Welcome to Kita Beit!
Class News- June 1st, 2018
Dear Kita Beit Parents,
I can’t believe that this school year is over! The year seems to fly by quickly from Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot. When I think and reflect on the school year, I do it with much pride in my heart. I am very proud of each of the students for everything that they have learned this year. I was super excited to start this school year already knowing all the children. The children and I developed deep and meaningful connections in the past two years, and it is hard to say goodbye. The students are moving up to third grade with a strong foundation of the Hebrew language and our heritages. This foundation is the building blocks for their future learning at our school. They celebrated and learned about all the Jewish holidays, began learning the Torah, spoke a lot of Hebrew, and also discussed the weekly Parashat Hashavua. What an AMAZING year!!!
Here are some adjectives that describe our class:
Incredible group of children!
They are very smart, creative, talkative, energetic, friendly, caring, unique, and willing to help.
Thank you very much for sharing your children with me. It has been a terrific journey. I wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and relaxing summer.
Best,
Mrs. Moss
I can’t believe that this school year is over! The year seems to fly by quickly from Rosh Hashanah to Shavuot. When I think and reflect on the school year, I do it with much pride in my heart. I am very proud of each of the students for everything that they have learned this year. I was super excited to start this school year already knowing all the children. The children and I developed deep and meaningful connections in the past two years, and it is hard to say goodbye. The students are moving up to third grade with a strong foundation of the Hebrew language and our heritages. This foundation is the building blocks for their future learning at our school. They celebrated and learned about all the Jewish holidays, began learning the Torah, spoke a lot of Hebrew, and also discussed the weekly Parashat Hashavua. What an AMAZING year!!!
Here are some adjectives that describe our class:
Incredible group of children!
They are very smart, creative, talkative, energetic, friendly, caring, unique, and willing to help.
Thank you very much for sharing your children with me. It has been a terrific journey. I wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and relaxing summer.
Best,
Mrs. Moss
Class News- May 11th, 2018
The students of kita Beit can definitely feel the warmer weather…the heat is on in our classroom! In the past two weeks the students began their Daily Routine unit, practiced Hebrew grammar, learned many new Hebrew words , Learned Torah and Parasha , learned about Jerusalem in honor of the upcoming Jerusalem Day, and…let’s not forget Macabbia!!
Hebrew – Seder HaYom Sheli – My Daily Routine
The students completed their books. They wrote Hebrew sentences about things that they do throughout the day. The students had such a great time sharing the photos that you took of them at home. They glued the photos into the correct pages in the book. Next week, we will focus on actually acting out the sentences and speaking Hebrew. I am sure that you will be impressed with how much Hebrew they can speak. I will try to record them speaking for you to see. Every year, this unit has been one of my students’ favorite and I thank you for your part in making it happen!
Spelling Test
Everyone did extremely well on this week’s spelling words. The words were very challenging and I am so happy that they have learned them. The students are using these words in our daily routine unit. A special treat for our wonderful 2nd grade – I told the students that they could choose any 10 words to use for next week’s spelling test. However, they also need to know what the words mean in English.
Upcoming Event
We will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot in our classroom next Friday, May 18th. The PTO will also provide ice cream for all the students in honor of Shavuot. Please have your child wear white shirts on that day.
Hebrew – Seder HaYom Sheli – My Daily Routine
The students completed their books. They wrote Hebrew sentences about things that they do throughout the day. The students had such a great time sharing the photos that you took of them at home. They glued the photos into the correct pages in the book. Next week, we will focus on actually acting out the sentences and speaking Hebrew. I am sure that you will be impressed with how much Hebrew they can speak. I will try to record them speaking for you to see. Every year, this unit has been one of my students’ favorite and I thank you for your part in making it happen!
Spelling Test
Everyone did extremely well on this week’s spelling words. The words were very challenging and I am so happy that they have learned them. The students are using these words in our daily routine unit. A special treat for our wonderful 2nd grade – I told the students that they could choose any 10 words to use for next week’s spelling test. However, they also need to know what the words mean in English.
Upcoming Event
We will celebrate the holiday of Shavuot in our classroom next Friday, May 18th. The PTO will also provide ice cream for all the students in honor of Shavuot. Please have your child wear white shirts on that day.
Maccabia
Last Monday, students from 1st to 6th grade enjoyed a fun filled field day. Maccabia (color games) is a tradition in our school and our way of celebrating Lag Ba’Omer. The school was divided into four teams and colors. The teams practiced their song, cheer, and sculpture throughout the week. On Maccabia day, the teams competed in outdoor sporting events and presented their song/cheers/sculptures as well. Everyone did an amazing job! |
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Under the Same Moon
We received our 5th letters from the Rabin School. I am planning to translate all the letters to English over the weekend and give them to the 2nd graders on Monday. Please be on the lookout for the 5th set of letters on Monday. Please don’t forget to put them in the book’s envelope. |
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Rendler
Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Rendler
Class News- April 27th, 2018
The buzz of learning continues to grow in our classroom and it is wonderful to witness. In the past few weeks the students participated in being kind to each other during Kind Week, they worked on their Tzahal unit and presented their product, they have learned about Israel, worked on ital-am, learned the portion of the week, counted the O’mer, and began a new Hebrew unit. Wow!!
