom and will spend at least 30 minutes a week playing, learning, and forming connections with our younger Eagles. This program embodies the spirit of l’omed mikol adam (learning from every person you meet). Students participated in an introduction to the program, reviewed expectations, and composed introductory emails for their classroom teachers. The first Buddies visits have already taken place, and the program is proving to be meaningful for everyone involved.

Ms. Sanzenbacher led the Class of ‘26 and their advisors on the Adler Planetarium trip with two goals: to collaborate in advisory groups on a scavenger hunt and to experience the thought-provoking “Planet Nine” star show. By working together outside the walls of Bernard Zell, students strengthened bonds that will support them in other collaborative experiences throughout the year.