Ramaz Grandparent Circle Newsletter December 2020

Ramaz Grandparent Circle Newsletter | December 2020 Dear Ramaz Grandparent, As Chanukah begins we want to share with you some updates from this year at Ramaz. The beginning of the 2020 school year was like no other, and opening our doors in September was made possible by our faculty, staff, and administration’s tireless efforts.

With health and safety at the forefront of planning, every space was re-evaluated and re-imagined to ensure our students’ and staffs’ safety. We implemented a hybrid education model, allowing for both in-person and virtual learning to happen seamlessly and simultaneously, which was funded by our Ramaz Responds Fund. We launched the Ramaz Responds Fund, a Covid-19 relief campaign to support essential changes made to our school buildings and classrooms. The Ramaz Responds Fund also supports Ramaz faculty with the technology and training needed to provide our students with an excellent virtual education, and meet our school community’s greater need for tuition assistance. For more information, please reach out to Kenny Rochlin at kroch@ramaz.org.

Most important, the entire community has taken this year’s school theme of “Rise Together” as a true call to action, finding the most innovative and creative ways to work together so that we can emerge even stronger.

In this Grandparent newsletter, we are excited to share with you a glimpse of how your grandchildren are learning and thriving. We invite you to join us for special programming and events throughout the school year that highlight the Ramaz difference and allow you to share in the education and experience that your grandchildren are enjoying. Additionally, the Ramaz Virtual Campus continues to provide a Ramaz education to you and the greater community.

Please consider joining the Grandparent Circle for the 5781 school year by visiting www.ramaz.org/grandparents. Your support will enhance your grandchild’s education at Ramaz and allow you to stay in the loop with photos, newsletters, and updates.

If you are interested in sponsoring upcoming programs, or days of learning in honor or memory of a loved one, would like more information about the Ramaz Responds Fund, or are interested in making a year end gift with a Qualified Charitable Distribution, please reach out to Kenny Rochlin at kroch@ramaz.org or Erica Tannenbaum at tannenbaume@ramaz.org.

Warm regards, Jonathan Cannon Head of School cannonj@ramaz.org

Kenny Rochlin '86 Head of Institutional Advancement kroch@ramaz.org

Erica Tannenbaum Director of Development tannenbaume@ramaz.org

The Ramaz School 60 East 78th Street, New York, NY 10075

PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE - DURING COVID Zionism in Jewish History Class Holds Mock World Congress As a culmination to the study of Zionism in Jewish History class, eighth graders held a mock World Zionist Congress.

Working together in small groups, students researched primary-source writings of Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook, Ahad Ha'am, Theodor Herzl, A.D. Gordon, and many more.

Finding Your "Writer's Voice"

Students honed their research and public speaking skills to prepare persuasive arguments in a debate to prove which form of Zionism is most authentic. They respectfully asked fellow "delegates" how they would solve various problems with the future State of Israel.

Learning about Flag Symbols and Imagery

2

After studying symbols and imagery in state and country flags, like the New York State flag, which expresses the values of liberty and justice with a shield, bald eagle, and globe, students took to creating their own class flags.

Writing is a way for young children to tell their stories and express themselves while learning valuable lessons about letter-sound relationships when they put pen to paper.

Using the ideals and values that students learn at Ramaz, fourth graders represented their understanding of inclusivity, determination, and kindness with images of hearts, stairs, stars, and of course, the Ramaz Ram.

In the early elementary years, writing personal narratives helps children discover their voices and gain confidence and competence in reading and writing.

Third graders have begun writing personal narratives, stories told in the first person that reflect their life experiences.

PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE - DURING COVID Nurturing our Students' Social and Emotional Skills

Using their presentation skills and a classroom Smart Board, fourth graders shared guiding principles of creating a positive and respectful classroom kehillah.

Creating a classroom culture built on community is a crucial component of teaching children social and emotional skills. Strong communities have shared goals and experiences, trust in one another, and feel understood and capable as individuals.

These attributes enable teamwork, cooperation, a willingness to negotiate, and the ability to draw on one another's skills. When students experience being part of a group, they learn to navigate their emotions and negotiate complex social conflicts.

