Pi Day, celebrated on March 14 (3/14) each year, was a delicious experience in the BPY middle school. In each math class, students learned about the magical ratio of any circle’s circumference (outer perimeter) to its diameter (the length from one end to the other through the center). This ratio is always equal to Pi, about 3.14! The students began to measure circles of different sizes using string and rulers. (How else can you measure a circle?) Following this practice, students then discovered the same ratio of Pi using small cookies as well as large cookie pies …

Last week, Yavneh Academy’s Debate Team competed against other teams from BPY and Moriah. The resolution presented was, “The U.S. should ban all forms of smoking and vaping.” Students worked tirelessly, even practicing during Color War. Yavneh Academy took home first place school! Special mentions to Amelia Smilow and Logan Blenden for winning third place team; Celia Mermel and Abby Kaplan for winning second place team; Amelia Smilow for winning third place debater; and Celia Mermel for winning second place debater.

This past Sunday, Ben Porat Yosef and Envision Theater let the audience be be “a part of their world” as they presented “The Little Mermaid Junior.” Mazal tov on a spectacular performance!

JEC had an incredible day of learning during this year’s March PD day. Teachers traveled all over to observe various classrooms in other schools for inspiration and collaboration. They explored topics, such as rotational model, kriah, Chumash, emergent curriculum, Ivrit, literacy, math and so much more. They had the opportunity to share ideas with educators in other schools and learned so much. Thank you to Dr. Barbara Listhaus for an informative session on the benefits of flexibility and adaptability in the classroom. Thank you to RYNJ, Moriah, Netivot, BPY, Congregation Agudath Israel and Golda Och Academy for graciously hosting.

The BPY classroom has been filled with Purim excitement! On Friday, the king’s messenger (Morah Rona) came into the classroom and gave each child a letter inviting them to king Achashverosh’s party. When the children walked into the classroom on Monday, it was no longer a kindergarten classroom. It felt as if it was a beautiful palace with tables filled with delicious delicacies to eat. The room was filled with princesses and princes eating and drinking to their hearts’ content.

The third graders at BPY recently finished a social studies unit on the United States. Each student was assigned a state and after exploring and fact finding, each student made a presentation with data and information he or she researched. Everyone enjoyed coming to school on the day of his or her presentations dressed in something that represented his or her state. The students had the opportunity to present their research to faculty and classmates. Many students are looking forward to visiting their state in the future!

… students with engaging programs to keep them occupied throughout the day, such as Human Apples to Apples, a game of Pim Pam Pom, and a meaningful discussion with the wonderful Judaic studies faculty.

The shabbaton reminded the eighth graders to cherish the short amount of time they have left at BPY with their close-knit grade. Many even said they felt closer to their classmates after Shabbat, adding that it was an important and enjoyable bonding experience. There truly is no family like BPY! The fun didn’t end at Havdala for eighth graders! The entire BPY middle school met …

Following BPY tradition, fourth grade students celebrated their Mesibat Navi on Monday evening. The students reenacted Yeshua Ben Nun’s continuation of the leadership role undertaken from Moshe Rabbeinu, which was certainly a most important task—to lead Am Yisrael into Eretz Yisrael. Before Bnei Yisrael could enter Eretz Yisrael, they needed to prepare for a new reality—from wandering in the desert to building a permanent establishment in Eretz Yisrael. In the mesiba, the students deliberated over who is a worthwhile leader of Am Yisrael, and of course ultimately the answer was Yehoshua Ben Nun. Yehoshua was afraid that …

Last week BPY held Discovery Learning Day, which is an in-depth experience whereby students combine their knowledge of science with their creative abilities. Everyone was blown away by the incredible creativity and collaboration on display as elementary school students designed playgrounds and middle school students designed mini-golf greens. From imaginative concepts to intricate designs, they wowed every step of the way! It’s moments like these that serve as reminders of the limitless potential within each and every student. BPY is proud to foster innovation, teamwork and boundless creativity!

… Tehillim in tefillah, our students learned about the organization of Sharsheret and the amazing work they do in the Jewish community from one of Sharsheret’s social workers, Renee Zimbalist. During snack break, lunch and recess, the sixth grade students sold all sorts of pink treats that they prepared in advance. There were bracelets, doughnuts, cookies, lemonade and even pink ice cream to name a few! They devoted their time, energy and resources to take an active role in this special day of chesed. As a school, BPY raised over $1,000 to be donated to Sharsheret. Kol hakavod BPY!

In preparation for Presidents’ Day, BPY students came to school dressed in red, white and blue to celebrate their patriotism. They were excited to be greeted by President Biden as they entered the building. The students enjoyed looking at the presidential gallery of portraits and finding the state flags of where our presidents were born. Through read alouds, videos and classroom activities, students learned about the significance of the day and the great history of these first leaders. It was so exciting for elementary school historians to participate in an interactive assembly playing Guess Who, answering trivia questions to guess …