Krieger Schechter Day School - News

Teacher Appreciation Week

May 11 2012 - It was Teacher Appreciation Week this week, and each day our dynamic Parents Association members treated the KSDS faculty to wonderful surprises. The teachers felt appreciated, and also took time to treasure some of the other gifts received this year: Bright...

First Grade Yom Sh'ma

May 11 2012 - This week our first graders and their parents celebrated “Yom Sh’ma,” an afternoon of exploration, learning, creating and, of course, eating. The program focused on the Sh’ma prayer, which is the central prayer in the Siddur and is recited every morning and...

Erev Zemer - Evening of Song

May 11 2012 - What a celebration! The entire KSDS community - students, parents, teachers and guests - joined together for an evening of singing, in honor of Dr. Schneider. The evening included songs sung by each grade-level in the school, and featured some of Dr. Schneider's...

5th & 6th Grade Lag Ba'Omer "Bonfires"

May 11 2012 - To celebrate Lag Ba'Omer and the traditional lighting of bonfires (symbolizing the light of Torah study, even in the face of persecution), 5th and 6th graders made creative (non-fire) bonfires out of craft and natural materials. Students "earned" different...

From The Headmaster - Shabbat Share (May 11, 2012)

May 11 2012 - It’s hard to believe, but 290 people from 73 Krieger Schechter families gathered together last Friday night to celebrate Shabbat together. The idea was presented by KSDS parent Ronit Rubin. Eighteen enthusiastic Parents Association volunteers served on the...

3rd Grade Judy Chicago Dinner Party

May 4 2012 - Imagine my delight at having the opportunity to share dinner conversation with Louisa May Alcott, Wanda Gag, Georgia O'Keefe, Laura Ingalls Wilder, Helen Keller and Ella Fitzgerald at the 3rd grade's recreation of the Judy Chicago Dinner Party this week. At...

Parents Association Shabbat Share

May 4 2012 - The first annual Parents Association Shabbat Share will take place on Friday, May 4, 2012. More than 70 families and faculty members will be participating in this unique school-wide event connecting Krieger Schechter families for a home-based Shabbat meal...

Middle School Instructional Showcase

May 4 2012 - Middle School parents and students joined together to celebrate the innovative, creative and high-level learning that has taken place throughout the school year. Families browsed through tables of project displays, writing samples, art and woodshop creations...

MS Music Bands Rock It Out!

May 4 2012 - During the Middle School Instructional Showcase, guests were treated to great entertainment from our 5th grade Recorder Ensemble, and the 6th, 7th and 8th grade Music Ensembles. Playing instruments new to many students this year, these mini "garage-bands"...

From The Headmaster - Nachus For Next Year (May 4, 2012)

May 4 2012 - So, let me tell you what nachus is for a headmaster. This morning, during lunchtime, I gathered together the Middle School faculty for an important announcement. Now, we’ve done this a few times this year. Generally, the announcements are informative, but...

From The Headmaster - The Power of Tears (April 27, 2012)

Apr 27 2012 - A story. There was once a child who caused his parents tremendous pain. They would get phone calls from a nearby store that their son had once again stolen a comic book. No matter what the consequences were, they seemed unable to stop this behavior. And...

PE - Gymnastics!

Apr 27 2012 - Do you remember the very first time you were able to balance in a headstand? The thrill of crossing the balance beam without assistance? The exhilarating feeling of climbing to the top of gymnasium? While developing their self-confidence, coordination, strength...

LS Celebrates Israel Independence Day

Apr 27 2012 - Our Lower School marked Israel's 64th birthday with an afternoon of celebration, touching on all five senses and employing multiple modalities. Each grade level created an art project on the theme of Israel, participated in Israeli dancing, viewed a video...

8th Grade HeLa Author Chat and Hopkins Visit

Apr 27 2012 - As a culminating program for our 8th grade year-long integrated curricular exploration of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, we were privileged to hear the author, Rebecca Skloot, speak to a large audience at Essex Community College. Our students heard...

MS Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma'ut

Apr 27 2012 - Middle School students experienced the emotional highs and lows that occur in Israel over the two days this week including Memorial Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers (Yom HaZikaron) and Israel Independence Day (Yom HaAtzma'ut). Students participated in a moving...

Lower School Commemorates Yom HaShoah

Apr 20 2012 - The Lower School commemoration of Yom HaShoah for grades 2-4 was conducted by our 4th grade students in the chapel on April 19. Emphasis was placed on the positive impact that we can have as human beings, even in the midst of tragedy. Last year, the program...

Friendships

Apr 20 2012 - As part of ongoing friendship groups occurring throughout the Lower School with Dr. Buck, Morah Reznik's kindergarten class participated in a group about respect. Respect was defined as treating someone the way you want to be treated and being considerate...

7th Grade Gettysburg Field Trip

Apr 20 2012 - On April 17th, the 7th grade enjoyed a day of discovery at The Gettysburg National Military Park. Students were led through the re-enactment of "Pickett's Charge" in conjunction with the Gettysburg Park Ranger program. During the program, students received...

Middle School Yom HaShoah Commemoration

Apr 20 2012 - Middle School students honored the memory of those who had to endure the horrors of the Holocaust. 8th grade students presented images from their visual journals, reflecting on their studies of the Holocaust and their visit to the US Holocaust Memorial Museum...

From the Headmaster - The Chicken & The Pig (April 20, 2012)

Apr 20 2012 - Knowing that the local church was planning their annual bacon and eggs breakfast, a chicken and a pig engaged in some conversation. The chicken seemed his usual jovial self, while the pig seemed quite depressed. “What gives with you?” asked the chicken. ...

4th Grade Maryland Memories

Mar 30 2012 - KSDS 4th graders spend much of the year learning about Maryland's natural resources, geography, government, history, famous citizens and ... food! Last week, the 4th graders shared their knowledge by inviting the entire Lower School to the Maryland Awards...

Passover Preparations in the Lower School!

Mar 30 2012 - As you walk down the Lower School hallways at Krieger Schechter, signs of Passover preparation are everywhere! Kindergartners are listening attentively to a live performance of a Passover story. Children in grades 1-4 are reciting from the Hagaddah with enthusiasm...

6th Grade Science Fair Projects

Mar 30 2012 - The grade 6 scientists have just completed their science fair projects. After learning the scientific method (hypothesis, variables,materials, procedure, data, graph, and conclusion), the young scientists performed their experiments at home. They presented...

Peter Pan - An Amazing 8th Grade Hebrew Musical!

Mar 30 2012 - Kol HaKavod (all the honor) to the fantastic students in the 8th grade class - your production of Peter Pan, entirely in Hebrew, wowed three straight sold-out audiences, and your matinee revue for the K-5th grade students was a wonderfully fun, interactive...

From the Headmaster

Mar 30 2012 - So, what’s the best word to describe this year’s 8th grade Hebrew musical, “Peter Pan?” Perhaps eser (10). Just like we use the number 10 to describe something of exceptional quality (It’s a 10!), so, too, one can use the Hebrew word for ten, eser, to describe...

Super Scientists!

Mar 23 2012 - Schechter Science sleuths spent a slice of Sunday sorting, solving and smiling! Students cracked codes to create cartoon characters with clever characteristics, and built beautiful beaded bracelets based on biological building blocks. They displayed detected...

Passover Parent-Teacher Workshop

Mar 23 2012 - A small group of Krieger Schechter parents gathered on a beautiful spring evening for a "behind the scenes" session on the teaching of Passover. The workshop was led by representatives from our Lower and Middle School Judaic Studies faculty. The teachers...

Middle School Music Ensemble Rocks!

Mar 23 2012 - On any Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, the sound of the KSMS rock bands - our music ensembles - can be heard in the hallways. Playing a wide array of instruments, from piano to drums, from viola to guitar, KSMS students learn to perform modern songs, complete...

Middle School Students Help Israel

Mar 23 2012 - Many Krieger Schechter Middle School helped make phone calls on behalf of the JNF (Jewish National Fund) last month at the organization's "Green Sunday." KSMS students helped raise money and awareness for continuing ecological needs in Israel, and worked together...

From the Headmaster - Fiddler On The Roof

Mar 23 2012 - And God spoke unto Debbie Steinig, KSDS mom and teacher, saying, "Speak again onto my servant, Paul Schneider, and tell him to play the fiddle on the roof as he promised, in appreciation of his students bringing in over $1,000 of Boxtops to benefit KSDS. I...

Storytellers Travel to KSDS

Mar 16 2012 - Our first graders made many new friends this week as they immersed themselves in their study of geography and world cultures. ESOL students from Patterson High School, trained in storytelling by KSDS parent and professional storyteller Jennifer Rudick Zunikoff...

What Do Feathers and Gossip Have in Common?

Mar 16 2012 - In preparation for our upcoming visiting author Debbie Waldman, her beautifully illustrated book, A Sack Full of Feathers, was read to each class in the Lower School. In this adaptation of an old Jewish folktale, a young boy learns a valuable lesson about...

8th Grade Play Rehearsals

Mar 16 2012 - 8th graders have been rehearsing for the past months, getting ready for their upcoming all-Hebrew musical production of "Peter Pan!" With everyone's hard work, scenes, dances and songs are almost ready for opening night! We look forward to welcoming KSDS families...

Teen Immigrants Visit 6th and 7th Grades

Mar 16 2012 - This past Thursday, eighteen ESOL students from Patterson High School visited Krieger Schechter. Hari and Bhola, Bhutanese refugees who lived in Nepal, Lisbeth from the Dominican Republic, and Marvin from the Philippines shared personal stories with the 6th...

From the Headmaster - Storytelling With ESOL Students

Mar 16 2012 - This Shabbat morning at Chizuk Amuno, Rabbi Joel Zaiman will be honored upon the 50th year since his ordination. When Rabbi Zaiman retired some 10 years ago, friends established an educational fund in his honor, the Zaiman Educational Alliance, to support...

Wagons, Ho! - the 3rd Grade Play

Mar 9 2012 - KSDS Lower School joined the 3rd grade wagon train last week as the pioneers led us westward on a fun-filled, musical adventure. Traveling by wagon, by river and by rail, we encountered many challenges along the trail as we pursued land, opportunity and gold...

Lower School Celebrates Purim

Mar 9 2012 - With great excitement, students and faculty arrived at school in costume and gathered together as a full school to hear the reading of Megilat Esther by our middle school students. Following the reading of the Megilah, it was time for "Bargain Baffle," a Purim...

8th Grade Learns About Israeli Arab Perspective

Mar 9 2012 - At a time when we face political and religious extremism in our society and in the world at large, it is so encouraging and gratifying to meet Mr. Mamoun Asady of Deir Al-Assad, Israel. This week, Mr. Asady, a friend of Krieger Schechter Day school parent...

Purim in the Middle School!

Mar 9 2012 - It was a wonderfully fun Purim day at KSDS! 8th grade students proudly chanted from the Megillah, according to traditional Megillat Ester trope, and helped the entire K-8 school fulfill the mitzvah of hearing the Megillah on Purim. While all of our students...

From the Headmaster

Mar 9 2012 - It’s a beautiful story, and I’ve been told that it is true. There was a Rabbi who moved to a new community with his children. He was recently divorced from his wife. The president of the congregation who hired him asked him if he had a place for Shabbat,...