Students Reimagine Classroom Spaces and Enjoy Comfortable Reading Spots Giving students more autonomy in their seating arrangements serves as a motivator to learn at their own pace. Studies have found that increased independence can help students become more goal-oriented and efficient as they learn.

Students in Ms. Weisman's secondgrade class harnessed their creativity and adaptability by setting up nontraditional, "comfy" reading spots around the classroom – vital skills in today's ever-changing learning environment.

Eighth Grade Students Learn the Art of the Haiku Students in Ms. Dodd's eighth-grade Writing Workshop have created their own Haiku, a Japanese poetry form that traditionally uses only 17 syllables.

This concise form of writing helps students increase their vocabulary as they search to find just the right word to "fit" in their haiku, learn to become more succinct as writers and help critical thinking skills. Our student poets wrote about the seasons, creating powerful imagery with their words.

Winter Flakes fall of snow Seas of purple hats and coats Fast chattering teeth By: Orly G.

Summer Tropical hot sun Boiling Sweat drips down my back Splish splash I’m swimming By: Abraham M. 3

NYC AS OUR CLASSROOM Scavenger Hunt in Central Park Early in November, freshmen were on the hunt in Central Park. The grade was randomly split into teams and given a list of tasks to complete, places to find and photograph, and were able to get to know each other in an informal and fun setting. Students had so much fun; they asked faculty and programming staff if they could explore the park every week!

Students Experience the Poetry of Trees - B'Ivrit First graders utilize Central Park to build their Hebrew vocabulary using nature as their classroom.

Accompanied by teachers, each student adopted a nearby tree for the afternoon, and identified each component, as best as they could, in Hebrew.

Tree - ‫עץ‬ Root - ‫שורש‬

ECC Neighborhood Walks

What better way for our Pre-K students to cement learning new letters of the alphabet than on a neighborhood walk?

First learning the shape and sound of the letters in class, students then searched for and identified things that start with that same letter when they go outside for their midmorning recess walks.

Walking in pairs, up and down the block, students pointed out dogs, doors, and delivery men when they learned the letter ‘D’, grass, grown-ups, and garbage cans, for the letter ‘G’.

4

Branch - ‫ענף‬ Leaf - ‫עלה‬

NYC AS OUR CLASSROOM Environmental Club Returns Lulavim to Mother Nature The Covid-19 pandemic did not deter the Upper School Environmental Club from carrying on with its most successful project, “Luv Lulav.�

This project was designed to enhance the Mitzvah of Sukkot while engaging the community in environmental awareness.

For the fourth year in a row, Environment Club members placed drop-off boxes in Ramaz school buildings and several shuls that students attend to collect lulavim and etrogim after the holiday and gave them new life by recycling and composting them.

The club grows with each school year and this year had collection boxes in Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun, Congregation Orach Chaim, the Fifth Avenue Synagogue, and Jewish Center of Atlantic Beach.

Connecting to the Natural World Through Prayer While the weather was still warm, Ramaz eighth graders explored the North Woods of Central Park, a 40-acre refuge offering a taste of the Adirondack Mountains.

Students hiked along the area's winding paths, had the opportunity to joke and play around, enjoyed a healthy snack, and concluded the day with davening Mincha in the park, a powerful way to help students connect to the natural world through Tefillah and God's presence.

5

DEMOCRATIC VALUES RamPo Discusses the Loss of RBG and the History of the Supreme Court Upper School students began September's RamPo session by discussing the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg z”l and what the Democratic response to GOP actions should be. This, in turn, led to a positive review of the history of the Supreme Court and judicial review, the question of whether or not the court is anti-democratic, and how and if the federal judiciary could be made more democratic.

Students hear from Former RBG Law Clerk, Mr. David Schizer Our eighth graders heard from Mr. David Schizer, Dean Emeritus of Columbia University Law School and current Ramaz parent, on his experience as a law clerk for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, z"l, during her early years on the bench.

