Schechter Shavua: January 31, 2022

A Glimpse into Real-Life Problem Solving 

Students were riveted last week as they heard Spencer Glantz, a current Schechter parent, describe his work helping to develop a new covid test. Spencer works at the lab that developed the Detect test, which is a nucleic acid amplification test similar to a PCR; unlike a PCR, this test can be taken at home and the results only take an hour! He talked to Middle School students about the science behind each type of test and walked the students through the steps needed to develop a test (collect samples, then break open the virus, then find a chemical that would bind to the virus’ nucleic acid and have a chemical reaction… and so on).

He then took the time to visit the Tsiporim and Parparim (grades K-1), explaining in simpler terms how the test works and why they came up with it. The children had a chance to use their senses to explore the different materials needed for the test and learned new vocabulary like swab and flocking. They then had a chance to put their new knowledge to the test; Spencer brought pipettes and test models so that the students could test fake samples. And no, they didn’t swab their own noses!

We are so fortunate to have parents who discuss such important and relevant topics with our students. Thanks, Spencer!

You can see pictures of Spencer’s presentation and the students’ exploration of the tests HERE.
 

Discussing Colleyville in the Context of Prayer

One of our core values at Schechter is K’lal Yisrael. We usually translate it as “community,” but the phrase really refers to the ultimate unity of the Jewish people. After the hostage situation at the synagogue in Colleyville, Texas, our value of K’lal Yisrael led our older students to talk about their connection to the events and how they might respond. Gesher students (grades 4-5) read a prayer written by Rabbi Seth Goldstein, then shared their reactions to the prayer, focusing on one line from the poem that spoke to them or stood out. Students were asked to reflect upon what they think is left out of the prayer and what they would include in a prayer to end violence. Students’ answers were filled with hope (hatikvah) for our future:

• May our community, our friends, and our family feel and be safe from hatred, malice and bad influence. May we be under your protection from all bad things. And let us say, “Amen.” - Elliott
• May sadness turn into joy and hatred turn into peace.- Shiloh
• May peace be spread to everybody and every person and country and corner of the earth. -Avi
• Make hate become peace. And let us say, “Amen.” - Reva

Together, the class ended their discussion and tefillah with the singing of “Hatikvah.”
 

Scorpions Hoops are Back in Action

Yesterday our co-ed Scorpions Basketball Team played against the The Master's School Middle School Girls Team. Although Master’s had a significant height advantage over our young team of 4th-7th graders, we won the tip off and gained control of the ball. The Scorpions took Master’s by surprise with their speed, agility, and ability to intercept passes, and tied the game at halftime with a score just before the buzzer. Throughout the second half of the game, the Scorpions kept up and fought for control; the score was tied with under three minutes remaining. Master’s pulled away in the end and won the game, but Schechter felt like winners too, because the chance to play together and compete on the court was a victory in itself. It felt so great to show our school spirit! We hope you will be able to join us at future games.
 
Todah rabbah to everyone who came out to show their support! The Scorpions’ next game is February 3rd against Renbrook in West Hartford. Although spectators aren’t yet allowed at that game, we will be cheering Noah C, Nava E, Jonathan K, Avi K, Levi K, Orla L, Evan S, Nathan T, Rami T, Shira T, and Sam W from afar!

Many thanks to Danielle Weiss for capturing super photos of the game that you can see HERE.