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With a student body of 80 to 100, the Hebrew Day School provides an atmosphere where each student can
rise to their highest potential. Where special attention can be given to the individual needs of each student.
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Rabbi Fruchter and students, 2006-2007
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Educational Philosophy
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Children arrive at school with
different strengths based on
their experience
as well as physical development and maturity.
Potential abilities and
aptitudes flourish in an atmosphere
in
which a student feels secure,
confident and free to explore and question.
We must provide this atmosphere.
Helping the child acquire the necessary skills and
knowledge to function
as a responsible and contributing member
of society is the priority that
forms the structure of the
curriculum.
Learning how to learn, how to
attack new problems, how
to acquire new
knowledge, building competence in basic skills,
understanding concepts
and generalizations and developing responsibility -
these are some
of the objectives at the Hebrew Day School.
Emphasis is placed upon creativity and individuality,
helping
the child discover the particular way he sees
and feels, and
refining his individual way of expressing himself.
Classroom activities
through the grades concentrate upon the child's own
perceptions and
his growing sense of self.
The Hebrew Day School's philosophy guides every
facet of our program.
It is the focus of our educational efforts. It is the
standard by
which we measure our
achievements. It is the beacon that
illuminates our goals.
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History
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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 to the
Jewish children, 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. Soon, more
space was needed. So the school looked
around and
found a fine, 100
year building to use as the new school.
There were now three classrooms and
classes
were taught up to the
8th grade. And again, the school grew
and more space was needed. But
now
it was time for a modern
school with enough room to grow.
Extensive fund-raising was needed for
such a school, and with the loyalty
and
generosity of the local community,
and the Jewish community
at large, the school
was completed and 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
between 80 and 100 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 of the school.
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Goals of the Hebrew Day School
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The Hebrew
Day School came into existence to fill a
need, a need based on
the responsibility
of the Jewish
community to insure
its continuity.
The basis for continuity
is education, an education that
starts with
a thorough
foundation in the sciences, arts and
humanities, taught
concurrently with
ethical and religious values.
A major
goal is to educate the heart as well
as the mind; to
develop
a strong sense of ethical values; an
understanding of
the history
of the Jewish people; a respect for the
traditions
and
practices of Torah
learning; a competence
in the Hebrew
language;
an awareness of the richness of the
two cultures
which nourish us; a desire to be participating,
contributing
citizens; a
spiritual bonding with Israel; and
a sensitivity to
the brotherhood of
Man.
The Process
through which we achieve our
goals centers
on individualization,
with emphasis on creativity
and
developing a
strong sense of responsibility.
The curriculum
is cross-disciplined,
where appropriate, integrating
general
and Judaic subject matter. In a
creatively blended
program the
child gains the best of both
worlds.
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. The
commitment to ideals, social
awareness, and
community
service must continue throughout their
adult lives.
The Hebrew
Day School strives to have its students
become
well-integrated
individuals - educated American
citizens
as well
as devoted members of their faith - proud of their dual
heritage.
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