Lower School Programs

Lower School students will:

• Master essential skills in the core academic subjects of language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science.
• Develop a passion for language arts through programs that emphasize reading, writing, speaking and listening. Our integrated reading, writing and spelling programs cultivate love of literacy.
• Establish a foundation to grow on in mathematics though the study of numeric concepts, problem-solving and critical thinking experiences. Our program allows students to draw ‘real world’ connections with mathematic concepts.
• Explore the natural world through our inquiry-based science program. Students will predict, observe, record and experience as they learn about nature, the body, animals, cells, energy and much more.
• Enrich their understanding of the world outside our school walls though an in-depth social studies exploration. Beginning with the study of community and expanding to the state and national levels, students dive into the history, the present and the future of our world.

Faculty Objectives

• Encourage students to work to the best of their abilities and to mastery.
• Encourage a love of learning, a feeling of accomplishment, and a positive sense of self.
• Provide a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow socially and academically.

Jewish Studies

At the primary level (grades K, 1, and 2), our Jewish studies program includes units based on Jewish holidays, traditions, the synagogue, the Torah, Israel, Shabbat, and bible stories. This year, since Pardes is a part of the Jewish Theological Seminary Standards and Benchmarks Program, many units will be based on the JTS's newly-set standards and benchmarks. It is the goal of our Jewish studies program to develop a positive Jewish identity in our students and to instill a love of Jewish traditions and holidays, the Torah, and Israel.

At the 3rd and 4th grade level, we study several Torah stories in-depth. The text is analyzed through asking clarifying questions, just as the ancient rabbis did. Lessons found in the Torah stories are discussed. The analysis is taken a step further as midrashim about each Torah portion areread. The students create their own interpretations of the text through writing, drawing, and performing their own personal midrashim.

Additionally, at all levels, we embrace our school's Core Values: Kavod (Respect), Tikkun Olam (Responsibility for Repairing the World), L'dor V'dor (Responsibility for Passing Traditions and Values from Generation to Generation), Avodat Halev (Service of the Heart) and Ivrit (Responsibility for Maintaining Hebrew as a Living Language).

Hebrew

Ivrit (Hebrew) is the foundation of the Jewish studies program here at Pardes. The goal of our Ivrit curriculum is for students to want to spend time in Eretz Yisrael (the land of Israel), speaking Ivrit.

For all Pardes students the Ivrit curriculum covers basic grammar, verbs and vocabulary, as well as elementary writing skills, allowing students to read, write and comprehend simple Ivrit stories.

Students in 1st and 2nd grades participate in the Hebrew curriculum Tal Am. Tal Am was developed by a dynamic team of writers and teachers in Montreal and in Israel. The entire structure of the Tal Am program is based on the notion that the best learning environment for children is one in which knowledge is acquired through a variety of activities using each of the five senses. In addition to studying from textbooks, students use music, games and visual aids to learn the Hebrew language and to develop a keen understanding of Jewish concepts and values. By making the study of Hebrew and Judaism relevant to the children’s everyday lives, the program enables them to develop a true appreciation of their heritage and understand the need for continued, lifelong Jewish study.

Jewish studies for Kindergarten through 6th grade include the implementation of the ‘Standard and Benchmarks for Teaching of the TaNaKH (Bible) in Jewish Day Schools.’ This program is through the Jewish Theological Seminary’s Melton Research for Jewish Education, funded by Avi Chai. The goal is that students will view the TaNaKH as the formative narrative of the Jewish People – past, present and future. It is our goal that students who study at Pardes Jewish Day School will leave with an in-depth knowledge of various selections of the TaNaKH as THE primary source.

In one of the Kindergarten units, students will examine the text where Avraham and Sarah welcome three visitors into their home. Here students discuss how they can best follow the mitzvah (commandment) of chanasat orchim (welcoming the guest) when he or she has a play date with a friend.

Two examples of units in the 1st grade include studying the texts where Ya’akov and the angel struggle, and when Ya’akov works for Lavan in order to marry Rachel. For these two texts, respectively, sessions will include activities that enable students to reflect on and discuss making the right decision even when it is not easy to do, and the importance of upholding commitments to one another.

Specialty Programs

Art

Students learn about Art History as they are introduced to both Jewish and non-Jewish artists from a variety of eras. Through the inspiration of these artists, students learn about the elements of art, the principles of design, and different painting and sketching techniques. They experiment with a variety of materials, including pencils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, colored pencils, clay, mosaics, and recycled materials.

Student Goals:

• To learn to appreciate art in its many forms
• To learn about artists and their styles
• To learn about techniques and media and being able to look at a painting and understand the composition, material, and techniques that the artist used
• To be able to take what media they have learned and use it to create their own individual work using different mediums and techniques

Music

At the primary level, students learn very basic music theory as they enjoy a variety of secular and Jewish music. An appreciation for music is developed through singing and playing a variety of rhythm instruments.

Physical Education

Physical Education plays an important role in a child's growth and development. The Pardes School strives to foster a positive attitude toward athletics and physical fitness. To this end, students are exposed to many different sports, including volleyball, soccer, flag football, basketball, softball, baseball, and field hockey.

Student Goals:

• To develop and maintain a personalized level of physical fitness
• To develop and enhance kinesthetic competency
• To develop an understanding of and passion for sports, sportsmanship, competition, and teamwork
• To develop an effective attitude
• To develop a positive self-concept through athletics and exercise
• To have fun!

Technology

In the Lower School, students participate in the Waterford and SuccessMaker programs. These programs evaluate and place students at appropriate levels, and move them to higher levels once mastery is achieved in math, language arts, and science. Students participate in these special programs twice a week. In addition to these lab computers, each classroom is equipped with computers with high-speed Internet connections.

Learning Resource

As a Jewish Day School that serves a diverse population, Pardes strives to help students with special academic needs to reach their full potential. Our Learning Resource Program provides support for these students, their teachers, and their parents.

Our Learning Resource teachers work with many children with a variety of learning styles. This support is given within the regular classroom setting. The Learning Resource Center works closely with classroom teachers to devise appropriate strategies and provide materials that accommodate the needs of each student.