ReelEducation at RMBA

Last week, RMBA students had the meaningful opportunity to participate in ReelEducation, part of the ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival, a program that brings impactful film-based learning to schools across the city, centered on inclusion and understanding. Through film, discussion, and reflection, students explored their own perceptions of individuals with disabilities, learned what it means to be inclusive and supportive, and engaged in thoughtful dialogue about how to continue building a more inclusive school community. Kindergarten through second grade students viewed Andy & Kaliope, a short film highlighting different abilities and the idea that everyone has a “superhero” inside, while students in third through twelfth grade watched Dreamcaster, the story of Cameron Black, a blind sports enthusiast who pursued his dream of becoming a sportscaster with the help of technology. Students also heard from Becca, an artist from The Celebration Company, who shared about her daily life, creative work, and artistic expression. Her story offered a powerful example of creativity, independence, and inclusion in action. The experience left a lasting impression, with students demonstrating thoughtful engagement and a deepened understanding of inclusion.

8th Grade D.C. Trip

On Sunday, the 8th grade students embarked on an unforgettable trip to Washington, D.C., accompanied by chaperones Mr. Duke, Mr. Gomez, and Morah Gila. The trip was filled with meaningful learning and shared experiences. During their visit, students had the rare opportunity to view the original copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation, bringing their studies to life in a powerful way. Students also spent time touring some of the nation’s most significant landmarks and museums, including the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the United States Capitol. They explored the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, where they saw firsthand how U.S. currency is made, including an impressive display of $1,000,000 in ten-dollar bills. Students also visited the International Spy Museum, adding an element of excitement and discovery to the experience. Along the way, students enjoyed meals together, spent plenty of time exploring the city on foot, and even celebrated Sara B.'s birthday, making the trip even more special. They returned last night with full hearts and lasting memories from an incredible experience filled with learning and connection.

Lag BaOmer Unity Event

On Tuesday, students in first through seventh grade came together for a special Lag BaOmer Unity Event at Congregation Beth Yeshurun alongside students from Torah Day School and Ohr Zahava. The morning was filled with dancing, laughter, and celebration, as students connected with peers from across Houston and experienced the joy of coming together as one community. A high-energy concert by Yoni Z brought incredible excitement and set the tone for a truly memorable day. It was inspiring to see students from different schools sharing in simcha, friendship, and unity. With gratitude to Chabad Outreach for sponsoring this meaningful event, and to Torah Day School for their partnership and warm hospitality in making the day possible.

SNAPSHOTS OF THE FUN

Lunch and Learn

High School students gathered for their weekly Lunch and Learn with Shiffy Jacobs from NCSY, where a conversation that began over bagels quickly deepened into a meaningful exploration of this week’s parsha and the value of humility. Students reflected on Moshe, described as the most humble person, and considered the paradox of his leadership, noting that true humility is not about diminishing oneself but about creating space for others while remaining grounded and secure in who you are. Through thoughtful discussion, students shared insights on how humility can stem from self-awareness and confidence rather than insecurity or self-doubt. The group left with a deeper understanding that real humility is an active choice to recognize your own worth while elevating those around you.

Thoughtful Creations

Ms. Morrison's fourth grade students brought together creativity, patience, and problem-solving as they designed and created thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts. Throughout the process, students planned, built, and refined their projects while learning the value of perseverance. When challenges arose, they practiced adjusting their ideas, trying new approaches, and continuing with determination. The classroom was filled with collaboration and encouragement, as students shared ideas and supported one another. Each finished piece reflected not only creativity, but also the care, thoughtfulness, and effort invested in every detail. The project served as a meaningful opportunity for students to create something special from the heart. Warm wishes are extended to all mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers for a day filled with love, joy, and appreciation.

Finding Angles in Everyday Spaces

This week in Mr. Simon’s third-grade class, students continued their exploration of geometry by focusing on angles. They learned that an angle is formed when two lines meet at a common point, called the vertex, and that it is measured by the space within the angle. Bringing their learning to life, students identified angles throughout the classroom and even used their own hands to model and explore them in a hands-on, engaging way.

Squishy Pet Adventures

Ms. Morrison's second graders recently became published authors with their class book, The Wonderful World of Squishy Pets. Earlier in the year, each student adopted a special “pet squishy” that became part of the classroom community, offering encouragement, comfort, and inspiration throughout the year. Students engaged in the full writing process to bring their ideas to life, from brainstorming and drafting to revising, editing, and illustrating. Their imaginative stories about the adventures of their squishy pets are filled with creativity, humor, and heart, reflecting the tremendous growth they have made as writers. This meaningful project gave students the opportunity to step into the roles of both author and illustrator while building confidence in their writing. The finished book is a proud celebration of their hard work and a joyful contribution to the school community.

