Guest blog post – Kehillah by Michelle Walny
At a time like this, I am amazed. I am amazed that despite the short turn around time, MJDS teachers, administration and staff were able to make education accessible online to students. Last week I sat back and watched as my daughter continued to do school from the home classroom (aka dining room). Teachers called Read More…
COVID-19 – The importance of social distancing
As we begin to adjust to our new (short-term) reality, I hope you will join me in doing everything in our collective power to reduce the spread of this virus. Changing our mindset so we become willing to change our individual behavior is essential. Please take a moment to click HERE and read how to change Read More…
Guest post – Hanna B. – Song Leader Boot Camp
Hi. I am an 8th grade student at MJDS and am grateful for the opportunity to recently experience an amazing Jewish spiritual leadership program through my school. Song Leader Boot Camp (SLBC) provides powerful Jewish leadership training for a wide variety of song leaders from around the world. My favorite part of SLBC was Saturday morning Read More…
Guest blog post – Gev. Honigman – Jewish Studies at MJDS
We talk a lot about evidence of learning at MJDS. In the case of Jewish Studies, the question becomes: what type of evidence can we gather to show how students are strengthening their Jewish identities? In our new vision of fifth, sixth and seventh grade Jewish Studies, students and families have more choice and voice Read More…
Professional Learning at MJDS – A guest blog post by Geverets McAdams & Noorlander
Assessment is such a crucial part of teaching. How do we know where students are at if we don’t allow for genuine, authentic assessment? As members of MJDS’ 2nd assessment team (our first cohort began last year and continues to meet this year), a group of MJDS and Augustine Prep teachers meeting monthly, we’ve had Read More…
The evolution of grading at MJDS and in the world
When many of us think about grading, we think of the traditional approach utilized in our elementary, high school and college learning journeys. We might not look back with fondness yet we often feel see a sense of accomplishment. Maybe you’ve mentioned something to your children that sounds something like this…’when I was your age, Read More…
Guest Blog by Alyson Lippman – Helping our children grow healthy brains
This is one mom’s perspective on Dr. Mazius’s most recent ed talk. I say that because Dr. Mazius manages to fit neurological anatomy, psychology, sociology and parenting all into one talk so we likely all walk away remembering different highlights. In past EdTalks, Dr. Mazius has addressed happiness, stress and learned behavior. Next time he Read More…
A guest blog post by Michelle Walny – Tikkun Olam
It is about repairing the world. But it is also about repairing ourselves- making us better people. When our daughter joined MJDS, one aspect I was really excited about was the ‘required’ service learning hours. I knew why we give back and I knew that our child would have no problem with these hours. She Read More…
Guest blogger – Gev. Jirovetz – The power of student-owned learning
I can’t stop thinking about the teaching and learning that is happening at MJDS. Our kids are amazing! We are trying something new in Exploring the Core (ETC) this year (a 5th-8th grade STEAM course). The seventh and eighth graders have been challenged to develop a business for an Entrepreneur Fair. Their business can offer Read More…
Reading during winter break
As you begin winter break, please take a moment to read this brief post. The National Council of Teachers of English offers an accessible and research-based look at the importance of independent reading. Click HERE to read more. An excerpt is below and I encourage you and your children to find time over the next 16 days Read More…