Distance Learning @ CESJDS

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School crafted a distance learning program that is developmentally appropriate for every age and stage; rooted in the research of best educational practices; reflective of the school’s core values and mission. The result is a distance learning program that is dynamic and responsive to the evolving and diverse needs of students.

See sample schedules below for Lower School, Middle School, and High School students.

A Cappella Choir - Shir Madness

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Sample Schedules

Academics

The Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School distance learning program is best in its class with rigorous, appropriate, and compassionate classes and work that remain child-centered even though we are not in the building together.

Lower School students are meeting in groups and one on one with teachers and guidance counselors to help them adapt to online learning and continue to grow and challenge themselves appropriately. 
Middle School students started the distance learning with creativity, ingenuity, and depth of thinking that was so inspiring through independent extension projects. They continue this time with a diverse array of elective options along with their regular coursework. 
High School distance learning allows students to complete their work with integrity for the syllabus even as faculty and students have pivoted to this new modality. Flipped classrooms, small group discussions and projects, and one on one meetings with faculty members for mentorship and support are hallmarks of the program.

Guidance and Social-Emotional Learning

Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School has invested deeply in the social and emotional well-being of its students through guidance counselors at every grade. During this time, counselors are working one on one with parents, students, and with faculty members to support student wellness and learning. At the Lower School, counselors are hosting small social group meetings to continue to build community and connect students with one another.

From a parent in response to the daily morning video from the principal: In my house, your words this morning about holiness and treating others with respect, love, and kindness was the perfect way to start our day. These cooped up corona days can be filled with silly sibling arguments and this was a really a great message for me and my children.

How we continue to build community

Morning videos

Every day, each division principal: Lower School, Middle School, and High School welcomes families with a video that roots the day in the calendar, what is happening at school to help support the JDS community.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

We hosted this annual event virtually and learned that we can make an even greater impact by including grandparents and special friends from all over the world! Grandparents joined students for Kabbalat Shabbat programming and in their virtual classrooms.

Beyond The Classroom

In addition to the remote learning programs of each of the CESJDS divisions (Lower School, Middle School and High School), we launched CESJDS Beyond the Classroom. Offerings are completely optional virtual experiences purely for the sake of enjoyment/enrichment.

Notlanta

8th graders take a Civil Rights Trip to Atlanta. This year, we had “Notlanta” an online experience to mirror many of the activities in the original itinerary. Some highlights included a discussion about the importance of young adolescents in the Children's March, the role that religion played in the Civil Rights movement, a reflection on their CESJDS education - where they've been, where they would like to go, a discussion with a dolphin trainer, a conversation about food insecurity in our neighborhood, a social night, and a Friday afternoon Oneg Shabbat.

Kabbalat Shabbat

In the Lower School, we host a whole school virtual assembly with singing, student moderators, and community participation. In the Upper School, we continue to have a vibrant weekly event that is live and video of student reflections on the week and student performances.

Stop Drop and Learn

CESJDS parents learn from other distinguished members of the parent body at these monthly programs. Guests have included: David Makovsky, Ziegler distinguished fellow at The Washington Institute and director of the Project on Arab-Israel Relations; Dr. Ruben Perzcek, Doctor in Performance Psychology, and Dr. Rachel Schreiber ‘89, Pediatric Allergist.

Lunch Bunch

Lower School Guidance Counselors invite 2-3 students to join them for lunch along with their favorite game, stuffed animal, or activity. These Zoom meetings allow children to connect with the friends they are missing in a structured and supervised program.

What's Happening in Distance Learning?

CESJDS Beyond the Classroom

Join teachers, students, and parents for free online learning opportunities for the entire community. View the CESJDS Beyond the Classroom calendar to register for classes.