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MAY 2017 | SCENE 39 philanthropy “We are living in a world right now that is extremely divisive. We want to be a force for change, for people to get along and to collaborate and figure out their problems. The Hebrew expression is ‘tikkun olam,’ which translates into ‘repair the world.’ That’s what we’re here for.” students, who are divided into groups where the question is researched and developed into a project, which can be on any subject from climate change ���������������������������������������������������������� recycling or battling disease. The goal is not just to learn about what surrounds a driving question, but how to apply that knowledge to solve it. “They put together a project that can be presented as a group, so they’re teaching themselves under the teacher’s watchful guidance,” Hershorin said. “They’re taking ownership of what’s happening. This process encourages them to collaborate, which is a very important skill as you go into the work force. When they make their presentation to the other students, everyone is learning together.” This activity culminates in Learning On Display nights, which occur throughout the year to provide an opportunity for students to showcase the process of learning for parents and the larger community. Hershorin hopes the school will become a model for other schools. “We are living in a world right now that is extremely divisive,” she said. “We want to be a force for change, for people to get along and to collaborate and ������������������������������������������������������������ Hebrew expression is ‘tikkun olam,’ which translates into ‘repair the world.’ That’s what we’re here for.” represented and loved.” Today, head of school Dan Ceaser oversees 50 teachers instructing 225 students ranging from early childhood to grade 8. Tuition costs range from $5,000 to $16,000 a year, depending on the grade level. The preschool student/ teacher ratio is 4 to 1, elementary school ratio is 8 to 1 and the middle school ratio is 12 to 1. Hershorin said the school embraces two important tenets espoused by her grandfathers. First, it provides a unique educational model that combines a global vision, religious and cultural diversity, project-based learning, small class sizes, service learning and community partnership. Second, by exposing young non-Jews ������������������������������������������������������������ religion and discourages the spread of anti-Semitism. “My grandfather Hershorin was self-taught,” she said. “He was self-made. He loved learning, took responsibility for his education and was a very well read man. He represents that aspect of the school. My other grandfather Schiff represents philanthropy. He believed in supporting the ���������������������������������������������������������� the Jewish community, but other religious and even secular institutions as well.” Hershorin added what sets the Hershorin Schiff Community Day School apart from others of its kind is the absence of hierarchy. “Every teacher knows every student,” she said. “The older students know, love and embrace all of the younger students. Their day starts out with Advisory, which is a social and emotional learning curriculum that is �������������������������������������������������������������������� the values. As they break out into classes, it’s not uncommon to see mixed grades learning together at an appropriate level.” Hershorin maintained no one is labeled as “gifted” or “needing ������������������������������������������������������������ placed where they need to be in terms of their learning and socialization capabilities. “For example, Math is held at pretty much the same time for every grade in the school,” she said. “So kids can go where it is that they should be learning. And as they’re exploring a particular concept, it’s done in a project-based way.” That starts with a driving question of interest to the FOR MORE INFORMATION about the school, visit its website at CommunityDay.org or call 941-552-2770.


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