Grades 3-5 Happenings

Celebrating Cells in Grade 6 Science

As part of their study of cells, sixth graders have been examining the parts, structures, and functions of different cells.

After observing cells under a microscope, each student built a 3D model of a plant or animal cell.

The Introduction of Mishnah Teaching in a Reform Jewish Day School was the subject of the presentation given on January 27 at Brandeis University by Rabbi Ellen Pildis, Rashi's Jewish Studies Director, and Dan Brosgol, Jewish Program Coordinator. Their presentation  was part of a two-day Conference on Teaching Rabbinic Literature, a major research conference bringing together more than 200 educators representing 30 Jewish day schools, 20 colleges and universities, and 12 yeshivot and rabbinical seminaries from across the denominational spectrum.

The Rashi presentation examined the experience of introducing a curriculum for the study of Rabbinic literature - specifically, Mishnah - for the first time at a Reform Jewish day school. Rabbi Ellen noted that although Rashi has strengthened its Tanakh curriculum, Rashi students do not study Rabbinic literature and the conversations of the rabbis over the centuries that have resulted in many current religious practices.

 
The purpose of postural screening is to detect signs of spinal curvature at their earliest stages so that the need for treatment can be determined. This is not a diagnostic service, but it does provide screenings for problems that may require further medical attention.

Scoliosis, the most common spinal abnormality, is a side-to-side curve of the spine. It is usually detected in childhood or early adolescence.  Early detection and treatment can prevent the development of a severe deformity that can later affect the health and appearance of the child.

Postural screening will be conducted at the Y during PE class on the following dates:

    Grade 5 Boys (both classes):  March 7

    Grade 5 Girls (Fujita):            March 14

    Grade 5 Girls (Skirball):          March 28

    Grade 6 Boys:                       March 25

    Grade 6 Girls:                       April 1

    Grade 7 Boys:                       March 18

    Grade 7 Girls:                       March 11

    Grade 8 Boys:                       March 4

    Grade 8 Girls:                       February 28

    Make-up date for Grade 5:     April 4

    Make-up date for Gr. 6-8:      April 8

The procedure for screening is simple. The children remove their shirts and shoes. We recommend that girls wear a one piece/ backless bathing suit so the entire back is visible during the screening process.I have been specially trained to look at your child's back while he/she stands and bends forward.

This is done individually and in private.

You will be notified ONLY if medical follow-up is suggested.

If you have any questions or concerns about this screening, please feel free to contact me Monday-Friday between 9:00 am-3:00 pm.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Coral Ambuter, R.N., School Nurse

February 3, Shirlala Family Concert, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Temple Hillel B'nai Torah. Shira Kline, noted NYC Jewish singer and storyteller, will lead a participatory concert for children ages 0-6. Tickets are $18 per family or $20 at the door. To purchase tickets on line: http://www.templehbt.org/pages/shirlala.html.

February 9, Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Barbara Penzner, 1:00- 2:00 pm. Group talk about everyday ethical dilemmas and how we can develop a practice of improving our lives and the lives of those around us. Jumping off point is the book Striving Toward Virtue: a Contemporary Guide for Jewish Ethical Behavior, by Kerry Olitzky and Rachel Sabath and published by Ktav. Although it is out-of-print, it can be purchased used through Amazon marketplace. Free and open to all. For more information, contact the temple office at 617-323-0486.

February 16, 1:00-2:00 pm, Shira Kayam (Song Like an Ocean) singing group: Explore our prayer service with others who love to sing and grow spiritually (drumming included). No Hebrew knowledge is necessary. Beginners are welcome! Free and open to all.

Coming Up

Dear Rashi Families,

I am Nicole Finkielsztein, a seventh grade Rashi student.
My Bat-Mitzvah is coming up in March. As part of my Bat-Mitzvah, I am doing a project that involves an organization called Reach Out and Read. Reach Out and Read is a national program designed to promote early literacy skills and school readiness within primary care settings. In Boston, Reach Out and Read is located at the Children's Hospital, which collects donations of gently used and new books to distribute to children.

I would appreciate your help by bringing in books that your family members do not read or use any more. Please make sure that books are not coloring books, books that are dirty, scribbled on, missing pages, ripped, have religious themes, etc.  I will put collection boxes in the Atrium on the second floor.

Thank you,

Nicole Finkielsztein

Rashi 7th grader

Dr. David Elkind is a Professor of Child Development at Tufts University and the author of The Hurried Child, All Grown Up and No Place to Go, Parenting Your Teenager, Reinventing Childhood, The Power of Play and Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child in a Stressful World.

Megillah Readers Wanted