From the Ed Director...

Gesher School is Lucky

There is so much going on at Gesher School!  It is very exciting.  On March 2nd, the Gan, Alef and Bet classes enjoyed our first Sunday Model Tot Shabbat.   If you had a chance to participate, you may have noticed the wonderful (and very colorful) stuffed Torahs the children passed around and kissed. 

Our Hey class participated in a County-wide celebration of Israel’s Independence at Congregation Ohr Shalom sponsored by the AJE called Yachad (together).  Marcia prepared our students (all of whom attended) with lessons on the history of Israel.  The class also prepared fabulous t-shirts that were worn on that special day and learned a special song. 

On March 9th, the Education Committee put together a small Purim craft program (mask and gragger making) so that all the students could play an active role in the Megillah reading on March 20th.   Oh, and if you didn’t get a chance to taste the Hamentaschen – don’t worry, I ate enough for everyone!  They were sooooooo yummy. 

On April 13th, all the students will participate in the first annual school-wide Passover Seder.  This year will be particularly exciting, not only because it is our first, but because the students have been working very diligently on creating their own portion of the Haggadah.  Each class has chosen a particular section of the Haggadah to research and compile its own work to be included.  The Gesher Seder is an all student created and led program.   When you pick up your child from school on the 13th, be sure to ask to see the Haggadah! 
As you can see, the dedication of teachers and parents is fundamental in the success of Gesher.  It is easy to see why our school is as wonderful as it is – so many wonderful and committed people contribute their time and offer their love to give our students the Jewish experiences of a lifetime.  Thank you Teachers and Parents – we are so lucky. 

Katey Pianko

STUDENT CONTRIBUTIONS

The ideas of our students are not just acknowledged and praised – they are implemented in order to validate, not just the suggestion, but the student as well.  In February, I met with Jacob Kitten several times to listen to suggestions he had on improving the Gesher experience.  As we all know, no matter how wonderful something is, there is always room for improvement.  Jacob had some wonderful ideas – in fact, we have already begun to implement them into our program on a permanent basis!  If you did not notice, during break times on Sunday, students tossed a ball around, jumped rope and drew with chalk.  Jacob generously donated the jump ropes (todah!) and his family is arranging to bring a basketball hoop.  This was only the beginning of Jacob’s wonderful suggestions that we are implementing.  Just to name a few others: Hebrew Bingo, Jewish comics, Jewish book making and Jewish hero puppets.  I welcome every student to contribute to their learning and send me any suggestions they have.  As you and your child come to school on Sundays, take a look around, your suggestion may be seen next!