October 11, 2013 Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM 7 Cheshvan ......2013/10/11 · Fifth grade: As 5th grade...

October 11, 2013 Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM7 Cheshvan, 5774 Havdala: 7:01 PMShabbat Parshat Lech Lecha

Dear Parents:

We join Am Yisrael in mourning the passing this week of RavOvadia Yosef z"l. Rav Ovadia's influence was felt for many decades in the areas of Halacha, Politics, and Community. His funeral was attended by close to one million people, or one in six Israelis, reflecting the broad community he touched. I encourage you to spend some time on Shabbat making mention of Rav Ovadia and learning about his achievements and influence. For a brief biography and description, see http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/734/features/rav-ovadia/

Yehi Zichro Baruch.Shabbat Shalom,Rabbi Binyamin Krauss

From the Desk of the Principal

What’s Inside:Kavod: Theme of the Year . . . Page 2

Grade spotlights . . . Pages 3-5New books in the library . . . Page 6

Student submissions . . . Page 7Community news . . . Pages 8-9

http://www.jewishideasdaily.com/734/features/rav-ovadia/




THE SAR ACADEMY CHADASHOT

School wide News

INTRODUCING THE THEME OF THE YEAR: KAVOD!

Last Friday, Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, the entire school gathered on the steps to introduce the Academy’s theme of the year – kavod. Rabbi Krauss addressed students and faculty, and a short video, produced by students Zach Bernstein and Ravi Schwartz, was shown. After some song and dance, students went back to their respective grades to participate in kavod-themed activities. Students explored different meanings of the word (does it mean honor? Respect? Dignity? Is it a verb or a noun?) and discussed different scenarios in which kavodcan be applied. We look forward to a great year filled with the study and practice of kavod!


This Week In the Early Learning Center

K-4: What a perfect time of year to head to the Greenburg Nature Center! K-4 spent the morning under a canopy of colorful leaves and branches. As we hiked through the woods, we focused on the different kinds of plants and trees that we could identify. We then spent time searching for the different forms of seeds that these plants grow from. We found tiny brown seeds, pinecones, acorns, seeds that look like cotton, and many more. We used all of our senses to identify and investigate these findings. We smelled roots that smelled like root beer and felt pine needles that made a soft blanket on the floor. We collected many specimens throughout the morning and turned them into a beautiful collage that we can’t wait to hang in our classroom!

K-5: This was a very busy week for Gan Hey. In addition to being introduced to Avraham and Sarah in ParshatLech Lecha, we had a wonderful fall excursion to the Greenberg Nature Center, explored the concept of sameness in math, and continued our learning about Parshat Noach with a visit from the petting zoo.Last week Gan Hey began a unit of study on nursery rhymes. This week, we continued this unit of study as we learned the story of Humpty Dumpty. Nursery rhymes are an excellent vehicle for practicing early reading strategies such as rhyming, pointing to words as we read, sequencing, and identifying high frequency words. A highlight of the week was our science experiment centered around Humpty Dumpty. We placed Humpty Dumpty (a real hard-boiled egg) onto a "wall" of blocks and watched in delight (or sometimes dismay!) as he fell off of the wall onto various surfaces including bubble

N-4: Fall is finally here! The weather on Wednesday was cool and beautiful, so we decided to take a nature walk. We set out for our walk and followed a path in the woods near SAR that weaves its way down the Henry Hudson River. While in the forest we looked at the trunks of trees and tried to determine if the trees were young or old by looking at how fat or skinny the trunks were. The fatter the trunk, the older the tree! We observed the changes that have occurred over the past few weeks. As we walked, the leaves were raining down on us. We collected leaves, acorns, and pinecones. The children’s senses were so alert and they could barely contain their excitement as we came upon each new discovery. We found the remains of a campfire fireplace, many fallen trees, berries, mushrooms, and two trees that were leaning on other trees to form the letter “x.” We also met three dogs named Zero, Okee, and Willow, and waved at the three trains that passed us by. What a great way for N4 to welcome in the fall!

wrap, cotton batting, fabric, and the hard floor. The children recorded their predictions ahead of time and then noted if their predictions were accurate. We had a stimulating discussion on how the different surfaces affected the fate of Humpty Dumpty. The children were delighted to see how the soft surfaces saved their friend!


