June 3, 2016 26 Iyar 5776

Parashat   Bechukotai

Candle Lighting 8:14 p.m.
This Sunday, we will celebrate the achievements of our extraordinary eighth-grade students during a special graduation ceremony.
 
During the past several weeks, each eighth-grader worked on a personal essay for a Memory Book that will be handed out at graduation. Though each student holds different memories close to their hearts, when I read the essays several themes emerged. I was buoyed to read about this group's strong friendships, a genuine appreciation and respect for their teachers, and a love for and loyalty to Judaism.
 
Please enjoy reading this memory essay by Sarale Dubrawsky whose reflections illuminate these themes.

"Sarale," said my mother, "you have to get ready for school!" I jumped out of bed, put on my tiny little uniform for the first time, ran downstairs, ate breakfast, and stood by the door waiting for my mother to take a picture. It was my first day of first grade.  As I walked to the car, I felt nervous and anxious about this new experience. It wasn't going to be a "having fun with my abc's" kind of kindergarten or preschool class, and there would be no more singing everything we learned. I had to sit down at a hard, cold desk and learn like a "big" kid. My backpack would be weighed down with loads of homework, and even though I knew a lot my classmates, there would be strange new kids coming to my class.

When I finally got to school, the minute I walked through that door, I saw Jessie skipping, Nechama sitting in corner reading a book, and Sarah coloring, I immediately felt at ease. All my classmates came to hug me, and I felt like I was home. Even though first grade was a big adjustment, and there were new challenges, what I remember most about that year was how my friends and I played, talked and learned together. I was even able to start new friendship with those who joined us in first grade, like Tamar. Even though there were struggles, my friends and I overcame them together, supporting and helping each other and creating new, happy memories in the process.

Five years later, I had to once again face another intimidating first day, the beginning of 6th grade and the transition to middle school. This was a whole new experience for me; new classmates (again), new teachers, and a new system of learning.  I was nervous and didn't know how hard or easy these classes were going to be, or how much work to expect. I was frightened at the idea that I might not know enough information to pass. I had so many classes to keep up with, which of course meant a lot more homework to do at night.

I didn't know what to expect, but the one lesson I had learned from my first day in first grade is that having my friends there with me would be a source of comfort. No matter how overwhelmed I become, my friends would be there to support me. We are going through all these new experiences together, and we help each other.

Akiba has given many skills, information and knowledge, but the best thing Akiba has given me is friends with whom I share a strong bond and without whom I cannot live.  I have not only gained true friendships, but I have learned the important meaning of what it is to be friend, which is " ואהבת לרעך כמוך"; to love them, like you love yourself. My friends and I are able to support each other through tough times, because we treat each other like we would treat ourselves. Although we are leaving Akiba and going on different paths, our connection to each other will always remain strong. 

Congratulations  Class of 2016! 
 
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

TANACH TIME

Mazel tov to fourth-graders who received their first tanach. At a program this week, students took the audience through a musical travelogue of Jewish history and showed the connections between the modern State of Israel and the biblical stories of the past.  Watch the video here
 

STEM CHALLENGE

Sixth-graders rose to the challenge of building bridges out of newspaper and tape. The winning bridge held 11 textbooks.
 


YEARBOOKS

Additional yearbooks are available for purchase for $50. To purchase another yearbook, please contact Aimee Wortendyke, educational technologist, at: awortendyke@akibaacademy.org.

ON THE ROAD

Seventh-graders (left) headed to Austin and San Antonio for a fun and educational trip this week. Eighth-graders (right) spent the week in Washington, D.C., learning and strengthening relationships with each other. See more photos on the Akiba Facebook page

COLORFUL COMPETITION

Two days of nonstop competition was fun and fierce during the 2016 Color War. The eighth-grade class planned, organized and led this beloved tradition for lower school and middle school students. This year's winner was the yellow team.

See more photos in the album on Facebook

LUNCH BUDDIES
 
Kindergarten joined first-grade in the cafeteria to learn the ropes of eating as first-graders.

DAY AT THE MUSEUM
 
Sixth-grade took advantage of all the  Perot Museum  has to offer during a recent visit.

 
BUDDY BENCHES
 
Every year, third-graders run a bracelet business to learn about basic economics. At the culmination of the project, bracelets are sold to family and friends for $3. This year, the students raised almost $1,500. 

With the proceeds, the grade bought two "buddy benches" for the playground. These benches will be a place for children to go during recess if they don't have a friend to play with that day. The hope is that others will notice, and ask them to join their group. It is also a place for children to sit to work out differences.
 
With the remaining funds, third-grade donated almost $200 to the Jewish Family Service Food Pantry.

VIDEO FROM THE IDF
 
Don't miss this video message from Israel Defense Forces soldiers who received hand-written letters from our students: click here

JEWISH PRIDE
 
Third-graders presented biography reports about famous Jews and Jewesses. 

PRESCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS

Teenoki got messy this week! The art house in the preschool learning environment has been calling our name all year, begging to be painted. So the students did just that! It was a great chance to work on multistep directions. First they painted. Then they appraised their work. Finally, the children wiped all the paint away. The class did an awesome job on every step!


The baby bunnies that nested on the playground provided lots of opportunities for learning this week. Morah Marni and Morah Marcela's K'Ton Ton class took a close look at the newborns to make sure they were safe from the rain.


   
UPCOMING EVENTS

June 5 : 8th grade graduation, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Pollman 
June 6 : Nevatim, Teenoki, K'Ton Ton end-of-year party, 9 a.m.
June 6 : Middle School Sports Banquet, 5 p.m., Pollman 
June 7 : Kindergarten graduation, 9 a.m. 
June 8 Sign up now for Last Day of School Yiddle League!  This flag football competition and dinner will be fun for parents and students.  To learn more, or to get involved click  here . Event RSVPs should be emailed to  abonner@akibaacademy.org . (4:30 p.m.)
June 8 : Nitzanim and Chaverim end-of-year program, 11 a.m.
June 8: Last day of school - all day
   
 
Uniform Swap
Uniform swap is June 8, all day in the atrium. No money needed! We are using the honor system. Take as many pieces as you donated or plan on making a future donation of your time to the PTO. We have many sizes available and will be doing another swap before school starts.

Thank you
Thank you to everyone who volunteered over the last weeks with the mosaic project and Art and Music Evening. Your help is vital and much appreciated!

Thank you to all of the hot lunch volunteers this year! Our children are especially grateful.
 
Have a great summer! 
   

Please stop by the clinic to pick up any prescription and/or over the counter medications left during the year. No medications may be sent home with a student.

Any medications not picked up by 1 p.m. on the last day of school, June 8, will be discarded.  Please see below for forms/ policy to be updated, signed and returned for the 2016-2017 school year.


Remember to restock sunscreen for the summer, as last year's may be expired/ ineffective.