Arizona State University
1151 S Forest Ave.
Tempe, AZ 85281
480-965-7788
asu.edu
Arizona State University is gaining national attention for its efforts to increase access to high-quality, rigorous education with a focus on inclusion and impact. The university is ranked as the second most innovative school in the country by U.S. News & World Report, and ranks fifth in the nation in producing the best-qualified graduates, according to a Wall Street Journal survey of campus recruiters. ASU strives to be the model for a New American University, measured not by who it excludes, but rather by who it includes and how they succeed; pursuing research and discovery that benefits the public good; assuming major responsibility for the economic, social, and cultural vitality and health and well-being of the community. ASU has the fastest growing research enterprise in the United States, more than tripling its research budget to $400 million since 2002; it is expected to reach $700 million by 2020. ASU is the only comprehensive, clinical partner of the Mayo Clinic – together, they are working to establish the Mayo Medical School – Arizona Campus. ASU offers 300 degrees at the bachelor, master and doctorate level encompassing health and life sciences, humanities, fine arts, design, mathematics, physical sciences, engineering and technology and the social and behavioral sciences including Judaic studies. Additionally, ASU is among the top producers of students awarded Fulbright scholarships to study and teach abroad, now ranking third in the nation for research institutions, tied with Princeton and Rutgers, according to The Chronicle of Higher Education (http://yourfuture.asu.edu/ rankings).
Beth El Congregation – Talmud Torah
1118 W Glendale Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85021
602-944-3359
www.bethelphoenixed.wordpress.com
From Pre-Kindergarten through eighth grade, Talmud Torah students at Beth El Congregation are exposed to modern Hebrew for simple conversation and general classroom direction. The modern Hebrew vocabulary is integrated into the school’s study of Jewish history, holidays, Israel, God, mitzvot, ritual, values, Torah, Hebrew and prayer. “We are proud to be a United Synagogue Framework for Excellence School and we offer online programming recognized by the Jewish Educator’s Assembly,” says Education and Youth Director Nanci Siegel-Manson, who just finished her first year at the school. She notes that the school’s online programming includes a Wednesday online class program so the students can participate from home. The online component is just one of the innovative methods the school uses to ensure all of its students succeed. “We received support from the Council for Jews with Special Needs to meet the needs of all our students. Our computer lab and special needs programs help us to provide individualized instruction for enrichment and remediation,” says Siegel-Manson, noting that the school also has the interactive SMART Board to aid student learning. This summer Beth El Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky was teaching at Camp Ramah in California for one week and found that 20 Beth El students were either attending camp or were counselors at the camp. For the coming year, the school is adding a regularly scheduled Junior Congregation service and Talmud Torah students will lead periodic congregational Friday night services.
Desert Jewish Academy
3400 N Dobson Road
Chandler, AZ 85224
www.desertja.org
Desert Jewish Academy has a new name and a new campus, but retains its focus on giving students a firm foundation in academic and Judaic studies through a challenging and integrated curriculum exceeding state standards. Formerly known as the East Valley Jewish Day School, Desert Jewish Academy can now develop new roots at its new campus on Dobson Road. The new location “will help us create a new identity and provide visibility to the community that an excellent Jewish day school option exists in the East Valley,” says Head of School Emily Zappa.
Students in kindergarten through sixth grade receive a top notch secular education while they learn about their heritage and gain proficiency in a second language – Hebrew. In addition the school also provides art, music, PE, choir and technology programs. The school has received the Salt River Project Learning Grant four years in a row. “The Desert Jewish Academy provides students with a challenging and exciting curriculum,” says Zappa. “All students receive an individualized educational plan that is put together by our talented teachers and staff.”
