MDS Brochure

‫משלי ו׃כג‬

‫כי נר מצוה ותורה אור‬

For the commandment is a lamp, the teaching is a light

rchechik@manhattanday.org Director of Early Childhood

Mrs. Shani Skydell

sskydell@manhattanday.org Lower Scho ol Principal

Rabbi Dr. Steve Eisenberg

seisenberg@manhattanday.org

Middle Scho ol Principal

Rabbi Joshua Rosenfeld jrosenfeld@manhattanday.org

administration

asso ciate Principal, Director of Bridge Program

Ms. Sharon Miller

smiller@manhattanday.org Director of Teaching and Learning

Mrs. Shira Heller

shiraheller@manhattanday.org Director of Educational Technology and STEAM

Mr. Elisha Hus

ehus@manhattanday.org Executive Director

Ms. Adrianne Mittan amittan@manhattanday.org

Director of Development and Community Engagement

Mrs. Allison Rubin

allisonrubin@manhattanday.org Director of Admissions, Associate Director of Early Childhood

Mrs. Cindy Sherman

csherman@manhattanday.org

our story

H e a d o f S ch o o l

Ms. Raizi Chechik

Dear Friends, Thank you for your interest in Manhattan Day School/Yeshiva Ohr Torah! I hope the pages of this brochure provide you with a glimpse into our warm, vibrant school community, and that we will have the privilege of welcoming you so that you can most fully experience the joy that is MDS. I would like to share a bit about our school history, and the beautiful legacy that these pages represent.

In 1943, Manhattan Day School was founded as Yeshivat Ohr Torah Community School, the first Jewish all-day independent school on the West Side of Manhattan. The Rabbis and congregants of Congregation Ohab Zedek, The Jewish Center, and West Side Institutional Synagogue joined together to create an educational environment steeped in ahavat torah and yirat shamayim that also equally prepared students to participate in American life and democracy. MDS was envisioned as a community school, and true to its mission opened its arms to all types of students, including a wave of immigrant children during and after World War II. An energetic and enthusiastic Board joined with a staff of skilled teachers, happy children, and collaborative parents to create a wonderful and deeply religious spirit in the school.

So much has changed over the years. Our students study robotics instead of shop, and coding instead of home economics. Curricula and models of academic instruction have transformed, exceptional fine arts, music, and athletic programs have enhanced the core disciplines, and a renovated state of the art facility welcomes over five hundred joyous students daily Yet the core values and mission of Manhattan Day School have remained constant over the decades. We continue to provide a high quality Judaic and secular education, striving to infuse our students with Jewish values and Middot along with scholarship and critical thinking. Our children are developing a love of Torah, Israel, and Klal Yisrael and the knowledge and skills they need to contribute as citizens of the world. We open our doors to all types of students and work with each child to reach his or her highest potential. And while we have matured from a 30-student school with three classrooms to a school bustling with over 500 students, we maintain the warmth and closeness of a small community, serving as a spiritual and communal center for our families and students.

We invite you to become part of our story. Please feel free to reach out to me at rchechik@manhattanday.org with any questions or to schedule a visit. We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Ms. Raizi Chechik Head of School

(212) 376-6389 G e n era l I n q uiries

office@manhattanday.org B usi n ess O ffice

businessoffice@manhattanday.org

Manhattan Day School/Yeshiva Ohr Torah, founded in 1943, is a Modern Orthodox day school located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan serving Toddlers through Eighth Grade. Our warm and welcoming school community embraces students and families from around the city and around the world, and celebrates the diversity of customs and backgrounds represented. Our core goals are to inspire our children to:

@manhattandayschool @ M a n h at ta n D ay S c h o o l1943 @manhattanday

For any admissions related queries or to submit an application for your child for the upcoming school year, please contact Cindy Sherman, Director of Admissions, at csherman@manhattanday.org

Develop a love of Hashem, the Jewish people, Torah and Israel—through learning and living the texts and traditions of Am Yisrael with joy Cultivate a lifelong foundation of middot and ethics—through the fostering of a school culture of respect, safety and kindness Engage in a dynamic exploration of the world around them—through immersion in the humanities; math, science and emerging technologies; art and music; and the history and culture of our vibrant democracy and global community

ission statement

(212) 376-6800

contact

310 West 75th Street New York, NY 10023

Awards & Accolades JEIC Grant for the “Tefillah Re-Imagined” Program National History Day Competition Winners Better Together Essay Contest Winner, The Legacy Fund National Chidon HaTanach participants second Place World-Wide Seventh Grade Science Virtual Competition CIJE

Accreditation & Membership

B lackboard Award for Outstanding Middle School and NYC Outstanding Teacher Award Finalist

MDS is proud to be chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and to be a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS), the goldstandard for independent schools.

inner of LEKET Israeli Parade Float Contest W for Creativity and Design

Our participation in the Prizmah Network gives us access to robust, peer-to-peer professional development and connects us to the conversations advancing the field of Jewish day schools. We are also proud partners with CIJE in their program for advancing STEAM education, and participate in curricular and training initiatives with the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools, Torah UMesorah, Michlelet Herzog and The Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education/Yeshiva University.

Project Shine Chessed Project Finalist Individual /School Tri-State Chess Tournament Winners anhattan Award Program Honor M for Excellent Elementary School Champion Team of Junior Torah Bowl Yeshiva Competition

G russ Award for Outstanding Teaching in Mathematics Winner of JEP Spelling Bee Alumni in the Jewish Week “36 under 36”, Jewish Leaders Finalist in the National Bible Contest Winner of the Emunah Poetry Contest Finalist in E2k Math/Science Competition athematics and Verbal Talent Search, M John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, recognition for support of students with high academic potential National Honorable Mention Awards in the Noetic-Learning National Math contest Winners of a prestigious microgrant to produce a Jewish Studies app, from the Jewish Education Project and the Avi Chai Foundation

Early Childhood

Sample Day Early Childhood Nursery 4

8:10 Arrival Morning work 8:45 Movement Tefillah Circle time

Known for its warm and nurturing environment, the Early Childhood Department is a welcoming place for our youngest learners (toddlers through kindergartners) who are just beginning their educational journey. A walk through the second floor hallway offers a complete sensory experience: The sight of children bonding with teachers and making new friends, the sounds of singing voices, the smell of challah baking, and the sense of excitement that comes with learning new things.

Hebrew language and develop a love for Torah,

Parshat Noach Petting Zoo, our own Thanksgiving

12:30 Rest

Children leave our Early Childhood department as successful readers and writers, ready to tackle the first grade curriculum with confidence and enthusiasm. They are exposed to a great deal of

Day Parade, raising and hatching of baby chicks,

1:00

the 100th day of school, monthly Rosh Chodesh

1:30 Yoga Movement Circle time

mitzvot, and Israel. Students gain an appreciation for art, music, literature, science, and technology while developing friendships with their classmates.

Classroom communities are created under the watchful and expert eyes of licensed Early Childhood educators.

Experiential educational programs include the

programs and celebrations of Jewish and national holidays throughout the year.

9:30 Ivrit 10:00 Literacy Math Science Centers 10:40 Snack 11:00 Yard 11:30 Calendar Tzedakah Story 12:00 Lunch Music

2:00 Activity time 2:40

Snack

3:00

Dismissal

Lower School The nurturing, play-based environment in Early Childhood prepares students for the formal beginning of their academic careers. With the warm, caring guidance of our Lower School faculty and administration, students learn to organize, prioritize, and manage their own learning. They begin to develop the core academic skills in Torah learning, literacy, numeracy, science, and the arts that will serve as the foundation for advanced studies as they grow.

Students explore their studies through unique, interdisciplinary hands-on experiences and state-of-the art technology that helps to develop intellectual curiosity and promote

creativity. Students are taught by teachers who reach beyond the parameters of the classroom to enrich, innovate and help foster a love for learning.

Our Lower School also has a strong focus on social and emotional development. Within the classroom, our teachers select instructional resources and models in consonance with social-emotional learning goals, and are mindful of ensuring that recreational time outside of the classroom and collaborative learning opportunities assist students in developing a healthy sense of self and enriched interpersonal skills.

Sample Day Lower School First Grade

8:15

Tefillah

8:45

Math

9:30 Physical Education 10:00 Reading 10:40 General Studies 11:15 Lunch 12:00 Yard 12:40 Judaic Studies 1:20 Robotics 2:00 Judaic Studies 2:40 Judaic Studies 3:20

Dismissal

Middle School When entering MDS Middle School, our students take a deeper dive into academic subjects, critical thinking and questioning, and logical reasoning.

Each student is challenged to reach his or her potential in a respectful and sensitive fashion and academic skills are encouraged through research projects, collaborative work and longterm advocacy projects.

As our students rotate among more teachers for subject-specific instruction, they develop the study and prioritization of skills that will

be necessary when they enter High School and juggle a more demanding academic load. With the active support and guidance of our teachers and support staff, middle school students gain increasing academic independence and embrace scholarship.

Our students are taught to value education beyond the classroom and they develop a strong sense of community that lasts through high school and beyond.

Sample Day Middle School Sixth Grade

8:15

Tefillah

9:00

Math

9:45

Gemara

10:30 Science Lab 11:15 Chumash 12:00 Lunch 12:40 Language Arts 1:20 Social Studies 2:05 Lashon 2:45

Mincha

3:00

SmartLab

3:40

navi

4:20

Dismissal

Guidance & Support At MDS, we create an environment that promotes students’ social, academic, emotional, and behavioral well-being. Through programming, counseling, and teacher collaboration, our mental health team ensures that each child’s needs are met and that each child is empowered to thrive. Ms. Ariella Azaraf, LCSW serves as our school social worker alongside Dr. Michal Agus Fox, licensed psychologist.

We help our students create awareness around their strengths and help navigate the more difficult parts of

their development. From a perspective of mental health and student guidance, our students take part in multiple programs, including sessions on mindfulness training, conflict resolution, media and body image, and physical and emotional changes during preadolescence and adolescence.

MDS students are privileged to have passionate spiritual advisors, or Mashgiach Ruchaniyim, who are tuned in to students spiritual development, and opportunities for growth.

“During these formative years, it is critical for young people to have a safe place where they can increase awareness around feelings, and develop the affective skills to ensure a joyous and successful adulthood.”

Bridge Program MDS aspires to help all students connect to learning, to Jewish life, and to each other. Sometimes, a learning or language disability makes it harder to connect despite average or superior intelligence. We are proud to offer self-contained classes with special education teachers that emphasize direct instruction of basic skills and learning strategies as a bridge to MDS’s mainstream classes.

Students in the Bridge program enjoy full integration with their age-appropriate peers for all non-academic classes, programs, extra-curricular, and social opportunities while benefitting from reduced class sizes and the targeted

services of a speech and language therapist, occupational therapist, and social worker. As students’ skills develop, they can join their grade-alike peers in academic subjects for which they are ready for more independence.

By seventh grade, the overwhelming majority of Bridge students are successfully mainstreamed full-time with push-in support, and are ready to be accepted to local Yeshiva High Schools.

Judaic Studies At Manhattan Day School, we strive to instill in our students a profound connection and love for Torah and Avodat Hashem.

Through a Judaic Studies curriculum that focuses on strong textual skills and an emphasis on analytical reasoning, our students are empowered with foundations to become lifelong learners. Our dedicated and dynamic faculty of morot and rebbeim help bring the Chumash, Navi, Mishnah, and Gemara to life while making use of modern technology along with traditional best practices.

A meaningful Tefillah Education program ensures that our students are taught to connect to the depth and beauty of Tefillah beyond mere translation, and each day students bring that learning to life in our classrooms and in our Beit Midrash.

In our daily minyan, students are taught halachot of Tefillah and many of our students have chosen to put on their Tefillin

for the first time in our beautiful Beit Midrash, surrounded by friends and family. Our students learn about Jewish holidays and halachot through inspiring and informative curricula, and benefit from new programs from both Israeli and American scholars.

Our formal Judaic Studies curriculum is complemented by a full range of educational programming, guest speakers, and cross-curricular projects integrating art and music with textual study. Academic competitions such as Torah Bowl, Brachot Bee, and Chidon give committed students venues to showcase their knowledge and achievements. Our beautiful Siddur, Chumash, and Rashi chagigot are beloved events in our Lower School students’ educational and religious development where each student shines as they progress to deeper engagement and relationship with Torah.

Ivrit I v r i t Imm e rs i o n Ivrit is incorporated into our classrooms and daily school life; it is a consistent thread in the fiber of MDS. Beginning in Early Childhood, Ivrit is spoken frequently in and out of the classroom from greetings and directions to songs and holiday traditions. In the Lower School, our teachers use the iTaLAM Hebrew language immersion program and the accompanying books, songs, games, educational videos, and creative tools, to offer a Zionist-Jewish learning experience. Our Middle School Ivrit teachers employ the highly engaging and research driven Bishvil HaIvrit Hebrew language acquisition program.

Leveraging modern technology and interactive online materials, Bishvil HaIvrit builds and promotes an emotional and intellectual connection to Israel and modern Hebrew language.

“I was delighted to hear of the incredible role that the Bnot Sherut play in shaping the educational and experiential landscape of Manhattan Day School, and to see with my own eyes the fruits of this very successful partnership.�

Sar Shalom Djerbi, Director General Emeritus of Sherut Leumi

Ahavat Medinat Yisrael S h e r u t L e u m i a n d Isr a e l A d v o c a c y We are fortunate to have Sherut Leumi Shlichot and Morim Shlichim who infuse the customs and culture of Israeli society into the daily lives of our students. Our timeless connection to Eretz Yisrael and Am Yisrael is emphasized through special programming around Jewish holidays. School events and programming is often done in response to current events occurring in Israel or in the rest of the world. The personal relationships formed through the Bnot Sherut and Morim Shlichim and the strong presence of modern Israeli culture make a deep impression on our students and instill a love and responsibility for Medinat Yisrael and Am Yisrael.

We are proud to have visits from prominent Israeli leaders who inspire our students during the year. Visitors in the past school year have included Ambassador Dani Dayan;

MK Ayoob Kara, Minister of Communications; MK Ofir Akunis, Minister of Science and Technology, and Rav Yosef Zvi Rimon. Our Middle School students also participate in Israel advocacy training and our eighth grade Israel Advocacy team has presented their views on Israel to Professor Alan Dershowitz, the United Nations, at the Museum for Jewish Heritage and the Upper Wast Side Community. Our students have developed their advocacy and leadership skills in partnership with Stand With Us, AIPAC and NORPAC.

“I will go back to Israel and speak of Manhattan Day School as a role model for bridging the past with the future.�

MK Ofir Akunis, Former Israel Minister of Science & Technology

General Studies R EADING AND W R ITING

S O C IAL S TUDIE S AND H I S TO R Y

Reading matters. Reading changes the way our brains work, how we

Social studies open a student’s eyes to subjects as diverse as anthropology, archaeology, economics, geography, history, law, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, and sociology. Whether they are exploring continents and oceans, New York City, or the American Revolution, students are able to better understand global human society, its development, and our place in it. As students advance through the grades, they are increasingly encouraged to ask sophisticated questions, apply prior knowledge, conduct research, and interpret primary source documents. The critical thinking and organizational skills along with a global and historical perspective they develop will serve Manhattan Day School students well as they enter high school and beyond.

construct meaning, how we relate to and communicate with other people, and how we understand the world. Because reading is so crucial to students’ development, Manhattan Day School uses a wide range of strategies to cultivate reading and writing skills.

Our program includes small-group instruction, Lexia (an adaptive, personalized online reading program), read-alouds, and author studies.

With the support of a generous grant, we have been able to consult with experts in the field to refine and advance our teaching practice, curriculum, and assessment procedures. The grant also helps us provide a subsidized Supplementary Literacy Academy for grades 1-4 that operates in the summer, after school, and during school vacations. Our dynamic approach helps ensure that readers not only advance in their skills, but develop the critical thinking, imagination, and appreciation that will empower them to be enthusiastic life-long readers.

“Advocating in Albany and at City hall, and having my voice heard, taught me that even as a student, I can participate in democracy and change the world.”

S C IEN C E Our middle school students also benefit from a survey course in Jewish History, and specialized courses in both Zionism and Holocaust Studies, connecting them more deeply to our history and heritage. Our eighth graders are privileged to participate in the interdisciplinary “Names, Not Numbers©,” program where they are guided by journalists and filmmakers to digitally edit, interview and film Holocaust survivors testimonies. The culmination of this incredible capstone project is a beautiful student-created documentary that is showcased at a special community-wide event, highlighting the skills, values, and lessons of their years of study.

Beginning with our youngest learners, Manhattan Day School cultivates a spirit of curiosity and exploration in our science program. Students apply the scientific method to their investigations and observations in their study of physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, geology, and astronomy. In the classroom, students blend deep study of the known scientific world and open-ended exploration of student-generated questions and problems. This pairing of knowledge and exploration prepare students to work collaboratively through a process of experimentation, feedback, and revision throughout their lives.

The MDS Math Academy, made for students by students, is a compilation of videos online explaining math concepts learned in the classroom.

M AT H

S TEA M

Led by published author and Tillywig award-winner Mrs. Miryam Alter, our math department encourages students to think mathematically. This approach empowers students to not only understand what to do to solve a math problem, but how it is done and why it works. Small group instruction ensures that students at every level are challenged and supported. Our custom-designed math curriculum aligns with New York State standards for each grade, and uses diverse materials including manipulatives, books, games, practice exercises, and online resources. Manhattan Day School students graduate with a deep understanding of mathematical ideas and processes and the self-confidence to excel at the high school level.

Our innovative STEAM program takes place in our stateof-the-art SmartLab where students in grades 1-8 attend weekly STEAM classes in which they utilize technology, robotics, coding, circuitry, alternative and renewable energy, computer graphics and much more. The STEAM curriculum encourages and cultivates personalized learning based on real-world, problem based, and project based education. This program enables our students to take the risks necessary to become leaders and problem solvers and to develop into the next generation of innovators.

Educational Technology At MDS, we believe in the use of developmentally appropriate educational technology tools, digital technology, apps and devices to enhance our students’ learning. Digital technology is used to embrace and implement personalized learning opportunities and is integrated across all subjects to further our educational and curricular goals.

Kindergarten through 8th Grade students are part of our oneto-one devices program, which focuses on individual use of iPads and Chromebooks as an educational tool. Our teachers are continuously researching and incorporating the latest and greatest educational apps to spark student engagement and achievement. Having access to such technology enables

our students to have information at their fingertips, creating a dynamic learning environment in school and at home.

MDS is also a Google school. We utilize Google Apps for education in grades 1-8. Students in grades 1-5 learn to utilize Google Drive to collaborate, create and store documents, and share them with their teachers and fellow students.

Students in grades 6-8 receive their own accounts and email addresses where they can capitalize on all that this resource has to offer. This allows them to better communicate with teachers and fellow students, to collaborate in class, and to work efficiently on research and various projects.

The Arts F i n e Ar t s

Music

The Visual Fine Arts Program is an essential element of a complete and balanced education and designed to cultivate the skills and tools needed to access each students unique and creative potential. Students study ceramics, drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, design, photography, video, filmmaking, and architecture. Other artistic disciplines such as performing arts, conceptual art, and textile arts that involve aspects of the visual arts are also taught. Classes visit and tour local art museums with their art instructor as a guide. Student artwork is featured in in our school hallways, and on ceiling tiles around the school.

Our Middle School art students’ Jewish Hall of Fame is on permanent exhibit at the Center for Jewish History.

Introducing music in the elementary school years helps foster a positive attitude toward learning, while building imagination and intellectual curiosity. Song permeates the halls of our Early Childhood and our greatly anticipated Early Childhood Rosh Chodesh sing-a-longs are sure to be a highlight for our younger students. Our fourth through eighth grade choir performs at all school-wide programs and many community events. Under the tutelage of our talented Music Instruction Coordinator Ms. Julienne Dweck, Lower School music program teaches students music appreciation, theory, composition, and performance. They also practice interpreting and responding to classical music through movement, art, and conversation. Students learn to read a basic music score, play various instruments, recognize the instruments of the orchestra, and even write and perform their original pieces. Students are exposed to music at its highest standard by attending and performing at venues around New York City such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center.

In conjunction with our Fine Arts program, students visit: Metropolitan Museum of Art Museum of Natural History Guggenheim

Whitney Museum of American Art Museum of Modern Art New York Botanical Gardens

After-School & Athletics A t h l e t i cs

After-School Program

The athletics department at MDS aims to successfully guide the development of each student while teaching lessons in accountability, being coachable, health and fitness, and teamwork. We also teach leadership and life skills through athletics, allowing students to grow and reach higher levels of confidence that help develop character.

At Manhattan Day School children may participate in a robust afterschool program on our campus. Starting from Nursery 3 through 8th Grade, students may register for a wide range of activities together with their friends. Children have the opportunity to enhance their creative sides, pursue passions, explore new interests and acquire skills in a wide range of after school clubs, such as:

The MDS Mavericks cultivate school spirit and community pride by embracing the best of what it means to be a student-athlete. Our championship basketball, soccer and hockey teams’ emphasis on effort, teamwork, and good sportsmanship make “The Mavs” excellent school ambassadors.

Aviation

Girls Who Code

Robotics

Ballet

Hebrew

Sculpting

Basketball

Hip Hop

Soccer

Chess

Hockey

Songwriting

Cooking

Jewelry Making

Yoga

French

Karate

Zumba

Community Chessed Being an active and contributing member of a broader community is a core value at MDS. Our MDS building serves as a community center for our students and families; hosting many important community events and participating in community-wide programs. We are fortunate to have created a Rabbinic Advisory Council Speaker Series and our middle school students enjoy hearing d’vrei torah each erev Shabbat from the exceptional Rabbis of our community.

MDS Parents Council creates a sense of community in school among the parent body and enhances the experiences of our children, faculty and staff outside the classroom. We are fortunate to have a vibrant partnership with our parent body who plan and coordinate fundraisers and events such as our annual Backto-School BBQ, Chanukah Boutique, Purim Carnival, Comedy Night, Mishloach Manot and many other exciting activities.

Make a Difference Our chessed program offers endless opportunities for students to do mitzvot and strengthen the practice of putting others first. Our classes visit the Esplanade Senior Home regularly to entertain and spend time with residents.

Students host a yearly Yachad Shabbaton, raise money for Sharsheret on Pink Day, participate in Hachnasat Kallah and hold Chanukah toy drives, coat drives and uniform swaps to help those in need. They contribute to and learn about Chai Lifeline, Od Yosef Chai, Masbia Soup Kitchen, Zichron Menachem, the Upper West Side Hatzalah, Knock Knock Give a Sock and other charities. Students are encouraged to take upon individualized chessed projects and our graduates leave with a sense of yearning to help others and make a difference in their lives.

Graduates & Alumni MDS is proud of our graduating seniors. Our students continue their Jewish education at many of our community high schools, among them: Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls Magen David Yeshivah High School Manhattan High School for Girls (MHS) Ramaz High School SAR High School The Frisch School Torah Academy of Bergen County (TABC) Westchester Hebew High School Yeshivat Darche Eres (YDE) Yeshiva of Flatbush High School

We are so proud of the thousands of MDS alumni who have shaped our community, our nation, and the world at large. We celebrate their significant successes professionally, academically, and personally, and the Jewish values and learning that continue to inform and inspire their lives. Our school community salutes the numerous alumni who have built homes and families in Israel, and their manifold contributions to our people and homeland.

Manhattan Day School keeps in touch with alumni through class reunions and our social media pages. Alumni are warmly welcomed back to MDS to visit for special alumni programs and for school events, and we are always delighted to welcome our more recent alumni who stop to visit when they have a day off!

Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) Yeshiva University High School for Girls (Central)

“ MDS is embedded in the fabric of who I am and the life I've lived. The school - the building and community - has played a major part in almost every milestone, and every rite of passage I've experienced, both as a child, and now as a parent. The heart and soul - the personalities and diversity - of what this Yeshiva on the Upper West Side stands for and represents is as strong as ever.” - Avi Spira, Class of 1990, Alumnus & Current MDS Parent

For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact Cindy Sherman, Director of Admissions at (212) 376-6800 x 534 or csherman@manhattanday.org

310 West 75th Street New York, NY 10023 (212) 376-6800 www.manhattanday.org

Manhattan Day School is a proud member of the New York State Association of the Independent Schools