Torah Thoughts from Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat Vayeitzei. Jacob was an influencer of his time as a tzaddik, righteous person.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday, December 6 - Picture Retake Day
• Thursday, December 8 - Parent Ed Webinar Screening and Discussion, 7:30-9 p.m., Heilicher
• Wednesday, December 14 - Parent Winter Soiree, 7:30-9:30 p.m., home of parents Shana and Michel Melendez
• Thursday, December 15 - Midwinter Extracurricular Registration Opens
• Monday, December 19 - All-School T'filah Chanukah Celebration, 9:30-10:30 a.m., Dolly and Edward Fiterman Theatre
• Tuesday, December 20 - Chanukah Drone Photo, 8:45 a.m., Barry Family Campus field

View the full Heilicher calendar online

Key Dates for 2022-2023

From the Parent Teacher Organization:

RSVP by Tomorrow: Parent Ed Viewing and Screening

The Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) parent education webinar series continues with an in-person viewing and discussion on Thursday, December 8, 7:30-9 p.m. at Heilicher. Bestselling author and education professional Jessica Lahey will present on the "Gift of Failure."

The webinar will go from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., followed by a 30-minute group discussion. RSVP to Michele Kaplan Clinard by TOMORROW, Friday, December 2. Following the event, a link to the webinar will be shared in the Roar for those unable to attend.

You're Invited: Parent Winter Soiree:

The Parent Winter Soiree will be a fun parents evening on Wednesday, December 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m., at the home of Shana and Michel Melendez (see address in your Paperless Post invitation).

RSVP through Paperless Post by Wednesday, December 7, and direct any questions to Shana Melendez at 917.748.4905.

Picture Retakes

Picture Retake Day is Tuesday, December 6, for those who were absent on Picture Day or wish to retake their photo. Students retaking their photo must bring their original portrait packet back to take a new picture.

Order your photos through Lifetouch with Heilicher's ID: EVTM7W3RG.

Come Cheer On Heilicher's Basketball Teams

We invite you to come support our Heilicher Lions basketball teams! The first home games of the season are coming up this month:

• The grades 6-8 girls team will play against Minnehaha Academy at 4:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 6, in the JCC gym.
• The grades 5-6 co-ed team will play against FIT Academy at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, December 14, in the JCC gym.

Join Us for Chanukah Celebrations

• On Monday, December 19, 9:30-10 a.m., we invite parents to join us for a special all-school t'filah where we will light Chanukah candles together.

• On Tuesday, December 20, at 8:45 a.m., we will gather on the field for a Chanukah photo, taken from above by a drone. Parents are welcome to join our formation for the picture. Drop off your students as normal before 8:15 a.m. so they can bring their things to their room and get ready, and be sure to be dressed to go outside.

Midwinter Extracurriculars Start Late January

We're coming up on our midwinter season starting January 23, and we're excited to share Heilicher's extracurricular offerings. Along with HaBonim, students will be able to participate in

• K-2 and 3-4 Basketball,
• 5-6 and 7-8 Volleyball,
• 2-4 Fencing, and
• K-1, 2-4, and 5-8 Snapology.

See more details about the activities and athletics offerings on the Heilicher website. Registration will open Thursday, December 15.

Spring Biking Volunteers Needed

Heilicher is looking for parents or other community members to help out with after-school biking this spring. Unfortunately the National Center for Youth Development is no longer able to offer its biking program at our school; however, the program has been important to Heilicher for many years, and we want to keep it going with your help.

We need three or four adults who are available Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:50 to 5:20 p.m., April 17-June 7. Volunteers will receive bike safety training over a five-hour course (cost covered by Heilicher), which will likely take place in the last week of February.

Please reach out to Athletic Director Lee Metzger if you are interested or know of a good candidate.

Mask Reminder

In addition to an extra set of winter-appropriate clothing and gear, please ensure your student(s) has five masks at school every day. Thank you for helping our community stay healthy.

Absent Learning Reminder

We are not offering synchronous online learning for students this year. If your student is absent, you are welcome to contact their teacher(s) by email to request assignments.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign up to help with Spring Biking, at All-School Lunch and/or at All-School T'filah.

• All-School Lunch: Help set up and clean up our all-school lunch on Wednesday(s) in the auditorium 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
• All-School T'filah: Help us set up for all-school t'filah (prayer) Monday(s) in the theater 8:15-9 a.m.
• Spring Biking: See information above, and contact Athletic Director Lee Metzger if interested.

Grade-level volunteer opportunities will be sent out by room parents.