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    <title>Newsletter: Schechter Shavua</title>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: March 27, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Passover doesn’t just mean sitting around a table reading a book! Our younger students bring the Passover story to life through hands-on activities that will help make their seders more meaningful.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:06:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-march-27-2026</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: March 13, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Last week, at the State of the School, Rabbi Berger examined Schechter’s mission statement, taking a deep dive into the ways in which Schechter lives up to this mission. In this issue of the Schechter Shavua, we highlight a few ways that Schechter is an exceptional, forward thinking, and student-centered Jewish community day school. We would love for you to take a closer look at what sets Schechter apart!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 12 Mar 2026 13:31:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-march-13-2026</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: February 27, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Unified arts classes, including music, physical education, and visual art, support the development of the whole child by nurturing creativity, coordination, self-expression, and confidence from an early age. At Schechter, these experiences also strengthen social skills, teamwork, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, all while fostering a lifelong appreciation for movement, creativity, and the arts. Check out what Schechter students have been learning and doing!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:09:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-february-27-2026</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: February 13, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Middle schoolers learned genetics by designing and creating their own puppets! Alim students (gr. 3-4) are discovering how energy is stored, released, and transferred—all through motion and play. Anafim (gr. 1-2) recently created, then tested, mini-volcanoes in preparation for building a large-scale class volcano later this year. Kindergarten (Ilanot) students had a hands-on introduction to basic physics concepts, proving that some of the best learning happens when ideas (and objects!) collide. Schechter’s K-8 science classes are brimming with excitement over project-based learning that makes lessons come alive. Read all about these topics, plus after school robotics and science, along with Sarah Montag’s discussion of how the parashah connects to STEAM learning!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-february-13-2026</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: January 30, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Schechter’s Early Childhood program is so much more than day care—it’s where young children grow as learners and as people. In a nurturing environment, students develop independence, values, and respect while building skills in math, literacy, science, and even Hebrew. Most importantly, they begin to see themselves as part of a Jewish community and learn that Judaism is a way of life.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 18:41:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-january</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: January 16, 2026</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Schechter’s strong sense of community reveals itself in countless moments, both big and small. It’s there when a middle school student gently holds hands with a two-year-old while walking down the hallway, and when a fourth grader helps a younger student master a new Hebrew letter on Yom Ha’Ivrit. Community comes alive as individual cast members come together to create a musical that brings both laughter and tears to its audience. It’s found in students bravely sharing their vulnerability—through words, dance, and music—to remind us all of the power of making others feel seen and valued.

Community connects so much of what we do at Schechter. In this newsletter, take a closer look at how it unfolds on Yom Ha’Ivrit, at the dedication of our new Able Table, and on stage with the cast and crew of Annie Jr. Plus, read Rabbi Berger’s thoughts about this week’s Parashat Va’era.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:59:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-january-16-2026</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: December 19, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Some programs, special “Schechter Milestones,” are ones that students eagerly anticipate during their years in younger grades. We’ve had a few of those recently! Nevatim Fifth Graders wow-ed their family members during their first Torah reading in the Schechter Beit Tefillah! Similarly, the Kindergarten (Ilanot) families gathered together for a special Havdalah Experience, during which parents and other special adults got to learn from their children about Havdalah. And although Giving Tuesday is a milestone that occurs each year for all Schechter students, it is nonetheless a truly impactful experience that helps connect our community to its core value of Lev Tov (Good Heart).

Read all about these special moments, as well as Rabbi Berger’s thoughts about parashat Mikketz.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-december-19-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: December 5, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[This week is a deep dive into Anafim (grades 1–2)! Students are thriving in a lively station-rotation literacy model that builds reading and writing skills through small-group instruction, hands-on activities, and individualized support. In Social Studies, they’ve explored maps and different types of communities, creating their own detailed maps—using compasses, keys, and scale. Judaic Studies students are joyfully beginning their Hanukkah unit; they learned about the shamash—the helper candle that lights all the others—and reflected on how they, too, can shine and share their light with friends, the school, and the wider community.