“We believe education is the greatest gift we can give our children,” she adds. “We lay the groundwork for our students to be proud, knowledgeable, responsible and productive individuals. Students are encouraged to celebrate their unique qualities as they learn respect for varied approaches to Judaism while embracing diverse cultures.” Desert Jewish Academy fosters a strong sense of ethics, self and community through: Knowledge and Wisdom (Da’at), Deeds of Kindness (G’milut Chasadim/Mitzvot/Tzedakah), Repairing the World (Tikkun Olam) and Love of Israel (Ahavat Eretz Yisrael). “Our community of staff, students, alumni and families is a caring and supportive one,” says Zappa. “When your child becomes a DJA Student, your entire family becomes a DJA Family.”
Pardes Jewish Day School
12753 N Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-991-9141
www.pardesschool.org
After celebrating its 20th anniversary of academic excellence during the 2013-14 school year, Pardes Jewish Day School has moved to its new home on the Ina Levine Jewish Community Campus. Pardes Jewish Day School is an independent, coeducational day school committed to providing a dynamic learning environment for all students in kindergarten through eighth grade. “Whether in a secular studies or Jewish studies class, Pardes students learn to think critically, research, analyze and evaluate content,” says Head of School Jill Kessler. “Our students enthusiastically engage in class discussions, collaborate on projects and learn from a highly experienced and talented faculty.” Pardes Jewish Day School exemplifies excellence in education while taking into consideration the needs of the whole child. Classes have low student-teacher ratios, allowing teachers to differentiate an enriched curriculum. Pardes students from kindergarten through eighth grade are taught Hebrew and Jewish studies. Students also enjoy classes in art, music, physical education, technology and Spanish (beginning in grade five.) Before moving into its new home, Pardes renovated existing classrooms on the campus; built a new middle school building, additional kindergarten classroom and administrative offices; added a kosher kitchen; and created a beautiful playscape for the students. With its move to the hub of the Jewish community, the school also gains access to the gymnasiums and swimming pool and other amenities of the JCC. “Judaism surrounds our Pardes students beyond just our engaging Jewish studies and Hebrew classes,” says Kessler. “Our students learn to chant prayers in Tefillah, discuss the weekly Torah portion, participate in Tikkun Olam activities and celebrate Jewish holidays. Throughout their experience at Pardes, students develop great pride in their Jewish identities.”
“Jewish values, history and text are woven into the daily fabric of our school community,” says Kessler. “Our students become proud, knowledgeable Jews, poised to become our next generation of Jewish leaders.”
Congregation Beth Israel Chanen Preschool
480-951-3398
The Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School
480-951-0323 10460 N 56th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85253
520-299-3000
www.cbiaz.org
Serving infants through 12th graders, Congregation Beth Israel’s education programs create community, connections and lifelong learners. Chanen Preschool serves children from 6 weeks through pre-kindergarten with a full day developmental preschool with an emphasis on academics. “Our program includes not only a wonderful curriculum centered around the Jewish holidays, but also our typical week includes Hebrew, movement, music, PE, all school Havdalah, art and all school Shabbat,” says Chanen Preschool Director Kim Subrin.
Subrin, who was selected for a national leadership program for Jewish Early Childhood professionals, has brought all of her new ideas to the program. She notes, “We look at each child as an individual and work on meeting each child’s individual needs. We believe in the process of education, working with the children to build their self-esteem, creativity and independence. We teach strong Jewish values and love to incorporate Jewish traditions in all we do.”
The preschool focuses on building community, incorporating the entire family in our school and building lifelong relationships. That integration continues in the The Mark L. Haberkorn Religious School with Hebrew, music, modern and biblical Israel, prayer and family education for pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.
“A solid Jewish education can only be achieved in partnership with our Hebrew/Religious School parents and family members; together we can prepare the future leaders of our Jewish community,” says Director Stacy Rosenthal. Rosenthal adds the school “is dedicated to giving our students the necessary Jewish core values that will empower them with the knowledge and tools to continue on a path of life-long Jewish learning.”
