Elementary Division
Rebecca Hammerman
Head of the Elementary Division
Welcome to the Elementary Division, where our 1st – 4th Graders enter our doors every day eager to learn, play, and contribute to our warm and vibrant community. Our teachers actively engage students and, together, they explore new ideas and expand their understanding of the world.
Rodeph Sholom School faculty pride themselves on meeting students’ needs to help them acquire skills, think critically, and deepen their learning. Our strong academic program motivates children to work with determination and enthusiasm across all disciplines.
Judaic Studies and Hebrew classes allow students to explore their personal identity and connect in various ways with Judaism. Through our co-curricular programs, including art, music, drama, technology, physical education, and sciences, students express themselves while discovering their passions and feeding their intellectual curiosity.
Social-emotional learning is at the heart of our program, as students are taught to recognize and manage emotions, solve problems, care about others, and interact with kindness. It is through the lens of our core values, Love of Learning, Community, and Responsibility that our Elementary students thrive. Children learn to understand their responsibility to their community and others.
The spirit of our school community is palpable. The connections forged between students, families, and faculty create a unique and special place to grow up and learn. We welcome you to Rodeph Sholom School and look forward to partnering with your family as you and your child experience a Rodeph Sholom School education.
Warmly,
Rebecca Hammerman
Head of the Elementary Division
Elementary Division
Elementary students at Rodeph Sholom School grow and learn in a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment where they build confidence, competence, and self-esteem.
Curriculum Overview
1st Grade
First Grade focuses on building students’ skills, particularly in literacy and math. Engaging activities allow students to develop their foundational understandings at a developmentally appropriate pace. The School’s approach to Jewish Studies brings joy and identity development to the classroom experience.
2nd Grade
2nd Grade students extend their understanding of literature, math, and social studies by investigating each discipline using a specific, individualized approach. These disciplines are integrated as much as possible within an overall theme of New York City. Within the Jewish Studies program, students focus on Torah stories to glean lessons and apply modern understandings to ancient narratives.
3rd Grade
3rd Grade serves as a transitional year as students progress from developing basic skills to applying these skills in various content areas. The integration of content across several disciplines continues as students complete an increasing number of long-term projects. Highlights of 3rd Grade include mock Ellis Island, the Invention Fair, and the study of family history.
4th Grade
In 4th Grade, students not only strengthen their skills in reading, writing, and mathematics but also learn to use their skills across the curriculum as independent learners. In 4th Grade, there is a heavy focus on tzedakah projects that serve the needs of the surrounding community while building students’ empathy and leadership skills. Throughout the year, students complete projects that prepare them for the work of Middle School. Each year, students analyze a Jewish Studies theme and create and perform the culminating musical “Midrash Hour.”