Ready For What Comes Next
Ready For What Comes Next
Today is the last day of school. That means change is ahead for all of us.
For some of us, the changes are especially significant. Our graduating eighth graders are preparing to leave middle school and begin high school. Our fifth graders are getting ready to take the exciting step up from elementary school into middle school. And (40!) kindergartners will leave the familiar comfort of preschool and walk into elementary school for the very first time in August.
For others, the changes may seem smaller. But whether a student is moving to a new division or just advancing to the next grade, every child is stepping into something new.
And change can be hard. Change can be exciting, but it can also feel scary. New teachers, new classmates, different expectations, more responsibility, and unfamiliar experiences can make us wonder if we are ready for what comes next.
This week's Parsha tells the story of the Meraglim, the spies who were sent to scout out the Land of Israel. The Jewish people were not afraid because they doubted Hashem's ability to perform miracles. They had witnessed miracles with their own eyes. What frightened them was something else entirely: leaving what was familiar and entering the unknown.
They were about to leave the desert and begin a new chapter. They would face new challenges and greater responsibilities. The fear was not the challenge itself, it was the change.
Yet Yehoshua and Kalev saw things differently to the other Meraglim, and their message was simple:
עָלֹה נַעֲלֶה - We can do this!
Because growth does not happen when we stay where we are comfortable. Growth happens when we take the next step. New challenges reveal strengths we did not know we had.
As we close this school year, we celebrate all that our students have accomplished. And as they prepare for the changes ahead, we remind them that every new step is an opportunity to grow, to discover new abilities, and to become the people they are meant to be.
We are proud of every one of our students and cannot wait to see them rise to the challenges and opportunities that await them next year.
עָלֹה נַעֲלֶה - Let’s do this!
Focusing on Possibilites
Parshas Shelach tells the story of the meraglim, who returned from Eretz Yisrael with a report that caused the nation to lose confidence in themselves. Yehoshua and Kalev saw the same land, the same cities, and the same challenges, yet they reached a completely different conclusion. Their perspective was shaped by faith, trust, and an understanding of what the Jewish people were capable of accomplishing.
This offers an important lesson in chinuch. Children often face challenges that seem larger than they are. The way those challenges are presented can make a tremendous difference. When children are taught to focus on possibilities rather than obstacles, they develop resilience and confidence. Helping a child see what they can do often becomes the first step toward achieving it.
Question 1: How many spies were sent to scout the Land?
Question 2: What mitzvah is taught at the end of the parsha as a reminder to keep all the mitzvos?
TED Talks
Ms. Henry’s 6th Grade Boys recently completed an impressive multi-week TED Talk project exploring the similarities and differences between Polynesian and Jewish cultures. Students engaged in every step of the process—from conducting research and organizing their findings to writing scripts, recording videos, editing their presentations, and ultimately sharing their work with an audience.
The project challenged students to think critically, communicate effectively, and develop valuable technology and presentation skills. What made the experience especially meaningful was the creativity and individuality each student brought to the assignment. No two TED Talks were alike, and each presentation reflected the unique interests, perspectives, and discoveries of its creator.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and confidence our students demonstrated throughout this project. They did a fantastic job!
Shemoneh Esrei Showcase
This year, one of the areas of learning the third grade girls focused on was Shemoneh Esrei, learning how to daven it properly while exploring the meaning and message of each brachah. Along the way, they created beautiful scrapbooks that reflected their learning and understanding of the various brachos. The year culminated in a special Shemoneh Esrei Showcase for their mothers, where the girls shared presentations explaining the brachos, performed songs they choreographed themselves, and sang a song dedicated to their mothers, accompanied by a slideshow.
The program ended with each girl creating a bookmark with the pasuk associated with her Hebrew name, to take with her into next year. Thank you to Morah Mussy Groner for creating such a meaningful celebration of learning and to all of the mothers who joined us for this special event.
Kriah Assessment Results!
We are delighted to share the results of our final Kriah assessment of the year!
Thanks to the dedication of our students and teachers, 122 students in grades 2–8 improved their scores since the beginning of the year. BH, 50 students achieved outstanding accuracy, making 2 or fewer errors on their assessment—up from 19 students last year.
A special congratulations to our students who earned perfect scores, demonstrated exceptional accuracy, and showed remarkable improvement throughout the year. Your hard work and growth are truly commendable!
Kol Hakavod to all our students for their dedication and achievements in Kriah this year.
– Mrs. Shternie Lew
Ready To Lead
Last week, our 7th grade girls celebrated the culmination of a year-long leadership program with a special project: a Mobile Carnival! Throughout the year, the girls worked with Dr. Mason to explore leadership through teamwork, communication, responsibility, problem-solving, and self-awareness. To put these skills into action, they designed, organized, and facilitated a traveling carnival experience for students throughout the school.
Visiting classrooms from grades 1–5, the girls brought fun and excitement through an engaging game, "Cut the Chocolate." As they interacted with students across a wide range of ages, they also had the opportunity to observe child development in action, gaining a deeper appreciation for the unique needs, abilities, and perspectives of children at different stages. The experience challenged them to adapt their communication styles, think on their feet, and recognize that effective leadership requires patience, flexibility, empathy, and responsiveness.
They served as role models, creating joyful connections with younger students while demonstrating confidence, initiative, and care for others. We are incredibly proud of the growth these young women have shown and look forward to watching them step into their new role as our Class of 2026–27 leaders. These shining stars are truly ready to lead!
8th Grade Graduation
Last week, CMCA celebrated a historic milestone with our largest graduating class ever. For the first time, we held separate graduation ceremonies for our girls and boys, allowing each graduate to be individually recognized and celebrated.
Through personalized introductions, student remarks, and heartfelt messages from school leadership, each graduate’s unique accomplishments and contributions were highlighted. The ceremonies were filled with pride, gratitude, and appreciation as families, teachers, and friends gathered to honor this special achievement.
We are incredibly proud of our graduates and wish them continued success as they move forward. We look forward to seeing all they will accomplish in the years ahead.
Mazal Tov, Graduates of 2026!
Thank You Shluchim
A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated Shluchim, Levi Mintz, Menachem Kamman, Mendel Sandberg, and Yerachmiel Holtzberg, for their incredible commitment and care throughout their time with our school community. With energy, patience, and genuine dedication, they helped shape meaningful experiences for students and played an important role in building a warm and supportive environment.
Their impact can be felt in classrooms, programs, and countless everyday moments where they went above and beyond to support and inspire. We are deeply grateful for all they have contributed and for the lasting mark they leave on our students and school culture. Wishing them continued success and fulfillment in all that lies ahead.
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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