Upper School
May 2010
It never fails to surprise us when the Upper School year ends!
I think this is simply because we enjoy our time with students and teachers every week at Emanu El–even though we’re all a little too tired and too busy for one more thing.
May is short for Upper School, but especially full of wonderful events!
Our 20 amazing 12th graders led Shabbat service on May 1, and then celebrated their graduation with lunch and presentations. Our graduates always leave us feeling proud and happy for all they’ve learned and all they plan to do as Jews in their many different communities. We wish them mazel tov and b’hatzlacha as they become more independent–and look forward to them visiting us whenever they can!
The Confirmation dinner on May 8 was a very special time for 10th graders and their parents. Students welcomed everyone and explained about their class gift and tzedakah allocations. Teachers and rabbis gave awards to students for leadership in the classroom and in the youth group. Their Confirmation service, on Shavuot, May 18, was as beautiful as always. We hope they carry the memories and commitments of Confirmation with them throughout their lives.
May 12, the closing session of Upper School, concluded with a service written and led by the 12th graders and a rousing assembly honoring many people! We recognized TA’s, graduating seniors, Confirmands, 35 students who missed no more than 3 times all year, teachers and everyone else who makes Upper School so worthwhile at Emanu El!
SAVE the DATE:
Tuesday, June 1: final make-up session of the year from 6 – 7:15 pm in the MPR.
Please contact me if you’re not sure if you need to be there, or if you know you do, but can’t make it! I’ll be glad to arrange another date to meet!
THANKS to students, parents and teachers for all you add to Upper School!
Lisa Stone, Upper School Principal
(lisas@emanuelhouston.org)
For 7th grade
The 7th grade took our annual Houston Jewish history bus tour on Sunday, April 18.
We got to see earlier locations for the JCC and several synagogues, as well as the neighborhood originally known as the Jewish River Oaks (back when Jews couldn’t buy homes in River Oaks).
We had a tour of the Heinen Theater, which used to be Beth Israel, and walked around the really old Beth Israel cemetery on the edge of downtown. We ended at the Emanu El cemetery with Rabbi Walter conducting a burial service for sacred books and other objects. It’s an unusual, fun and very interesting trip!
As always, please contact Lisa Stone, Upper School Principal, with any questions. lisas@emanuelhouston.org
or 713-535-6400 x. 236
