Charlotte Jewish Day School Electives: Woodworking and Podcasts

The Charlotte Jewish News, March 2025

By Gale Osborne

The opportunity for students to be exposed to an entirely new skill set is a vital component of experiential learning. Rolling out these new experiences under the discriminating eye of a middle school student can be a great challenge, however, creative programming is what Charlotte Jewish Day School (CJDS) does best!

CJDS students in grades 6-8 have embarked on a 12-week woodworking class. Yes, it is a throwback to shop classes in the 1970s and ‘80s. And yes, the kids are using circular saws, jigsaws, nail guns, and more. More importantly and impressively, they are learning the proper way to use tape measures, layout tools, and protractors to measure angles and determine the right way to make cuts. They are using their knowledge of math and engineering to create their masterpieces!

Dave Gerrard, a woodworking enthusiast and parent of a CJDS graduate, graciously and enthusiastically volunteered

to build a curriculum and lead classes. For their first project, students will create either a toolbox or a storage step stool. After learning about the qualities of a good piece of lumber, they will draw up plans and begin to see their projects take shape. They will measure, cut, sand, and nail. They are learning from mistakes and realizing that learning a new skill may not be easy or right the first time. These middle school woodworkers are focused and understand the path to completion.

In other news, the first CJDS podcast is coming soon! The podcast, called “The Jewtbox,” is written, produced, directed, mixed, and edited by CJDS middle school students. This collaborative podcast features interviews and opinions on the latest books and music! It promises to be an entertaining window into the minds of our middle school students.

You are invited to visit CJDS to see these middle school class electives in action!

For more information about CJDS, email gosborne@cjdschool.org.

Photo caption:

Adam Serbin building the shelf for his toolbox

Damien Rouchouze, Ryan Maltz and Charles Kutsak working on their projects

Class instructor Dave Gerrard watching Taliya Waizman using the circular saw to cut wood for her storage /stepping stool