Hebrew
This week, the student began a new Hebrew unit called Seder HaYom Sheli, My Daily routine. At the end of this unit, the students will be able to say many Hebrew sentences on their own describing their daily routine. We are just in the “morning” part of the daily routine and learned to tell sentences such as: I am waking up in the morning, I am washing my face, I brush my teeth, I comb my hair.
Sfirat Ha’Omer
Since the 2nd day of Pesach to Shavuot we are counting the days! We are counting the days until Shavuot where the Israelis received the Torah.
The buzz of learning continues to grow in our classroom and it is wonderful to witness. In the past few weeks the students participated in being kind to each other during Kind Week, they worked on their Tzahal unit and presented their product, they have learned about Israel, worked on ital-am, learned the portion of the week, counted the O’mer, and began a new Hebrew unit. Wow!!
Hebrew
This week, the student began a new Hebrew unit called Seder HaYom Sheli, My Daily routine. At the end of this unit, the students will be able to say many Hebrew sentences on their own describing their daily routine. We are just in the “morning” part of the daily routine and learned to tell sentences such as: I am waking up in the morning, I am washing my face, I brush my teeth, I comb my hair.
- The students will have a Hebrew Spelling test on Tuesday, May 1st.
Sfirat Ha’Omer
Since the 2nd day of Pesach to Shavuot we are counting the days! We are counting the days until Shavuot where the Israelis received the Torah.
Our 2nd graders read books to our ECEC children. We also had a visit from Hershel Guttman!! The students love him!
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IDF – Tzahal
It was amazing and such a heartwarming experience to see 2A and 2B collaborating and working together in small groups. The students were eager to work on their presentations and came up with wonderful ideas. The students were given an opportunity to tell about their army unit to their friends (and also practice their presentations). Last Friday, we celebrated Yom Haatzmaut at school and our 2nd graders did a wonderful job teaching the rest of the school about the Israeli Army. Yom Haatzmaut This has been an extensive learning about Israel year. With the help of the other grades, our students learned about the Israeli culture, food, music, people, language, dance, Tzahal, immigration, cities and places and more. Yom Haatzmaut unit included working on italam, reading stories, singing songs and new dances. Our school celebration of Israel’s 70th birthday was super fun for all. The students learned the song/dance Israel Sheli (My Israel). Also, thank you for visiting our Israel Museum on Sunday! |
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Mrs. Moss
Class News- March 29th, 2018
During the past two weeks the students concentrated on learning about the holiday of Pesach, finishing their Beetzmi (by Myself) Hebrew unit, learning Torah and Parashat Hashavua.
Passover - פסח
The students learned the traditions and costumes for the holiday. They learned the story of Pesach and how to follow the order the Seder. They have learned many new words and worked in their Tal-Am workbooks as well as italam. The students did a great job leading the Seder at Cedar Village. They were complimented for their knowledge and their behavior. They made me very proud! I hope that your child will be able to help at home with leading your Seder. Below is a letter from ital-am which describes the material that italam included in the Pesach unit.
Passover - פסח
The students learned the traditions and costumes for the holiday. They learned the story of Pesach and how to follow the order the Seder. They have learned many new words and worked in their Tal-Am workbooks as well as italam. The students did a great job leading the Seder at Cedar Village. They were complimented for their knowledge and their behavior. They made me very proud! I hope that your child will be able to help at home with leading your Seder. Below is a letter from ital-am which describes the material that italam included in the Pesach unit.
Photos for you to enjoy from our Seder at Cedar Village
Baatzmi (By Myself)
The students finished this unit with acting out things that they could do in Hebrew by their selves. They can mow say many sentences in Hebrew by using a specific template. Please ask them to share with you (in Hebrew) few sentences. I think that you will be impressed with how much Hebrew they can speak.
Tzahal - IDF - צה"ל
The 2nd grade class will be teaching the school about six selected IDF units as part of the school's yearlong celebration of Israel's Independence. Your child was giving a hard copy of this project on Thursday (it's in their backpacks). We are looking forward to begin this fun project.
Here are the teams and the I.D.F branches assigned to them :
Paratroopers Brigade: Shayne B., Gabriel K., Ariel, Reid.
Golani Brigade: Ori, Evie, Noam.
Israeli Navy: Hannah S., Zander, Grant.
Air Force: Ethan, Alma, Aiden
Armored Corps: Eva, Zachary, Shayne B., Gabriel S.
Israeli Intelligence Corps: Bennett, Robbie, Omer
5th Grade Immigration Exhibit
Our class visited the 5th grade Immigration exhibit. This was part of the school’s yearlong celebration and learning about Israel, in honor of Israel’s 70th birthday. The exhibit described the history of the Immigration to Israel and included 12 Aliyot (Immigration). The 5th graders also acted out a story about the immigration from Yamane. Our 2nd graders greatly enjoyed the exhibit. |
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Mrs. Rendler and wish you and your family a happy Passover!
