Heilicher's Civil Rights Learning in Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Heilicher approach to MLK Day has shifted as we seek to deepen our learning about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. This year, over several weeks, our faculty used their subject areas to address this legacy, and students studied related issues throughout our curriculum. The intent was to have a deeper impact than the previous one-day model. We based many of our lessons on Learning for Justice, a well-established resource for educators, created and maintained by The Southern Poverty Law Center.

Our youngest students studied famous people of the Civil Rights’ Era: Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges, and Dr. King. Our middle grades focused on big events such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the March on Washington, and the Children’s March in Birmingham. They read stories about people who were discriminated against and how they or others stood up to it. Students discussed identities such as gender, race, religion, and culture and examined their classroom libraries with this lens.

Our middle school students tackled current events related to civil rights and the long-term impact of segregation on the world today. In middle school math, students studied statistics related to racial wealth gaps. Language arts classes studied stories, poetry, and art related to social justice. Threaded through all of our grades is the music of the Civil Rights’ Era, which inspired people to keep marching toward equal rights. 

On MLK day itself, some of our staff gathered to attend the virtual Twin Cities MLK Breakfast. During the planning phases of our approach, staff expressed energy and excitement around sharing topics with students, and the ongoing hope is that the learning will continue throughout the year. Parents also want to ensure our MLK-inspired learning continues to be long-reaching and fruitful. 

Special thank you to the fifth-grade class, Roni Falck, Ilena Marron, and all the fifth-grade families, who led a Mitzvah Project, which brought together more than 180 people for a morning of service. Thanks to families that joined the community for the project as well as those who provided contributions.

Torah Thoughts from Doc

Read a brief message about this week's Torah portion, Parashat Bo. The portion envisions a Jewish community where all are included.

Mark Your Calendars!

• Thursday, January 26 - 7-8 Girls Basketball Away Game, 7 p.m., Carondelet Catholic School
• Sunday, January 29 - Tu B'Shvat Sunday Family Fun Day for Kindergarten and First-Grade, 10-11:30 a.m., Heilicher
• Wednesday, February 1 - 5-6 Co-ed Basketball Away Game, 4:30 p.m., Seven Hills Preparatory Academy
• Thursday, February 2 - 7-8 Girls Basketball Home Game, 4:30 p.m., Barry Family Campus Gym
• Friday, February 3 - NOON EARLY DISMISSAL (NO LUNCH): Teacher Professional Development Day — School's Out Available
• Sunday, February 12 - Heilicher Family Sledding Party, 2-4 p.m., Browndale Park
• Thursday, February 16 - PTO Meeting, 7-7:30 p.m., Heilicher
• Thursday, February 16 - Parent Ed. Webinar/Discussion, 7:30-9 p.m., Heilicher
• Monday, February 20-Friday, February 24 - NO SCHOOL: Midwinter Break — School's Out Available

View the full Heilicher calendar online

Key Dates for 2022-2023

Winter Weather Reminder

Students go outside for recess every day unless it is raining or too cold (temperature and/or wind chill at or below 0°F) or there is inclement weather. Because Minnesota weather can be unpredictable, the determination of indoor versus outdoor recess will be made just prior to each recess period.

Parents/guardians should assume that students are going out each day and provide appropriate clothing.

Students Needed for 7-8 Co-ed Volleyball

There are five students signed up for Heilicher 7-8 co-ed volleyball. We need a few more players to form a team. Please talk to your student about joining the squad. If you have any questions, please contact Athletic Director Lee Metzger. Go Lions!

Kindergarten and First Grade: Tu B'Shvat Family Fun

Families with children ages 1-7 are invited to connect with the greater community of young families for a mellow morning of fun on Sunday, January 29, 10-11:30 a.m.

We will have meaningful Tu B'Shvat craft projects, festive refreshments, and, of course, coffee.

This will be a wonderful way to spend a Sunday morning with your family and friends. This program is part of a series of community outreach events by the Heilicher admissions team. Email Deborah Getsug or call her at 952.381.3523 to register.

From the Parent-Teacher Organization

Heilicher Family Sledding Party

We had such a meaningful time at the tzedakah project event earlier this month, so we’d like to offer another opportunity for families to gather and have some fun! Please join us for an afternoon of sledding (make sure to bring your own sleds), hot cocoa, and treats on Sunday, February 12, from 2 to 4p.m. at Browndale Park, located a few minutes away from Heilicher. RSVP to Michele Kaplan Clinard by Thursday, February 9, so we can finalize food and drinks. Please bring a pair of gloves or hat to donate.

PTO Meeting Thursday, February 16

Come to a Parent-Teacher Organization meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, February 16, at Heilicher. Hear from the PTO chairs about upcoming opportunities and school news. Stay for a 7:30 webinar exclusive for Heilicher families to discuss.

Upcoming Parent Education Webinar

Following the PTO meeting on Thursday, February 16, we will host another viewing and discussion at Heilicher from 7:30 to 9 p.m. The webinar will be Raising Our Village: Creating A Culture of Dignity. RSVP to Michele Kaplan Clinard by Thursday, February 9. A link to the webinar will be shared in a future Roar in March for those unable to attend.

Save the Date (and sign up below)!

This is a special Shabbat that all of us will share ... but no, you don’t need to come to school — this is different! On Friday, March 10, Heilicher families will host fellow Heilicher families for a Shabbat dinner in their home. There is one rule: you must celebrate Shabbat with a family you have never shared Shabbat with before. We will all be in separate places, but celebrating simultaneously! 

How it works: families choose if they would like to host or be hosted. You may suggest a family to be paired with, but remember that you must celebrate Shabbat with a family for the first time. If you don’t list any preferences, don't worry! We will make sure everyone who wants to participate has a warm welcome from another Heilicher family. Please complete the Heilicher Shares Shabbat form by Monday, February 13, and we will handle the rest!

Register for February School's Out

Midwinter Break School's Out registration is now open. Programming is available Monday, February 20, through Friday, February 24. School's Out is offered 8 a.m.-4 p.m., with half days ending and beginning at noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Half days are not available Tuesday and Thursday, as students will go on a field trip off campus. Students must arrive at HaBonim by 8:30 a.m. on field trip days.

Cost per day varies due to field trips and entertainment. A discounted price is available to those who register for the entire week. Students must bring a cold dairy or parev lunch Monday-Thursday. Bringing a lunch on Friday is option, as pizza from Basil will be provided.

See more details about each day and register for School's Out on Jumbula.

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 us 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.