Tuesday, April 18 (27 Nisan), was Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). Heilicher commemorated the day with three programs: Ron Krebs, an alumni parent, shared his parents’ unique story of survival with grades 5-8. The entire school then gathered for a short memorial service led by seventh- and eighth-grade students. Finally, the middle school students directed age-appropriate short lessons based on children’s books on the Holocaust to the K-5 students. The younger students then created meaningful artwork that now comprises a Tree of Hope near the school entrance. Here is the story the eighth-grade students created for use with the K-1 students: Tikvah: The Butterfly of Hope.

Heilicher’s Yom Hashoah program empowered the middle school students to accept their responsibility to preserve the memory of the Shoah and to pass that memory on to the next generation. It also allowed the younger students to learn about the importance of remembering from a trusted older student in a safe and supportive environment. The purpose of the day’s programming was to establish an age-appropriate foundation to support the harder conversations that come in later years.

Torah Thoughts and Pirkei Avot with Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat Tazria-Metzora. The Torah teaches us how to live righteously and compassionately. It's up to us to live it.

It is a long-standing Jewish practice to study Pirkei Avot (Chapters/Ethics of the Fathers) each Shabbat afternoon between Pesach and Shavuot. This works out to one chapter each Shabbat. Consider Avot 1 and what makes our world go around.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Tuesday, April 25 - Yom Hazikaron Ceremony, 2-2:30 p.m., Manny Fingerhut Auditorium (led by grade 5)
• Sunday, April 30 - Community Yom Ha-atzmaut Celebration with Heilicher Choir Performance, 5-8 p.m., Mall of America
• Monday, May 8 - Gertens Plant and Flower Pickup, 2-4:30 p.m., Sabes JCC
• Wednesday, May 10 - Heilicher Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., Beth El Synagogue
• Thursday, May 18 - Mainstream Boutique Mom's Night Fundraiser, 6-7:30 p.m., Mainstream Boutique, Golden Valley
• Sunday, May 21 - Family Park Playdate, 2-3:30 p.m., Wolfe Park
• Wednesday, May 24 - Parent Art & Wine Night, 7-9 p.m., Studio Inside Out

View the full Heilicher calendar online

Key Dates for 2022-2023

Key Dates for 2023-2024

Spring Extracurricular Pickup Locations

If you have students in spring after-school activities or athletics, see below for where to pick up your children. If the class is not in its listed location, call the after-school phone number: 763.645.7810.

Survey: After-School Activities and Athletics, HaBonim, and School's Out

Heilicher values your opinions and feedback regarding after-school programming and School's Out. Please take a few minutes to fill out our anonymous survey — no questions are required. The survey covers activities, athletics, HaBonim, and School's Out. Your feedback can help us improve the programs for the benefit of your children. Thank you for your time and input.

Yom Hazikaron Ceremony

Anyone who has been in Israel on Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day) is struck by how different the day is from Memorial Day in the U.S. This is mostly because everybody in Israel is connected directly, and often intimately, to someone who died defending the state. Preserving and honoring their memory is not an abstract concept; it is a painfully real obligation.

Heilicher will recognize Israel’s fallen with a schoolwide ceremony led by the fifth-grade students Tuesday, April 25, 2-2:30 p.m. in the auditorium. Parents are welcome to join as we come together with klal yisrael (the entire Jewish community) to remember, together.

Community Yom Ha-atzmaut Celebration

The Minnesota JCC invites community members to celebrate Yom Ha-atzmaut on Sunday, April 30, 5-8 p.m., at Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America. Enjoy Israeli music, performances — including one by the Heilicher choir, activities for adults and kids, rides, and more.

The event is free, but preregistration is required. Learn more and register on the JCC website.

School's Out: Last Day of School

Heilicher will offer School's Out from noon to 4 p.m. on the last day of school, Thursday, June 8. All students will need to bring a dairy or parve (non-meat) lunch from home. Students will enjoy a carnival with games, popsicles, bubbles, and chalk. Registration will be open on Jumbula from Monday, May 1, to Thursday, June 1.

From the Parent-Teacher Organization

Shop and Support Heilicher

Join us for a Heilicher moms' night out on Thursday, May 18, 6-7:30 p.m., at Mainstream Boutique in Golden Valley (679 Winnetka Avenue North). Come out for wine, hors d'oeuvres, and a chance to check out all the beautiful styles! Mainstream Boutique will donate 15% of proceeds to Heilicher! 

Can't attend in the evening? Mainstream Boutique will also generously donate 15% of proceeds on items purchased that business day (10 a.m.-6 p.m.) — just mention Heilicher when you check out. 

See Mainstream Boutique's fun fashion lineup, and contact Beckie Skelton at 612.419.3290 with any questions.

Family Park Playdate

The PTO will host a family park playdate on Sunday, May 21, 2-3:30 p.m. at Wolfe Park. Snacks and water will be provided. RSVP to Michele Kaplan Clinard by Sunday, May 14.

Parent Art & Wine Night

The Heilicher PTO invites you to a night of judgement-free, creative expression at Studio INSIDE OUT (4827 Minnetonka Blvd, St. Louis Park), Wednesday, May 24, 7-9 p.m. Connecting us to home and community, friends and family, we’ll make personalized mezuzot, sans kids! Wine and snacks will be provided. Free parking is available on the west side of the building. Space is limited, so RSVP today and no later than May 19. The cost is $36.

Yom Dor l'Dor/Pesach Cantata Photo Gallery

Heilicher students performed a special Pesach Cantata with their grandparents and special elders on Yom Dor l'Dor earlier this month. Click the image to see some photos from the fun and meaningful event.

Volunteer Opportunities

Sign up to help at All-School Lunch and/or 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 set up for all-school t'filah (prayer) Monday(s) in the theater 8:15-9 a.m.

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