Learning By "Leaps" and Bounds

Mar 2 2012 - KSDS Lower Schoolers springboarded their learning as they incorporated Leap Day activities into their week's experiences. In math class, the students measured their own leaps, and used their data to discuss units of measurement and data analysis. Fourth graders...

8th Grade HeLa Parent-Student Book Chat

Mar 2 2012 - Monday night saw an amazing KSMS experience - students and parents from the 8th grade participated in an inter-disciplinary book chat evening, discussing The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, from three curricular lenses: literature/language...

6th Grade Family Shabbat Dinner and Service

Mar 2 2012 - Thank you to all of our 6th grade families for a wonderful, warm and fun Shabbat evening last week. Our 6th graders led us in Friday night davening (communal, "in-the-round style), and then we all joined together for a fun and spirited Friday night dinner...

From the Headmaster

Mar 2 2012 - So much of our celebration of Purim relates to the act of giving! There is first and foremost, the tradition of exchanging gifts, Mishloah Manot. Then there is the Matanot l’Avyonim, gifts to the needy. And third, it is after the public reading of the Megillah...

4th Grade Judaics Classes Create "Agam-ographs"

Mar 2 2012 - Our 4th grade students created an art project in the style of Yaakov Agam's lenticular printing. Each student juxtaposed two images, a hand-drawn depiction of one or more of the Ten Plagues from their Humash studies, alongside a photo of a site or scene in...

Starry, Starry Afternoon?

Feb 24 2012 - As a culmination of their study of astronomy, 3rd and 4th graders were treated to a visit to Towson University's Mobile Planetarium this week. Inside the inflatable dome, the students used the Big Dipper to locate the North Star, Polaris, and witnessed, in...

When We Enter the Month of Adar, Our Happiness Increases

Feb 24 2012 - This week our second grade classes led a weekday morning Rosh Hodesh service, ushering in the Hebrew month of Adar. The children were the hazzanim, leading all of the prayers and reading from the Torah. At the conclusion of the Torah service, there was a short...

KSDS Alumni Back at School

Feb 24 2012 - We are very lucky to have so many of our alumni who choose to come back to KSDS to teach, intern or otherwise help in many capacities. Many of our alumni, now students at Beth T'filoh High School, ho choose to come back to KSMS on Wednesday mornings to lead...

MS Crazy Hat Day - Rosh Hodesh Adar

Feb 24 2012 - To celebrate the beginning of the month which includes the holiday of Purim, KSMS students enjoyed "Crazy Hat Day" on Rosh Hodesh Adar! Creativity and fun abounded, as we welcomed the month of Adar with all of the fun and silliness that it deserves! If Rosh...

From the Headmaster

Feb 24 2012 - Now, that’s how to honor one’s father! I was leading a shiva minyan this week. There were many folks who had come to practice the mitzvah of nihum aveilim, comforting the mourners. Among the visitors was Stuart Blumenthal whom I hadn’t seen in ages. Stuart...

1st Grade - Cutting Edge Creativity

Feb 16 2012 - To a first grader, what is a rectangle? A three syllable word? A two-dimensional geometric figure? In art class, our students viewed rectangles as raw material to create wintertime collages. The first graders observed themselves in mirrors, then unlocked the...

LS Hebrew Homework Room

Feb 16 2012 - In the Lower School we offer a Hebrew Homework Room at no charge on Monday - Thursday afternoons from 3:30pm - 4:00pm. One classroom is staffed by Judaic Studies teachers who provide assistance in the completion of Judaic Studies homework for grades 1 and...

MS Learning Festival - Let the Games Begin!

Feb 16 2012 - This week is our annual Middle School Learning Festival - a 3-day period when we take a "break" from the regular curriculum and give students the chance to explore a theme or topic throughout the disciplines, in hands-on workshops and activities, while learning...

Learning Festival Olympics Day at the JCC

Feb 16 2012 - The middle day of our Learning Festival takes us out of the school building - and what an amazing day it was! The entire Middle School spent the day at the JCC, participating in sports races, games and friendly competitions as part of our Olympics celebration...

From the Headmaster

Feb 16 2012 - What’s the Yiddish word of the day? One of our KSDS dads is enamored with Yiddish, and he knows that I know some Yiddish (enough to buy a coke in Ana-tefkah!), so every morning he asks me for a new Yiddish word. “Hi, Dr. Schneider. Nu? What’s today’s Yiddish...

3rd Grade "Womemmy" Awards

Feb 10 2012 - Krieger Schechter Lower School experienced the glamour and excitement of the red carpet this week as celebrity 3rd graders presented the annual Womemmy Awards to 8 famous women from all walks of life. Among this year's honorees were Julia Child, Eleanor Roosevelt...

Lower School Celebrates Tu B'Shvat

Feb 10 2012 - In honor of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, the students of the Lower School learned about seasons in Israel and discussed the importance of trees in the Torah and in our world today. Our students discovered ways in which we benefit from trees, as...

KSMS Pep Rally!

Feb 10 2012 - As we get excited for next week's annual basketball tournament, KSDS students came to a fabulous, fun pep rally to support our teams! Led by the KSMS cheerleaders and the KSDS Lion mascots, the entire school cheered for students on the Boys' and Girls' A and...

6th Grade Great Fruit Debate

Feb 10 2012 - In honor of Tu B'Svhat, the 6th graders presented the annual "Great Fruit Debate." Through speech, art and song/dance, each team showed creativity, profundity and talent in trying to persuade our judges to select that team's fruit as a new 8th fruit to celebrate...

From the Headmaster

Feb 10 2012 - To hundreds of KSDS soccer and lacrosse players, they were the William and Irene Weinberg Athletic Fields. But to 150 Canadian geese, it's just a public rest room. Things were getting messy, and it was time for a man to bird talk. "Look, Morris," I said...

Our Wonderful World - 4th Grade Wonders!

Feb 3 2012 - The world is full of wonder, and humans have been cataloguing the Wonders of the World since ancient times. Our 4th graders had the opportunity to learn about the Wonders as an extension of their Social Studies unit on Ancient Greece. Each student collected...

First Graders Celebrate Siyyum HaSefer

Feb 3 2012 - There was much to celebrate at Krieger Schechter, as yet another group of children marked their learning to read in Hebrew. On Thursday, February 2, the students of Kitah Aleph celebrated this important accomplishment with a short presentation emphasizing...

MS Student Council at AIMS Leadership Conference

Feb 3 2012 - On Wednesday, January 24th our 6th and 7th grade student council representatives attended the AIMS Leadership Conference at Garrison Forest School. The conference consisted of a hands-on workshop about leadership styles and how that translates into working...

KSMS Presentation of Shoshana Cardin: A Life's Journey

Feb 3 2012 - On Monday, students from the 8th grade and KSMS Chamber Choir presented a beatiful, artistic program in honor of the life of Shoshana S. Cardin. Through music, drama, symbolism and story, the students retold key moments from the life of this amazing Jewish...

From the Headmaster

Feb 3 2012 - It was a discussion in my Talmud class about proper parenting. We were about to begin a new unit examining the issue, "Does Jewish law permit a parent to claim a religious exemption from the state-mandated ruling that parents must have their children immunized...

Read Me a Memory, Tell Me a Tale - 2nd Grade Fairy Tales Play

Jan 27 2012 - There are many storytellers and many stories, but did you know that our 2nd Graders are some of the most talented storytellers in town? On Wednesday, the 2nd Grade culminated their literature unit on Fairy Tales by entertaining the Lower School with a musical...

3rd Grade Writing in Hebrew

Jan 27 2012 - At Krieger Schechter writing is integrated across the curriculum. In their Judaic Studies classes, our 3rd graders have just completed a long-term project, incorporating recently acquired vocabulary to write short Hebrew stories about themselves. These stories...

Middle School Arts Coffee House

Jan 27 2012 - It was a wonderful evening celebrating KSMS students' accomplishments in the arts! At our annual Coffee House on Thursday night, the packed audience of parents and students were treated to performances from the Middle School music ensembles, choir, drama class...

6th Grade Tefillah - Mezuzah Project

Jan 27 2012 - 6th grade students in Morah Yehudit's Tuesday tefillah class have been making mezuzot, in conjunction with their study of the Shema and the commandments in it. Working with a parent from the class, students first learned how to tie a set of tzitzit with the...

Ravens Fever reaches Krieger Schechter

Jan 20 2012 - Amid a sea of purple, some of our youngest students participated in Fantasy Training Camp activities in Phys Ed class this week. The first graders practiced passing and receiving, and simulated agility drills using hurdles and tires. Everybody agreed that...

The Blessing of Parents

Jan 20 2012 - Everyone knows that children are a blessing. In the Lower School at Krieger Schechter Day School we are blessed with 181 children. But we are also blessed with parents. Our parents volunteer throughout the school year in many capacities, enhancing and enriching...

KSMS Brand-New Cheerleading Team!

Jan 20 2012 - 2..4..6..8...Who Do We Appreciate.... Yes, this year KSMS has incorporated a Cheerleading Team into the After-School Sports program. The Coach and inspiration for this idea is Mrs. Gitomer. There are 18 girls that practice twice a week and cheer for our basketball...

5th Graders Learning Torah Trope

Jan 20 2012 - Each week, 5th graders work with Dr. Moshe Shualy to learn the art and skill of chanting directly from the Torah, according to the traditional trope. Students approach their study with awe and great spirit, understanding the importance of the task they are...

From the Headmaster

Jan 20 2012 - Next time that you enter the school building, I want you to check out the mural on the outside wall. This was the last mural that Jay Wolf Schlosberg Cohen orchestrated as part of our 30th Anniversary celebration. You will find five themes, each contained...

1st Grade MLK Play

Jan 13 2012 - The Lower School students were entertained and inspired this week by a touching and thought-provoking program produced by our first graders. The young actors introduced Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s values of respect, brotherhood, and peace, and applied those...

Kindergarten Shabbat Box

Jan 13 2012 - What's in a Shabbat Box? Just ask our kindergartners, who have been very busy preparing for their upcoming Kabbalat Shabbat program. The children have decorated a Kiddush cup, candlesticks, and a challah cover. They have made Shabbat candles out of beeswax...

5th Grade MLK Program

Jan 13 2012 - Through song, poetry and an amazing self-made video production, our 5th graders presented a moving tribute to the life and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The students' creative and meaningful presentation raised everyone's awareness of continuing issues...

8th Graders Prepare "Shoshana S. Cardin: A Life Journey"

Jan 13 2012 - Several 8th grade students have been working for the last weeks toward a creative presentation of the life story of Shoshana S. Cardin. In collaboration with a dramatist, a Jewish History teacher, and Mrs. Cardin, the students have learned about oral history...

From the Headmaster

Jan 13 2012 - There may be dozens of headmasters of Jewish day schools who stand outside in the morning to greet their families, but I know of only two for sure. One is me, and the other is Bil Zarch, a candidate for the KSDS headship who will be visiting with us next...

4th Grade Explores the Founding of Maryland

Jan 6 2012 - While many of us reflected on our family travels last week, 4th Graders reflected on the historical voyage that led to the founding of the state of Maryland. Students researched the crossing of the Ark and the Dove using primary and secondary sources, and...

4th Grade Copper Embossing - An Integrated Project

Jan 6 2012 - In conjunction with both their Humash and Hanukkah studies, our 4th grade Judaic Studies classes merged the symbolism of the burning bush with the custom of designing commemorative coins, which was prevalent during the time of the Maccabees. Each child created...

