A few more important items

Hi All,

There are two important dates of which you should be aware.  First, Levi Strauss from Camp Tawonga will be visiting our school on April 16 from 1:45-3:15 to meet with the students and parents about the Tawonga trip.  The first 45 minutes will be devoted to the students, preparing them for the trip, answering questions, getting them excited, etc.  The second half (from 2:30-3:15) is devoted to parent questions and concerns.  (The students will be with the Guggenheims during this time.)  If you are a chaperone, or if you have questions regarding the trip, or if you just want to get a better sense of what the trip will be like, we recommend that you join us for this meeting.  

Second, on April 29 from 1:45-3:00 the student will be enjoying the Red Eye Saloon.  This is our traditional send-off to Camp Tawonga.  The students enjoy light refreshments, card games and a few surprises as they mill about in their “full-out fancy” costumes.  This is an opportunity for our parents to share in the Gold Rush experience, so dust off your cowboy hat, put on your best petticoat, and join us for a right fine party!  NOTE: We will need parents to help us with decorations, refreshments, set-up and clean-up, so please look for further emails from the room parents.  This is one program we really can’t do without you!

As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Debbi

Tawonga Characters

Dear Parents,

As I’m sure you’ve already heard, the students have chosen their Tawonga characters and now know who they will be for their trip.  We spent time in class today discussing the costumes for the trip and I wanted to fill you in.

First, they will need two costumes – a “Full-out Fancy” costume and a “Miner’s” Costume.  The Full-out Fancy costume is the one that they will wear for the Red Eye Saloon (more info to follow) and for the Dance at Tawonga.  This is their opportunity to go all out and create the best costume they can to represent their character.

The second costume, their Miner’s costume, is the one they will wear during the day while they are up at Tawonga.  Girls, unless they are a male character, must wear long skirts.  I have suggested that they wear either long underwear, leggings or pants under their skirts.  They will fell less exposed and more comfortable participating in the activities.  Boys should wear jeans, overalls, or some other form of durable pants. NO SWEAT PANTS WILL BE ALLOWED.  For shirts, I suggest that both the girls and the boys wear button-down shirts, solid colors or calico patterns for the girls and checkered or solid for the boys.  They should not wear anything with large writing on it.  

I highly recommend that you look in your closets, your friends’ closets, your parents’ closets, etc. for clothes.  You will be amazed what’s lurking in the corners of some peoples’ closets!  If you can’t find anything at home then we urge you to go to GoodWill or Salvation Army.  It’s a great place to get clothes like these and it helps a worthy organization.

There are a few other items that the miners will need.  First, the should definitely have a rain suit with them.  Over the last six years, it has rained at least three of the years.  The program continues, even if it is raining, so you definitely want rain pants and a coat.  You can get the rain suit at places like REI or Sports Authority.  (Sometimes you can even get them at Target.)

The miners also need two pairs of shoes, one of which will get wet.  These do not need to “go with” the costume.  I suggest a pair of water shoes and a pair of good sneakers or hiking boots.

I hope this helps you with your costume shopping.  Have fun and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Shabbat Shalom,

Debbi

Havdallah Leaders for Monday, March 31st (yikes, already?!)

Hi Parents,
The Havdallah leaders for this coming Monday are Sam S, Jacob, Shayna and
Sophie.

Shabbat Shalom.
Kaylee

FW: field trip permission form - drivers needed

------ Forwarded Message
From: Stephen Blatteis <shblatt@sbcglobal.net>
Date: Fri, 28 Mar 2008 11:14:22 -0700 (PDT)
To: <sblatteis@wornickjds.org>
Subject: field trip permission form - drivers needed

Dear 4B Parents,

Both 4th grade classes will be traveling to San
Francisco on April 15, 2008 to visit Mission Dolores &
Temple Sherith Israel. We hope to provide the 4th
graders with a stimulating and diverse look into two
historic religions of San Francisco.
We will travel first to Mission Dolores. Our tour of
the oldest intact Mission will include the Old
Mission, Diorama, Basilica, photo gallery, Museum and
garden/cemetery.

Next, we'll drive across town to Temple Sherith
Israel. Established in 1850, students will learn about
the temple's long history as well as the history of
the surrounding Jewish neighborhoods. Our guided,
docent led tour will include the courtyard and
sanctuaries, and hopefully an exclusive trip up the
hidden back stairwell to the dome.

Lunch will be held at Temple Sherith Israel. Please
make sure your son or daughter brings a kosher bag
lunch.

Some portions of this field trip will be outside,
please make sure your son or daughter brings warm
clothing.

