Electives come to CMCA

By Ms. Virginia Henry

The 2024-2025 school year has brought more than just a few changes to the school. The school is growing, new classes are being added, new teachers are joining the staff, and more opportunities for students are being provided. One such addition has been the built-in weekly schedule of electives on Wednesday afternoons.

Electives in elementary and middle school offer opportunities and challenges, particularly in smaller schools where resources and student choice can be limited. While students in a larger setting may select electives that reflect their interests, our small school adapts the concept, assigning students to specific creative opportunities, which we can lovingly term “electolds.” Even so, this designated time on Wednesday afternoons has proven to be a vibrant space for exploration and growth.

One significant benefit of offering electives, even in an assigned format, is the opportunity for students to discover new interests and skills. For example, activities like yoga, chess, and coding have introduced students to experiences they might not have sought out independently. For some students, this elective time doubles as an opportunity to catch up on missed lessons, ensuring academic needs are also met.

However, the challenge lies in balancing resource limitations with the intent to provide meaningful, student-centered experiences. While small schools may lack the flexibility of traditional electives, creative scheduling, and intentional programming ensure that this time remains valuable for students’ personal and academic development. If you or someone you know is interested in teaching an elective course, please reach out to the administration, we are always happy to add to our arsenal of resources.

Ms. Virginia Henry

Devotion to Chinuch

Before the Baal Shem Tov revealed himself, he was an assistant teacher of small children. He would walk the children to and from Cheder , and he would recite with them “Amen yehei shmei rabbah”, and so on.

The Baal Shem Tov could have spent all his time occupied with the loftiest of matters, yet instead he was involved with children. This surely prevented him from being involved with more lofty matters, as is known that when a pnimi (a person of depth and profundity) does something, he is entirely immersed in that with which he is involved. This is especially true when speaking of the chinuch of children, for children can sense whether we are truly focused upon them, or whether while we are with them we are preoccupied with other matters.

The Tzemach Tzedek had a custom that once a month he would test the students in the cheder where the Rebbe Maharash, who was seven years old, was learning. After testing them, he would give them money as a gift. He could have relied on a shaliach to do this for him, to and to send him the results, yet each month he did this himself.

It is known how precious the time of the Tzemach Tzedek was, as he was involved in communal work for Klal Yisrael and matters that could not be taken care of by others. He was a giant among the giants of Torah in his generation, and he was the leader of his generation. Still, he would detach himself from his own learning and work in order to personally fulfill “V’shinantam lvonecha, and you shall teach them to your children”.

Jewish Book Fair Success!

Students returned from winter break to a delightful surprise: signs scattered throughout the building with messages like "Attention Bookworms" and "Adventure Awaits on Every Page." Excitement grew as the annual Jewish Book Fair, in honor of Hey Teves, was launched. The book fair gives families the opportunity to order Jewish books at discounted prices, celebrating the importance of having seforim and Jewish books in every home. This year’s book fair was a resounding success, with record-breaking sales and a wonderful selection of books for all ages. Thank you to Mushka Barber and Chanala Raskin for their incredible effort and dedication in organizing this beloved tradition!

Chanukah Bus Decorating & Mivtzoim

On the last day of Chanukah, a group of CMCA boys headed out on Mivtzoim to spread the joy and light of Chanukah. Their mission was to distribute menorahs to Jewish individuals and families who might not have one of their own, so they too can celebrate Chanukah and fulfil the mitzvah of lighting the Menorah.

The boys set out in our very own makeshift (but awesome-looking) Mivtza Tank, which was the school bus decorated by CMCA students before winter break. At each destination, the boys sought out Jews in need of menorahs, engaging politely and warmly.

Thank you to our amazing Shluchim—Mendel Barber, Levi Hirsch, Avrohom Mockin, and Levi Spalter—for spearheading this Mivtzoim opportunity and arranging all the details, including the fantastic bus decorations.

Celebrating Yud Tes Kislev at CMCA

Yud Tes Kislev, known as the "Rosh Hashanah of Chassidus," marks the day the Alter Rebbe, Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi, was released from imprisonment, symbolizing the triumph of Chassidus and its teachings. On Wednesday afternoon, in preparation for Yud Tes Kislev, we had the privilege of hearing Rabbi Ari Shishler address the students. Rabbi Shishler shared inspiring stories and valuable lessons, encouraging students to bring the day’s message into their everyday lives. On Friday, Yud Tes Kislev itself, each class held an in-class farbrengen. Students set beautiful tables, learned the story of Yud Tes Kislev through engaging activities and games, and enjoyed snacks and drinks. It was a beautiful and memorable way to celebrate this significant day.

Kindergarten Explorers Visit First Grade!