Mrs. Moss
Mrs. Moss
Class News- March 16th, 2018
We are busy as usual! In the past few weeks the 2nd graders celebrated the holiday of Purim, learned Torah and Parasha, finished two Hebrew units, worked on italam, exchanged letters, had a visit from a Talam representative, and began the Passover unit.
The Purim Unit included:
Hebrew
The students finished the units: Ma Lomdim? (what are we learning) and Beatzmi (by myself). In both units the students were introduced to many new Hebrew words and verbs. They also practiced speaking short sentences by following a template.
In the unit Ma Lomdim, the students first learned how to say sentences such as: I am cutting with the scissors, I am gluing a picture with the glue, I am writing with the pencil, etc.
Later, the students practiced saying sentences such as: We are singing songs in Hebrew, We are listening to Hebrew stories, We are reading Hebrew books, etc.
In the unit By Myself, the students learned to say many sentences reading what they can do in Hebrew by themselves. Such sentences were: I can listen to Hebrew instructions by myself, I can read Hebrew books by myself, I can write Hebrew sentences by myself, etc.
Italam
Italam is an integral part of our learning and assignments. The students are accustomed to the program and are doing great. Please help by continuing to remind your child to complete his or her weekly assignments.
The Purim Unit included:
- Reading the story of Purim in Hebrew.
- Acting out the story of Purim in Hebrew (I am still editing the video).
- Learning the Mitzvot, costumes and traditions.
- Learning songs and dances.
- Working in the Tal-Am Purim workbook.
- Making a gragger.
- Hearing the Megillah read by our 6th graders.
- Exchanging Mishloach Manot.
- Working on the Purim unit of italam.
- Participating in the Purim carnival sponsored by the PTO.
Hebrew
The students finished the units: Ma Lomdim? (what are we learning) and Beatzmi (by myself). In both units the students were introduced to many new Hebrew words and verbs. They also practiced speaking short sentences by following a template.
In the unit Ma Lomdim, the students first learned how to say sentences such as: I am cutting with the scissors, I am gluing a picture with the glue, I am writing with the pencil, etc.
Later, the students practiced saying sentences such as: We are singing songs in Hebrew, We are listening to Hebrew stories, We are reading Hebrew books, etc.
In the unit By Myself, the students learned to say many sentences reading what they can do in Hebrew by themselves. Such sentences were: I can listen to Hebrew instructions by myself, I can read Hebrew books by myself, I can write Hebrew sentences by myself, etc.
Italam
Italam is an integral part of our learning and assignments. The students are accustomed to the program and are doing great. Please help by continuing to remind your child to complete his or her weekly assignments.
4th grade Culture Exhibit
Our class visited the 4th grade culture exhibit today. This was part of the school’s yearlong celebration and learning about Israel, in honor of Israel’s 70th birthday. The exhibit included learning about Israeli poetry, music, fashion, food, dance, art, and sports. We even saw a fashion show and tasted Israeli food. Our 2nd graders greatly enjoyed the exhibit. |
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P2G Visit and Letters Exchanged
Over 20 members of the P2G organization from Netanya, Israel and Cincinnati came to visit us today. What a great honor!! (I truly expected two to three people). They sat with our students and talked to them about the Rabin School and about the students in Israel. They also asked our students what information they already know about their pen pal in Israel. Evie and Reid delivered our letters to their representative and we received the letters from Netanya. Many of the P2G members sat one-on-one with our students and helped them to read the letters. I am taking the letters home to translate them to English and will give them to the students on Monday. Besides the 4th letter, our students made a big poster for them to take to Israel (please look at the picture). Each student wrote under his or her picture shalom message to their Israeli friend. This visit was very meaningful to the students and teachers. The students had a better understanding about the whole process and that this project involves many people from both sides. |
Shabbat Shalom to all our wonderful 2nd grade families!!
Mrs. Moss
Mrs. Moss
Class News- February 9th, 2018
In the past two weeks, the 2nd grade class was busy learning about nature and trees. They also worked in their Hebrew workbooks and learned Torah and the portion of the week.
The Tu Bishvat Unit included:
- Learning to name the parts of the tree in Hebrew.
- Learning nature words. (sun, ground, rain)
- Speaking short Hebrew sentences about the tree.
- Discussing the importance of trees and the environment.
- Learning about the 7 species that the Land of Israel is blessed with (shivat Haminim).
- Learning how people in America and Israel celebrate the holiday.
- Completing the Tal-Am Tu Bishvat workbook.
- Reading one long informational Hebrew book for the holiday.
- Singing songs and learning few dances.
- Conducting a Tu-Bishvat Seder in our classroom!! The food was provided by our wonderful PTO.
- Planted parsley seeds to grow in our classroom.
- Researching a tree of our choice.
- italam for Tu-Bishvat.
Italam – Homework – Important
Please notice a change in the reading logs and homework procedures. In the past, I have been sending a reading book and a reading log home every Friday. The students and I have decided to switch to electronic readings and recordings.
Every Friday, I will assign a different book to read and record. When necessary, I will assign additional italam pages to complete for the week. We will read the books in class so the students will be familiar with the cotenant. Parents, I am asking for your partnership and help in making sure that the students complete their assignments. This is a great tool for me to assess their reading levels and comprehension. Italam is an intensive and fun program which greatly benefits the students. If for any reason your child can not complete their work, please send me an email. I truly appreciate your help!
