Andy Warhol Portraits

For self portraits this month, the Kindergarteners decided to do them the Andy Warhol way. The teachers introduced the children to a few art works by Andy Warhol and the class had a great dialogue about it. They highlighted the four similar pictures while discussing the four different colors that the famous artist chose to color his work. The second stage was to give the children a page of four images of Mickey Mouse and allow them to explore this new technique. Since the learning process is as important or even more so than the final product, the teachers explained that they understand that this was not easy, that there probably would be a few mistakes while working, and this was ok. It was impressive to see the level of concentration the children demonstrated and how they made a great effort to really get it right. Their Andy Warhol portraits will be on display soon for all to see. 

Marnie Spiegel and Sarah Casper_ Response Center Educators visit 5th and 6th graders

As we all know well, puberty is often a challenging and confusing time for young people as they experience significant changes in their bodies. This year, as in each of the previous two years, we are pleased that educators from the Response Center* are spending time with our 5th and 6th graders during their flex period and teaching them about the physical and emotional changes they will experience during this stage of development. 

Once again, the Response educators spend one class period with students, divided into small groups by grade level and gender. Together, we create a safe environment where our students feel comfortable asking questions and discussing potentially awkward topics. The material covered includes the following: male and female anatomy and an overview of puberty for both boys and girls, including normalizing different experiences and ages at which children begin puberty. Because we know that parents are the primary educators of their children, and we expect that families have different values and expectations in this area, our facilitators encourage the students to talk to their parents about these issues. Understanding puberty is an important part of growing up. It does not happen in one sitting; it is an ongoing process that continues for years. We encourage you to continue the conversation at home. 

*The Response Center, a program of Jewish Child and Family Services, is a youth social service agency located in West Rogers Park that aims to empower youth and their families to make healthy life choices. Response educators have a widespread cultural sensitivity, and much experience providing these and other programs in Jewish day schools throughout the Chicago area, from Solomon Schechter Day School to Arie Crown Hebrew Day School. Their approach and materials are informed by Jewish family values.

by Sara Price

1st and 2nd grade are applying the kicking and throwing skills they've been working on to learn how to play kickball. They spent the last week exploring the difference between kicking and fielding, and this week we're putting it all together.

3rd through 8th graders started badminton this week with a review of footwork and serves. The middle schoolers have begun deep clears (a defensive shot) and drops (an offensive shot).

Thank you to the following for their support of the Akiba-Schechter Jewish Day School Annual Fund. We appreciate your generosity. If you made an Annual Fund gift or pledge and your name is not on the list, please contact Alexa Markoff, Director of Development . If you have not made your Annual Fund gift yet, here is the  link  to our secure website. Thank you again for your support of the Annual Fund. Give today. Impact today.