Family School

December 20, 2018

Dear  Families,

Our PreK-K class met this week and explored the relationship between Jacob and Esau.  Wendy led the children on a discussion about what is important to each of them and how when you make decisions there could be consequences. Art, books, music and games all filled the morning.  A beautiful group of loving, smart, growing children!
In Family School on Tuesday, we started a great discussion about Shabbat.  What we know, what we wonder and what we learn is how it started.  We made a chart with columns and put thoughts under "What We Know", " What We Wonder" and  "What we learned" which, will be filled in as we move forward.  We talked about traditions old and new and how it is wonderful to create your own family traditions.  Every family may not be able to do Shabbat the same way but, by creating your own family traditions you can create something special. We also read the book Around The World in One Shabbat by Durga Yael Bernhard. 
I encourage all families to try to create a sacred special time for Shabbat.  In our complicated world we can all benefit by adding more love, peace and thankfulness to our lives. One small addition or change can open the door for something special and sacred to grow within your family. Creating traditions or carrying on traditions is a gift to all children and adults alike.  We even discussed what happens if you can't celebrate Shabbat.  Many people can not observe 25 hours of Shabbat but, if you even take one hour during Shabbat to create something meaningful and special it means a lot.  Shabbat is given to us and is an opportunity to allow ourselves to decompress, reconnect  and savor each moment. Please talk with your children and think of ideas that would work for your family.  We will be continuing the discussion after winter break.
Tefilah was filled with songs, blessings and thankfulness.  Our students, your children have delightful words and thoughts that they express beautifully.
We are now on Winter  Break,  Family School resumes on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.  We do have First Friday and Tot Shabbat on Friday, January 4th.  It will be wonderful to see everyone at our monthly First Friday Shabbat Dinner.

Please make sure your child studies over the break.  Studying/reviewing just 5 minutes per day which is the minimum asked and is a huge help in learning a new language.  Your support is greatly appreciated!    

For snack we provide healthy choices of mini bagels, cream cheese, peanut butter and jelly. GF tortilla chips, veggies with dip, hummus and clementines or some other fruit and of course water. We appreciate donations towards snack as long as it is not junk food.  Yogurt, crackers, popcorn and any of the above can be dropped off on any day  and saved for the next week.

Just a few reminders:

• Snow Days, if Saugerties School District is closed or if they cancel after- school activities we are closed.  I will also send an email to confirm.  
• Please scroll down for the calendar.
• If your child has a cell phone please tell them to turn it off during Family School.  If they have a problem they should speak with their teacher or me before they call home.

• Tuesday, December 25:  NO FAMILY SCHOOL.
• Tuesday, January 1:  NO FAMILY SCHOOL.
• Friday, January 4:  5 pm Tot Shabbat

• Tuesday, January 8: Family School grades 1-6  4pm-6:30 pm.
• Tuesday, January 15: Family School grades 1-6  4pm-6:30 pm.
• Tuesday, January 22: Family School grades 1-6  4pm-6:30 pm. 
• Saturday, January 26:  PreK-K Class 10am-12pm.
• Tuesday, January 29: Family School grades 1-6  4pm-6:30 pm. 

Love,