Camp Kef Lee runs during the first six weeks of each summer and is designed to bridge the gap between the spring and fall semesters of school for our own incoming two-, three-, and four-year-olds.

Camp Kef Lee provides a summer experience at the Hebrew Academy in the beautiful outdoors and with the flavor of our own Early Childhood Center. The program includes science and nature, physical education, water play, crafts, sports, music, cooking, and gymnastics.

For more information about camp, contact Ricki Rubin, Director, Early Childhood Center, at 973-584-5530, ext 3017, or at rrubin@hamc.org.

Under Construction

HAMC gives an opportunity for students in grades 5-8 a chance to compete in interscholastic competition. We have a co-ed soccer team, a boy’s basketball team, a co-ed volleyball team, and a co-ed baseball team, and we compete against other schools that are relatively the same size as us, both private and public.

During games every student gets a chance to play. Our emphasis is not on winning but on participation, learning, and having fun while competing in sports. We encourage students to play sports for recreation as well as competition. Playing on a team at HAMC is all about teamwork, positive attitude, and learning to develop strategies to become successful. Every student who participates is a winner.

Our graduates have attended the following schools:

High Schools

Colleges and Universities

Under Construction

The HAMC has been graduating students since 1974. We are proud of their accomplishments and celebrate their successes as educators, journalists, doctors, environmentalists, business and financial leaders, Rabbis, and much more. No matter where they are on their journeys, we know that at the core of their foundation is their HAMC education.

We encourage our alumni to stay involved with the school and to keep in touch with one another. Through our monthly newsletter, Bekesher, our alumni have an opportunity to keep up with the latest happenings at the school. To read our Bekesher, follow the link under the School Life section of our site.

Alumni support is important to the school’s fundraising efforts. A gift - of any size - can make a difference. To learn more about giving opportunities, visit the Development section of our site.

We highlight an alumnus every year at our Spring Shomrei Torah event. If you are an HAMC alumnus, get in touch with us! We would love to highlight your accomplishments and to stay in touch with you.  Please send the following information to alumni@hamc.org.

• Personal Data: current address, phone number, email
• Milestones: career and educational, engagement and marriage, births, etc.
• Photos (in .jpg format)

We look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Cheryl Bahar

At the heart of the Hebrew Academy of Morris County is our dedication to the individual child. Our devoted staff strives to get to know the children. This integral relationship does not only apply to a child’s classroom teacher, it extends to all the teachers and assistants in the school, the administration, specialists, office staff, and school nurse. The spirit of the HAMC necessitates that no one becomes anonymous or falls through the cracks.

A focal point of my work here has been to define and examine ways in which HAMC can deliver academic excellence to all of its students. We are taking off in an exciting direction that will offer a tremendous opportunity for our students to exercise their critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. This comprehensive movement towards updated technology, an enhanced curriculum, and careful interdisciplinary amalgamations make it an exciting time to be an HAMC student.

The willingness to investigate what is not working and subsequently make the appropriate modifications is vital to the ongoing success of our student body. This reflection was the catalyst to provide our middle school students with their own laptops and to offer our lower school students recess before lunch. This positive approach is the reason why students who require remediation are no longer pulled out of the classroom, was the impetus to bring back an after school homework assistance program, and has resulted in the introduction of Smartboards in our school. The ability to question and scrutinize information is embedded in the curriculum here at HAMC. The dual curriculum gives a tremendous opportunity for our students to exercise their critical thinking, problem solving, and interpersonal skills. Even our youngest students at HAMC are encouraged to formulate and articulate mindful and rational points of view.

The administrators and faculty at HAMC are devoted to lifelong learning, being open to change and the expectation that their students will thrive. At HAMC we are committed to ensuring that no child will be left behind.

The Hebrew Academy of Morris County values the social and emotional growth and success of each student. A variety of services ensure that students thrive from the moment they enter our school and that they bring their skills and confidence with them upon graduation. These programs include:

• Individualized Transition for New Students
• After School Friendship Club
• Get-Together Lunch Group
• Character Education Series
• Middle School Advisors
• Peer Leadership Program
• Personalized High School Transition Program

Melissa Kasmin, Director of Guidance, is available at 973-584-5530, ext 3016, or at mkasmin@hamc.org.

