Dor L’Dor	r«us‰k r«us
Temple Beth-El Religious School September 18, 2002          Number 3		5762 hra, 12

The contact phone # during Religious School and Hebrew School hours is 382-4286.

“Sechach its not just for Break Fast anymore”

-the covering for the sukkah

Y The "Sechach" must be made from some product of the earth, that is no longer attached to the earth. Therefore,

Y Wood of all kinds, including bamboo poles, leafy branches, branches of pine trees (very aromatic, but pine needles tend to wind up in one's soup), are all good.

Y However, the actual branches and leaves of a living tree, still attached to the ground, are not acceptable. It might be interesting as a "treehouse," but it doesn't make it as a Sukkah.

Y "Sechach" cannot be made from utensils; even wooden utensils, such as spoons and forks.

Y Metal and plastic and glass, in any form, utensil or not, are invalid as "sechach." Thus, strips of aluminum foil, thin stained glass rods, and plastic straws or mats, are all no no's.

Rabbi Visits

Amy has been contacting the teachers one week before the rabbis have been coming to visit the classes.  It is the obligation of the teacher to contact the rabbis via phone or email to tell them what they would like them to talk about.  You could ask them to tell a story on a topic you are studying, talk about an experience they had in Israel, or have them do some show and tell relating to an upcoming holiday.  They are willing to do what you ask, so be clear, do not say, “what would you like to do.”    Please incorporate them into your lesson and tell them the needs of your children.

Sukkah Visits

The sukkah this year will be built and taken down in one day by Alan Krapf, Al Joss, and Ken Ashworth.  Grades 3-6, Nivi’im through Kohanim will be visiting the sukkah during Hebrew, not only Judaica!  The sukkah will be near the entrance, close to the Fiesta Hall on this Sunday.  Please make sure you leave 4 minutes before your designated time in order to get the students there on time.

                            Seating Arrangements

How are your students’ seats arranged in your classroom?  Seating arrangements are very powerful tools in classroom management.  I once taught a very difficult 9^th grade class in Santa Monica.  I experimented with the seating almost weekly to find what would be most conducive to learning.  We went from a circle, to straight rows, to clusters, back to a circle, back to straight rows and then finally back to a circle where some students opted to sit on the floor. 

If you are reading a story no matter what age, have the students sit in a circle, facing each other and you, or move to the floor, or a different part of the building.  If the students are reading to one another, make sure that every student can see the one reading.  If you have two students who are disruptive, don’t let them sit next to one another, duh!  You are in charge, be tough, be strict, be kind, and be understanding.  It’s still the first month.  Set the tone and make the necessary changes so that all of your students benefit from what you have to offer them.

                                        Video Taping

Within the next few months you will be video taped for at least 30 minutes by Al Joss or Ken Ashworth.  After they videotape you, they will hand you the videotape along with a form that you will need to fill out.  You will then return the videotape and the completed form to Martha on the following Sunday.

Pinat Amy

Todah to all! !   I think all has gone very well the first two weeks.  They have been packed with rehearsals, trying to take pictures, and the rain.  I hope for no rain this Sunday.  Nivi’im through Melachim if you have parents outside your door at the end of the day please as them to walk with you outside so that the student will become familiar with where to go at the end of the day.  Please remember to stay with your students until they are all gone.  If you get down to the last 1 or 2, I am happy to watch for you.  Please do not send a Ma’aseh to walk down and wait with your students.  Bonim through Tzadikim I know the halls are crowed; hopefully we will be able to maneuver around the desks or figure something out.

Avram and I have spoken to the Nivi’im through Melachim students about the va’ad beyt sefer.  Please choose one student from your Judaica class to be your representative.  We will have our first meeting on  September 29.  If you have any questions or comments please ask.  Have an AWESOME week and I will see you all on Sunday.