“We are committed to providing our students with stellar teachers, outstanding Judaic and Hebrew curricula, as well as fun out-of-the-box Jewish programming,” Rosenthal says. The out-of-the box programming includes the school’s annual retreat, where first- through sixth-graders enjoy a weekend of team building, fun activities, t’fillah and bonding with friends at CBI’s beautiful Camp Daisy and Harry Stein in Prescott. And students in the Ma’ayan program (8th-12th grade), can take Hebrew for credit by enrolling with the Paradise Valley Unified School District Online to receive World Language credit for high school.
Tesseract School
4800 E Doubletree Ranch Road
3939 E Shea Blvd Paradise Valley, AZ | Phoenix, AZ
Early Childhood & Lower School | Middle & Upper School
(Age 2 through 4th Grade) | (5th-12th Grade)
www.tesseractschool.org
From pre-kindergarten through high school, students at Tesseract School learn the skills they need not just to succeed in the classroom, but to succeed in the larger world. “Tesseract School inspires students to realize their full potential through creativity, collaboration, confidence building and critical thinking by being part of a safe, nurturing and caring community,” says Jacqui Breger, Director of Marketing & Communication. That focus on a safe and caring community helped Tesseract become the first independent school in Arizona to have been declared a “No Place For Hate” school by the Anti-Defamation League. From age 2 through 12th grade, Tesseract offers small class sizes, dedicated and professional faculty, a comprehensive arts and music program, and academic excellence and innovation through thematic integrated project-based learning. That staff and program excellence was recognized this past year when eight Tesseract educators, staff and programs were selected as finalists in the AZCape’s Arizona Private Education Excellence Awards. Tesseract School received more nominations than any other faith-based or independent private school in Arizona. “Our student-centered focus is on ‘engaging minds’ – encouraging our students to embrace the values, attitudes, skills, knowledge and perspective to ‘inspire their dreams’ and find their passions and develop a love of learning to be fulfilled and successful in life,” says Breger. “We engage their hearts and minds, giving them a chance to grow through hands-on experience and an understanding of how each discipline connects them to the larger world.” “The result is not just that students retain information longer and understand the content more deeply, but they are better prepared for higher education and the world beyond because they can communicate and debate the ideas and problems facing us with passion, creativity, empathy and innovation – essential qualities for a well-rounded life and for pursuing whatever their dreams and ambitions may be.” Tesseract integrates technology, presentation skills, collaboration, real-world experiences and creativity to provide students with the skills to succeed as 21st century learners. The school provides a well-rounded environment featuring college prep, languages, curriculum-integrated travel, service learning, theater, arts, music, sports and clubs.
The Arizona Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Arizona
The Louise Foucar Marshall Bldg. 845 N Park Ave., Ste. 420
Tucson, AZ 85721-0159
520-626-5758
judaic.arizona.edu
One of the largest and most recognized Hebrew programs in the country, the Hebrew Program at the University of Arizona educates university students of all ages who want to study Hebrew. The program now offers four years of Hebrew from beginning to advanced. And for those who are interested, a year of Aramaic is also offered.
Students in the Hebrew Program at the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies are encouraged to make mistakes as they learn a living language and explore the culture where real people speak that language. “Real people like you and me speak Hebrew,” says Hebrew Program Head Anat Maimon, who was recognized in 2103 with the Outstanding Teaching Award by the University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Because the program is part of the Arizona Center for Judaic Studies, integrating the culture is a seamless process. Hebrew instruction easily blends with learning about the rich culture and history of Israel, says Maimon. Several scholarships and travel abroad opportunities are available and many students participate in study-abroad programs in Israel and in archeological digs. Even those who don’t leave the campus get a taste of Israel. “Each semester we conduct an Israeli cultural event for more than 100 students,” says Maimon. “Speakers from Israel, social activities and games, Israeli food and movies are all combined to introduce our students to Israeli life and culture.” Maimon says the program excels in part because it offers an individualized program with small class size and instructors available for one-on-one assistance. Those instructors sincerely care for students and encourage active learning. They understand that each student may learn language differently so students are encouraged not to be afraid to make mistakes. “Our efforts are successful when we see that our students are inspired to exceed expectations,” she says. Each academic year presents new learning opportunities both professionally and personally. “The journey taken each year with a new group of students is a path of mutual learning and sharing,” she says, adding that it reflects the Talmud Proverb: “I have learned much from my teachers; and from my friends, more than from my teachers. But from my students, more than from them all.”
