Learning at Rashi
Technology & Library
Technology
Rashi has a comprehensive, technology-rich curriculum that crosses all grades and specialty areas and is seamlessly woven into both general and Jewish studies curricula. Teachers use technology in their classroom to enrich the curriculum and to enhance student understanding of subject and content matter.
The school has three computer labs available for daily use as well as computer access in every classroom for students and faculty. Additionally, teachers in grades 3-8 have access to wireless laptop carts and digital projectors which are rolled into their classrooms for daily student use. All computers use state-of-the-art operating systems, are connected to both a local intranet and the greater Internet, have a variety of printers available and offer basic office software in addition to a variety of educational programs, including Hebrew language software. Beginning in 2008-09, Smartboard technology will begin to appear in Rashi classrooms.
Beginning in the primary grades, students learn basic computer skills and begin to understand the power of using applications to enhance learning and productivity. In the following years, students’ technological education continues with traditional computer application skills including keyboarding, word processing and multimedia presentation applications. Students learn how to use the Internet and how to become effective researchers using web evaluation skills. Teachers consistently emphasize safe use of the Internet and the school maintains a full acceptable use policy for all computer resources. In the middle school, students with particular interest in computing may choose to take advanced electives in website design and emerging computer applications.
Library
In the Rashi School library, the “People of the Book” celebrate the power of tales and legends to stretch hearts and minds. Our library offers over 3500 resources and materials and is available to our entire school community.
Teachers find books to supplement their classroom teaching, parents can check out materials on childhood, social and religious issues and, of course, our students exchange books every week.
The school provides a rigorous program of individual and group library instruction to students and teachers as well as assistance in all aspects of information services. We help students of all levels to learn to become independent library users, to develop sound research skills and to develop a life-long love of literature and learning.
Rashi Library Curriculum Insight
The library program for grades K-2, in close collaboration with the work in the classroom, supports beginning reading, listening, communication, and technology skills. Activities include story times, read aloud sessions, literacy events related to school-based literacy goals, beginning investigations, and guidance for book selection. Students learn how to locate and borrow materials and how to select books for personal interests as well as for assignments and reading growth. Current and classic authors and illustrators are introduced in an effort to present the rich body of multicultural children’s literature. In second grade, students begin to apply models for beginning research projects planned in collaboration with the library teacher and classroom teachers, specialists and staff.
In grades 3-5, the library program expands opportunities for independent reading of quality fiction and nonfiction. Students continue to be exposed to award-winning authors and illustrators, including award-winning Jewish fiction and non-fiction. The library teacher works collaboratively with classroom teachers to support instructional goals for reading, writing and thinking in the content areas. Using a formal research process, students improve information literacy and presentation skills. Ethical uses of information (citation practices, etc.) are introduced and reinforced.
Information skills are integrated in the Middle School curriculum through research projects using a formal research process. The library teacher works collaboratively with classroom teachers to guide students in research, writing, and presentation before an audience using a variety of multimedia formats. Middle schoolers research topics in the library from multiple perspectives, both in groups and individually. Young adult literature is emphasized through book talks, displays, author studies, and independent reading assignments in various genres. The goal of the middle school library program is to cultivate information skills to prepare students to meet expectations for research assignments in high school and beyond.
