SAN DIEGO – “It’s the most wonderful time of the year” … unless you are a student or teacher and heading back to the place that starts with an “S.” The “S” word has been referred to by my 12-year-old twins as a curse word around here, so I must be very careful what I say.
As a kid and even in college, I looked forward to this day, to learn new things, see friends I hadn’t seen since last term and “get back to work.” On the other hand, my kids are not happy about summer ending but I think once they start and see their friends and make new ones, it will be a fun time for them.
They both start 7th grade at La Mesa Arts Academy Center (LMAAC), formerly known as La Mesa Middle School where I also attended many decades ago. I am excited for this transition but also a little worried and scared for what middle school changes will happen. This will be the first time they will not be in the same classes; they will walk to and from school and they both have cellphones for emergency purposes.
Varda Meyers Epstein, mother of 12 children, shares 9 tips for a successful school year on aish.com
- Goodbye Rituals – Parents are encouraged to never be too busy to say goodbye in the morning. Make sure to make time to send them off in a cheerful and loving way.
- Be a full partner to your child’s teacher – Be empathetic if your child complains about the teacher and investigate the best you can while remaining respectful when talking with the teacher. This shows balance and respect your child will pick up on when talking with authority figures.
- Craft a warm and welcoming afterschool homecoming – have a drink poured and snack ready for them so they know they are coming home to comfort and a loving place.
- Eat and talk together – Enjoy a snack together and listen to your child’s day, repeating his words lets them know you are listening, and his experiences are important to you.
- Use homework and review as a bridge for learning – Reinforce homework is done before any playtime or media to help retain what they have learned.
- Free time and play should be built into the day – play time, crafts and sports should be a priority and shows your child your respect for his efforts at school.
- Prepare for the day ahead – Discuss what he or she would like to take for lunch and help pack up materials and books for the next day.
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep – enforce a regular bedtime with reading as a good way to transition into sleep.
- Make sure kids come to school with smiles on their faces – Creating a positive, organized morning experience will carry forward to your child and your child will arrive confident and happy to come to school. If he is smiling, then you’ll be smiling too.
So, for all the students and teachers returning to “S” this week, good luck and enjoy each moment.
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JEWISH OLMYPIAN UPDATE
25m Sport Pistol Shooter, 19-year-old, Ada Korkhin from Brookline, Massachusetts, competed in the Women’s 25m Sport Pistol on Friday (August 2) but came in 32nd place in the finals and did not medal.
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Right-Handed Saber Fencer, 24-year-old, Elizabeth Tartakovsky from Livingston, New Jersey, competed with the Women’s Sabre Team on Saturday (August 3) but the team came in 5th place in the finals and did not medal.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Chabad at La Costa announces “Hebrew School Open House” at 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 6. Chabad says its Hebrew School staff is known for warmth, creativity, and positive reinforcement. Everyone is welcome to come and see first-hand with it is all about. Click here to register.
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Beth Jacob Congregation presents Scholar in Residence Rabbi Modechai Becher from Australia during Tisha B’Av services at 9:30 p.m., Monday, August 12 and 8:30 a.m., Tuesday, August 13. Click here for more information.
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Jewish Federation of San Diego announces “Newish and Jewish” at 11:30 a.m., Sunday, August 18 at Leichtag Commons. This event is designed for Jewish young adults, singles, and couples, ages 21-45, who are new to San Diego or want to get more involved. Click here to register.
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The San Diego Center for Jewish Culture announces the season kickoff with the screening of the Israeli comedy/drama and winner of 10 Ophir Awards, including Best Picture, Seven Blessings at 7 p.m., Thursday, August 22 at the David and Dorothea Garfield Theatre at the Lawrence Family JCC. Click here for tickets.
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Jewish Teen Foundation San Diego launches its 11th cohort starting in the fall. JTF is a leadership development program that teaches philanthropy, Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) and Tzedakah (justice/charity). The program is open to Jewish 9th-12th graders in San Diego County and will meet in-person once per month during the academic year. Click here to apply by Friday, August 30.
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Congregation Beth Israel’s Women of Beth Israel present A Taste of Rosh Hashanah with guest Chef Nati at 6:00 p.m., Thursday, September 12. Join the Women of Beth Israel community to connect with friends and enjoy a delicious Rosh Hashanah menu demonstrated by Chef Einat Abramovitch Partin. Click here to register by Thursday, September 5.
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Chabad of East County shares the following joke, “COHEN and O’REILLY” Moshe is walking along the Street and sees a little tailor’s shop named COHEN and O’REILLY. Moshe goes in and talks to the typical little Jewish tailor behind the counter, telling him how impressed he is that for once the Irish and the Jews, often at one another’s throats, have come together like this. The little Jewish man seems unmoved ‘You surprised by this!?’ he asks. ‘Well, yes,’ says Moshe, still oozing enthusiasm. ‘I mean…COHEN and O’REILLY working together in the same shop. I mean…It’s different! It’s heartwarming!’ ‘Well’ says the little Jewish tailor ‘Here’s another surprise for you, I’m O’Reilly!’
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Chabad of Poway shares the following joke, “Financial Advice” A poor man managed to get an appointment with a wealthy Jewish philanthropist by insisting that he had a foolproof way for the man to make $5 million.. “So let me hear your great idea,” said the philanthropist. “It’s very simple,” replied the pauper. “I understand that when your daughter gets married, you’re planning on giving her a dowry of 10 million dollars.” “Nu,” said the philanthropist. “So, I’ve come to tell you that I’m willing to marry her for half the amount!”
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OBITUARY NOTICE
Alberta Hemsley passed away on Saturday, August 3, Tifereth Israel Synagogue reported. Shiva details are available through the synagogue office.
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Cailin Acosta is the assistant editor of the San Diego Jewish World.
kids Education is a fundamental cornerstone for their future success and overall development. Early learning experiences shape cognitive abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being. Quality education fosters critical thinking, creativity, and a love for lifelong learning.