In terms of Jewish studies and Hebrew language proficiency, our students learn the elements of the Torah (Bible - five books of Moses), in addition to learning the prayers in the Siddur (prayer book). Prayer learning is not simply about recitation, but it is about exploring and questioning themes of gratitude, respect, holiness, responsibility, caring, and many more ethical concepts. Students also have an opportunity each year to learn the holidays - some of them are celebratory in nature, while others are solemn and might focus on remembrance of tragedies throughout history. Alongside our classroom curricula, all students through the Middle School learn the value of giving through service and tzedakah (justice). Creativity, critical thinking and intellectual curiosity are facets of so much of what our teachers are doing in the classroom with their students. The arts are a constant feature throughout the elementary years at Levine, yet creativity comes into play because our science teachers, language arts teachers, and math teachers all issue very creative assignments periodically. In science, students are creating their learning in new and inventive ways, whether by way of Makerspace materials and workshopping to recreations of the science lessons in tangible ways using everyday objects. Language arts classes as well will turn to creative renditions of characters plus for the elements of fiction. Math puzzles and games are incorporated periodically in math classes to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity. Ongoing Review of the Mission Statement: Because our Mission Statement has been under review and has been revised three times over the past ten years, Levine has demonstrated its resolve to make sure that there is consistency between the Mission Statement and our educational philosophy and ideals. Central among the factors supporting the recent evolution of our Mission Statement is that we have pivoted significantly in our admissions practices, and since 2015 Levine has had an open admissions policy, whereby any family who is supportive of our sch ool’s mission, regardless of religious affiliation, Jewish or otherwise, will be fully considered for admission. The Board of Trustees has also declared that each one of the school’s future strategic planning processes, as has been the case over the past three strategic planning cycles, will be launched with a fresh look at the school’s Mission Statement. How We Communicate and Disseminate the School’s Mission Statement: The school’s Mission Statement is prominently and broadly published and on display throughout the school - in its key publications, illuminated upon the walls of the school’s two main entrances, and affixed to every space, office, and classroom throughout the school. The cover of our annual Directory includes the Mission Statement, which is perhaps the most broadly distributed and widely used publication each year. The Mission Statement appears imprinted upon the pup tent in front of each Board member during the annual Board Retreat. The school’s website contains the Mission Statement on its lead pages. Regarding the prominent exhibiting of the Mission Statement on the
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