Director's Desk 1/29/2010Happy Tu B'Shavt to all.
Here is a brief Tu B'Shvat -What is it about In Our School. Click here.
Drive - Change Your Mind
click here for Dan Pink presentation about the science of Human Motivation. When do we perform better ? Is it when we are motivated intrinsincly or extrinsicly (through rewards or punishment)?
A compelling and fascinating argument, that will change your mind.
This exemplary model of best practices for businesses in 18-minute presentations is also available on his website . His new book, Drive, outlines his suggestions.
My suggestion is - Wouldn't you agree that intrinsic motivation gets the better results in education as well as in the business world?
Important Dates
Have a wonderful weekend,
Ellie Lichtash
Director's Desk 1/22/2010
Tu B'Shavat (Festival of the Spring and Trees)
We mark Tu B'shvat on Friday Jan 29, as the day of blossom of the Almond Trees in Israel. Our school has been preparing for Tu B'shvat and will continue next week. Ask your child about the beans, the seeds and what fruit and vegetables did we plant.
Purim Party
We will celebrate Purim on February 26. On that day, please have your child dressed up in a costume, and arrive on time at 8:45 a.m. We will dismiss at noon time on that day.
Parents are invited to school at 11:15 a.m for a Purim Parade followed by a Purim sing-a-long and a mishoach manot (gifts of Purim) to each other.
Self Awareness - Coffee with the Director
On Thursday we had a lively discussion on parents' self awareness, and our way of parenting. We touched on the points of "losing self control," and how to be aware of it at the crucial moment; gaining our self control; getting help from our child and from our spouse to indicate a moment of crisis; avoiding and preparing for "regular" tension moments (such as getting ready in the morning, or going to sleep). During that conversation we felt that it will be wonderful to have a discussion on working as partners, with both parents. We would like to invite both, mom and dad, for our next Coffee with the Director, as we discuss Parenting as Partners. Meet us on Thursday March 4, 8:45 - 9:45 a.m. for another great discussion.
Some Important Dates
Director's Desk 1/15/2010
Parent to Parent - Kindergarten Talk
When: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8 p.m.
Where: Manette and Louis Mayberg kindly agreed to host this important meeting. This exquisite Spanish style mansion is located on 411 Hermleigh Road, Silver Spring 20902. Directions click here. If you have not been to an event at the Mayberg's home, this one is not to be missed.
The speakers are alumni parents of Kindergarten program graduates: Amanda Boltax, Karen Galanti and Rabbi and Elana Maroof.
Content: During this important meeting you will get a chance to talk face to face with parents of graduates about the program, their experience at the school, and especially the Kindergarten program.
Some important updates
Monday Jan 18 - School will be closed on Monday, Jan 18 for MLK Day. Please note this on your calendars as we had a mistake on ours. Director's Desk 1/8/2010Welcome back everyone,
We do hope you had a wonderful Winter Break. Please make sure to send your child with warm coat, mittens, hat and boots - ready to go outside. We will be outdoors if weather permits each day.
A Big Thank You to Our Volunteers
Last weekend, volunteers from our school parent group and Aish Hatorah took the time to update our building - they changed light bulbs, fixed the doors and more.
Thank you so much for Daniel Ratner (father of Liam, Lila and Shani), Adam Herman (father of Eli) and Gil Schwadrum for your time. Your work is greatly appreciated.
Some important updates
Monday Jan 18 - School will be closed on Monday, Jan 18 for MLK Day. Please note this on your calendars as we had a mistake on ours. Tuesday Jan 12 - an updated PTO Meeting at the school @ 9 a.m.
Monday Jan 11 - (through March 22) New session of MarVa-Tots gym class. Cost $180, talk to Morris Schriem, Kai's dad, about it. Friday Jan 15 - Priority Registration Forms are due back in the office. If you need another copy, please ask and we will provide one.
Thursday Jan 14 - Coffee with the Director is rescheduled for Thursday Jan 21. Please mark the change in Schedule. Thank you.
Tuesday Jan 26 - Open House for prospective families @8p.m. Please let your friends and family know that we will hold an Open House on that day. Parents are welcome to observe the school, and meet the staff. Our school mainly enjoys word of mouth - please send the word around.
Wednesday Jan 27 - Noon Dismissal - Professional Day.
Annual Giving Campaign
Thank you so much for your pledges and the checks. If you haven't had the chance to send your donation, please do so.
We have so far reached 65% participation of the parents and grandparents in our Annual Giving Campaign. The PTO had made their first call on Dec. 2, 2009 and will follow up with a second call within the next week.
Please -Keep it up. Our goal is to reach 100% participation of donations from the school parent body, prior to our Annual Gala. Thank you again.
Parent to Parent Talk - We will be holding a Parent-to-Parent talk this month (date TBA). This important meeting will be hosted by Ilana and Daniel Ratner, at their home on 10325 Windsor View Drive, Potomac MD 20852. The speakers are alumni parents of Kindergarten program graduates. During this important meeting you will get a chance to talk to other parents about their experience at the school, and especially the Kindergarten program.
Nature Class
Please advise to Renana by Tuesday January 12th, 2010 if you are interested in signing up for the 2nd session of the nature class so that we can make sure we have enough kids to start the session.
Feel free to post it to friends and family.
Day: Thursday at 4 p.m.
Starts: Feb 4, 2010 - March 25, 2010.
Cost for 8 classes - $50 per child. Subject to min # of registered children.
Parents are welcome to come to the nature center earlier and enjoy their facilities.
Ellie Lichtash
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