Roller Coaster Physics
If you were given twelve feet of tubing insulation and a sheet of foam board, what would you do with it? Build a roller coaster, of course! Eighth graders in math and science teacher David Venning’s class worked in teams to demonstrate how to determine and calculate speed, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum of a marble traveling the length of a twelve-foot track. Students will apply this knowledge to the design and construction of their coaster.
“We began this project by looking at various challenges some coaster designers face," said Mr. venning. "Our eighth graders were faced with similar challenges."
In groups of roughly four students, they were expected to communicate and present a design unique to each group. Before constructing their coasters, each group determined the number of drops, banks, and inversions that would be unique to their design. Partners Samantha Moss and Kendyl Kaufman set a goal of five drops, two loops, and one bank for their space-themed rollercoaster.
“The hardest part is getting the marble to go around the loop,” said Kendyl.
Ryan Schwartz, Sarah Krivichkin, and Jack Victor collaborated to create their “field of fire” themed rollercoaster, complete with a thrilling, blazing design.
“The construction has been tough,” said Jack, as Sarah used a glue gun to affix the foam tube to the top base of the coaster. “But the best part is working as a team."
After the design and build, each group will use a marble to calculate the speed, velocity, acceleration, force, and momentum of the marble. “I am looking forward to seeing what they create!” said Mr. Venning.
matzah plates for the seder table
Artist Gail Rosenbloom Kaplan set-up tables outside of the front entrance on Tuesday morning and welcomed first and second grade classes to join her to create unique Matzah plates. Utilizing over ten variations of vibrant (and even glittery) sand, students had the option to choose three different designs for their plate. Peeling one sticker at a time from the adhesive board, students poured colored sand on the section to create a colorful picture.
After the picture was complete, students and teachers assisted each other in sealing the art inside of a plastic frame and fastening each corner with beaded legs. The final projects will make beautiful and meaningful additions to the Seder table on Passover.
hooked on books
While reading month provides a framework to celebrate the joy of reading, it is the book clubs outside of the classroom that are also helping our students to develop as lifelong readers and critical thinkers.
On Mondays during Community Read, you will find Dr. Darin Katz with eighth graders Caleb Starr, Michael Basso, Rafi Pinals, Brody Fleishman, and Rena Kantor. They’ve been reading Start Up Nation, by Dan Senor and Saul Singer, which delves into Israel's success in producing more start-up companies that almost any other nation in the world.
“I read this book many years ago, and teacher Lauren Sterling suggested it as a book that eighth graders would enjoy,” said Dr. Katz.
Book clubs provide an opportunity for students to have in-depth discussions about their own lives and identities. Athletic Director Nicole Miller meets with sixth graders on Mondays and with seventh graders on Thursdays for Community Read on subjects relating specifically to health topics.
As a wellness teacher, Mrs. Miller is passionate about extending learning and connecting it across the curriculum, when possible.
Sixth graders are reading Maybe He Just Likes You by Barbara Dee, a book that explores friend relationships and consent among middle school students. The seventh grade group is reading Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky, which is an exploration of gender, acceptance, and interactions among middle school students.
"IN ADDITION TO DISCUSSING THE STORYLINE AND CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, WE DISCUSS OUR EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS AS READERS, AND ALSO EXPLORE THE EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS OF THE CHARACTERS,” said Mrs. Miller.
Book clubs also allow students to find a common interest and to develop close bonds over a particular story or author. Eighth graders Rachel Chynoweth, Emma Israel, Rebecca Mills, Ellery Gnesin, Lonni Reich, Ariella Hernandez, and Scout Phillips met online (and over Starbucks) during mid-winter break to discuss Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco.
“Our favorite part of the book club was that we could connect over certain parts of the book,” said Rachel Chynoweth.
Eighth grader Sarah Krivichkin meets with her reading club every Monday in the Davinchi room on the second floor. They chose Saving Wonder by Mary Knight because of the unique language and heartfelt plot.
Through reading and responding to different texts, book clubs create a kehillah (community) where students develop an understanding of each other, and a respect for different opinions, perspectives, and interpretations. Book clubs also provide an opportunity for teachers to witness academic and personal growth among students.
inspired education blog post: the eyes are the window to the soul
by Julie Tigay, first and second-grade teacher, and Gan through fourth-grade language arts curriculum coordinator, at Hillel Day School.