Middle School Advisory and Harry Potter

Jan 6 2012 - What do lightning bolts, owls, and wands have to do with Krieger Schechter Middle School? If you haven’t heard, we are using the wisdom of J.K. Rowling to teach students the practical application of the Kavod Code. If you’ve ever seen the Harry Potter movies...

7th Grade Jewish Family History Night

Jan 6 2012 - Congratulations to the 7th grade and their families. We are so very proud of you and of your deep committment to the Family History Night program. Students, parents and grandparents shined as they told many fascinating stories reflecting the hardships, pride...

From the Headmaster

Jan 6 2012 - I was in my junior year at Brandeis when I first heard Arthur Kurzweil speak on Jewish genealogy. I found it to be such a powerful talk, that I remember running, not walking, to the phone to call my father,z”l, and ask him for the name of the stetl where...

Hanukkah in the Lower School

Dec 22 2011 - We have had a week filled with learning, celebration, and mitzvot in the Lower School. Students have created art projects, eaten sufganiyot (jelly donuts), enjoyed videos, participated in a Hanukkah sing-along, and played with s’vivonim(dreidels). Many of...

6th Grade Visits Senior Centers

Dec 22 2011 - On Friday, December 16, 6th graders from Krieger Schechter Middle School paid visits to Weinberg Park Assisted Living and Milford Manor Nursing Home to sing Chanukah songs and bring the joy of the holiday to the residents. At Milford Manor, the students played...

Spectacular Schechter Science Showcase

Dec 22 2011 - Over two hundred people came to KSDS on a Sunday to explore science in 18 18-minute presentations (on 12/18) led by parents, alumni and faculty. Kicked off by a presentation from the Maryland Science Center, participants then attended three sessions filled...

From the Headmaster

Dec 22 2011 - What did you get for Hanukkah? This year I received two wonderful, wonderful gifts, and both arrived on the Sunday before the Hag began. I received my first gift at the DC Alumni gathering at the Historic Synagogue at 6th and I, which was arranged by Sima...

KSMS Hanukkah Bazaar a Success!

Dec 16 2011 - The Middle School Hanukkah Bazaar has been a wonderful success. Middle Schoolers were able to browse and purchase hand-made crafts during lunch time ranging in cost from $.50 to $5.00. All money collected from our students was given as tzedekah to numerous...

Ravens Day!

Dec 16 2011 - It's Ravens Day! Can you make a five-digit number using Ed Reed's, Joe Flacco's and Ray Rice's jerseys? Our second graders were able to mix football, fun and learning while studying place value this week. Using the numbered jerseys, the students practiced...

8th Grade Visits US Holocaust Museum

Dec 16 2011 - The 8th grade visited the USHMM (US Holocaust Memorial Museum) on Wed., Dec. 14 as they culminate their study of The Shoah. We are extremely proud of the respect and dignity displayed by our students throughout the day. As they viewed the exhibits, students...

Lower School Olive Oil Making

Dec 16 2011 - As part of our study and celebration of Hanukkah, our first graders participated in an olive oil-making demonstration. Students donned the costumes of Matthathias, (the High Priest from the Temple) and that of a Syrian/Greek soldier. Together, the story...

From the Headmaster

Dec 16 2011 - Howard Cohen, KSDS parent who chairs the PA Box Top campaign, asked me if I would agree to play the fiddle on the roof if the students brought in 10,000 Box Tops. I closed my eyes and pictured the following conversation. Student Aleph- “Say, what ever...

LS Making the World a Better Place

Dec 9 2011 - What do our Lower School students do during recess time on a rainy day? This week, we found a group of students making posters and cards for veterans returning home for the winter holidays, others gathering new and gently-used toys for donation to the annual...

Hebrew Letters Out of Thin Air

Dec 9 2011 - Kitah Alef students can make Hebrew letters out of thin air!Our first grade students, with the guidance of their teacher, are tracing the Hebrew letter "gimmel" in the air. Excitement is building as the children are getting ready to complete their first...

8th Grade HeLa Integrated Curriculum Project

Dec 9 2011 - 8th Graders are taking the first steps into the wondrous world of Henrietta Lacks. Henrietta Lacks was a courageous woman whose family stood tall against the medical world in their pursuit of treatment for her illness and in speaking out about the effect that...

KSMS Student Council Happenings

Dec 9 2011 - The Krieger Schechter Middle School student council has been working hard since the beginning of the school year! First, we held our fantastic movie night on Sunday October 30, 2011 where the 5th and 6th graders watched "Night at The Museum" and the 7th and...

From the Headmaster

Dec 9 2011 - Pirkei Avot asks us, “Who is wise?” The answer is, “He who learns from everyone.” In order to maximize our learning, we are urged to take advantage of every resource available to us. The new KSDS Science Enrichment Committee was given the task of proposing...

3rd Grade Visit to Jewish Museum

Dec 2 2011 - Our third graders visited the Jewish Museum of Maryland, focusing on the Lomard Street exhibit about life in East Baltimore, the Lloyd Street Synagogue (Maryland's oldest synagogue building) and the B'nai Israel Synagogue building, original home to Chizuk...

4th Graders Explore Government

Dec 2 2011 - How does an "idea" become law? KSDS 4th graders had the opportunity to learn from Senator Bobby Zirkin this week when he visited their classrooms! Senator Zirkin explained how bills are brought before the Senate for consideration and debate, and how the...

7th Grade Visits the U.S. Capitol

Dec 2 2011 - How do you feel about creating a Federal law prohibiting texting while in a vehicle (even if you're not the driver)? What about removing the word "God" from the national motto, "In God We Trust" due to separation of church and state? These questions and...

MS November Commemoration of Kristallnacht

Dec 2 2011 - KSMS commemorated Kristallnacht on Nov.10. Students in 5th and 6th grades spent time in Judaics classes discussing the distressing events that occurred on Nov. 9-10, 1938. The seventh and eighth graders met with Mrs. Ruth Goldschmidt, grandmother of Miriam...

From the Headmaster

Dec 2 2011 - Let’s talk about our families from the FSU (former Soviet Union). Last year, at the Middle School Instructional Showcase, a parent approached me and used the chance meeting to comment on the amount of homework that her child had at school, which she felt...

LS Student Council Elections

Nov 18 2011 - What makes a good leader? This question was on the mind of each KSDS lower schooler this week as KSDS voted to select the Lower School Student Council officers for the coming year. In their speeches before parents, teachers and classmates, the candidates articulately...

Kindergarten Yom Aleph-Bet

Nov 18 2011 - The day of an average kindergartner is filled with building blocks, some tangible, others not. There are wooden blocks, Lincoln logs, and Legos with which our children play, create, and develop fine motor coordination. On the less tangible side, there are...

Try It, You'll Like It! Adult Learning at the Stulman Center

Nov 18 2011 - Sumo wrestling? Mostly for males in the prime of life Nursing babies? Mostly for women in the prime of life. Adult Education? For everyone of every age Where did the erroneous rumor begin? We hear it all too frequently. “Stulman Center for Adult Education...

Welcoming Shabbat - from 2yr olds to 8th graders

Nov 18 2011 - For the first time ever, all students in the Chizuk Amuno building got together this morning for a pre-Shabbat celebration. Led by singing with Isaac Woloff, students from GECEC, KSDS Lower School and Middle School, our students and faculty welcomed Shabbat...

From the headmaster

Nov 18 2011 - It happens from time to time. Someone who knows me as Dr. Schneider, but who doesn’t actually know what I do, will ask me a medical question. For example, there was the salesman last week who said, “Hey, Doc. I have a lot of pain in my lower back. What...

KSMS Teacher Partners with Ashkelon

Nov 13 2011 - Ellen Friedman, a KSMS Judaics teacher, spent the last week of October in Ashkelon, Baltimore’s sister-city in Israel, as part of a teacher exchange program. The program, called Gesher Chai, is sponsored by the Baltimore-Ashkelon Partnership, and its purpose...

LS Dress As Your Favorite Book Character Day

Nov 11 2011 - Thing 1? Present! Thing 2? Here! Thing 3? ... Unusual visitors were spotted in Lower School this week as we celebrated reading by dressing up as some of our favorite literary characters. Superheroes studied math while seated next to Little Red Riding Hood...

LS Kristallnacht Commemoration

Nov 11 2011 - On Thursday, November 10, the Lower School commemorated Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass, which took place in Germany and Austria on November 9 and 10, 1938. Morah Madoff told the story, Best Friends, by Elizabeth Reuter, to Kindergarten and first...

5th Grade Poetry in Mr. Thaler's Class

Nov 11 2011 - In Mr. Thaler's Language Arts class, the fifth graders are working on composing poetry. Each month, Mr. Thaler introduces a different kind of poetry. So far, the students have studied cinquains, limericks, and tankas. In each case, students learn about rhyme...

From the Headmaster

Nov 11 2011 - Question: What prayer comes to mind when one sees a tent within the walls of a synagogue? Answer: Mah Tovu! How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel. This is the prayer that one finds on page one of every siddur, the prayer that...

3rd Graders Study Remarkable Women

Nov 4 2011 - Our third graders have been studying famous women this fall as part of an integrated unit in language arts, reading, art and social studies. Two of the women studied are Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller. This week, the students were treated to a visit from...

Moses' Heroines in 4th Grade Humash

Nov 4 2011 - Who are the heroines in Moshe's life? Just ask one of our 4th graders! As part of their Humash (Bible) studies, the students identified four heroines in the life of Moshe. The children were then divided into four groups: Miriam (Moses' sister), Jocheved...

Support Innovation In Memory of KSDS Alumnus Daniel Siegel '03

Nov 4 2011 - The Sparks of Change Foundation, created in memory of Daniel Joseph Siegel, is a foundation dedicated to giving great ideas a chance to ignite change. Its mission is to encourage change by providing seed money to young people with the integrity, spirit, and drive necessary to set their ideas in motion and create a better world.

8th Grade Language Arts - Gender in Literature

Nov 4 2011 - "All children, except one, grow up" begins J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan. How does Peter's eternal boyhood, and Wendy's pretense as his mother, shape our expectations of what is means to be a boy or a girl? These are the cirtical thinking questions Ms. Puleo's students...

From the headmaster

Nov 4 2011 - One thing upon which we can all agree is that there is a lot of tzoris in the world. Not a day goes by where we don’t hear of someone whom we know having what appears to be more than his/her share of aggravation and stress, be it job, health or family related...

4th Graders Tour Camden Yards

Oct 28 2011 - KSDS 4th graders toured Oriole Park at Camden Yards this week as part of their baseball-themed literature and reading units. While on tour, the students learned about the history of the park, and were able to test the view of the field from several exciting...

Learning Hebrew with a Taste of Milk and Honey

Oct 28 2011 - Our kindergarten students are learning Hebrew through Chalav U'Dvash, an exciting, innovative Hebrew language program. Bentzi, the turtle puppet, (with the help of our fabulous teachers), "teaches" conversational Hebrew by engaging the children in dialogue...

5th & 6th Grade Outdoor Learning

Oct 28 2011 - During Sukkot, 5th and 6th graders participated in outdoor learning trips. 5th graders spent a day at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center, in activities which helped with team-building, group problem-solving, confidence-building and trust development. And...

7th and 8th Grade Sukkot at Hershey Park!

