Dear Parents,
Wow!! We cannot believe the year is already coming to an end! We are thrilled that your children have been able to join us on the journey of Atideinu’s first complete year. As we reflect on the year month by month, we are Baruch Hashem able to say that the journey has truly been a stupendous one. As we look back at our children from September until now, we can really see how each child has grown exponentially. We are already planning for next year’s program and look forward to its return as we delve into year two, IYH.
Nissan
Our last few months have been packed with projects and games to illustrate the themes of each month. Although Nissan was a short one, we explored the value of becoming a nation, as well as the importance of effective communication and healthy relationships. In addition to our awesome Afikomin bags, we played “feelings bingo.” Each boy had a board with many different “feeling words” (disappointed, scared, sad, happy, etc), and the leaders read short scenarios that depicted different feelings. The kids had a great time brainstorming which feeling best fit each story!
We also had a hilarious game in which the team leaders put on skits to illustrate how appropriate boundaries and inappropriate boundaries manifest themselves in different situations. The boys had to hold up a check or an x to represent their thoughts of whether they thought each scenario was a healthy interaction, or a boundary issue.
Iyar
Next came Iyar where we broke out our themes of self-development and growing, becoming closer to Hashem, and developing self-advocacy skills to withstand societal pressure. The kids explored the concept of “positive peer pressure” vs “negative peer pressure,” as well as the importance of developing a solid self-identity. The boys made “all about me” puzzles, where they identified many strengths and factors about themselves that make them unique.
We also had many activities to emphasize our theme of growth and self-development. One of these activities was a fabulous game of human candy land where the boys were the pieces and the board was made up of 8×10 squares in a maze throughout the room, with prompts such as “You displayed Derech Eretz! Go again!” The children had a great time as they collected middos money, prizes, and nosh throughout the game.
Sivan
We are ending the year with our theme for Sivan, which explores the privilege and responsibility that we each have as a Jew, as well as the value and importance of self-respect. We have been discussing the importance of hygiene (especially with summer right around the corner), and being aware of one’s overall presentation. We played a game already that assisted each boy with delving into what self-respect means to him and we have a few more activities in store over our last 3 sessions!
Enclosed, please find the last progress assessment of the year. It is ESSENTIAL that I receive it back no later than one week from now, Tuesday, June 21st. I will be unable to enroll your child for next year’s program until I have it back, as it is one of our essential feedback tools for his progress over the year.
Finally, please expect a call/email from me over the next week or two to confirm your child’s enrollment for next year’s program. Our slots are filling up quickly and we will likely have a waiting list shortly. We hope to see all of our Atideinu children back next year!
Thank you once again for a fabulous year at Atideinu. I cannot overstate how much we value, love, and truly cherish each of your children. It has been an honor and a privilege watching them blossom into the wonderful young boys that they have become. I look forward to continuing with them next year, IYH.
With best wishes for a wonderful summer,
Sincerely,
Chana Perel Handler
Director, Atideinu