| Welcome to the 8th Grade Page! |
| Mitzvah Corps |
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Dear incoming 8th grade parent, We’d like to let you know about our special 8th grade program: Mitzvah Corps! The eighth grade is a year filled with many transitions and changes in the lives of our children. We believe that the Mitzvah Corps program can be a central component of the overall growth and development of the 8th graders during this active year. At the heart of the Mitzvah Corps lies the idea that it is not enough merely to teach values of responsibility, participation, and integrity – we believe that children must discover them for themselves. Our main goal in this program is to provide the context in which the students can begin to experience the meanings of essential Jewish values and to explore how these values fit into their own lives. We understand that as children come to the end of middle school, their lives become increasingly hectic and complex. Therefore, we have determined a schedule that we believe will be most conducive both to the needs of our students and to reaching the long-term goals of the program. In 2009-2010 we are fortunate to have Judy Weiss join the Mitzvah Corps staff. Rabbi Geffen will continue to be involved with Mitzvah Corps and will teach some sessions. We are also able to offer a special program in Mitzvah Corps through the Jewish Council on Urban Affairs. Mitzvah Corps dates in 2009-2010 are: September 13 (Maot Chitim Project) October 25 November 15 November 22 (Partners in Mitzvah Hunger Project) December 13 January 24 (Field trip) February 21 (Field trip) February 28 (Purim Carnival) March 21 (Feed the Hungry Field trip) April 25 Eighth Grade is also the first year that students are eligible to be Junior Machoniks on Sunday mornings. Students who choose to be Junior Machoniks will be paired with Machoniks (older teens) who have been working in the Religious School, and have shown commitment and initiative. Their teen mentor will work with them in the Religious School classrooms, assisting teachers in Kindergarten – fourth grade. Junior Machoniks must commit to regular attendance at one shift of Religious School (either 8:45 – 10:45 or 11:00 – 1:00) for February – May, when school is in session. Participation in this option is limited to 24 students, and will be dependant on the approval of the Educational Director. Time Commitment Because we will be meeting less frequently, your child’s attendance at every session is vital – in essence, each session is equivalent to five regular weekly sessions. We are asking that you make your child’s attendance at each of the sessions a highest priority. The format should allow your child to more easily balance the activities competing for his/her time. We hope that, with your help, we can demonstrate to your child the importance of continued participation at NSCI religious school even after the B’nai Mitzvah year is over. NSCI Goodman Center for Jewish Education is committed to providing our children with the tools for life long Jewish learning. The Mitzvah Corps program is an essential step on the way towards Confirmation in Grade 10, and Graduation in Grade 12. It also will help our students develop a sense of community with other NSCI teens that will prepare them for participation in a wide variety of youth group programming during the high school years. The Mitzvah Corps program is designed to keep our students interested, involved and enthusiastic about Jewish learning. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to call Rabbis Geffen or Spicehandler at 847-835-7258. With your commitment and support, we will succeed in making next year’s 8th grade program both stimulating and meaningful. Until then, enjoy your summer and we look forward to seeing you again in the fall. Sincerely, Rabbi Judy Spicehandler Rabbi Wendi Geffen |