CHOICES FOR PRE-SCHOOL TO 12th GRADE
The Goodman Center for Jewish Education 2023–2024 Classes
Choice – Meaning – Openness – Celebration – Joy
We are excited enrollment is open for the 2023–2024 school year. In response to what we have heard from parents and students, we have streamlined our class offerings and schedules.
We remain committed to partnering with families in providing hands-on experiential learning that taps into students’ interests, talents, and ways of learning to motivate them to engage in Jewish learning and living.
Be certain to check out all the family Jewish learning and living experiences offered throughout the year. Visit our calendar to see the complete list of events, some for specific grades, and others targeted to the whole community.
HOW TO ENROLL
All grade levels are open to our NSCI member families. In addition, we offer an opportunity for families who are not affiliated with NSCI to join us. Our YFC membership is an option for new families where the oldest child is in Preschool – 3rd grade. These families may enroll in school for one year at 1.6x the tuition rate and participate fully in all NSCI has to offer. We'll get to know one another over that year and, if NSCI is a good fit, you'll begin regular membership dues the following year. YFC tuition is available only for one year, and YFC families are not eligible for scholarship funds.
To enroll in school, click on the upper right corner and log into your NSCI account or contact Pamela Connell for assistance.
students with learning differences
We are pleased to share that we have a specialized program, Individualized Instruction, for students with learning differences of all kinds. Along with teachers and Machoniks (teen aides), the Coordinator, Judy Wexler, crafts an individual curriculum for each student matching their needs using different learning strategies, lots of positive reinforcement, and one-on-one or small-group learning. No homework is given. Parents may re-enroll children who were in this program last year for the open school term. Parents wishing to explore enrolling their child(ren) in this program for the first time need to speak with Dr. Goodman.
Preschool
Sunday Preschool at NSCI
September 10th – May 5th, 9:00–11:00 am
Preschoolers come for joyful, hands-on Jewish experience, exploring symbols, rituals, customs, values, and holidays through stories, music, art, food, and imaginative play.
Tuition: $655/year for NSCI congregants; $890/year for non-congregants.
Wednesday Evening Preschool at NSCI
Semester 1: September 20th – December 12th, 4:15–5:45 pm
Semester 2: January 10th – May 1st, 4:15–5:45 pm
Preschoolers and kindergartners explore Judaism and Jewish holidays through hands-on activities and play, using a Reggio-inspired curriculum. Every session includes a snack, a special (art, music, Hebrew, etc.), sensory activity, time to play, and a story.
Tuition: $327.50/semester for NSCI congregants; $445/semester for non-congregants.
Kindergarten and 1st Grade
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am
Classes are a mix of kindergartners and 1st graders who "Dig Deeper" on sessions exploring celebrating Shabbat, connecting with God, and spreading kindness, as well as covering the holidays. Exploration is through hands-on experiential learning projects, the arts, music, books, videos, games, Hebrew through Movement, and more!
2nd Grade
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am
2nd graders explore community, synagogue, mitzvot (commandments), Shabbat, and holidays through hands-on experiential learning projects, the arts, music, books, videos, games, Hebrew through Movement, and more.
3rd – 4th Grade
Camp@NSCI
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am
3rd–4th graders come for our nationally renowned Camp@NSCI program. "Campers" interpret classic Torah stories through real-life questions and identify important Jewish values through video creation, visual arts projects, music, games, and more. In addition to Camp@NSCI, 3rd and 4th graders choose one weekly session for Hebrew learning. They will be introduced to the Hebrew alphabet and vowels, learn modern Hebrew words and common "Jewish life" vocabulary, as well as the Chanukah blessings and Passover Four Questions.
Please choose one of the following in-person Hebrew options:
- Sundays, 11:00 am–12:15 pm
- Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm*
* Students who come on Wednesdays participate in "chug," our specialty program exploring Hebrew connected to Jewish holidays and blessings through art, cooking, games, STEM, and other fun activities.
Tuesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm are open for individual/small group instruction.
Individualized Instruction at NSCI
Available for all 3rd–4th grade students who require an alternative learning environment, either online or in person on Sundays or midweek.
Private tutoring is available as an option for Hebrew and/or Jewish learning. We prefer families to use our tutors for consistency in curriculum. Please contact Dr. Goodman, robertag@nsci.org, to arrange this option.
5th Grade
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am
5th graders come for two hours on Sundays. During that time they have one hour of Jewish learning and one hour of Hebrew/prayer learning.
Through Project Based Learning (PBL) students answer for themselves what does it mean to be part of the Jewish community? Why are people part of NSCI? How can I contribute? What is my role in the chain of tradition-the cycle of Jewish life? Students also learn to read Hebrew prayers from the Shabbat service, explore their meaning and answer the question, "Why pray?" Students take responsibility for their Jewish living and learning throughout the year, e.g. running the Purim carnival for Preschool–2nd grade.
Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm: Special 5th grade class in lieu of Sundays for those who can't attend Sundays regularly. Students will meet in person for 45 minutes of Hebrew and 45 minutes of Jewish Learning.
The following classes are offered to provide additional time for students who want more Hebrew prayer reading practice.
- Tuesdays, 4:00–4:40 pm or 5:05–5:45 pm
- Wednesdays, 6:50–7:30 pm
5th grade Hebrew supplement online (optional). For in-person options contact Dr. Goodman.
Tuesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm, are open for individual/small group instruction.
Individualized Instruction at NSCI
Available for all 5th grade students who require an alternative learning environment, either online or in person on Sundays or midweek.