Oct 28 2011 - KSMS 7th and 8th graders joined the mid-Atlantic Jewish community in spending a day at Hershey Park to celebrate Sukkot! At this private event, sukkot are put up around the park, kosher food is available, and the students had a great day enjoying the rides...

Everyone Is "ABUZZ" in the Lower School

Oct 19 2011 - The New Year has begun and Krieger Schechter’s Lower School is celebrating with an exciting cross-curricular program about honeybees. Our students have been learning about the role that honey plays in the fall Jewish holidays, the various jobs bees do to...

LS Celebrates Sukkot

Oct 19 2011 - Fulfilling the mitzvah to be joyous on Sukkot, each KSDS Lower School student had the opportunity to visit Chizuk Amuno's beautiful sukkah this week. While enjoying the magnificent day, the students ate cookies, listened to stories and sang songs.

Hoshana Rabbah in the Middle School

Oct 19 2011 - Middle School students joined together on Wednesday to observe and celebrate Hoshana Rabbah - the final day of Sukkot. In addition to leading the prayer service, singing Hallel and completely running the Torah service, students had a chance to do a "hakafah"...

KSDS Celebrates Gilad Shalit's Homecoming

Oct 19 2011 - KSDS students, in Lower School and Middle School, joined with Jews around the world in celebrating the safe homecoming of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Singing, dancing, readings and discussions marked the day as we followed the joyous news of his...

From the Headmaster

Oct 19 2011 - KSDS Carpool Drop-off “Daddy, daddy. Why is Dr. Schneider holding up a sign? And whose picture is that?" “Dr. Schneider is reminding us parents why we put our children in this school. That man is Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier. He has been held as a...

From the Headmaster

Oct 18 2011 - What I write is a column, and not a blog. Nonetheless, from time to time I receive reactions from readers. For example, I received dozens of comments on my letter to the president of Dunkin Donuts, who blew an unbelievable marketing opportunity by not making...

2nd Grade Parade of States

Oct 6 2011 - What do you get when you combine "50 Nifty United States" with 36 adorable second graders? A spirited Parade of States! Our second graders showcased their research skills, presentation skills and listening skills this week as each student went on stage to...

4th Grade Mud Brick Activity

Oct 6 2011 - In conjunction with their Humash (Bible) studies, our 4th graders had the opportunity to reenact "avodah b'farech" (hard labor). The children made mud bricks and experienced a taste of how our ancestors felt when they were slaves in Egypt. After a brief...

KSMS Fall Sports are Warming Up!

Oct 6 2011 - This year KSMS is excited to announce the addition of another soccer team. Team Lions, coached by Ms. Thiry, is a co-ed team that works on their skills during practices and scrimmage games with other KSMS teams. The Boys and Girls A and B soccer teams are...

5th & 6th Grade Tashlich Field Trips

Oct 6 2011 - During this Rosh HaShanah season, our 5th and 6th graders have walked to a local stream in order to do Tashlich - the symbolic throwing away of our "sins" by casting bread crumbs into the water. Students have reflected on their growth in the past year, and...

From the Headmaster

Oct 6 2011 - I recently had occasion to talk to the parents of one of our graduates, who shared with me the following story. In high school, as a senior, their son got into some trouble along with some other students. It wasn't terrible, but did result in some unpleasant...

Shanah Tovah from KSDS

Sep 30 2011 - Rosh HaShanah Greetings - 5772

LS Snapshots

Sep 23 2011 - Lower school students treated their classmates and teachers to an impromptu concert on the playground Wednesday as they enjoyed a beautiful afternoon. We are very grateful to our wonderful PA which provided the teachers with pocket-sized cameras, allowing...

2nd Grade Field Trip - Shofar Factory

Sep 23 2011 - In preparation for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, our second graders traveled to a “Shofar Factory” in Columbia, MD. Upon their arrival, Rabbi Baron began a discussion of which animals are considered kosher, permitting their horns to be used as a shofar. ...

KSMS - A Video Profile!

Sep 23 2011 - Last year, KSDS alum Blake Pruitt spent two days in the Middle School, filming student life at our school. Blake then created a profile video of what is special about KSMS.

MS Shofar Sounders

Sep 23 2011 - For the entire month of Elul, KSMS students have been sounding shofar to start the school day. Their shofar notes give us a daily wake-up call in preparation for the High Holidays, to think about how we can make our world a better place. We say "yasher koach"...

From the Headmaster

Sep 23 2011 - Rabbi Jim and Nancy Rosen of West Hartford announce the marriage of their daughter Adina to Rami Schwartzer. Mazal Tov! Many of us remember Jim when he began his career as Assistant Rabbi at Chizuk Amuno Congregation, and we celebrated with him and Nancy...

Lower School 4th Grade Safeties Inducted

Sep 16 2011 - During minyan on September 12th, KSDS lower schoolers paused to thank those who work to protect our nation's safety. Fittingly, our new 4th grade safeties officially assumed their responsibilities that same morning. They were honored by the presence of Myra...

A Wake-Up Call

Sep 16 2011 - In the month of Elul, we sound the shofar, awakening us to the importance of preparing for the coming New Year. Each morning at Krieger Schechter, our Lower School students gather around Morah Berman as she sounds the shofar. This Monday morning Morah Berman...

MS 9/11 Commemoration

Sep 16 2011 - On Monday September 12, Middle School students gathered together to commemorate the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Through a meaningful ceremony compiled by Rabbi David Greenspoon, students listened to readings, sang songs, and heard the sounds of the shofar...

8th Grade Talmud Gallery

Sep 16 2011 - Students in Morah Blum's 8th grade Rabbinics class used their creativity and understanding of symbolism to represent the various volumes and topics covered in the Talmud. As students begin their introductory studies of Talmud, each student was assigned a set...

From the Headmaster

Sep 16 2011 - On surveys done world-wide, the number one phobia in the world is public speaking. In fact, people are more afraid of standing up in front of a group of people than dying. So, it brings me great joy and satisfaction to see how easily our KSDS students can...

Kindergarten Teamwork!

Sep 9 2011 - It's a delight each morning to watch our kindergarteners hurry into the building, eager to begin the day with their new teachers and new classmates. The kindergarteners have already learned an important lesson: when building towers or building friendships...

1st Graders - Beginning to Read Hebrew

Sep 9 2011 - There is much to celebrate here at Krieger Schechter, as yet another group of Jewish children are beginning to learn to read Hebrew! Although the school year has just begun, our first graders have already learned two consonants and three vowel sounds, and...

Middle School Renovations - a bright start to the year

Sep 9 2011 - Students and faculty have loved the newly-renovated spaces in the Middle School! From the brand-new middle school stairway, to the brightly painted lockers and hallways, from the fun new floor tiles to the brand-new science labs, the bright spaces have made...

KSDS Faculty Win Curriculum Innovation Awards

Sep 9 2011 - KSDS faculty members were recently honored for their innovative curriculum work. Awards went to the following two new curricular units: 3rd Grade 21st Century Skills - The Life of an Owl (Amanda Levine) This project utilized 21st Century skills as students...

From the Headmaster

Sep 9 2011 - I know that it defies logic, but time does indeed seem to go faster as one grows older. How well we remember September 11, 2001 as if it were yesterday. None of the children who are in the school today were in the school ten years ago. But many of the...

Lower School - First Day Excitement!

Sep 2 2011 - KSDS students are thrilled to be back in the building! Today in the lunchroom, fourth graders already were talking about what they have been enjoying this year. Some of their responses were: "Being the oldest in the school!", "Gym!", "Matching rules into...

The "Lights" Are Back On At KSDS

Sep 2 2011 - How wonderful it is to be reunited with "old" friends after the long summer break and to welcome Shabbat together! Our fourth graders celebrated their first Kabbalat Shabbat of the school year, singing from theSiddur and snacking on challah and juice. We...

KSMS - Hitting the Ground Running!

Sep 2 2011 - Did you know that the first day of school can never be cancelled? Even when there is no power for two days, and no school at the original start date, whatever day school starts will always be the “first day of school!” Middle School students were ready and...

8th Grade First Day Minyan - a special prayer service

Sep 2 2011 - On the first day of school, it is tradition for 8th graders to gather as a group for a special opening tefillah (prayer service). Dr. Schneider presented each student with his or her own pocket siddur, which that student will use throughout the school year...

Traveling Around the World with First Grade

Jun 3 2011 - With the use of technology as well as live stage performance, first graders taught and entertained the children in our school as well as parents, friends, and relatives. We traveled around the world using poetry, acting, song, dance, and art to teach everyone...

Lower School Has Spirit!

Jun 3 2011 - Students in grades K-4 participated in a fun-filled Spirit Day sponsored by the Student Council. This year's theme was Krieger Schechter's 30th birthday.Divided into 4 teams: red, blue, green, and purple - the children rotated through a variety of activities...

Mazel Tov to our 8th Grade Graduates!

Jun 3 2011 - 8th graders and their families celebrated a lovely graduation evening this week. The culmination of the students' years at Krieger Schechter was marked by student speeches, laughter, song, presentations to every student, and a general wonderful feeling of...

5th Grade State Fair

Jun 3 2011 - 5th graders have been studying about the 50 states! Each student researched information, history, traditions and contributions from their state. Then, students created an interactive display booth for our state fair, showcasing their research and presenting...

From The Headmaster

Jun 3 2011 - A number of years ago, Dennis Prager, a prolific writer and LA radio show host, proposed a topic for discussion around the family dinner table. If you have a teenage child, I suggest that you try it out. Here is the background and the question. Your son/daughter...

From The Headmaster

May 27 2011 - This is the question that I am most often asked. “Dr. Schneider, why do you keep coming back to Israel with the 8th grade year after year? Do you learn new things, see new things every time?” It is an excellent question. But I have, what I think, is an equally...

2nd Grade Visits Washington, DC

May 26 2011 - Second grade students and their parents visited Washington, DC on Wednesday, May 25th. The first stop was at the Museum of the American Indian where they were introduced to three Native American tour guides. These guides helped them relate the information...

Keep the Dream Alive - 3rd grade play

May 26 2011 - We gathered in the Sanctuary to celebrate Jewish learning, as our third graders marked the occasion of Siyyum Sefer B'reishit, the completion of the study of the book of Genesis. The children, under the guidance of our talented and dedicated Judaic Studies...

6th Grade "Teva" Nature Retreat

May 26 2011 - The KSDS 6th graders spent a soggy but wonderful week at the Pearlstone Center, learning about environmentalism from a Jewish perspective through the TEVA program. Despite nearly constant rain, the students hiked, went stream-walking and worked on Kayam Farm...

Thank you KSDS PA and Chizuk Amuno

May 26 2011 - Thank you! Thank you!A sincere thank you goes to the KSDS PA and Chizuk Amuno Congregation for their generous support of Faye Pollack's well deserved Retirement Celebration! It warms our hearts to have experienced the outpouring of love everywhere in this...

3rd Grade Biome Day!

May 20 2011 - 3rd graders experienced and learned about 6 biomes in a unique way. Each of 6 classrooms contained a snack, several science experiments and an art project that was pertinent to the biome. For example, the children made snow in the tundra, created a paper...

Krieger Schechter Cares

May 20 2011 - As our Lower School Head Faye Pollack has always described us, "Krieger Schechter is the school of caring and sharing." One only has to see our Lower School tzedakah program to see this in action. The program in the Lower School is run by our third graders...

