JOSEPH KUSHNER HEBREW ACADEMY EXCELLENCE INSPIRED

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Corey Harvey
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1 JOSEPH KUSHNER HEBREW ACADEMY EXCELLENCE INSPIRED

2 EXCELLENCE INSPIRED At JKHA we provide our students with unique programs and experiences that enhance their secular and Judaic studies as well as their personal and social development. With innovative programs throughout the year that augment and reinforce classroom studies, JKHA s extracurricular and co-curricular activities keep our students excited about and focused on what they are learning. The Torah tells us לבניך teach ושננתם these words diligently to your children. At JKHA, we engage students through differentiated instruction and encourage learning through a multisensory approach. Thus, our fourth graders read the story of Yosef in the Chumash, and then act it out in a spectacular Hebrewlanguage production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Pre-K children don t simply learn about animals from a book, they visit the local zoo to see them firsthand. Secondgraders learn about colonial life and then experience what it is like to bake using all natural resources or to build furniture using materials found in nature. We are proud to share with you this guide highlighting some of the many creative ways we help students make personal connections with the material that they learn, thereby inspiring excellence in every child.

Birthday Party Visits Parents are invited to join the class to help celebrate their children s birthdays.

3 Pre-Kindergarten Rosh Chodesh Challah Baking The students bake delicious challah to welcome in each new month. Shabbat Party Each week, the Shabbat Abba and Shabbat Ima lead the class in welcoming the Shabbat. The students are guided through the different customs and mitzvot pertaining to Kabbalat Shabbat. Birthday Party Visits Parents are invited to join the class to help celebrate their children s birthdays. Chanukah Show Parents and grandparents join to watch the spectacular Chanukah show, with plenty of singing, dancing and joy. Model Seder After many weeks of preparation, the students have the opportunity to participate in an age-appropriate class seder. Waterford A differentiated independent computer program that helps enhance student learning in literacy and math. Pool Party All the children participate in a fun-filled end-of-year party celebrating their year and the upcoming summer vacation. Trip to the Turtle Back Zoo The students take a trip to the local zoo to celebrate Z week and to meet all the animals that they learned about. End-of-Year Culminating Performance A great way to end the year and move on to kindergarten, the show includes singing, dancing and a slide show looking back over the past year.

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Kindergarten Parent Volunteers and Careers Parents are invited to come in to the kindergarten classrooms and talk about their professions.

English and Hebrew Reading Buddies Kindergarten meets with their buddies to share information, read books and work on joint projects.

4 EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Kindergarten Parent Volunteers and Careers Parents are invited to come in to the kindergarten classrooms and talk about their professions. Star Attraction Each week a different student has the opportunity to shine, experience public speaking and share items, stories, or pictures. English and Hebrew Reading Buddies Kindergarten meets with their buddies to share information, read books and work on joint projects. Statue of Liberty Study Students learn about the Statue of Liberty and celebrate her birthday as well as her significance as an American symbol. Thanksgiving Festival Dressed in clothing indigenous of the time period, the students travel through several authentic, experiential activities based on the lives and times of the Native Americans and the Pilgrims. Chanukah Celebration Parents are invited to join us as Kindergarten celebrates Chanukah by creating their very own chanukiot, reading Chanukah stories and enjoying homemade Chanukah cookies. Purim Presentation Our festive Purim celebration features costumes, songs and dances performed for parents and grandparents as well as interactive Purim activities in the classrooms. Model Seder Students participate in a model seder using their very own handcrafted haggadot. Waterford A differentiated independent computer program that helps enhance student learning in literacy and math. Kindergarten Magic The kindergarten graduation is followed by an interactive parent/child activity.

Siddur Program Parents and grandparents are invited to join the first grade as the students receive their very first Siddur.

5 First Grade Thanksgiving Celebration Parents are invited to participate with students in Thanksgivingthemed art projects and games. Chanukah Extravaganza The entire first grade gathers to celebrate Chanukah with stories, art projects, and other Chanukah-related activities. Siddur Program Parents and grandparents are invited to join the first grade as the students receive their very first Siddur. A special Hebrew language performance precedes the distribution of the Siddurim. Model Seder In preparation for Passover, the students review all of the songs and passages that they learned in a child friendly seder. Self-Study Students spend the year verbalizing and writing about aspects of their neighborhood and community. Later, students learn about children in different countries and compare and contrast their lives. Reading Buddies Students meet once a month with their buddies to share information, read books and work on joint projects. Classroom Quilt Using their baby clothes, students create a beautiful and meaningful classroom quilt. Seasonal Greeting Cards to the IDF Students write cards to soldiers in the IDF and to the JKHA/RKYHS graduates who are serving in the IDF. SuccessMaker Students have the opportunity to hone their math and literacy skills through the individualized computer program. Ariot Cal Students work on this web-based computer program that supports the Tal Am Program used in the Judaic classrooms.

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Second Grade Chumash Program After a performance filled with singing, dancing and much excitement, the students receive their first Chumash for daily use in the Judaic classrooms.