This Week In the Lower SchoolFirst grade: First Grade is immersed in an author study of Kevin Henkes. We have been exploring the theme of "Classroom Community" by reading various books by this prolific author/illustrator. This week, we read Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, which led to a discussion about class rules. We generated two basic goals for Class 1Z. Firstly, we will stay seated while working at our desks or sitting in our listening circle on the rug. Secondly, we will raise our hands and wait our turn to speak. Our goals are very much aligned with the school-wide theme of the year, “Kavod” or "Respect."

Kita Aleph had a very exciting week! On Friday we baked delicious challot to celebrate our very first Rosh Chodesh in school. We also started learning about our theme of the year, kavod. To learn more about kavod, we are focusing on respectful words. This week's words are "todah" ("thank you") and "bevakasha" ("please"). Don't be surprised if you start to hear these words all over the school and even at home! Kita Aleph also discussed how to show kavod in our classrooms and to our teachers, by taking care of our supplies, and by sitting in our seats and raising our hands to speak.

The students of Class 1Z were inspired to write this acrostic poem on the subject:

RespectEach other!S/A/R's theme of the yearPeople should be politeEvery day!Class rules are importantTo us!

Second grade: It has been great having two full weeks of school. Second grade has been quite busy concluding our shell unit. The students got to choose one of three activities to present the knowledge they had learned. Some children wrote Haiku poems focusing on syllabication and different characteristics of shells. Other students created mini fact books about shells, focusing on their uses, while some children wrote “postcards” from a shell’s perspective. Enjoy looking through the children’s “shell folders” and learning all about shells!

Fourth grade: This week the students in 4Z started working on their first book report. The children read a fiction book of their choice. To report on the book, they were given a "sandwich" format. First, they had to write the "lettuce" and summarize the important details of the story. The students worked on formulating topic sentences and adding in details about the story to round out the paragraph. We are going to continue working on the report, which includes writing about the "meat" (qualities of the main character), the part of the book that made you say (soy) "cheese," and the "onions" (or part that made you cry). Come to our area to check out our interesting and informative sandwiches in the next coming weeks.


This Week In the Lower/Middle School

Fifth grade: As 5th grade finished learning Perek Alef in Sefer Shemot, we have spent some time delving deeper into the different meanings of suffixes and prefixes in Hebrew words in Tanach. In order to reinforce this idea, we made bookmarks for our Chumashim which have all the prefixes and suffixes listed and translated. The students were very invested in this project as they get to bring this bookmark to their tests and quizzes along with their Chumash! This bookmark will also help the students understand and learn different pesukim independently, which is a skill that the fifth graders will develop and work on throughout the year.

Gemara in the Junior High: Over the last few weeks we have been completing the introduction to Junior High Gemara. The students have been spending time discussing what exactly is Torah shebe’al peh and from where did it originate. We have been exploring Jewish history, seeking further understanding of why the Mishnah had to be written down. In addition to understanding the function and origin of the Gemara, we have been familiarizing ourselves with the tzurat hadaf, mapping the actual daf of the Gemara. We hope that each Jr. High student will be able to identify the daf, perek, masechet, and seder he or she is learning. We are all excited as we begin learning the first mishnayot of the year in what we hope will become an exciting journey into the development of Torah shebe’al peh.

Sixth grade: Believe it or not, our students have finally received their very first copy of the Gemara. After spending several weeks delving into the history of Torah she b’al peh and development of the Gemara, the sixth grade is ready to move on. We are in the midst of learning to navigate the dafitself. The students are learning how to properly identify each section as well as understand how each commentary and tool can enhance their learning. Students are beginning to use their iPads to identify and label each section on their virtual Gemara.

Seventh Grade ScienceBy Coby Kranz (7W) and Shoshana Berger (7Y)

In seventh grade Life Science, we have been learning amazing things about organisms. We kicked off the year learning about the characteristics all living things share and the four basic needs that all organisms must satisfy in order to survive. We also learned about spontaneous generation, controlled experiments, and manipulated variables. In order to tie all of this together, we did an experiment in class to observe how moisture affects the growth of mold on bread. We are comparing the rate of mold growth on wet versus dry bread. As we collect data on a daily basis, we are able to watch the mold grow. David Dinkevich, 7W, said, “It is pretty gross.” However, Jonathan Haims thought that although it is very disgusting, "at the same time it is very cool.” Since it was given good living conditions, the mold on the wet bread was able to thrive and reproduce. The mold has food (the bread), a warm temperature (85 degrees fahrenheit) and a dark place to live (our very own incubator). The dry breads generally have less mold since they are missing the moisture necessary for survival. It is also interesting to see which color mold is more likely to grow on the dry bread versus the wet bread. We are looking forward to our future seventh grade laboratory experiments!