This italam work has been assigned for this week. Please have your child complete the work by Friday, February 16th.
Topic: Chaye Yom Yom (Hebrew work)
Unit: Ma Veh-im Ma Lom-dim? What and with what are we learning?
Pages: Ma Lomdim? (What are we learning?) Pg. 1-3
Im Ma Lom-dim? (With what are we learning?) pg. 4-6
Meh-sa-cha-kim Bakita (we are playing in the classroom) pg. 7-8
Booklet – Hakita Hasmecha (the Happy classroom) pg. 9-10 – Please record the story.
Every Friday, I will assign a different book to read and record. When necessary, I will assign additional italam pages to complete for the week. We will read the books in class so the students will be familiar with the cotenant. Parents, I am asking for your partnership and help in making sure that the students complete their assignments. This is a great tool for me to assess their reading levels and comprehension. Italam is an intensive and fun program which greatly benefits the students. If for any reason your child can not complete their work, please send me an email. I truly appreciate your help!
This italam work has been assigned for this week. Please have your child complete the work by Friday, February 16th.
Topic: Chaye Yom Yom (Hebrew work)
Unit: Ma Veh-im Ma Lom-dim? What and with what are we learning?
Pages: Ma Lomdim? (What are we learning?) Pg. 1-3
Im Ma Lom-dim? (With what are we learning?) pg. 4-6
Meh-sa-cha-kim Bakita (we are playing in the classroom) pg. 7-8
Booklet – Hakita Hasmecha (the Happy classroom) pg. 9-10 – Please record the story.
Class News- January 26th, 2018
We began our extensive and rich Tu-Bishvat unit. The students are in the process of writing a book about their chosen trees. Each page of the book tells about a different aspect of the tree, such as: the size, leaves, fruit. In addition for the research project, the students are learning about the important of trees, Shivat Haminim - the 7 species that Israel is blessed with (which is also our next week's spelling words) and nature.
We continue studying Torah and the Portion of the Week by using the workbook, text book and italam.
In Hebrew class, the students practicing speaking and writing sentences in the present tense. They were given extra worksheets (that were taken from a grammar book which is not Tal-Am) to practice changing the verbs to the correct forms. They are developing a good "ear" to detect sentences that do not sound grammatically correct. They are also able to change the verbs to agree with the conjunctions. Way to go Kita Beit!
We continue studying Torah and the Portion of the Week by using the workbook, text book and italam.
In Hebrew class, the students practicing speaking and writing sentences in the present tense. They were given extra worksheets (that were taken from a grammar book which is not Tal-Am) to practice changing the verbs to the correct forms. They are developing a good "ear" to detect sentences that do not sound grammatically correct. They are also able to change the verbs to agree with the conjunctions. Way to go Kita Beit!
Rockwern Israeli Style
Last Monday, the Student Council organized “Rockwern Israel Style” to kick off Israel’s 70th birthday celebration events. The day began with 1st-6th grade praying together as a community. Our Student Council led the school in cheering and songs. Students and staff dressed in blue and white and the Israel ruach (spirit) was notice everywhere. In the afternoon, grades Kindergarten through 6th, visited the 1st grade Famous Israelis Exhibit. One student from each class that dressed up in the most creative way,won a gift card for Rockwern’s ice cream sale.
Zander was the winner student from our class! |
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Shabbat Shira
Our class had the privilege to lead the Shabbat blessings last week. With two students out of school sick (Noam and Zachary) and one almost out (Grant), I have to say that they were AMAZING! Our portion of the week was Parashat Bo from the book of Exodus (Shmot). The students prepared a play that covered Parashot Shmot, Vaera and Bo. They aced out the story of Passover: the Israelites slaves in Egypt, Baby Moses, Moses in Midyan and the burning bush, the ten plagues and finally the Israelites leaving Egypt. I was so very proud of their energy and enthusiasm! They were able to write and practice the play in only two days!! They are such talented and creative group of kids. It was also wonderful to see so many parents! We are scheduled to lead Shabbat Shira again on February 2nd at 3:00pm.
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Toasts with Israeli chocolate spread??
There are some benefits from sharing the same classroom with the 1st graders… The 1st graders had toasts (with chocolate) for the letter Tet. Of course, our 2nd graders had to have some too. Thank you Mrs. Capozzoli for brining the students for some extra treats! |
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Enjoy the photos from our STEAM week and welcoming Shabbat
Upcoming Events:
Shabbat Shira
It is our turn to say the blessings / Portion of the week on Friday, February 2nd. You are welcome to join us.
Tu Bishvat
Wednesday, January 31st - Both 2nd grade classes will celebrate Tu-Bishvat together in our classroom. This event is only for the students. Please have them wear a plain green shirt on that day.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Shabbat Shira
It is our turn to say the blessings / Portion of the week on Friday, February 2nd. You are welcome to join us.
Tu Bishvat
Wednesday, January 31st - Both 2nd grade classes will celebrate Tu-Bishvat together in our classroom. This event is only for the students. Please have them wear a plain green shirt on that day.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Class News- December 22nd, 2017
The past two weeks were very hectic in the 2nd grade, and this is why..