Hebrew Academy of Morris County
146 Dover Chester Road
Randolph, NJ 07869
973-584-5530
FAX 973-584-0602

General and Financial Information
Jill Granik, Director of Operations
ext 3010, jgranik@hamc.org

Admissions
Joyce Friedman, Director of Admissions
ext 3023, jfriedman@hamc.org

Academics
General Studies - Dr. Cheryl Bahar, Dean of General Studies
ext 3011, cbahar@hamc.org
Judaic Studies - Moshe Vaknin, Head of School
ext 3021,mvaknin@hamc.org
Early Childhood - Ricki Rubin, Director, Early Childhood Center
ext 3017, rrubin@hamc.org

Fundraising and Publicity
Naomi Bacharach ’79, Director of Marketing and Development
ext 3015, nbacharach@hamc.org

Guidance and Student Services
Melissa Kasmin, Director of Guidance
ext 3016, mkasmin@hamc.org

The Hebrew Academy of Morris County is a National Blue Ribbon School
and is accredited by New Jersey Association of Independent Schools (NJAIS).

The Hebrew Academy of Morris County is a non-profit institution under the Federal Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3). Contributions are acknowledged in writing and deductible to the full extent of the law.

Endowment and planned giving offers the opportunity to make a gift to the Hebrew Academy today, while supporting the school in the future.  It is truly a gift that keeps on giving and is a wonderful way to establish a legacy that will support the school for many generations to come. Gifts can be made from bequests, life insurance policies, stocks, bonds, retirement funds, and/or real estate.  Your gift, and the income it generates for Hebrew Academy, becomes a commitment to perpetuating the future vitality of the school.

A “planned gift” can be created to fulfill a long-desired philanthropic interest and may also allow you to increase your personal income, save on taxes, and make a legacy gift to the Hebrew Academy that might not otherwise be possible. Planned gifts in various forms are magnificent acts of tzedakah, especially when they memorialize the donor’s name in perpetuity.

Charitable Gift Annuity

A one-time gift that provides the donor with a fixed annual income for life. The rate of payout is determined by the beneficiary’s age. The remainder of the gift goes to a day school fund.

Life Insurance Policy

Can be a convenient and cost effective way of making a substantial gift the Hebrew Academy. Perhaps you have a paid-up policy with the original reason for purchasing the policy no longer a consideration. Gift opportunities range from naming the HAMC as owner and beneficiary of a life insurance policy to using a new life insurance policy to replace assets given to the school.

Bequest

This gift is the result of careful planning for the best philanthropic use of assets that have taken a lifetime of work, care, and stewardship to build or preserve. The bequest may be a specific sum or a percentage of an estate that may provide a very significant gift to the HAMC School for a purpose that you designate.

To learn more about giving opportunities available for endowment gifts and planned gifts, please contact Naomi Bacharach ‘79, Director of Marketing and Development, 973-584-5530, ext 3015, or nbacharach@hamc.org.

Tribute cards offer a thoughtful way to celebrate a simcha or express sympathy while contributing to the Hebrew Academy’s mission to provide a superior general and Judaic education. When you make a tribute gift in honor or in memory of an individual or groups of individuals, the school will send a card in your name. You will also receive written acknowledgement of the gift.

• Tributes are $18.00 per card.
• Silver Tributes are $54.00 per card.

Simcha and Memorial Trees

Purchase a leaf, acorn or stone as a permanent honor to family or friends.

The Simcha Tree is used to mark occasions such as births, birthdays, Bar or Bat Mitzvahs, graduations, weddings, or other special occasions. Donations to this tree go toward reducing Hebrew Academy’s mortgage, which helps the school to channel more resources directly to education and to build a stronger future.

The Children’s Holocaust Memorial Tree is used to honor the memory of a loved one. Donations to this fund go to the Hebrew Academy Endowment Fund, which the school is building as a foundation to educate future generations of Jewish children.

Prices for both trees are as follows:

• Bronze Leaf: $150
• Silver Leaf: $175
• Gold Leaf: $200
• Acorn: $250
• Stone: $500

To purchase a tribute or a leaf, acorn or stone, please contact Naomi Bacharach ‘79, Director of Marketing and Development, at 973-584-5530, ext 3015, or nbacharach@hamc.org.

