Schechter Shavua: May 23, 2025

Learning, Leadership, and Legacy: Perahim's Journey to Washington, DC

Schechter Perahim students (gr. 7) spent three days in Washington, DC learning about our country's history. The trip featured many powerful moments, including exploring monuments that honor the nation’s history and ideals (FDR and MLK Jr. Memorials, Arlington National Cemetery,  the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, and the World War II Memorial) and workshops on citizenship that inspired thoughtful conversations about responsibility and impact. Throughout their trip, the students encountered the themes of leadership, justice, and sacrifice. We are incredibly proud of how our students represented themselves and our school, with curiosity, maturity, and respect.

A visit to Capitol Hill for a special meeting with CT Senator Richard Blumenthal offered students a real glimpse into democracy in action: Senator Chris Murphy was also scheduled to join them, but had been called into a meeting. Throughout their time in DC, our group met students from all over the country, and spent special time with Jewish Day School students from Ohio and Minnesota. A tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum ended their journey with powerful reflection and learning.
 

Exploring Immigration History in the Heart of New York City

Nevatim’s 6th grade students recently traveled to New York City for a hands-on exploration of immigration history, with a special focus on the Lower East Side. At the Tenement Museum, they  toured a historic tenement building and learned the story of Victoria Confino—an immigrant teen from 1916 portrayed by an actress. This experience brought their classroom learning to life, and students impressed the guide with their knowledge of immigrant life in the early 20th century. A stop at Economy Candy, a family-run business opened by immigrants in 1936, added a fun and meaningful layer to the story of immigrant entrepreneurship in the neighborhood.

The students also visited the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, where they saw firsthand the journey that millions of immigrants faced upon arriving in the United States. They explored exhibits on medical exams and dormitory life, gaining a clearer understanding of the immigration process they had studied. The trip concluded with a visit to the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a beautifully restored landmark that highlighted the religious and cultural life of Jewish immigrants. These powerful experiences deepened students’ connection to the immigrant stories that helped shape America. Many delicious kosher meals and visits to NYC’s best tourist spots made the visit not just educational, but lots of fun, especially when some of our students were spotted on the jumbotron at a Mets game!

Click HERE to view photos of 6th grade in NYC!
 

Tiny Hands, Big Masterpieces: EC’s Artistic Showcase

Sometimes our faculty have the opportunity to take their own field trips to develop the knowledge they will share with students! This winter, the EC team held a day of Professional Development at the Wadsworth Atheneum in preparation for a massive Early Childhood culmination unit on art and artists! After spending months learning about the different techniques of famous artists, each class created their own gorgeous works in the styles of those artists! A few weeks ago, Shorashim students (EC 3-4) took classroom learning into the world for a fascinating visit to the New Britain Museum of American Art! Students got close-up looks at the kinds of art they have been studying! Seeing enormous masterpieces in person made a huge impression on the students, and they ended their tour with a special creative session run by museum teachers. This week, all Early Childhood students were proud to demonstrate their learning and reveal their personal masterpieces to their parents at the EC Art Culmination. Thanks to EC Director Robin Werner for describing (below) the art examined by each of our EC classrooms.

In the dynamic Nitzanim Alef (EC2) classroom, the children discovered the art of Sol LeWitt, known for his colorful geometric patterns and conceptual art. The teachers introduced his wall drawings and structures, encouraging students to notice lines, shapes, and patterns. The class explored these ideas by creating their own collaborative art using paper strips and bright colors, learning how simple lines can come together to make something bold and beautiful. Through this playful approach, the children began to understand that art can follow rules and still be full of creativity and fun.

In the calm and creative Nitzanim Bet (EC2)class, the children explored the art of Georgia O’Keeffe, known for her large, close-up paintings of flowers and natural landscapes. The teachers guided the class in observing the shapes, colors, and details in O’Keeffe’s work, encouraging the children to slow down and really look at nature. Using watercolors and pastels, the students create their own oversized flower paintings from liquid water colors and coffee filters, learning how art can magnify the beauty of simple things. This experience helps them connect with nature and understand how artists express wonder through their unique perspectives.

In a vibrantShorashim Alef (EC 3-4) classroom, the children were introduced to the life and art of Frida Kahlo, known for her bold colors, self-portraits, and powerful storytelling. Through age-appropriate books and colorful visuals, students learn about Frida’s unique style and how she expressed her feelings and identity through art. Inspired by her work, the children created their own self-portraits using bright paints, and decorative elements like flowers. This exploration helped the children understand that art can tell personal stories and celebrate what makes each person special.

In our lively Shorashim Bet (EC 3-4)classroom, the children explored the vibrant world of Jackson Pollock and abstract expressionism. Inspired by Pollock's energetic splatter paintings, the class experiments with action painting, using brushes, sticks, and even their fingers to create colorful, expressive works of art. Teachers guided discussions about emotions and movement in art, helping students understand that there’s no "right" way to create. Through this playful introduction to Pollock’s style, the students learned to appreciate creativity, self-expression, and the joy of making art.

Click HERE to view photos of the museum field trip!

Where does a Schechter education lead our graduates? What impact do Schechter graduates make on the world as adults? Are you a Schechter alum who is curious about where your 8th grade reading buddy now lives? Wondering what happened to the most adventurous person in your class? Check out the newest Schechter Shoutouts alumni newsletter! 

Visit the Schechter Shoutouts alumni newsletter HERE!
 

The overcast morning didn't dampen anyone's Field Day spirits! Check out our photos that capture tons of fun, cooperation, big smiles, and teamwork!

This year we had some new additions (dance competition, flag football) to the usual favorites (relay races, tug of war, sack races, and more)! Check it out!

Click HERE to see Field Day / Lag Ba'Omer photos