Kabbalat Shabbat In conjunction with our study of Shabbat, we welcome Shabbat with candle lighting, songs and brachot.

6 EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Second Grade Chumash Program After a performance filled with singing, dancing and much excitement, the students receive their first Chumash for daily use in the Judaic classrooms. Thanksgiving Fair After studying the first settlers, the students gather to participate in authentic Colonial and Native American experiences. Kabbalat Shabbat In conjunction with our study of Shabbat, we welcome Shabbat with candle lighting, songs and brachot. SuccessMaker Students have the opportunity to hone their math skills while using the differentiated computer program. Model Seder In preparation for Passover, the students review all of the songs and passages that they learned in a child-friendly seder. Clothing Drive After reading The Hundred Dresses as a class read aloud, the students run a grade wide clothing drive. The story motivates students to share clothing that they no longer need with other less fortunate children. The students sort clothing that is collected and prepare it for distribution. Parent Presentations Throughout the year, parents are welcomed into the classroom to share their professional experiences as they relate to the curriculum.

TEACHER FEATURE Third Grade Chanukah Extravaganza Parents and grandparents join us for a grade-wide performance to celebrate the Holiday of Lights.

English Reading Buddies Students meet once a month with their buddies to share information, books, work on joint projects and practice conversational Hebrew.

7 TEACHER FEATURE Third Grade Chanukah Extravaganza Parents and grandparents join us for a grade-wide performance to celebrate the Holiday of Lights. Immigration Fair Upon completion of the immigration unit, parents and grandparents come in to share their personal immigration stories. English Reading Buddies Students meet once a month with their buddies to share information, books, work on joint projects and practice conversational Hebrew. Life Cycle Project In the Judaic classes the students learn about, compare and contrast the life cycle of the seasons, the moon, plants and water. Take a Vet to School Day In conjunction with The History Channel, veterans are honored through the Take a Vet to School Program. Lunch and Learn Review classes are held before tests to boost children s confidence and aid them before exams. SuccessMaker Students have the opportunity to sharpen their math skills while working on a computer program tailored to each student s needs. Sound Factory Parents and students experiment with various different materials and objects to create sound. Cities in Israel Students in the Judaic classes research, write and build models of different cities in Israel. Model Seder After weeks of preparation, the students had the opportunity to share their newly acquired information about the seder.

EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Fourth Grade Joseph Production After studying the events of Yosef s life in the Chumash, the students put on a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in

Native American Research Report Students learn research techniques to learn about a Native American Tribe, then use their creativity, writing skills and computer skills to present the knowledge that

8 EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Fourth Grade Joseph Production After studying the events of Yosef s life in the Chumash, the students put on a performance of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in Hebrew! Math Olympiad & Continental Math League Students with a strong mathematical competence have the opportunity to hone their mathematical skills and compete against students in other schools. Native American Research Report Students learn research techniques to learn about a Native American Tribe, then use their creativity, writing skills and computer skills to present the knowledge that they acquired. Model Seder Students come together to celebrate their understanding of the Haggadah and to review Divrei Torah that will be shared on Passover. Colonial Fair Students become colonial craftspeople and learn what it was like to live in the 13 original colonies without 21st century conveniences. Problem Solving Unit Throughout the year, the students learn to identify problems within Hebrew stories and real-life scenarios. Subsequently, they learn to offer helpful advice. As a culminating project, they create a virtual Hebrew puppet show using our ipad lab. Siyum Party At the end of each parsha studied in the second half of Sefer Breishit, the students prepare Divrei Torah that highlight the information learned in class.

9 Middle School Enrichment E2K The Mitchell Excellence 2000 (E2K) Program is an extracurricular science program available to our gifted sixth and seventh graders. Students meet weekly after school to explore various scientific principles through experimentation and discuss real-world applications of what they learn. Ramon Space Program The Space Lab is a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) activity offered to our eighth graders. Children design an experiment, build it, and then watch it performed by astronauts on the International Space Shuttle. On return to earth, the results are analyzed and published. Torah Bowl Under the supervision of Rabbi Dovid Sukenik, motivated seventh and eighth graders students commit to learning an entire book of the Chumash over and above their normal coursework. Competitions are against other area Yeshivot and based on knowledge of Chumash and Rashi of selected Parshiot. Debate Team A natural fit for students who enjoy discussing current issues, the debate team is great place for students to explore the art of organized arguing. Team members learn good presentation skills and how to project a clear strong voice. Our team has a proven track record with many wins. Names Not Numbers Eighth graders work with Holocaust survivors, journalists or editors, a filmmaker and history teachers to bequeath the memories, stories and lessons of the Holocaust to future generations, inspiring them to combat antisemitism and all forms of hatred and intolerance. At the same time they also establish intergenerational friendships with their interview subjects, the survivors themselves Scholastic Writing Competition Our Middle School students are proud to participate and excel in this competition, in which original student works of art are evaluated by industry leaders. Richard Avedon called winning his Scholastic Award the defining moment of my life, and for most young winners, this recognition is their first experience of being identified as serious artists and writers. The impact on their self-perception can be life-changing. Mishna Enrichment Rabbi Greenberg provides his fifth graders with a Mishna enrichment club. Although the club is optional, he has 100% attendance! Each class completes a full masechet of Mishna over a three-month period, celebrating with a much-anticipated Siyum upon conclusion. Hebrew Enrichhment Morah Hemda Cohen provides weekly Hebrew language enrichment to her fifth graders. Students can expand upon their knowledge and skills of the language by reading about current events and practicing their spoken Hebrew. Mathematical Olympiads This state-wide competition is designed to teach the major strategies of problem solving, to foster mathematical creativity, and to stimulate enthusiasm and love for the types of problems that students encounter in competitive mathematics. Each week students explore a different math topic or problem-solving strategy in depth and practice non-routine contest problems.