Tucson JCC Early Childhood Education
3800 E River Road
Tucson, AZ 85718
520-299-3000
tucsonjcc.org
Children ages 6 weeks to 5 years get more than a preschool when they attend Tucson JCC Early Childhood Education. “Ours is an early childhood program within a greater community center with access to multiple playgrounds, an art gallery, a sculpture garden, swimming amenities and indoor gym facilities,” says Amy DeWitt, co-director of Early Childhood Education. “Teachers facilitate learning throughout the center and children enjoy varied environments. We provide a safe, child-centered Jewish environment where each child will explore their world through discovery of self, community and the environment.” The program also has a strong focus on art and sensory experiences. This past year the Tucson JCC adopted Discover: CATCH Early Childhood, a Jewish Community Centers of North America initiative that adapts the nationally recognized CATCH Afterschool Program for younger children (ages 3-5). CATCH (Coordinated Approach To Child Health) involves teachers, students, families and the community in activities aimed at preventing obesity and building fitness, strength and self-esteem. Discover: CATCH integrates Jewish values into the program’s fitness and nutrition education activities. The program emphasizes movement and fun; group games, gym and outdoor time activities are designed to incorporate 30 minutes of moderate-to- vigorous physical activity into each school day.
Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center
15030 N 64th St.
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-951-5825
templekolami.org
Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center has an innovative curriculum, exceptional staff and small teacher to student classroom ratios serving children from infants through pre-kindergarten. “Our preschool has a strong sense of community amongst students, staff and families,” says Early Childhood Director Debbie Glassman. The Early Childhood Center offers science, music, Spanish, Hebrew and creative movement. “Rabbi Time” and Shabbat celebrations reflect the center’s philosophy that Judaism is best taught by example and through an experiential process. Now the center will also feature Navehsplash, a brand-new, outdoor, zero-depth splash pad and play area, designed by renowned architect Will Bruder. Naming the waterplay area Naveh, Hebrew for oasis, symbolizes “the growth and life that springs forth at Kol Ami every day,” according to Rabbi Jeremy Schneider. “Our philosophy is to foster each child’s intellectual, physical, emotional and social development in a safe, stimulating and nurturing environment,” says Glassman. “Our developmentally age appropriate curriculum integrates both Judaic and secular values, which allows children to develop critical independent thinking skills and a positive self-image.”
B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program
Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Phoenix
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 202
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
480-699-1717
www.jcfphoenix.org
The B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Program is redefining what it means to be a Jewish philanthropist by showing young people that they have the power to make change in the world through a personal and engaged relationship to lifelong giving. Considered a national model for youth philanthropy, this program is a tool for teens to give tzedakah, deepen their commitment to social action and be part of a program that models youth leadership. Any Phoenix-area Jewish teen, from approaching bar/ bat mitzvah through their senior year of high school, can establish a B’nai Tzedek Fund. A teen can use gifts they receive upon becoming a bar or bat mitzvah to create their own charitable endowment fund. Then they annually grant a percentage of this fund to the nonprofit organization of their choice. B’nai Tzedek fund holders ages 13-18 can also apply for the B’nai Tzedek Youth Philanthropy Board at the Jewish Community Foundation. Board members learn about grant making, community needs, philanthropy and engage in leadership development.“In addition to helping teens establish their own charitable endowment fund, programming has been established to provide teens with a significant group-giving experience that truly mirrors the work of adult boards and grant committees in the community,” says Youth Philanthropy Director Andrea Cohen.While the teens are the primary focus of the program, B’nai Tzedek also benefits the nonprofit organizations and their constituents who receive grant funding and volunteerism/community service by the teens. This past year B’nai Tzedek teens learned about the needs of teens in the Jewish Family & Children’s Service Foster Care program. After learning about the teens and Arizona Foster Care System, the B’nai Tzedek teens donated more than $800 in gift cards and presents to the program. Another highlight of the year was the program’s first annual Tzedakah Shuk. Hundreds of teens and their parents attended the programs, which aimed to match teens with local nonprofit organizations and hands-on meaningful volunteer opportunities. Tzedakah Shuk is intended to help children, teens and families find meaningful engagement opportunities. It also encourages nonprofits to create volunteer opportunities for children and teens.