We learned all about Chanukkah.
We finished learning all the Parashot from chumash Bereshit.
We learned Torah and we practiced Hebrew grammar.
We learned all about Chanukkah.
We finished learning all the Parashot from chumash Bereshit.
We learned Torah and we practiced Hebrew grammar.
Chanukkah - חנוכה
The Chanukkah unit included:
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Parashat Hashavua - פרשת השבוע
Due to the fact that there is no school next Friday, we finished the book of Genesis today. The students enjoy learning the Torah stories and often have a lot of questions. Parasht Vayechi (the last portion) tells about Jacob and Joseph's death. Jacob wanted to be buried in the same cave that his ancestors were buried. At the end of this book we reviewed the names of all the fathers and the mothers that they have learned about. The students made some connection and realized that we mention our fathers and mothers in the Amida prayer.
Hebrew grammar
The students learned how to identify and find shorsh (root) of words. They practiced finding the roots of the words and became quite expert finders. The students also practiced changing the shorsh to match one girl, many girls, one boy, and many boys.
Example: Ariel mad-lik Nerot/ Ariel is lighting the candles. Alma mad-li-ka nerot/Alma is lighting the candles. Zachary and Grant mad-li-kim nerot/Zachary and Grant are lighting the candles. Shayne and Hannah mad-li-kot nerot/ Shayne and Hannah are lighting the candles. |
Ido Harel
Today was Ido's last day at Rockwern. Ido defintly got extra hugs and love today and we all feel a little sad. It has been wonderful experiance for us to have Ido in our class since 1st grade. We will miss Ido and his family and wish them good luck!
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Dear Kita Beit Families,
Thank you very much for the nice gift card to Kohl's. I will shop for myself during the break. It was very thoughtful of you to think about me during the holiday.
I wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and relaxing winter break.
See you in 2018!
We all wish Zachary Greenbaum, Gabriel Kohn, Eitan Frankel and their families a wonderful, meaningful trip to Israel!
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Thank you very much for the nice gift card to Kohl's. I will shop for myself during the break. It was very thoughtful of you to think about me during the holiday.
I wish you and your family a wonderful, safe and relaxing winter break.
See you in 2018!
We all wish Zachary Greenbaum, Gabriel Kohn, Eitan Frankel and their families a wonderful, meaningful trip to Israel!
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Class News- December 8th, 2017
Thanksgiving -חג ההודיה
In preparation for Thanksgiving, the students and I had a long and meaningful discussion about our lives and who/what we are thankful for. We all agreed that sometimes we take things for granted and we have a lot to be thankful for. After the discussion the students were asked to form short Hebrew sentences. They wrote sentences such as "I am thankful to have a good family", I am thankful to have good food", I am thankful that I have good friends". After the rough draft and some editing, they rewrote their sentences on the "I am thankful for" paper and decorated their page.
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Under the Same Moon - ירח משותף
Our first set of letters (to the Rabin school in Netanya) were exchanged in Israel a few days ago. Cindy Cohen brought the letters from Rockwern to Netanya and gave them to Idit Oshrat , the People-to-People Coordinator in Netanya P2G, who traded letters and brought the letters from Rabin School families. Cindy Cohen is in Israel on the Adath Israel mission, and is a P2G committee member. 2nd set of letters are due Friday, December 15th. Our hope is that the letters will be delivered by three of our students and their parents (Zachary G, Ethan F, and Gabriel K.), who are traveling to Israel in December. In this letter you will tell how you celebrate the Jewish holidays in America. You can also tell about your plans for the upcoming winter break. Please remember to write a page long letter and bring it to school in an unsealed envelope. Click below if your child needs a reminder of his/hers friend's name.
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Our class was very busy in the past two weeks. In Torah, we completed the unit about the creation. We resumed our weekly spelling words tests. We learned about the Portion of the week. We began our Chanukkah unit and recorded ourselves reading on italam.
Torah
The students love to learn Torah! Every morning, when they enter the classroom, I hear "Mrs. Moss, can we do Torah now?" I love the fact that they love learning the stories of our ancestors and discuss the morals. They are becoming more familiar with the biblical text verses modern Hebrew language. The list of the new spelling words is a good example of biblical text verses modern Hebrew. We learn Torah in Hebrew by using the Tal-Am Torah text book, workbook and ital-am.
Portion of the week
Vayishlach
In parashat Vayishlach, Jacob returns to the land of Cnaan after living in Charan for twenty years. Jacob wanted to make peace with his brother Esue. Jacob was not sure if Esue was still mad at him (after he stole his birth right blessing). At the end of the parasha, Jacob and Esue hugged and made peace. This parasha led us for a productive discussion about siblings rivalry and fighting. We ended our discussion with emphasizing how much we love our siblings even though we sometimes fight.
Vayeshev
This Torah portion tells the story of Jacob and his sons. Jacob loved his son Joseph the most. Joseph’s brothers did not like him and sold him to the Yishmaelim. Joseph ended up in Egypt where he found out about his talent to solve dreams. In jail, he was able to solve the butler and the baker’s dreams.
