Middle School Robotics Competition

On Tuesday, the Middle School Robotics teams competed in the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education (CIJE) Robotics Competition at Ann and Nate Levine Academy in Dallas, Texas. The event brought together seven teams from three different schools for a day of innovation, problem solving, and friendly competition. After months of preparation, teamwork, and dedication, the students put their skills to the test. Their hard work paid off, with Beren Academy’s Middle School teams earning an impressive second and third place finish. The competition showcased not only the students’ technical abilities, but also their perseverance, creativity, and collaborative spirit. RMBA is incredibly proud of their commitment! A special thank you to their Robotics coach Dr. Swati Mudra.

Finding Meaning Between the Lines

Middle School students in Ms. Ruben's class are discovering how poetry can deepen their understanding of the novels they study in class. By exploring poetic connections to their unit texts, students learn how carefully chosen words shape meaning, tone, and mood. Through this work, they see how an author’s word choice influences how readers feel, what they imagine, and how they interpret a story. The activity encourages students to think more intentionally about language and recognize the power that words hold on the page.

Marathon Update

Lower School students are making great progress in the RMBA marathon! This week, they reached an exciting milestone, mile 15, and celebrated their achievement by earning frisbees as a prize!

A big thank you to the sponsors who helped make this run and rewarding experience possible: Tanglewood Foot Specialists, Crossfit Central Houston, Dr. Von Slate DDS FAGD PC, and Masters in Dietetics LLC!

A Slice of Math

Although March 14 fell during a school break, Mr. Simon’s third grade class celebrated Pi Day when they returned on Tuesday. Students marked the occasion by enjoying apple pie while learning about the mathematical concept of pi. The class discussed how pi is calculated by dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. They learned that the result, 3.14…, is an irrational number, meaning it continues indefinitely without repeating. For simplicity, pi is often written as 3.14. Students also explored how this value remains the same no matter the size of the circle. Some classmates even took on the Pi Challenge by dividing a given circumference by its diameter to see the result for themselves.

Preparing for Pesach

Morah Aliyah's EC4B class continued working toward completing their Haggadah while enjoying hands-on learning along the way. Students explored the process of making matzah by setting an 18 minute timer and flattening and pricking their own model clay matzah, strengthening fine motor skills as they worked. Once dry, the matzah was colored light brown and will be sent home on Friday. The class also learned and reenacted key moments of the Pesach Seder and has begun focusing on the Four Questions. Students are excited and determined to confidently sing Ma Nishtana (Four Questions) when their turn comes at their own Seders. In ABCs, students participated in Share and Tell for the letter “S,” bringing in items such as snakes, sharks, swords, science books, and squishies. They also learned the sight words saw, stay, and see, and created a playdough model of the sun to take home. In Alef Bet, the class is nearing the end of their unit and will finish with Shin and Sin next week.

Sorting Stories and Facts

First grade students recently explored the world of nonfiction books while learning how libraries organize information. Together, they discussed the best way to sort nonfiction texts by subject and worked collaboratively to organize their classroom collection into clear categories. Students in Ms. Misba and Mrs. Schneider’s classes carefully grouped the books and helped create labels for each basket, making it easier for everyone to find the topics they are most interested in. Through this hands on activity, students practiced teamwork while building important research and organizational skills.

Frogs, Friends, and Pesach Fun

Morah Clara's EC3B class learned all about Pesach and Parshat Vayikrah! Students strengthened fine motor skills while creating and decorating Haggadah (Passover Seder book)

pages and working on a Pesach themed fine motor pack that reinforced shapes, colors, and early math concepts. They also began sorting chametz (leavened food) using the classroom kitchen toys. Active play helped build gross motor skills as children jumped like frogs, acted out the Ten Makkot (plagues), and participated in listening games inspired by Hashem calling Moshe. The classroom also came alive with sensory exploration in the “Frog Pond,” where students discovered different colors, sizes, and textures. A frog number game and Pesach bingo added more excitement while reinforcing counting and recognition skills. A special highlight of the week was a visit with Kindergarten friends, where students practiced and sang Ma Nishtana together, building both confidence and connection. Through engaging, student led experiences, the children even set up their own Seder tables, exploring and learning about Pesach with joy every step of the way.

Little Aleph, Big Lessons

This week in Morah Sandy's EC3A class, students explored the beginning of the parsha and the special story behind the small aleph in the word Vayikrah. They learned that Moshe was humble and did not want to write that Hashem called to him, so a compromise was made by writing the first word with a small aleph. The class began by closely observing the small aleph in the Chumash. Students then practiced writing the letter aleph using four different methods, helping strengthen their fine motor skills. They also learned about the korbanot (offerings), the gifts that were brought to Hashem, and shared what gifts they might bring today. Creative ideas ranged from a giraffe to a teddy bear. To bring the learning to life, the class conducted two experiments. One involved placing a string in salt water, connecting to a similar experiment often done at the Seder. In another, students observed what happens when a flame is covered with a jar, helping illustrate the concept of the fire on the mizbeach (altar) described in the parsha.

Yom HaShoah Shoe Drive

In honor of Yom HaShoah, RMBA is collecting new or gently used shoes for children in need. This meaningful drive invites our community to turn remembrance into action by helping provide comfort, dignity, and support to others. We are collecting shoes for children ages 4–18, with a goal of gathering 200 pairs for local children’s charities. Donations can be placed in the collection bins in Room 206 by April 14, 2026. Thank you for helping us honor memory through kindness.

Lower School Student Council Donation Drive

The Lower School Student Council is leading a meaningful donation drive in support of BEAR (Be A Resource). Below are the items each division will be collecting:

EC Team: Pacifiers, bibs, baby wipes, baby powder, baby lotion, receiving blankets, and small baby toys.

K-2nd Grade Team: Bars of soap, individual toothbrushes, toothpaste, hair brushes/combs, hair ties, socks, and deodorant.

3rd-5th Grade Team: Stuffed animals, books, 2-in-1 shampoo/conditioner, lice shampoo, baby wash, and diaper rash ointment.

MS Team: Feminine hygiene products (pads), socks, books, clothing (NB–adult), pajamas (NB–adult), blankets, and underwear (child–adult).

HS Team:Sippy cups, pads/tampons, diapers (NB–size 6), formula (all types), shoes, and diaper/duffle/backpacks.

Teams will earn a fun rewards for their generosity!