Shomrei Torah is the school’s Annual Fundraising campaign that helps bridge the gap between tuition income and actual operating expenses. The Annual Fund Campaign is an essential component of our school’s financial model and the largest source of unrestricted dollars that can be used to support our growing needs. Tuition covers roughly 70% of the cost of educating each child. The funds raised from this campaign support the general operating budget and have a direct impact on the everyday lives of HAMC students. The funds raised help with scholarships, technology upgrades, professional development, teacher enrichment, unique programming and building enhancements. Unrestricted gifts made to Shomrei Torah also gives the school the flexibility to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and address unforeseen challenges as they emerge during the year.

Why is tuition not enough?
Shomrei Torah allows us to keep the cost of tuition down so that a Jewish education from the Hebrew Academy is accessible to a diverse population. Private schools rely on tuition, endowment income and fundraising proceeds to meet their operating expenses.

Who contributes to Annual Fund?
The Hebrew Academy community relies on funds from many different groups, including current and past parents, alumni and former students, current and past grandparents, faculty, staff and friends of the greater community.

Why should I give?
Your support of the Annual Fund demonstrates confidence in the overall mission and goals of the school. In addition, since the award of grants is partially determined by annual fund participation levels, your actions prove that the community at large is committed to the Hebrew Academy’s future. Our school is growing, and as we strive to meet the expanding needs of the school, we continually seek increased participation in our campaign, enabling us to continue to provide scholarships and build upon our academic and community excellence. Our goal is to have 100% participation by our current families and Board members. In the last few years, the amount raised through Shomrei Torah has greatly increased, as has the number of donors. Participation among K-8 parents has gone from 22% to more than 85%. In addition, we have seen an increase in participation by many ECC parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, staff, and friends. Your gift makes a difference. You will further our present success and pave the way for our future growth by making the Hebrew Academy of Morris County your Philanthropic priority.

How much should I give?
Shomrei Torah levels begin at $180.00. To be a member of the Shomrei Torah Society, you must give $180 or more. However, contributions of any amount are welcome and acknowledged.

Shomrei Torah Levels:

How will my donation be recognized?
All donations are recognized in various school publications. Each year, the names of the members of the Shomrei Torah Society are inscribed on a plaque in the school. In addition, each spring, the school sponsors an event to recognize members of the Shomrei Torah Society and our accomplishments.

Matching Gifts from Employers
Double the impact of your Annual gift. Numerous companies offer a matching gift program for their employees and their families. To make your contributions grow, simply obtain a matching gift form from your company’s Matching Gift Coordinator (usually in the Human Resources or Community Relations department), fill it out and send it in with your contribution. Please check if your company participates in the corporate match program

For more information on Shomrei Torah, please call Naomi Bacharach, Director of Marketing and Development, at 973-584-5530, ext 3015, or nbacharach@hamc.org.

The Academy depends on the support of parents, friends, grandparents, alumnae, and community members who believe in its mission of maintaining high standards of academic excellence while providing a nurturing environment infused with the richness of Jewish life.

Like many private and Jewish day schools, tuition and fees do not cover the full cost of educating each child in our school. Our tuition covers approximately 70% of that cost. The funds that are raised, each year, help cover teacher enrichment, special programming and the school’s overall ability to enhance the environment for our student community.

The Academy offers a number of ways to give a tax-deductible contribution that will help us to continue to provide the highest quality education and programming to current and future generations of Jewish children.

Shomrei Torah

Our Annual Campaign is the cornerstone of support for our operational and scholarship needs. Its goal is to sustain and enhance the highest quality academic program, provide tuition relief, and allow for needed improvements in our buildings and grounds. Every family should participate in the schools annual campaign, because every HAMC child and family benefits. By making a gift to Shomrei Torah, regardless of size, you help to ensure that the HAMC is operating on a solid foundation.

Endowment Opportunities

HAMC strives to grow our endowments to establish a legacy that will support our school for generations to come.

