<HTML>As a former elementary school principal, I can speak of successful
programming based on my experience with extremely effective, creative and
inspiring celebrations in S.A.R. Academy in Riverdale.
Based on a theme of Ki Mitzion Teze Torah etc., a Torah Fair could be the
main activity for the day. Hands on activities including a wide source of
media (videos, electronic games, computers, models, etc.) could be
employed to illustrate an endless list of Tanach and Halakhic themes. The
subjects and variety of presentations are only be limited by our
imagination and creativity. Younger grades could act out and build models
of scenes, while middle and higher grades could visually present Halachot
and Mitzvot (ie. Walls of Yericho, Yitziat Mizraim, Bigdey K'hunah, Brit
Bein Habitarim, Mishkan V'Kelav, Mikdash I and II, Mitvat Kan Tzipor,
Tluyot B'Aretz, 39 Melachot, Mitzvot Stam, etc).
For those more inclined towards the modern state of Israel, an Israel Fair
could be the theme of the day. Some examples: build a Styrofoam Kotel
(children pass by and write wishes and squeeze them between the Styrofoam
blocks), a Bab El Wad=97Sha'ar Hagai model or a massive symbol of state.
Students can visit different cities and famous sites each built by various
classes or groups (Knesset, universities, Yad Vashem, etc.). They can
bring in Israeli artifacts including music and stamps or demonstrate a
water desalinization experiment. Students can imitate famous Israeli
personalities (Ben Gurion, Rav Kook, etc.). The faculty could organize a
simulated trip on El-Al, Knesset debates or a reenaction of Illegal
Aliyah. There could be piped-in music, videos and coin exchange.
* beginning of the day - five minute commemoration of Yom Hazikaron *
festive Tfillah - singing, Shevach V'Hodaya, inspirational guest speaker *
all dress in traditional Israeli clothing=97blue and white * entire school
decorated with posters of places and personalities * special lunch
program - picnic, bar-b-q, falafel, birthday cakes * program of singing,
dancing with Israeli flags (daglanut), band, freilach * products
fair - bring a few hundred dollars worth of Israeli goods and give
visitors a taste - canned juice, biscuits, olives, candies, etc. * five
senses - smells, sounds etc. of Israel * staff versus student sports
athletic event to end the day * Israel dance festival - each class
presents a different dance * Israel music festival - each class presents a
new Israeli song * Israeli visitors conducting one hour seminars,
activities and workshops with various grades - e.g. stories of kibbutz
life, wars, making jewelry, art workshop i.e. exploiting abilities of all
Israeli locals or parents who visited Israel to share experience, photos,
talents, etc. * parade</HTML>