Plus, get a closer look into the Schechter Parent Association (PA) and the hard work that goes into forging community!
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:10:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-december-5-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: November 14, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Active, hands-on learning is one of the cornerstones of a Schechter education. For example, our students are engaged and excited by science learning through creativity and getting their hands dirty… quite literally! It’s not rote memorization. In this issue, we take a deep dive into science learning across all ages at Schechter. Plus, learn about this week’s parashah from Sarah Montag, our Director of Teaching and Learning.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2025 15:15:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-november-14-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: October 31, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Teva is a special Schechter highlight for our students. For some, it is their first trip away from family. Teva gives students the opportunity to reflect on how to best take care of the environment and the ways this process connects to Judaism. Plus, learn more about the Alim and Anafim (grades 1-4) Hebrew curriculum and the tools it uses to help students learn best. And as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, learn about the ways our 6th graders have deepened their knowledge about the important contributions made by influential Hispanic individuals

Special thanks to Rabbi Chatinover for offering us his thoughts on Parashat Lech Lecha this week!
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 30 Oct 2025 13:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-october-31-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: October 17, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[This week, we highlight the way Schechter leans into some of our Core Values. Demonstrating  K’lal Yisrael—כלל ישראל (Unity of the Jewish People), our eighth graders led a moving ceremony both remembering the lives lost on that tragic day and throughout the war, as well as celebrating the release of the remaining living hostages. Chochmah—חכמה (Wisdom) came to life as our Alim (grades 3-4) and Middle School students discussed and reflected on the commemoration of Indigenous People’s Day (formerly called Columbus Day), and what that day means in different cultures. Our Core Value of Mitzvot—מצוות is interpreted differently at Schechter than the common use of the word; for us, it refers to mindful, meaningful, and joyful Jewish Practice; that certainly shone through for our Nevatim (gr. 5-6) students as they applied knowledge from the Mishnah to the ingenious creation of their own sukkot in our Scott Shoham z”l Makerspace.

And this week’s parashah is Bereishit! Rabbi Berger shares his thoughts.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 16 Oct 2025 18:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-october-17-2025</link>
      <guid>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-october-17-2025</guid>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: October 3, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The Scott Shoham z”l Makerspace sees a lot of action! As part of the Middle School Shabbat electives, some students are creating beautiful wooden challah boards that will be treasured keepsakes for years to come, and Schechter’s afternoon Robotics club meets there regularly as just one component of our Robotics initiative. Read more about the Robotics initiative, Middle School Shabbat Electives, and about rhythm and joy in Early Childhood music class. Plus, we are both welcoming and learning from Director of Development Marisa Beede, who is sharing her spin on this week’s parashah.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Tue, 30 Sep 2025 18:24:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-october-3-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: September 19, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Did you ever wonder what Rosh Hashanah has to do with the Metric System? There are so many age-appropriate ways that Schechter students learn about the holiday of Rosh Hashanah…. Get the scoop from age two through 8th grade! Learn about the clever ways that Anafim (gr. 1-2) teacher Bree Usher uses to strengthen students’ writing skills. Plus, Middle School students get down in the dirt to examine life in many forms. All this, plus Rabbi Berger’s thoughts about the parashah in this week’s Schechter Shavua!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-september-19-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: September 5, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[As the school year kicks off, Schechter’s youngest students develop routines to support their independence and growth. Something as simple as lunchtime, for example, is a great opportunity for our Nitzanim students (EC2) to develop fine motor skills, socialize with one another, and even start to learn to sing ha motzi! Meanwhile, our new Kindergarteners and other new Schechter students officially became part of a Schechter favorite (Shevet groups!) and older students are spreading their wings as they become more inquisitive in science class.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 04 Sep 2025 14:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/september-5-2025</link>
      <guid>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/september-5-2025</guid>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: August 29, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[The first few days of the 2025-2026 school year have been a wonderful mix of getting into new routines, meeting new people, connecting with familiar friends, and setting expectations for the coming year. Throughout the summer, Schechter faculty have been working hard to lay the groundwork for more exciting initiatives and continued strong relationships. Teachers hand-picked their own summer reading that would make the biggest impact on their teaching, and Sarah Montag has been spearheading Schechter’s new Robotics initiative that ties in to our Core Values. Check this week’s Shavua to learn more about these initiatives as well as the way our Early Childhood teachers build strong connections with their students even before school starts! 