General Endowment Fund
Supports overall operating needs

Beena and Steve Levy Multi Media Endowment
Supports technology and multi media programs

Program Enhancement Funds

Athletic Fund
Provides our athletic teams with uniforms and equipment

Early Childhood Center
Provides materials and equipment for the ECC

Eighth Grade Trip to Israel
Helps defray the cost of the annual eighth grade trip to Israel

Elementary Science Program
Provides material and equipment to enhance the Science program in the elementary grades

General Multimedia Fund
Provides media materials and equipment for the General Studies program

Judaic Multimedia Fund
Provides media materials and equipment for the Judaic Studies program

Theatre and Performing Arts Fund
Provides funds for theatre program including music, dance, singing and acting

Library Enhancement Fund
Supports our library in staff, materials, and multi media equipment

Middle School Science Fund
Provides material and equipment to enhance the science program in the middle school

School Beautification Fund
Supports the enhancement of the schools outside appearance. The funds raised go towards the purchase of landscaping and supplies

School Trips Fund
Provides funds for special day trips that enhance the students curriculum

Max and Rose Shapiro Multi Media Fund
Supports Judaic curricula, including our annual eighth grade trip to Israel

Sharon Nadelson Professional Development Fund
Supports teacher enrichment, including conferences, training of our educational staff, and seminars

Scholarship Funds

Jacobs Memorial ECC Scholarship Fund
Provides partial scholarship for Early Childhood Center families in need

Special Awards

Beatsy Wertheimer-Henny Brenman Memorial Award
Award given to an outstanding 8th grader for academic excellence

Hedy Braverman Memorial Award
Award given to an outstanding 8th grader for excellence in the arts

Morah Saphra Derech Eretz Award
Award given to an outstanding 8th grader who exemplifies good behavior and good will towards others.

Some donations can earn credit for annual Give or Get Obligations, please see the school directory for more information.

Please consider making a donation today. You can make a difference. All gifts are essential to our school’s overall financial well-being. For more information on any of these opportunities, contact Naomi Bacharach ‘79, Director of Marketing and Development, at 973-584-5530, ext 3015, or nbacharach@hamc.org.

The Hebrew Academy of Morris County is a non-profit institution under the Federal Internal Revenue Code 501 (c) (3). Contributions are acknowledged in writing and are deductible to the full extent of the law.

Quality day school education is affordable. Thanks to support from an extremely generous donor, the Hebrew Academy is among a select group of day schools in the nation that can offer a capped tuition for middle-income families that would not normally qualify for tuition assistance.

In addition, the Hebrew Academy offers “traditional” tuition assistance and a range of payment options in order to keep the gift of a day school education available to all Jewish children, regardless of the family’s ability to pay.

We also offer limited tuition assistance in our Early Childhood Center through the Jason K. Jacobs Memorial Early Childhood Scholarship Fund.

Below is a short summary of our tuition assistance programs and payment options. For more information, please contact Jill Granik, Director of Operations, at 973-584-5530 ext 3010, or jgranik@hamc.org.

Base Tuition Grant: This program is open to K-8 families with a gross income of up to $150,000, or higher if there are extenuating circumstances. Tuition is “capped” at an amount significantly below the standard tuition rate, and limited financial disclosure is required.

Tuition Assistance: Our tuition assistance program is available to all K-8 families. The amount of assistance granted is based on income and extenuating circumstances. The Hebrew Academy contracts with an independent agency to help determine need. Financial information is kept strictly confidential.

Early Childhood Tuition Assistance: Through the Jason K. Jacobs Early Childhood Memorial Scholarship Fund, a youngster can attend our superior preschool half-time for half-price. This scholarship was created by Jennifer Jacobs, a former Hebrew Academy parent, in memory of her husband, Jason, who perished on 9/11.

Payment Options: A variety of payment options are available, including credit card payments and monthly or biannual payments. Sibling and early payment discounts are also available.

Following are the procedures for applying to Junior Kindergarten through 8th Grade at the Hebrew Academy.

1. Contact Joyce Friedman, Director of Admissions, to meet with her and arrange a school tour. She can be reached at 973-584-5530, ext 3023, or jfriedman@hamc.org.

2. Complete an Application for Admission and include the following:

• Application Fee
• Medical Records
• Student Records/Transcripts
• Teacher Assessments

3. Appointments will be made for you and your child to meet with:

• Moshe Vaknin, Head of School
• Dr. Cheryl Bahar, Dean of General Studies
• Melissa Kasmin, Director of Guidance
• Ricki Rubin, Director, Early Childhood Center (if applicable)

4. Meet with Jill Granik, Director of Operations, to discuss tuition assistance options (if applicable).

5. Receive Acceptance.

6. Complete Enrollment Contract (include application for tuition assistance if applicable). 

In an effort to bring Jewish programming to Western Morris County and to provide enrichment activities and care for the children of working parents, the Jewish Community Center of MetroWest has teamed with the Hebrew Academy towards these goals.

