Dear Middle School Families,

After returning from mid-winter break, our students are recharged and ready for all that Middle School brings in spring. We often joke that College Basketball’s March Madness feels similar to all that second semester in Middle School brings. We’ll likely have other field trips and meetings added to this list, but take a moment to review a variety of exciting dates ahead for students and families!

Seventh Grade Parent Meeting, Human Growth and Development,
Thursday March 10, 8:30 - 9:00 a.m.

Join members of the seventh grade advisory team and Sarah Sweet for an overview of our Human Growth and Development curriculum. We’ll share what will be covered in science classes and Gibush.

Eighth Grade Parent and Student In-Person Tiyul Meeting
Monday, March 14, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

This Mandatory 8th grade parent and student meeting will provide an overview of our itinerary, and important preparation information! Students will join us for the first 30 minutes and then will be excused for their first class.

Purim
Thursday, March 17

Students should have their costumes ready!  We’ll engage in a full day of special programming as we fulfill the four commandments of Purim. We’ll participate in creative readings of the Megillah, or the Book of Esther, we’ll  make and exchange mishloach manot, have a delicious Seudah, or festive meal, and make Matanot La'evyonim, giving to the poor. This day is sure to be meaningful!

Operetta Performance Shrek Jr.
Thursday, March 24 and Sunday, March 27

We are excited to see the return of a live, in-person Operetta! Students will have the opportunity to attend Shrek Jr. during the school day on March 24. Eighth grade families have already received ticketing information for the Thursday evening show OR the Sunday March 27 show. For any questions, please reach out to Brandon Becker.

MS Map Testing
Monday, March 28 and Tuesday, March 29

Students in grades 5-7 will participate in Reading and Math MAP tests on these days. While make-ups are provided on the 30th and 31st, we ask that students do their best to be present for testing days. 

Pesach Seders
Tuesday, April 5 - Thursday, April 7

For the first time in 2 years, our students will once again be able to have grade level seders.

Day of Good Deeds
Friday, April 8

This year, in connection to our Day of Service, our Shinshinim will share with us about Good Deeds Day in Israel. Following an all school assembly, each grade level will participate in some service connected to grade level themes.

Middle School Conferences
Tuesday, April 12, 4:30 - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, April 13, 7:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 
(No School for MS Students on April 13)

Conferences will include students. Fifth and sixth grade will pilot Advisor and Student-led conferences. Advisors will be prepared with students to discuss all subjects and provide a thorough focus on student habits of learning.

Seventh and Eighth grade will run traditional student led conferences by subject.

Sign up for MS Conferences will take place on March 22 at 9:00 a.m.

8th Grade Israel Tiyul,
Depart Tuesday, April 26 and Return Sunday, May 8

7th Grade Washington D.C. Trip
Monday, May 16 - Thursday, May 19

We will announce a parent meeting in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for a meeting invite through BZ Connect!

8th Grade Family Cli-Fi Evening
Wednesday, May 25

Families will participate in a book discussion and hear the results of students’ climate action research projects.

We’ll be in touch with other end-of-year events, but wanted to make sure that these dates are firmed up in your calendar. We look forward to coming together as a community safely and with the ruach that Bernard Zell always holds!

Wishing you a wonderful week,

Stephanie Bloom
Head of Middle School