Please visit the websites below for some history of
Temple Sherith Israel & Mission Dolores.

http://www.sherithisrael.org/main.php/home/index.html
http://www.missiondolores.org/

WE WILL NEED TO LEAVE WORNICK DAY SCHOOL BY 8:45A.M.

-Steve & Debbi

Ronald C. Wornick Jewish Day School
4TH GRADE Field Trip
Mission Dolores & Temple Sherith Israel
Field Trip Permission form

Please return your permission form by April 7th.

A day in San Francisco on April 15, 2008
Mission Dolores @ 10:00 ~~ Temple Sherith Israel @
12:30
Both are docent led tours.
We will eat our bag lunches at the Temple.
Fees – None
Leave Wornick by 8:45

My child _____________________ has permission to
attend the field trip to Temple Sherith Israel &
Mission Dolores on Tuesday, April 15, 2008. We will
return to Wornick Day School by 3:30.

Parent/Guardian Name _______________________

Signature __________________________________
Please prepare a kosher brown bag lunch for your son
or daughter.
I can drive to Temple Sherith Israel & to Mission
Dolores

__________Number of seats ___
Please make sure to have your insurance on file in the
office.

~Thank you!

===========================
Stephen Blatteis
sblatteis@wornickjds.org

------ End of Forwarded Message

3.24.08

Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for purchasing the students’ artwork. With your help the fourth grade raised over $2,000 for the school!  The students are very proud of their work and were very excited to take it home today.  Many thanks to the Middle School for providing the beautiful bags in which the artwork was sent home.  

Our study of the gold rush continues as we study the routes to the Gold Fields.  The students researched one of the three routes and then taught what they had learned to others in the class. For homework this week the students have been asked to make a poster advertising one of the routes.  Tomorrow we will further discuss the attributes of an advertising poster and the specifics of the assignment.  If the students have any questions, please encourage them to ask me over the next few days.  This project is due on Friday.

Tomorrow we will begin our next literature book which, of course, is all about the Gold Rush.  By The Great Horn Spoon is one of my all-time favorite children’s books, as it describes life in the gold fields through humor, hyperbole, and historically accurate facts.  More information on this book will be sent home along the way.

Also, we started reading about some of the interesting characters of the Gold Rush period, including many of the pioneering Jews of the day.  This information will aid the students in choosing their Gold Rush character.  Hopefully, this process will be completed by next week and the students can start thinking and planning their Gold Rush character!  Again, more information will come home as we move through the unit.

Finally, we have a field trip on April 15 to Mission Dolores and Temple Sherith Israel.  The permission slip for this event will be sent home within the next few days.  Please consider driving on this trip, as it is a wonderful opportunity to experience the beginnings of religion in San Francisco.  

That’s all for now,

Debbi

Library

Hi All,

I have to tell you an interesting story about yesterday.  During our Morning Meeting I introduced the idea of having the girls talk with Krysta.  We spent time discussing why this was a good thing, why we were focusing on the girls and not the boys, how it would benefit everyone, etc.  They were fine with the idea until I mentioned that the girls would miss their library time for these meetings.  When they heard that they got VERY upset.  Big pouty faces, tearful eyes... Some of the girls wouldn’t even look at me, they were that upset.  So, I suggested that we have 15 minutes on Fridays when the girls could check out books.  That compromise didn’t change ANYTHING.  They were very upset about missing the stories, sitting on the couch, talking with Robin... They wanted the whole library experience.  

So, needless to say, we are not changing our library time.  We will still have library on Friday afternoons.  The girls will meet with Krysta on Wednesday mornings and I will have a period a week with just the boys. (During which time I’ve promised the girls I won’t do anything too exciting.  The girls suggested I teach the boys art – maybe crocheting or sewing or such.)

=),
Debbi

Important information 3.19.08

Dear Parents,

Well, we’ve finally made it to the Gold Rush!  This is my favorite unit of the year because of all the unique teaching opportunities the subject provides.  Yesterday we began talking about how gold was discovered in California and what happened when word got out.  Among the many activities we will be doing over the next few days is the software simulation “Oregon Trail”.  This is a wonderful program that highlights the trials and tribulations of overland travel.  In addition, the students will be learning about the other ways to California and will be creating an advertising poster to show what they’ve learned.  These are just a few of the highlights for this week and early next week.

Speaking of the Gold Rush...  Tawonga forms are due!  If you have not yet turned in your medical forms and money, please do so either today or tomorrow.

