School Bulletin 8.28 What's Up With The Teachers

Sunday, August 26th was the annual teacher meeting organized by the CFJE, The Community Foundation for Jewish Education. Shir Hadash teachers have attended these always informative, sometimes inspirational meetings, for many years.  This year was great.  The best part is always being Shir Hadash teachers as a group, and running into friends from other synagogues and Jewish organizations. Teachers (and Education Directors) love the opportunity to expand our knowledge-base andto discuss issues related to children and supplementary Jewish education.  This year, the meeting was held at Beth Shalom in Northbrook.

The keynote speaker was Edward Hallowell (http://www.drhallowell.com/). His speech was titled "Healthy Teaching in a CRAZYBUSY World Springboards to Effective and Affective Learning," an apropos topic for educators. He was very funny, (admittedly) very not-Jewish, and had a great respect for educators.

Sadly, the Shir Hadash teachers parted ways and moved on to small group activities based on our individual needs.  Forouz and Pearyl took the Hebrew track, Andrew went to Israel education, Carole and I attended the Interfaith meeting as well as the Informal Education meeting, and so on. Sometimes it is not just being exposed to new ideas that renews one's energy,  but rather the chance to see an inspired teacher and the opportunity to discuss philosophy or argue a point with other educators.

We are all looking forward to September 26th, the first day of Sunday school.

Emily Ascher

Education Director

eddirector@shir-hadash.org

Lynne and Carole Looking Inspired at 8am!

Phyllis and Cindy Discussing Lox and Bagels

 

Forouz and Jennifer Making 6th Grade Plans

Rebecca and New Teacher Andrew Getting to Know  Each Other

    

Parent Power -- The PTO Connection

We have a vision. A vision of parents and educators working together to better our school.  You can call it PTO, call it PTA, or call the group whatever you decide.  Shir Hadash needs a group of  parents to gather together to develop new and exciting connections between our school and our families.  Whether you get your kicks planning lunch at a hot dog place with the sixth grade class, or a gathering the little ones for pizza dinner before a Shabbat service, we want your help.  You may want to organize a mini-fundraiser, help develop and maintain a birthday calendar of our students, or plan a Purim carnival. If you have college students, you may want to help with our plans to send off packages to our college students.  The possibilities are endless, the potential for personal growth is even greater.

Starting up a parent organization is a great way to meet new people, use your creativity, and do something wonderful for your children. You show them you care and that Shir Hadash is important to you.  Many people make friends for life volunteering at school.

This is a chance to get in on the formation of a new group, a chance to bring room parents together and create new adventures for you and your child.  If you would like to be a part of what promises to be a very cool thing, please email Education Director Emily Ascher at eddirector@shir-hadash.org.

It just takes that one special person to start, perhaps it's you.

            The Marvets, an involved family. Also, Marilyn Soglin, another mom showing she cares about Shir Hadash.


Thank you, 

Emily Ascher
Education Director 
Shir Hadash
(847) 498-8218