Chanukkah
We begun our Chanukkah unit with reading the Chanukkah story in Hebrew. The children remembered the story from last year and enjoyed watching the Chanukkah video that we made last year. The 2nd grade Tal-Am Chanukkah story builds on the vocabulary and grammar that the children had learned last year and takes it to the next level. This year's story is longer and more complex. We read the story from the Tal-Am big book and also watched it on ital-am. I encourage you to watch it at home with your child. The children will be able to translate the Hebrew to English for you!! We are currently working on short Chanukkah skits that we'll perform at the school wide celebration on December 18th.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Class News- November 17th, 2017
Kabbalat HaTorah
A blurb that I wrote for the Shabbat Shalom:
Over 100 family members and guests came to Rockwern Academy for the 2nd Grade presentation of Kabbalat HaTorah. The students sang songs, performed dances, and spoke beautifully celebrating the Torah. The students recited the five books of the Torah, told everyone what is written in the Torah, and performed a song about the Parashot in Sefer Bereshit. The night concluded with each student receiving their very own inscribed JPS Tanakh and a goodie bag to emphasizing the sweetness that Torah learning can have on their lives. The students did such an amazing job and it was clear to see that all of their hard work of memorizing their lines and songs paid off!
In preparation for Kabbalat HaTorah the students have been engaged in extensive learning about the Torah. They visited Plum St. Temple and Rabbi Thomashow to enhance their classroom learning. A special thanks goes out to the 2nd grade parents that volunteered their time to make the night one to remember. Kol haKavod l’kulam!!!
Over 100 family members and guests came to Rockwern Academy for the 2nd Grade presentation of Kabbalat HaTorah. The students sang songs, performed dances, and spoke beautifully celebrating the Torah. The students recited the five books of the Torah, told everyone what is written in the Torah, and performed a song about the Parashot in Sefer Bereshit. The night concluded with each student receiving their very own inscribed JPS Tanakh and a goodie bag to emphasizing the sweetness that Torah learning can have on their lives. The students did such an amazing job and it was clear to see that all of their hard work of memorizing their lines and songs paid off!
In preparation for Kabbalat HaTorah the students have been engaged in extensive learning about the Torah. They visited Plum St. Temple and Rabbi Thomashow to enhance their classroom learning. A special thanks goes out to the 2nd grade parents that volunteered their time to make the night one to remember. Kol haKavod l’kulam!!!
My Personal reflection:
A few parents mentioned to me that their child did not sleep well at night or woke up very early on the day of Kabbalat HaTorah. I can completely relate to your child and tell you that it doesn't matter how many years I prepared students for this occasion; I can still not sleep the night before. The anticipation, preparation, and excitement leading to this day was tremendous!
Now about your children, I remember years when we started to prepare for the ceremony a month in advance. No more! The children and teachers with the help from you, pull it together in only two weeks!! The chidren were amazing learning their reading parts, songs and dances. Yishar Koach!!
The Kabbalat HaTorah (for the students and me) is more than just a beautiful program with singing and dancing. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the children's lives. It is the beginning of learning the Torah and mitzvot. They will continue learning Torah and Judaism through their years at Rockwern and hopefully after. The students were well prepared and I had a “great pride” smile on my face throughout
the whole program. Thank you again, dear parents, for your partnership and support. I know that I can always count on our wonderful parents for help!
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Photos:rockwernacademy's photostream
A few parents mentioned to me that their child did not sleep well at night or woke up very early on the day of Kabbalat HaTorah. I can completely relate to your child and tell you that it doesn't matter how many years I prepared students for this occasion; I can still not sleep the night before. The anticipation, preparation, and excitement leading to this day was tremendous!
Now about your children, I remember years when we started to prepare for the ceremony a month in advance. No more! The children and teachers with the help from you, pull it together in only two weeks!! The chidren were amazing learning their reading parts, songs and dances. Yishar Koach!!
The Kabbalat HaTorah (for the students and me) is more than just a beautiful program with singing and dancing. It’s the beginning of a new chapter in the children's lives. It is the beginning of learning the Torah and mitzvot. They will continue learning Torah and Judaism through their years at Rockwern and hopefully after. The students were well prepared and I had a “great pride” smile on my face throughout
the whole program. Thank you again, dear parents, for your partnership and support. I know that I can always count on our wonderful parents for help!
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Photos:rockwernacademy's photostream
Under the Same Moon
Below is the link for the 2nd grade video. We sent it today to our friends in Netanya.
https://youtu.be/gUOHstY3-mA
Below is the video that explains about the project in details.
https://youtu.be/ACTqdug9HXc
https://youtu.be/gUOHstY3-mA
Below is the video that explains about the project in details.
https://youtu.be/ACTqdug9HXc
Class News- October 27th, 2017
Simchat Torah Field Trip – Plum St. Temple
We had a wonderful and meaningful trip to Plum St Temple. Rabbi Thomashow showed the students the Temple’s brand new Torah. We talked about Sofer Stam and different features that could be found in the synagogue. This trip gave us a clear opportunity to do a test review. Rabbi Thomashow ended with telling the students a story about the creation. Thank you to all the parents who helped with transportation. Also a big thank you to Rabbi Thomashow for a wonderful trip!
