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Dear Heilicher Families:
Yesterday morning the entire school gathered for a wonderful pause in our weekly routine to hear the Minnesota Boychoir perform an uplifting program. Our very own Leo Dworsky led off the performance with a spectacular solo and he and the rest of the choir followed up with a handful of beautiful melodies. The students and staff were all smiles as they headed off to class.
And just yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege to sit with teachers as they learned about new opportunities to teach coding. Our technology department is going to be offering up a series of in-class sessions, across grade levels, to introduce students to more computer coding for different level learners. While only a small taste of things to come, this is an early introduction of coming STEM components that will enhance the curriculum over the coming years. And how fun to watch the teachers themselves learn how to program Star Wars droid BB-8 to go and pick up virtual scraps of metal!
Finally, since it's Give to the Max Day, I want to say a word about our Annual Fund. Some people wonder why the school is looking to parents for additional philanthropic support on top of tuition dollars. A primary answer is that we live our values at Heilicher, which includes the notion that the school should be a socioeconomically diverse place, welcoming all families to the best of our ability. This requires financial support beyond tuition income.
We look forward to seeing grandparents and other "special guests" at Yom Dor L'Dor on Tuesday afternoon. This day has always been a favorite of mine as we get to see the generations of families who have made and continue to make this community strong.
B'shalom,
Yoni
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Mark your Calendars
Upcom
ing Heilicher
Events
- 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
- Monday, December 5: "Virtual" Town Hall Meeting with Yoni Binus, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
- Thursday, December 8: Picture Re-Take Day
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BREAKING NEWS! ANNUAL FUND INCENTIVE STARTS NOW
The Annual Fund is in full swing. Thank you to the 112 donors that have contributed over the past few weeks, including 39 current Heilicher parents. We are on our way to 100% participation by Heilicher families by the end of this school year!
If we can achieve 80% participation by Heilicher parents (gifts of any amount pledged or given) by December 31, something very exciting is going to happen.
What is it?!? We can't tell you yet. But here's a hint: it will delight the amazing teachers and staff who guide, nurture, and inspire your children. Stay tuned for details, and make your gift or pledge today on the Heilicher website by clicking on this
LINK, or give TODAY only via the Give to the Max platform
HERE.
Questions? Contact Institutional Advancement Director Beckie Skelton at
rskelton@hmjds.org or 952.381.3503.
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Wellness Wednesday Winter Registration - Due TODAY! (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 TODAY - 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 TOMORROW - Friday, November 18.
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New! Virtual Town Hall with Head of School Yoni Binus
Save the Date: Monday, December 5, 8:00-9:00 p.m.
Mark your calendar for Heilicher's first-ever Virtual Town Hall meeting. You won't need a babysitter and you won't even have to put on your shoes.
We hope you enjoy this new format - a livestreamed, interactive town hall. Yoni will share important updates about school life and answer your real-time questions submitted via text message. The livestream link and text information will be sent closer to the date. For now, just mark your calendar and remember to log in on Monday, December 5, at 8:00 p.m.
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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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Join the Ridgedale Tidalwaves
Swim
Team and Make a Splash!
There is still time to join the Ridgedale Tidalwaves
swim
team!
This
team
offers two practice sites - the Ridgedale YMCA and the Sabes JCC - with practices on-site at the JCC on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays right after school.
Swimmers
of all ages can join, and the
team
provides a great opportunity to build
swim
skills, make new friends, and participate in healthy competition!
The Sabes JCC also offers swim lessons for all ages. See this flyer for swim lesson information.
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Teacher Newsletters Are Now Updated!
Grade level newsletters for Grades K-3 are now updated online! Click
this link to access. Parents of students in Grades 4-8, please check your child(ren)'s Haiku page.
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Sixth Grade Ethics Kick-Off Retreat - Friday, November 18, Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement
The 6th Grade Ethics Kick-Off Retreat at Baker Near-Wilderness Settlement is this Friday, November 18, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students will weigh conflicting values and practice ethical decision-making. We'll be spending time inside and out.
Students should wear layers and bring a bag lunch, snack and drink. We'll supply the transportation and hot chocolate!
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Grade 3/4 Preview Morning - Thursday, December 1, 8:15 a.m.
Experience the Heilicher Grade 3/4 program and all it has to offer on
Thursday, December 1, 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. Teacher panels will allow you to sit with current faculty and administrators to ask questions about the program.
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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.
Attention Heilicher Soccer Players:
Please return your uniforms to the Main Office.
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