Previously at The Adelson Lower School

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

 

Preschool Updates

This week the children worked on Hanukkah decorations. They began by cutting dreidel shapes from colorful paper. Children were then tasked with decorating their dreidels using stickers and other materials. Our Cubs enjoyed independence as they attempted engaging in the work of decorating all on their own. Students were proud of the dreidels that they created.

Our Garden Club continues to bloom. This week, students harvested radishes. Our club is a reminder of how, even in our arid climate, we can work together to provide the correct circumstances for seeds to germinate and grow into fresh vegetables. The process has been enriching and rewarding for the children and a reminder that all good things take time to grow.

 

We were thrilled to celebrate reading at our annual Scholastic Book Fair this week! Parent volunteers created a magical pop-up book shop in the Beit Midrash for the enjoyment of our entire student population. Students, faculty, and parents spent collective hours marking purchases, visiting with one another, and getting lost in thought while browsing the shop. According to longtime independent bookstore owner, Jeff Deutsch, in his ode to the tradition of bookselling, In Praise of Good Bookstores (Princeton University Press, 2022), “The good bookstore sells, but its primary product is the browsing experience.” The author goes on to illuminate that browsing aisles of books incites myriad emotions and reminds us – even before we make a purchase – of the value and sacredness of stories. We are so grateful for the time and effort that our parent volunteers contributed to make our fair a success. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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This Week in Lower School

Friday, November 18, 2022

Preschool Updates

Our Cubs have been learning about Thanksgiving. They have explored many types of food and have learned that each comes from a different source. For example, vegetables, like pumpkins and potatoes, come from farms and then make their way to a grocery store, and finally to people’s homes. The Cubs reflected on tradition and discussed how many gather with friends and family at this time of year, sharing delicious foods in celebration of the Thanksgiving holiday. The Cubs also explored the concept of giving thanks. They practiced their Hebrew "Todah" song as well as another song called "A Turkey is a Funny Bird!" On Thanksgiving day, the children are looking forward to using the special placemat that they created in class.

 

With colder weather upon us, Preschool students lined their coats on the rugs in their rooms prior to heading outside and learned the “flip trick.” They are very proud of themselves and their new sense of independence.

Lower School Updates

The third graders enthusiastically delivered homemade cranberry bread to faculty members all over the Lower School this week. Students had the opportunity to bake the festive loaves with Ms. Tecktiel in the cafeteria. They rolled up their sleeves and worked together in a lively lesson, learning about the order of adding the ingredients, the baking time, and the tradition of baking bread in our school. We were thrilled to bring this activity back to school after a several year hiatus. Our faculty and administration are grateful to Ms. Tecktiel and our third-grade bakers for this wonderful homemade treat.

Over the last few weeks in the library, Lower School students have participated in a read-aloud activity in which they first chose an excerpt from one of the books they’ve read so far this year, read it aloud to the class, and then stated three reasons why others might enjoy the book. Students have explored many authors and genres, including the “I Survived” series by Lauren Tarshis, Raina Telgemeier’s graphic novels, and classics like The Secret Garden by Burnett. Receiving recommendations from fellow students has proven effective as after the activity, many are eager to check out the books from which excerpts have been shared. We are creating curious and dedicated readers at The Adelson School.

 

The amazing Adelson Kindergarten students performed their annual Thanksgiving Shabbat celebration by singing and dancing for their parents in the Adelson Theater.

 

 

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, October 21, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

 

Our Cubs have enjoyed interacting with one another in our beautiful new outdoor playground as well as our garden spaces. Fall weather has allowed more outdoor time for activities and lessons that involve nature and the seasons as well as integration of the theme of the Jewish holidays. The Cubs are becoming more effective listeners, more conscientious learners, and are beginning to understand what it means to be contributing members of their classroom communities.

Lower School Highlights

Fourth Graders had the opportunity to explore Las Vegas

history during an interactive museum experience in their very own classroom. Guest speakers visited our school with historical objects and activities to deliver a hands-on presentation about the importance of the Hoover Dam. Our budding historians discovered why the dam was constructed and what life was like for the workers who built the structure, both on the job and in 1930s southern Nevada. A bit of history came to life right before students’ eyes, and they had the opportunity to interact with artifacts dating back nearly a century. We are grateful to our administration and Fourth Grade faculty for making the experience possible.

