Blog

The Doves pre-K class recently embarked on a delightful culinary adventure, learning to make latkes from scratch. Guided by the ever-creative Morah Shifra, the young chefs donned their aprons and got straight to work. The process began with peeling potatoes, a task that required patience, focus, and a little extra teamwork. There were, of course, a few booboos along the way, but the children showed remarkable resilience and a willingness to try again. Once the potatoes were peeled, it was time for the grating. With lots of excitement (and a healthy dose of caution), the children took turns grating the potatoes, filling the classroom with the fresh, earthy smell of raw potatoes—a sensory experience all its own.

With the hard work of grating complete, it was time to mix in the essential ingredients. The children cracked eggs, added onions, and measured out other key components of the latke batter. Each student had a role, whether it was stirring, measuring, or taste-testing (just a little!). The sense of accomplishment was palpable as they watched their mixture come together. The highlight of the day, however, was the frying station, which had been carefully set up in the classroom under close supervision. Watching the batter transform into crispy, golden-brown latkes was nothing short of magical. The sizzle of the oil and the wafting aroma made it clear that something special was happening.

The fruits of their labor were shared far and wide. Not only did the Doves get to enjoy the latkes they worked so hard to create, but they also shared them with the Robins (young toddlers) and their teachers. Through this activity, the Doves practiced fine motor skills, teamwork, and patience—all while connecting with a cherished cultural tradition.

Walk into the 3rd Grade modular, and you will see student made posters adorning the walls. After concluding the book Mr. Popper's Penguins, each student created a poster to showcase their knowledge of the material. Using a timeline as their base, each student drew pictures and wrote explanations as a review of the book. The third graders definitely enjoyed the project. Good luck with starting your new novel! Happy learning!

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, a beloved children's book by Roald Dahl, has been remodeled by our Middle School students. As a project in Mrs. Lemoine's ELA class, the students rewrote the story and then directed and acted in their own production. Each student was involved and excited, spending time in and out of school to prepare. The revamped script includes the usual storyline, with additions and modifications which reflect the STA students' imaginations. Great job to all of the actors and actresses.

Middle School Girls have been exploring the topic of modesty, Tzniut, in depth in Morah Cohen's class. The subject generated a lot of discussions filled with thoughtful questions and reflections from the students. Recently, Mrs. Isabelle Zaphran, a fashion designer who grew up in New Orleans and now lives in Dallas, TX came to share her story of becoming religious and  her experiences in the field. Her presentation focused on her journey and her appreciation for the Mitzvah and laws of modesty. The girls really enjoyed, and they had the chance to ask her questions about her work and inspiration. The presentation made an impression on the Middle School and helped inspire them in their own modesty.

Our preschool’s clay enrichment class has become a highlight of the week! Led by the talented Ms. Paris Labran, this workshop offers a hands-on experience that fosters creativity, fine motor development, and sensory exploration. Using real clay provides children with a rich, tactile medium that encourages imaginative play while building foundational artistic skills.

Each week, Ms. Paris thoughtfully designs provocations to inspire the children. They’ve explored rolling clay with rolling pins, cutting it into shapes, and incorporating natural materials like rocks and twigs to create textures and patterns. Loose parts, such as glass beads or mosaic tiles, are added to encourage open-ended design, and the introduction of colored clay brings a delightful element of discovery and experimentation.

Beyond the artistic benefits, working with clay promotes hand-eye coordination, strengthens fingers for writing readiness, and nurtures a sense of accomplishment.

We’re thrilled to see the joy and pride on their faces as they transform simple materials into imaginative works of art. Thank you, Ms. Paris, for your dedication and creativity in crafting this enriching experience for our young learners!