In other news, we are planning a fieldtrip to Mission Dolores and Temple Sherith Israel on Tuesday, April 15, 2008.  Permission forms will be sent out shortly.  This is a wonderful trip that showcases the beginnings of San Francisco from two different perspectives.  It is definitely worth the time, so please consider driving on this trip.

Beginning next week the fourth grade girls will meet with our school counselor once a week.  In response to parent requests and the school's desire to develop more prevention programs/services for its students, we are proud to announce that Krysta Banazek, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist has agreed to lead a group for our 4th grade girls on campus.  The group will address issues related to self-esteem, communication, feelings, anger management, conflict resolution and more.  The Day School understands the importance of preventive education and your child's participation in this program will help us determine future services the school will offer its students.  For your child to participate in the program you must sign a permission form.  Those forms will be sent home later today or tomorrow.  

This group will occur during library time, thus the girls will meet with Krysta while the boy have library.  To make this happen our library time will move to Wednesday mornings beginning next week.

Don’t forget, Mishloach manot baskets are due TOMORROW!  Please bring your baskets to the classroom tomorrow morning.

Finally, the auction projects are almost done and will be sent home on Monday.  Thank you to everyone who has purchased artwork and note cards.  As a grade we have raised over $2,000 for our school! I think that’s a record!

Have a wonderful day,

Debbi

 

Mission reports

Hi All,

We are just finishing up the mission reports.  The students have, for the most part, completed their reports in class.  The final drafts are being sent home today. At this point the students need to complete their title sheet, cover and map.  They can also include illustrations, if they wish. (Those who are working on the 22nd mission MUST include an illustration.)

Please do not re-write or edit any part of their reports. They are wonderful examples of authentic fourth grade writing and are at exactly the level I’m looking for from them.   I appreciate your desire to help, but please resist the temptation.  THEY CAN DO THIS ON THEIR OWN!!!

The reports are due on Thursday morning.

All my best,

Debbi

5th Grade Curriculum Night TONIGHT!!!

The 5th grade curriculum night is TONIGHT at 7:00.  Please try to attend.

Debbi

Havdallah leaders tomorrow, 3/15/09

Hi all,

It's me,  Morah Kaylee,  and I hope you are enjoying this wonderful Sunday.

Havdallah leaders tomorrow are:

Josh Fridman,     Ari Fridman,     Dylan Bienenstock,     Abby Sorkin.

 

Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow and all this week  (Friday is Purim!!).

Morah Kaylee

Tawonga Chaperones

Dear Parents,

     We are please to announce the Tawonga Chaperones of 2008.  These fine individuals have agreed to travel with us back in time and experience life in the 1850’s.  

Our 6 chaperones for Tawonga 2008 are:  Julia Varshavsky, Daniel Berko, Lainee Engel, Gary Berke, Doug Bodin and Emily Scheinman.

Our three alternates are Gracie Lieberman, Donna Wolf & David Gordon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everybody who volunteered!!!

Debbi and Steve

Final Call for Tawonga Chaperones

Hi All,

If you are interested in being a chaperone on our Tawonga trip (April 30-May2) we MUST hear from you by 3:30 TODAY.  We will be picking names this afternoon, so if you want your name in the mix, please let us know.

Have a good day,

Debbi

4th grade Hebrew and Judaica - Rosh Chodesh Adar

Hi Parents,
When Adar begins, we multiply the happiness - "Mishenichnas Adar, marbin
BeSimcha!" The fourth grade Hebrew and Judaica classes have been
synthesizing Purim joy with serious work, and it's been a happy and
productive semester.

In Moreh Jackie's Hebrew class, the students have been writing their own
Megillot, incorporating language and grammar learned to date. In this
project, the students have ample opportunity to practice masculine and
feminine forms, build complex sentences, and use dialogue in both serious
and comical ways.

In Morah Dina's class, the students have been reading a simplified version
of the Megillah, then making puppets out of construction paper and
partnering up to tell one another about their Megillah characters. Both
Hebrew classes have studied the past and present tenses and are using the
current activities to practice descriptive sentences, Morah Jackie's
students describing the scenes and Morah Dina's students describing the
characters.

In Judaica the students have been reading the text of the Megillah and
looking at the discreet 'language' used by Esther and Mordechai in writing
the story, seeing how one can say something without being explicit. One
example is the connotation of Mordechai as "Mordechai the Jew" over and
over in the text of the Megillah, showing how anti-Semitism was prevalent
without saying so in an obvious way (the Megillah was to be shown to the
King, who would review every word and punish the authors, i.e., Esther
and Mordechai, for any disparaging words). When Vashti is summmoned to the
king 'to show her beauty' it states that she was commanded to appear 'in
her royal crown;' please ask your child how the commentators understand the
message that Esther was looking to tell us by using these particular words.
The students also began comparing the Joseph and Esther stories, discussing
what we learn about ourselves in modern day 'diaspora' from the similarities
in the two books. Physical beauty plays a significant part in both
stories, as do the themes of dreams, feasting, and prayer. We learn
that parties should be happy while at the same time meaningful, and that we
are always responsible for our behavior.

