First Grade News
Hello Families, In Hebrew, we learned the letter dalet. We added new words to our word wall like: delet (door), devora (bee), dov (bear), devek (glue) and dag (fish). The first graders were so proud to write full sentences in Hebrew for the first time using the action words kana (to buy for boy), kanta (to buy for a girl), raah (to see for a boy) and raatah (to see for a girl). We continued to practice our reading with all the letters that we have learned so far. In Yahadut, we continued working on our siddurim and learned a new prayer from the amida called hael hakadosh, which we thank God... Read More
November 20, 2020 — Chilly Weather Reminder
** REMINDER ** As it is getting colder, it is important for students to bring in their jackets, mittens/gloves, and/or hats EVERY. DAY. It is easier to bring it with you and either unzip it or take it off during outside time, than it is to be outside shaking and shivering from the cold. Please support your student by reminding them to wear it when they come to school. As well … the windows are open every day, so cold air does blow in ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Judaics Studies with Phyllis This past Monday was Sigd, the holiday of Beta Israel or Ethiopian... Read More
Third Grade 11/20
Social Studies, Reading, Writing We have been mixing together all of our subjects in ELA these past 2 weeks! Third graders have been reading non fiction articles about the Lenape, listening to videos and taking notes, as well as writing these notes into paragraphs. We learned a new word- plagiarizing, and why we need to make bibliographies and cite our sources. We came up with different scenarios for other pods to read, and for them to decide if the scenario involves plagiarizing or not plagiarizing. As we delve into complex research skills, the third graders are rising to the challenge... Read More
Kindergarten Blog 11/20/20
Dear Families, In Hebrew, we are learning new vocabulary for body parts. Eyes – עיניים Ears – אוזניים Nose – אף Mouth – פה Tongue – לשון Teeth – שיניים Legs – רגליים Hands – ידיים Cheeks – לחיים Shoulders -כתהיים The students can form sentences about body parts they have (For example: I have hands). We are also learning how to say “I want,” and using our new phrase in everyday class activities (For example, “I want water”). In Judaic Studies, we are adding new tefillot (prayers). Students now know Modeh Ani, Ma Tovu, Shema, and V’ahavta. Ask... Read More
Pumpkins & Sprouting Minds for the Holidays
Greetings HSCDS Community, As Thanksgiving approaches this week, the second grade team gives thanks for all of the hard work our young learners have put forth as they swiftly transitioned back into their classrooms. We know this transition would not have been possible without the support and guidance of our helpful parents and families. Please read on to learn about the new activities our scholars have been diligently working on since our last post. General Studies – Jacob The second-grade pods came back to in-person learning ready to rock! While at home, the pods put their finishing touches on the... Read More
Humanities In Social Studies, students are finishing our unit on Indigenous perspective of European colonization of America. Students have read primary and secondary sources on the topic and written thoughtful responses about the effects of colonization on Native North America. Additionally, we wrapped up our election unit as students analyzed the election results. In ELA, we have just begun our unit on The Crucible. Students are looking forward to planning the showcase for parents in December! Joseph Science Science last month had started its exploration of molecules, chemical bonds, and chemical reactions. They used interactive software to understand the differences... Read More
November 12, 2020
HUMANITIES Recently, 7th graders have been learning about the first contact between European and Indigenous peoples, and analyzing and debating the consequences of the integration of cultures through the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries. We will start looking at the origins of American slavery next week. In Language Arts, we just finished reading George Orwell’s allegorical novel Animal Farm. Next, students will begin writing analytical essays, which will strive to expose a larger significance to Orwell’s work. Students have been highly engaged in the Presidential Election, have a growing understanding of how our democracy works, and will be better equipped to... Read More
6th Grade News: 11/13/20
Advisory: In 6th grade advisory periods and morning meetings this month, we’ve focused on a variety of important academic and social skills. We identified and practiced healthy behaviors on social media, and then followed up with discussions about the role of non-verbal communication. Students are beginning to see how those all-important non-verbal cues are not present when we text or type online (emojis aside . . .! ), and we hope that they will keep this in mind when they decide how and when to communicate messages online. Other advisory topics have included reading and following all instructions (and doing so independently!), time management strategies,... Read More
What’s Happening in 5th 11-13-20
Humanities: ELA: During our ELA classes, we have been focused on getting book clubs off and running. The class has been divided into groups of three or four with each group assigned a book to read and discuss together. The goal of these book clubs is to track character traits, actions, and motivations and to use that information to extrapolate themes from the book. So far, the clubs have met twice and have created a reading schedule that will allow them to finish their book by Thanksgiving. During book club meetings, the clubs discuss the reading from the prior week,... Read More
November 6, 2020 — History in the Making
Math with Justin Fourth graders have been working hard on their multiplication and division skills. As students work to master multi-digit multiplication, and long division with remainders, they also have started to learn about factors and multiples. Understanding of factors and multiples will not only deepen our students understanding of multiplication of division but it will also help inform our future work on fractions. Looking forward, our learners will be taking what they have learned and start applying it to real world problems including multiple steps and bar models for visualization. If you’re child is looking for a fun way to practice... Read More