Academics
MIZEL JCDS
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY
With the exception of Pre-K classrooms, Mizel JCDS believes in collaborative, multi-grade classrooms that focus on individualization of academics, social-emotional growth, and a connection to the larger Jewish community and all its members.
Teachers find valuable educational tools for intentional, purposeful instruction. Critical thinking applied to real world situations is a basis for the approach of “Rigor, Relevant and Relationships” that challenges students to think in new and interesting ways.
Multi-grade classrooms provide opportunities for older students to model thinking for younger students, nurturing younger students with the support of the teacher. Targeted instruction with small guided groups produces a rich environment that allows students to access learning in real time, develop relationships and love of learning.
In addition to the standard elementary school subjects, students have
access to other curriculum and relationships on the Zarrow Campus.
The Charles Schusterman Jewish Community Center gym and the Barbara
and Dave Sylvan Auditorium for fitness/sports programs and performance
opportunities, school fairs, PTO events and other activities (csjcc.org)
The Jeannette Altman Frieden Sports Complex (csjcc.org)
Zarrow Pointe for intergenerational programs (Zarrowpointe.org)
The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art for Jewish ritual and celebration, as well as age
appropriate museum exhibits and programs (jewishmuseumtulsa.org)
Mizel JCDS offers students additional programs:
Music classes and performance opportunities
Utilization of a large
and growing library
Art classes
Specialists and speakers who visit the school to enrich the curriculum
Field Trips that complement classroom subjects
Jewish holiday programs
Our Curriculum
Mizel JCDS is the only Jewish Day School in Oklahoma. We serve students of all faiths in a warm, secure environment. An integrated General and Jewish studies curriculum provides each student with a solid academic, social, and Jewish education. In addition to daily Hebrew and Judaic classes, students receive comprehensive instruction in all aspects of language arts, science, math and social studies education. Specialists in fine arts, computer science, music and physical education complete the students’ education.
JUDAIC/HEBREW STUDIES
Mizel JCDS uses the iTaLam program for its Hebrew Judaic curriculum.
The iTaLam program was developed by a dynamic team of writers and teachers in Montreal and Israel, led by Covenant Award recipient Tova Shimon. iTaLam is a digital blended learning environment based on Hebrew language and Jewish heritage curriculum.
As a dual language program, it activates learning in all frames of mind by utilizing a wide range of activities for all modes of communication, integrating Hebrew language acquisition, the development of Jewish concepts and values and reading and writing skills.
The curriculum offers a variety of stories, Jewish sources, prayers and blessings, as well as age-appropriate songs, recitations and plays. This digitalized program allows the student to learn in the classroom and at home, as each child has a Chrome book to take home for reinforcing the learning process. Through songs, books, educational videos, games and creative tools, iTaLam is appropriate for a diverse spectrum of students and Jewish approaches. It meets the needs of Reform, Conservative and Orthodox communities, as well as students from other backgrounds.
This dual language program is important in a world which calls for a variety of language skills. The Hebrew class primes students to reap the benefits of dual language learning. iTalam curriculum boosts students’ self-esteem and students’ social and emotional development.
Learning a second language empowers students to strengthen their voice in their first language. It triggers students’ curiosity, persistence, attentiveness and creativity.
ITaLam program is offered to all Mizel JCDS students, from pre-K through 5th grade.
SPECIALS
In addition to the General Curriculum and the Hebrew Judaica Curriculum,
Mizel JCDS offers a number of Special programs.
S.T.E.A.M.
Program
Mizel JCDS S.T.E.A.M. program (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) meets twice a week. In collaboration with Northeastern State University, students work with instructors for the S.T.E.A.M. program.
During those sessions, students will use educational approaches to guide student inquiry, dialogue and critical thinking. By adding arts to the S.T.E.M. program, students will connect their learning to art practices and design principles. Guided lessons will focus on Jewish holidays. The result will promote students’ ability to produce, review and revise original works of art.
This is where the fun happens! Delving into a problem or question, students in the S.T.E.A.M. program will share his/her/their feedback with each other.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Twice a week students will also participate in Physical Education programs including sports, exercise and movement. The Zarrow Campus provides locales for Physical Education including a Gym, a sports field,a park, and a garden for growing foods.
TEFILLAH
Two mornings a week students will utilize the Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Arts sanctuary replica for Tefillah or morning prayer services.
Tefillah, as a communal experience, is a source of leading and learning. Utilization of the Hebrew language skills during Tefillah services gives a real world experience of the skills learned in the Hebrew Judaica classroom.
The community benefits from student-led Tefillah, as all students have the opportunity and the motivation to utilize values learned at the Tefillah service during the school day.
MUSIC CLASS
The Music class held two times a week benefits students in multiple ways: positive self-worth, a sense of belonging, bonding with their peers, impacting the feeling of wellness and an opportunity to add performance to the curriculum. Music class helps develop areas of the brain related to language and reasoning. Music as a language of emotion and culture brings joy to our students. Preparation in Music class for a school event provides direction, discipline and pride in students’ performance.
ART CLASS
In the Art Class which meets twice a week, students grow and develop creativity, fine motor skills, problem solving, communication and self-esteem.
Art stimulates imagination and encourages students to be more observant. Students learn empathy towards others through the art experience. A child’s experience in Art class produces a well-rounded education and impacts students’ academic, social and emotional outcomes.
Climate in the school is also impacted by the Art class as students exhibit their works for others to see. Students share their thinking behind their artwork. Discussion of the source of creativity expands the educational and social horizon for each student.
AFTER SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS
For information on After School programs, contact Executive Director at 918-494-0953.
