SJCS

Big Stories, Small Boxes, Big Thinking

Our 5th grade readers brought literature to life with their creative Book-in-a-Box projects!

Each student selected a book, tracked key moments, and chose one important scene to recreate as a detailed diorama. Their boxes included characters, settings, and story details that showed not only what happened, but why it mattered.

This kind of project helps students grow as readers, thinkers, and communicators. It asks them to move beyond summarizing and into deeper skills: analyzing a story, making choices, explaining their thinking, and translating ideas into something visual and meaningful.

Kol hakavod to our 5th graders for showing us that great stories can live anywhere, even inside a box.

Pond Dipping, Big Discoveries, and Anafim Curiosity

Anafim, our Grade 1/2 cohort, had an amazing adventure at Magnuson Park!

Students spent the day exploring nature and learning about the environment all around them. They discovered native plants, spotted signs of beavers at work, and learned about the fascinating life cycle of frogs.

One of the biggest highlights was pond dipping. Students collected pond water in buckets, then examined it closely to identify tiny plants and macroinvertebrates living beneath the surface. It was hands-on science at its best!

Beyond the outdoor learning, students also practiced being respectful and responsible community members while riding public transportation together. We are so proud of the curiosity, teamwork, and maturity Anafim showed throughout the day.

What a joyful day of exploration, discovery, and learning in action!

Come As You Are. Celebrate Who You Are.

Join us for Community Pride Shabbat on Friday, June 26 at 6 PM.

This joyful community gathering celebrates LGBTQ+ Jews, friends, families, and allies of all ages. Together, we’ll share an evening rooted in pride, connection, belonging, and Jewish joy.
All are welcome.

https://www.templebetham.org/pride-shabbat-2026/