Sunday, August 25, 2013
I am looking forward to visiting with all of you tomorrow evening at Open House. I am also looking forward to the 6th, 7th, and 8th traveling to the CANDLES Museum in Indiana to meet Mrs. Eva Mozes Kor on October 2, 2013.
Our 6th Grade Religion is reading "Daniel's Story," which is a historical fiction book that was written in conjunction with the Washington D.C. Holocaust Museum. It is an appropriate level book that has been approved and recommended for students in 4th-8th grades. They are beginning to learn while reading the book about the destruction of the Temple in 70 AD and the Diaspora. My 6th Grade Reading class is reading a lovely book about the Danish people during WWII titled "Number the Stars." It will help the students understand how many people risked their lives to be Upstanders to help others in need.
Our Social Justice section of Religion in 7th grade has been viewing the DVD, "The Devil's Arithmetic." It is told from the point of view of a modern day teenager that gets transported back in time to Poland during the atrocities that occurred in the Holocaust. A written test is being conducted during the viewing of the DVD to assist with the student staying focused. I am continuously stopping the video to explain concepts that are occurring during the show regarding the Hebrew Scriptures/Old Testament. For example, why certain customs are preformed during a wedding in regards to unveiling the bride which corresponds to Jacob, Rachel, Leah, and Laban in Genesis.
Our 8th Grade is viewing the "Complete Story of Anne Frank." They, too, have a test that accompanies the DVD. It begins prior to WWII to demonstrate that people of a different religion and culture still are very similar to us. The movie progresses to them living in the Secret Annex, and then will conclude with the release of her diary after she dies in Bergen Belsen.
Please note that if you ever need to contact me, you may call the school or email me. I have always given out my cell number in the past, but it has been decided this year that it is preferred by our school for you to contact me or any teacher there. I will always try my best to get back with you as quickly as I can.
Sincerely,
Dede Smillie