"The past 12 months have brought disruption to our normal routine, but the connection between teacher and student is as strong as ever. Whether via Zoom, or through a mask, students are ‘clicking’ and the evidence is in their eyes. Teachers at Hillel Day School are tasked with not only teaching the curriculum, but with nourishing the neshamot, the souls, of our students."
Read "The Eyes are the Window to the Soul" by Julie Tigay here.
To read more blog posts, or to subscribe, visit our Inspired Education blog page here.
One year ago Hillel, like the rest of the world, faced the pandemic. Thanks to Hillel’s incredible teachers, faculty, and staff classes continued seamlessly just three days later and learning hasn’t stopped since (except for summer, of course).
All of Hillel’s parents thank the wonderful Hillel teachers and staff for your strength, resilience, faith, courage, and fortitude and for ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. Todah Rabah!
weekly torah: Parshat vayak'hel-pekudei
MAZAL TOV!
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Follow us on Instagram for the day-to-day, "behind the scenes" stories of our students, activities and projects that take place daily inside of Hillel! Don't forget to check out our "stories" throughout the day. Connect with us!
share your stories with us!
We tell some of our best school stories through testimonials from our families! If you would like to share your Hillel experience, please send an email (and photos, if you wish to include) to Melanie Weber at mweber@hillelday.org.
advancement news
annual fund invites you to join our circle of community
Thank you to all of our supporters for your generous gifts. Whether your contribution is small or large, every gift makes a difference and will help us to reach our goal of $700,000. Give today to the Annual Fund because you believe in our school mission, the dedication of our teachers, and the impact a Hillel education will have on your child's future.
Thank you to all who have given this week:
Jill and Michael Gold | Annise and David Goodman | Honigman | Gabriella Burman and Adam Kaplan | Lisa and Daniel Klein | Zieva and Marc Konvisser | Rosanne and Tom Kukes | Rachel and Reuben Maxbauer | Nicole and Tony Miller | Alicia and David Nelson | Rachel and Josh Opperer | Marcy Rosen | Sholom Sanders | William Slatkin | Sylvia Wolf
save the date!
GRANDPARENTS BrUNCH AND LEARN EVENT
Grandparents (current and past) are invited to a "Brunch & Learn" with Rabbi David Fain, Rav Beit Hasefer, on Wednesday, March 24 at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Our topic will be “How to Live in Uncertain Times.”
Join us as we explore the story of the Exodus and customs at the Pesach Seder in order to gain insight into how we can manage these challenging times. Please RSVP to pruda@hillelday.org by Tuesday, March 23. Use this link to join; the meeting ID is 833 9226 6239, and the passcode is Brunch.
pto news
Though this school year has looked different in so many ways, PTO has found creative ways to connect parents, support our teachers, and enhance our students’ holiday celebrations at Hillel. As we look ahead to the rest of the school year, PTO is planning lots of fun events and we are looking for committee chairs and volunteers! Your time and talents will help us to make these events a success. Volunteer opportunities and a Sign-Up Genius are listed below. Please reach out to our PTO president, Amy Sapeika, with any questions or concerns.
Family Bingo - Sunday, April 18 | PTO will be hosting a zoom bingo event for the whole family. Kids will enjoy seeing their favorite teachers and staff as callers and take-home bags with bingo cards, markers, and fun prizes.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week - May 3 - 7 | This is an important opportunity for our parents and students to let our incredible teachers and staff know how much we appreciate them. This year, more than ever, we hope to find creative and meaningful ways to recognize their hard work and dedication.
Fun Run - May 11 - 12 | Last year, PTO relaunched our Fun Run to promote school spirit, encourage exercise and raise funds for our Athletic Department and playgrounds. This year, all students ECC-8th grade will participate over two days at different times by boo-ah during their regular gym classes.
hillel spiritwear
Purchase cozy Hillel swag for your and your family this holiday season! From white hooded sweatshirts (that can be worn on Fridays when we celebrate Shabbat) to masks, hats, and pajamas, there is something for everyone. Go Hawks!
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
Celebrate moments in 2021! As we begin a new year, we invite you to commemorate the special moments in your life - a child/grandchild's birthday, B'nai Mitzvah, honor a teacher, or make a dedication to a special day to your family. To Sponsor a Day of Learning for $180, please click here . Thank you for your support!
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).
our food services team is ready to take your march lunch orders!
New month, new menu; and now it's a la carte! View the March lunch selections and click here to place your order!