The JCC offers a myriad of after-school enrichment classes at the Hebrew Academy for HAMC students as well as other children in the community.

In addition, the JCC offers vacation programs when HAMC is closed for school vacation. Programs run from 9:00am to 4:00pm with before and after care available at no extra charge! The children are invited to spend the day with the JCC as they take field trips, go swimming and just have a blast!

The JCC also runs the HAMC aftercare program, offering homework help, games, arts and crafts, and gym for students who need after school supervision.

For information on the after school enrichment classes, vacation programs, or after care, contact Rebecca Trif at 973-584-5530, ext 3022, or rtrif@jccmetrowest.org

Check out the JCC website at http://www.jccmetrowest.org and click on the Morris County connect page for all the events happening in this area.

Current Happenings (click on the link for more info)

Camp Deeny Riback Fall Festival and Open House

Home and School Association

The membership of the HSA is comprised of the entire parent body of the Hebrew Academy of Morris County. The organization’s functions are as follows:

• To provide an opportunity for parents to meet and socialize.
• To act as a liaison between the school and the parents and to improve communication.
• To provide the students of the HAMC with holiday enrichment and special events
• To participate in various fundraising activities in order to provide the students with these “extras.”

HSA dues, payable with each year’s enrollment, are required from each family in order to help achieve these goals. HSA meetings and volunteer opportunities are open to all HAMC parents; help and suggestions are always welcome.

All families are urged to participate in the various HSA activities - social, fundraising, and volunteer. For more information on HSA activities and volunteering, contact the main office at 973-584-5530. We will be happy to put you in touch with an HSA representative.

Fundraising Activities

Funds raised enable HSA to provide enrichment programs for our students. We encourage all of our families to participate.

Passover Candy ‑ Candy is sold by the children to family, friends, and neighbors.

Supermarket Vouchers ‑ This is HSA’s best fundraiser. You write a check to HAMC and receive the same dollar value in vouchers, which you use as cash at the supermarket. Vouchers for most of the local supermarkets are available.

Gift Wrap - In the fall, gift wrap is sold by the children to family, friends, and neighbors.

Social Activities

Additional social activities are announced in our weekly broadcast emails to the parents.

New Parents’ Tea - This is an opportunity for new parents to meet other new parents and get answers to any questions they might have.

Enrichment Activities

Volunteers are especially needed to help run these activities, which we offer our children, parents, and teachers, and staff.

Book Fair ‑ Each fall, the book fair offers a wide variety of reading materials for the students to purchase for their home libraries.

Gifts to the Graduates and B’nai Mitzvah ‑ We honor current students by giving a gift to each member of the graduating class and each Bar/Bat Mitzvah on his/her special day.

Holiday Enrichment ‑ To emphasize the beauty of many of the Jewish holidays, the children are treated with special parties and relevant foods on holidays such as Sukkot, Chanukah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, and Pesach. In addition, breafast for junior high and treats for elementary students are provided on Rosh Chodesh.

Pizza Lunch ‑ Once a week, for a nominal fee, HSA provides pizza for the students.

School Pictures ‑ In the fall, students have the opportunity to have their individual and class pictures taken.

Staff Luncheon ‑ We welcome our faculty and staff back to school at a luncheon during their inservice day before school opens in September.

Welcome to the HAMC Library, a wonderful resource for our children and teachers. We are growing and continuously ordering some of the newest and best books available for children. Since opening in February, 2002, the HAMC Library has added more than 4,000 new books to our collection, which now encompasses over 8,000 books. We are thrilled to have a library that teachers, students and parents can be proud of. The library is here for us all to enjoy, and we reinforce the idea that we treat all library books with care so they can be enjoyed for many years.

The goal of the library is to enhance the curriculum with lessons, research skills, and resources. We have been branching out with projects and activities, showing our children how fun reading really is. Here are a few highlights of library activities:

Library Blog: Visit http://hamcblog.blogspot.com to see a listing of the newest books in our library. You can also read short reviews on some recommended books and students can post their own comments on books and recommendations of books they think others will like.

