MIVASERET MERCAZ
מבשרת מרכז
|
|
It's the last issue of Mivaseret Mercaz for our inaugural year! Our graduations were all about lessons learned and missions accomplished, with music, poetry, memories, and laughter (and cake). Scroll down for a glimpse into the graduations at Mercaz Academy...
|
|
First Graduates of Mercaz Academy Share What They've Learned |
|
Sixth Grade Becomes First Graduating Class of Mercaz Academy! |
The first graduating class of Mercaz Academy finished up the school’s inaugural year with a presentation full of Torah, laughter, and music, and with valuable lessons to share.
The graduates were greeted by Gary Katz, Chairman of the Board of Mercaz, who spoke on behalf of the entire board as well as the volunteers who helped to bring the vision of Mercaz Academy to fruition. Mr. Katz cited “Dayenu” from the Haggadah as an example of how one step inevitably leads to a necessary next step, analogizing this to the various components needed to get the school up and running–volunteers, families, lay leaders, and staff–and culminating with students such as the 2023 graduates.
Ms. Karen Leeper, assistant principal and sixth grade teacher, also addressed the students. She charged them to always remember the power of kindness, and to strive to be leaders of character and purpose...Read more, with photos!
|
|
|
|
Kindergarten Embraces Aleph-Bet at Graduation |
Students from the Mercaz kindergarten put on an adorable alphabetical performance at their graduation, to the delight of amazed family and friends.
Rabbi Fogel welcomed parents, grandparents, and friends with the reminder that, when we say “Modeh Ani” to thank Hashem for our gifts–these children are the gifts, for their families and for the future.
After a beautiful Hebrew language greeting, students sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Hatikvah” before launching into the call-and-response “The Alef-Bet Song.” Then the kindergartners recited a beautiful poem, with each stating in verse a Torah concept that begins with their letter of the Alef-Bet. The poem was punctuated with songs addressing the relevant ideas, including “Don’t Walk In Front of Me,” “Torah, Torah,” and a song about tzedakah...Read more, with photos!
|
|
Nursery Bet Exhibits Gratitude at Graduation |
Nursery Bet students at Mercaz have been thinking about gratitude and thankfulness and they shared what they’ve learned with a delighted audience at their graduation.
Excited graduates wore themed graduation hats as they sat serenely on the stage in front of an audience of family and friends. Morah Joanne Mlotok observed that although her students had started as 21 rugged individualists, they “ended the year as a delightful, cohesive group” (while still maintaining their distinct, individual personalities).
|
|
Nursery Aleph Sings and Dances at Graduation |
Friends and families at the Nursery Aleph graduation had a wonderful time as the students showed them how much they had learned in just one year, as well as all the wonderful things they can do. First, they displayed their artistic abilities with a large banner on the floor that read, “Mazel Tov, Nursery Aleph Class of 2023,” decorated with beautiful drawings. After admiring the artwork, Rabbi Fogel greeted the parents with thanks for sharing their children with Mercaz Academy–and a reminder that, in what will seem to be the blink of an eye, those very same children will be graduating from 12th grade rather than Nursery Aleph...Read more, with photos!
|
|
Special Thanks:
We Couldn't Have Done It Without You!
|
|
Music teacher Mr. Craig Resmovits practiced with and accompanied all four groups of graduates, enabling their lively and polished performances.
The PTA provided cakes beautifully decorated with the Mercaz Academy logo, as well as the surprise lawn signs that greeted us as we arrived.
Director of Educational Technology Mrs. Lynda Last and assistant Morah Sarah Last took care of any slide shows and other technical issues.
We can't thank them enough for the joy they added to our celebrations!
|
|
Sixth Grade Interns Learn About Journalism...On the Job
Many of you already know that, in addition to teaching fourth grade religious studies, Mrs. Leah Levy has been writing for Mivaseret Mercaz, our weekly newsletter. When Rabbi Rubel told the teachers that several sixth graders–who did not have to attend school on the last day–had volunteered to serve as interns, Mrs. Levy was delighted to put these volunteers to work!
Mrs. Levy coached her interns, Rifka Yankovich, Naveed Barzideh, and Ilana Aminov as they photographed and reported on the daytime graduations. After some tips on note taking and framing a shot, these sixth graders were off and running! Mrs. Levy would like to thank Rifka, Naveed, and Ilana for making a busy day easier…and she’s already planning a student publication for next year!
|
|
Good Luck In Your New Endeavors! |
|
Laura Paul,
3rd grade General Studies
|
|
|
Francie Goldberg,
Director of Admissions/Librarian
|
|
Rabbi Joshua Kupchik
Executive Director
|
|
|
Rachel Unger
Learning Center
Religious Studies
|
|
They are leaving to pursue new opportunities, but these teachers will always have a place in our hearts. Thank you for helping to make Mercaz Academy's first year so special! |
|
|
|
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
-
First day of school, grades 1-6
-
Orientation, ECC & K
Friday, September 15
- NO SCHOOL, Erev Rosh Hashanah
Monday, September 25
Friday, September 29-Friday, October 6
We look forward to welcoming you back to Mercaz!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