Spotted in the Adelson Library this week: Upper School students stopped by during their break time this week and sat in with our First Graders to share stories and create art. The Lower School students were in awe of the Upper School Lions, and it was a joy to witness the different divisions mingling in the Adelson Library once again; it has been a long journey since COVID.

During our Shabbat celebration, Fourth Graders made a special appearance to present our state song, Home Means Nevada, to Kindergarten, First and Second Grade students and families. We were also visited virtually by our Shinshinim, Dvir and Carmel, who delivered an informative look into similarities in the landscapes of Nevada and Israel. We enjoyed welcoming families into the theater for another memorable Shabbat celebration.

Upcoming Events

• 10/23/22 - ADL Walk Against Hate, 9am, Las Vegas Ballpark
• 10/27/22 - Parent-teacher conferences (NO SCHOOL for students)
• 10/28/22 - NO SCHOOL - Nevada Day
• 11/4/22 - Summerlin Library Assemblies
• 11/10/22 - Reveal Math Meeting Part 2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 30, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

 

Our Cubs continue to explore their classroom spaces and our beautiful outdoor nooks and gardens in engaging lessons and activities. As we near the end of the first quarter of the school year, our preschool students are becoming more comfortable in their routines and their classroom schedules, and witnessing their growth has been invaluable.

 

In Library visits this week, Junior Kindergarten students enjoyed the book World of Worm Shapes by Esther van den Berg. They then worked in small groups to create different shapes using popsicle sticks. Library visits allow students to spread out on beanbags to hear stories, to work in partnerships and small groups, and to explore the space independently by browsing high-interest books, making art, creating shapes with PlayDoh, and putting together puzzles.

 

Lower School Highlights

 

Second Graders are learning about Israeli art in a fun and creative way. Their activities include “retrieving” a different Israeli art piece that has been “stolen” from the Israeli art vault. In the process of finding the missing piece of art, they learn about different artistic styles and mediums, the artist, Israel, Judaism, and more.

 

This week, the Third Graders welcomed Dr. Jennifer Nez Denetdale as a virtual guest speaker to the Beit Midrash. Dr. Denetdale is a Professor and Chair of American Studies at the University of New Mexico. To enrich the Third Graders’ studies of Indigenous Americans, Dr. Denetdale spoke to students about The Long Walk, a forced march in the 1860s of the Diné/Navajo from their homelands to a reservation at Bosque Redondo. She shared photographs depicting her family’s connection to The Long Walk and encouraged students to go looking in their attics and storage boxes for historical treasures from their own families.

 

PLAY VIDEO

 

Third and Fourth Graders took part in an engaging lesson in celebration of Banned Books Week. In a large group discussion, students defined the word “ban.” They also chatted in small groups about different popular books that have been banned in the recent and distant past. Students shared thoughts about the idea of banning books and made the distinction between removing books entirely from libraries versus organizing books into grade-level appropriate sections.

 

Fourth and Fifth Graders have had their first Battle of the Books meeting of the year. We are thrilled to share that 25 students have elected to participate this year. They will join hundreds of students from schools across Las Vegas as they read the same eight books over the course of the school year, studying each book to commit to memory important details. In the spring, teams of four from all schools will compete against each other in Jeopardy-style battles, bringing together students from schools across the valley, all in celebration of literacy.

 

Upcoming Events

• 10/4/22 - Early Dismissal - Erev Yom Kippur (PS 11:15am & K-5 11:30am)
• 10/5/22 - NO SCHOOL - Yom Kippur
• 10/7/22 - End of Quarter 1
• 10/10/22 - NO SCHOOL - Sukkot
• 10/11/22 - NO SCHOOL - Sukkot

 

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 23, 2022

 

 

 

 

THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 16, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, our smallest cubs engaged with some of the symbols and traditions that accompany our entry into the New Year. This week, our Grasshopper friends learned all about apples. They grew an apple tree, cultivated their own apples with Playdoh, and even took turns decorating their tree with the sweet, festive fruit.

