Are happy people grateful or are grateful people happy? Mrs. Romanoff challenged our Middle School students to find out. They have embarked on a journey of hakaras hatov. They will learn sources from our chachamim that detail how a bas melech should think about acquiring belongings vs. valuing the blessings we have all around us and what we can give to others. Students are encouraged to make this practical by writing in a daily gratitude journal. A mindset shift can make a real impact on our lives and enable students to think beyond the enticing advertising of the American culture offering false happiness in exchange for a particular brand or popular vacation spot.

Bnos Yisroel strives to make learning engaging in all subject areas. Science Fair is an annual event that serves as a culmination of the process of learning the scientific method. Students selected topics in chemistry, physics, etc.and then they researched, experimented and finally designed displays to present at the fair. The fair was attended by Elementary School students, family and friends and the displays were enjoyed by all.

Our 8th graders worked hard to produce a play called Operation R.E.S.C.U.E. The script took the girls on a journey through the challenges of a class that mistakenly thought their school was closing down. The students of Bais Leah Fruma Ettel rallied together to try to raise funds to help their school. It wound to a humorous end when they discovered that the school was financially stable and they graciously donated the extra funds to a different school, Taleli Oros, that was indeed struggling!

Interspersed with the dramatic acting were a song dance, acting choir and dances led by Bnos Yisroel High School students. Our students were fortunate to learn their drama skills from Mrs. Sachs, a professional in this area. Together with several teachers, she helped the girls use this opportunity to develop their confidence, creativity and leadership skills. A parent shared “The play motivated my daughter to come to school excited each day, the excitement for the play spilled over into her success in all areas!”