Check out the Articles and Monographs page for a new piece by Rabbi Mitchel Malkus titled “International Handbook Chapter – Malkus Integration Revised Version”
News & Announcements
Deborah Stern Harris wins Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award
Solomon Schechter Day School of Metropolitan Chicago is proud to announce that Deborah Stern Harris, Sager Middle School Technology Coordinator, has been selected as this year’s Grinspoon-Steinhardt Award winner from the metropolitan Chicago area. The award is given to a local educator who continues to make a lasting impact on the lives of Jewish children, and who demonstrates excellence in Jewish education. Mrs. Harris was nominated for the Award for her outstanding efforts in the field of technology, which not only teach technology skills to students and teachers, but also empowers them to use technology to be lifelong learners. Continue reading »
Press Release: Schechter Day Schools Reinvent Identity
Solomon Schechter Day School Association introduces renewed focus on how its schools prepare students to engage the world
NEW YORK – The Solomon Schechter Day School Association – rebranded as the Schechter Day School Network – is proud to announce the launch of a renewed sense of purpose as it embarks on a future that will further engage parents and alumni in Schechter students’ learning process and the overall Schechter experience and attract new enrollment. With a history of quality education and critical inquiry inherent to Conservative Judaism, Schechter schools foster a commitment to lifelong learning and create an educational environment tailored to individual students’ needs that encourages students to discover their strengths and talents and become actively involved, invested Jewish citizens. At Schechter, children are educated holistically – academically, spiritually and emotionally – and prepared to become leaders in their own communities and advocates for Israel. Continue reading »
SSDS in New Milford celebrates a renaissance
From the Jewish Standard:
Astronaut Charles Camarda leads sixth-grade Schechter students in a discussion about how to make a perfect space suit for visitors to Mars.
PHOTO COURTESY SSDS OF BERGEN COUNTYSolomon Schechter Day School of Bergen County is having a “banner year,” says Shari Leventhal, president of the New Milford school.
… Among its most successful new initiatives is the expert eyewitnesses and role models program, said Leventhal. The approach — which has so far brought to the school, among others, two Knesset members, an eyewitness to Kristallnacht, and the national vice president of the Jewish National Fund — is meant both to educate and inspire students, she said.
The idea of presenting students with role models is very much in the minds of school leaders. Indeed, it was with an eye toward that program that Schechter selected its honorees for this year’s annual gala.
Receiving the school’s Shirley and Harris Shapiro Community Award on March 27 will be Rabbi André Ungar, rabbi emeritus of Temple Emanuel of the Pascack Valley in Woodcliff Lake. The award, said Leventhal, is presented to Schechter supporters who are role models within the Jewish community.
A strong marketing message
Added today to the Resources > Marketing Materials page is this document from the Solomon Schechter School of Manhattan. Excerpt below:
The Schechter Manhattan Difference:
“Cultivating the mind, hands, soul, and heart of each child”
Schechter Manhattan is a Jewish elementary and middle school passionately dedicated to nurturing active learning and menschlichkeit as the primary means of cultivating each child’s development – mind, hands, soul, and heart.The theory of action at the core of our educational program is that each learner’s mind, hands, soul, and heart are intricately intertwined. Only when all four are intentionally cultivated together will a child reach his or her full potential as a learner and a mensch – a sensitive, aware, reflective, respectful, and collaborative person….
MaToK leadership handed to Galya Greenberg
Debby (right) hands off to Galya
We are thrilled to announce that the new Project Director of MaToK is Galya Greenberg. As you read about her, you will see why we believe that she is exactly the right person to move MaToK to its next level of excellence. Galya has infectious enthusiasm, and a marvelously positive attitude toward the potential of Jewish life and learning.
We know that you will reach out to Galya to welcome her. You can reach Galya at: 860-521-2626 Continue reading »
Accomplishments and Service to Member Schools in 2010-2011
- Continue to pursue the attainment of the key goals set forth in the SSDS Association’s Strategic Plan;
- Serve as one of the “quartet” that planned this ground-breaking leadership conference;
- Involved in every step of the Tri-State Consortium’s branding initiative as a member of the Steering Committee;
- Work closely with the SSDSA Board of Directors as the organization’s executive; involved in deliberations regarding the strategic goals and long-term direction of the Association;
- Spearhead a new initiative – events for trans-Schechter school alumni in large metropolitan centers;
- Support member schools seeking a new head of school or other senior administrator with placement referrals; assist candidates in their search for a new leadership position;
- Direct the Mekor Hayim curricular initiative on Judaism and the Environment as a recipient of a Covenant Foundation planning grant involving five pilot SSDS schools;
- Supervise and drive a middle and high school curricular initiative for Schechter schools on Teaching Rabbinic Literature;
- Support the application of technology, including social networking, for the SSDSA;
- Seek and orient a new Project Director for the MaToK Torah curriculum and the professional development activities related to it;
- Write and disseminate an online email newsletter to a wide distribution list; manage the communications among Schechter school leaders via the listservs;
- Consult via telephone, e-mail and on-site visits with individual schools, candidates in placement, and professional and lay leaders seeking assistance;
- Embark on a fundraising campaign to support the work of the Association.
- And much more!
Schools sharing curricula
One of the ideas that came out of the day school conference was for the Schechter schools to share curricula and other materials.
Check out the new Curricula page on this site to see the first contribution.
North American Jewish Day School Conference in the News
The North American Day School Conference has been in the news all over the place! Check out these articles:
Conference confronts ‘new reality’ for day schools – January 20, 2011, in the JTA
Conference confronts day school future – February 8, 2011, in JewishJournal
Day Schools Exploring Online Learning – by Gary Rosenblatt on February 7, 2011, in his blog on The Jewish Week website.
North American Jewish Day School Conference Opens – February 7, 2011, in eJewish Philanthropy
North American Jewish Day School Conference: A Resounding Success
Check out these great photos from the Day School Leadership Conference, which ended yesterday. Learn more about the conference