Planting the Seeds: A Series of Growth

How can we use Jewish values and ideas to connect with our children and form deeper parent-child relationships? How can we take knowledge gained in school and turn it into meaningful action at home?

Denver Jewish Day School is proud to present Planting the Seeds: A Series of Growth, a parent education series that explores fresh new ways in which parents and educators can partner as we educate the whole Jewish child - both in the classroom and beyond. This year-long series offers an excellent opportunity to meet and learn from the expertise of Denver Jewish Day School faculty and staff and to gain deeper insight into the school’s philosophy of learning.

Session I: It All Starts with T’Shuvah - Setting the Tone for a New School Year
Dr. Sarah Levy and Dr. Rachel Gall
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 8:15am
Denver Jewish Day School

As we prepare for Jewish High Holidays, we begin the process of t'shuvah, of resolving those issues that have been heavy on our hearts and minds, and of welcoming the new year with a clean slate. What can this time of fresh starts and new beginnings teach us about the value of taking risks and embracing our mistakes? How can we use the themes of the holidays to set the tone for a new school year, in which we better connect with our children and form deeper relationships with them? In the first of this three-part series, Lower Division Dean Dr. Sarah Levy and School Counselor Dr. Rachel Gall will attempt to reframe the conversation around failure, focusing on growth and opportunities for reflection and improvement.

Session II: A Light Unto the Nations - Fostering Creativity and Innovation Beyond the Classroom
Elana Shapiro and Lara Sparks
Friday, December 9, 2016 at 12:00pm
Denver Jewish Day School

In the second of our three-part series, Lower Division Principal Elana Shapiro and art teacher Lara Sparks explore the ways we can light the spark of creativity in our children and foster its development, giving them the power to create and innovate in ways that are meaningful to each of them and their individual learning styles. In this session, we'll present Denver Jewish Day School's approach to creativity and innovation and discuss way in which parents can foster this type of thinking at home.

Session III: Let My People Grow - Experiencing Success Outside “The Comfort Zone”
Ravit Eldar and Becky Sheinbaum
Tuesday, April 25 at 8:15am
Denver Jewish Day School

The people of Israel, when taken out of Egypt, complained about being taken from slavery. They were hungry, they were worried, and they had left their comfort zone (as deleterious to them as it was). So, too, being outside the comfort zone is as scary for our children as it is for us. Kindergarten teacher Ravit Eldar and Fifth grade teacher Becky Sheinbaum will talk about the challenges and benefits to pushing beyond our comfort zones and embracing our potential.