Dear Heilicher Families,

Welcome back to my weekly message, posted on my blog Heilicher@Home Shared Journey, where we can track, together, progress on Heilicher staff's planning for next year. As a reminder, these updates may include our current decision-making processes on both broad and specific matters (for example, ranging from thoughts on graduation all the way to how we will reopen next year), as well as sharing my philosophy on how to approach planning and decisions in the face of significant uncertainty. Most grade-level matters will be shared by your teachers or advisors, but I see graduation as a capstone event that has symbolic and structural relevance beyond eighth grade. 

I hope you continue to find this helpful and, as always, reach out to me with questions, comments, and ideas.

Yoni

Dear Heilicher Parents,

The end of the school year often brings many changes and this year is no exception. It is with a heavy heart that I share that Trish Mintz is leaving Heilicher in order to pursue her next professional adventure as the Lower School Admissions Director at Groves Academy.

Beginning as a fifth-grade teacher and most recently as an integral part of the education leadership team, leading the General Studies and Specialist faculty, Trish has brought professionalism, an exceptional work ethic and a deep understanding of education and pedagogy to her work at Heilicher. Her years in administration and experience in the classroom allowed her to support teachers with a true understanding of what it means to be an educator. Her support of Heilicher faculty and curriculum over the last several years has added depth and excellence to the Heilicher program. The list of Trish's contributions and accomplishments is vast and she will be missed.

I know you all will join me in wishing Trish well.

Maia

On Tuesday, May 12, Heilicher will celebrate an all-school Lag BaOmer together at 12 p.m. 

Everyone will be invited to picnic (inside or outside) as they wish, via Zoom, and sixth graders from HaMorah Dalia's class will Zoom a short movie of the story of Shimon Bar Yochai.

Schedule

12-12:15 p.m.:  Organize your lunch

12:15 p.m.-12:40 p.m.: Zoom , short film, and eat together

What is Lag Ba-Omer?

"Lag" equals the number 33 in Gematria , and Lag BaOmer means the 33rd day of the Omer, which is about two-thirds through the seven weeks we count between Pesach (freedom from slavery) and Shavuoth (receiving the Torah). For many Jews, these seven weeks are very serious; for farming Jews (think long-term history and today as well), once we've planted our first seeds during Pesach, the seven weeks of waiting for first harvests is serious business, and the farmers pray for successful weather, and refrain from celebrations and cutting our hair, to focus on the growth of the crops. At other times in history , bad events have happened and so even today this is a time of mourning. Lag BaOmer ends the mourning period so people have bonfires and sing-alongs, cut their hair (anyone need a haircut??), get married, and other fun things.

It's teacher appreciation week! Our teachers deserve our appreciation now more than ever before. We've all learned firsthand how much our teachers do for our kids every day. In honor of their hard work and dedication, the students are still learning and thriving. 

Please enjoy this little slide show of our students thanking their Heilicher Heroes. Thank you for all that you do! We would be VIRTUALLY lost without you.

Heilicher parents are encouraged to  apply   for the Mindy and Dan Ribnick Family Tuition Grant Program for Community Volunteers. This program will provide grants of 18% of tuition to approximately four students per year whose parents or guardians volunteer in the Jewish community. The deadline for application is Monday, May 18 . If you have any questions, contact Beckie Skelton .

This week Chef Liz shares her yummy Alfredo sauce. Serve it with your favorite pasta or even over warm veggies. Watch the video and try the recipe for yourself. 

This spring, Heilicher teamed up with the Sabes JCC to connect community senior citizens with Heilicher students. The goal of this program is to help seniors and students feel less alone during these times of social isolation. Heilicher seventh grader Andrew S. shares about his experience on the Heilicher blog.