HDS Goals, educational philosophy and history With a student body of under 100, the Hebrew Day School provides an atmosphere where each student can rise to their highest potential. Special attention can be given to the individual needs of each student as they strive for excellence in their own way. OUR Goals At the Hebrew Day School, our responsibility to the Jewish community is to insure its continuity through education. That is why our curriculum melds a thorough foundation in the sciences, arts and humanities, taught concurrently with ethical and religious values. We believe that where Torah and secular studies are integrated, and where a love for Israel and Jewish tradition are fostered, students will discover the beauty of their heritage. A major goal is to educate the heart as well as the mind; to develop a strong sense of ethical values. Our staff is committed to inspiring a love of learning and academic excellence. The process through which we achieve our goals centers on individualization, with emphasis on creativity and developing a strong sense of personal responsibility. The Hebrew Day School's impact is not found in its academic program alone. The school aims to create an atmosphere in which the attitudes and ideals of the American Jewish heritage thrive through adulthood. In our creatively blended program, the child gains the best of both worlds. OUR Educational Philosophy The Hebrew Day School offers an environment in which a student feels secure, confident and free to explore and question at their own level, guided by their skills, physical development and maturity. Our objectives include teaching children how to learn, how to attack new problems and acquire new knowledge, build competence in basic skills, understand concepts and generalizations, and developing responsibility as a future contributing member of society. Emphasis is placed upon creativity and individuality, helping the child discover the particular way he/she sees and feels, and refining his/her individual choice of expression. Classroom activities throughout the grades concentrate upon the child's own perceptions and a growing sense of self. This philosophy guides every facet of our programming, and is the standard by which we measure our achievements. OUR History On January 24th, 1949, a large educational void was filled for the growing Jewish population of Sullivan and Ulster counties. The Hebrew Day School opened its doors; the first school of its kind in the area. Starting with one class in a rented room above a Jewish Community Center, the school thrived and grew. As it grew, the school expanded to a 100-year-old building where there were three classrooms and classes were taught up to the 8th grade. As growth and time called for a modern structure with enough room to grow, the school began a fund-raising campaign and through the loyalty and generosity of the local community, a new building was dedicated on December 11th, 1966. With ten classrooms, a computer lab, stage, library and the other essentials for education, the Hebrew Day School prospered and now has a student body of over 80 students, extending from Nursery through 8th grade. Rabbi Goodman joined the Hebrew Day School in 1958, and has been its spiritual guide ever since. Through his continued hard work and dedication to Jewish educational principles, Rabbi Goodman has maintained the high quality standards for which the school is known today.
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