April 24th, 2020 ~ 30th Nisan 5780
A Message from the Head of School
We are back in session with virtual learning this week after what I hope was for all, a restful and happy Pesach. With our virtual learning platform we were able to offer some programming for the children over the break and chances for them to stay engaged and socialize with school friends.

We began Tuesday morning with a Yom HaShoah presentation and discussion. The children and teachers stood for the siren to pay tribute to those who were killed in the Holocaust and we focused the ensuing discussion on heroism; what did that mean then, who were those heroes, who are our heroes today and how do we recognize them. I would like to take a moment to recognize current heroes in our Silver Academy community – our teachers! I have been meeting with our teachers this week to discuss plans to educate the children through the remainder of our school year and I am amazed at their plans and how they are looking ahead – educating and caring for our students in such a warm, professional manner. I am so grateful for our school heroes.

I want to invite all of you to join us this afternoon at 2:45 for our Rosh Chodesh and Kabbalat Shabbat program where Morah Tamara will be leading us through drawing and coloring an Israeli flag in honor of Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Please see the flyer below with information on how to join.

I hope all of you are staying healthy and well and I want you all to know that we remain dedicated to our mission – educating Jewish children and continuing to nurture and develop their love of learning and pride in their Jewish heritage.

Shabbat Shalom,
Samara Sofian

PS Please scroll through this whole message to see some great pictures of our students in the Silver Snapshots
A Peek Inside Our Virtual Classes

Science
Mrs. Gaughan
Adjusting to the new virtual platform has been a challenge for Science classes. As Science is truly a hands-on class, making this new way of learning has been difficult. However, the students rose to the challenge and they are doing very well learning Science at home!

Elementary students are starting with a problem, watching a video pertaining to the problem, completing an activity, and forming a conclusion. Middle school students just picked up where they left off in school, studying the solar system and the periodic table.

Lessons may be somewhat different than what the students are accustomed to, but they are meeting this new challenge head on!

3rd-8th Math
Morah Sara
Beginning this school year the 3rd - 8th grade students were introduced to the flipped classroom, a teaching method where the students did their homework in class and learned their lessons at home. With the aid of technology the students watched the lessons they would usually be taught at school from the comfort of their own homes. This allowed students to pause the lesson to jot down notes, as well as re-watch lessons at any time, promoting independent learning and allowing the students to dive deeper into the subject.

After learning the lessons at home, the students came into class with the base knowledge of their lesson allowing them to work in class on their individual lesson plans which are designed so the students can learn at their own pace.

This new method of learning allowed for an easy transition to a virtual math classroom. The students have been continuing to work on their individualized lesson plans that they had when they were in school, but now they do so at home. Built into the curriculum are engaging activities and puzzles that challenge the students on the knowledge that they have learned in the lessons so far.

Each step of the way the students get feedback from me on their progress and ways to improve what they are already doing. I have made videos for the students to watch that assist with learning new topics and also added 1-on-1 sessions to get students the additional assistance that they need to keep on track with their math.
Rosh Chodesh & Kabbalat Shabbat Celebration
Join us this afternoon at 2:45pm for our Rosh Chodesh and Kabbalat Shabbat celebration. To get ready for Yom Ha'Atzamaut , Morah Tamara will give us an Israeli flag drawing lesson. 
To join, click  here . 
Meeting ID: 965 4504 1476
Password: silver
Support The Silver Academy!
We need your support to continue to fulfill our mission of educating our students. There are many ways to support the school, even during this unprecedented time.
smile.amazon.com  - The Silver Academy. 

  • The Silver Academy will get .5 percent of each eligible purchase.

  https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/Login/Enroll    Code: 5417A14L62452 

  • Raise money for our school by using gift cards where you are already shopping! Buy egift cards, physical gift cards and reloadable gift cards at face value and use for your everyday shopping. Easily pay online and earn a rebate between 2%-16% that goes right to our school.
If you missed your chance for EITC participation in the fall, the spring opportunity is currently available. Please contact Kimberlea Konowitch for The Silver Academy at 717-238-8775 x209 or Amanda Kohn for The Brenner Family Early Learning Center at 717-236-9555 x3299.
Contributions to The Silver Academy are always appreciated and every dollar makes a difference for our students!

Looking for a way to celebrate a birthday or special occasion? Do you have someone you would like to honor? Do you want to make a donation in memory of a loved one? Consider making a donation to The Silver Academy. We will send them a lovely card to share with them that a gift has been made in their honor.
You may contact the school's office to make a contribution or do so online here .

Community News
Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg

Join the Jewish Federation each day for  JCCatHome , a Virtual Programming initiative for all ages. You can also access a   resource page  with ideas, workouts, and activities to do while at home.

For more information, visit  Jewish Federation's  website.


JCC Summer Camp Registration Now Open!
 For information and to register  Click Here
Our community is Powered by You! Support Jewish life in Harrisburg through the Jewish Federation of Greater Harrisburg's Annual campaign.

Visit  jewishharrisburg.org/give  to support our community.
Silver Snapshots