inspiring, challenging, and nurturing children.
Enrichment Activities
The following are a sampling of some of the events that make Akiba-Schechter an exciting place for children to attend. They are not listed in any particular order.
Newspaper
This is a group of middle-schoolers who meet weekly to create a
student newspaper. All articles are written and edited by the students.
During meetings, students also learn basic journalism.
Yearbook
This is a group of 7th/8th Graders who meet weekly to create a yearbook. This
includes photos, events, classes and other memories.
Spelling Bee
This is an annual state-sponsored competition wherein children in Grades 3-8
compete in spelling. Finalists go to the citywide level.
Geography Bee
This is fairly similar to the Spelling Bee; the content is instead geography.
Chidon HaTanach
In this program, students in Chumash class learn a group of material
selected by the World Zionist Organization. This material varies every year
and always includes at least one book from the Bible, one from the Prophets,
one from the Writings, and various commentaries. Students are tested on the
material together with other participating schools
in Chicago and finalists go on to New York to compete there. New York Finalists
proceed to Israel for the International Competition.
Chidon Yisrael
This contest takes place on Yom Ha’atzmaut. In preparation, middle schoolers
study a selection of triviathat focuses on Israel, its history and present
day culture. Created and coordinated
by Mrs. Kahana.
Music
Led by Mrs. Basa, music takes place once a week for all 1st - 8th
Graders. In 1st Grade students start learning how to read notes. By 3rd Grade,
children learn to play music, beginning
with recorders.
Choir
Also led by Mrs. Basa, this is an optional activity that meets at lunchtime.
Choir students showcase their skills at various school assemblies and celebrations.
Annual Play
Led by Mrs. Groover and Mrs. Basa, the all school play is the culmination
of hard work and group effort. The play is usually the reproduction of a musical
and it focuses on the collaboration of pre-school, lower
school and middle school. Students have the chance to participate in dance,
music, drama and painting.
8th Grade Fundraising
In order to finance their 8th Grade Graduation Trip, 7th and 8th
Graders combine to work on various projects: Honey Cakes, Hamantaschen, Chanukah
Bags, Mother’s Day Lox Boxes, Learn-a-thons
and much more.
Purim Carnival
On this holiday, students and teachers dress up in masquerade and join toge
ther to listen to the reading of the Megillah, celebrate a Purim Feast and
create a carnival. The booths in this carnival are led by the middle schoolers
and are enjoyed by the lower school and
pre-school. Prizes are for everyone.
Lag B’omer
To celebrate this holiday, students participate in a barbecue, talent show
and color war. During the talent show, students may show off any talent they
want, from piano playing to body-pretzels. Color war involves several teams,
each composed of 1st - 8th Graders. Teams
compete in various relays and group cheers. The purpose of the day is community
and teamwork building.
Chanukah Play
For students in the lower school, the Chanukah plays are a chance
to show off not only their drama skills, but their knowledge of Hebrew. Performed
at the all-school Chanukah Assembly,
the plays are done entirely in Hebrew and are led by the Judaic Studies staff.
Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day)
On this day, students have a chance both to learn and to commemorate. Led
by Mrs. Schiller, the Middle School students watch holocaust-related films,
visit an exhibit that deals with the historical aspect of the holocaust or
hear eye witness from a survivor of the
times. The day is culminated with memorial services.
Yom Ha’atzmaut
To celebrate Israel’s Independence Day, the students usually participate
in several Israel-related arts and crafts projects and an Israeli feast. The
day culminates with the Chidon Yisrael. Note: in the past, this day was marked
by both in-school band and Israeli Dancing or by an evening dinner involving
students as Israeli waiters.
Science Fair
Led by Ms. Rotfeld, the Science Fair involves children in Grades 3-8.through
it, students learn how to create and analyze a science experiment. They also
learn such key skills as how to research and write a paper,
the importance of scientific method, and how to conduct an oral presentation.
Winners in the 7th - 8th Grades continue in the regional
level, from which they may proceed to city and state levels as well.
Asher Essay Competition
In this city-wide contest, students author stories, poems, or essays that
deal with some sort of Jewish content. Winners receive a savings bond from
the Associated Talmud Torahs.
Tov-Lictov (It is fun to write)
Students write and enter Hebrew essays, stories or poems in this international
magazine. Published students receive a free copy of the magazine.
Book Contest
Students in Grades 1 - 8 voluntarily compete in a reading contest to reach
various page number plateaus. 80% of the students participate. The winners
of the highest plateau go out to dinner with teachers.
Gym Classes
Students K-8 have gym class taught by instructors from the Hyde Park
JCC in their gymnasium.
7-8th Grade Art
Taught by artist-instructors at the
Hyde Park Art Center, and at Akiba-Schechter by Dara Henning.
Field Trips
Trips are taken by individual or combined classes as reinforcement
of subject content such as: 7-8th Graders attending plays that have been read
and studied; Middle Schoolers going to Hebrew theatre or film; all Grades
to museums; 1 st -2 nd Graders visiting a Chocolate Factory after reading
the Chocolate Touch. Trips are also taken as all-school events for
fun and to reinforce a sense of community.
7th-8th Grade trip to Springfield
7th and 8th Graders visit Springfield, Illinois as part of their
study of American History and Politics.
Passover Seders
Model Seders are conducted at each grade level with students actively
leading and participating in reading of the Haggadah. Children prepare by
learning and cooking for the event.
Rosh Chodesh
The first day of each new month on the Jewish calendar is marked with special
prayers and songs. Afterward, Grades 1 - 8 come together for a breakfast.
Math Team
Middle School children meet at lunch with Mrs. Basa to work out unusual
and interesting Mathematical problems. Tests are taken to compete with children
from other schools.
Maot Chitim
Children in Middle School participate in packing and/or delivering food for
poor Jewish people in our city for the holidays of Rosh Hashana and Passover.
Shabbatonim
Middle School children participate in events related to Shabbat, usually around
one of the student’s Bar or Bat Mitzvahs. The Shabbat celebration begins with
group dinners on Friday night and concludes with group dinners on Saturday
night. Events are planned for Friday night and Shabbat after the synagogue
services.
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