What Chanukkah Means To Me…

Hello parents!

Third graders are entering their writing into a very special contest. Students are writing an essay titled ‘What Chanukkah Means To Me…’ for the National Menorah Essay Contest. One winner from grades 3/4 will be chosen and will be flown to Washington, DC for the National Menorah Lighting ceremony on the White House Ellipse on December 25th, along with one adult or relative! Travel and accommodations will be paid for each winner and the accompanying adult. The winners will have the honor of reading their essays at the lighting ceremony at the National Menorah in front of thousands of people who attend and millions who see the event via the media. Last year it aired on national TV and was seen by over 50 million people! For more information, you can visit nationalmenorah.org

Today in class, third graders brainstormed and shared ideas about what Chanukkah means to them. Next, they wrote a ‘sloppy copy’ of their paper in their reader’s response notebooks. I ask that you please read their writing tonight and give any advice or tips that you think could help improve the essay. I, or course, will be checking spelling, grammar and such tomorrow in class with them, BUT I’d really like all thoughts and ideas to come from them without my suggestions.

Additionally, kids received their pen pals letters today! They were so cute and excited to read the letters and see their new friends’ pictures! Ask you child about their new pen pals tonight.

I hope you are all well and gearing up for Channukah! The energy is in the air here at CJDS!