Teaching and Learning

Day School

     Overview

     Statement of Learning

Overview

The Day School provides a rich curriculum and range of activities for students in Gesher (transition) and from Kindergarten through eighth grade. The curriculum seeks to balance excellence in academics with a strong commitment to social, emotional, and spiritual learning. Our educational program immerses students in a rich dual curriculum that teaches them to be serious and committed Jews and responsible American citizens. Integration between Jewish and general studies and the individual and the community stands at the center of the curriculum. The arts are emphasized in both the formal curriculum and through our after school programs. Through the program students:

Strengthen a Commitment to Jewish Life by:

• Reading, writing and speaking Hebrew as a second language.
• Reading, explaining and making meaning from Jewish Texts (Tankh, Siddur, Mishnah and Talmud).
• Participating in daily, Shabbat and holiday prayers with knowledge and understanding.
• Developing a connection to and love of Israel.
• Practicing and demonstrating knowledge of holidays and customs.
• Demonstrating knowledge of Jewish history and its impact on Jewish life today.
• Participating in the Temple Beth Am community and the community at large.

Gain Critical Thinking Skills by:

• Using creative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Using research skills to locate and synthesize available sources of information.
• Developing personal time-management and organizational skills.
• Developing life-long study skills.
• Demonstrating knowledge and competence of basic computational skills.
• Applying mathematical concepts in everyday life.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the Scientific Method.

Develop Effective Communications Skills by:

• Participating in Council program.
• Reading for comprehension.
• Writing for purpose (including research, description, persuasion, explanation and narration).
• Writing using proper grammar and correct spelling and punctuation.
• Experiencing a variety of creative arts.
• Using technology for communication and research.

Nurture the Elements of a Healthy Lifestyle by:

• Developing a positive self-image and emotional well-being.
• Developing physical fitness awareness and skills.
• Identifying the elements of proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
• Demonstrating knowledge of human physical and emotional development.
• Participating in a sport or game to a socially acceptable level.

Acquire Social Awareness and Responsible Citizenship Skills by:

• Showing respect and knowledge of different people and cultures.
• Developing a sense of Tikkun Olam (social responsibility) through Tzedakah (community service projects).
• Participating in cooperative learning groups.
• Using conflict resolution and mediation skills.
• Demonstrating care for the environment.
• Developing positive attitudes toward intellectual activity, including curiosity and a desire for life-long learning.

Statement of Learning

The Day School is dedicated to meeting the academic needs of all its students.  The school recognizes that students differ in their rates and styles of learning. Differentiated instruction is used in the classroom to address the specific academic needs of each student, allowing for a flexible program within the curriculum. A pull-out program is also utilized for remediation and enrichment to provide individualized instruction in the core subject areas when necessary. The school strives to provide its faculty with the resources and training needed to meet the academic needs of its students. Pressman Academy is committed to encouraging all of its students to reach their full potential.