Students wanted to know whether he thought Judaism was an important influence on Justice Ginsburg's life; what it was like to work for her; and for insight into her days as a women's rights advocate.

Students were very impressed with Mr. Schizer, who at age 35 in 2004, served as dean through 2014, making him the youngest dean in the Law School's history.

Student Government Elections In early November, with the Election on the horizon, Middle School Students experienced the democratic process first hand. Students prepared for their class representative elections by campaigning with creative commercials and posters and addressed the student body with speeches about why they should be elected.

In an assembly held on Election Day, the entire Middle School came together virtually and heard from guest speaker Mr. Mark Botnick, a political consultant. He worked on Michael Bloomberg's presidential bid and shared his perspective on presidential elections and the importance of voting.

Afterward, two students debated the pros and cons of federally mandated voting and asked the following questions: Should voting in the U.S. be mandatory?

73.8% said no, and 26.2% said yes.

Upper School Election Assembly Before Election Day 2020, the Upper School hosted a virtual assembly that featured four exceptional Ramaz alumni, Ariel David Adesnik '95, Daniel Marans '05, Philippe Reines '87, and Tevi Troy '85. Students asked questions that led to a well-balanced conversation about the current political climate, the history of presidential elections, and our alumni’s thoughts on this year’s contentious election. The discussion was led by Dr. Jon Jucovy, US Humanities Department Chair, who, over his time at Ramaz, has directly inspired each of these graduates to pursue a career in politics and public service.

To watch this discussion, CLICK HERE.

6

Should the electoral college be abolished?

54.9% said no, and 45.1% said yes.

DEMOCRATIC VALUES Interesting President of the Roof Voting Results Lower School students participated in the election of President of the Roof, where students had the opportunity to vote on how to remodel the Lower School building roof. Their options were to vote for Echo the Owl and build an organic garden, vote for Ramsy the Ram, turn the roof into a sports complex, or vote for Bentzi the Turtle and create a space to celebrate holidays and parties.

Third grade students learned the differences between a unanimous and split decision outcome. In one class, students cast their votes unanimously in support of Ramsy the Ram, explaining that he represented a vital need to use the space as a place to have fun and expend their energy. In another class, half the students voted for Ramsy while the other half voted in support of Echo the Owl because he represented their wish to use the roof for environmental purposes.

Ultimately, Echo the Owl won in a landslide. Plans for a rooftop garden are being drawn up now.

Persian Culture Club Hosts Q&A with Tali Farhadian Weinstein, Manhattan DA Candidate The Upper School Persian Culture Club hosted guest speaker, Ms. Tali Farhadian Weinstein, running for Manhattan District Attorney in the 2021 election. Weinstein is a prosecutor, a professor, and a proven criminal justice reformer.

She also served as a clerk at the U.S. Supreme Court for Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and worked at the U.S. Department of Justice, first as Counsel to Attorney General Eric Holder, and then as a federal prosecutor.

Ms. Farhadian Weinstein shared her story of immigrating to the United States from Iran during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. She stressed that "being a Persian Jew is an integral part of [her] identity." After speaking about her upbringing and accomplishments, the club engaged in a Q & A, which students found to be informative.

ECC Students Learn about Voting!

In the ECC, students read books about the election and participated in the process by voting themselves. To help our students understand this process, they voted for what is relevant to their lives.

In Nursery and Pre-K, students voted on which book to read, what to name a collective project, and what snack to have for a Shabbat party. Kindergarten students participated in the schoolwide election for the President of the Roof, a compelling way to make this process relevant for our youngest students.

7

UPHOLDING THE RESPONSIBILITY OF JEWISH MEMORY Kristallnacht Middle School Students Learn Lesson of Education and Tolerance Ramaz Middle School students received a modern lesson in countering anti-Semitism as they marked Kristallnacht’s anniversary, during which a wave of violent anti-Jewish pogroms took place throughout Germany and parts of Austria on November 9 and 10, 1938.

