Rising Star Academy Newsletter
Spring 2015 Highlights! 


I ssue #7
May 26, 2015
Assalamu Alaikum RSA Family,

        Every year around this time, RSA students are  always engaged with many wonderful indoor and outdoors learning activities. RSA students get the opportunity to explore different extra-curricular activities, as well as educational and entertaining field trips. Learning activities are also integrated in the social and physical sciences, along with physical education, literacy and the arts. RSA teachers provide a balanced academic program to help all students have happy and successful experiences. 
        Enjoy browsing the newsletter and look for more exciting highlights to come soon! 
Don't Forget to Order Your 2014-2015 Yearbook!
Our yearbook committee has put a lot of effort in capturing the great events and special memories of this year in our exclusive 2015 yearbook. Quantities are limited. Reserve yours now! To order your yearbook today, complete this order form and submit to our school's main office. You can also look for the special packages for RSA's previous yearbooks!
Juniors' and Sophomores' Visit to Ellis Island!


 

US History students enjoyed a ferry ride to Ellis Island, one of our nation's first immigration centers and The Statue of Liberty...

It's all about the experience!

 

 

 "Remember, remember always, that all of us..are descended from immigrants and revolutionists." - Franklin Roosevelt.
PTO's Special Breakfast for Teacher Appreciation Week!

PTO celebrating the great effort of RSA teachers 
with a hearty brunch!
 
Special thanks to our parents who put this delightful treat together. The effort of our Rising Star Educators is always commended ! May Allah (SWT) bless this wonderful team!

Pre-K Trip to the Park!
Preschoolers enjoying their recess in a nearby park on a warm spring day!

Children learn as they play..Most importantly, in play children learn how to learn..

  Playing outside makes children ..smarter..healthier..happier


RSA Juniors' Visit Columbia University and NJ College Fair in Meadowlands:
Rising Star Academy's junior class and Noble High School joined together to tour Columbia University. In collaboration with the Columbia's Muslim Student Association, our students got a chance to meet undergraduates on campus, participate in Jumaa prayer, and enjoy a picnic on this IVY LEAGUE campus, mashallah!


A beautiful afternoon with the junior class as they attended the New Jersey National College Fair to explore post-secondary institutions as they interact with admission representatives. 


Preparing for College...Preparing for Life.

In-School Spelling Bee Champions!
RSA Super spellers are now finalized to compete in the final round on Wednesday, May 27th and Thursday May 28th!!

 Congratulations and good Luck in the final round!!    

Chuck E Cheese's Night! 
Where A Kid Can Be A Kid..
Chuck E Cheese's visit to RSA classes was a great excitement for primary grades.. and a nice invitation to spend a special night in a local Chuck E Cheese with parents and friends.
 

Fun...Fun...Fun


Earth Day Celebration!
S ave the Animals..Save the Earth.


















Through an interactive presentation "Animals and the Environment", RSA students learned about the impact that humans have on animals in terms of pollution, habitat destruction, hunting, and the pet industry. Real  animals made the learning experience fun and engaging!! 


Face to face with some furry friends!


Planting flowers to make our earth beautiful!
USA-UNA Model UN Conference:
This year, 18 RSA students competed at the Global Classrooms International Middle School Model United Nations conference. RSA students attended Opening Ceremonies of the conference at the United Nations headquarters and spent the weekend discussing international issues such as the eradication of poverty, freedom of speech on the internet, and chemical waste management with over 1,500 middle school students from around the globe. RSA students all worked very hard to prepare for the conference; we are extremely proud of their efforts. Nuralhoda Elsaid (7th grade) and Mariam Elmansoury (8th grade) won an Honorable Mention award for their representation of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the UN Women Committee, where they discussed girls' access to education and gender equity.

Special thanks go to Sr. Sarah Shedeed who guided and coached RSA students throughout the whole process. 
Together at RSA, we are creating the next generation of Muslim leaders!
Movie Nights in Support of Gaza Backpacks Campaign:


       As a part of our many efforts to raise money for the backpacks for Gaza campaign, RSA hosted two different movie nights. The evenings were full of both entertainment and education. Thank you to all of the students, parents and teachers who attended!!
KG Celebrating Umbrella Day: 
April showers bring May flowers!






Marching their way through town, here's RSA kindergartners showing off their cool umbrellas while learning the letter Uu..

 
Sr. Hadeel's KG Arabic Class Trip to the Post Office:




Special delivery coming through! Our Kindergarten stars took a stroll to the post office to hand-deliver thoughtful letters written in Arabic to their loved ones at home.    

2nd Grade Spring Activities: Lemonade Sale, Arts Projects, and more...


A successful lemonade sale to support the Backpacks project for Gaza..

 
Arts integration and cooperative learning makes learning 
fun and  exciting!!

Great Learning Experience Legoland:
Pre-K and KG students actively enjoyed multiple hands on experiences while having fun!! Students were learning without even thinking about it!!

Engaging... Interactive...Inspiring


First Graders Mayflower Project:
Take a look at what RSA's first graders would bring on the Mayflower!!


 
 Writing workshop in the social studies class!!

3rd & 4th Matilda Broadway Trip!!

  Exploring literature through theatrical play...

Sr. Ahlam's History Classes:
Project-based learning in the social sciences along with arts integration bring life and excitement to the class!!


 

5th Grader "dream catchers"..



8th grader students explore and learn about different career choices.. 
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. " - Eleanor Roosevelt


  
4th graders read aloud why writing is important in their lives! Thanks Bayann and Keano for sharing!

Novel- based Learning in Sr. Tamam's Class: 3rd Graders Enjoying Jalapeno Bagels!!

 Always stretch your mind, with new experiences: 
3rd Graders love trying new things!

3rd Marking Period Principal's Brunch! 
Parents and students enjoyed the last brunch of the year, where we all celebrated and acknowledged the academic excellence of RSA's high achieving students. 


 
Congratulations to all attendees!

 
Keep Shining RSA Stars! 
In This Issue
Upcoming Events!
  • May 26: 3rd Grade Planetarium Trip
  • May 27: K-4th Islamic Schools Spelling Bee
  • May 28: 5th-8th Islamic School Spelling Bee
  • June 1 - June 5: School Spirit Week
  • June 3: Student Council Trip
  • June 4: Awards Ceremony
  • June 5: 6th Grade Medival Times Trip
  • June 6: SAT Exam
Contact Us
Principal: Dr. Hala Shehadeh
Vice Principal: Fatima Musabeh
Main Office: Ekrim Asalieh
G. Counselor: Sara Abdelhadi

201-758-5590 I www.rsanj.org
The Mission of
Rising Star Academy
Rising Star Academy aims to provide an inclusive educational environment, where students of diverse backgrounds feel safe and inspired to become life-long learners. RSA nurtures academic excellence and strong Islamic values of character, leadership, faith and community in a positive learning environment.

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Rising Star Academy I 4613 Cottage Place, Union City, NJ 07087 I www.rsanj.org