10 EXCELLENCE INSPIRED Schoolwide Activities Sukkot in School Throughout Chol Hamoed, students eat in the sukkah and bentch Lulav. There are also a variety of schoolwide activities such as chagigot, class trips, sports activities and presentations. There is also a family sukkah party where families and faculty have the opportunity to celebrate the joy of Sukkot. Yom Ha atzmaut Celebration Each year, the students are introduced to a different aspect of Israel. The entire school participates in a variety of stations that reflect the theme and foster a love and appreciation for Israel. Yom Yerushalayim Celebration Each grade learns a special song about Jerusalem that they perform at the schoolwide concert. Yom Hazikaron and Yom Hashoah Commemorations Each grade participates in assemblies or presentations that are age-appropriate and reflect the significance of the day Commemoration Each grade participates in an age-appropriate assembly or presentation to help make this day meaningful. Lag B Omer/4K for Kids Students participate in a modified 4K race in order to raise tzedakah for that year s selected charities. They are excited to join with the Middle School and High School in helping those in need. Eight Ways in Eight Days In the weeks leading up to Chanukah, each grade participates in a different age-appropriate chesed project. Sadecky s Puppets The puppeteers from Sadecky s Puppets use puppets to teach students about creating positive social relationships and key issues that they may encounter when interacting with other people. Living Legacy Workshops The students participate in a variety of hands-on,

11 child-friendly programs that give them a deeper understanding of the mitzvot related to each theme. The programs include such projects as making your own shofar, crafting a mezuzah case, use of an olive press, baking challah, how to tie tzitzit and matzah-baking at Pesach time. Tzedakah Drives Around Chanukah, students collect toys to be distributed by Chai Lifeline. Students also collect tzedakah for Yad Eliezer, Israel s largest poverty relief program. Fire Prevention Our Early Childhood through second-grade students learn all about fire safety and get to take a ride on a real Livingston fire engine. Purim Carnival Middle School students turn the entire cafeteria into a Purim extravaganza. They use their creativity to design their own game booths and run them for the Lower School students. Election Day Students celebrate our right to vote by learning about the voting process and the various candidates. Bring a Vet to School Second through fourth graders invite Veterans to our school to share their experiences. This is a chance for our students to meet true heroes who have served our country. Read Across America The Lower School students pair up with Middle School and High School students to celebrate the joy of reading and Dr. Seuss. Presidents Day As a school, we honor our past presidents and celebrate their accomplishments. Salute to Israel Parade The fifth through twelfth grades proudly represent JKHA/RKYHS in the annual Salute to Israel Parade in New York City.

12 JOSEPH KUSHNER HEBREW ACADEMY As students mature into their Middle School years, JKHA provides many extracurricular and co-curricular activities designed to enrich academic, religious and social development. The adolescent years are a time for students to begin to develop as individuals with a unique set of talents and interests. Below you will find the many programs we provide to encourage our students to explore new vistas, develop their strengths, expand their skill set and stretch their wings. Leadership Student Council Yearbook Development BRAVE (6th, 7th and 8th grade) DARE (8th grade) Second Step (5th grade skills for social and academic success) Shomrei Haloshon Program Enrichment E2K Mishmar Art & Lunch Choir Play Production Scholastic Writing Competition Ramon Space Program Names Not Number Holocaust Program Academic Teams Math Olympiad International Math Competition Debate Team Torah Bowl Sport Teams Basketball (Boys & Girls) Hockey (Boys & Girls) Soccer (Boys & Girls) Track & Field Chesed Opportunities Yachad Shabbaton Hillside Food Bank Extreme Makeover Shul Edition Tomchei Shabbos 4K4Kids Ruach Girls Shabbaton (7th grade) Boys Shabbaton (7th grade) Color War SOS (Parent-child Saturday night learning program) Trips MoMATH (5th grade) Buehler Challenger Science Center (6th grade) Camden Acquarium (6th grade) Philadelphia (7th grade) Museum of Jewish Heritage (8th grade) Washington DC (8th grade)

Grades K-1: Morah Dassy Cotlar Sundays 9:30 am-11:45 am

Grades K-1: Morah Dassy Cotlar s 9:30 am-11:45 am Hebrew Reading Mitzvot I Can Do A fun and interactive curriculum geared to engage and teach young children how to perform various Mitzvot using the different