In December, the Senior Kindergarten students took a field trip to The Ark’s food pantry. Prior to the visit, we collected food and other items to donate. During our visit, we helped sort food, checked for kosher labels, and took inventory. As part of our ongoing conversations about mitzvot (good deeds), we are learning that there are both small and big ways we can make a difference in the lives of people near and far. We read books about individuals who have changed the world in various ways, from promoting equality to showing kindness to friends and family members. Our kindergarten Jewish value of chaverut (friendship) was showcased as we learned that everyone can be a friend and that everyone needs a friend, especially during challenging times.

Through this experience, our students practiced many social-emotional and academic skills. We engaged in tikkun olam (repairing the world) and learned how we can make a difference in our own community. Additionally, we practiced counting and sorting, and used written expressions to share our ideas. Working together as a group to achieve a common goal, we embraced everyone's unique strengths!