From the Shelves: New and Recommended Books in the SAR LibraryBeth Braunstein, Librarian

The library is filled with many exciting and interesting new books. Below are reviews of some outstanding books for different ages which are all available in the SAR library.All ELC classes and grades one and two visit the library weekly. Beginning with the Pre-K, students may borrow one book at a time. When it is returned, they may select a new one. Grades 3 and 4 have library time every other week. Other grades visit by appointment. Please check which day your child has library so you can encourage them to return their book promptly.

Brothers At Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All -Brother Baseball Team. Vernick, Audrey. Salerno, Steven., ill. Grades 1-4. A true and heartwarming story of the 16 Acerra brothers of New Jersey who comprised a successful family baseball team in the 1930’s.

Capture the Flag. Messner, Kate. Zagarenski, Pamela, ill. Grades 4-8. The adventures of seventh graders pursuing suspects who stole the original American flag from the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

Sleep Like a Tiger. Logue, Mary. Grades 1-2. A creatively illustrated story about a child’s inquiry about how different animals sleep.

Out of My Mind. Draper, Sharon. Grades 4-6. Ten year old Melody is born with cerebral palsy. Though she cannot speak, she has a photographic memory and a brilliant mind. Melody reveals in this story the strength and determination it takes to overcome disabilities. Highly recommended.

Who Says Women Can’t Be doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell. Stone, Tanya Lee. Priceman, Marjorie, ill. Grades 2-4. A lively and attractively illustrated story of a brave and curious girl who battled to become the first woman doctor and paved the way for other women.

Grandma Rose’s Magic. Marshall, Linda Elvowitz. Jatkowitz, Ag, ill. Grades 1-2. Every day, Grandma Rosie sews for her friends and neighbors and puts away the money she earns, saving for a set of dishes just like her grandmother’s shabbat dishes. This story demonstrates characteristics of sharing, caring and generosity in a Jewish setting.

Did you hear the news? The 3rd & 4th Grade Enrichment Cluster

Semester is starting next week!

(This photo of our Photojournalism Cluster was taken by the Riverdale Press when we visited their office.)


Student Submissions

Question of the Week: What’s Your Favorite Lunch?By Sima Yarsky, 6th grade

Many people in S.A.R. like different lunches, so I went around to ask different people about what lunches they like best. The majority of students prefer tacos, though various students offered some different responses. Elie Fenster (K4) likes chicken best, and his older brother Ari Fenster (3W) likes brunch for lunch. What’s your favorite S.A.R. lunch?

Faculty Spotlight: Meet Dr. Aliza Davis!By Arianne Roshwalb, 6th grade

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Tacos Pizza Brunch Chicken Friday

Dr. Aliza Davis is a wonderful guidance counselor who teaches in the 6th grade. This is her first year at S.A.R., after working last year at the Mental Health Association of Westchester. She explains that her job is to meet students and staff and make sure the 6th grade experience is enjoyable and healthy for everyone. She notes that “one of the many things that makes S.A.R. unique is that there are no walls.” She adds that the stairs offer her exercise. Overall, she has loved working with the grade, and she says that her favorite part of the school is the students!


Community News

Ramah Day Camp in Nyack: A magical Jewish experience for children in Pre-K-7th grade. For additional information or to schedule a camp tour: 212-678-8884 www.ramahnyack.org

Grade 2 Parents: "Shabbat Sparks Workshop"Maximize & beautify your family time on shabbat with Morah Sarah Richer, Motzaei Shabbat, October 12 at 8:30 pm. Go to saracademy.org to RSVP and for more details.

If you’d like to see your news here, please feel free to send submissions [email protected]

**JBL 2013-14 SEASON – Registration is now open!!**Instructional clinics & Competitive games, depending on age

Girls: Kindergarten-6th grade; Boys: Kindergarten-4th grade

New enhancements to the program!For more info or to register, please visit www.jblhoops.org

or contact [email protected]

SEASON BEGINS SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17th4 DIVISIONS:

KINDERGARTEN - BOYS & GIRLS- 9:30-10:30am3RD-6TH GRADERS – GIRLS – 10:30-11:30am

1ST & 2ND GRADERS - BOYS & GIRLS – Noon-1pm3RD & 4TH GRADERS – BOYS – 1-2pm

*Please note that the schedule is subject to change*

JBL is back! Jewish Basketball League!

