KINDERGARTEN
A Values-Based EDUCATION
WHY PJA?
Academic Excellence
PJA’s integrative approach to learning encourages students to explore many areas of interest and make connections between their learning and the real world. We offer a rich and diverse program that emphasizes hands-on learning and social-emotional skill development.
Values-Based Education and Character Development PJA nurtures and inspires positive Jewish engagement, respect, and responsibility for the world. Our middot / core values are the guiding principles of our school: study, respect, identity, responsibility, community, and appreciation. PJA offers a robust service learning program with volunteer opportunities for students and families throughout the year. At PJA we make mensches / good people doing good for others.
I can sing the praises of the wonderful teachers, approachable administrators, and the down-to-earth community until my voice is hoarse. The thing that makes PJA extra special is that the kids are accepted, embraced and welcomed as they ARE. This is a school that makes children feel at home and lives its values with intention and integrity every day. We feel very lucky to send our kids to PJA.
- Naomi Harwin PJA Day School Parent
Self-esteem and Confidence Building
Here at PJA, we approach all of our learning with a growth mindset. Students with a growth mindset understand they can get smarter through hard work, the use of effective strategies, and help from others when needed. We help students reach their highest potential. In Kindergarten, children are learning to identify their emotions and explore social competency concepts such as sharing space with others, developing meaningful relationships, and learning strategies for managing emotions. Active learning and independence are cultivated through purposeful activities and play, to build selfesteem and confidence.
Language Learning
Hebrew is a core subject of the PJA curriculum. Kindergarten students learn Hebrew vocabulary through conversation, literature, play, and song. Starting in 1st grade, students learn how to read and write in Hebrew and continue to develop their second language skills through 8th grade with daily Hebrew classes.
Student-Teacher Ratio
The average class size at PJA is 18 students. Our student-teacher ratio is 9:1. Students are well-known by their teachers and teachers are able to differentiate based on student needs.
SCHEDULE & TEACHERS Celinda Llanez is the General Studies teacher. This is her 19th year at PJA and 29th year as a teacher. She has two chinchillas who live in the Kindergarten classroom and a lovely husband who is a social worker. She loves to golf, read, hear live music, and be out in nature. Maya Katri is the Jewish Studies and Hebrew teacher. This will be her sixth year at PJA since moving to Portland from Israel. She has three children, a wonderful husband, and a dog named Emma. Maya enjoys singing Hebrew songs with her students, reading books, and Kabbalat Shabbat. Ben Stolberg spent seven years in Jewish community services and is now a teacher. When Ben is not at school, he likes to read books, bike around town, or cook homemade meals to share with his cat, Winnie.
Sample Daily Schedule 8:00 - 8:15 am
Arrival
8:15 - 9:00 am
Number Corner & Literacy
9:00 - 10:00 am
Centers
10:00 - 10:20 am
Snack & Hebrew, Jewish Studies Story
10:20 - 10:45 am
Recess
10:45 - 11:45 am
Hebrew, Jewish Studies
11:45 - 12:30 pm
Library
12:30 - 1:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 -1:30 pm
Recess
1:30 - 2:00 pm
Rest
2:00 - 3:00 pm
Math & Math Workplaces
3:00 - 3:25 pm
Pack up, Gathering & Reflection
P.E.
Twice a week students visit the gym or indoor Sportsplex for guided games and play that build endurance, cooperation, and life-long skills. PE is part of the wellness program that is embedded in curriculum and classroom routines such as movement breaks, yoga and mindfulness activities, and cooking and gardening projects.
Art
Kindergarteners visit PJA’s art studio every week. Our art specialist, Alisa, introduces students to different media and tools, artists and artistic styles. Students are encouraged to explore and create on their own.
Music
Students in grades K-5 have a weekly music class in which music theory and appreciation are taught, along with opportunities to learn new songs and build a repertoire of Jewish and Hebrew music, and other folk songs. In addition to music class, our music teacher works closely with our lower school faculty to integrate music into classroom content.
Library
The PJA library is a dynamic nexus of scholarship. All students in K-5th grade visit the library weekly for a class with Safranit Molly, PJA’s certified teacher librarian. Molly introduces students to the best new children’s literature, encourages students to broaden their horizons through their literature choices, and guides students to relevant, timely and trustworthy information. Students and families have the opportunity to check out new books from PJA’s vast library collection each week.
SPECIALS
FAQS
FAQS What are the school hours?
Monday - Thursday: 8:15 am - 3:30 pm Friday: 8:15 am - 2:30 pm
Tell me about snack and lunch in Kindergarten.
Kindergarteners eat snack and lunch in their classroom. Most students bring their lunch from home. PJA is a kosher campus. We ask that all food from home be vegetarian/ pescatarian (no meat, poultry or shellfish). Lunches can also be ordered in advance at the Cafe at the J.
May adult family members volunteer in the classroom? Yes, we love volunteers!
Is there naptime?
Students have quiet rest time in the afternoon. They can nap, read, or play quietly during that time. It is a chance to recharge and reset in the middle of the day.
We are a multi-faith family. We are not Jewish. We are Jewish, but not practicing. Will we fit in? The PJA community is made up of families from all types of backgrounds. We honor different family practices and relish the diversity of our community.
Do you offer after school care?
Yes, Kidscorner is our on-site afterschool program. It is open until 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.
Where do PJA graduates go to high school?
Our graduates go to high schools all over the city. About 65% choose their local public high schools and the other 35% choose an independent school. Regardless of whether a student chooses a small private school or a large public school, our graduates are ready to succeed in high school. They have the academic preparedness and skills to take on high school level work and they have had the opportunity to strengthen their identity in a safe and nurturing environment.
APPLICATION PROCESS 1 2
Parent/Guardian Visit Submit an Online Admission Application Due early February every year*. A completed application requires two teacher referrals and three video snapshots.
3
Submit Tuition Assistance application
4
Admission decisions sent by email in March
(Optional)
Notification Date: Early March Enrollment Deadline: End of March *For the current year’s dates and deadlines, visit pjaproud.org/deadlines
Apply now at: pjaproud.org/admission Nondiscrimination Policy
Portland Jewish Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. PJA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of their educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
Welcome to the PJA Day School. CONTACT: SARAH GLASS Director of Admission, Retention, and Engagement 503.535.3599 sglass@pjaproud.org
pjaproud.org
Portland Jewish Academy 6651 SW. Capitol Highway Portland, OR 97219
PJA is an accredited independent school providing an extraordinary education for your child. PJA was re-accredited by the Northwest Association of Independent Schools in 2018.