 

In preschool music, the amazing Mr. Sam brought in his tenor saxophone on which he played "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Pop Goes The Weasel," and "Baby Shark." He then shared the book Because by Mo Willems and Amber Ren, which is all about multigenerational musical inspiration.

 

We were thrilled to welcome Preschool parents onto campus this past Thursday evening for our first Family Education Night, facilitated by our talented faculty and under the guidance of our Preschool Director, Ms. Debbie Mendelson. We are grateful for our creative, dedicated faculty who participated in leading workshops and for our supportive families that engaged in different activities that further strengthened the partnership between teachers and parents.

 

Lower School

Our first graders journeyed down to the Natural History Museum this week! They enjoyed an adventure into the greater community, an exciting bus ride, and while at the museum, they learned about the different kinds of animals that live in various habitats around the world.

 

In addition to their exciting adventure downtown, First Graders learned to read the letters Mem and Final Mem with corresponding vocabulary. They also learned that the word Mishkafayim means glasses or sunglasses. They practiced pronouncing the word Magnivim (which starts with Mem) which means “cool.” Check out our First Graders’ Ha’Magnivim.

 

In science, our curious fourth-graders investigated the force of attraction between magnets as the distance between magnets increases. They even learned how to use a two-coordinate graph to share their results. Students agree experimenting with magnetism is a blast!

In Lower School music this week, students danced to "Let’s Dance" by David Bowie, "We Will Rock You by Queen," and Bob Marley’s "Three Little Birds." They revisited mindfulness with Annaka Harris as well as engaged in a karaoke session. They also continued to learn the rhythms, melodies, and chords from "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

 

Upcoming Events

• 9/18/22 - Adelson Family Funday Sunday
• 9/20/22 - Parent Math Meeting
• 9/21/22 - 3s Morning Mingle
• 9/21/22 - K-5 Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/22/22 - Preschool Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/23/22 - Challah Bake - 3rd - 5th
• 9/26/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
• 9/27/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 16, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

In preparation for the upcoming holidays, our smallest cubs engaged with some of the symbols and traditions that accompany our entry into the New Year. This week, our Grasshopper friends learned all about apples. They grew an apple tree, cultivated their own apples with Playdoh, and even took turns decorating their tree with the sweet, festive fruit.

 

In preschool music, the amazing Mr. Sam brought in his tenor saxophone on which he played "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Pop Goes The Weasel," and "Baby Shark." He then shared the book Because by Mo Willems and Amber Ren, which is all about multigenerational musical inspiration.

 

We were thrilled to welcome Preschool parents onto campus this past Thursday evening for our first Family Education Night, facilitated by our talented faculty and under the guidance of our Preschool Director, Ms. Debbie Mendelson. We are grateful for our creative, dedicated faculty who participated in leading workshops and for our supportive families that engaged in different activities that further strengthened the partnership between teachers and parents.

 

Lower School

Our first graders journeyed down to the Natural History Museum this week! They enjoyed an adventure into the greater community, an exciting bus ride, and while at the museum, they learned about the different kinds of animals that live in various habitats around the world.

 

In addition to their exciting adventure downtown, First Graders learned to read the letters Mem and Final Mem with corresponding vocabulary. They also learned that the word Mishkafayim means glasses or sunglasses. They practiced pronouncing the word Magnivim (which starts with Mem) which means “cool.” Check out our First Graders’ Ha’Magnivim.

 

In science, our curious fourth-graders investigated the force of attraction between magnets as the distance between magnets increases. They even learned how to use a two-coordinate graph to share their results. Students agree experimenting with magnetism is a blast!

In Lower School music this week, students danced to "Let’s Dance" by David Bowie, "We Will Rock You by Queen," and Bob Marley’s "Three Little Birds." They revisited mindfulness with Annaka Harris as well as engaged in a karaoke session. They also continued to learn the rhythms, melodies, and chords from "The Lion Sleeps Tonight."

