The Ganon Gimmel supermarket is under construction! This week we have been learning all about supermarkets and what/who we find there. We discussed what we would need to open a supermarket and how to get all the materials, etc. We have been busy using food magazines to collage signs for the supermarket, dying pasta to use in our sensory bins and dramatic play, and using recyclables to fill our shelves. We can’t wait to be open for business! 

Building upon our Tu B'shvat learning, Gan G students are exploring the brachot we say on fruits and vegetables. Students have been sorting fruits and vegetables in our bayit into Borei Pri Haeitz and Borei Pri Haadama categories for shopping and buying. Inspired by Tu B'shvat, students sculpted their own model magic fruit, and are also arranging, sketching, and painting original still life fruit paintings. 

After the first snow day in two years, our Early Childhood students were so excited to come back to school on Wednesday and continue playing in the snow on the Yavneh slopes!

In Gan SEL we have continued our unit on The Zones of Regulation, which categorized our emotions, sensations, behaviors and energy levels into 4 colored “zones” (Red, Yellow, Green, Blue). This week we focused on the Red Zone, when a person might feel angry and start acting out of control. The students shared moments when they felt this way and then discussed what they can do to help calm their body and mind so they can make good choices of how to react to their big feeling. The students enjoyed creating a Red Zone page for their personal feelings book, where they were able to share their feelings through art and words. 

2C has completed their first perek in Chumash! This marks the largest segment of Chumash learning we've accomplished since receiving our chumash in December. To celebrate, we played review games and held our first siyum! Mazal tov to 2C, and here's to ongoing success in your Torah learning for many years to come. We are so proud of your achievements!

Second graders have been learning about Civil Rights, and the fight for equality for all people in this country. In a culminating activity to this unit, the students researched Civil Rights Leaders. They created a monument to honor the contributions of these brave and fearless individuals. We are inspired by these leaders to always stand up for what is right.  

As part of Yavneh’s Chesed Chevra Program, fifth grade students volunteer once a week and spend time in an assigned early childhood classroom. The early childhood students have a blast hearing stories, playing games, building block structures and the fifth graders are gaining such enjoyment from the relationships they are building. 

We are so proud of our eighth graders who helped pack supplies for Bergen County Lev Echad this afternoon. BC Lev Eched has been purchasing, organizing, and sending essential goods and supplies to soldiers and civilians in Israel who need them most.  If you would like to help cover the costs of these bags and support our partners at BC Lev Echad please visit www.bclevechad.org to make a donation.

Yavneh Academy was honored again this year to participate in Sharsheret Pink Day on February 14th. The day began with a presentation for the sixth and seventh grades by Mrs. Bonnie Beckoff, director of support services at Sharsheret, who spoke about the mission of Sharsheret and how middle schoolers can get involved. The eighth graders heard an inspirational presentation by Coach Lauren Greene who, as a breast cancer survivor, explained how essential Sharsheret is for the community. Students decorated the school in pink, proudly ran a pink snack sale during lunch and participated in a Sharsheret Pink Day hoopathon. Middle School students had the chance to shoot hoops and use hoola hoops for Sharsheret (with pink basketballs and hula-hoops, of course!), with sponsorships from parents. All money raised will be donated to Sharsheret. 

The seventh graders coordinated the hoopathon, based on the inspiration of their unit in Advisory when they learned of the story of a middle schooler who raised millions of dollars for the needy through starting hoopathons, stressing that even teenagers can “change the world.” Congratulations to our sixth grade who won the hoopathon with 3,181 baskets and hula-hoop rotations. And, of course, the YPAA proudly coordinated their yearly Pink Day shirt sale. We were so proud of our students’ involvement in this important mission of Sharsheret. 

This past Saturday night, the 6th grade headed to High Exposure. We had a great time climbing the many climbing walls. Students scaled walls, jumped from platforms, and climbed ladders 30 feet in the air. We ran through obstacle courses and up Ninja ramps. It was a great time letting out some energy, having fun, and spending time together.

This past Saturday night, the 8th grade had a blast at Campgaw Mountain snow tubing and spending time together. It was a great bonding experience hanging out with our friends and teachers. We enjoyed the snow, cold air, and comradery. Of course, we made sure to enjoy hot chocolate to make sure to keep us warm. A great time was had by all!