We had a wonderful and meaningful trip to Plum St Temple. Rabbi Thomashow showed the students the Temple’s brand new Torah. We talked about Sofer Stam and different features that could be found in the synagogue. This trip gave us a clear opportunity to do a test review. Rabbi Thomashow ended with telling the students a story about the creation. Thank you to all the parents who helped with transportation. Also a big thank you to Rabbi Thomashow for a wonderful trip!
We celebrated my very special birthday!!
I was extremely surprised when I entered my classroom last week and saw balloons all over the room. Mrs. Capozzoli and the students made me a cheerful birthday sign. It was wonderful to celebrate my birthday with the 1st and 2nd graders and teachers and of course, birthday treats. Thank you very much Patti Levine, Ariella Cohen and Mrs. Capozzoli for organizing such a fun time for me.
I was extremely surprised when I entered my classroom last week and saw balloons all over the room. Mrs. Capozzoli and the students made me a cheerful birthday sign. It was wonderful to celebrate my birthday with the 1st and 2nd graders and teachers and of course, birthday treats. Thank you very much Patti Levine, Ariella Cohen and Mrs. Capozzoli for organizing such a fun time for me.
It is wonderful to be back on track and have full weeks of school! A lot of serious (and not so serious) learning took place in the past two weeks. We moved on to a new unit in our Hebrew curriculum, learned three portions of the weeks, worked on iTalAm, and began our Torah studies.
Hebrew
We started and finished the Friendship (Chaverim) unit. We read the booklet” Welcome Yeduda+ Baruch Haba Yehuda”. The story tells about a new boy that entered the Tal-Am class. He came from Israel and did not have friends. Reading this booklet led us to discuss the issue of being good friends and welcoming everyone. We had our own “life” example to the story with Ido being new to the class last year and coming from Israel. The students are bringing this book home today to read for the week.
Torah
Thank you very much for helping your child study for the Torah test. They all did a great job and I could tell that they had practiced. We started our book of Bereshit (Genesis). We work closely with the workbook and the Chumash Bereshit (the book of Genesis). The students will read the Torah texts and memorize few sentences.
Parashat Hashavu
We began learning the portion of the week after Simchat Torah. Today we learned the story of Parashat Lech Lecha. I heard a lot of giggles when I mentioned that G-d asked Abraham and Lot to perform the Mitzvah of Brit Mila. Your child might ask you about it today.
iTal-Am
Parents, I need your help in making sure that your child can logon into iTal-Am from home. I would like to begin giving iTal-Am homework next week, but before I need to know that your child is set to work at home.
The children will need to go to the iTal-Am website: https://www.italam.org
Here are the user names and passwords to login:
*** Please send me an email telling me if your child was able to login and if he or she will be able to record themselves talking.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Rendler
Class News- October 4th, 2017
There is a buzz of learning in our classroom!
During the past few days we have focused on Yom Kippur and Succot.
Yom Kippur
The students read three booklets in connection to Yom Kippur: Slicha Shahar( Sorry Shacar), Slicha Sharona (Sorry Sharona), and Slicha Chatul (Sorry Cat). We discussed doing true Tshuva (repentment). We learned it is not enough for people to say that they are sorry. People need to think about their actions, apologize and find a way to make up for their bad deeds. The students were asked to think about such a scenario and later write and draw the steps to a true Tshuva. Please check out their work on the bulletin board outside our classroom.
Succot
We “launched” the preparation and celebration of Succot with the 1st and 2nd graders making paper chains together.
This unit included:
iTal-Am
The students are excited to be working on the iTal-Am program on the computers. They are learning that this will enhance their classroom learning and they will be receiving “grades” for the work they do.
Save the date:
Happy Succot to all our wonderful families!
Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Rendler
During the past few days we have focused on Yom Kippur and Succot.
Yom Kippur
The students read three booklets in connection to Yom Kippur: Slicha Shahar( Sorry Shacar), Slicha Sharona (Sorry Sharona), and Slicha Chatul (Sorry Cat). We discussed doing true Tshuva (repentment). We learned it is not enough for people to say that they are sorry. People need to think about their actions, apologize and find a way to make up for their bad deeds. The students were asked to think about such a scenario and later write and draw the steps to a true Tshuva. Please check out their work on the bulletin board outside our classroom.
Succot
We “launched” the preparation and celebration of Succot with the 1st and 2nd graders making paper chains together.
This unit included:
- Building a succah in our classroom! The students love having a succah in our classroom!! They enjoy decorating and learning in the succah.
- We read the guided book: “Why do we sit in the succah”? This guided book answered the question of why the Jewish people build a succah on the holiday of succot.
- The students worked in their holiday workbooks.
- We learned the blessings for Succot.
- We learned about the 4 species and shook the lulav.
- We visited the school’s succah and had a blast making an edible succah.
- We read the booklet “Hadasa and the 4 species”.
- The students worked on iTal-Am.
iTal-Am
The students are excited to be working on the iTal-Am program on the computers. They are learning that this will enhance their classroom learning and they will be receiving “grades” for the work they do.
