December 4, 2015 22 Kislev 5776

Parashat Vayeshev 

Candle Lighting 5:02 p.m.
KINDERGARTEN IS PREPARING FOR "HOUR OF CODE", ARE YOU?

Next week is Computer Science week.  In honor of encouraging 21st century learning and the 4 Cs (collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and creative problem solving), we will be including an hour of code at Akiba Academy.  The Hour of Code is a GLOBAL movement reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries. One-hour tutorials are available in over 40 languages through https://hourofcode.com/us,   www.code.org and Khan Academy. No experience is needed to start coding.

Kindergarten was introduced to coding this week during their Tech Time with Mrs. Wortendyke.  The students worked in pairs to code on their level.  The excitement was contagious as they cheered each other on and did their own trouble shooting.  The students were using the iPad app called "The Foos: Code for an Hour".  It is available in the iTunes app store, Google Play, Kindle Fire app store, Mac App store, and you can play it on your web browser. 
Easy to Use Beginner Coding App
Easy to Use Beginner Coding App
Vayeshev
This week's parashah introduces the Yosef story that will dominate the final parashot of Sefer Bereishit. The opening of the parashah focuses on Yaakov and his dwelling in Canaan, the land of his father's sojourn. The Midrsah, cited by Rashi, elaborates on the two different terms for living or dwelling included in the opening verse. Rabbinic tradition explains both the words "vayeshev" and the word "megurei," iterations of the verb "to live," differently.  The Midrash interprets Yaakov's "vayeshev," dwelling, as a permanent desire for tranquility. Yaakov had hoped to live a peaceful life of spiritual serenity when he was confronted with the tragedy of the loss of Yosef. Somehow, the Midrash suggests, Hashem is uncomfortable with the notion of the righteous seeking tranquility in this world and not waiting patiently for the reward of ultimate tranquility in the world to come. The Sefat Emet expands on this discussion by noting that Yaakov's dwelling, his "vayeshev," is rooted in the word Shabbat, a spiritual retreat from the physical and the profane. Yaakov had hoped to remove himself from the trials he faced as he interacted with the physical world. The connotation of "megurei" varies from that of "vayeshev." The sojourning of Yitzchak alluded to in this vesre are short stays, transient travels, journeys that lack a permanence and rootedness. Yaakov, the Torah teaches, sought that which his father did not have-a permanent reprieve from the impurity of Esav, Lavan, Shechem, and the like. 

However, Yaakov's role was not to enjoy the respite of retreat. Instead, he wrestled continuously with the physical world and was repeatedly thrust into those struggles-and he overcomes them. As the Sefat Emet  comments, a person is defined by his or her journeys on the spiritual plane. Tranquility breeds complacency and one must strive to move out of a safe, albeit sacred, spot and climb the spiraling road to spiritual growth and fulfillment. Hashem beckons Yaakov along that path when Yaakov is ready to retreat because a human can never complete moving closer to God.
 
Through our Judaic Studies curriculum, Akiba strives to illuminate that path to spiritual growth and learning for our students. Through classes on the weekly parashah, chumash, Jewish law, holidays, and Navi, our students encounter role models who confront obstacles and continue searching rather than sit complacently. Next week's celebration of Chanukah highlights some of those role models who take on an entire enemy army for the sake of leading the Jewish People along a spiritual sojourn. 

Shabbat Shalom and Happy Chanukkah!


READING FAIR PARENT SCHEDULE IN ADMIN BUILDING LOBBY

The entire school has worked vigorously on their Jewish Reading Fair projects.  From class books, to PowerPoint to informational boards, the projects demonstrate how the students have applied their knowledge and research.  Please visit our Reading Fair display and interactive exhibits with your child during their grade level time as below.

Monday 12/7:
  • Kinder: 9:00-9:20
  • 1st: 9:20-9:40
  • 2nd: 9:40-10:00 
Tuesday 12/8:
  • 5th: 9:00-9:20
  • 4th: 9:20-9:40
  • 3rd: 9:40-10:00
Wednesday 12/9 and Thursday 12/10:
  • Middle School
"READING" INTO SIMPLE MACHINES

Third graders read The Boxcar Children and the unit culminated with the creation of boxcar dioramas. Under the leadership of Lindsey Retan, 3rd grade art teacher, students created masterpieces using only recycled materials or natural resources. They wrote descriptive paragraphs detailing specific items in their dioramas. The goal of the writing was for their teacher, Mrs. Degani, to be able to find their diorama based only on their writing skills. Success! These can be viewed in the lower school building. Great job, third graders!
 
 
Third graders are studying Forces and Motion and Simple Machines. This week, they worked in groups to experiment with pool noodle inclined planes. It was a great Co-MOTION!
 
 
OH DREIDEL DREIDEL DREIDEL

The clay dreidels are in the kiln ready to be fired! The preschool and lower school students have worked so hard creating their unique dreidel out of clay in art with Morah Lindsey. This week everyone will have the opportunity to paint their dreidel so they are ready just in time for Chanukah!
 
ART IS AN EYE OPENING EXPERIENCE

7th graders experimented with paint in art class with Ms. Mehta by creating flags using sticks, forks, & fingers!! So far we've seen American, Israeli, Indian, & France flags. 

Mr. Shon, from our maintenance staff, took time away from his busy schedule and joined our students to share his artistic abilities and in particular taught them how an artist would draw eyes.  It takes a village...Thanks Shon!!!
 
