From the February 2008 issue of Tikvah Topics:

Jr. Jr. Youth Group Parent Coordinator – Erin Rabinowitz (erinr@columbus.rr.com)
To foster Jewish connections and friendships, Beth Tikvah has four youth groups that offer social events and activities that appeal to children of all ages, from preschool through high school.  Some of the groups have been around for years; others started in the last couple of years.  The goal of all is to provide a social outlet for Religious School students.  Here is a quick rundown of two of the groups and a look at upcoming events:

Keshet:  When this group formed two years ago, the students (in Parent-Tot through 2nd grade) voted on their name, which is Hebrew for "rainbow."  Children and their parents meet approximately six times a year, sometimes in partnership with the Jr. Jr. Youth Group.  Most events occur after the first session of Religious School.  Parent coordinators for Keshet are:  Jennifer Sanderow at jensanderow@yahoo.com; and Rachel Graver at rgraver@uaschools.org.

Jr. Jr. Youth Group:  This group decides on its events by polling the students it serves – those in 3rd through 6th grades.  Tops on the list this year – Bowling and Game Night.  Most events occur after 2nd session, and we plan approximately four events a year, so as not to tax the students’ already busy schedules.  Students mostly attend without their parents; however, we always need a few parents to chaperone and carpool.  A new idea this year comes from Emily Kreindler, who will organize a couple of on-site, open-ended "Kids Club" events in March and April from 1:30-3:00 PM, with pizza and drinks.  This will allow kids to hang out together and play computer games and/or board games.  Volunteers will supervise the fun, and parents can pick up later that day, knowing their children are socializing with Jewish peers in a safe and supervised environment.  Parent coordinators for the Jr. Jr. Youth Group are:  Erin Rabinowitz at erinr@columbus.rr.com and Karen Pollens at bdempsey3332@wowway.com.

Here is a look at some upcoming social activities for the youngest members of Beth Tikvah.  Be sure to get them on your calendar.  We’ll be sending out notices via Tikvah Topics and “This Week at Beth Tikvah,” plus Evites.

February 16 – Family Game & Movie Night
– Organized by Karen Elson and Emily Kreindler

February 24 – Bowling outing for Keshet families (pre-school to 2nd grade) and Jr. Jr. Youth Group members (3rd - 6th graders).  
Time:  1:45 to 3:15 PM.   
Look for more details in an upcoming Evite.

March 9 – Fun Get-Together at Beth Tikvah from 1:30-3:00 PM for those in 3rd – 6th grades.  Bring your video games and board games and hang out with classmates. Pizza and drinks provided.

April 6 – Fun Get-Together at Beth Tikvah from 1:30-3:00 PM for those in 3rd – 6th grades.  Bring your video games and board games and hang out with classmates. Pizza and drinks provided.

May 4 – Activity TBD.