Save the date:
- We are fortunate to have Miriam Cohen, one of the founders and writers of Tal-Am visiting our school. On Wednesday, October 25th at 6:30 we will have an iTal-Am evening with Miriam. Please plan on joining us to learn about the new iTal-Am programs that we are using this year. This evening will be open for parents from Kindergarten to 3rd grade.
- Kabbalat HaTorah: Kabbalat HaTorah will take place on Wednesday, November 15 at 6:30pm.
Happy Succot to all our wonderful families!
Mrs. Moss and Mrs. Rendler
Succah..Succah..everywhere...
Class News- September 19th, 2017
Rosh Hashanah
In the past two weeks, the students have been learning about the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. This unit included:
- Learning the costumes and traditions of the holiday.
- Discussed doing good deeds and asking for forgiveness.
- Reading Tal-Am Hebrew booklets.
- Working on the Tishrei workbook.
- Learning new vocabulary words for the holiday.
- Naming the Hebrew months.
- Making Rosh Hashanah cards to our parents, friends, and a Jewish school in Huston, Texas.
- Enjoying Rosh Hashanah traditional food provided by our PTO.
- Participating in the Shofar factory.
The students were very excited to receive the Rosh Hashanah greeting cards from their parents!!
Friends from Israel - Chaverim M'Israel
Our school is very lucky to be part of the Friends from Israel program which is being sponsored by the Jewish Federation. This year we welcomed Liat and Stav from Netanya, Israel to spend the year with us. Liat and Stav are 18 years old and just now finished their high school in Israel. They were chosen among many others to be the Israeli teen ambassadors for the year. Therefore, they had to take a year off before joining the Israeli army (gap year). Liat and Stav will visit our classroom every other week for one bell. They will do various activities with the students about Israel. They visited us for the first time last Wednesday and had a fun introductory activity.
Chabbad's Shofar Factory
Class News- September 8th, 2017
The excitement is in the Air!!
The highlight of our last two weeks of school was definitely receiving our brand new chrome books. Each of our second graders has his or her own laptop to keep in our classroom. The students began practicing the user names/passwords to log in to chrome books and italam. Hopefully, this process will not take long.
Hebrew Language
The second graders completed the “welcome” unit, Bruchim Habaim. This unit was challenging to all the students because there are four ways of saying welcome in Hebrew. Please check out the students singing the “Bruchim Ha-ba-im (welcome) song and welcoming each student into our class. Everyone did a fantastic job on their first spelling test. Please have your child practice for the next test on Tuesday. The students completed the “Welcome” unit in their workbooks as well as on the internet. Please encourage them to log in at home and show you how it works. A new booklet for the weekly reading was sent home today. Your child needs to return the booklet and the reading log every Friday.
Preparation for the Torah (Ha-cha-na La-Torah)
We began our unit that will prepare the students to learn the Torah. This unit includes learning about the Torah, synagogue, mitzvoth and good deeds. We will end this unit with a visit to Wise Temple at Plum st. The students already learned that the Mikrah or Tanach includes the Torah, Neviem and Ktuvim. They learned that this year we will only learn few chapters from the first of the Torah. The students enjoy this subject and always have good stories to share.
Rosh Hashanah
We began learning about the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. The students practiced asking and answering this type of question in Hebrew “What do we need to prepare for Rosh Hashanah?” Ma A-nach-nu Tzri-chim leh-ha-chin leh-rosh Hashanah? They now know to say ( in Hebrew) , we need apples and honey (candles, fish, round challah..) for Rosh Hashanah.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
The highlight of our last two weeks of school was definitely receiving our brand new chrome books. Each of our second graders has his or her own laptop to keep in our classroom. The students began practicing the user names/passwords to log in to chrome books and italam. Hopefully, this process will not take long.
Hebrew Language
The second graders completed the “welcome” unit, Bruchim Habaim. This unit was challenging to all the students because there are four ways of saying welcome in Hebrew. Please check out the students singing the “Bruchim Ha-ba-im (welcome) song and welcoming each student into our class. Everyone did a fantastic job on their first spelling test. Please have your child practice for the next test on Tuesday. The students completed the “Welcome” unit in their workbooks as well as on the internet. Please encourage them to log in at home and show you how it works. A new booklet for the weekly reading was sent home today. Your child needs to return the booklet and the reading log every Friday.
Preparation for the Torah (Ha-cha-na La-Torah)
We began our unit that will prepare the students to learn the Torah. This unit includes learning about the Torah, synagogue, mitzvoth and good deeds. We will end this unit with a visit to Wise Temple at Plum st. The students already learned that the Mikrah or Tanach includes the Torah, Neviem and Ktuvim. They learned that this year we will only learn few chapters from the first of the Torah. The students enjoy this subject and always have good stories to share.
Rosh Hashanah
We began learning about the holiday of Rosh Hashanah. The students practiced asking and answering this type of question in Hebrew “What do we need to prepare for Rosh Hashanah?” Ma A-nach-nu Tzri-chim leh-ha-chin leh-rosh Hashanah? They now know to say ( in Hebrew) , we need apples and honey (candles, fish, round challah..) for Rosh Hashanah.
Shabbat Shalom,
Mrs. Moss
Class News- August 25th, 2017