Vintage

We said shalom to 2009 on a high note, with a busy week of Chanukah and mitzvot.  The “Cycle for Smiles” morning for Beit Issie Shapiro’s special needs program was both meaningful and successful.  The children really understood the project from start to finish.  They were introduced to Ben, the child they sponsored at Beit Issie, through his photo and profile.  On the day of the cycling, the children arrived at school with ziplock bags filled with coins to fill the 9 parking meters set up throughout the gym to represent the 9 candles on the chanukiyah.  Each class took turns riding trikes from meter to meter and filling them with coins.  Classmates who were waiting their turn cheered them on.  And parents generously pledged more than a few coins to contribute to Ben’s daily program at Beit Issie in Israel.  Over $2000 was raised to fund Ben’s sports therapy program!  Thank you to all who donated and to the parents who volunteered to help oversee this event. 

After school that same day, the ECC’s annual Chanukah lunch and “It’s a Wrap” party took place.  Parents and children made wrapping paper together and wrapped gifts that were then donated to Blythedale Children’s Hospital.  The afternoon concluded with Chanukah songs and entertainment led by Bobby DooWah.  Thank you to Susan Flaxman for chairing this event and for all the parent volunteers who helped her.We welcomed the children back in 2010 for the second half of the school year. 

We are always amazed at the changes that take place in them over the winter break and look forward to more learning and growth.  On January 22, the social workers from Project SEED continue the discussion of learning and growth with parents of 2 and 3 year olds.  They will meet at 9:15 in the ECC conference room. 

The Mabel and Harry Berman Mishpachah Program is on Wednesday, January 13 from 5:45-7 pm.  3 and 4 year olds and their parents are invited for a pizza dinner followed by a story and craft project led by teachers Debi Neustadter and Karen Nocita.