5th Grade Philadelphia Trip

May 20 2011 - After studying about the Declaration of Independence and the colonists' path to independence, the Fifth Grade took a field trip to Philadephia. They were first treated to a program at Congregation Mikveh Israel Synagogue, one of the oldest congregations in...

7th Grade Trip to New York City!

May 20 2011 - What an amazing trip the 7th graders, their teachers and chaperones had in NYC. From Ellis Island, seeing Spiderman (WOW, what technology!), the Tenement Museum, our change of plans that got us to Toys 'r Us, in Times Square, the Intrepid and every other...

From The Headmaster

May 20 2011 - There is so much to share, and Dr. Yares is orchestrating the Twitter and video updates that you can access through the KSDS website. It’s not always easy to gauge the happiness level of 8th graders, but it appears to us adults that things are going well....

LS Students Publishing Books!

May 13 2011 - May is the time for KSDS’s 2nd annual book publishing event, a very successful program which reinforces the writing process. Every student in Lower School participated. Each class created and illustrated a book related to something that the children studied...

Lower School Yom HaAtzma'ut

May 13 2011 - Our Lower School marked Israel's 63rd birthday with an afternoon of celebration, touching on all five senses and employing multiple modalities. Each grade level created an art project on the theme of Israel, participated in Israeli dancing in our outdoor courtyard...

MS Spirit Day & Yom HaAtzma'ut

May 13 2011 - The Middle School Spirit Day and Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration was a rousing success on Tuesday, May 10th. The weather was gorgeous and the students had fun competing in a friendly manner as they represented the 12 Tribes of Israel. Tribes rotated around 6 stations...

Yom HaZikaron (Israel's Memorial Day) Observance

May 13 2011 - On Monday morning, the entire KSDS community gathered to remember the lives of Israeli soldiers and civilians lost in wars and terrorist attacks. This Yom Hazikaron service included songs of remembrance and hope, as well as written passages that paid tribute...

From The Headmaster

May 13 2011 - I love our 8th graders, and I’ll tell you why. Today, Friday, May 13, was a difficult day for Krieger Schechter. Larry Hettleman, husband of Julie, and father of Izzy in 3rd grade and Maya in 6th grade, passed away after a prolonged illness. As you can imagine...

4th Grade Mother's Day Plant Sale

May 6 2011 - Fourth graders set the goal of raising enough money by selling plants in honor of Mother's Day to fund their Living Classrooms trip - a day of sailing and learning on the Chesapeake Bay. Our future entrepreneurs were very serious about this undertaking as...

Lower School Yom HaShoah Commemoration

May 6 2011 - The Lower School commemoration of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) was conducted by our 4th grade students. The program included essays in Hebrew written by our 4th graders, from the perspective of the Jewish partisans who fought against the Nazis. There...

Middle School Instructional Showcase

May 6 2011 - This week, Middle School parents and students visited our Instructional Showcase. At the evening's "fair," projects and learning assignments from all subjects in Middle School were presented. As guests explored the tables of science fair projects, language...

MS Observes Yom HaShoah

May 6 2011 - Middle School students commemorated Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) in many ways this week. On Monday, 8th graders presented original artwork and poetry from their year-long visual journals as they studied the Shoah and visited the United States Holocaust...

From The Headmaster

May 6 2011 - I don’t remember the details, but the story went something like this.. There was a bank robbery in the downtown area of some major city, and the culprit made off with several bags of hundred dollar bills. Just a few blocks from the scene of the crime, a...

1st Grade â Caldecott: We Love Illustrations!

Apr 29 2011 - Ask any first grader to look at a Caldecott Award Winning Book, and they will be able to tell you the type of illustration. For example, if you read the book, The Emperor and the Kite, the illustrations are in the style of paper cut. Where the Wild Things...

LS Pre-Passover Model Seder

Apr 29 2011 - It was obvious from the delight on the childrens' faces, from the moment they entered the Stulman Auditorium, that their everyday cafeteria had been transformed into a very special place! The tables were beautifully set with white table cloths and seder plates...

Author Elisa Carbone visits KSMS

Apr 29 2011 - Author Elisa Carbone was the guest author-in-residence prior to break. Middle School students listened raptly to Ms. Carbone describe the intensity with which she recreates experiences as she writes her historic fiction novels. In turn, Ms. Carbone was impressed...

6th Grade Science Fair Experiment Projects

Apr 29 2011 - The sixth grade has gone on a wonderful journey through the world of scientific investigation. Using the scienctific method, the children were involved in experimental projects at home. They formed hypotheses, collected materials, ran procedures, collected...

From The Headmaster

Apr 29 2011 - What kind of a gift do you give to a 97 year old man? It was after Pesah services at Chizuk, and Phil Kaplan, a Floridian who was visiting family in Baltimore, was sitting in the shul foyer waiting for his ride home. Hazzan Perlman happened to walk by...

4th Grade Traveling Science Program

Apr 15 2011 - The children sat mesmerized watching the stage as the guests from from the Traveling Science Program of the Maryland Science Center shared how vibrations can make different sounds, how heat or cold can chage the size of certain objects and many other exciting...

Passover Preparation in the Lower School

Apr 15 2011 - As you walk down the Lower School hallways at Krieger Schechter, signs of Passover preparation are everywhere! Kindergarteners are listening attentively to a live performance of a Passover story. Children in grades 1-4 are reciting from the Hagaddah with enthusiasm...

7th Grade Gettysburg Trip

Apr 15 2011 - On April 6th, the entire 7th grade went to The Gettysburg National Military Park to re-enact the famous last day of the battle, called "Pickett's Charge." Students received soldier identities, examined primary source documents, got to see what a musket ball...

8th Grade Meets Israel's Diller Fellows

Apr 15 2011 - Normally, when we have guests at school, teachers try to quiet our students down so that they can listen to the guest speaker and behave in a way that demonstrates the importance of derekh eretz. Last week, however, when we gathered our 8th graders together...

From The Headmaster

Apr 15 2011 - Have you noticed at the Passover Seder the importance of the number 4? There are four questions, and there are four sons and there are four cups of wine. Here is yet another four, the four people whom I will think about at this year’s Seder. When we...

4th Grade Bridge Builders

Apr 8 2011 - Fourth grade scientists built fantastic bridges as a culmination to their buildings and structures unit. They learned about the strength of structures, what shapes are stronger and the different types of bridges that can be constructed. Using mostly recyclable...

LS Meets a Sofer (Torah Scribe)

Apr 8 2011 - Did you ever wonder why the letters in the Torah appear to shine? Just ask one of Krieger Schechter's Lower School students! After attending a workshop with Rabbi Druin, the sofer who is helping to write Chizuk Amuno Congregation's new Torah, our Lower School...

7th Grade Meets Senator Ben Cardin

Apr 8 2011 - During the Middle School Learning Festival this year, the Seventh Grade paid a visit to the Capitol in Washington, DC and to Senator Ben Cardin. The visit dovetailed well with the 7th Grade curriculum which includes a unity on Civics. Senator Cardin specifically...

5th Graders Learn Torah Trope

Apr 8 2011 - 5th grade students have been introduced to the art of Torah reading. Throughout the year, students have learned the names and the musical series of sounds of each of the "trope" symbols which determine how the words of Torah are chanted. Through continued...

From The Headmaster

Apr 8 2011 - Based on the news article that I read this week in YNET (News from Israel on line), I’m surprised that we aren’t receiving dozens of admission inquiries from South Korean families in the Baltimore area. “Close to 50 million people live in South Korea, and...

Fourth Grade Maryland Play - a Smashing Success

Apr 1 2011 - Fourth graders were stupendous as they embarked on a magical mystery... we mean, history, tour of Maryland. They began a journey at Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, where the new Beatles exhibit was reported missing. Grade 4 students taught Lower School children...

3rd Grade Challah Braiding

Apr 1 2011 - As part of a yearlong study of Kabbalat Shabbat, our 3rd graders each designed a silk challah cover. But what good is a challah cover without the challah? Last Shabbat every Krieger Schechter 3rd grade family had the opportunity to begin their Shabbat meal...

Science Fair Projects

Apr 1 2011 - The 8th grade science fair projects allow the students to pursue questions that are relevant to them. From topics as varied as phantom limb syndrome, personalized medicine, molecular gastronomy, roller coaster physics, Mt. Vesuvius and Pompeii and fetal alcohol...

8th Jewish History â Towson University Research Project

Apr 1 2011 - Students in Morah Plaut's 8th grade Jewish History class conducted a simulation of the first Zionist Congress held on August 29, 1897 in Basle which featured Herzl introducing his platform for the creation of a Jewish State, a most revolutionary, prophetic...

From The Headmaster

Apr 1 2011 - If you know the person paying the compliment, it’s generally easy to know if the compliment is sincere. But, if you don’t know the person, it’s not always so clear. For example, a few years ago, the local section of CAPE, the Council for American Private...

4th Grade âFreedom Trainâ at Goucher

Mar 25 2011 - Our fourth grade joined classes from all over Baltimore to watch a production of "Freedom Train" at Goucher College. The wonderful actors portrayed Harriet Tubman and her family, their master, the overseer and Quakers helping slaves to escape. The children...

Lower School Purim Celebration

Mar 25 2011 - Our in-school celebration of the holiday of Purim occurred this year on Shushan Purim, which is celebrated the day after Purim. With great excitement, students and faculty arrived at school in costume and gathered together as a full school to hear the reading...

8th Graders "Meet" with Geologist

Mar 25 2011 - Last Thursday, Dr. Aron Meltzner joined two 8th grade science classes to answer questions about the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan. What made this visit different from other scientists and experts that have spoken to KSMS students is that Dr. Meltzner...

Middle School Purim Fun!

Mar 25 2011 - To celebrate the holiday of Purim, KSMS students participated in several long-standing school and holiday traditions. 8th graders learned to sing from the Megillah, and chanted readings from the Book of Esther for the entire school. 8th graders also dressed...

From The Headmaster

Mar 25 2011 - The New York Times asked Gallup to come up with a statistical composite for the happiest person in America, based on the characteristics that most closely correlated with their extensive phone survey on happiness in 2010. Gallup’s answer: he’s a tall, ...

New Lower School Safeties Inducted

Mar 18 2011 - Fourth graders, who will serve as safeties during the last trimester, were sworn in at Minyan on Monday March 14 in the presence of the entire Lower School. A police officer from Baltimore County and 'McGruff" the police dog were on hand to listen to the...

Kindergarten Classes Perform to a Standing-Room-Only Crowd

Mar 18 2011 - This week our kindergarteners performed two Hebrew playlets, Eliezer V'haGezer (Eliezer and the Carrot) and Simlat haShabbat shel Hannale (Little Hannah's Sabbath Dress). The plays, which were performed entirely in Hebrew, featured singing and dancing in...

Middle School Celebrates "Pi" Day

Mar 18 2011 - Middle School Math classes celebrate "Pi" Day on March 14 (3/14 on the calendar, as in 3.14, the beginning of the equivalent of the "pi" measurement in geometry). All classes enjoyed a slice of actual fruit "pie" and participated in activities about the geometric...

8th Grade Bible - Abraham's Greatest Hits

Mar 18 2011 - 8th Graders in Morah Blum's Bible class culminated their in-depth studies of the Abraham stories in Genesis with a performance of original re-workings of popular songs, re-telling key moments from the Abraham narrative. New lyrics were written and sung by...

