Feels Like Summer

Dear Senesh Community,

It is with great pride and heartfelt blessings that we share our final blog of the 2020-21 academic year.  Summer is always winter in a different part of the planet and autumn is always spring.  We look forward to a well-deserved break as we take a rest and celebrate our accomplishments for all of our lower-school at HSCDS.  Please read on for specific acknowledgments by subject area below.

General Studies – Jacob

The year began with so much uncertainty. We had new routines, masks, and a host of new expectations for our second-graders. It was a significant undertaking, and the whole community had to work together to keep the school open and safe. Now, ten months later, we can reflect on the tremendous accomplishments of this year’s second grade. They grew and thrived as readers, their imagination and critical thinking rose as writers, and so much more. We are so impressed with the children’s commitment and dedication to their learning, and we are grateful to the families for their unwavering support. We wish everyone a great summer and further success to the newly minted third graders. 

Math & Science – John

It’s been a true pleasure to teach each and every one of our second grade scholars who all learn in so many beautiful and unique ways.  Finding that special groove and rhythm as an educator is what brings true meaning to the practice of teaching.  It is the junction at the crossroads of the heart and mind where real trust begins paving the path for real learning. We have surpassed so many milestones on our journey with scientific discovery and on our quest for true mathematical deduction and inferential reasoning as problem solvers for a global community.  To know that our second graders have become fluent in the early foundations of algebra is something unimaginable and unfathomable for me growing up as a suburban child in the 80s.  These foundations allow us to appreciate and welcome the different perspectives of each learner as we break apart 9 x 5 into (5 x 5) + (4 x 5) or (6 x 5) + (3 x 5) or (10 x 5) – (1 x 5).  For this and for some many other accomplishments, we should be proud and celebrate the progress and growth of our second graders.  I will miss each and every one of them and know that their curiosity and passion for learning will guide them on their journey as third graders.

Hebrew & Judaic Studies – Ariana

I can’t believe this is our last week of school.  Our 2nd graders are amazing!  Not only did they learn to read and write in Hebrew print and in script but also aced their Chumash studies, learned to form mishpatim, explored Hebrew stories, learned all about the Jewish Holiday, Israel, Chessed, Jewish Values and Tefillah.

This week we enjoyed our last week together.  We played Hebrew games, we did word search exercises in Hebrew and also about Judaic Studies topics.  In Judaic Studies we enjoyed videos about Jewish Values and answered questions about how we can apply these values to our daily life.We also listened to music in Hebrew as well.  We really enjoyed the 8th grade Graduation as well as the last day of school Tekes

Lastly, we spent time talking about the highlights of this year and we took a moment to say goodbye to our friends who are departing.  I am so proud of these 3rd graders.  They accomplished so much despite all that was different or perhaps challenging this year.  We persevered and thrived!    We navigated together bravely and conquered.  I’m proud of our students for all the amazing learning but most of all for staying positive, strong and for being truly resilient.  I wish them and you all a fun and restful summer.

Great luck in 3rd grade!

Ariana

Music – Heidi

In Music this week, Pods 2A and 2B reviewed skills they’ve learned this year – creating and playing rhythms, scatting and playing to Louis Prima’s Sing Sing Sing, noticing the difference between 3/4 and 4/4 time by listening to Kermit the Frog song “It’s Not Easy Being Green” and “Rainbow Connection.” Pod 2C had a special request to watch Peter and the Wolf, which they had covered in Kindergarten. They enjoyed reviewing instruments by taking a look at Itzhak Perlman’s reading of the story to a recording by the Israel Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta.

A special thanks to all our families, parents and our professional learning community for helping this year to be such a great success.  We could not have done it with you.  May we all celebrate the sweet fruits of our efforts for another continued year of success in 2021-22.  May we all welcome the summer months as our special time to cultivate real peace, real harmony and real happiness.

With love,

The Second Grade Team