February 3, 2022
Yesterday was 2-2-22, so we wore tutus! Thank you to Heilicher students who came up with the idea.
Heilicher Celebrates MLK Day

“Our cheese, our cheese, we’re gonna eat our cheese” was the refrain in the tale Miss Thandisizwe Jackson-Nisan, vegan chef and social justice activist, spun for our youngest students on Monday, as we (belatedly) celebrated Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. In her story, Cat and Dog were best friends who shared everything equally until one day Cat began singing, “My cheese, my cheese, I’m gonna eat my cheese.” While our K-2 students ate their lunches, Miss Jackson-Nisan wove a story that ended up with the estranged friends making up, just as Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. would advise, since Unity was so highly valued. Students were captivated by this story, the message, and her additional two-minute tale about how monkeys came to live in trees.  

Each year when we celebrate MLK Day, we focus on a new theme, and this year we studied food justice. Michelle Horovitz, aunt of Louis and Jake Horovitz, described her program in North Minneapolis, called Appetite for Change (AFC) inspired by her family’s delicatessen on the Old North Side, when it was a largely Jewish neighborhood. Along with her partners, Princess Haley and LaTasha Powell, AFC is a “dedicated team of educators, growers, guides, and leaders who bring a variety of flavors to our table. Together, we use our skills and passions to enact positive change for everyone in the North Minneapolis community and beyond.” In two sessions, our 3-5 graders and 6-8 graders learned heard about the lack of grocery stores, affordable healthy food options, and what AFC is doing to change that. Students were so moved by Michelle’s talk. 

General Studies teachers led lessons on the topics of food justice and Jewish Studies teachers studied various MLK speeches similar to Torah study, and included lessons on the Shmita Year of letting fields go fallow.

Torah Thoughts from Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat T’tzaveh. How can you become a ner tamid, an eternal light?
Mark Your Calendars!

  • Tuesday, February 8 - Q & A for Prospective Parents via Zoom (more info and RSVP below)
  • Monday, February 21-Friday, February 25 - NO SCHOOL, Mid-Winter Break
  • Monday, February 28 - NO SCHOOL, Teacher Professional Development Day
  • Monday, February 28 - Navigating Internet Safety with Your Children with Rahel Bayar, 7-8:30 p.m., in-person (more info below)
  • Thursday, March 31 - Information Evening for Prospective Parents, 7-8:30 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 1 - Heilicher "Kicks for Kids" at the Soccer Field

Face Mask 2
Heilicher COVID-19 Quarantine Guidelines
(for fully vaccinated students)

As noted last week, Heilicher's isolation and quarantine protocols have been adapted consistent with new guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health.

As a reminder, if someone in your household is diagnosed with COVID-19, and your student is fully vaccinated (at least two weeks past their second COVID-19 shot), they no longer will need to quarantine. They may continue to attend school as long as they test negative every morning for five days on a rapid antigen test. These tests will be administered by the school nurse each morning before your child enters the classroom. On day five, Heilicher will administer a PCR test to your student upon their arrival at school (unless they have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days). If negative, no further testing is required unless your child develops symptoms of COVID-19 or there is evidence of additional in-home transmission. 

It is absolutely critical that you continue to report any positive COVID-19 diagnoses in your household or close-contact exposures, as well as potential COVID-19 symptoms, through the Heilicher Communication Center. Each situation is unique, and Nurse Katie will communicate with your family regarding any adjustments to these quarantine and testing guidelines.
2022-2023 Tuition and Financial Aid Process

Be sure to read last week's email in detail regarding 2022-2023 tuition and financial aid. Action is required to select a tuition deposit option for next year or to apply for Financial Assistance.

Questions regarding continuous enrollment can be directed to Interim Admissions Director, Allie Greenstein. Questions regarding tuition deposits or financial aid can be directed to Finance Director Karen Hoppe.
2022-2023 Calendar Highlights

The school calendar highlights for next year are now available. The highlights include the first and last day of school, breaks, and more! Be sure to check it out in order to plan ahead.  
RSVP's Required! Navigating Internet Safety with Your Children

The way we think about safety with our children has to go beyond stranger danger. Monday, February 28, 7-8:30 p.m., national expert Rahel Bayar will join Heilicher parents to speak about internet safety. Parents will walk away with conversation starters and tools for engaging their children in meaningful conversations.

This adults-only program will be held in person in the Manny Fingerhut Auditorium at Heilicher. COVID-safe distancing protocols will be followed, and KN95/surgical masks are required for all attendees. The program will not be livestreamed.

IMPORTANT: All attendees must upload proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster) using the form linked below, or bring proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event.

Learn more about Rahel Bayar at her website. RSVP's are required! RSVP by Monday, February 7, to guarantee your spot.
Don't Wait: Register for Mid-Winter Break School's Out Programming!

Register through myschoolaccount.com. Programming runs February 21-28, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Contact Evelyn Sadlowski with questions.

  • Monday, February 21 - Get Your Hands Messy!: Science and Art Projects
  • Tuesday, February 22 - Winter Carnival: Winter Themed Fun and Games
  • Wednesday, February 23 - Activities by the Works Museum
  • Thursday, February 24 - Service Learning Day
  • Friday, February 25 - Slumber Party Themed Programming & Talent Show
  • Monday, February 28 - The Raptor Center Comes to Heilicher

*All 2021-2022 programming information is subject to change.
Spring Girls on the Run Coach AND Girl Registration Now Open!

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in the Heilicher after-school community? Heilicher needs one more volunteer coach for our Girls on the Run: Heart and Sole (grades 6-8) spring season. This is 1.5 hour per week (minimum) commitment and is sure to put a smile on your face! Practices begin in April. For more information on becoming a coach, visit the GOTR website. Contact Evelyn Sadlowski if interested.

Registration is now open for students. Sixth-eighth graders can sign up for Girls on the Run for a fun, meaningful, and active experience. Check out the GOTR website for more details on the spring 2022 Heart and Sole program, and register directly through its web portal.
Virtual Prospective Parent Q & A

Know anyone interested in Heilicher? Please share that Heilicher will host a virtual Q & A session for prospective parents on Tuesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.

Heilicher administrators, teachers, and parent ambassadors will be there to answer questions. Prospective parents should RSVP for the Q & A.
Minnesota Scholastic Art Award Winners!

Heilicher is proud to have great artists! Mazel tov to eighth grader Marco M. on winning the Silver Key Award for his photograph. Mazel tov to eighth graders Dahlia C. and Shimshy K. and seventh grader Eliora E. on their honorable mentions. Keep an eye on our Facebook and Instagram to see their photos!



Pink Lights
Marco M.
Condolences

Condolences to Heilicher alumni parents and Benefit honorees Jon and Jill Halper and their children, Jamie, Josh, and Jonah, on the passing of Jon's father, David Halper.

Condolences to Heilicher staff member and alumni parent Beckie Skelton, her husband, Shep Harris, and their children, Avital, Solomon, and Abraham, on the passing of Beckie's mother, Gail Skelton.

Hamakom y'nachem etchem — May God comfort you.