From The Headmaster

Mar 18 2011 - What’s the most important criteria in selecting a new or used car? Is it the miles per gallon? Especially in light of rising gas prices, maybe it’s miles per gallon? Or perhaps it’s the resale value of that particular model? No one wants to buy a car that...

Third Graders Go Westward with the Pioneers

Mar 11 2011 - As part of the 3rd grade social studies curriculum, third graders came to school with their new "identities" carrying slates, wearing long dresses or knickers and ready to learn (without electricity in the classroom) during Apple Valley Days - March 7, 8...

When We Enter the Month of Adar, Our Happiness Increases

Mar 11 2011 - This week our second grade classes led a weekday morning Rosh Hodesh service, ushering in the Hebrew month of Adar. The children were the hazzanim, leading all of the prayers and reading from the Torah. At the conclusion of the Torah service, there was a short...

Middle School Learning Festival - Community Service

Mar 11 2011 - In recognition of our school’s 30th anniversary we are celebrating one of our core values – tikkun olam - through service to our planet, our country, our community and our school. The Learning Festival takes place over the course of three school days - two...

Learning Festival - 8th grade "Hesed" 'Speed-Dating'

Mar 11 2011 - As part of the Middle School Learning Festival, 8th grade students presented to 5th, 6th and 7th graders about the various community service (hesed) projects that they have been involved in over their middle school years. Set up in a "speed-dating" style,...

From The Headmaster

Mar 10 2011 - It’s one of my favorite stories. This young fellow was taking a walk around his block, and as he passes Mr. Johnson’s house he sees a brand new car in the driveway. So, he stops to admire it. At that very moment, Mr. Johnson steps out of his house, onto...

3rd Grade Recycling Play

Mar 4 2011 - Third graders performed a musical extravaganza for the Lower School with the important message of why Schechter students and families need to reduce, reuse, and recycle to help save the earth for future generations. As they prepared their catchy songs and...

"And To Think That It Happened on Krieger Schechter Street!"

Mar 4 2011 - As part of our Lower School celebration of Dr. Seuss's birthday, teachers, students, parents, and special guests read aloud from many of the author's wonderful childrens' books. Here at Krieger Schechter, our students had the opportunity to hear Dr. Seuss...

6th Grade Family Shabbat Celebration

Mar 4 2011 - Last Friday night, 6th graders and their families gathered together for a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat service and Shabbat dinner. The sense of community and celebration was terrific, and the students and families brought enormous Shabbat "ruach" (spirit) to...

7th Grade Language Arts

Mar 4 2011 - March 4th is National Grammar Day! Our 7th grade will celebrate in their Language Arts classes. Students will demonstrate grammar skills, share food, play grammar games, watch Schoolhouse Rock, and sing “Happy Birthday” to Mrs. Puleo! This day is fun interlude...

From The Headmaster

Mar 4 2011 - The name of the mitzvah is hakarat hatov, acknowledging goodness and excellence. This is the middah, the attribute of appreciating what others do for us. It's important from time to time to pause and say thank you to members of our community who enrich...

2nd Graders Enjoy Their Visit to the Aquarium!

Feb 25 2011 - After studying about whales and dolphins, second graders had a wonderful time visiting the National Aquarium on Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2011. The children loved walking through the "Rainforest" looking for birds and insects in their natural habitat, as they identified...

Kindergarten Torah Stories

Feb 25 2011 - Week by week, our kindergarten classes have an opportunity to hear to and to discuss stories from the Torah. They are currently following the story of Joseph. Today they listened with great interest, as Joseph, with God's help, was able to interpret the dreams...

Middle School Spirit Week - a success!

Feb 25 2011 - KSMS's first-ever Spirit Week got off to a fantastic start on Monday, Jan. 31st. Each grade was awarded Spirit Points based on student participation and Derech Eretz points based on the grade's overall kindness and respect for each other and teachers. After...

8th Grade - Who am I?

Feb 25 2011 - Who are our eighth graders? We have Rebecca and Micah and Dylan and Marina, but who are they really? Do we know? Do they know? On Thursday, February 17th, our eighth graders participated in a program with eighth graders from Beth Tfiloh and Baltimore Hebrew...

From The Headmaster

Feb 25 2011 - So, the pilot makes an announcement to all of the passengers. “Good morning. This is Captain Savage. I have bad news, and good news and bad news. The bad news is that our engines are on fire, and we have to make an emergency landing. The good news is there...

4th Grade Wonders of the World Project

Feb 17 2011 - For this project, the fourth graders studied each of the four categories of the Wonders of the World, including Ancient, Modern, Natural, and Medieval Wonders. Each student researched one wonder and learned about its unique aspects. By the end of the research...

What's Growing in our Kindergarten Garden?

Feb 17 2011 - It's a giant carrot planted by Saba Eliezer! Our kindergarten classes are excitedly preparing for their upcoming production of two Hebrew playlets: Eliezer V'HaGezer (Eliezer and the Carrot) and Simlat Shabbat shel Hannahle (Little Hannah's Shabbat Dress)...

A Marathon of Hebrew Learning

Feb 17 2011 - This past week, the Middle School Hebrew department, once again, had the privilege and honor to study and learn with the author and head of the NETA (Hebrew Curriculum) program, Mrs. Hilla Kobliner. The Hebrew teachers underwent an intensive three days of...

Boys Basketball - Tzedakah to Help Coach's Family

Feb 17 2011 - One recent week's tzedekah collection in the Middle School was coordinated by the boy's basketball team. They met, assigned tasks, wrote announcements, collected the tzedekah, and counted the money, all to raise money to give to their coach's son's family...

From The Headmaster

Feb 17 2011 - There are certain words in the English language that are overused. For example, take the word “magnificent.” If everything is described as magnificent, than how do you describe something that is truly exceptional? So, I think that “magnificent” should be...

From The Headmaster

Feb 11 2011 - Do you remember the last time that you painted a wall in your home? We tend to forget how a little paint can totally change a room. Until a few weeks ago, the Rosenbloom lobby of the school entrance proudly presented itself in institutional yellow paint...

Kindergarten - Exploring "Living" Things

Feb 10 2011 - Kindergarten has exciting news. In conjunction with "L" week, the children are learning about living and non-living things. Mrs. Trattner, the science teacher, brought each "K" class a fish. The children are learning that all living things need, food, air...

Kitah Bet Bible Scholars

Feb 10 2011 - As part of our Humash (Bible) curriculum our second graders were actively engaged this week in biblical commentary, as they compared and contrasted God's commandment to Avraham in parashat Lech L'cha to the commandment in parashat VaYera. Using the interactive...

6th & 7th Grade Math - Percentages

Feb 10 2011 - 6th and 7th grade math students are currently studying percentages. Learning about percents enables students to understand discounts, commission and interest, to name a few applications. Students are, or shortly will be, consumers. Their knowledge of “real...

7th Graders Begin Study of Rabbinics

Feb 10 2011 - 7th Grade students have now begun their semester of studying Rabbinics with an introduction to the format, scope, structure and content of the Mishnah. Students use critical thinking skills to interpret, categorize and make sense of the flow and sequence of...

From The Headmaster

Feb 4 2011 - Meshugah in Chinese is feng... I went into Bressler’s Cleaners on Thursday morning and picked up a large order. I handed my credit card to Sam, the proprietor, and said to him, “Now that you made a killing, you can close the store and spend the rest of...

1st Grade Celebrates Siyyum HaSefer

Feb 3 2011 - There was much to celebrate on a cold and icy evening, as yet another group of children marked their learning to read in Hebrew. On Tuesday, February 1, the students of kitah Aleph celebrated this important accomplishment with a short presentation emphasizing...

2nd Grade Fairy Tales Play

Feb 3 2011 - Once upon a time in Schechterland, the beautiful children of 2nd grade performed masterfully an original musical called "Fractured Fairy Tales." They creatively changed some of the characters and settings in "Sleeping Beauty" and "Red Riding Hood," and also...

Israeli Firefighter Visits KSDS

Feb 3 2011 - Last week, an Israeli firefighter who helped fight the disastrous fire near Haifa, came to KSDS to tell our students about his experiences. Moshe Gefen, the firefighter, came as a representative of the JNF to thank KSDS students and families for their generous...

The Maryland Ravens Night at KSMS

Feb 3 2011 - On Saturday night at Krieger Schechter Middle School, the Maryland Ravens hosted the Delaware Destroyers. These teams are part of a wheelchair basketball league. The Ravens won both games, 65-11 and 38-17. It was truly amazing to watch the competition between...

3rd and 7th grade Friend to Friend Activity

Jan 28 2011 - To celebrate Tu B'Shvat (the new year for the trees), students from 3rd and 7th grades got together for a artistic (and culinary!) Friend to Friend activity. The 3rd graders warmly welcomed the 7th graders to their classrooms, where "buddies" worked together...

LS Family Shabbat Experiences

Jan 28 2011 - Neither snow, nor ice, nor cold can interfere with a very special Krieger Schechter Shabbat: Our 3rd graders are looking forward to welcoming Shabbat, as they lead their families in a Kabbalat Shabbat service on Friday evening, January 28th. The following...

Middle School Arts Coffee House

Jan 28 2011 - On a wintry January night, Middle School families came to an evening in celebration of the arts at KSMS - the annual KSMS Coffee House. While sampling refreshments prepared by MS cooking classes, families and students enjoyed the displays from woodshop and...

6th Grade Great Fruit Debate

Jan 28 2011 - What better way to celebrate Tu B'Shvat than with the annual 6th grade "Great Fruit Debate?!" 6th graders learned about the traditional species of fruit grown in Israel, mentioned in the Torah, and then worked in teams to select and promote a new "8th fruit"...

From The Headmaster

Jan 28 2011 - Many years ago, in tribute to the memory of my parents, KSDS established the Ben and Sally Schneider Israel Fund. Every year, instead of the usual Bar/Bat Mitzvah gifts that youngsters give to one another, families donate money to the Schneider Israel Fund...

Lower School Students Learn about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Jan 20 2011 - On Thursday, January 13th, First Grade sponsored a program in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. We listened to a dynamic storyteller, Miss Lynne Distance, who through literature and music presented information about the life of Dr. King. We learned about the...

Lower School Tu B'Shevat

Jan 20 2011 - In honor of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, the students of the Lower School learned about seasons in Israel and discussed the importance of trees in the Torah and in our world today. Our students discovered ways in which we benefit from trees, as...

5th Grade MLK Program

Jan 20 2011 - On January 14th, the fifth graders led the Martin Luther King Day assembly for the middle school. Each class contributed songs and skits to a video presentation of "Martin Luther King: The Musical." Mrs. McCann, Mrs. Hicks, Ms. Steinig, and Mr. Thaler supervised...

7th Grade Jewish Family History Night

Jan 20 2011 - 7th grade students and their families celebrated their research on their roots with an exhibition of their findings, including the family tree, the town report, an interview of a family member and a story to share, all during the Family History Museum night...

4th Grade Visits Homewood House

Jan 14 2011 - In conjunction with their study of Maryland history, the fourth grade visited the Homewood House on the Johns Hopkins campus. The house was a wedding gift from Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a wealthy landowner and a signer of the Declaration of Independence...

4th Grade "Middot" Plays

Jan 14 2011 - As part of their unit on "Middot" (Jewish Values), our 4th grade Judaic Studies students wrote Hebrew playlets, created their own props and costumes, and performed the playlets for our 2nd graders. The values adddressed were: "Matan B'Seter" (giving charity...