Contests: The Library sponsors several contests to motivate students to read more. In the “Pick a Reader” contests, any student who reads a book during the chosen month may drop his or her name into a jar and be eligible to win prizes. Other contests have included a “Guess the Number of Books in the Library” contest, a Mystery Book Swap, and a Dr. Suess Trivia Contest to celebrate the birthday of this ever popular author.

Fundraising and Donations: Thanks to the generosity of our parents and friends, the Library raises significant funds to continue to build our collection. Approximately $3,000 is raised annually through the Home School Association Book Fair, the Birthday Club, and personal tributes. For a minimum donation of $18, a bookplate will be placed in a new hardcover book and an acknowledgement card sent in honor of a child’s birthday or simcha, as a tribute to a special person, or in memory of a loved one. To participate in the birthday club, download the form here.

Special Programs: The Library encourages a love of reading through many special programs. We have had book clubs, guest authors, and guest illustrators. We celebrate the birthday of Dr. Seuss with a school-wide Read Across America program. We display relevant books for all holidays, both Judaic and secular. We celebrate National Poetry Month in April, and we continue to order the best new books for our students and our curriculum.

(all dates subject to change)

2008-09

(subject to change)

Please feel free to peruse our photo albums, which highlight the many wonderful programs in which our students are involved.

Our monthly publication, Bekesher, means “In Touch.” In it you will find articles about the exciting programs that are going on at the Hebrew Academy, newsworthy information, and announcements from our families.

Scroll down for links to recent issues of Bekesher.

We would like to encourage staff, parents, and alumni to contribute to Bekesher. Please feel free to email articles of a general interest to jgranik@hamc.org. Put “Bekesher Article” in the subject line and be sure to put your name and contact information at the end of the article. The editors reserve the right to accept or reject any submissions and to edit as necessary.

These are some of the topics we’re interested in:

• Exciting classroom and school-wide programs
• Fundraising efforts
• Student, staff, and alumni achievements and awards, both in and out of school
• Information about lifecycle events (births, deaths, engagements, weddings, b’nai mitzvah)

We would also like to make sure that as many of our friends as possible know about what is going on at our school. Please send us your email address (alumni and alumni parents particularly), and we will put you on our email list. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Though HAMC encourages all our graduates to consider continuing their education in a Jewish high school, we recognize that some do not. This program is designed specifically for our graduates who do not attend a Jewish high school, to provide them with a realistic opportunity to maintain their growth in Judaic subjects, to ensure continued involvement in the Jewish community, to expand upon the breadth of knowledge they have acquired over their years at the HAMC, and to help them internalize their identity as involved Jewish adults.

Courses are offered one night per week in six-week sessions. Among the subjects that have been offered are Jewish films, Jewish philosophy, Anti-Semitism, Middle East Politics, and the Uniqueness of the Hebrew Language.

2008-09, 5768-69 Calendar

As we are the “people of the book,” our Middle School provides a totally departmentalized program with strong emphasis on literature and written and oral expression. To prepare them for high school, our Middle School students embark on a rigorous academic journey. With top-notch language arts, science and math teachers, many of our students have become participants and winners in statewide competitions in writing, math and science. Our accelerated mathematics program offers pupils the opportunity for advanced placement in algebra upon graduation. The school’s well-equipped science lab allows our students to probe into the microscope or beyond the solar system. World civilization, both ancient and modern, and American history are examined in social studies. Our “wireless laptop lab” keeps our middle school students up to speed as they travel from class to class with their laptop computers.

Our Judaic studies program intensifies the development of Hebrew language skills and the study of Bible, Prophets, Mishna and Talmud, and Jewish history and religion. Individualized programs are available for those students entering late in their school careers. We continue to foster our students’ strong bond to Israel, which was instilled in their younger years at HAMC.

Our much-acclaimed choir performs at school events and throughout the community and students have use of our electronic keyboard lab. A variety of sports teams compete against local private and public schools. Our Tikun Olam Club participates in a series of projects each year that seeks to enrich the lives of all members of our community.

Sixth Grade: One of the highlights of the sixth grade experience at HAMC is the annual trip to “Camp Teva.” This trip is an adventure in environmental studies where the Jewish concepts of Bal Tashchit (Biblical ban on wasteful behavior) and Tikkun Olam (healing the earth) are explored. Students also learn cooperation amongst themselves and other sixth graders as they take on active roles in all aspects of community living.

