Schools

The Bais Yaakov Academy of Queens always seeks to meet the needs of all of their parents and students. As the midwinter break approached, the administration noted that although a large number of families would be traveling out of town for vacation, a significant number would remain in the New York City area. Many of the parents had work or other obligations and dreaded the annual scramble to find ways to keep their daughters occupied during the break. Rabbi Mordechai Ginsparg, BYQ’s Menahel, felt that creating an optional winter camp was extremely important, and the response to the offer was overwhelming. Around three hundred girls attended the program, including sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, who served as counselors.

The fourth-grade boys at Be’er Hagolah Institutes recently learned how to don a talis. It was particularly moving to see how one of the boys assisted another just moments after he himself learned the sacred mitzvah.

Our eighth grade had an amazing experience shortly before yeshivah break. The grade was divided up into groups and had the opportunity to interview Holocaust survivors. The students prepared extensively for these interviews. The students studied their survivors’ bio and used it to prepare questions that would discuss the survivors’ memories from before, during, and after the war. The experience was one the students will never forget. As each survivor entered the building or came on the screen via Zoom, he/she was greeted by our students. The interactions were wonderful.

So many students find finals stressful, with so much pressure, and what can feel like endless studying. True to YSZ HS’s “Head to Heart” mission, students are taught to be conscientious, resilient, and responsible during this hectic time. Research indicates that our brains are more creative and energized when given time to reset and recharge. It is this balance that enables our students to maintain high standards of rigor and intensity during the complex finals week. “Brain Breaks” help students decompress and relax after each final. Focusing on wellness, students enjoyed activities that helped them find balance and calm. This past week, students participated in activities that range from creating Acai bowls, beautiful Moss framed art, natural candle-making and yoga. This upcoming week, girls will package chesed projects, do some mindful crafts, and participate in guided meditation.

Children in the HALB Lev Chana four-year-old nursery classes share what they did on their Winter break! Parents and children had the opportunity to highlight activities they did, food they ate, and books they read. It’s always fun to share home experiences with our friends at school!

First and fifth grade students at the Yeshiva of Central Queens have been piloting a new Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum designed by Dr. Elana Dumont, Director of School Psychology.