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Dear Heilicher Families,
So much to reflect on this week.
The day before the election, our 8th grade presented a stellar final 'presidential debate,' which highlighted Heilicher's philosophy and methodology of teaching civics, American values, and critical thinking. Students took the roles of candidates, moderators, researchers, speech coaches, documentarians, and more. They pulled off an informed and thoughtful debate in front of peers, parents, and staff who turned out to see them.
As a community, what we realized on the day after the actual election, based on student demeanor, dialogue, and vibe, was that this school continued to be a balanced and comfortable place throughout what felt like an unusually divisive campaign. This election, like any other, opened the possibility of creating an atmosphere of unsettled and unheard differences. Yet, at Heilicher, students were able to think critically, understand the issues (at the appropriate developmental level), and dialogue about and respect differences using values learned from our tradition and reinforced by families and teachers. For another example of a timely civics lesson at Heilicher, see my first
Head's Up blog post
on Veterans Day.
Lastly, and on a completely different note, I have had the opportunity to start eating lunch with each grade in small groups, by advisory or class. So far I have had two of these lunches, and they were informative, fun, and thought provoking (at least for me!). If your child comes home and says they had lunch with the Head of School, just know they are not in trouble ... probably. I am looking forward to more of these lunches over the coming weeks and will keep you up to date as I aggregate the messages I am hearing from the kids and consider what might be next steps with that information.
B'shalom,
Yoni
*As you check in on your children today, be aware that we had a regularly scheduled lockdown drill this morning. The children were aware in advance and this was a scheduled event as part of our Emergency and Safety Team protocols.
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Mark your Calendars
Upcom
ing Heilicher
Events
- Tomorrow Friday, November 11: Grade 5 Kindness Retreat (pack a cold lunch)
- Tuesday, November 15: MOVED! Grade 5/6 and 7/8 Combined Preview Day, 8:15 a.m.
- Thursday, November 17: Grade 4 McPhail Band Parent Meeting, 7:00-8:30 p.m.
- Friday, November 18: Grade 6 Ethics Kickoff Retreat
- Tuesday, November 22: Yom Dor L'Dor (Grandparents/Special Persons Day), 1:30-3:25 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 23 - Friday, November 25: Thanksgiving Break, No School
- Thursday, December 1: Grade 3/4 Preview Day, 8:15 a.m.
- Sunday, December 4: "Cookies and Canvas" PJ Library/Heilicher Young Family Event (kids ages 2-8 and parents or grandparents), 3:30-5:00 p.m., Sabes JCC
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Give to the Max: Give to the Heilicher Annual Fund
You can help us toward our goal of 100% parent participation and $375,000 to support academic excellence and financial accessibility at Heilicher.
Questions?
Contact Institutional Advancement Director Beckie Skelton at
rskelton@hmjds.org
or 952.381.3503.
Also, if you did not receive a new Heilicher car magnet during last week's kickoff, please pick yours up in the main office.
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Wellness Wednesday Winter Registration - DUE November 17
The new Wellness Wednesday trimester begins on Wednesday, November 30!
A reminder that Wellness Wednesday runs weekly from 8:15 until 9:05 a.m. All first through eighth grade Heilicher students will have the opportunity to participate in one of a variety of wellness based Kitot (classes). Kindergartners will participate together in special programming that is geared toward their developmental level. Each of the first through eighth grade Kitot is designed to develop skills and knowledge in physical, mental, emotional, social and/or spiritual health and wellness.
The second trimester will end on Wednesday, March 1.
Sign-up for new Wellness Wednesday electives is due by Thursday, November 17.
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| Sign Up: Thanksgiving Break School's Out Programming
Heilicher will be closed for Thanksgiving break from Wednesday, November 23, through Friday, November 25. On Wednesday, November 23, Heilicher is excited to offer a full day of programming. Join us for a fun-filled day of activities, games, and a trip to the Roller Garden. Please sign-up by Friday, November 18.
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Heilicher Student Directories Are Here
The Heilicher student directories, published by Fun2Raise, are here! You should have received your directory that was sent home in the backpack of the youngest child at Heilicher.
A reminder that directories should only be used for the purposes of school communication and social planning, not for non-school related solicitation or business development. Thank you!
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Volunteers Needed for the 2017 Annual Benefit
Plans are currently underway for the Annual Benefit taking place on Thursday, April 27, 2017. Joining a committee is a wonderful way to meet other parents while supporting our extraordinary school. Click on the link below to see committee opportunities. We'd love to have you be a part of the Benefit Team!
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SNOWLAMI Winter Camp at the Sabes JCC
December 22 - January 2
Join the Sabes JCC during winter break for a taste of camp! Each day will include activities such as field trips, arts and crafts projects, sports, swimming, and more.
Snowlami Programming runs from Thursday, December 22, through Monday, January 2. Register by Friday, December 9, to avoid a $10 late fee.
Note that Snowlami is a program of the Sabes JCC. Heilicher is not running a school's out program over winter break. Questions can be directed to Allie Greenstein, Sabes JCC Youth and Camping Manager, at 952.381.3308 or
agreenstein@sabesjcc.org.
The Sabes JCC is also offering a Saturday Night Out program on December 10, 6:00-10:00 p.m. For more information or to register,
click here.
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Arete Academy Clinic
Arete Academy, located on the basement level of the Heilicher school building, is a small school for "Twice Exceptional" students. Arete serves students that are gifted and have a learning disability such as dyslexia, ADHD/executive functioning weaknesses, dysgraphia (writing), dyscalculia (math) and/or non-verbal learning disability.
Arete is also developing an on-site clinic that is open to families at Heilicher and in the community. Currently
Arete is offering family counseling, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic services, acupuncture and massage therapy.
Arete Academy expects to add neurofeedback, audiology and naturopathy this winter. If you would like more information about any of these services please contact Arete Team Leader (and Heilicher parent) Leah Brzezinski at
leahb@areteacademymn.org or 952.737.7601.
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Grade 5/6 and 7/8 Preview Morning - Tuesday, November 15, 8:15 a.m.
Grade 3/4 Preview Morning - Thursday, December 1, 8:15 a.m.
Experience the Heilicher Upper School program and all it has to offer on
Tuesday, November 15, at 8:15 a.m. Meet in East Commons. All current Heilicher parents and prospective families are welcome. If you know of a family outside of our school who may be interested, please share this information and bring them with you.
Classroom observations will give you the opportunity to see students and teachers in action. Student and teacher panels will allow you to sit with current faculty, students and administrators to ask questions and hear about their experiences.
We also will be holding a Grade 3/4 preview morning on Thursday, December 1, for families interested in learning more about their children's upcoming experiences in third and fourth grades.
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Heilicher Athletics 2016
Heilicher basketball season is underway! Practices and games will run through mid-February (grade 5-6 co-ed team) and early March (grade 7-8 teams).
There is still time to register for basketball and squash!
CLICK HERE to register.
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Condolences
Condolences to Heilicher grandparents David and Carol Rosenblatt, Heilicher parents Jill and Yarden Wolfe, and their children, Eliana and Mia, on the passing of David's father Justin Lee Rosenblatt.
Refuah Shlemah
A speedy recovery to Heilicher parent Stephanie Bell who is recovering from surgery.
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Heilicher Minneapolis Jewish Day School
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