For their fifth grade trip, our graduates are treated to an experience that integrates general and Judaic curriculum in a dynamic way. They attend the TEVA Jewish environmental education program for four days in May. Other campers, from Jewish day schools in the mid-Atlantic region, are in residence with our students, so there is a terrific opportunity to learn and play with age-mates. Staying overnight in cabins at the Pearlstone Retreat Center north of Baltimore, the students investigate a woodland ecosystem, evaluate pond and creek water quality, identify food chains in nature, and map water-, air-, and nutrient-cycles. All scientific concepts are learned through hands-on experiences and are framed in a context of Jewish responsibility and mitzvot. It's a great learning experience and it's tons of fun!

Check out these pics!

Ari, Josh on bus

Ari, journal

catch by cabins

class on cabin steps

Corinna rocking

Girls on bus

Josh, Teddy caterpillars

Maya, Sela sunset

Sela sunset journal

Recycling, planting, and learning about ways to care for the environment have paid off! Thanks to the efforts of students and faculty, the Alpert Family Aleph Bet Jewish Day School has been approved by a review committee of environmental education leaders to certify as a Maryland Green School. We will be recognized with other designated Green Schools during the Maryland Green Schools Youth Summit on June 1st at Sandy Point State Park. Special thanks to teacher Kathy Poerstel and parent Paula Carrigan for assembling documentation of our efforts for the application.

Congratulations and Mazal Tov to our first graders, who will receive their personal siddurim on May 17. Their parents are decorating the siddur covers - they'll be seen for the first time at the ceremony - and the students are preparing for their big night. For the remainder of the year, the first graders will join the upper school each morning for daily t'filah.