     
OUR MISSION
The Solomon Schechter School of Queens is a religious educational institution for Jewish children in grades
Pre-K-8, affiliated with the Solomon Schechter Day School Association of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. Our approach to worship and ritual is fully
egalitarian. We are committed to the highest standards of academic
excellence in all of our Judaic and general instruction, programs and
activities. Our integrated, dual-language curriculum combines the best of
innovative and traditional teaching methods to create challenging learning
experiences. Our staff provides a nurturing, respectful and stimulating
environment. As an American Jewish Day School, we aim at educating Jewish
youth loyal to our country and devoted to the State of Israel and the Jewish
people. We prepare our students to live in accordance with the Jewish
values of God, Torah and Israel, identify with the Conservative movement and
support Jewish pluralism. In partnership with family, synagogue and the
community, we prepare knowledgeable, committed Jews and responsible
citizens.
WE BELIEVE THAT:
- Judaism is a changing religious civilization, which
seeks to balance tradition with human needs of the present and the future.
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Our commitment to Halacha must be reinterpreted in
each generation in light of changing ethical, social and economic needs.
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The home, synagogue and the school are the most
important institutions for the preservation of Judaism.
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Israel is our holy land, the spiritual and
cultural center of world Jewry. It is a mitzvah to support the land and the
people of Israel and to make aliyah.
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God, K’al Israel and the Torah are inseparable.
They constitute the foundation of Judaism and are the source of Jewish unity.
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Belief in God sustains our moral, ethical and
spiritual life.
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Human goals must be brought into
harmony with the
will of God.
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God hears our prayers.
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The purpose of Judaism is to make our
world better
and to help humanity conform to God's laws of justice, compassion and
spirituality.
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A Conservative Jew should be committed to daily
religious observance of kashrut, tefilliah, brachot and tzedakah.
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Our religious practices should be
egalitarian, with no discrimination between the sexes.
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There is a difference between moral/ethical
mitzvot and ritual/ceremonial mitzvot. The former deal with human relations and
the latter with religious piety and tradition.
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The Torah has divine authority because it was
inspired by God.
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The Torah was written by different people at
various periods in our history.
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The Torah reflects the language, style and idioms
of the ages in which it was written.
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The Torah contains divine and human elements. It
is, therefore, both in theory and practice, possible to distinguish between
divine and human contributions, and to modify the human components when
circumstances require it.
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Torah is not a closed document, it is constantly being
written. New interpretations and understandings are also Torah.
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New interpretations of the Torah can only be made by recognized
authorities.
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The authority of the Torah lies in its divine
source and in the community which entered into a covenant with God.
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Jews are obligated to God and owe loyalty to the
nation and the community to which they belong.
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The Torah is a record of Israel's quest for God, and
its teaching underlines the innate human need to live in harmony with the spirit
that gives meaning and value to life.
OUR GOALS:
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We aim at developing in our students pride in our
country, respect for our democratic system of government, and a desire to live
by the highest moral and ethical values.
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We encourage our students to pursue excellence in all
their studies and to think critically and creatively.
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We are sensitive to individual student differences in
background, ability, motivation, and learning styles, and we aim at developing
in them self esteem and provide them with opportunities for success and self
realization.
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In Judaic studies, we are committed to excellence in
Hebrew language arts, Bible (Chumash, Prophets, Writings), Rabbinics (Mishna and
Talmud), T'filah (prayer) history, customs and ceremonies, Zionism, literature,
music and art.
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In General Studies we are committed to helping
children to realize their fullest potential in every area of curricular and
personal development. We conform with, and generally exceed, the requirements
set by the New York State Board of Regents in the major curriculum areas of
English, Social Studies, Science and Math. In addition, we meet the mandates for
instruction in health and physical education, music, art, and library skills.
Other areas of enrichment encompass computers, drama, Jewish history, and a wide
range of co-curricular activities such as clubs, service opportunities, and
intra-mural sports.
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We aim at developing students' fluency in Hebrew
language arts. Because our students come to us with varying levels of Hebrew
language aptitude, we are committed to meeting each student at his or her level and
developing their skills to fullest potential.
WE BELIEVE THAT THE FAMILY SHOULD:
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Provide a total Jewish ambiance for the children
at home.
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Be involved with and support all Jewish community
events and programs.
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Be affiliated with a synagogue and attend its
services and programs.
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Support the school's goals, programs, projects and
activities.
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Observe Shabbat, Kashrut and the Jewish holidays.
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Provide the children with a moral and ethical
foundation.
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Have Jewish symbols, objects, books and
periodicals at home.
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Show respect for mitzvot and halachah.
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Educate and encourage the children to date and
marry within our Jewish faith.
WE AIM AT DEVELOPING IN OUR GRADUATES:
Jewish Commitment. -
Respect for diversity of Jewish religious
expression (K’al Israel) and a commitment to the theory and practice of
Conservative Judaism.
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Pride in Judaism and an
awareness of the Jewish contributions to humanity.
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A commitment to the State of
Israel and love for its people and knowledge of its language and culture.
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A concern for the welfare of
Jews and a willingness to become involved with Jewish causes.
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A thirst for the Jewish
knowledge and a love for Jewish learning as a lifelong process.
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Respect for the Jewish
tradition, mitzvot and halachah.
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An awareness that the Jewish
people continue to play an important role in the history of mankind.
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A desire to date and marry
within the Jewish religion.
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An awareness that Judaism is the
heritage of all the Jews.
SPIRITUALITY:
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A faith in God as the source of life and ultimate goodness,
justice and compassion.
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An appreciation for the holiness and
value of life.
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A desire to strive for holiness and spirituality.
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A desire to search and discover the laws of God and conform to
them.
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An awareness that there is unity of the spiritual power in the
universe.
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An awareness that prayer is a human attempt to put into words
a yearning for communion with God.
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An awareness that we can relate to God on a personal level and
share with Him our most intimate thoughts.
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An awareness that faith in God helps us fulfill ourselves.
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A desire to lead a spiritual, moral and ethical life.
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An awareness that life is precious, that every individual is
important, and that our deeds count.
CITIZENSHIP:
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A love for America, its heritage, people and culture; respect for
America's ideals and democratic system of government.
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Good will toward our fellow man and willingness to become involved
with causes that benefit humanity.
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A sense of harmony and synthesis between our Jewish heritage and
the principles and ideals of our country.
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Respect and tolerance for all races, nationalities and religions.
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A desire to fight all forms of prejudice and discrimination.
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An awareness of human interdependence and individual
responsibility to society.
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A desire to make this world a better place for all people.
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An awareness that true religion is not the monopoly of any one
single religion. It is universal and can be shared by all humanity.
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The sensitivity to the needs and rights of others.
CRITICAL THINKING:
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The capacity for critical and logical thinking.
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The ability to make appropriate choices.
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The personality which is capable of growth, change and self
realization.
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The capacity to make constructive decisions.
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The courage to experiment, to take risks, to discover all in order
to grow.
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An awareness that human deeds are generated by human thoughts, and
language is a fundamental part of thinking.
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