12 minute read
EDUCATION PROFILES
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME
“IT IS BETTER TO KNOW WELL THAN TO KNOW MUCH.” ~ Mishle Yehoshua
455 N. Galvin Pkwy., Phoenix 602-286-3800 phoenixzoo.org Carrie Flood, Community Learning & Engagement Manager The mission of the Arizona Center for Nature Conservation/ Phoenix Zoo is to advance the stewardship and conservation of animals and their habitats while providing experiences that inspire people and motivate them to care for the natural world. All of our educational programs are reflective of this mission and programs designed specifically for school audiences are aligned with Arizona State Academic Standards. We offer a range of programs to support teachers in virtual, in-person and hybrid classrooms, as well as on grounds at the Zoo. Our new selfpaced curriculum, Project Orangutan, uses problem-based learning to address our mission in cross-curricular lessons. We’ve revamped our guided tours designed for school field trips and offer a variety of themes to enhance classroom-based learning.
Our focus includes wildlife conservation, general biology, environmental education, and ecology with many of our virtual and in-person programs including live ambassador animals. We incorporate interactive and learner-centered elements into all of our programs.
Arizona Jewish Historical Society
122 E. Culver St., Phoenix 602-241-7870 afusco@azjhs.org azjhs.org The Arizona Jewish Historical Society preserves and celebrates the rich heritage of Arizona’s Jewish communities, educates the public about Jewish contributions to Arizona and American life, and promotes awareness of our state’s diverse history through arts, culture, and educational programming.
Educational programs include online and in-museum exhibitions, a monthly documentary films series, book discussions, genealogy seminars, lectures, speaker’s bureau, and live musical concerts. The society also offers a series of Holocaust education seminars, featuring survivors of the Holocaust, children of survivors, and survivors of other atrocities and acts of inhumanity. Contact Anthony Fusco, Education Coordinator at afusco@azjhs.org or Dr. Lawrence Bell, Ph.D., Executive Director at lbell@azjhs.org for more information about programs and activities.
Arizona State University Jewish Studies
Lisa Kaplan, Assistant Director lisa.kaplan@asu.edu PO Box 874302, Tempe 480-965-8094 jewishstudies.asu.edu Our unique academic program and research center hybrid serves as an intellectual resource for all aspects of the Jewish experience, from philosophical and political viewpoints to the study of Judaism. Through undergraduate and graduate courses, research conferences, public lectures and more, we’re committed to fostering critical inquiry and scholarly entrepreneurship as we disseminate accurate information about Jewish culture and enhance the quality of Jewish life in the Phoenix metropolitan area and around the world.
Jewish Studies combines renowned instruction and community outreach to enhance your knowledge of all facets of Jewish life. Our interdisciplinary, cross-cultural program fosters critical inquiry and can be customized to fit a student’s individual interests. We offer generous scholarships to ASU students that enroll in our classes. With course work in Jewish studies, students can become global citizens with an in-depth knowledge of Judaism and the Jewish experience. In addition, through our Community outreach we offer a wide array of learning opportunities to the community. These programs take place on evenings and Sundays and usually are 1-2 hours in length. They are currently offered both in person and via Zoom. Come learn with us!
Jewish Education Tax Credit Organization
3718 E. River Road #100, Tucson 520-647-8442 jetco.org
JETCO, the Jewish Education Tax Credit Organization, makes it easy for you to support Jewish education in Southern Arizona. It’s simple! Your investment comes right back in the form of a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on your state taxes, but even more importantly, in the continuity of the Jewish people. Every Arizona taxpayer may contribute, both as individuals as well as corporations. Participation in JETCO assures that finances are not a barrier for any family wishing to provide their child a Jewish education in a Jewish learning environment. Take charge of your Arizona tax dollars, and invest in the future of Jewish civilization – what a huge mitzvah!
For tax year 2022, an individual may contribute up to $1,243 when filing as single, head-of-household, or married filing separately. Married couples filing jointly may contribute up to $2,483. Participants have many options to facilitate their contribution: monthly or annually, in person or online, or sending a check in the mail made out to JETCO. Partial contributions are welcomed for those who don’t qualify for or aren’t able to contribute the full amount, and we’re happy to make special arrangements to facilitate your ease in participation.