Seventh Grade: Our seventh graders travel each year to Washington, DC, Philadelphia, or Boston to see firsthand the historical sites that they have learned about in their social studies classes. With trained guides, they explore America’s foundations and experience history in reality.

Eighth Grade: Our eighth graders culminate their experience at Hebrew Academy with a two-week trip to Israel each spring. Once again, the historical background of our people is experienced firsthand, and their classroom learning takes on new and realistic meanings for them.

Feel free to browse through the curriculum summaries by clicking on the links that follow.

The Elementary School curriculum builds upon the experience of our students in the Early Childhood Center (ECC) in developing their linguistic skills of reading, written and oral expression as well as mathematical facts, algorithms and problem solving. Students develop an appreciation of the world around them through intensive project-oriented work in social studies and a hands-on science program.

We have a state-of-the-art mobile computer lab and computers in every classroom. Courses in art, instrumental and vocal music, as well as physical education, round out the program.

Our Judaic studies program similarly stresses Hebrew language skills in reading, written and oral expression. Jewish customs and ceremonies, which occur as we progress through the school year, are integrated into the program in a natural fashion, with an emphasis on Jewish values. Studying sacred texts (Torah) begins in 3rd grade. A bond with Israel is nurtured through instruction on Israeli history, the celebration of Israeli holidays, and involvement in Israel community related projects, as well as weekly visits by Israeli students.

Feel free to browse through the curriculum summaries that follow by clicking on the links.

18 Months to 5 Years

The Early Childhood Center of the Hebrew Academy of Morris County is a developmentally-based program that enriches the lives of children ranging in age from 18 months through pre-kindergarten. Our staff seeks to provide a variety of interactive experiences through which the young child may grow emotionally, socially, cognitively, physically and spiritually.

Ima Ve Ani: The ECC begins with the Ima ve Ani program (Mommy and Me) for 18-month-olds and an adult. The school experience is introduced through activities which are developed to reach our youngest learners, who begin to attach to their facilitator and quickly become an integral part of our ECC family.

Toddlers: Parents may choose from a variety of program options for their two-year-olds, ranging from two mornings to five full days a week. Through play, the toddlers become a class in their first experience away from home. The toddlers’ days are filled with music, art activities, puppetry, puzzles, games, etc., and theme-based instruction helps to enhance the language and social skills of our twos. Our 2s join our 3s and JKs for our Kabbalat Shabbat each week and use our beautiful playground and Gross Motor Room as well.

Three-Year- Olds: Our 3s may choose programs ranging from three mornings to five full days a week. The goals of our this program are to foster a growing sense of independence and to facilitate activities which will enhance language skills, play skills, and social skills. Children will learn to work together to achieve a task while they learn. They explore and investigate, create and discover. Each week, the children enjoy instruction from our physical education and music teachers and visits to our library to hear a story and choose a book to take home.

Junior Kindergarten: Our 4s enjoy special programming in our Junior Kindergarten. Designed to bridge the gap between our preschool and our kindergarten, the JK curriculum is enhanced by hands-on science themes led by our elementary school science professional, expanded Hebrew language experiences, and an integration of the JK classes with each other as well as with our kindergarten. In Junior Kindergarten, the children, as well as the curriculum, are integrated to make the learning process a natural result of play experiences, fostering a strong sense of self esteem and an excitement for taking the risks necessary to learn. Children may choose from half- or full-day programming. Click here for an outline of the junior kindergarten curriculum.

Substitutes Needed

We need dedicated teachers and teaching assistants to be on-call, day-to-day substitutes, full and/or part day, to fill in when our classroom staff is absent.

• Substitutes must have a love of children.

• Previous experience is desirable but not required.

• Substitute teaching assistants are are needed in ECC through 2nd grade.

• Substitute teachers are needed in ECC through 8th grade, for both Judaic and general subjects.

• Substitute teachers must have a minimum of 2 years of college, preferably in a related field. A teaching certificate/experience is desirable but not required.

• Though you may be called the morning you are needed, we will call you in advance whenever possible.

• You will be asked to submit to a criminal background check and provide proof of legal status to work.