Middle School Geography Bee

Jan 14 2011 - Every year the National Geographic Society sponsors a national geography bee contest. In the Middle School, every Social Studies class conducts a classroom bee to generate interest and excitement for geography. Each classroom winner then competes across the...

Pikesville High Band (with KSDS Alumni!) Visits KSMS

Jan 14 2011 - Middle School students were treated to a band and choir concert from Pikesville High School. The band included several KSDS alumni. We are always thrilled when our alumni get to come back to KSDS and showcase their talents, and this performance was no different...

From The Headmaster

Jan 14 2011 -

From The Headmaster

Jan 7 2011 - So, here are three memories. One makes the case for day school education in general. The other two make the case for day school education at KSDS in particular. Memory #1. I was a student at Brandeis and active in the Hillel. Marilyn and I were invited...

Technology in Kindergarten - Eno Board Activities!

Jan 6 2011 - It was exciting for Kindergarten students to become active community planners using technology in the classroom. Each child added an element to the created community on the eno board and then the class discussed if there were enough play areas, enough parking...

1st Grade Family Havdalah Program - 1/29/11

Jan 6 2011 - Our first graders are busy preparing for the First Grade Family Havdalah Service coming up on Saturday, January 29th at 6 p.m. The students are learning to recite the blessings and will soon be busy braiding their havdalah candles and preparing their spice...

7th and 8th Grade Spanish classes

Jan 6 2011 - After a restful winter break, students and teachers of seventh and eighth grades are back to Spanish classes with enthusiasm. In seventh grade, we are finishing our unit on telling time, and learning to describe people by combining adjectives with the verb...

8th Grade visit to US Holocaust Museum

Jan 6 2011 - The 8th grade visited the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum on Wednesday, January 5th as a culmination to their study of the Holocaust in Jewish History. Many parents accompanied their children as we viewed the exhibits and tried to understand the incomprehensible...

2nd Grade Puppet Shows!

Dec 23 2010 - The lower school librarians offered the use of a new "professional-looking" puppet theatre to the second graders this year. Our wonderful art teacher, Mrs. Pintzuk, helped each child fashion a puppet out of Model Magic. Each of our five reading groups practiced...

3rd Graders Publish Hebrew Newspaper

Dec 23 2010 - An exciting example of curriculum integration here at Krieger Schechter is the creation of a Hebrew newspaper by our third graders. Following a unit on newspapers in their General Studies classes, our third graders, with the help of their Judaic Studies teachers...

8th Grade "Wizard of Oz" - Huge Success!!

Dec 23 2010 - The Class of 2011 took us over the rainbow and back again with their phenomenal performance of "The Wizard of Oz" - entirely in Hebrew! The singing, dancing and stage performances captivated two nights of sell-out crowds, as well as a matinee for KSDS lower...

MS Wellness and Sex Education

Dec 23 2010 - Most of the time, adults reserve talking about sex for whispered tones shared between only the best of friends or spouses. While we may consider having “the talk” with our children when the latest commercial for contraception comes on, sometimes we find it...

From The Headmaster

Dec 23 2010 - I was standing outside on Monday morning, greeting carpools.“Hi Ben. Good morning to you, too.”I wondered how many youngsters have their project brought into school by a US Senator?At that moment, Susan walked over to me.“ Dr. Schneider. My daughter is reading...

Revealing our Writing Talents

Dec 17 2010 - The sixth grade writing workshop students have proven themselves to be true writers with passion, enthusiasm, and creativity. Over the course of the past few weeks, the students have been exploring the structure and components of a short story. They began by examining the elements of a plot structure, including exposition, rising action, climax, and resolution.

Weâre off to see the Wizard!

Dec 17 2010 - We hope that you are planning on joining us for this yearâs 8th grade play, The Wizard of Oz. Students have been hard at work for weeks now perfecting choreography, learning the music, and practicing their lines and are now putting the final pieces together in each of the playâs many scenes.

Kindergartners Prepare for their Kabbalat Shabbat Service and Dinner

Dec 17 2010 - Our kindergartners have been hard at work learning about Shabbat and preparing for their Kabbalat Shabbat program, which was held on Friday, December 10th. The children created aleph bet centerpieces, designed their own challah covers, and learned the art of braiding challah...

Safety Induction

Dec 17 2010 - On Monday, December 13, 2010, the new 2nd trimester Lower School safeties recited their pledge before the Lower School student body. These 4th graders were selected because they are responsible and show leadership. These children work hard and we appreciate their help at throughout the day,including arrival and dismissal times...

From The Headmaster

Dec 17 2010 - Here in Baltimore, for a Jewish family there are dozens of options for education. There are wonderful schools of every kind-regular public and magnet public, and excellent independent schools, including an array of Jewish day schools. As the headmaster...

2nd Grade Toy Drive

Dec 10 2010 - The KSDS 2nd Grade Annual Toy Drive included GECEC and RRS this year. It was the most successful collection of gently used toys we have ever had! The donations filled two vans and part of a large truck, and were sent to the Community Assistance Network, which...

Hanukkah in the Lower School

Dec 10 2010 - We have had a week filled with learning, celebration, and mitzvot in the Lower School. Students have created art projects, eaten sufganiyot (jelly donuts), enjoyed videos, participated in a Hanukkah sing-along, and played with s’vivonim(dreidels). Many of...

MS Student Hanukkah Bazaar

Dec 10 2010 - KSMS hosted its first student Hanukkah bazaar this week, during lunch. Students sold crafts that they had created themselves, including jewelry, edible dreidels, duct tape wallets, teddy bears, crocheted items, hair accessories and more! All items ranged between...

8th Grade Hanukkah Game Contest

Dec 10 2010 - 8th Graders learned about the origins of the Hanukkah dreidel game, and then worked in groups to create their own new idea of a game of chance for Hanukkah. Groups then presented their imaginative, fun game prototypes before a panel of judges. Games were judged...

From The Headmaster

Dec 10 2010 - Coincidences. I’ve had three coincidences in the last few weeks that I would like to share with you. I was sitting in shul on Shabbat morning, and it occurred to me that a certain person, who was once a regular worshipper, had not come in months. Had she...

Senator Zirkin Visits 4th Grade

Dec 3 2010 - On Tuesday, November 23rd , Senator Bobby Zirkin visited the fourth grade. During his visit, Senator Zirkin explained what he does as a Senator and how the Senate votes on bills to become laws. The students were given the opportunity to act as State Senators...

1st Grade Makes Olive Oil

Dec 3 2010 - As part of our study and celebration of Hanukkah, our first graders participated in an olive oil-making demonstration. Students donned the costumes of Matthathias (the High Priest from the Temple) and those of a Syrian/Greek soldier. Together, the story of...

6th Grade Hanukkah Singing at Nursing Homes

Dec 3 2010 - Hanukkah is about joy, light, celebration, and the togetherness of the Jewish community. Our 6th graders put all of these into practice on December 2nd, as they traveled to local nursing homes to sing Hanukkah songs, visit with the residents, and perform deeds...

7th and 3rd Grade Friend to Friend - Hanukkah and Spanish!

Dec 3 2010 - As part of KSDS's "Friend to Friend" activities, during which an older grade and a younger grade pair together for holiday learning and celebrations, 7th and 3rd graders participated in their annual Hanukkah activity. This Friend to Friend program combines...

From The Headmaster

Dec 3 2010 - At the recent PEJE conference in Baltimore, I heard an impressive speaker, Jeffrey Swartz, CEO of Timberland. Click to watch Jeff's beautiful D'var Torah as it promotes Jewish day school education in this inspiring Hanukkah video. And now for something lighter...

3rd Grade "Immigrant's Trunk"

Nov 24 2010 - In preparation for a field trip to the Jewish Museum of Maryland, our third grade Judaic Studies classes were visited by Mrs. Ida Rehr, an early 20th century Jewish immigrant to the U.S., who was portrayed by the actress Katherine Lyons. Mrs. Rehr shared...

Book Fair Success and Thank You!

Nov 24 2010 - Our heartfelt thanks to our amazing Book Fair team, capably led by Rona London, Jan Fabiyi, and Donna Friedman, on another fabulous event. There was lots of excitement about the varied selection of books, both Judaic and general. The Esterson Auditorium...

MS PE Classes - Hoops For Heart

Nov 24 2010 - KSMS will be participating in the Hoops for Heart event. This is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. The money our school raises will help fund potentially lifesaving research on heart and blood vessel diseases including stroke. It also supports...

MS Tefillah and Technology

Nov 24 2010 - Throughout this trimester, some 7th and 8th grade students have participated in a prayer (tefillah) elective called "Tefillah and Technology." Through the use of Twitter and Powerpoint, students have selected various prayers from the siddur and expressed the...

From The Headmaster

Nov 24 2010 - Do you remember Marty Lev, the proprietor of Edmart? This coming January it will be three years since he died. I liked Marty, and for 25 years, whenever I came into the store, I would engage him in conversation. We would always begin the same way. I would...

1st Grade Visit to Sinai Hospital

Nov 19 2010 - The First Graders visited Sinai Hospital on Monday, November 15th. The children toured the kitchen and the Kosher kitchen. "It was so neat to see the gigantic soup pots!" Some of the groups were able to see the chef decorating cupcakes, and others had a...

Shinshinim from Israel Visit 4th Grade

Nov 19 2010 - What is a "shinshin"? "Shin Shin" stands for "Sh'nat Sherut" or "Year of Service." Shinshinim are Israeli high school graduates who defer their military service for one year in order to do volunteer work. Dor Trainic and Ronit Pinsky are two such volunteers...

5th and 6th Grade Veterans' Day Cards

Nov 19 2010 - Last week, to commemorate Veterans' Day, some 5th and 6th grade LA/SS classes discussed the day, watched a video about Veteran Affairs and the efforts they take to help veterans. The students also shared some stories/newspaper articles, and made cards to be...

6th Grade Pirke Avot Community Presentation

Nov 19 2010 - Earlier this month, representatives from the 6th Grade took part in the Global Day of Jewish Learning. This program was a worldwide Jewish celebration of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's finishing writing his decades-long Talmud commentary project. To join in this...

From The Headmaster

Nov 19 2010 - Now, don’t get me wrong on this. I know that every school has great teachers. I’ve heard parents who have children at other day schools, at other independent schools and at area public schools rave about their children’s teachers. And yet, after Tuesday...

From The Headmaster

Nov 12 2010 - Isidor I. Rabi, the Nobel laureate in physics who died in 1988, was once asked, ''Why did you become a scientist, rather than a doctor or lawyer or businessman, like the other immigrant kids in your neighborhood?'' The question was posed to Dr. Rabi by...

LS Commemorates Kristallnacht

Nov 11 2010 - On Tuesday, November 9, the Lower School commemorated Kristallnacht, the Night of the Broken Glass, which took place in Germany and Austria on November 9 and 10, 1938. Morah Madoff told the story, Best Friends, by Elizabeth Reuter, to Kindergarten and first...

LS Student Council Elections

Nov 11 2010 - November 2, 2010 was election day throughout the nation and also at KSDS Lower School. The nominees for LS Student Council from grades 3 & 4 spoke to the entire student body in the main sanctuary. The children spoke with poise that was beyond their years....

MS Herb Garden Harvesting

Nov 11 2010 - Last spring our current 8th graders planted an herb garden near the preschool playground. Annie (the Chizuk Amuno chef!) has been using the fresh herbs in the kitchen all summer, but this week we brought in our first big "harvest" in advance of the coming...