Art With Purpose

RMBA’s Lower School students recently participated in the Beautify the Bucket Art Contest, an initiative that encourages individuals and groups of all ages to help beautify Galveston Beach while promoting environmental stewardship and care for our coastlines. Using creativity, teamwork, and lots of imagination, our students transformed an ordinary bucket into a vibrant ocean-themed masterpiece inspired by the beauty of the sea. High School students Basya G., Shoshana C., and Rachel H. helped put on the finishing touches, making the project even more special. Through this hands-on experience, students not only showcased their artistic talents, but also strengthened their connection to protecting and preserving our coastal environment for future generations.

Bringing Lag BaOmer to Life

Morah Aviva’s EC4 class embraced the spirit of Lag BaOmer through meaningful learning experiences, hands-on activities, and joyful celebration. The week began with a lively reenactment of the story of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and his students, who hid in a cave and cleverly told Roman soldiers they were simply enjoying a picnic rather than studying Torah. As part of the Lag BaOmer festivities, students participated in a series of outdoor activity stations led by Morahs (teachers) from EC2 through EC4. Children enjoyed sensory water play, relay races, an obstacle course, a pretend bonfire experience, and spray painting activities that brought creativity and excitement to the celebration.

In the classroom, the focus also continued on the letter “Xx,” with students strengthening fine motor skills through engaging letter stations. Activities included “I Spy” with Play-Doh, glitter letter writing, and “X marks the spot” games, all designed to reinforce early literacy in playful ways. The class is also building anticipation as they prepare to complete the final letters of the alphabet in the coming weeks. Morah Aviva has introduced phonetic sound review games and letter identification boards during Circle Time, encouraging cooperative learning while supporting turn-taking, patience, and teamwork among classmates.

Field Trip Fun

The traditional-track first graders set off on their field trip with palpable excitement as they boarded the bus on Monday. Their destination was the rainforest exhibit at Moody Gardens, but the journey began with a meaningful display of their own work. Each student proudly wore a shirt they had created, featuring a rainforest animal they had researched and painted themselves. As they explored the exhibit, students eagerly identified the plants and animals they had studied in class. Moments of recognition sparked bursts of excitement, especially when they spotted their own animal or even an image of it. Their enthusiasm brought their learning to life in a way that was both joyful and unforgettable.

Light, Love, and Learning

Morah Clara’s EC3B class experienced a week filled with fun, creativity, and meaningful learning. The class celebrated Lag BaOmer by exploring themes of light, unity, and friendship through dancing, music, and discussions about Rabbi Akiva and Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai. Students were also introduced to Parshat Behar–Bechukotai, learning in a hands-on way about Shemitah and how the land of Eretz Yisrael rests every seven years, just as we rest on Shabbat, reflecting Hashem’s care for the world. In preparation for Mother’s Day, the children expressed love and gratitude through creative projects, including painting egg cartons and coffee filters to make flowers and designing personalized gift wrap using stencils. A class favorite was reading Does a Kangaroo Have a Mother Too? and singing “I Love My Mommy,” which inspired heartfelt conversations about showing ahava to their imas. Students also enjoyed creating special coupons, offering thoughtful ways to help at home. It was truly a week full of learning, love, and meaningful experiences.

Growth, Celebration, and Discovery

This week was busy and filled with learning, creativity and celebration in Morah Aliyah's EC4B class. The week began with an informational circle time on Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai and a focus on the importance of Ahavat Yisrael (caring for other Jewish people). Students then created a special art project by hand printing on paper and painting flames onto their prints to design a Lag BaOmer bonfire display for the bulletin board. The class joined the rest of Early Childhood for rotating Lag BaOmer stations, enjoying hands-on activities and a festive atmosphere that included roasting marshmallows. In literacy, Students began learning the letter “Xx,” exploring it through a variety of sensory-based activities designed to strengthen recognition and understanding. Later in the week, as part of their friendship unit, students learned about affirmations. Each child received a personal affirmation to trace daily each morning through the end of the year, helping to build confidence and positive self-reflection. It was a joyful and enriching week of learning and growth.

Professional Development

Mazal Tov to Kindergarten Judaic Studies Teacher Tzippe Nathanson on being accepted into Cohort 12 of the Mandel Teacher Educator Institute (MTEI)! This prestigious two year program, supported by the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation, brings together a national cohort of educational leaders committed to advancing teaching and learning and developing innovative models of professional development across diverse educational settings. Over the course of the program, participants will take part in six seminars designed to deepen their educational leadership and impact across diverse learning environments. The RMBA community is incredibly proud and excited for this well-deserved opportunity.

Building Community and Bonfires

This week, Morah Sandy's EC3A class celebrated Lag BaOmer with a series of engaging and hands-on activities. Students took part in a lively field day featuring a variety of stations, including a “log” relay race where they worked together to collect foam logs and build a pretend bonfire. In the classroom, children explored sensory and fine motor skills by tearing paper to create their own bonfire craft. They then used their creations as the backdrop for a fun and interactive snack, carefully threading marshmallows onto sticks to “roast” before enjoying them together.