 

Upcoming Events

• 9/18/22 - Adelson Family Funday Sunday
• 9/20/22 - Parent Math Meeting
• 9/21/22 - 3s Morning Mingle
• 9/21/22 - K-5 Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/22/22 - Preschool Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/23/22 - Challah Bake - 3rd - 5th
• 9/26/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
• 9/27/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah

 

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 9, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

Our tiniest cubs continue to work toward establishing routines, becoming familiar with fellow classmates and faculty, and meeting educational goals. This week, many of our Preschool classes embarked on “field trips” across campus to visit Ms. Maria and Ms. Kendra in their offices near the Fifth Grade classrooms and Specials hallway. Students experienced the thrill of journeying through the different buildings, greeting new faculty faces along the way, and observing the older students as they moved through their school day. Once the cubs arrived, they engaged in creative play and interactions with books and educational games. Our cubs are becoming more and more acclimated to participating in these kinds of adventures while on campus, and our excellent Preschool faculty continue to facilitate active and dynamic lessons that challenge, stimulate, and engage.

 

We look forward to further learning and growth next week.

 

Lower School Highlights

Lower School students practiced Hebrew skills and learned about the history of Rosh Hashanah in a matching game this week. As we move ahead in the month of Elul and approach the holiday, students are beginning to reflect and prepare for the new year to come. Our Hebrew faculty works relentlessly to create meaningful programming all year, and holiday time is always packed with enriching projects and activities.

 

Green-thumbed students ventured bravely into the heat for the inception of Garden Club this week and made great progress. Our fearless club facilitator, Ms. Page led Junior Gardeners through the process of tilling the garden and learning how to use a moisture meter to track the moisture levels for our seeds. They are working hard to maintain their data so they will be ready to plant when the time comes.

 

In science with the incredible Ms. Garner, Fifth-grade student teachers did an excellent job teaching their classmates about simple machines. They came prepared with a quiet signal, introduction video, assigned reading, hands-on science/engineering activity, Newton Challenge, and quiz. We all learned a lot about how simple machines make work easier.

 

In music, students listened to “Let’s Dance” by David Bowie as well as interacted with the book of the same name (illustrated by Hannah Marks and based on the song’s lyrics). Students then participated in a guided mindfulness exercise called “Mindful Hearing” created by Annaka Harris. Students also continued their collaborative songwriting project. We are thrilled to have the talented Mr. Sam guiding our students through this exploration of different musical styles, methods for creating melodies and lyrics, and active lessons and activities.

 

Our beloved Shinshinim, Carmel and Dvir have embarked on meaningful projects with each grade level in the Lower School that will enhance their understanding and knowledge of Israel. Kindergartners will become tourists who are preparing to visit Israel. They will research the cities in which they will spend time, prepare the appropriate items to bring along, and set out for adventures in the land of milk and honey. In First Grade, students will learn all about what it is like to grow up in Israel in terms of pop culture, fashion, activities, cuisine, and family life. Second Graders will journey into the world of Israeli art; Third Graders will explore the world famous Israeli National Trails; Fourth Graders will study Israeli inventions; and our Fifth Graders will learn all about the history of Israeli leadership. We could not be more thrilled to have Mr. Moshe and our Shins guiding our students through these excellent projects that will cultivate an understanding and appreciation of the state of Israel.

 

Upcoming Events

• 9/14/22 - JK Morning Mingle
• 9/15/22 - Preschool Parent Education Night
• 9/16/22 - Battle of the Books Parent Meeting
• 9/16/22 - K-2nd Parents are invited to Shabbat
• 9/18/22 - Adelson Pancake Breakfast
• 9/20/22 - Parent Math Meeting
• 9/21/22 - 3s Morning Mingle
• 9/21/22 - K-5 Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/22/22 - Preschool Rosh Hashanah Seders (in classes)
• 9/23/22 - Challah Bake - 3rd - 5th
• 9/26/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah
• 9/27/22 - NO SCHOOL - Rosh Hashanah

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LAST WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, September 2, 2022

 

Preschool Highlights

 

This week, our Cubs continued discussing emotions and how they differ. They explored strategies to support transitioning smoothly through the varying feelings that we may experience throughout the school day. Our children enjoyed creating different faces and expressions using magnet boards with different features.

