October 26, 2020
Mirowitz is more than simply a place where children learn to be mathematicians and scientists, effective writers and inquisitive readers. Intellectual growth should be a given at any school. But at Mirowitz, it is our intention that students reach their potential as learners and as human beings.
We know that the quality of their time with us will impact the kind of adults they will become. That’s why we are so particular about the way your children spend their days at school. The evidence is everywhere:
Science lessons also instill social responsibility: Third graders were environmental activists today. They are knee-deep in their study of our local biome, the prairie.
At Kabbalat Shabbat, they made an announcement encouraging the community to consider planting native seeds. They explained that biodiversity impacts human life, and that restoring the prairie provides food for insects and animals, and even regulates our climate. When Mirowitz students learn of a problem, they know they can be a part of the solution.
Social Studies lessons also lead to ethical leadership: Over the past few weeks, Middle School students have developed a protocol for behavior during this election season.
Students across political ideologies negotiated guidelines that would ensure that civility is prioritized and that different perspectives are valued. (You can see their presentation here.)
Judaics lessons also build a Jewish identity: In their study of Torah, students are encouraged to ask questions, a unique genre of text study that leads to both critical thinking and enhanced Jewish identity.
Morah Val explains that the practice helps children understand how their ancestors asked and answered the same questions. “It gives us a lens of what was happening at the time, and connects us to our shared history.”
This emphasis on becoming our best selves is a part of everything we do. If only you could be a fly on the wall and observe the lessons that help your children become their best selves as learners and as human beings.
On Monday, we will spend part of our professional development day determining ways to bring you into the classroom so you can see for yourself that what happens between 8 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for an entire childhood adds up to menshlichkeit, leadership and success.
Shabbat Shalom,
Morah Cheryl