Welcome back! Yesterday, students skipped, ran, and danced right into school! It was heartwarming to watch friends be reunited, children excited to see their beloved teachers from last year and everyone returning to their home away from home. Our building is once again hopping with learning! We recognize that some frustrating logistical issues colored the start of school for some of our parents. We apologize for the busing, parentlocker, and phone issues and we are working to resolve them as quickly as possible. Fortunately, our students and teachers had a very successful first day and the school year promises to be fantastic!
This year we have some very exciting new initiatives. We have started to roll out our theme of the year
#Bettertogether.
Students will be participating in team building activities and class lessons as well as reading selected books about working together. Make sure to use the Table Talks, which are emailed home every Thursday, to facilitate family Shabbat table discussions about teamwork. Of course, continue to tune in to our school podcast, this year focused on team building, where we will also be reading thoughts that our families send in from their weekly Table Talk discussions. Send your reflections from Table Talk discussions to Tabletalk@hartorah.org. Early Childhood teachers are working with Ramapo for Children to enhance the experience for each of our children and help them realize their potential as members of their classroom community. Students in grades 1-8 will be some of the first students nationwide to use the updated and innovative math program, Math in Focus. The Makerspace will continue to expand; look out for some new curricula in this area. Community building will extend beyond the school day with
Shabbat across YHT
, featuring Challah baking, onegs throughout our communities and Motzei Shabbat parent child learning at school. Finally, our wellness initiative is entering its third year, focused this year on physical activity. We hope to take enough steps as a school community to “walk” to Israel! Look out for updates about this fun and engaging way to get us all moving!
After a summer of intense planning and collaboration among school and lay leaders, we look forward to an amazing school year for all of our students!