 

Junior Kindergarten students explored shapes, colors, patterns, and the concepts of sorting and categorizing during their visits to the Adelson Library this week. They participated actively in games identifying shapes and patterns as well as successfully sorted themselves into small groups, based on different colored shapes that they drew out of a box. They also listened to the books Bear Sees Color by Karma Wilson and One Boy by Laura Vaccaro Seeger which punctuated these concepts.

Lower School Highlights

This week, Third Graders participated in our annual Shofar Factory led by special guest Rabbi Metal from Chabad of Summerlin. Workshops included a slideshow presentation about the history of the shofar and which animals are used in the making of the instrument, an exploration of the techniques used in order to make a shofar, and an overview of the traditions surrounding the shofar and the time of year during which it is played. Students worked hard all week, heading outside during one of the workshops in order to measure their materials, and then drilling and sanding the materials into shofars. We are grateful to Rabbi Metal for his time and expertise.

 

During Shabbat, families were welcomed into the theater to celebrate the service with us for the first time in two years. Facilitated by our own Morah Dina, and with accompaniment from the talented Mr. Moshe on drums and the versatile Mr. Sam (who scored the tzedakah dance on soprano sax!), this week’s celebration centered around our Third Graders. With shofars in hand, the students took the stage, sang beautifully, and blew their shofars, sharing their week-long project with the Lower School community, and reminding all of us that the month of Elul is upon us, and Rosh Hashanah is near. In addition to celebrating with the Third Graders, our Shinshinim, the wonderful Carmel and Dvir, took us on a humorous journey through Israel, as they searched for their misplaced shofars. We were thrilled to enjoy Shabbat together this week among our larger community of supportive families. We wish you a rejuvenating long weekend, safe travels if you are heading out of town, and a Shabbat Shalom.

Upcoming Events

• 9/5/22 - NO SCHOOL - LABOR DAY
• 9/7/22 - Kindergarten Morning Mingle
• 9/9/22 - 2s Parents are invited to Shabbat
• 9/9/22 - JK Parents are invited to Shabbat
• 9/14/22 - JK Morning Mingle
• 9/15/22 - Preschool Parent Education Night
• 9/16/22 - K-2nd Parents are invited to Shabbat
• 9/18/22 - Adelson Family Funday Sunday

 

 

 

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, August 26, 2022

Preschool Highlights

Adelson Preschool students are engaged in a unit of study called “All About Me.” Using mirrors, the children are guided to examine many different aspects of themselves. Identifying facial features, recognizing the varying ways that they can use their hands in safe ways – such as helping and sharing – and moving their bodies creatively are some of the ways in which our Cubs have begun to explore their identities. As they share information about themselves, they learn all about their new classmates as well. Enhancing this theme are books, art projects, and games.

 

In science, the innovative Ms. Page guided the Junior Kindergarten students to investigate seashells. They learned about two kinds of shells: bivalves and gastropods. Bivalves have two parts and gastropods only have one. Students sorted their shells and learned how to use a magnifying lens to see their shells' tiny attributes. Students also learned how to use a pipette to put water on their shells and see if they would change color. They noticed that the bivalves were like tiny bowls and discovered that they could use their pipette to fill the bowls with water.

 

In music, Preschoolers listened to "Octopus’s Garden" and enjoyed the illustrated book by Ringo Starr and illustrated by Ben Cort. The wonderful Mr. Sam sang and played both "You Are My Sunshine" and "Mr. Sun" on guitar, and the classes discussed the earth’s dependence on the sun. Students then played rhythm sticks along with the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Our young musicians became sleeping lions during the lyrical sections, only to roar themselves awake during the falsetto, non-lyrical bridge. Finally, they danced and moved along with the songs "Planet Dance" and "Run Baby Run" and ended class with the song "Skinnamarink."

We can’t wait for more excitement next week!

Lower School Highlights

Ms. Kendra, one of our incredible Lower School counselors, has been sharing the book Today I Feel Silly and Other Moods that Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis with Kindergartners and First Graders. Students matched faces with feelings and then practiced making those faces. They discussed that it is okay to feel sad or mad sometimes, and they identified the reasons why it is important to control their actions. Second and Third graders filled out get-to-know-you questionnaires and shared aloud some of their responses, thus establishing a safe space for exploration and learning.