One of the most exciting days at CMCA is when we welcome the kindergarteners—next year’s first graders—for their special day of visiting and exploring the elementary campus. This year, we leaned into the theme of exploration by giving each kindergartener a little explorer hat and a bag filled with explorer-themed favors, like binoculars. Adding to the fun, the teachers were also dressed to match the explorer theme! The students spent the morning in the first-grade classroom, experiencing the routines and activities of a first-grader. The current first graders did an amazing job welcoming them and showing them around. The kindergarteners also explored the building, visiting other classrooms, the library, the science room, and the playground. It was a day filled with excitement and discovery, and we can’t wait to welcome them to our elementary family next year!

First Grade Story Writing

First graders are at a magical stage of development where their creativity and foundational writing skills come together. As they work on short story writing, they explore the building blocks of storytelling, such as character, setting, and plot. Through drawing and brainstorming, they generate ideas that reflect their vivid imaginations and growing understanding of the world. With guided instruction, they learn to craft sentences, sequence events, and use descriptive language to bring their stories to life. This process not only enhances their literacy skills but also builds confidence, fosters self-expression, and encourages a love for writing that can last a lifetime.

5th Grade Boys Start Learning Gemara

Students in the 5th grade reached a significant milestone in their Jewish education- they have begun studying Gemara! The first lessons centered around the laws of finding lost objects in a public domain. Students explored various scenarios involving finding scattered wheat berries.

We learned about the relationship between surface area and volume and how their ratios to one another result in varying levels of “scattered”. Students have also already mastered over 50 new Aramaic vocabulary words which will aid their future studies of Gemara!

Middle School Boys Ski Trip

The middle school boys enjoyed an action-packed two days in the Smoky Mountains.

After a scenic four-hour drive into the Smokies, the boys went bowling and hiked a trail with stunning views of the famous mountain range.

They then headed to their spacious Airbnb, situated high in the mountains with panoramic views, a hot tub, and plenty of games.

Following an evening of fun, the students went to bed, eagerly anticipating the next day’s activities.

After waking early, davening, and packing up, the boys made their way to Ober Mountain for a full day on the slopes.

They encouraged one another, pushed themselves beyond their limits, and significantly improved their skiing skills throughout the day.

After an exhilarating and exhausting adventure, the boys settled into the cars for the drive back—grateful and amazed by the unforgettable experience they had just shared.

Setting Clear Expectations at CMCA

At CMCA, we are committed to creating a positive, inclusive, and effective learning environment. With our adoption of Responsive Classroom practices, we are taking proactive steps to ensure students feel supported and empowered. A key component of this approach is establishing clear expectations, teaching them explicitly, and practicing them together as a school community.

Over winter break, we implemented this idea by posting clear, meaningful expectations in classrooms and shared spaces throughout the building. Each set of expectations aligns with a CMCA core belief, reinforcing our school’s values. Here are the expectations now visible throughout our school:

Classroom Expectations:

Come prepared with materials and homework.
Take responsibility for your learning and actions.
Participate actively and respectfully in discussions.
Encourage and support your peers.
Persevere through challenges and ask for help when needed.
Take care of the outdoor spaces by cleaning up after yourself.

Recess Expectations:

Play kindly and include everyone.
Use equipment and structures safely.
Show good sportsmanship.
Follow the rules of each game.
Respect the equipment and return it after use.

Hallway Expectations:

Walk only in the hallway.
Stop at intervals to check with the adult for instructions.
Keep hands and feet to yourself.
Use quiet voices to respect other classes.
Greet others with a smile or kind words.
Allow others to pass and hold doors open.
Keep the school clean by picking up trash.

Restroom Expectations:

Respect others’ privacy.
Wash hands with soap and water.
Keep the restroom clean and tidy.
Report any issues to a teacher or staff member.
Be quick and return to class promptly.

Water Fountain Expectations:

Take turns and wait patiently.
Keep the fountain area clean and dry.
Drink water quietly and avoid splashing.
Use the fountain for drinking only.

Teachers began the semester by teaching these expectations and practicing them with students. This proactive approach has empowered students to take ownership of their actions, fostering a respectful and harmonious school community. Responsive Classroom practices are helping us ensure that every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mazal Tov to our students and staff celebrating their birthday this month:

STUDENTS

Pearl Charytan – 25 Shevat
Goldie Silverman – 12 Tamuz
Jonathan Matatov – 17 Tevet
Dovid Pinson – 22 Tevet
Chana Wolf – 21 Tevet
Yisrael Edelson – 1 Shevat
Noah Zavulunov – 6 Shevat
Yarden Livnat – 12 Shevat
Mendel Slavaticki – 11 Shevat
Eitan Goldman – 18 Tevet
Sara Shemtov – 21 Tevet
Roat Mallinger – 7 Shevat
Chaya Slavaticki – 1 Shevat
Ethan Sasson – 1 Shevat
Rivka Sollish – 2 Shevat
Leah Frankforter – 1 Shevat
Risha Piekarski – 3 Shevat
Aria Mor – 26 Tevet
Naftali Jacobson – 2 Shevat
David Kavka – 2 Shevat
Tzivia Gurray – 9 Shevat
Golda Teytel – 13 Shevat