Shabbat Shofar

Vol.18     No.29      May 9, 2008     4 Iyar 5768     Emor    Candles 7:34 p.m.

E mail: bbluestein@bsssmemphis.com
Web: www.bsssmemphis.com

Calendar                          

Wish List

• 2 in ground tether ball poles @ $113.99 each
• 4 tether balls @ $20.00 each
• Brick works (ethafoam bricks, manual, etc.) @ $157.00
• Adjustable chinning bar $579.99
• $700 for a laptop projector (5 needed)
• $2000 for music education instruments
• $1200 mobile laptop computer cart
• $500 for language arts materials for the enrichment program
• $1000 for Differentiated Instruction teacher training video
• $1500 for a math program for students with special needs
• $750 for an online site license for science/social studies lessons
• $9000 for Integrated Reading Curriculum

Weekly Menchcraft Themes
Truth – Being honest and trustworthy.

Kabbalat Shabbat
Mrs. Burson and Morah Knafo’s class will perform on Friday, May 16th.

Thoughts from the Head of School
     I hope that everyone will attend the Bornblum Solomon Schechter School Annual Meeting Monday, May 19, 2008 at 7:00.  The evening will include a presentation by the BSSS Makelah and a state of school report. A special feature of the evening will be a tour of the new building.
     The last week of school will be filled with many busy and exciting days.  The Upper Grade students will have their Field Day program on May 29th and the Upper Grades dance will be held that night.  The school year ends on Wednesday, May 30th  with dismissal at noon.  Our 1st – 5th grade students will have their Field Day that morning.  The Upper Grades will have their Awards Ceremony at 9:00 in the Moss Room and an all school closing assembly will be held at Beth Sholom at 11:00.  Parents and family are invited. Our 8th grade students will graduate on Wednesday, May 28th, at 7:00 p.m. at Beth Sholom Synagogue and everyone is invited to attend. 
     Our 8th graders made it to Israel safely and participated in Yom Ha’Atzmaut activities with our partner school SSDS of St. Louis. Please check out the article and pictures from the trip by clicking on the tab for Israel 2008 on this website.
    Students in grades 6 and 7 are also looking forward to an incredible trip.  They will be going to Atlanta from May 12th – 15th.  The students will take a CNN tour, visit the World of Coca Cola, walk through Centennial Park, climb Stone Mountain, visit the Georgia Aquarium, and tour the Breman Jewish Museum. We look forward to hearing all about the experience upon their return.
 

Shabbat Shalom,          
  Brenda Bluestein, Head of School

Class Placements for 2008-09    
     Over the summer months we will be constructing class lists for the 2008-2009 school year. This is a daunting and challenging task that involves much
time, effort, and thought. There are many factors that must be considered when establishing class placements. The most important factor is to have balanced classrooms on each grade level that are primed for academic and behavioral success. We must consider gender, student behaviors, academic performance, and social interaction.
     Parental input is important; however, this year we are asking that you please provide us information about your child rather than asking for a specific teacher and we will try to make a good fit. For example, tell us if your child needs a highly structured classroom or more freedom. Does your child thrive in a high-energy room or a quieter environment? Is your child shy or outgoing? Does your child need to be highly challenged or need directions repeated many times? Does your child need additional time to complete work or finish ahead of time? Does your child love to read or excel in math?  Does your child write creatively or love science and technology? We want to meet the needs of all children at Schechter so the more we know about your child, the easier it will be to make the proper placement.
     When establishing classes for next year more weight will be given to teacher suggestions and the administration’s insight when it comes to class placement. In the past the school has tried to grant specific teacher requests, but this has left us with class formations that have been problematic and unbalanced.  If you feel that a specific request is critical for your child’s success in school next year please be sure to explain the issue in your written letter and/or give Sally Baer or me a call. All letters must be received by May 30th as well as phone calls regarding placement.

Construction Corner
     The dirt is being prepared for the addition to the gym. The brick work is wrapping up on the classroom wing addition. Sheet rock is still being hung and insulation above the ceiling has begun. The painters are applying block filler to all the walls.

Todah Rabbah

• To Laurie Karchmer and Jennifer Zimmerman for collating the last Shofar.
• To Michael Chamberlain for re-wrapping handles on several of our tennis rackets this year.
• To all of those who have responded to our Wish List.
• To Rachel Woodman for donating two “automatic” counting jump ropes.

Curriculum Highlights
Paul painted purple peaches.
Wally Wombat wants to wait.
Bill blows big bubbles.
What a great time our second graders have had learning about alliteration and creating their own examples!
  

Parasha Hashavua
     In this week’s Torah portion (“Emor”) we continue with more laws regarding the priesthood and who is eligible to serve in the sanctuary. The parasha includes a description of the festivals, and then concludes with a short chapter describing the lighting of the menorah, the bread offering, and a short narrative of a blasphemer.
You can find more about this Parasha online at:
http://urj.org/torah/
http://www.jafi.org.il/education/torani/nehama/emor.html
http://www.uscj.org/57687381.html

2008-2009 BSSS Calendar