Students heard from Mr. Barry Levine, grandson of Edward Mosber, who earlier this summer changed the heart of Philadelphia Eagles Wide Receiver DeSean Jackson who had written a series of antiSemitic posts on Instagram. After inviting Jackson to tour former Nazi death camps sites with him, Mr. Mosberg had a conversation with the professional football player over Zoom. He was able to educate Jackson about the Holocaust, anti-Semitism, and Judaism.

Upper School Students Memorialize Gedolei Hador and Mark Kristallnacht The Upper School gathered for a schoolwide virtual assembly where they learned about and memorialized Rabbi Dovid Feinstein z"l and Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks z"l who passed away, while mourning Kristallnacht. Students gained an appreciation for the historical significance of the day and heard testimonial accounts.

Three students, who had been part of the Witness Theater experience, were interviewed about their thoughts related to the project and what days like Kristallnacht mean to them.

8

Barry Levine, grandson of Edward Mosber who was notable for inviting Philadephia Eagle DeSean Jackson to tour former Nazi death camps

VETERAN'S DAY Service to Country Brought to Life During Veterans Day Tribute In honor and commemoration of this year's Veterans Day, Ramaz hosted programs to show the importance of honoring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

In the Lower School, Ramaz Grandparents who served were honored during the Shabbat Oneg before Veterans Day. Faculty explained the term ‘veteran’ to these young students as those who protected the United States from harm.

Students were inspired to talk to their parents and grandparents if they had any questions.

Middle School students held a special virtual assembly where families were asked to submit photos and stories about loved ones who had served in the United States Armed Forces. During the presentation, a few students had the opportunity to interview these family members in a way that differed from their regular family conversations. One interviewee, Ramaz grandfather, Captain Stanley Title, MD, who served during the Vietnam War, chatted with his grandchildren about his time in the service. This interview helped all the students connect with real-world events and better understand the concepts of service for a greater purpose.

Click HERE to view our students interview their veteran grandparents during the assembly.

A special thank you to all families and grandparents who shared their stories with us. If you have a story about your military service that you would like to share, please send an email to development@ramaz.org with your story and a photo of you in uniform.

We look forward to honoring those who served in the IDF later this school year.

9

UPCOMING RAMAZ PROGRAMS For over 80 years, the Ramaz community has had a strong and loving relationship with food. The make-up of Ramaz is more diverse than ever before, with students commuting to school from every borough, New Jersey and Connecticut, and alumni living all over the world.

In an effort to reflect that diversity, we need YOUR recipes and the stories that make them special to you families. Help us put together the Ramaz Family Cookbook by sending in recipes for Shabbat chicken, Shavuot cheesecake, latkes and everything in between.

Click HERE to submit your family recipe and story!

Grades 2, 3 and 4 invite Grandparents to Chanukah Hallel Grandparents of grades 2, 3, and 4 and invited to join their grandchildren on a special Zoom for Chanukah Hallel and followed by a brief program with Ms. Ruth Gafni, Head of the Lower School, and Ms. Lillian Amar, Lower School Psychologist on How to Engage Your Grandchildren Virtually?

Grade 4 Friday, December 11th 8:45am

Grade 3 Monday, December 14th 8:45am

Grade 2 Tuesday, December 15th 8:45am

Zoom link (same for all three dates): https://zoom.us/j/93596086264?pwd=VTM0RjZpLzBXRWoyMEdFRkRwNG5kdz09 Meeting ID: 935 9608 6264

Passcode: 12585

Ramaz Upper School Grandparents Chanukah Learning Program

Grandparents of Upper School students are invited to participate in a special Chanukah class with their grandchildren.

Check your email for specific class date, timing, and Zoom details.

Ramaz Alumni & Community Chanukah Candle Lighting

Join the Ramaz Community for candle lighting on the seventh night of Chanukah with Rabbi Elie Weinstock, followed by a talk with Rabbi Haskel Lookstein ‘49, "Celebrating During a Pandemic - A Fundamental Message of Chanukah" Wednesday, December 16, 8 PM Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/91222350254?pwd=d0FOZktIK3prbjhqVnA4cGtrY3NFUT09 Meeting ID: 912 2235 0254 Passcode: Lights Call-In Number: 646-558-8656