order today by 4:00 pm
Place your order for your Purim treats by today at 4:00 p.m. for pick up on Friday, February 26 at dismissal.
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OPTIMIST: MEET DR. DARIN S. KATZ, HILLEL HEAD OF SCHOOL
We encourage you to take a moment to read a recent article published by Vivian Henock of My Jewish Detroit, on Dr. Darin Katz, faith, and finding the perfect match in Hillel Day School. Read the article in its entirety here.
wisdom wednesdays
Wednesdays in third and fourth grade are also known as Wisdom Wednesday, when students spend time in the afternoon studying a quote, historical event, significant piece of writing, or an important figure in history. With a focus on Black History Month, fourth graders in teachers Rachel Kellert and Brittany Borsen’s class focused this week on the Joe Louis quote “you need a lot of different types of people to make the world better.” Critical thinking and deep discussion ensued after students moved into pairs to further analyze and discuss the meaning behind this inspirational quote.
Partners Hayley Schostak and Ella Davis enthusiastically discussed Joe Louis, making reference to the famous "fist" monument located in Hart Plaza, Detroit.
“What Joe Louis was trying to say was not everyone can be the same,” said Ella. “If we look the same, act the same, think the same, the world wouldn’t be what it is.”
Based on their own life experiences and outlook on the world, famous quotes will resonate differently with each student.
“if there are different people in the world, it makes it a better place to live,” said hayley.
Wisdom Wednesdays will help our third and fourth graders impart some of their wise interpretations to others, and out in the world.
preparing for purim
Second graders wore masks, dressed up, and danced during their Judaic Studies class with Morah Amalia Poris. In second grade, the story of Purim comes to life every in Ivrit class. Students are learning the Megillah story in a fun-filled environment, while they dressed up as characters in the story.
“It is amazing how engaged they are when they are dressed in costumes. They are eager to learn the details of the story and act out each scene with so much passion,” said Morah Poris.
The students spoke in modern Hebrew as they retold the story, discussed the feelings of each character, and connected to our Jewish history.
Tricks for mental health Wellness
Fourth graders gathered in the Mercaz on Thursday with anticipation and excitement to welcome mental health awareness speaker and magician Anthony Grupido, on the big screen. Using his craft for a broader purpose, Grupido utilizes mesmerizing magic tricks and illusions to help students overcome challenges and manage feelings. Not only did he incorporate magic tricks and mental health awareness into his presentation, but he shared his own personal struggles, making the message even more relatable for students. Utilizing card tricks, he demonstrated how to handle situations that can sometimes be out of your control, and the visual of a straight jacket and chains was helpful to exhibit how to break free from a bind. Beyond tricks, students engaged in exercises to promote positivity, create value, and build skills.
“Think of something you are proud of, something that makes you happy, or an affirmation and write it down,” Grupido said. Students volunteered to share what they wrote in response to the exercise.
“It made me happy when a person stood up for me,” said student Elin Douville.
“I’m happy when I help my mom around the house and do my chores," said Sydni reich.
Grupido encouraged students to continue to use writing as a tool to help communicate their feelings; as the power of our words are so important.
While it is normal to have unpleasant feelings at any age, it is important for children to understand these feelings, and to work through them in a supportive environment. This message is of great importance at Hillel, and we bring developmentally appropriate programs to our students on this topic.
“This is crucial to destigmatize the notion that stress and worry means something is wrong with our children,” said Kim Love, Director of Student Services. “The younger they internalize the message that conversations around emotion, including unpleasant ones, are normal, the better prepared they will be to handle difficult situations or address mental health issues as they grow.”
purim and masks
got ya, caught ya, being a mensch!
mazal tov!
Mazal tov to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nagle, who were married on February 7, 2021. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and love!
follow us on instagram!
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:
Hedy and David Blatt | Mickey and Shelley Eizelman | Lila and Gordon Fain | Anna Gartman | Paula and Louis Glazier | Nancy and James Grosfeld | Aleta and Ariel Grunberg | Geoffrey Linden Debbie and Harvey Markzon | Marilyn and Robert Mossman | Aimee and Richard Simtob
save the date!
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! Listed below are some of our upcoming events. Any and all help is greatly appreciated!
Family Bingo - Sunday, March 21 | 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.
Our next PTO Meeting will be Thursday, February 25th at 9:30 a.m. via Zoom. We welcome you to join us to discuss these events, and much more. If you are interested in volunteering or have any suggestions or comments, please contact PTO President, Amy Sapeika, at pto@hillelday.org.
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).
what's for lunch?
Please take a look at our February Lunch Selections and click here to place your orders.
