October 18, 2019 ~ 19 Tishri
, 5780
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- October 17th - Soup in the Sukkah 3:30-6:30 p.m.
- October 21st - No school, Shemini Atzeret
- October 22nd - No school, Simchat Torah
- October 24th - Joint Agency Annual Meeting 7:00pm
- October 25th - Middle School & Jewish Home of Greater Harrisburg Better Together Program
- October 28th - Middle School Gettysburg Fieldtrip
- October 29th - Picture Day
- November 1st - Grandparent & Grandfriend Day 1:00 p.m.
- November 4th - Drugs 101: What parents and kids need to know
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A Message from the Head of School
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Wow! All I can say is WOW! Having been in education for close to 35 years and having many and varied degrees both in education and supervision, I feel that to some degree, I am somewhat of an expert in education...or at least I know a thing or two! Some may disagree, but on years alone, I feel qualified to speak about how amazing our teachers at The Silver Academy are.
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Yesterday I had the pleasure of observing one of our general studies teachers and was blown away by what I saw and the class. An explanation is probably necessary. First, when I do an observation, I observe each teacher in three domains. Domain 1 is planning and preparation, domain 2 is positive environment and student support, and domain 3 is in-class instruction. Now, let’s talk about what I saw/observed in the classroom that falls under the category of in-class instruction. The teacher I observed used different modalities to teach the lesson thus tapping in on the learning styles each student uses and employs. She explained the math concept using language, she continued her explanation using manipulatives, she furthered the lesson using written practice, and completed the lesson reinforcing the new concept with a song. The environment in the classroom was safe, warm and inviting, conducive to ‘risk taking’ and asking questions. There were no distractions and the lesson had a focused beginning, middle, and end. Students were engaged and intellectually challenged and observably motivated to work hard and be successful. Finally, the teacher clearly and easily assessed the students’ understanding of the new concept, by informal assessment done effortlessly and without stress.
This teacher and others at The Silver Academy are simply the best. They are among the most talented, inspiring, and innovative teachers I have been associated with in 35 years of education. These teachers are part of the reason that you’ve chosen Silver Academy for your children. Another reason may be this...the observable joy the students felt in this classroom. A young student in the class I just described, turned around to me, smiled - a big toothless smile - and gave me the ‘thumbs-up!’ After class I asked her why she had done this and she said, “This may be my favorite class. I love this!” Need I say more?
Shabbat Shalom,
Debra Freeburn
Head of school
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*click the box above to watch this wonderful class in action!*
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What's happening at school...
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Kindergarten General Studies with
Mrs. Carpenter
Kindergartners have been busy and productive as we work and learn together. So far this year we have:
- Met a kind and loving puppet who teaches us to care for and listen to one another (Carey)
- Heard from a grumpy puppet who thinks his word is the most important of all (the King of _ing)
- Learned a special birthday song, made three birthday books, and celebrated three birthdays with three class parties
- Started work on our Alphabet Art books as we practice our fine motor skills
- Been introduced to math concepts such as building numbers to 100 and figuring out how to use a calendar and read a chart.
The year is off to an amazing start!
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Research projects with Mrs. Wenzelburger
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The middle school students have been busy researching topics for their research papers in English language arts. Some of the chosen topics were hydroponic plant systems and wood absorbency. After researching, students got to work writing formal research papers, allowing them to apply their knowledge of their topics. Once the students' papers were finalized, they began working on their research paper presentations. These presentations have allowed the students to practice speaking publicly in front of their peers in order to gain confidence and organizational skills. In addition, all of their findings will be applied in science when students begin their science projects with Mrs. Gaughan.
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On Monday, October 7th we hosted the Gretna Theater for a performance of The Boy Who Cried Bully. This short performance not only showed students various techniques for responding to bullying, but also highlighted the importance of honesty. Following the performance, the Gretna Theater troupe lead a meaningful discussion about the ways that bullying was portrayed in the play and helped the students identify effective responses. We chose to have this performance in the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur as it is a time when we are carefully considering how we want to live our lives and be the best version of ourselves. Students were encouraged to think over Yom Kippur about how they can incorporate the values of honesty, kindness and standing up for themselves and others into their own lives.
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Alumni: We really want to hear from you! As we prepare for our 75th Anniversary Celebration, we are updating our alumni records and need your help! Please take a few moments to fill out
this
survey to tell us how you are doing. Thank you!
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- Kris Novak for building the school's Sukkah
- Niema Schertz, Myrna Rubin and Irit Goldman for making soups for our Soup in the Sukkah fundraiser benefiting our Middle School field trip fund. Thank you also to the other volunteers who helped with the cooking and serving of the soup.
- Thank you to all who all who are participating in the EITC program. The funds contributed go a long way toward ensuring that the school has needed scholarship funds available for families who need.
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Holding onto Joy: Celebrating Simchat Torah
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More information on EITC...
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Support The Silver Academy!
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Don't Miss These EASY, Fundraising Opportunities that support The Silver Academy!
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Grandparent & Grandfriend Day information
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Rainforest Sukkah Adventure
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Community Sukkot Progressive Brunch
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Joint Agency Annual Meeting
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Please join us at the Joint Agency Annual Meeting on Thursday, October 24 at 7:00pm at the JCC. The Silver Academy is
honoring 3 of our outstanding faculty and volunteers: Sara Romano, our Rising Star, Rabbi Gewirtz, our Super Star and Myrna Rubin, our Supernova Volunteer. We hope you will join us as we celebrate our Silver Stars and the other amazing staff and volunteers of the Harrisburg Jewish Community.
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Challah With a Twist
Offers Weekly Challah Order and Delivery To Students and Teachers
- Order your challah by 8:30 pm Thursday evening at challahwithatwist.com. The fresh baked challah will be given to your child to take home on Friday.
- To pay, please send an envelope with your name on it to the school office, including cash, or a check payable to Challah with a Twist, or use Paypal or Venmo.
Challah With a Twist, (a.k.a. Varda Challah), has been providing home baked challah to the Harrisburg community for over 24 years.
For any questions, please call or text Varda Gewirtz at
717-919-1358
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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.
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