All this, plus Rabbi Berger’s thoughts on Parashat Shoftim. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 28 Aug 2025 15:11:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-august-29-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: June 6, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[As we wrap up the 2024-2025 school year, we take a step back to understand and appreciate the impact of Schechter learning. In Kindergarten, that could take the shape of a beautiful handmade Torah or a book of carefully curated photography. In Alim (grades 3-4) student learning reflects an interdisciplinary approach to the tremendous variations between different states and parts of our country. Our 8th graders demonstrate that these many facets of their Schechter experience culminate not only in their general academics, but also in their passion and commitment to wisdom, justice and historical truth.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 05 Jun 2025 14:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-june-6-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: May 23, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Schechter learning doesn’t just end in the classroom. Students of all ages have the opportunity to apply their knowledge in places and situations sometimes far from our campus! This week, we focus on a few of the places that students are making connections between the classroom and the world around them: for 7th graders in Washington, DC, for 6th graders delving into immigration in New York, and for Early Childhood students mesmerized by massive paintings and sculptures at the New Britain Museum of American Art. ]]></description>
      <pubDate>Mon, 19 May 2025 17:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-may-23-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: May 9, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[We are so proud of Schechter graduate Eitan Ehrlich (2016), whose documentary Live. Ride. Cure. will be screened at the Schechter auditorium on May 29th… learn more about it in this issue! Meanwhile, the gears keep turning for current Schechter students: Anafim students (gr. 1-2) learn about the scientific method and test out their own hypotheses with great success, Schechter observed the end of Passover with a delicious and festive Mimouna celebration, and 8th graders share highlights from their trip to Israel! In case you missed it, we’ve got a link to photos of the event that every 8th grader anticipates: the 8th grade vs. faculty basketball game!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 07 May 2025 13:38:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-may-9-2025</link>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: April 25, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Discover. Connect. Create. These words aren’t just promotional lines at Schechter; we live them each day: when our middle school students make connections between a 1638 treaty and today; when our after school drama club collaborates with enthusiasm to produce a fantastic musical; when our three- and four- year olds discover that there are different ways to make charoset at Passover, depending on what country or region you are from. We were thrilled that many Schechter students brought guests to Dor l’Dor Day before Passover break so that grandparents and aunts and uncles and special friends could experience the Schechter difference first hand! Read about all these stories here….]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:51:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-april-25-2025</link>
      <guid>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-april-25-2025</guid>
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      <title>Schechter Shavua: April 4, 2025</title>
      <description><![CDATA[Schechter provides students with the important foundations of learning that will help them navigate their future education, professions, and personal beliefs and interactions. In this issue, read how Anafim students are building strong writing techniques and how middle schoolers in debate club practice shaping their ideas into thoughtful, well-articulated discussions. Then, track Schechter graduate Gabriel Epstein (2015) to an amazing accomplishment: he was selected by NASA to represent Tulane University in an upcoming nationwide RASC-AL competition in the Sustained Lunar Evolution category this June! He just might have gotten his start in the Schechter robotics club, and he will soon be competing against teams from MIT and Virginia Polytechnic Institute!]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 02 Apr 2025 15:44:00 +0000</pubDate>
      <link>https://ssds-hartford.org/about/news/schechter-shavua-april-4-2025</link>
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