The Westchester Klezmer Program: Weekend performances at libraries, nursing homes, holiday celebrations, festivals

and parades. All instruments and experience levels are welcome! - Students can choose to rehearse in Scarsdale, Tarrytown, or Bedford/Mount Kisco.- There are 14 weeknight rehearsals throughout the school year.- There is no minimum age, however, at least one year of musical experience is required and musicians must be able to read music.- Youth Band (grades 5-8) rehearsals begin the first week of October.- High School/Adult Band rehearsals begin the second week of October.- Registration can be completed on our website: www.westchesterklez.org

Young Israel Ohab Zedek North Riverdale/Yonkers, a warm, vibrant, community synagogue located 10 minutes from Manhattan, is currently looking for a part-time youth director for our growing youth population. Responsibilities include supervising teen leaders, coordinating Shabbat morninggroups, as well as holiday and recreational activities for our youth department.We are also looking for a Teacher to run the preschool Shabbat & holiday group on a weekly basis.

Interested individuals should contact Lauren Shinar: [email protected]

Six Days, Five Nights December Break Family Ski Trip in Mt Snow, Vermont!Tuesday - Sunday, Dec 24-29

Organized by an SAR HS teacher!You are invited to join an amazing ski trip get away this December break, being organized through the non-profit Jewish Outdoors Club (our 16th such trip!). This year's trip, like last year's, is being geared toward families. The trip is fully catered, and we are taking over an entire inn with 15-20 families. Prices are very reasonable. Last year's trip was amazing. We hope you can join us this year! All details on lodging, pricing as well as registration, are located at : www.jocskitrip2013.eventbrite.com

Or email Alon Krausz at [email protected] for a more complete email with detailed information.

Please be advised that a new Gemach has been established to serve residents of the Riverdale community. The Gemach of Riverdale is a non-profit organization providing interest-free loans to those with short-term cash flow challenges, in a manner of dignity and respect. For further information, please contact Rabbi Moshe Drelich at 917-408-3035 or [email protected]. Questions can also be directed to David Tesler ([email protected]), who is serving as Gemach liaison to YIOZ and SAR.

Pink Day is right around the corner! On October 24th we'll be spreading Breast Cancer awareness around the school. Please look out for further notices.

http://www.ramahnyack.org/

http://www.jblhoops.org/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.westchesterklez.org/


http://jocskitrip2013.eventbrite.com/


tel:917-408-3035

tel:917-408-3035

tel:917-408-3035

tel:917-408-3035

tel:917-408-3035




Community NewsNew book launch: "Educating in the Divine Image: Gender Issues in Orthodox Jewish Day Schools" (The Hadassah Brandeis Institute 2013). Discussion with authors Dr Chaya Gorsetman & Dr ElanaSztokman, moderated by Rabbi Jeffrey Fox, October 13th, 7:30pm at the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale.

For more details contact Elana at [email protected]. The book is available on Amazon.com.

If you’d like to see your news here, please feel free to send submissions [email protected]

“Calling All Art Lovers! – Volunteer for Learning to Look”: The Learning to Look art program is a unique opportunity for parents and grandparents to be involved in the classroom through 5 teaching sessions during the year. No prior art history or teaching experience is necessary – only a love of art and a desire to instill it in our children. Before each class there is a lecture to aid volunteers in teaching the selected material. Volunteers may request a day of the week and time that they prefer to teach and then work in teams of two with the same class throughout the year. This year children in Kindergarten through 5th Grade will study Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art, including Manet, Monet, Cassatt, Pissarro, Seurat and Degas.If you are interested in learning more about this program and volunteering please contact Sarah Zitter Milstein (917-445-8757 /[email protected]) or Rachel Parker Jetter (917-207-2219/[email protected])

3rd Annual Lemonade Stand: All of the money will be donated to Gilda's Club Chai Lifeline and cancer care, in memory of David Jasper Brody.

Sunday October 13th 2013, 12:00-5:00, on the corner of Independence Ave and 236th Street. Any baked good donations for selling will be appreciated!For more information contact Michelle Jasper Brody at [email protected] or call at (917)250-8943

October 11, 2013 Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM 7 Cheshvan ......2013/10/11 · Fifth grade: As 5th grade...

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Transcript of October 11, 2013 Candle Lighting: 6:03 PM 7 Cheshvan ......2013/10/11 · Fifth grade: As 5th grade...