This week in social studies class, the 2nd and 3rd graders enjoyed some hands on learning with Mrs. Golay in connection to their unit on the world’s oceans, continents, the equator, prime meridian, and hemispheres. Using balloons to create their own globes, the students labeled each part with the correct terms as they had learned. This project was spread over 2 days, as the 2nd graders and 3rd-graders took turns helping each other. This cooperative learning activity not only resulted in creative globes but also fostered teamwork and a deeper understanding of geography.
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Blog
Hands-On Geography: 2nd and 3rd Graders Create Their Own Globes
Kicking Off the Year with Fun
Here at STA school has begun, and we celebrated with our annual Elementary Welcome Back BBQ! This fun event was an opportunity for parents, students, and staff to interact as we gear up for the year ahead. Students and their parents participated in an exciting Kahoot! game to see how well they know STA. Questions included "Which class has the most siblings" "How many windows there are on the school building? Which family lives the closest to school? , and more! Thank you to all of the Staff and volunteers involved in preparing the program. What a great way to kick start the year!
Bringing the Beis Hamikdash to Life: A Hands-On Learning Experience
During the 3 weeks leading up to Tisha B'av, there is a custom to learn about the Beis Hamikdash (the Holy Temple). This year, the 4th-5th graders took this up a level with Rabbi Groner. Using the school building as a model, the class was able to understand the measurements of the Bais Hamikdash and its many parts. For example, they walked around the yard to get a feel for the size of the mizbeyach (altar) was, and using google maps, they discovered that the azarah (courtyard) was about as large as the entire school property! The ability to connect it to their everyday experience really brought these ideas to life for the students.
Creating the School Family
Our team came together for an enriching professional development week focused on creating a stronger, more connected learning environment. We kicked off with team-building activities, setting the stage for a week of collaboration and growth.
A highlight of the week was welcoming Becky Udman, a renowned educator from Dallas, TX, who brought her expertise in Love and Logic and Conscious Discipline. Her workshops focused on the importance of building a "school family" and a procedures based classroom to foster an optimal learning environment through meaningful connection and routine. She emphasized the role of emotional safety and positive relationships in promoting academic and social success.
In addition to her sessions with our team, Becky hosted an evening workshop for parents, graciously held at the home of Orit and Jackson Fragozo. This event helped to extend our work beyond the classroom, involving families in the process of supporting their children’s development.
We also heard from our veteran teachers, Paris Labran, Libby Groner, and Sara Chaya Pertuit, who led inspiring discussions on family engagement, social-emotional learning, and fostering independence in students. Their talks deepened our understanding of how these elements contribute to a more supportive and empowering school culture.
Throughout the week, our staff was hard at work designing our learning spaces to serve as a "third teacher." We focused on creating calm, welcoming environments with warm tones and clearly defined procedures to enhance student learning and well-being.
The week left us energized and inspired, ready to implement these practices and create a nurturing, effective learning environment for our students.