SIRRI
4515 S McClintock Dr., Ste. 208
Tempe, AZ 85282
480-777-7075
www.SIRRI.com
SIRRI – Sensory Integration Research & Rehabilitation Institute – is a developmental rehabilitation and learning center serving clients from ages 21⁄2 years through adult who are struggling with developmental disabilities or brain injury.
“SIRRI’s mission is to create choices and opportunities in the lives of our customers and to improve the overall quality of life of their families by providing the most innovative, creative and effective uses of new and existing brain-based technologies available on the market,” says SIRRI Executive Director Dan Williams, PT, CSCS, BCN. “The concept behind SIRRI is to build a stronger neurological and developmental foundation for those who struggle developmentally, educationally and socially to open the pathways to learning ability and, ultimately, individual success.”
SIRRI offers comprehensive programs and services to help children and adults with Autism, ADD/ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorder, developmental delays, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, birth trauma and acquired brain injuries.
“SIRRI is not a school, but rather offers programs and services designed to be supplemental to school to promote successful learning,” says Williams. SIRRI is the only certified provider of the Sensory Learning Program in Arizona, a program which combines auditory retraining, vision therapy and balance/movement/ vestibular therapy.
SIRRI strives to improve an individual’s balance, coordination, attention, focus, cognitive skills, memory and processing skills, auditory processing, visual and fine/gross motor skills, and overall function and independence. SIRRI also provides Neurofeedback/Biofeedback and QEEG (Brain Map) services. SIRRI celebrated 11 years of business and service earlier this year!
Jewish Tuition Organization
12701 N Scottsdale Road, Ste. 100M
Scottsdale, AZ 85254-5457
480-634-4926
www.jtophoenix.org
The Jewish Tuition Organization provides need-based scholarships to help Arizona students attend participating K-12 Jewish day schools in metropolitan Phoenix. It was founded in 1999 to ensure no child was denied a Jewish education because of the cost.
“Our focus is to raise as much as possible to be able to provide meaningful need-based scholarships, which will allow more students to attend our Jewish day schools,” says JTO Executive Director, Linda Zell.
Supporting the JTO doesn’t cost Arizona taxpayers a penny. JTO raises funds primarily through the Arizona Private School Tax Credit Program, which allows individuals and corporations to get a dollar for dollar tax credit against their Arizona taxes.
“We are a nonprofit 501(c)(3) so you should also check with your tax preparers regarding deductibility on your federal tax return,” says Zell. This year the JTO raised just over $2.9 million dollars to fund 2014-2015 scholarships. This exceeded last year’s donations of $2.64 million dollars. The scholarships will go to students attending seven Valley Jewish day schools, which had a combined enrollment of 607 students as of March 15. Roughly two-thirds of the Valley’s Jewish day school students receive JTO scholarships. Over the years, more than 4,000 scholarships have been awarded. More than 90% of donations are awarded as scholarships every year. Past JTO Scholarship recipient Shauna Tasa went on to become an ASU Honors Graduate, Vice President of the Jewish Law Students Association at ASU, law student and a member of ASU Hillel Board of Directors. She says, “I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the help of the JTO.” Ben Cooper, who has donated to JTO each year since he helped found the program in 1999, says: “Taking the Arizona tax credit is easy and cost free, and it helps provide the gift of a Jewish education. I take the maximum credit every year.” With donations and scholarships increasing each year, it is evident that students attending Valley Jewish day schools still show a need for financial aid. This is why it is so important for the community to support the JTO.