SHOOT FOR THE SKY: CATAPULTS IN ACTION

Extending our study of physics, 5th grade science lab designed and developed desktop catapults, using only 4 tongue depressors, masking tape, 4 rubber bands, and plastic spoon, to launch a cotton ball. No plans or building directions given, just some appropriate scientific vocabulary and their supplies and the sky was the limit! (And we almost reached it too!)
 
THIRD GRADE FLYING HIGH

In our science lab, Middle School Science Teacher Mrs. Ticker had third grade students build and test their individually designed simple machines in the science lab. Spirits and ping pong balls were flying high!

 
WORMING THEIR WAY OUT....

Denny Ticker in the Middle School science lab says, "7th grade earthworm studies are getting down and dirty."  Students are raising their personal earthworms.  The students built appropriate habitats, measured length of earthworms, and tested them on their sensitivity to touch and light.  Earthworm races to come next week!!! Even earthworms give back to Akiba, as they will be released into our school garden.

      
PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN ARE THANKFUL

Both the preschool and the Kindergarten celebrated Thanksgiving early.  Dorayne Breedlove from "A Slice of Rainbow" came to enchant the Nitzanim and Chaverim classes with stories and songs.  Isabelle Venter, a South African Storyteller, engaged the minds and bodies of Kindergarten students with her stories.  All of the children in the preschool and Kindergarten classes enjoyed a feast full of fun!
ADL AND AKIBA ARE ANTI-BULLY ALLIES

The 8th graders participated in a follow-up anti-bullying session focusing on ally behaviors that could be demonstrated occasionally, weekly or daily. In order for students to feel empowered to create a respectful, inclusive environment, it is critical to identify and practice actual responses.

"Educating students about ally behaviors enables them to become proactive in creating the kind of learning environment that really does support all students. Once students have the language and skills to demonstrate respect, they are better able to focus on academic objectives."  said the program leader,  Rachelle Warren, Ed.D  from the Anti-Defamation League.

  
TEACHERS AS LEARNERS
  
Members of our Hebrew faculty attended iCamp 2015 in Las Vegas this week, learning more ways to teach about Israel.


ORDER YOUR YEARBOOK ADS!
  
We welcome parents and businesses to purchase an ad for an 8th grader who is graduating, an honoree, or to advertise your business.  Fill out the an ad order form and return the form, payment, and a copy of your ad to Aimee Wortendyke, Educational Technologist.  Click here for form.
REQUEST FOR A NON-GLASS PATIO (OUTDOOR) TABLE:

My name is Yosef Weiss, and I am working on an Eagle Project that will benefit the children at Akiba Academy.  I am working on building a "physics garden" with games that will teach the children certain physics concepts.  If anyone has an outdoor table that is not made of glass that they are willing to donate to this project, please contact me at  [email protected]  or call me at 972-769-7299.  Thank you.

 

MITZVAH OF THE MONTH
 
CANS, CANS, CANS!
We still need your help! WE ARE LOSING!!  We need 100 more cans of food!
 
Torah Day School already has 700 cans. Dig in to your competitive and charitable spirits! Levine and Akiba need to do their share. Please help us by bringing in your cans no later than the morning of December 9. We CAN do it! Please join us for the CANstruction of our CANukia that morning.
 
HOT LUNCH SIGN UP
 
We are still in need of hot lunch volunteers for the rest of this semester and next. Please consider signing up, either for a one-off time, or for a regularly-scheduled weekly slot. Feel free to forward to your children's grandparents and special friends, as well. Everyone enjoys this opportunity!
 
You can sign up for a slot this semester here:   CLICK HERE
 
Next semester slots here:  CLICK HERE
 
Thank you, and happy Chanukah from the PTO! We hope you and your children enjoy your little gifts from us!
 
For more PTO information check out the PTO page on the Akiba website.


AKIBA AMBASSADOR PROGRAM FOR PARENTS AND BOARD MEMBERS!

We all have a story to tell about the magic that is taking place at Akiba .  We are all AMBASSADORS !!  Come join us to hear how a true Parent Ambassador Program is effective in spreading the word about our school.
 
Where? : Akiba Boardroom
When? : Tuesday, December 8 at 12 PM
Why? : It benefits our children
Questions : please reach out to Hilary Stern or Danielle Mann

EDUCATION AND CHESED GO HAND IN HAND

Let's show our children that this Chanukah season we are making 
Jewish education our highest priority!
 
Click  HERE TO GIVE ONLINE TO THE AKIBA FUND
OR EMAIL YOUR PLEDGE TO [email protected]
 
Akiba Fund is OUR school's largest fundraiser providing funds that directly impact OUR children!  
  • Akiba Fund ensures that Akiba Academy can hire and retain the best faculty and staff
  • Akiba Fund further enhances the school's curriculum, technology, and facility
  • Akiba Fund provides for professional development opportunities for teachers 
Pledge by 12/13/15 and be entered to win a pizza party for your child's grade on 12/18/15! 
Parties awarded to grades with most parent participation - The only gift to small is no gift at all!
BOX TOPS PAY US BACK
Continue to collect your Box Tops and send them in!  There are drop boxes in the front office and in the preschool.  Your child can also drop them off in Aimee Wortendyke's office in the Lower School.  So far our school has earned $90 and we would love to see that amount JUMP!!!  The money we raise through this will go towards our library and technology.
 

To Heather Behr, Akiba Middle School Counselor, on the occasion of her daughter's bat mitzvah.

COMMUNITY NOTICES

 




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Akiba Academy provides a superior general and Judaic education to children in preschool through eighth grade. As a Modern Orthodox school, Akiba Academy develops ethical and responsible members of the Jewish people and American society, knowledgeable about and committed to their Jewish heritage and the State of Israel. For more information about Akiba contact  [email protected] .