We are finally here! After a crazy long airplane ride, we landed safely and very happily. Then on to the desert we were. As soon as we arrived at the Beduin camp site, we rode camels which was quite an adventure. Some children rode camels through the desert, while the rest rode donkeys. It was so much fun and so unique to see the sun setting behind the mountains in the desert. After the camels, our 8th grade class learned a bit about the culture of the Beduin while they welcomed us with coffee, tea, and bread all made before our eyes. Following our little culture lesson, we got cleaned up and that night was incredible. Words cannot describe the power of a silent desert at night under a blanket of endless stars with people that you can call your family. Praying in a circle and actually understanding the words we were saying in the Shema, the meaning attached to Rabbi Yaron's words as he explained to us about how Abraham had blind faith in G-d and how our ancestors wandered in a desert similar to the one we were in. That night, everyone felt some sort of connection to G-d or to their Jewish heritage and it was absolutely beautiful. Now today... we woke up at four in the morning to tea and cookies and a happy birthday wish to Yaron. We hiked up the Roman's path to Masada and prayed in the temple on top of Masada. Then we sat on top of the bathhouse together and meditated in absolute silence as we watched the sun slowly climb over the mountains. We sang Hatikvah and learned about Masada's history while we walked around and explored. Then the time for the long journey down the snake path had arrived. No one was hurt, but it was very hot. We ate breakfast, swam/floated in the dead sea, and then went on a small hike to Nachal David. There awaited beautiful waterfalls and perfect picture locations. Lunch then a quick visit to the Ahava factory was followed by our trip to Jerusalem. It was peaceful, gorgeous, and so special for both those who had been in Jerusalem before and those who were "first timers". Our hotel is very nice; it is simple with an incredible view of a the walls of the old city and gorgeous buildings. At the moment, we (the students), are all showering, relaxing, and getting ready for shabbat at the Kotel (Western Wall). This experience is beyond words and students are already opening up and connecting. It truly is beautiful to see. Yaron will be posting videos of our many adventures very soon.

The forms needed to enter are on the Doodle 4 Google site on the "Info for Schools" tab. 
http://www.google.com/doodle4google/info.html

Look at the blue box that says Necessary Forms and print and fill out the Entry Form and the Parent Consent form. Any information about Meyer Academy we will fill in for you.  Also the Doodle Templates are where you can find many versions of the Google Logo for your child to doodle on. Good luck and remember that the deadline is March 19th.

*January-February in Art*

Happy New Year!!

Grade 1 : Students enjoyed working on “space drawings” using construction paper crayons on black paper.  Students then had a fun time experimenting with stencils and different materials to create unique projects.  Next they will learn about the famous artist Henri Matisse (ahn-REE mah-TEESS ) and create drawings and cut-paper collages based on his colorful work.  Take a look at this website for some "Fauvist" fun.  "Fauve" is french for "wild beast."   http://www.artbma.org/flash/F_conekids.swf

Grade 2:   Students worked together to create an AMAZING expressive backdrop for their upcoming torah ceremony.  Next they will complete individual drawings of Mt. Sinai after discussing how artists can depict the natural world in different ways, from realistic to imaginative.

Grade 3:  Students are having a blast making unique sculptures out of self-hardening clay.  The clay sculptures will be painted and taken home soon.  If they don’t make it home in one piece - due to the fragile nature of this material - regular craft (Elmer’s) glue should work.  Next they will learn about the art of Georgia O’Keeffe and how she created her extraordinary large scale drawings and paintings of flowers.    

Grade 4:  Students are learning about the American Realist artists Grant Wood, Edward Hopper and Thomas Hart Benton.  Each student will choose one of these artists to create an artist-inspired artwork based on the style and/or theme used by the chosen artist.  They will also learn about methods and techniques of oil pastels.  Next they will learn about the art and life of the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci.

Grade 5:  Students learned about how Vincent van Gogh used color to express his emotion and are creating wonderful  and expressive pastel drawings based on his famous painting Starry Night.  Next, they will learn about the art and culture of Japan and create a number of projects from our studies, including “gyodan” Japanese faux food.

6^th Grade Art Elective:  My wonderful elective class is coming to an end.  They had an amazing art experience creating Abstract Expressionist drip paintings after learning about the life and work of Jackson Pollock.  The new elective starts soon and we will begin with reviewing the basic elements and principles of art.

Grade 7:  Students created wonderful “flip books” showing a simple action or story.  They will soon be working on collaborative door murals for national “No Name Calling Week.” 

Grade 8:  Congratulations on your amazing Maccabiah banners!!!! Students enjoyed the “paper tower contest” to build the tallest structure using only plain paper and tape.  They will soon be working on collaborative door murals for national “No Name Calling Week.”