A Peek into Mercaz Academy, May 2026

Volume 4, Issue 16 | May 28, 2026

This week was all about expanding horizons as fifth grade led the entire school on a journey through the United States. Everyone enjoyed the trip! Classes are winding up projects, units, and lessons as we approach the end of the year, and the strains of graduation rehearsal songs can be heard in the halls -- but don't worry, we're still learning! As always, scroll down for important dates.

Around Mercaz Academy

🇺🇸 Fifth Grade Puts the Nation on Display at the State Fair

Fifth grade students transformed the lunchroom into a cross-country adventure this week at the annual State Fair, showcasing months of hard work, creativity, and research through colorful, interactive displays presenting the best of America.

Each student adopted a single state and became its resident expert, diving deep into research that spanned geography, history, climate, state symbols, famous figures, and even obscure legislation. (Did you know it's illegal for an elephant to plow a field in Oklahoma?) The research was channeled into student-written informational books, colorful brochures, and eye-catching display booths.

Even Judaics were woven in: each student highlighted a notable Jewish figure connected to their state, and researched Jewish amenities for travelers.

Every student from first to sixth grade had the chance to visit the Fair, armed with a scavenger hunt that sent them from booth to booth uncovering state facts. The fifth graders guided younger students toward answers, helped them spell, and shared their favorite state trivia. Some went above and beyond to attract visitors, offering souvenirs like stickers, state flags, postcards, and even regional snacks.

While general and social studies formed the academic backbone, the project was a true cross-curricular experience that incorporated writing, technology, art, engineering, and design. In tech, students designed brochures using Canva, created Bitmoji Classrooms for their states, and experimented with 3D printing. In art class, they crafted state posters based on George Rodrigue’s iconic Blue Dog paintings.

On Wednesday evening, families were invited to experience the State Fair as well. The event began with a festive mini-float parade, followed by speeches in which each student encouraged families to visit their state, complete with recommendations for kosher restaurants, places to daven, and travel itineraries.

“The students did a great job this year. I’m really proud of them,” said fifth grade teacher Mrs. Katherine Papaccioli.

In the Classroom

💕 Kindergarten: Buckets of Kindness

Kindergarten dipped into learning about good middot (character traits) this week with Sara the Bucket Filler by Rivka Fishman. The book tells the story of how Sara discovers every person in the world has an invisible bucket that holds their good thoughts and feelings. When our buckets are empty and we don’t feel good about ourselves, we might find it hard to be nice to others. Sara learns that she can fill other people’s buckets with kind words and acts – and so did our kindergarteners, who each took turns coming up with original ideas of how they can show kindness to friends and family, and decorated their own buckets “filled with good middot.”