The 4th graders enjoyed outdoor activities on Friday, Rosh Chodesh Adar,
putting into practice the themes of working together, trusting one another,
and appreciating 'opposites' (we did some backwards relays!) in the
message of the day, "VeNahafochu."

We pray that the month of Adar brings peace to all, and are dedicating our
Tzedakah collection over the next week to send Mishloach Manot for the
soldiers of Israel, the IDF. We will send our Tzedakah money to Israel
for the soldiers to receive Mishloach Manot in time for Purim. The link on
the web is info@stogether.org

B'Veracha,
Morah Dina, Moreh Jackie, and Morah Kaylee

Auction Project

Hi All,

The temple sketches are done and have been scanned into the computer.  The next step in the process is to get one or two sentences about the synagogue that each child sketched, and for this we could use your help.  Please email one or two sentences about the synagogue to me so that I can put them on the note cards.  The sentences should include the name of the synagogue, the location (city/state/country) and the connection your family has to the synagogue.  We only have one or two lines on the back of each note card, so please be brief (I may need to edit for space.)  I need to have this information by Wednesday.

If you do not know which synagogue your child sketched, please let me know.  We will figure it out.

Also, I will send home the order forms for the original art and the note cards tomorrow.  I’ll include “thumbnails” of the artwork so that you can see what you are buying.  Look for the order forms in your child’s backpack and via email tomorrow.

Once again, thanks for your help.  The artwork is beautiful!  I think you will enjoy the lovely work the students have created.

All my best,

Debbi

Re: Tawonga Packets Sent Home

Drat!  I thought I had caught all of those! The correct dates for the Tawonga trip are Wednesday, April 30 – Friday, May 2.

Sorry for the confusion!

Debbi


On 3/7/08 1:39 PM, "Judy Fridman" <JudyF@magenic.com> wrote:

The dates in the parent letter say May 2 – 4 2007.  Since I know this isn’t correct what are the actual dates?
 

---

From: Deborah Seligman [mailto:dseligman@wornickjds.org]
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2008 1:30 PM
To: grade-4a@wornickjds.org
Subject: Tawonga Packets Sent Home

Dear Parents,

Well, the time is finally here!  The students are bringing home the Tawonga information packets today.  I have also attached them to this email.  Please note that there is information in the packet that is just for parents, so please open them away from 4th grade eyes.

We are in need of chaperones for this trip.  The camp has a strict policy to not allow parents to chaperone their own children, so we are looking for mothers of sons and fathers of daughters.  This year we will have three girls’ groups and three boys’ groups.  If you are interested in joining us on this trip, please let me know by Wednesday, March 12.  (NOT Friday, March 14, as it says in the packet.)  Your name will be put into a hat and we will let you know by March 13 who our chaperones will be.  

A large part of this trip is the fact that the students spend the entire time in character and will need to have two costumes for this trip. HOWEVER, since the students have not yet chosen their characters, they cannot start thinking about costumes.   We will discuss the costumes as we get closer to the trip.  

The Tawonga trip is a definite highlight of our 4th grade year.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Debbi Seligman

Tawonga Packets Sent Home

Dear Parents,

Well, the time is finally here!  The students are bringing home the Tawonga information packets today.  I have also attached them to this email.  Please note that there is information in the packet that is just for parents, so please open them away from 4th grade eyes.

We are in need of chaperones for this trip.  The camp has a strict policy to not allow parents to chaperone their own children, so we are looking for mothers of sons and fathers of daughters.  This year we will have three girls’ groups and three boys’ groups.  If you are interested in joining us on this trip, please let me know by Wednesday, March 12.  (NOT Friday, March 14, as it says in the packet.)  Your name will be put into a hat and we will let you know by March 13 who our chaperones will be.  

A large part of this trip is the fact that the students spend the entire time in character and will need to have two costumes for this trip. HOWEVER, since the students have not yet chosen their characters, they cannot start thinking about costumes.   We will discuss the costumes as we get closer to the trip.  

The Tawonga trip is a definite highlight of our 4th grade year.  Please let me know if you have any questions.  

Debbi Seligman