Junior Kindergarten students are developing essential skills like sharing and taking turns, which are foundational for their experiences both in and out of the classroom. Students have been working on these skills since the beginning of the school year, and recently expanded this learning to include tzedakah. 

Throughout the year, they have shown an interest in cooking and baking, creating delicious treats together. In March, they contributed to Temple Sholom’s "Monday Meal," preparing 75 homemade chocolate chip cookies and decorating 75 brown bags for individuals facing food insecurity.

Additionally, they have been in communication with a Kindergarten class in Israel. When the war began, they brainstormed ways to support their pen pals and decided to send gifts to their classroom when it was safe to return to school. They raised over $250 through a school fundraiser by selling Shabbat candles, hama beads, and beaded keychains that they made themselves.

This past Monday, JK took a field trip to Timeless Toys to purchase the gift. They first learned how the store operates and then carefully shopped each aisle, finding possible presents for their pen pals. They voted on the toys, then purchased the two with the most votes, and those gifts are now on their way to Israel! Many thanks to Scott Friedland, father of Bo (JK) and Jackson (Grade 2), for hosting this field trip at his store!

Throughout both projects, students enthusiastically participated and learned the importance of caring for others. While the concept of giving can be challenging for young children to grasp, the JK students found it incredibly rewarding. They discovered that helping others brings just as much joy to the giver as it does to the receiver. Kol hakavod, JK!