 

Mr. Sam continued enlightening our students through music this week. He demonstrated the different parts of his electric guitar and pedal board. Students were intrigued by the way that the pickups send a signal to the amplifier, and how several different kinds of effects work (reverb, delay, distortion, overdrive). Students began learning the basics of musical notation and discussed the whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes and rests. The Fifth Graders sang karaoke for each other; a few brave students even performed solo! Mr. Sam aims to get all students playing instruments and reading basic rhythms in the coming weeks.

Our amazing Hebrew team explored with students the way that the brain works when learning a second language using a “model brain.” They watched it grow as they spoke, listened and learned fundamentals within the Hebrew language these last several weeks. Students now anticipate watching and experiencing this growth at every class. Additionally, our young Hebrew learners are beginning to develop beginning reading skills, using the Reshand Heh letters.

In Shabbat, our Fifth Grade Hebrew learners shared with our entire Lower School community the beautiful Tzedakah boxes that they had made with the guidance of our Hebrew faculty. Each week, classes will bring their decorated boxes to each Shabbat celebration.

 

We are invigorated after our third week together, were so pleased to spend time with so many of you during Back to School nights this past week, and look forward to continuing on the journey with your children next week.

 

Shabbat Shalom.

Upcoming Events

• 9/2/22 - 3rd-5th Parents are invited to Shabbat, 8:00 - 8:40am, Theater
• 9/2/22 - 18 Month Parents are invited to Shabbat, 9:35 - 9:55am, Beit Midrash
• 9/2/22 - 3s Parents are invited to Shabbat, 9:05 - 9:25am, Beit Midrash

• 9/9/22 - 2s Parents are invited to Shabbat, 9:35 - 9:55am, Beit Midrash
• 9/9/22 - JK Parents are invited to Shabbat, 9:05 - 9:25am, Beit Midrash
• 9/15/22 - Preschool Parent Education Night 5:30-6:30pm, location TBD
• 9/16/22 - K-2nd Parents are invited to Shabbat, 8:00 - 8:40am, Theater

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THIS WEEK IN LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, August 19, 2022

Preschool Highlights

The Adelson preschoolers continued to explore their new surroundings during this second week of school. It takes time to transition to a new classroom, new teachers, and new classmates. Children are developing trusting and loving relationships as they play, sing, and learn. In just two weeks of school we are seeing so much growth and joy throughout the building and the outdoor spaces!

Ms. Maria, one of our wonderful LS counselors, was busy in preschool classrooms reading stories about how to calm down and manage big feelings. She shared valuable books including Calm at the Restaurant, a Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Collection and Little Monkey Calms Down, by Michael Dahl. With the help of Daniel Tiger, Ms. Maria guided children through the process of taking deep breaths using a pinwheel as a visual tool.

Ms. Lisa, our talented Movement Specialist, worked with all preschoolers on listening skills, following directions and spatial awareness through interactive games in the gym including “Red Light, Green Light,” “What Time is it, Mr. Fox?” and “Driving in My Car.”

Our eldest Cubs, the Junior Kindergarten, enjoyed their first visits to the Library this week. Students explored the different shapes and colors found in the Library space and shared the books Color Zoo by Lois Elert and Random House’s My Book About Shapes with our librarian, Ms. Nails. Students then participated in an activity in which they sorted themselves into groups based on different cut-outs of colorful shapes that they’d been given. They were then tasked with brainstorming different objects that represented those shapes. Students also enjoyed making art, relaxing with a book of their choosing, making puzzles, and play-dough time.

We can’t wait for more excitement next week!

 

Lower School Highlights

It’s been a fantastic first couple of weeks with the Lower School students in music class. This week we focused on learning about the fundamental science of sound. We discussed sound as a vibrational force of nature, how sound waves interact with different kinds of spaces and surfaces, and how sound waves are absorbed and reflected by their environment. We then discussed the way the human ears and brain perceive sound. We learned about the three main parts of the ear (Outer, Middle, and Inner) and their different facets and functions. We then defined music as a combination of the natural phenomenon of sound, the human ear, and human ingenuity. In other words, music is art made of sound.

