Excitement mounted as Middle School Students geared up for the Social Studies Fair. The students spent time choosing topics to research, writing detailed essays, and finally, creating beautiful display boards with information and graphics. Some students included 3-D elements which were quite intriguing. Three judges came to view the projects at a Social Studies Fair, when students verbally presented their boards and the information they had collected. The varied topics included: Cyberbullying Crisis, D-Day Invasion, 9-11 and Airport Security, The Effects of Video Gaming, The President Lincoln Body-Plot, The Battle of New Orleans, and President Trump Assassination Attempts. An award ceremony was held where each participating student received a framed certificate and a ribbon. The 1st Place winners (Battle of New Orleans topic) received an additional Blue Ribbon for excellence. The 2nd Place winners (D-Day Invasion topic) received an additional Red Ribbon for achievement. Younger students enjoyed perusing the display boards from the fair and were fascinated with the projects. We are very proud of our students and their tremendous efforts.
Emotions ran high at our annual 1st Grade Siddur Party- Chagigat HaSiddur Celebration. The children were dressed in festive crowns with white shirts and blue bottoms. The glittering crowns proclaimed "My Prayer" in Hebrew. The children were all geared up for the special day. After spending much time learning to read the Hebrew Alef Bet with vowels, as well as beginning to read and write Hebrew script, they felt proud to now be ready to receive their own personal Siddur (prayer book). They will also begin to study Chumash- Torah texts. Each parent inscribed a loving note to their child which was placed inside the Siddur. Sentiments included how precious is the prayer of a child to Hashem, reminding their child of the deep personal connection they have with Hashem (G-d), statements about how Hashem (G-d) listens to our prayers and provides all our needs, as well as words affirming how proud the parents are of their child and this special milestone in their lives. At the program, parents were given the opportunity to decorate the cover of the Siddur. That is always a fun activity for the adults who enjoy the markers, sticky gems, and colorful embellishments, making each design beautiful for their child! The children sang some songs from the daily prayers as well as other special tunes. Then, each of them was presented with their own Siddur, lovingly handed to them by their parents. Delicious refreshments were served, including a giant cake in the shape of a Siddur!
We had the privilege to host two visiting IDF soldiers. We were grateful to welcome them and to hear their incredible stories of courage, bravery, faith, miracles, and mission. The children were quite fascinated by the details of their experiences. We had the opportunity to thank them for their tremendous sacrifice and service on behalf of our land and our People, in Israel and worldwide. Each day our students say an extra prayer and give extra Tzedakah, on behalf of Israel and the soldiers. It was special to do that personally together with our visitors! They were quite emotional to see how much the children care about them, even though so far away! The soldiers felt that these prayers and Mitzvah merits from the children, are their "superpowers" as they battle enemies that rise against us. The soldiers took the opportunity for another Mitzvah and donned Tefilin and said "Shema Yisrael" with the Middle School boys. They ate lunch with our students and enjoyed seeing the fabulous vibe at Slater Torah Academy! Am Yisrael Chai!