Girls Finally Meet Their Classmates

Photos: Menush Amit

200 students, parents and teachers from 118 cities from around the world gathered for the annual Day of Celebration of the Nigri International Shluchim Online School 5780.

“The Day of Celebration was most definitely the highlight of my Kinus!” said parent Mrs. Chana Rochel Zwiebel, from Chico, CA. “It was a beautiful, well-planned program, allowing for each class to perform and shine. Watching all the girls socializing with their friends, meeting their teachers and having fun together is so special!”

The virtual school, under the leadership and direction of Morah Devora Leah Notik, provides a robust Chassidishe education for the sons and daughters of Chabad Shluchim throughout the world.

The joyous celebration serves as a once-a-year opportunity for the students of the virtual school to meet each other face to face, interact and socialize in person. The event has become the highlight of the school calendar, as students celebrate friendships, learning, and their unique school.

“I really liked seeing all my friends and teachers!” said Etty Hodakov, a 6th grade student from Clearwater, FL. “It was so fun being in a real classroom with them!”

The celebration started with a meet and greet featuring a photo booth and beautiful boards displaying classroom learning. The program was led by Rivky Greenberg, Bnos Chabad head with the help of the eighth grade Day of Celebration committee in the decorated banquet hall. Each class presented a performance, Bnos Chabad prizes were awarded, and the girls played an exciting school trivia game following a teacher appreciation video. The banquet culminated with an international class roll call and spirited dancing with music by Fitche Benshimon.

The students and their teachers enjoyed in-person class time with fresh donuts, while the mothers took part in a program put together by PTA leaders Mrs. Rochel Druk and Mrs. Sara Steinmetz. The Day of Celebration ended with a school picture with everyone wearing custom made school T-Shirts. The girls went home inspired for another year of learning in their places of Shlichus.

The Nigri International Shluchim Online School is a division of the Shluchim Office under the leadership of Rabbi Gedalya & Bassie Shemtov.