Shalom Chaverim

     It just seems impossible that this is the last newsletter of the school year.  The children in the Bears class have had an absolutely wonderful year.  We have spent some time this week reflecting on the experiences here at the TCEE during the past 9 months.  Children have shared some favorite things.  We have learned that some of the favorite activities have included playing dress up, going to the “park”, painting, making projects, playing with toys, using play dough, building, visiting the Owl’s class, reading books, and having Shabbat.  When asked to name a favorite book, the entries included Brown Bear Brown Bear, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, The Farmer in the Dell, Tracy’s Mess, Knuffle Bunny, Knuffle Bunny Free, Sammy Spider, and A Bad Case of Stripes.  The favorite holiday celebrations included Purim, Chanukah, and Thanksgiving.

     As the teachers reflected on the school year and the children in the Bear’s class, we made a list of something which reminds us of each child.  Of course each child is has touched our hearts in many ways, and we had difficulty narrowing it down to just one thought, so hopefully we have captured something unique about each of your children.

Aidan- for always introducing himself as, “My name is Aidan- A-I-D-A-N”.

Ava- for being proud of herself when she finished her lunch and getting to eat her   

     special treat

Bailey- for her bright smile

Ben- for his love of trains

Charlie- for his love of robots

Dylan- for remembering and explaining how to navigate the “T”

Ella- for always being there to sweep the floor with the child sized dust pan and       

     brush

Emily- for loving to talk about fairies

Ian- for singing the song Ma Ya Feh Ha’Yom

Leah- for loving anything to do with princesses

Orli- for her excitement when talking about her cats

Teo- for his enthusiasm when talking about his play dates

Sam- for hugging his pillow pet

Shaine- for her love of “Hello Kitty”

Victoria- for her willingness to try all activities

Zev- for always remembering the words to every song

      As the school year ends, and our summer program is set to begin, we would like to thank EACH and EVERY one of you for giving us the pleasure of spending time with your children, allowing us to teach them, and watch them grow. We have loved learning so much about each of them, and getting to know your families.  For those who will not be attending the TCEE Summer Fun Program, please feel free to drop in and visit.  We hope you enjoy your special gifts. We wish each of you a wonderful, sun filled (hopefully), fun summer, and we look forward to seeing each of you in the Fall.

     Let us not say goodbye, but L’Hitraot, until we meet again.  Shabbat Shalom.

Morah Rhona and Morah Jessica

Sammy Spider Visits the Bears

This week the children in the Bear’s classroom spent their time learning about the holiday of Shavuot.  Moses climbed Mt. Sinai and received the 10 Commandments from God.  We read the books Sammy Spider’s First Shavuot, and 10 Good Rules.  We discussed how there are different rules at different places, and that rules are in place to keep everyone safe.  When asked what rules the children knew about, they shared “no hitting”, “no kicking”, and “no sticking out your lip”.

The children also worked extremely hard to finish the special project which we will present to the families at the Shalom Picnic next Friday.  We are sorry, but you will just have to wait to see what it is!  If you have not yet responded to the picnic invitation, please do so as soon as possible.  If you will be unable to join us, PLEASE feel free to invite someone to come in your place- nanny, grandparent, aunt, uncle, etc.  We would love each child to have a special guest.

On Tuesday we helped Ian to celebrate his birthday.  Not only did he bring special cupcakes and fruit salad to share with the class, but he brought enough to share with the Owl’s class as well!  Thank you for the treat, and for including all of the children.

With the warmer temperatures we have been bringing drinking water to the playground.  We also welcome hats for outdoor play as an attempt to be shielded from the sun. Please remember that hats are not for sharing. 

It is hard to believe that next week will be the last week of our school year program.  The children have all grown so much throughout the school year.  We look forward to continue watching them grow in our upcoming summer program, and then again during the next school year.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Morah Rhona and Morah Jessica

Ten Good Rules

Is it really true that we have turned the calendar to read June? Where has the school year gone? All of the children continue to grow socially, emotionally and cognitively. Their friendships have expanded beyond the doors of the Bears’ classroom. Many of the children have bonded with the members of the Owls class and their shared playtime has included time here at the Trust Center and time outside of school, in play dates and informal soccer lessons.

This was a short week with Monday’s observance of Memorial Day, but that did not limit the fun in our classroom. The children have been very busy working on a special project. We are sorry, but you will have to wait to find out just what it is! We also began to talk about the upcoming holiday of Shavuot. The children learned that this is when God gave Moses the 10 Commandments atop Mt. Sinai. As we read a book about this, many of the children recalled the story of Passover, and baby Moses. They also remembered that he led the Jewish people out of Egypt to freedom by walking through the parted waters. The children have been thinking of various rules both in school and at your own homes. Each day we have read a book called Ten Good Rules, which has very colorful photographs in it. In anticipation of this week’s Tot Shabbat, we have spent time each day in the chapel, reading a story. The children have practiced sitting in their chairs, and not running around. We have discussed how this is being respectful. We will continue to reinforce this value.Despite the warm (finally) weather, we ask that you please send a sweater or sweatshirt to school to be left in your child’s cubby. Many of the children have expressed that they are cold, due to the air conditioning. We also remind you that although the children love to wear sandals and crocs, the best footwear for school is sneakers, accompanied by socks, since most children do not like the feel of sand and woodchips in their shoes. With the onset of warmer and sunnier days, we also would like to remind you of our sunscreen policy. If you would like us to reapply sunscreen for afternoon play, you must sign a consent form and send in labeled sunscreen. This product cannot be shared by children, except for siblings.

It is hard to believe that we only have 2 more weeks of school. Please note that we will be closing at 3:00PM on Tuesday, June 7 and will be closed on Wednesday, June 8, in observance of Shavuot.

Thanks so much to Emily's family for being our Shabbat helpers this week! Have a wonderful weekend and Shabbat Shalom.

Morah Rhona and Morah Jessica