Spotlight

How much do you really know about how a library runs? Our 5th Grade ELA Enrichment group got a behind-the-scenes tour of the Toco Hills Library. The students met with Mrs. Brook, the youth services librarian. She gave the students a tour of the library and explained how the library is organized. Following the tour, the students completed a scavenger hunt, found books to take out and flexed their engineering skills by building with the library's Lego kits.

In STEAM this week, the Kindergarten Boys did some deep thinking about Groundhog Day. They were wondering if an animal like a groundhog can really predict the weather. They discussed the myth of Groundhog Day and where the light needs to be in order for Punxsutawney Phil to see his own shadow. They then modeled this by creating their own groundhog models and testing the direction their models would have to stand to see their shadow.

TDSA's Kindergarten, First and Second Grade enjoyed a fabulous trip the Atlanta Center for Puppetry Arts. The students were able to watch a hilarious performance of Pete the Cat, saw how the Puppet Masters handle their puppets, and even made and performed for their friends with their own paper puppets. The trip certainly sparked the students' imagination and creativity!

The Young Women in STEM Fair is designed to expose
girls in the 7th-12th grades to a variety of educational
and career options in STEM, and connect teens with
women in STEM fields. This initiative is open to the
greater Atlanta community, including other local Jewish
schools, other private, independent schools, and public
schools.

Join the PTA this Sunday Night at 8:30 and learn the basics of Sourdough from three Sourdough experts! Enjoy socializing and learning with other members of the TDSA parent community! Looking forward to seeing you there!

Mrs. Storch's 6th grade students reached another milestone in combatting their "ANTs"-Automatic Negative Thoughts. The program, developed by Neuropsychologist Dr. Daniel Amen, helps the students to identify negative thoughts about themselves. The 6th graders have learned techniques to stop negative self-thoughts and have been tracking their progress. To celebrate their accomplishment they had a chulent and kugel party! Congratulations girls and keep up the great work!

Pam Glinsky, a long-time member of the Atlanta community, former TDSA parent, and an accomplished nutritionist shared concrete and positive techniques for introducing more healthy food into kids' diets. At our most recent parent event on Monday, she discussed the importance of reducing power struggles around food, how to make small gradual changes to increase health over time, and reassured the parents who attended that they could succeed in transforming the food culture in their home. The parents left the talk energized and educated! They truly appreciated Mrs. Glinsky sharing her knowledge and expertise!

In honor of reaching the letter "ס" (samach), Kitah K celebrated "Sabba and Savta Day." The Kindergarteners welcomed their Sabbas and Savtas (and aunts and uncles and parents) to visit them at TDSA! After doing some fun activities together, like making fruit-loop necklaces, scratch art, making special cards, and coloring in wooden flowers, the students welcomed their guests into their classroom where they shared what they've been learning with their Sabbas and Savtas. They also sang a beautiful song for their grandparents and rounded out Sabba and Savta Day with a short talent show. The Kindergarteners Sabbas and Savtas felt so welcomed and appreciated by their beautiful grandchildren. It certainly is one of the highlights of the week!

Despite the chill outside, Monday was the birthday of the trees. TDSA marked the occasion with some very "fruitful" celebrations. The second grade girls made their own fruit salads, Kindergarteners made Tu Bishvat snacks out fresh fruit and pretzels, while the seventh grade girls got creative and made trees out of chocolate and fresh fruit! Even better, the weather warmed up in the afternoon so the students could go out and enjoy the trees on their very special "birthday!"