Author: Natalie McKee (Natalie McKee)

Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut: A Day of Reflection and Celebration
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Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut: A Day of Reflection and Celebration

Last Thursday, AJA students in grades 3 and up participated in a deeply meaningful programcommemorating Yom HaZikaron, followed by an all school celebration of Yom Ha’Atzmaut. The morning began with a solemn Yom HaZikaron assembly, where students paused to honor Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. The program included a moving moment ofsilence, a...

Teaching Empathy and History: 8th Graders Lead Holocaust Exhibit for 5th Grade
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Teaching Empathy and History: 8th Graders Lead Holocaust Exhibit for 5th Grade

This month, our 8th grade students took on a powerful and meaningful project: sharing their learning about the Holocaust with our 5th grade peers through a student-curated exhibit. This exhibit was the culmination of in-depth historical research, guided by the essential question:How can we use historical research and storytelling to preserve the memory of the...

A Day in the Life of an AJA Fifth Grader
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A Day in the Life of an AJA Fifth Grader

From the classroom to the garden, our fifth graders are growing in every way—academically, emotionally, and as members of a thriving community. Whether they’re crafting art with meaning, planting seeds of change, or imagining a better world through ancient texts, one thing is clear: it’s a great day to be in fifth grade at AJA....

Third Grade Milestone: Chumash Ceremony at AJA
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Third Grade Milestone: Chumash Ceremony at AJA

Each year, our third graders reach an important milestone in their Jewish learning journey—one that blends deep learning, personal growth, and joyful celebration. This year’s Chumash Ceremony was a beautiful and heartfelt occasion, marking a pivotal moment in our students’ connection to Torah and tradition. Throughout the year, our third-graders dive into rich learning experiences....

How Austin Jewish Academy Weaves Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Israel into Everyday Learning
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How Austin Jewish Academy Weaves Jewish Studies, Hebrew, and Israel into Everyday Learning

At Austin Jewish Academy, from the very first day of kindergarten, students are introduced to Jewish holidays, Torah portions, and basic Hebrew vocabulary. As they progress through each grade, the focus expands to include key Jewish prayers, traditions, and values. Students begin learning Hebrew in earnest by first grade and, by second grade, are leading...