With Purim just around the corner, students and faculty at SAR Academy enjoyed two weeks of school-wide celebrations in honor of Adar. As a nod to SAR’s iconic steps, the theme for the weeklong celebration was dubbed “Stepping into Adar.”
The fun began last Tuesday, the students’ first day back from mid-winter break, when they stepped into Adar via Zoom with Wacky Hat Day—a perfect way to celebrate on a remote learning day! On Wednesday, the ever-popular Rita’s Water Ice came to SAR and students and faculty enjoyed their choice of mango, cherry, strawberry or blue raspberry ices. Thursday brought Jersey Day, with students proudly sporting their favorite team gear, on a Zoom snow day, including many SAR Sting jerseys!
This week, an SAR favorite, Topsy Turvy Day, gave students a wonderful opportunity to remember the surprising turn of events on Purim, dress up in wacky clothes (and pajamas) and enjoy carnival activities, safely via Zoom, that were planned and executed by SAR eighth graders. From Kahoot! games to Name that Tune to Pictionary, there was lots of fun for everyone.
The fun continued as students experienced Color War, SAR Swag Day, Wacky Socks Day, Tie Dye Day and, on Taanit Esther, Power of Words Day, an event that has been a unique part of the SAR experience for 10 years. The entire school day is dedicated to reflecting upon and teaching the importance of shmirat halashon, using our spoken and written words nicely, avoiding lashon hara and understanding that words can hurt and words can heal.
The week of celebrations will culminate with Purim! SAR has a longstanding tradition of holding school on Purim, in order for students to experience all that they learn and observe the mitzvot of the holiday. The day will bring students together in costume to hear middle school students, both boys and girls, read Megillat Esther. Puppet shows, singing, mishloach manot, seudot and, of course, lots of hamantaschen will all be part of the celebration.
What a treat it is to enjoy the many celebrations the month of Adar brings as a community!
