R.I.’s Jewish schools gear up for September

The middle of August has many of us starting to think about the end of camp and the beginning of school. Jewish Rhode Island asked local Jewish schools about what’s coming up, and here are a few things we learned:

The Jewish Community Day School of Rhode Island, in Providence, is excited to welcome students ages 3 through grade 5 to play, learn, explore and grow in the 2022-23 school year, said Alison Walter, director of development.  Jill Davis is the new principal. She has been a part of the JCDSRI community for more than 20 years and is bringing her talent and expertise to her new position. School starts Sept. 7. In addition, students will see updated outdoor spaces and a renovated art classroom, said Shayna Fel, director of admissions and community engagement.

The David C. Isenberg Early Childhood Center at the Alliance’s Dwares Jewish Community Center, in Providence, opens Sept. 6 with seven classrooms for infants, starting at 3 months, through pre-K (children who turn 5 this year). The ECC is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and welcomes one new teacher this year as well as many returning teachers. The ECC recently was reaccredited by NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.

A parent committee, chaired by Reza Breakstone and vice chair Larissa Weiner, offers parents one of many opportunities to get involved in the ECC, said Michelle Cicchitelli, chief program officer at the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island.

Providence Hebrew Day School’s Head of School Rabbi Gidon Goldberg said the school has undergone extensive updates over the summer, including a new science lab and STEM lab. He also said the preschool room has been refurbished, and there is a newly renovated playground for younger students. The school, which opens Sept. 6, serves children from 3 years old through grade 8. A sister school, the New England Academy of Torah, a high school for girls, is on the same campus.

“We want to make sure every child feels successful,” Goldberg said.

FRAN OSTENDORF(fostendorf@jewishallianceri.org) is the editor of Jewish Rhode Island.