Teaching Among the Branches
Teaching Among the Branches
As a young child in cheder, the Rogatchover Gaon would sometimes leave his classroom and climb high into the branches of a tree in the yard. What could have been mistaken for mischief was, in fact, little Yosef’s way of finding the quiet space he needed to concentrate. His teacher, an educator in the truest sense understood this and rather than scolding him, chose to meet him where he was. At times, he even climbed the tree himself, sitting among the branches to learn Torah with his student.
That boy grew into one of the greatest Torah geniuses of his era. His unmatched knowledge of Talmud left even the most accomplished scholars awestruck, and he authored tens of thousands of responsa on Jewish law. Throughout his life, the Rogatchover expressed gratitude for that teacher, an educator who understood him, saw him, and gave him the freedom to learn in the way he needed.
Two thoughts struck me when I heard this story. My first was a sense of relief, classrooms have always been lively, full of energy and noise. But more than that, I immediately pictured our own CMCA teachers. One after another, their faces came to mind, because I know that they do exactly this. Our teachers go to extraordinary lengths to understand each child, how they learn, what they need, and how best to help them succeed. They see each student as an individual and do whatever it takes to create an environment where every child can thrive, even, figuratively, climbing into a tree.
As we begin this year, I offer my deepest gratitude: to our remarkable, devoted teachers who make this possible, and to our parents for their trust and partnership. Together, we look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and inspiration.
Good Shabbos!
Mrs. Leah Sollish
The Journey Behind Gratitude
Parshas Ki Savo begins with the mitzvah of Bikkurim, bringing the first fruits to the Beis HaMikdash and expressing gratitude for the land and its blessings. What’s striking is the detailed declaration the farmer makes, recounting the journey of the Jewish people from hardship to redemption, before simply saying “Thank You.”
This teaches a profound lesson in chinuch: Gratitude isn't just about saying “thanks”, it’s about recognizing context. Helping children see where something came from, whether it’s a gift, a friendship, or a success, deepens their appreciation and their connection to others. The more we encourage children to reflect on the journey behind the blessing, the more meaningful their gratitude becomes.
An Art Experience That’s Off the Hook!
Our Middle School boys in Art Elective with Rabbi Mallinger, had a super sensory and creative experience this week. Using a traditional Japanese technique called Gyotaku, they painted a real fish with black ink and pressed it onto paper to create a one-of-a-kind print. This project was fun, a little messy, and built on a process the class had been working toward.
Along the way, students practiced important artistic skills, including:
Noticing the fine textures and patterns of the fish’s scales, fins, and features.
Learning how to apply ink evenly and transfer an image cleanly.
Discovering how pressure, brushstrokes, and paper choice affect the final print.
Building step by step toward a finished piece, rather than rushing to an end product.
The prints are bold, striking works of art that combined science, creativity, and hands-on discoveryan unforgettable activity that gave our students both new skills and a lasting appreciation for process art.
Celebrating Chai Elul at CMCA
This week, we celebrated Chai Elul, the birthday of the two great lights, the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe.
In the Elementary Grades, students enjoyed a meaningful celebration in their classrooms. They learned about the significance of this day and about the light of Chassidus that the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe brought into the world. Students enjoyed a marshmallow treat symbolizing candles. They also shared stories of Ahavas Yisroel and Hashgacha Protis, making the lessons of the day relevant to their own lives.
Our Middle School and High School girls had their own special celebration. The program included delicious baked goods, engaging group learning that focused on the revolutionary impact of the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe and how their teachings continue to guide our Avodas Hashem, and a candle-decorating activity representing the two great lights born on Chai Elul.
Thank you to Mrs. Kesselman, Laya, and Devorah Leah for making the program so meaningful and uplifting for our older students!
IXL Testing Underway
The IXL testing week is going wonderfully, filled with quiet focus and little sparks of excitement as students conquer new skills one question at a time. With the steady support of their dedicated teachers and the warm encouragement of Ms. Henry, the kids are not just doing well—they're thriving. Classrooms buzz with a quiet confidence, and proud smiles flash across faces as progress bars fill up. It's clear that the combination of hard work, expert guidance, and a nurturing environment is helping every student shine.
Cocoa Club Opens Its Doors in Elul
Cocoa Club is off to an incredible start! Thanks to our dedicated shluchim, Menachem, Mendel, Levi, and Yerachmiel, over 40 boys arrived at school bright and early by 8:05 AM and made their way to the MPR to begin the day with uplifting learning and a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Curriculum Night 2025
This Wednesday night, CMCA’s halls were alive with excitement, not from students, but from parents! We opened our doors to give parents a window into their children’s classrooms, share our vision and focus for the year, and hear from our administration.
The evening began with a gathering in the MPR, where parents were welcomed by our leadership team and inspired by words from Dr. Pam Mason (see more about her message in the Wellness Corner on the back page). From there, parents moved into classrooms, where teachers presented their curriculum, outlined their goals for the year, and shared expectations and insights about the learning journey ahead.
The energy throughout the evening was warm, collaborative, and full of promise. With such strong partnership between parents and teachers, we are confident that this will be a phenomenal year of growth, learning, and inspiration at CMCA!
Shout out to Liam Mor, for holding the door for his teacher when the class goes out and comes back in from recess. ! 🙌
Shout out to Rochel Piekarski for showing kindness and teamwork by including her friend in her classroom organization job. 👏
Shout out to our High School girls for the kindness and inclusivity you’ve been showing one another. As you get to know each other, you’re becoming such a warm, supportive, and cohesive group ❤️👏
Riddle 1:
What item is mentioned in this parsha four times - but nowhere else in the Torah?
Riddle 2:
In this parsha, which of the Ten Plagues are mentioned in the words of rebuke (tochacha)? (hint: 3 plagues)
The Curriculum Night 2025 presentation, given by Dr. Pam Mason, Director of Counseling and Wellbeing, highlighted the school’s deep commitment to supporting the whole child through counseling, social-emotional learning (SEL), and family partnership. She opened with a story about the Lubavitcher Rebbe, who, when asked how he could stand for so many hours giving out dollars, replied, “When you’re counting diamonds, you don’t get tired.”
Dr. Mason outlined her role, which includes close collaboration with classroom teachers, direct SEL instruction, parent education, and coordination with outside providers. She emphasized that trust and curiosity between the school and parents form the foundation for children’s sense of safety and wellbeing—upon which we can build their resilience and the belief that they are capable of doing hard things.
She also shared two very practical tools for wellbeing: gratitude and pausing to breathe. Gratitude, she explained, creates an upward spiral of positive emotions and strengthens resilience by focusing on the good, even in difficult times. Likewise, learning to pause and breathe helps children and adults regulate emotions and manage challenges more effectively.
May this year be one of partnership, trust, and curiosity, empowering our “diamonds,” to shine brightly.
Happy Birthday to our students with Elul birthdays:
Tzvi Hertz - 7 Elul
Nathaniel Yusupov - 22 Elul
Elimelech Freeman - 7 Elul
Mendel Sharfstein - 4 Elul
Chaya Abraham - 7 Elul
Vita Avtzon - 27 Elul
Tiffy Mallinger - 1 Elul
Aliza Romano - 9 Elul
Avrohom Antopolsky - 13 Elul
Shaya Sollish - 1 Elul
Menachem Cohen - 27 Elul
Mazal tov Hinda Chazanow on the occasion of her Bas Mitzvah!
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