mazal tov to our principal, melissa michaelson
We are proud to share that our own Melissa Michaelson was recently published in the fall issue of Prizmah's magazine HaYidion. This is a significant accomplishment for both Melissa and Hillel, as it illustrates the resilience of our school, and the priceless value of community within Jewish day schools, especially under these trying conditions. Kol hakavod!
At Home in Hebrew
Among the many facets of a Hillel education is to deeply connect students to their Jewish roots and to the land of Israel by teaching them to speak and read and write in Hebrew, and to feel that it is as much their language as is English.
Hebrew instruction begins with singing, listening to stories, and repetition, along with learning the aleph bet in ways that use all the senses, from constructing letters out of colorful markers, and blowing balloons to make the letter bet come to life. Over time, they also learn vowels, write in their workbooks, and play flash card games that reinforce word recognition. This week, first graders dug into backpacks filled with erasers, pencil cases, sharpeners, and stuffed animals, and proudly pronounced the word for each in Hebrew, with Morah Amalia Poris, equally proudly, looking on.
Hebrew proficiency creates “an unbroken bond among Jews around the world,” Morah Amalia said.
As an Israeli, she added, “Hebrew is my language, and I want it to also belong to the students. Down the road, when they get to Israel as eighth graders, to see them speaking Hebrew is such a celebration of their learning!”
More than a vote
This year’s election was truly a historic moment for the country. On Tuesday, within the first and second-grade community, the election presented an opportunity for our students to learn about the inner workings of the democratic process while bringing to light a powerful lesson on empathy and respect for others. Precinct 1-2 voters were asked to choose in three categories: Oreo or chocolate chip cookies, apple juice or milk, and a movie day or pajama day. Each first and second grade student filled out a paper ballot at their own polling booth, and deposited them into a ballot box.
While students anticipated the outcome of the election, teacher Jodi Tepper framed the lesson to advance the students’ understanding of politics, critical thinking, writing, and history, while interweaving our Hillel motto. “Anytime there is an election, the participating voters will have their own views and not every voter will get what he/she wanted in the end. We need to exercise responsibility, respect, and kindness as the results are shared. Although we may be disappointed in the results, we need to accept what they are and make the best of it,” said Mrs. Tepper.
Ballots were tallied on Thursday, and the students have spoken. The winner of the 1-2 community election was *drumroll please* chocolate chip cookies, apple juice, and pajama day. Teachers are planning a special pajama day in the coming weeks with cookies and juice. Students will enjoy this day as a community, even if the outcome isn’t exactly what they hoped for when they voted, in an incredible lesson about resilience and empathy that will empower this next generation of voters.
cool cookies
When critical thinking challenges us to think outside the box, the task for our fifth graders this week was to think inside of it. In their no-bake cookie challenge, teacher Amy Martin-Piesz’s class ran the gamut with this project-based learning unit: teamwork, collaboration, mathematics, public speaking, and working in a bustling business environment.
Students were asked to create a company name, cookie type, and slogan in which to present their visually appealing cookies in creative and appropriately-sized packaging. Measuring was critical for the success of this project, for the overall visual appearance of the cookie and the box had to neatly hold a dozen cookies.
“Hey there cookie lovers! We just came out with a new cookie! It’s chewy, crunchy, sugary, yummy, sweet, colorful and rounded. We hope you enjoy!”
Zevi Davidson, Manya Goldstein, and Blake Partovich, otherwise known as "Cool Cookies," presented their no-bake confetti cookie balls to parents and administrators who were selected to virtually judge each presentation.
There were a few changes to the cookie challenge due to the inability of students to use the community kitchen for baking. “The cookie challenge has survived 2020 even if some of its formats have been altered,” said Mrs. Piesz. In a typical year, students are judged on taste, smell, appearance of the cookie, and the slogan showcasing those same physical properties, whereas this year, students filmed their presentations through short videos and sent photos to showcase their products.
llama, llama photobombing drama
The first graders took an imaginary trip to South America this week. They visited Peru’s ancient city Machu Picchu, enjoyed spectacular views of the Andes Mountains, learned about the Inca civilization and...wait...a llama!?
Fun Fact about llamas: they are not camera shy! There are plenty of llamas who graze on the grounds of Machu Picchu and are known for cooperating with tourists for photos.
Using the image, students focused on specific elements of art to add creativity to their exploration.
“They sure learned a lot!” said art teacher Lauren Cohen.
Using lines and shapes, students created patterns on colorful scarves that were added to the llamas' necks. Scenic mountains were given a 3-D effect by adding light and dark shades of green, and depth was created through the overlapping of clouds and mountains.
got ya, caught ya, being a mensch!
advancement news
annual fund invites you to join our circle of community
Our 2020-2021 Annual Fund campaign has kicked off to meet unprecedented needs during an unprecedented time. We invite you to make your gift here.
Thank you to all who have given so far:
Please join us for Magic and Munchies via Zoom! With a gift to the Hillel Day School Annual Fund payable by June 30, 2021 you and your family can enjoy a virtual magic experience, hosted by magician TJ Tana on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
If you already gave to the Annual Fund, registration is required!
two opportunities for prospective parents to learn about Hillel
help us reach 1,500 likes on instagram!
partner with hillel as an event sponsor
Sponsoring one of our exciting community events offers opportunities to market your business, products, or services to a wide range of families, and places you and your company in front of Hillel's outstanding and loyal community. This sponsorship brochure lists all the benefits you and/or your company will enjoy as an event sponsor. Through raising much-needed funds, your sponsorship helps to ensure that any child who desires a Hillel education is able to receive one, regardless of family income.
Please note that if our events are held virtually, all sponsors will nonetheless receive widespread recognition as they would at an in-person event. To learn more, please contact aschlussel@hillelday.org or mcherrin@hillelday.org.
sponsor a day of learning
Funds raised from our Sponsor A Day of Learning initiative help Hillel purchase imperative PPE and other safety equipment; address the needs of our families who have been adversely affected by COVID-19; and give our school the tools and resources that enable us to pivot, adapt, and keep our students happy, connected, and involved, whether learning in-person or remotely. Sponsorships are $180 per day, and are announced daily to our students and community. To secure your spot for the 20-21 school year, please click here.
plum market gift cards available for curbside pickup
Plum Market gift cards are for sale through the Advancement Office -- $42.50 for a $50 gift card and $85 for a $100 gift card. Call 248-539-1483 to place your order, and we will arrange for you to pick up curbside at school, at which time we will collect payment (checks only).
shabbat take-out now available
View our tasty November offerings here. See something you like? Place your order here.
torah time: parashat vayeira
community events
common ground is asking for donations of new socks
share the warmth this winter
before you go...
Check out our weekly photo gallery for more pictures!
