Counted With Love
Counted With Love
As we approach the end of another school year, there is a natural tendency to focus on results: report cards, achievements, growth, and milestones. We look back and ask: Did we accomplish enough? Did our students learn what they needed to learn? Did we succeed?
This week’s parsha offers a different lens.
At the beginning of Sefer Bamidbar, the Torah describes Hashem commanding Moshe to count the Jewish people. In this week’s parsha, Parshas Naso, the theme of counting continues with the Leviim. This census was not simply administrative.
Rashi points out that Hashem counted the Jewish people חיבתן מתוך, because of His love for them. The counting itself was an expression of care.
There is something fascinating about this. When people count inventory, they count objects. When Hashem counts the Jewish people, He counts individuals.
Schools can sometimes unintentionally become places of counting. We count grades, assignments, benchmarks, reading levels, behaviors, and data points. These measurements matter. They help us guide instruction and monitor progress. But these Parshiyos remind us that authentic education begins with a different kind of counting: making sure every child feels counted.
As educators and parents, the question at the end of the year is not only, “What did this child achieve?” but also, “Did this child feel seen? Did they feel known? Did they feel that they mattered?”
Years from now, students often forget the exact worksheet, lesson, or test score. But they remember who noticed when they struggled. They remember who celebrated their victories. They remember which teachers learned how they think, what makes them laugh, and what they needed on difficult days.
The end of the school year is both exciting and emotional because growth is rarely linear or complete. Some students made dramatic academic gains. Others made quieter progress: learning resilience, building friendships, developing confidence, or simply learning to love school again.
Perhaps that is the deeper message here. Before the Jewish people traveled forward, before missions and milestones, they were counted, individually, intentionally, and with love.
As this year comes to a close, may we remember that our greatest success is not only in what we taught, but in who we noticed along the way.
Individuality Among Generality
Parshas Naso contains the longest portion in the Torah devoted to repeated offerings. Each Nasi brought the exact same korban for the dedication of the Mishkan, yet the Torah records every detail of each offering separately. Even though the gifts were identical, each contribution was counted and valued individually.
This carries a powerful message in chinuch. Children may learn the same lessons, complete the same assignments, or participate in the same activities, but each child brings their own personality, effort, and perspective. True education means recognizing individuality within the group. When children feel seen for who they are, not only for what they produce, they develop a stronger sense of confidence and belonging.
Riddle 1: What is a Nazir forbidden to consume?
Riddle 2: Which family brought offerings for the dedication of the Mishkan first?
Shavuos Prep Around School
As Shavuos approached, excitement could be felt throughout the halls of the school as classes immersed themselves in learning, hands-on activities, and engaging lessons that brought the themes and traditions of Shavuos to life.
From learning about Matan Torah and the Aseres Hadibros to studying the laws and customs of the holiday and creating special projects, every grade prepared for Yom Tov in a meaningful way. First graders proudly brought home beautiful booklets and projects showcasing their learning, second-grade girls decorated vases, and the fifth-grade girls enjoyed making cheesecake together.
Everyone was ready for Shavuos, filled with knowledge, excitement, and anticipation for the Yom Tov.
Fun Spot
The Second Grade boys celebrated an incredible year of growth, learning, and achievement with an exciting trip to Fun Spot! Filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of energy, the students enjoyed spending quality time together as they marked the successful completion of a strong and succesful school year. From thrilling rides to fun attractions, the trip was a well-deserved opportunity for the boys to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.
A special thank you goes to Rabbi Freeman, Rabbi Mallinger, Mendel Sandberg, and Levi Mintz for helping make the trip such a memorable and enjoyable experience for the students.
Girls Kickball Wraps Up
The girls wrapped up an amazing season of in-house kickball. Each week, weather permitting :), students gathered on the field along with their biggest fans, parents, siblings, and friends, for an exciting game of kickball filled with spirit, teamwork, and fun.
What made the season especially special was that everyone had a role. Some girls played on the field, others served as referees, kept score, DJ'd the games, or cheered enthusiastically from the sidelines. Every student had the opportunity to contribute and be part of the experience. Under Coach Yazzy’s guidance, the season was marked by outstanding sportsmanship, school spirit, and plenty of memorable moments. We are so grateful to her and can't wait to do it again next year!
Production Watch Party
This week, the girls had the exciting opportunity to watch the final cut of the production they worked so hard on earlier this year. Filled with anticipation and excitement, the students enjoyed seeing all of their efforts, talents, and dedication come together in a beautiful and polished production.
The screening was a special moment for everyone involved and allowed the girls to celebrate the creativity, teamwork, and countless hours invested into the project. A heartfelt thank you to Laya and Devorah Leah for arranging and coordinating this memorable experience for the students.
Step Up To Middle School
This year, CMCA introduced “Step Up to Middle School Day” to help fifth graders transition with confidence and excitement. The girls joined middle school davening, participated in fun bonding activities, and met with Mrs. Sollish to learn about middle school expectations and success strategies.
The day also included activities led by current seventh graders and a student panel moderated by Dr. Pam Mason, where sixth graders shared advice and experiences about middle school life. It was a wonderful day that helped our fifth graders feel more prepared and excited for the year ahead.
Farm Day Fun
This week, our second-grade boys and girls headed to Southern Belle Farm for an unforgettable day of learning, adventure, and fun!
The students learned all about bees, met and observed farm animals, challenged themselves on a ropes course, raced in potato sacks, explored the corn maze, enjoyed a hayride, and experienced so many other fun farm activities. It was a fantastoc opportunity to learn outside the classroom while making great memories together.
The students had an amazing time from beginning to end! A big thank you to Ms. Simpson and Ms. Sofian for organizing and chaperoning such a special experience for our second graders!
Sweet Success: 8th Grade Honey Cake Bake Sale
Our 8th grade girls recently ran a super successful honey cake bake sale to raise funds for their Student Council! From advertising and shopping to baking, packaging, and selling, the girls took ownership of every step, and the entire project came together beautifully.
A special thank you to our hardworking 8th graders, to Shluchos Laya and Devorah Leah for their support, and to everyone who purchased honey cakes and helped make the fundraiser such a success. Be on the lookout for more exciting student-led projects and fundraisers from our 8th grade girls this year!
Happy Birthday to our students with Sivan birthdays:
Zel Posner – 4 Sivan
Mendel Wolf – 11 Sivan
Levi Groner – 12 Sivan
Meir Charytan – 13 Sivan
Binyomin Mentz – 13 Sivan
Chaya Pawliger – 14 Sivan
Yaakov Deitsch – 22 Sivan
Aidan Ooziel – 22 Sivan
Shua Meyerowitz – 24 Sivan
Miri Pawliger – 25 Sivan
Shloma Lokshin – 27 Sivan
Chaya New – 27 Sivan
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