Last Friday we had our second Mishpachot gathering. This year, during quarter one ETC, the eighth graders are planning, preparing, teaching, and reflecting on lessons they create for these monthly gatherings. This process has been enlightening and productive. As teachers know, each time you teach a lesson and work with a class lessons begin to go better and better. The eighth graders are learning this as well as they are the teachers and eladers in their respective families. Last week’s lesson revolved around being thankful and used the book The Giving Tree, a classic, by Dr. Seuss.  Next, each Mishpacha had leaves of a different color and in their families they wrote what they were thankful for on these leaves. On Wednesday, during ETC, the eighth graders made these leaves into our MJDS Tree of Thanks. This tree is located outside of the office and I encourage you to check it out and have your student show you their leaf. It was such a creative and productive lesson planned and executed by our wonderful eighth grade Jewish leaders.