Businesses can take advantage of the Arizona Private School Tax Credit, too. C corporations and S corporations filing a 120S corporate income tax return in Arizona are eligible.
For more information or to participate online, visit jetco.org. Your call is welcome at 520-647-8442. Todah Rabah – thank you for helping grow the next generation of the Jewish people!
Jewish Free Loan
Ellen Friedman Sacks, Executive Director David Senkfor, Board President 3443 N. Central Ave. #707, Phoenix 602-230-7983 jewishfreeloan.org info@jewishfreeloan.org Jewish Free Loan provides interestfree loans to enhance the quality of life of Jewish Arizonans. Since our inception, thousands of individuals and families have been able to continue their education, travel to Israel, start a business, tend to medical/dental needs, experience Jewish summer camp, adopt a child, provide a loved one with a Jewish burial, avoid eviction and navigate numerous other life experiences without the worry or burden of compounding interest. Confidentiality assured.
Jewish Tuition Organization
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-634-4926 jtophoenix.org
The Jewish Tuition Organization (JTO) is a school tuition organization (STO) that makes it possible for children to attend six affiliated Phoenix area Jewish day schools by providing scholarships. The JTO scholarships are funded through the dollar-for-dollar Arizona private school tuition tax credit. The tax credit is available to both individuals and corporations. Approximately 93 percent of the funds raised are distributed through scholarships. Individuals have three choices when they support the JTO; they can recommend their funds go to the general fund for need-based scholarships, one of the school funds for need-based scholarships at a particular school or support a specific student who is not their dependent. All corporate support will provide needbased scholarships through the general fund or a school fund to low-income families. The JTO affiliated schools pride themselves on both their Judaic and secular programs and see their students as the next-generation leaders of our Jewish community. When you support the JTO through Arizona’s private school tax credit, you help make a child’s Jewish day school education possible; your support makes a difference in a child’s life today and eventually the Jewish community,” says JTO Executive Director Linda Zell. “Without the generosity of our community, many of our students would not be able receive the Jewish day school education that is so important to them and their families,” adds Zell. The JTO is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) and also can accept non-credit charitable donations. NOTICE: A school tuition organization cannot award, restrict or reserve scholarships solely on the basis of donor recommendation. A taxpayer may not claim a tax credit if the taxpayer agrees to swap donations with another taxpayer to benefit either taxpayer’s own dependent. Consult your tax advisor for specific tax advice.
Minkoff Center For Jewish Genetics
12701 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-668-3347 GetScreenedAZ.org
For more than eighteen years the Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics has worked to increase awareness regarding genetic disorders that are more prevalent in the Jewish community and the critical importance of carrier testing for these disorders. We offer events and screenings throughout the year that highlight Jewish genetic diseases and your individual carrier status. We currently have two programs: •Our recessive gene mutation (prenatal) screening is for individuals or couples that are planning to have (more) children. It is recommended that anyone between the ages of 18- 45 gets screened. We provide screening for both Ashkenazi and Sephardic Jews, Jews by Choice and non-Jewish partners. If both partners are carriers for the same disease, there is a 25% chance with each pregnancy, that they could have an affected child! We are committed to doing all that we can to spare Jewish families from the heartbreak caused by these diseases. •Our BRCA Hereditary Cancer screening and referral program is for the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 founder mutations. Our mission is to bring awareness to the fact that 1 in 40 Ashkenazi Jews are carriers of the BRCA gene mutation even without any family history of cancer! This is nearly 10 times the rate of the general population, making Jewish families more susceptible to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. If found to be BRCA positive, one has a higher likelihood of developing breast or ovarian cancer during their lifetime. We test both men and women over the age of 25.
New in 2022, we are launching our BRCA support group. Please see our website for more information.
The Minkoff Center for Jewish Genetics is able to Provide Education, Screening and Support to empower the Jewish Community to make informed decisions regarding genetic disorders through the community’s philanthropic support.
Visit our website for more information regarding your genetic risks and options and to register for your screening kit.
Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center
Nicole Stokes, ECC Director 15030 N. 64th St., Scottsdale 480-951-5825 templekolami.org Temple Kol Ami Early Childhood Center is a developmental preschool where children engage in hands-on fun learning experiences that interest and challenge them. Our program is specifically designed to help each child grow emotionally, socially, intellectually and physically within a Judaic and secular framework. Infants through Pre-Kindergarten learn to grow and develop a positive self-image and strong sense of Jewish identity using a comprehensive, multi-sensory approach and developmentally ageappropriate curriculum.
Highly qualified educators teach classes with small student to teachers ratios. In addition to the core curriculum, children participate in unique educational enrichment experiences. We want all of our students to develop a healthy selfesteem, critical independent thinking skills and most of all, a genuine love of learning because when they have these building blocks, they go on to do extraordinary things in their lives.
Pardes Jewish Day School
Geoff Campbell, Interim Co-Head of School Jill Kessler, Interim Co-Head of School 12753 N. Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale 480-991-9141 pardesschool.org admissions@pardesschool.org
Pardes Jewish Day School is an independent Jewish day school providing a dynamic K-8 secular and Jewish education in a welcoming environment that values each child’s strengths. Our program combines a comprehensive academic curriculum with a focus on Project Based Learning, a teaching method that engages students actively in learning through inquiry, investigation, creation and demonstration. As a school that embraces 21st century learning, Pardes teachers implement Project Based Learning in the classroom to enhance student motivation while building success skills such as critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.
Technology is integrated into multifaceted, hands-on learning experiences emphasizing real-life problem solving and elevated thinking. At Pardes, children aren’t just students – they are artists, athletes, actors and musicians whose talents are nurtured and encouraged to shine. The result is motivated students who, upon graduation, are accepted to the area’s finest high schools.
Our inclusive Pardes community embraces students from diverse Jewish backgrounds. We are committed to igniting our students’ curiosity to instill lifelong learning and to find meaningful ways to bring Judaism into contemporary life. Pardes embraces the Responsive Classroom program, an evidenced-based approach that recognizes the positive correlation between academic success and social-emotional learning. Responsive Classroom empowers teachers to create safe, engaging communities in which students are taught the core social and emotional competencies: cooperation, empathy, assertiveness, responsibility and self-control. Our Lower School classrooms incorporate Morning Meetings into their daily schedule, creating a strong classroom community and setting students up for academic success. Middle School advisories adopt the Responsive Advisory meeting structure, a safe space for teachers to support students as they explore and develop their sense of self and make meaningful connections with their peers, teachers and community. If you think you can’t afford a world-class private Jewish Day School education, think again! Financial assistance options are available for families at all income levels. Also, a variety of payment options are available, enabling families to find a method that works best for them.
Tucson Hebrew Academy
3888 E. River Road, Tucson 520-529-3888 admissions@thaaz.org thaaz.org
Founded in 1973, Tucson Hebrew Academy is Southern Arizona’s premier Jewish day school, providing an outstanding educational experience for students in grades K-8.
Taking a Challenge Based Learning approach, our students are provided with the educational framework that allows them to develop skills imperative for success in the 21st century. Our students are guided through a process that facilitates creative and critical thinking, collaboration, and the use of tools and technology. With these skills, our students become proficient and competitive in this everchanging, more connected world. In conjunction with our effective educational approach, THA offers small class sizes and a 1:7 ratio of faculty to students on a beautiful, safe, and secure campus adjacent to the JCC in the lush Sonoran Desert foothills of north-central Tucson.
Jewish values and pride in our heritage and traditions are embedded in our program and foster an ethical learning community that inspires students to become responsible, active, compassionate citizens and leaders. The joy and pride of living Judaism thrive here through traditional and innovative celebrations of our traditions and heritage, study of text, history, modern Hebrew and Jewish culture. Our students develop a strong moral compass, deep understanding of their roots, and the tools and motivation for living a Jewish life and contributing to Jewish civilization.
Our outstanding program is enhanced by our fine and performing arts program, our athletics program, our STEAM and maker-space studies, and advanced mathematics. Students are also able to take part in our after-school offerings of Robotics, Piano, Strings Club, Chess Club, Art Club, Co-ed Football, Girls’ Volleyball, Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball, and Boys’ and Girls’ Soccer.