MS Music Ensembles

Nov 11 2010 - If you were to walk by the music room on a Tuesday or Thursday afternoon, you might hear the melodious sounds of the “Crazy Train” guitar theme or possibly some Red Hot Chili Peppers or Green Day. Welcome to the 6th, 7th and 8th grade MS Music Ensemble electives...

MS Geography!

Nov 5 2010 - What do you think of when someone says to you, "Define geography?" The most common responses, of course, relate to where something is. In effect, this is only one of five ways that geographers define geography. In the 6th Grade Social Studies classes we have wrapped up our introduction to the Five Themes of Geography...

7th Grade Jewish History â Examining Letters from the Past

Nov 5 2010 - Students in 7th grade Jewish History have studied the difference between primary and secondary source materials. Inspired by letters written during Medieval times relating to the lives of Jews in the communities of Europe, students created their own letters...

Third Graders Taste the "Biblical Lentil Soup"

Nov 5 2010 - Our third graders recently read the story about how Jacob bought the birthright from Esau for the price of a bowl of lentil soup and bread. This transaction enabled Jacob to...

1st Grade Trip to Flag House

Nov 5 2010 - First graders enjoy learning and being patriotic! First graders were thrilled to see the large glass window display of the Star Spangled Banner flag...

From The Headmaster

Nov 5 2010 - Mr. Nigel Travis, PresidentDunkin Donuts130 Royall StreetCanton, Massachusetts 02021November 4, 2010Dear Mr. Travis, Every school morning for the last 28 years, I have welcomed the children of Baltimore’s Krieger Schechter Day School while holding a cup...

From The Headmaster

Oct 29 2010 - Just a few thoughts to share… Book Fair is Monday, November 8 - Thursday, November 11, from 8 a.m. -5 p.m. The parent volunteers do a tremendous job, and all of the profit goes towards enriching your child’s education. Support our KSDS Book Fair! I bought...

8th Grade Math â Graphing Technology

Oct 28 2010 - 8th grade Algebra 2 students are learning and using new technology skills to implement the new graphing concepts. Using the calculator, we plotted 2 points and found the equation of the line that joins them. We can even find the equation of points that do...

Award-Winning Israeli Woodshop Teacher Visits KSMS

Oct 28 2010 - Our school had the privilege of hosting Mr. Rafi Sulam on Thursday, October 14th as part of a special visit arranged by the World Zionist Organization to honor six teachers voted the best in Israel. A woodshop instructor at the ORT high school in Ashkelon...

Kamishibai: A New Hebrew Enrichment Program for Grade 4

Oct 28 2010 - Our fourth graders recently had the opportunity to learn about the Japanese story-telling format called Kamishibai. Mr. Daveed Korup from Port Discovery visited our school and presented several different stories using Kamishibai. A group of 15 fourth graders...

3rd Grade Lunch Bunch

Oct 28 2010 - Lunch Bunch is one of the exciting opportunities offered to third graders. The students volunteer to be part of a group led by Dr. Suzy Saltzman, Lower School Psychologist. The group consists of approximately ten students, drawn from all three classes, and...

From The Headmaster

Oct 22 2010 - When it comes to education, there are two things that I remember about my mother of blessed memory. First of all, she was the valedictorian of her high school class in Mt. Clemens Michigan in 1932, and she received a scholarship to the University of Chicago...

2nd Grade Parade of States

Oct 21 2010 - The second grade students celebrated their annual "Parade of States" on Friday, October 15th. Each child completed research on a separate state. The students shared their facts (state name, nickname, capital, flower, and bird) while dressed in patriotic hats...

Kindergarten Interactive T'fillah

Oct 21 2010 - What a wonderful way to start our day!At KSDS our kindergartners participate in morning t'fillah (prayer) through song, dance, and hands-on experiences.This week the children learned about t'fillin and how they originated from the words of the Shema.The children...

MS New 6th Graders - It's Never Too Late to Learn Hebrew

Oct 21 2010 - For several years now our middle school has offered a new track in Hebrew Language and Judaic Studies for new, incoming students who have had limited exposure to the language. This program aims to advance students’ knowledge of Judaism and Hebrew, and it...

MS Focus - Choosing Civility

Oct 21 2010 - As caretakers of children, we are constantly trying to keep up on the latest information on teaching methods, trends in education, and advances in technology. Academic journals, instruction manuals and professional conferences give us the newest and most...

From The Headmaster

Oct 15 2010 - Many parents select KSDS to be their partner in educating their child because they love our focus on Jewish values, such as derekh eretz, tzedekah and g’milut hasadim. Others enroll their child at KSDS because they love the community of like-minded parents...

4th Grade at Camden Yards!

Oct 14 2010 - On Tuesday, October 5th, the fourth grade visited Oriole Park at Camden Yards, as part of their studies of Maryland history. During the tour, students learned about the history of the park as well as interesting facts. They were able to go in the dugout and...

Cain & Abel through art - 8th grade Bible class

Oct 14 2010 - In 8th grade Bible, students explore the characters, themes and issues raised by the stories in the Book of Genesis. One powerful story is that of Cain and Abel - a story which exemplifies issues of sibling rivalry, competition for "favorite" status, and the...

5th Grade Language Arts

Oct 14 2010 - In Language Arts, the fifth grade students have been analyzing root words such as trans- and inter-. Be sure to ask your child the meanings of “interactive” and “transfusion.” The students have been introduced to the five elements of plot (exposition, rising...

Kindergarten Yom Aleph-Bet

Oct 14 2010 - Kindergartners and their families celebrate "Yom Aleph Bet" The day of an average kindergartner is filled with building blocks. Some of these building blocks are tangible and some are not. There are wooden blocks, Lincoln logs, and legos with which our children...

From The Headmaster

Oct 8 2010 - On Wednesday morning, October 6, at our 30th Anniversary Pep Rally, I explained to our children the significance of the elements of our 30th Anniversary logo that appears to the right. First, I talked about the Torah. Torah was God’s gift to the Jewish people...

7th Grade Interfaith Program

Oct 7 2010 - In conjunction with the 7th grade Jewish History curriculum, which begins with a unit on the outgrowth of Christianity from Judaism and its position as the preeminent religion of Europe during the Middle Ages, the 7th grade visited the St. James Episcopal...

Fire Prevention Week

Oct 7 2010 - In honor of Fire Prevention Week, the Pikesville Volunteer Fire Company visited KSDS this week to observe and monitor our safety practices. In addition, the Fire Company held a special program for the kindergarten students reviewing safety rules and showing...

KSDS Anniversary Pep Rally!!

Oct 7 2010 - This year is KSDS's 30th Birthday!! To "kick-off" our year of anniversary celebrations, the entire school came together this week for a rocking pep rally! All of the students and teachers wore their brand-new KSDS 30th Anniversary t-shirts, generously donated...

The "Book Doctor" visits Lower School Minyan

Oct 7 2010 - Dr. Arnold Feiner, aka "The Book Doctor," visited our Lower School minyan this week. Chizuk Amuno's very own volunteer "Book Doctor" demonstrated how he repairs damaged Siddurim (prayerbooks) and Humashim (Bibles). To date, over 1,500 books have been repaired...

Lower School Student Corner!

Sep 29 2010 - 3rd grade stuents think that KSDS is great! Here are some of their responses to the prompt: "My favorite..." Emma W:. - My favorite thing is to learn. Julia L.- My favorite part of the day is math. I love my math teacher. Zachary W. - My favorite thing...

LS Celebrates Sukkot!

Sep 29 2010 - As part of our celebration of the holiday of Sukkot, our fourth graders, with lulav and etrog in hand, led the Lower School in the recitation of "Hallel", songs of praise. 2nd graders took a "walking" field trip, and visited the sukkah at the nearby home...

5th and 6th Grade Sukkot Trips

Sep 29 2010 - Students in grades 5, 6 and 7 went on some great field trips this month! 5th grade students just returned from a day at the Genessee Valley Outdoor Learning Center, where they worked in groups to complete team-building challenges. The light rain added to...

Alumni Prize Drawing!

Sep 29 2010 - Alumni and Alumni Parents: All KSDS alumni are eligible for an Apple ipad Drawing! Please send the following information to Mrs. Kiner or Mrs. Abarbanel by September 30th: Alum’s name, KSDS year graduated, email address, current phone no., current address...

From The Headmaster

Sep 22 2010 - I’m always looking for wisdom. In so doing, I’m following the dictates of Ben Zoma who taught, “Aizeh hu hakhom, ha-lomade mikol adam.”“Who is wise? The one who learns from everyone.” I asked the eighth graders in my Talmud class how they would resolve the...

From The Headmaster

Sep 17 2010 - This is how it was in the Schneider household on the Sunday between Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur for all the years that I was growing up in Detroit. You see, it was that Sunday that all of the members of the family, my bubbie, my parents and all of my uncles...

LS "Rocks The Vote!"

Sep 16 2010 - As Marylanders participated in our statewide primary election, so too did KSDS Lower School children. All students learned how to complete a "KSDS voter registration" form. The forms varied from grade-level to grade-level, including information from learning...

Kindergarten "Fish" Stories

Sep 16 2010 - Something "fishy" is going on in our Kindergarten as we prepare for Yom Kippur! Morah Reznik and Morah Ina shared the exciting Bible story of Jonah and the Big Fish. The children particularly enjoyed hearing how Jonah exited the fish's belly. The story...

MS Fall Sports

Sep 16 2010 - The Fall sports season began with a tremendous turnout of students interested in playing soccer and running cross country. There are 96 students playing soccer and 35 students running cross country. The boys and girls have been put through some tough practices...

MS Science is "Hands-On"

Sep 16 2010 - MS Science classes are hands-on! 5th graders are exploring homeostasis and the fight-or-flight response, and students are writing adrenaline-rushed, fight-or-flight stories to understand the process the body goes through. Grade 6 is concentrating on learning...

From The Headmaster

Sep 3 2010 - I was watching Katherine Heigl in 27 Dresses, and I was reflecting on the Yiddish proverb that my bubbie once taught me- "Me-ken nisht tanzen oif tsvey hasanas mit ein moll-You can't dance at two weddings at the same time." At the end of the movie, I allowed...

Eno, Eno, Everywhere!

Aug 31 2010 - LS and MS teachers and students have been thrilled to use the new interactive eno boards that were installed this summer in almost all of our classrooms! We hope your child has excitedly shared information about the ways that our new eno boards are being used...

MS Mezuzah Hanging

Aug 31 2010 - What a wonderful way to begin the new year! On the first day of school, MS students participated in the ritual of hanging a mezuzah, affixing the mezuzot to the doorposts of their classrooms. The 8th grade graduating class of 2010 generously gave a gift to...

Second Grade Field Trip to Shofar Factory

Aug 31 2010 - In preparation for the holiday of Rosh Hashanah, our second graders traveled to a “Shofar Factory” in Columbia, MD. Upon their arrival, the students were seated in an outdoor classroom where Rabbi Baron began a discussion of which animals are considered kosher...

LS Safety Patrol Sworn In

Aug 29 2010 - A highlight of being in 4th grade is that you can serve on the safety patrol to promote a safer environment for Lower School students during arrival, lunch/recess and dismissal times. The first trimester Safety Patrols were sworn in at the first Lower School...