Welcome to second grade! 9/1/22

Hi families— בְּרוּכִים הַבָּאִים welcome to second grade! We are so excited to be back in person at Senesh. Here are some friendly reminders to help your students prepare for the start of school. 

Your student will need: 

•  At least 2 masks (labeled in a baggy)
•  A labeled water bottle (preferably one that has a sip top to avoid spills) 
• A light dairy or pareve snack (quick 5-10 mins to eat)
• A dairy or pareve lunch 
• A change of clothes labeled in a bag
• Shoes they can move in! PE is on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Arrival is at 8:15 at the side yard—Veronica will be there taking attendance. Dismissal is at 3:30 Mon-Thurs and 2:30 on Fri. Please note that Friday dismissal time will change to 1:30 with daylight savings.

We are responsible for the dismissal of your children and will be maintaining dismissal for your child’s class. Please send all communication regarding dismissal to the second grade team (Lauren, Dorit AND  Veronica—please use the email 2ndgradeteam2022@hannahsenesh.org) the day before. For last minute and urgent changes please send communication NO LATER THAN 12:00 on the day of the change. Thank you for your help and partnership.

Second Grade Team Emails 

Lauren Rosenfield – Lrosenfield@hannahsenesh.org

Dorit Podchlebnik – Dpodchlebnik@hannahsenesh.org

Veronica Walton – Vwalton@hannahsenesh.org

We hope you are as excited as we are for the start of school! 

Introductions for General Studies: 

Lauren – I am very excited to enter my second year as part of the community at Senesh! I have taught for several years at various schools between New York City and Los Angeles teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 4th grades. I have a Masters degree from NYU in Early Childhood and Elementary Education and training from Columbia University including literacy and coaching teachers. I have a husband, a 15 year old daughter, Daniella, and two adorable dogs who keep me busy at home! I enjoy spending time walking, hiking, exploring new restaurants and museums, reading, and watching Netflix with my family! My goal is to instill the love of learning in your students and to make it a joyful experience.  I am grateful to have landed at Senesh and to spend this year with your children and am looking forward to meeting all of you.

Veronica – I am elated to be joining Senesh for the first time this year as the second grade associate! I grew up in Cranford, New Jersey and now live in Brooklyn, where I enjoy reading, writing poetry, and involving myself with the local theatrical, spiritual, and political action scenes. Currently, I am in my third and final year of graduate school at Bank Street College of Education, studying for my master’s and dual licensure as an Elementary General Education teacher and Reading Specialist; previously, I studied English literature at Bryn Mawr College (where I received my B.A. in 2019) and Trinity College Dublin. I am passionate about literacy and meaning-making, whether that’s in an SEL lesson, a read-aloud, or during an experiment in science class. I am excited to learn from and alongside this vibrant community at Senesh and I am grateful for the warm welcome I have received from your children and my colleagues. 

Introductions for Hebrew and Judaic Studies: 

Dorit – I am very excited to join the Senesh community and to teach your children. Currently I’m doing my MA in Judiac Studies in Jerusalem university. I’m Sabra and a graduate of Tel-Aviv University.  I believe Hebrew is part of who we are and a bridge to Israeli culture. I am a mother of 16 years old twins, Jayden and Jonathan, and I thank God for the amazing gift of motherhood. I am delighted to have the opportunity to teach your children and expose them to the Hebrew language. My goal is to excite and evoke their love of the Jewish heritage, Holidays, Hebrew language and Israeli culture. I strongly believe in the saying: ״חנוך לנער על פי דרכו״ (educate a child according to his ways)

Ilana – I am very excited to enter my 10th year at Senesh!

My work experience includes Archeology teacher in Elementary school in Jerusalem, guide at the Museum of Bible land and Israel Antiquities Authority, 10 years as a High school History teacher and educator as well as two years educational programs developing curricula for teaching history at the National Holocaust Memorial center of Yad VaShem.

I am a graduate from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem History, Archeology and Education departments with a degree in History (B.A, M.A and Ph.D.), Archeology B.A and Teacher’s Certificate in History and Archeology. I have a Ph.D. in History from Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

I came to Brooklyn 12 years ago with my family due to my husband’s work. I have two boys Jonathan and Tom (17 and 15) who we love spending time together. My goal is for the students to enjoy learning Hebrew and connect with Israeli culture.

Upcoming Events:

Back to School Night is on Monday September 19th at 5:00 pm.

We are looking forward to seeing everyone next week!

The Second Grade Team