March 24, 2022 | 22 Adar II 5782 | שמיני
Early Childhood Department
Spring is in the Air!
Ganon G students traced their hands to look like bare winter trees and transformed them into blossoming spring trees. Next the children used pastel colors to paint flowers, taking their time as they dotted flowers on the tree and ground. Using a q-tip as their painting tool helped to promote the effect of flower buds. It was beautiful to overhear the children sharing kind and thoughtful words, such as, “Wow, that’s a really colorful tree!” and “I like all of the colors you chose.” 
Karpas Taste Test
Gan Aleph was introduced to karpas by having a taste test. They chose either a pretzel or saltine to eat. The Morot asked them to describe their food using only one word. There were some "yummys" and "delicious" and of course many "saltys." After a stellar, Oscar-worthy 'pretend crying' performance by the Morah, the class connected that our tears are salty too! We dip a ha'adama vegetable into salt water to remind us of all of the tears the Jewish slaves cried when they were in Mitzrayim. The class got to touch and smell different types of vegetables that their families may use at their seders! 
Lower School
Welcoming Spring
This week, Class 1C welcomed the season of spring with open arms and great big smiles! The students explored spring using their five senses: sight, taste, smell, sound and touch and then wrote about each one in their spring books. We are so excited to enjoy this wonderful season!
4th Graders Begin Pesach Study
4D has begun our study of Chag Pesach! We are excited to be learning a lot about the upcoming holiday. We are looking forward to sharing all of our Divrei Torah with everyone at the Pesach Seder! Our countdown to Chag Pesach has begun! 
SEL Update
5th grade has continued to explore tools that help us regulate our emotions and reactions. Recently, we’ve been focusing on tools that may help during times when we are “flipping our lids” (acting without thinking). Each fifth grade student created a slide to share and explain a tool with their classmates. A few examples of tools were deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, taking space, and exercise. Students then took the opportunity to learn from each other and practice tools that were suggested by their classmates. Students shared how they each benefited from these practices and are looking forward to learning more!  
Middle School
STEM Bus Visits Yavneh
Bergen County Technical Schools’ STEM bus travels to different schools bringing a maker space to the students. The STEM bus arrived at Yavneh on Tuesday, March 22nd, the first of three visits that will enable all of our 6th and 7th graders the opportunity to participate. The students are treated to different maker space activities introduced by the Bergen Tech teachers. 
 
The program began with our students learning about the engineering process and how they would be using the process in the maker space. The bus contained a 3-D printer, laser printer, circuit board, drone charging station and solar power collectors. The bus runs on solar energy and contains the storage units for the solar energy collected displayed on the bus. 
 
Students engaged in creating circuits out of different materials. Did you know an onion and model magic are both good conductors? When a circuit was created by the students a musical instrument sound was played. Another station allowed our students to use coding to move a robotic hand. The students were able to play a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors with the mechanical hand. They could then adjust the code to make the hand go slower or faster for their game. The last outdoor station was the drone. Students listened and watched as the county teachers explained how the drone works and flew it as high as 400 feet above Yavneh Academy.

We are privileged to be one of the first school visits for the STEM bus and look forward to their upcoming visits.

Click HERE for more photos.
Sixth Graders Research Ancient Egypt
In 6th grade social studies, the students conducted research projects about ancient Egypt. The students learned about how to analyze primary and secondary sources and gained an understanding of how both can be valuable when finding information to answer research questions. After learning about how to determine the credibility of a source, the students recorded notes about their research process in their graphic organizers. In addition to coming away as experts on a topic, the students learned research skills that they will apply across other subjects. Students compiled and organized their research into illustrated Google Slides presentations and created a physical project to complement their digital ones. Students built models of Egyptian farming scenes, ancient board games, jewelry and art pieces with hieroglyphics. Other students elected to transform their research into performances by writing and performing reader's theater style skits about their research. The 6th grade students enjoyed becoming experts on ancient Egypt and learning from their peers. 
Seventh Grade Crime Scene Analysts
7th grade students are investigating their crime scene evidence by analyzing blood from the scene. They completed a blood type analysis that will help them come closer to identifying the perpetrator in the crime.
Detective Jeff Lattanzi Visits 7th Graders
On Monday, our 7th grade students had the privilege of hearing from Detective Jeff Lattanzi from the Paramus Police Department. In conjunction with the 7th grade forensic science unit, the detective's presentation included a mock crime scene and explored through conversation with our students the way to approach and analyze a crime scene. The students had the opportunity to ask the detective questions that included "How did he know he wanted to be a detective?" to " What differentiates his work from other police officers?" and even "What are some of the most common crimes committed in Paramus?" 
Mr. Jason Beckoff Addresses 7th and 8th Graders
Thank you to Yavneh parent, Mr. Jason Beckoff for addressing our 7th and 8th graders on Taanit Esther. He shared his personal story of adversity and resilience battling Guillain-Barre syndrome. He spoke to the students about the difficulty of his illness, the recuperation and how he found hope. He stressed the importance of staying positive and how to ignore negativity around you. Mr. Beckoff also highlighted the strength he received from his family and friends and the critical role the kind acts we do for others play in supporting those in need. His emunah was also a source of strength, along with making a plan for recuperation. His presentation reinforced the skills our students learn in Advisory in their "When Life Gives You Lemons" unit; learning to cope with adversity and struggles in life. Likewise, it was a perfect way to enhance the meaning of Taanit Esther when the Jews realized that during tough times the Jewish people turn to Hashem for hope. 
YAVNEH VIDEOS 5782
CHOPPED WITH NAOMI NACHMAN
CHEERLEADING CLUB
CHANUKAH 5782:2021
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Yavneh Academy is a beneficiary agency of the Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey.