1. Tampa Bay Jewish Academy Mission Statement To provide a nurturing and inclusive Jewish environment that fosters academic excellence, infused with the values of Torah. Educate. Enrich. Inspire. Serving grades K-2 or 3 $6,000 per year tuition ($600 per month) Located at Congregation Beth Shalom 1325 S. Belcher Road Clearwater, FL 33764
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3. TAMPA BAY JEWISH ACADEMY ELEMENTARY PROGRAM Grades K to 2 or 3 GENERAL STUDIES CURRICULUM OVERVIEW LANGUAGE ARTS The Language Arts curriculum integrates five major components: reading, writing, grammar, spelling, and handwriting, all basic to good communication. Reading is the core of the curriculum, because comprehension of all material read is important in all areas of life. Emphasis in the reading program is placed on phonemic awareness, through oral language development, phonics - sound symbol relationships and application of skills, decoding skills, reading comprehension strategies, sequencing and listening at the first and second grade levels. Extended reading comprehension skills, literature appreciation and vocabulary development continue at the 3 rd grade level. These skills enable students not only to understand the material read, but also to learn to enjoy reading itself. The present reading texts contain varied types of literature such as folk tales, fables, poetry, nonfiction and high interest stories. All reading skills are presented in a spiral effect so that foundational skills are introduced at one level and reviewed again at the next level. Any skills that are not presented fully or cause difficulties in understanding to the student are presented again, and reinforced by the teacher. To supplement the reading program, novelettes are read by students at the 1 st and 2 nd grade levels, and the group reading of full length novels and independent assignments will also assigned to the 3 rd graders. These lengthy stories help develop comprehension and thinking skills and provide ample opportunities for independent writing. Traditional grammar and composition are taught in a sequential format at these grade levels. Grammar usage, sentence structure, capitalization/punctuation and paragraphing are stressed. It is expected that students will learn how to express themselves correctly verbally and on the written page. Creative writing is incorporated into the curriculum through texts and teacher developed programs, and integrated in all thematic units of study. The writing process includes: prewriting, writing, editing, rewriting, and final draft. The Writing Workshop in the 3rd grade helps students to create excellent editing skills while developing facilities in narrative, informative and persuasive writing styles. Students learn to write in a variety of formats and use prewriting strategies such as webbing, brainstorming, and outlining. Students are expected to use correct grammar in speaking as well as writing. Using effective spoken language, good eye contact, clear diction, and appropriate tone and volume is stressed in the language art ’ s program. The spelling component is based on a combination of phonics and whole language, and accuracy in all forms of written communication is emphasized. Dictionary, proofreading, language, and vocabulary skills are also extended through the use of the text and teacher-made materials. The handwriting component encourages skill in written exercises, self-expression and communication. The Zaner-Bloser method for manuscript and cursive writing (introduced at 2 nd grade) is used. Since fine muscle development varies from student to student causing different degrees of correctness of form, emphasis is placed on legibility and neatness at these levels, rather than uniformity. The students are engaged in additional enrichment activities such as field trips to Largo Cultural Center and Ruth Eckerd Hall where they are introduced to theater and other live performances which enhance the language arts program. MATHEMATICS The math program builds on and maintains the basic arithmetic skills and their application. Logical thinking and problem-solving are stressed. Concepts are emphasized and mastered through guided practice and homework. Rote and drill practices are used to attain mastery of such skill as the number facts, while math games, computerized programs and learning centers serve as enrichment. Heavy emphasis is placed on the use of manipulatives, computer experience and calculator skills at the appropriate grade level. The math program beginning in the kindergarten class emphasizes the student ’ s ability to solve the problems, not the mere rote memorization of facts. The core of the mathematics program includes: Number sense, concepts, operations, measurement, geometry and spatial sense, algebraic thinking, data, analysis, and probability. We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community .
4. TAMPA BAY JEWISH ACADEMY ELEMENTARY PROGRAM Grades K to 2 or 3 SOCIAL STUDIES The Elementary Social Studies program extends from a local to a global emphasis, stressing the continuity of a strong sense of family, community, national, and international study. In addition, emphasis is placed on citizenship, environmental issues, geography and mapping skills, cultural awareness, and the Jewish holidays/customs. A Social Studies text series is in use in grades one through three. This text tracks and compliments the language arts curriculum. Social Studies is integrated with all subjects, including Judaics, to provide students with a strong awareness of their role as positive, contributing citizens in a world society Materials such as wall and desk maps, globes, computer software, current events magazines, videos, TV programs and other reference materials are used to supplement the text. Basic research skills are taught and applied in all studies. Additional enrichment includes, guest speakers, theatrical presentations, holiday celebrations, and other events that also help to enrich the students ’ learning experiences. Through the Social Studies program, students will explore the themes of continuity and change through the examination of American history and the development of civilizations. They will discover that human interactions through trade, travel, and political alliances shape and influence the world governments and the social and political structure of our country and other nations. Through their study of government they will learn how the effect the essential structures of American government have influenced the governments of each state. Current events bring the faces of different nations into the classroom where the additional study of geography gives concrete perspectives to students studying the global continents. SCIENCE The science program provides students with the opportunity to do ” hands-on ” exploration in the areas of Life Science, Physical Science, Earth Science, and the study of the human body. In their study of science, students begin learning using the Scientific Method and use the process skills of observing, communicating, classifying, estimating, inferring, predicting, making definitions, making and using models, giving hypotheses, collecting data, controlling variables, and experimenting. Factual knowledge is fostered as well as the wonder of scientific study. A science text is used in grades one through three along with hands on materials for performing the accompanying experiments. The curriculum will be enhanced through guest speakers, and special programs. All of the elementary students will participate in an annual science fair for which independent study and creativity are encouraged. Throughout the school our science programs will include the National Science Education Standards, published by the National Research Council and representing the contributions of thousands of educators and scientists, offering a comprehensive vision of a scientifically literate society. The guidelines not only describe what students should know, but also offers guides for teaching science and for science assessment. The school's science program unifies concepts and processes, sees science as inquiry based and unifies physical, life, and earth and space sciences. The school supports a facilitated learning approach to science education. The role of the teacher is as the facilitator. The teacher provides an atmosphere in which students design and direct activities. To develop the idea that science investigation is not made up of closed-end questions, the teacher asks guiding questions and is prepared to help students draw meaningful conclusions when results do not match predictions. Through numerous activities, cooperative learning opportunities, and with a variety of critical thinking exercises, students feel comfortable in taking a facilitated learning approach to science in the classroom. Students are provided with experiences as the base for developing abstract ideas. Students are encouraged to consider questions about the concepts, make observations, and share prior knowledge. Many labs are conducted throughout the year. They require a minimum amount of equipment, and students can take responsibility for their organization and execution. We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community.
5. TAMPA BAY JEWISH ACADEMY ELEMENTARY PROGRAM Grades K to 2 or 3 PHYSICAL EDUCATION The Elementary School's Physical Education (PE) program seeks to develop in students a sense of well being, a desire to maintain fitness, and the skills to achieve lifetime physical health. Special attention is given to social skill development, individual activities, and group activities. Emphasis is on the enhancement of the students ’ self-esteem by helping them develop confidence in their individual motor skills, and a good sense of teamwork and sportsmanship. The curriculum for 1 st and 2 nd grades allows for maximum participation in all activities. However, participation is stressed, rather than skill. Activities are planned to enhance gross motor development and special awareness, while good sportsmanship and cooperation are continually encouraged. In grade Three, the curriculum focuses on skill development, both individually and in a team setting. Good sportsmanship and cooperation continue to be emphasized. Every effort is made to create an atmosphere on the playing field where every student feels comfortable about himself or herself and have no reservations about participating in any activity. ART Art education provides students with a well-rounded education that helps to prepare them to be contributing members of society. Art enhances communication skills, builds self-esteem, reinforces task completion, inspires critical thinking and facilitates decision-making. In addition exploration of art in society exposes children to many cultures that exist in the world. Emphasis is placed on creating Judaica, so as to learn the significance of these powerful spiritual objects. The art curriculum will be incorporated into the units taught in the classroom. Projects that involve the units being learned will be introduced and carried out by the classroom teachers. The students will be introduced to a wide range of art materials as well as different art methodology. MUSIC The major goal of the music curriculum is to introduce students to large amounts of Judaic music in both song and dance, so that the students are steeped in their heritage and culture. Music also provides students alternative methods of self-expression, active involvement, opportunity for those that are musically inclined to excel, and a variety of activity to please many different tastes. The curriculum includes units of study in singing (in the Hebrew language); dancing (Israeli folk dances); instruments (rhythm and orchestral); classical musicians and musical periods; foreign languages (songs in Yiddish and other foreign languages); Jewish musicians, composers, and singers, and genres of music (variety of styles). COMPUTER In a world of expanding technology it essential that students discover and explore the opportunities which computers offer as a lifetime learning tool and to develop proficiency in their use. Our curriculum focuses on instruction in computer literacy and application with strong emphasis placed on keyboarding at the lower grades. Computer skill and practice is developed through use of software in language arts, mathematics and critical thinking skills or through research projects assigned by the classroom teacher. . We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community.
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7. Tampa Bay Jewish Academy School Calendar 2010-2011 Page 1 We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community . AUGUST Monday, August 16 First day of school Tuesday, August 24 Back to School night, all grades SEPTEMBER Monday, September 6 Closed for Labor Day Wednesday, September 8 12:00pm dismissal for Erev Rosh Hashana Thursday & Friday, September 9 & 10 Closed for Rosh Hashana Friday, September 17 12:00pm dismissal for Erev Yom Kippur Saturday, September 18 Yom Kippur Tuesday & Wednesday, September 21 & 22 Students decorate sukkah Thursday & Friday, September 23 & 24 Closed for Sukkot Thursday, September 30 Closed for Shemini Atzeret OCTOBER Friday, October 1 Closed for Simchat Torah NOVEMBER Thursday, November 4 1:00pm-5:00pm Parent/Teacher conferences No school for students Wednesday – Friday, November 24-26 Closed for Thanksgiving DECEMBER Wednesday, December 1 First night of Hanukkah Monday – Friday, December 20-31 Closed for Winter break JANUARY Monday, January 3 School closed Tuesday, January 4 Classes resume Friday, January 14 End of 2 nd Qtr grading period Monday, January 17 Closed for MLK, Jr. Day Thursday, January 20 Tu B’Shevat seders Thursday, January 27 Kabbalat HaSiddur
8. Tampa Bay Jewish Academy School Calendar 2010-2011 Page 2 We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community. FEBRUARY Monday, February 21 Closed for President’s Day MARCH Monday, March 21 Purim: Megillah reading and costume parade Tuesday, March 22 End of 3 rd Qtr grading period Friday, March 25 Closed for Spring break Monday, March 28 Closed for Spring break Tuesday, March 29 Classes resume APRIL Monday-Tuesday, April 18-26 Closed for Pesach MAY Monday, May 2 Yom Hashoah Tuesday, May 10 Yom Ha’Atmaut Monday, May 23 Lag B’Omer Monday, May 30 Closed for Memorial Day JUNE Wednesday, June 1 Yom Yerushalayim Thursday, June 2 Last day of school 12:00pm dismissal
9. With questions or to receive more information, please contact: Robby Cicco (727)510-4291 [email_address] Thank you for your interest in Tampa Bay Jewish Academy. We hope you choose to become part of our growing family. Robby Cicco Helen Freid Michael Igel Lewis Orloff Rabbi David Weizman Rabbi Danielle Upbin-Weizman We reserve the right to make changes to all items in this document based upon enrollment ,and the dynamic environment as the school evolves to meet the needs of the Jewish Community.