Private tutoring is available as an option for Hebrew and/or Jewish learning. We prefer families to use our tutors for consistency in curriculum. Please contact Dr.Goodman, robertag@nsci.org, to arrange this option.
6th Grade
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am
6th graders come for two hours on Sundays. During that time they have one hour of Jewish learning and one hour focused on prayers for celebration and traditions, including b'nei mitzvah service. They have the option of in person or online Hebrew during the week.
Through Project Based Learning (PBL) students answer for themselves what does it mean to be part of the Jewish community?Why are people part of NSCI? How can I contribute? What is my role in the chain of tradition-the cycle of Jewish life? Students also learn to read Hebrew prayers from the Shabbat service, explor their meaning and answer the question, "Why pray?" Students take responsibility for their Jewish living and learning throughout the year, e.g. running the Purim carnival for Preschool–2nd grade.
Additionally, 6th graders sign up for a small-group Hebrew reading class online or in person to master prayers recited at a typical Shabbat and b'nei mitzvah service.
Please choose one of the weekday Hebrew sessions.
Online:
- Tuesdays, 4:00–4:40 pm or 4:50–5:30 pm
- Wednesdays, 4:00–4:40 pm or 4:50–5:30 pm
In Person:
- Sundays 11:00am - 12:15pm
- Tuesdays or Wednesdays, 4:00–4:45 pm; 4:15–5:00 pm; 4:45–5:30 pm; 5:00–5:45 pm
Tuesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm are open for individual/small group instruction.
Individualized Instruction at NSCI
Available for all 6th grade students who require an alternative learning environment, either online or in person on Sundays or midweek.
Private tutoring is available as an option for Hebrew and/or Jewish learning. We prefer families to use our tutors for consistency in curriculum. Please contact Dr.Goodman, robertag@nsci.org, to arrange this option.
Selah Music Group
6th–12th graders
Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm and select Fridays, 5:15–7:15 pm
Selah group members sing and/or play musical instruments under the guidance of Cantor David Goldstein and noted songleader and composer, Alan Goodis. Selah members help lead worship at select Shabbat services and the High Holy Days.
7th Grade
Becoming a Jewish Adult
Class will be weekly in person. There will only be one class per week.
Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm
Sundays monthly, 11:00 am–12:15 pm
Whether you can come one day/time or both, sign up for the 7th grade class.
Wednesday sessions taught by Andrea Dalinka. Students explore Jewish identity by debating ethical dilemmas, addressing modern day anti-semitism, and studying the Holocaust from a uniquely Jewish perspective.
Rosh Hodesh Pop Up: One Sunday per month, Rabbi Greene and Rabbi Leizman will lead our 7th graders in a fun, interactive exploration related to the season or nearby holiday—who knows what adventures we will have?!
Jr. Machonik (Teen Aid)
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am; Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm
7th graders are invited to serve as Jr. Machoniks, teen aides, that help out in classrooms. Machonik training occurs on select Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm.
Selah Music Group
6th–12th graders
Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm and select Fridays, 5:15–7:15 pm
Selah group members sing and/or play musical instruments under the guidance of Cantor David Goldstein and noted songleader and composer, Alan Goodis. Selah members help lead worship at select Shabbat services and the High Holy Days.
Please choose one or more of the following seventh grade options:
- 7th grade class, Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm and Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm (only one class per week)
- Jr. Machonik, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Sunday
- Selah, Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm
8th – 12th Grade
Conversations of Our World: Nosh & Discussion
Monthly on Mondays, 6:15–8:00 pm, with dinner, or Sundays, 11:00 am–12:15 pm, with brunch.
Monday, October 16th, 2023
Monday, November 13th, 2023
Monday, December 11th, 2023
Sunday, January 21st, 2024
Monday, February 12th, 2024
Monday, March 18th, 2024
Sunday, April 7th, 2024
Monday, May 13th, 2024
We'll eat together, have some fun, and explore challenging topics of our world and what Judaism has to say about them. Here's your chance to ask tough questions, argue, and form your own answers. Taught by Rabbis Greene, Geffen, and Leizman, and Ben Reingold.
8th grade Jr. Machonik
9th–12th grade Machonik (paid)
Sundays, 9:00–11:00 am and 11:00–12:15 pm; Tuesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm; or Wednesdays, 4:15–5:45 pm
If your student likes working with younger students and learns best when teaching something to someone else, they are invited to help Dr. Goodman and the teachers by being a Machonik on Sundays, Tuesdays, and/or Wednesdays. They are expected to attend Sunday training sessions. Specialty assignments that require specialty training; e.g., Hebrew Through Movement, song leading, Hebrew tutoring, special learning teacher assignment, and young children (ages 0–5) are available and compensated appropriately. For more information, talk to Andrea Dalinka or Dr. Goodman.
Selah Music Group
6th–12th graders
Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm and select Fridays, 5:15–7:15 pm
Selah group members sing and/or play musical instruments under the guidance of Cantor David Goldstein and noted songleader and composer, Alan Goodis. Selah members help lead worship at select Shabbat services and the High Holy Days.
Please choose one or more of the following 8th–12th grade options:
- 8th–12th Grade Conversations class, monthly on Mondays, 6:15–8:00 pm with dinner, or select Sundays, 11:00 am–12:15 pm with brunch.
- 8th grade Jr. Machonik
- 9th–12th Grade Machonik
- Selah, Sundays, 11:00–12:15 pm
The Fiedler Fellow award honors our High School graduates with a $1,000 scholarship from the Louis P. and Saerree K. Fiedler Fund to apply toward college tuition or any post-secondary program. This award recognizes our teens who have participated at NSCI all four years of High School.