If you’re interested in being put on our substitute list or you’d like more information, please contact Anne Bushell at abushell@hamc.org or 973-584-5530, ext 3012.

Our wonderful staff is uniquely warm and dedicated to our children. With a student to teacher ratio of approximately 6 to 1, our excellent staff is able to provide a nurturing, individualized program to our students.

Administration

Classroom Staff

Support Staff

Moshe Vaknin

Albert Einstein said, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Being part of modernity and maintaining our Jewish heritage is not simple. It is an important task that we have been facing for a long time. Nevertheless, at the Hebrew Academy of Morris County, knowledge, science, religion, and Jewish culture are taught to capture our students’ hearts and minds. Risk taking, experimenting, and hands-on activities are our approach to learning. Making mistakes allows us to learn and try new things. Asking critical thinking questions during Bible or Talmud classes is expected and encouraged.

The HAMC recently received the highest honor of the U.S. Department of Education, Blue Ribbon for Academic Excellence. This is only one more step in our commitment to academic excellence. In our almost half century of existence, the HAMC has always sustained the highest level of commitment to each child. Generations of students have passed through the doors of the HAMC knowing and feeling that they received the best education possible.

Our graduates move on to high school, well-prepared and, in many cases, having already covered the required readings and topics while here at the Academy.

The heart and soul of our Judaic studies curriculum is the teaching of Derech Eretz, meaning, in its broadest sense, acting with consideration and kindness to one’s fellow human beings. I often hear from many former families that the values their children learned while at the Hebrew Academy had a major impact on their families’ lives. Our mitzvah projects, Jewish values classes, and community service activities have earned us a reputation as a loving, giving, and nurturing school.

We do what we do for the sake of God’s work, the Jewish people and all of humanity. As it is written, לתקן עולם במלכות שדי”" ” to heal the world under the kingdom of God.”

My 10 Favorite Quotes

Executive Committee

Members

*Past President

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of school is HAMC and why do parents choose an HAMC education for their children?

HAMC is a community Jewish day school offering a challenging, integrated curriculum in general and Judaic studies. Parents choose to send their children to HAMC for a variety of reasons including:

• our emphasis on academic excellence that prepares children to succeed at the finest private and public high schools in our area;
• the opportunity to learn a second language at a young age;
• our small class size and individual attention;
• the value we place on encouraging children to accept their responsibilities as Jews and as members of the greater community;
• our warm environment in which each child’s strengths and abilities are nurtured.

HAMC is a member of RAVSAK, an organization of community day schools, and, as a community school, we warmly welcome families from every branch of Judaism as well as Jewish children from unaffiliated families.

I don’t understand how day school education works. How much time do children spend on general studies and how much time on Jewish studies? How do they have time to get an outstanding general education when they spend significant time on Jewish studies?

HAMC cannot speak for all day schools but we can tell you that at HAMC, students in Grades 1 through 8* spend approximately 60% of the school day with teachers of general studies (which includes language arts, math, science, social studies, physical education, music, art and computers) and approximately 40% of the school day with teachers of Judaic studies (which includes Hebrew language and the history, culture, traditions and religious practices of the Jewish people). There are many opportunities for integration of general and Judaic studies such as in music, art, computers and holiday performances. In addition, because the academic expectations of our students are quite high and our school hours are slightly longer than those at several other area schools, HAMC students are able to master a most impressive and challenging curriculum. At HAMC, we strive to use every moment of the school day efficiently and effectively; our experienced, devoted teachers recognize that we have a lot to accomplish and very successfully guide our students to meet the challenge!

Shouldn’t my child learn to get along with all types of children, not only Jewish children; shouldn’t my child go to school in the “real world”?

An HAMC education does not seek to keep children uninformed of or unsympathetic to the broader world. Rather, it provides children with a strong sense of Jewish identity so that when they enter the larger world they do so with pride in and real knowledge of their Jewish heritage. At HAMC, children are taught Jewish values such as Tikkun Olam (repairing the world). HAMC children have learned to put the principles of Tikkun Olam into practice through, for example, volunteering at a local child care center serving mostly Hispanic children and by delivering food packages to the needy and aged. Many HAMC children interact with children from the broader community in their neighborhoods and through sports and other programs offered by various local communities and private organizations.

I attended Hebrew school; why isn’t Hebrew school “enough” for my son/daughter? <