This week in STEAM was all about Science! We conducted all sorts of mixing experiments, read about scientists and their tools, and introduced the scientific method!

Mrs. Traxler's Judaic Seminar opened their unit on Leadership with guest speakers, Upper School Judaic Studies Principal Rabbi Kellerman and Kari Saratovsky, CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston. Some take-aways from their talks as noted by the students were:

"Build a foundation now for your own moral compass."

"Stick to your principles and developing those qualities that are important."

"Be able to adapt to situations and be flexible."

"The decision making ability and how important it is in a leadership capacity."

"Believe in yourself, developing those qualities which can enhance your leadership skills."

Students in all grade levels in lower school enjoyed a fun activity with lower school guidance counselor Ms. Stacey in which they learned to say hello in different cultures. Each team had a chance to come up with a way to greet a peer while social distancing.

Students in Mrs. Gelman's 6th grade Chumash class did a "Blackout Poetry" activity with Shemot Perek 14, the chapter they were studying. The students reviewed the pesukim (verses) and pulled out the most important ones while "blacking out" the rest. It was a great visual that helped them focus on the main points of the text.

Many of our graduates defer a year from college in order to study Torah in Israel after high school. Our juniors and seniors are fortunate to be able to learn Torah from many teachers at yeshivot and seminaries over the next month in order to get a sense of which programs might be right for them.

The weather is taking a turn for the better, and we are transforming RMBA's outdoor areas into something that allows for even more fun in the sun! During PE we are turning different locations around school into disc golf holes! This week's holes were located near the amphitheater and playground with other options presenting themselves for the future. The students enjoyed playing a new game with friends during the fantastic weather.

Students in Ori Friedmann's Hebrew class learned about the Israeli and American voting system. They made their own ballot boxes, and voted on the best Israeli foods and cities.

Students in Morah Alissa and Morah Sandy's ECE3 class learned about the concept of hachnasat orchim, welcoming guests, from parsha Vayera. They created their own paper tents with the 3 angels who Avraham welcomed.

Students in Morah Aviva's ECE4 class have been busy practicing their Alef Bet, painting, and decorating Bruchim HaBaim (welcome) signs in honor of Parshat Vayera. They also built intricate houses in the Blocks Center this week!

Middle School is officially done with the first book of the year and their first book projects! On to Shakespeare!