 

Lower School students enjoyed a lively Shabbat in the theater led by Mr. Moshe, Mr. Sam, Morah Dina, and our Shinshinim, Carmel and Dvir. The service began with an announcement from Fifth Grade Tzedakah representatives Chloe Ghadishah, Juliana Levisman, and Noah Gordon. The students articulately expressed the purpose of giving and the ways in which tzedakah makes our community stronger. Later in the celebration, Carmel and Dvir shared a slideshow highlighting the history and beautiful landscape of Israel. We are so grateful to unite together, in the same space, as a Lower School community each Friday morning.

We wish you a wonderful weekend, and we look forward to greeting you at Back to School Night next week.

Shabbat Shalom.

Upcoming Events

8/23/22 - Preschool Coffee (3s & JK) @ 8:15am, dining commons

Back to School Nights

• 8/24/22 - K-5 Back-to-School Night @ 5:30pm
• 8/25/22 - PS Back-to-School Night @ 5:30pm

Shabbats

• 8/19/22 - 4th grade leads shabbat
• 8/26/22 - 2nd grade leads shabbat
• 9/2/22 - 3rd-5th Parents are invited to Shabbat 8:00 - 8:40am
• 9/2/22 - 18 Month Parents are invited to Shabbat 9:35 - 9:55am
• 9/2/22 - 3s Parents are invited to Shabbat 9:05 - 9:25am

• 9/9/22 - 2s Parents are invited to Shabbat 9:35 - 9:55am
• 9/9/22 - JK Parents are invited to Shabbat 9:05 - 9:25am
• 9/16/22 - K-2nd Parents are invited to Shabbat 8:00 - 8:40am

 

 

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THIS WEEK OF LOWER SCHOOL

Friday, August 12, 2022

 

 

Welcome back to the Adelson School. This week, we were thrilled to greet a student body larger than any in the history of our school. Students thrived this first week, becoming familiar with teachers and classrooms, navigating to new areas in the school, and reacquainting with old friends while making new ones.

Highlights from the Toddlers through Junior Kindergarten

Donning new backpacks and uniforms, our Cubs made their way to their new classrooms with big smiles on their faces. Children were affectionately greeted by their new teachers and encouraged to explore their new surroundings and meet new friends.

Students enjoyed investigating the playground and outdoor classrooms, especially our beautiful, new grassy areas outside. Students particularly loved the water play, given our humid weather over the course of the week. Once back inside, children and teachers played name games, sang both new and familiar songs, and read stories about beginning school. Mr. Sam, our talented Lower School Music Educator, guided students through an imaginary jungle adventure using song and movement.

On Friday, we celebrated our first Shabbat together as a classroom kehillah (community). We eagerly await more fun and exciting exploration next week.

 

Highlights from Kindergarten through Fifth Grade

Students began the week with exuberance, poised to take on the school year. They shared what they’d been up to over the summer, met new friends, opened lockers for the first time, became familiar with new cubbies and new classrooms, and began to settle into another excellent year of learning.

Science students explored Isaac Newton's Laws of Motion by experimenting with fun "tricks" using gravity, force, and inertia. Marie Curies and Albert Einsteins of tomorrow had a blast.

 

Hebrew students brushed up their vocabulary knowledge and created hats to show off their skills. Fourth Grade students participated in a fancy “book tasting” event in which they sampled fine titles from various genres and elected to check out their favorites. They found that their palates had matured since last school year.

All students celebrated Shabbat in the theater on Friday and were greeted warmly by Head of School, Mr. Peter Gordon. Mr. Gordon reminded students of our foundational messages of respect and kindness, and encouraged them to let those principals guide them throughout this school year. We were thrilled to meet our extraordinary new Director of Jewish Life, Mr. Moshe Borvick, and were proud to introduce our enthusiastic 2022-2023 Shinshinim, Carmel and Dvir.

 

We could not be more pleased to begin the school year with our tremendous faculty and administration, our eager and exceptional students, and our supportive families. We wish you all a year of growth and success. Shabbat Shalom.