2014-2015 Blackboard Award Honoree: Sharon Shorofsky Mack

Editor’s note: To read a long-form story with profiles of all 15 2014-2015 Blackboard Awards honorees, click HERE!

Sharon Shorofsky Mack. Photo by Andrew Schwartz

JEWISH COMMUNITY PROJECT
PRINCIPAL: SHARON SHOROFSKY MACK
Early Childhood Center: Grown Up & Me-PK; Hebrew School Project: PK-7
146 Duane Street
jcpdowntown.org
AWARD: OUTSTANDING PRINCIPAL

Describe your school’s core educational philosophy.

JCP Early Childhood Center is committed to supporting growth and to encouraging a love of learning… Teachers recognize “access points” in each child, respecting them and encouraging their interests and ideas. Our process-oriented approach to all aspects of education allows for focus not only on an end-product, but on the process of growing, creating and learning. Jewish values are interwoven throughout the curriculum including weekly in-class Shabbat celebrations and Tzedakah (Righteous Giving)/outreach in every class.

Tell us about a few of the school’s achievements or distinguishing programs—as well as its challenges.

We are especially proud of JCP’s Specialist Program, the Resource Collaboration Model, recently featured in the Parents League Review. The program is a unique approach to supporting development using a team of specialized professionals who work directly with families, teachers, and administrators… Additionally JCP offers an outstanding Arts Appreciation Curriculum with visits from professional artists throughout the year. Children converse with artists about the creative process and develop appreciation for the arts as they observe, create, and explore music, dance, drama, and visual arts. JCP recently celebrated its 10-year anniversary and our greatest challenge is our growth! The Early Childhood Center is one part of our growing organization and space continues to be a challenge. We are in the process of exploring opportunities for space that will allow further growth and expansion.

What’s new?

JCP continues to work very closely with all of our families as they research opportunities for Kindergarten in ongoing schools. Our goal is to help families find the right match for their child and we feel fortunate to have been continually successful in those partnerships.

What do you love about your school?

I love the respect that is part of our school culture. Walking into a classroom, the respect that the teachers and children have for each other is obvious. I love having worked with my colleagues to build a place that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of so many families. When our school comes together for our
all-school events there is a magic that is palpable. Siblings, cousins, and friends wave from across the room or spontaneously hug in delight. Likewise, our children learn to greet each other at our weekly Shabbat celebrations and turn to one another offering a handshake wishing each other “Shabbat Shalom.” These moments of affirmation of enjoying each other’s presence are truly touching.

Amazing Explorers Academy Williamsburg

Welcome to Amazing Explorers Academy, a premier STEAM-based preschool dedicated to fostering a love of learning and exploration in children aged 0 to 5. Our innovative and dynamic programs provide a nurturing environment where young minds can thrive and develop essential skills that will shape their future. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we embrace the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) approach, integrating these disciplines into our comprehensive curriculum. Through hands-on experiences and age-appropriate activities, children are encouraged to inquire, investigate, and discover, igniting their natural curiosity. We have many Enrichment programs included in our curriculum like Tiny Chefs, where your child is introduced to the joys of cooking and nutrition. Under the guidance of our incredible team, they learn to create delicious and healthy treats, fostering independence and creativity in the kitchen. Music and Movement is another integral part of our curriculum, enhancing children's motor skills, coordination, and self-expression. Beyond being a creative outlet, music&rsquo;s rhythmic and melodic patterns stimulate the brain, exercising it and aiding memory development. We also place a strong emphasis on Nature Exploration, recognizing the importance of connecting with the natural world. Nature as a classroom allows children to engage all their senses, appreciate nature, and form stronger connections to their environment and community. Central to our philosophy is the belief in the power of play-based learning. We understand that children learn best through play, and our skilled educators design play-based activities that promote cognitive, social, and emotional development. Play-based learning nurtures creativity, problem-solving, and communication skills, all essential for success in the 21st century. Our highly trained and caring teachers are committed to creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere, where every child feels valued and supported. At Amazing Explorers Academy, we strive to inspire a lifelong love of learning, providing a solid foundation for future academic and personal achievements. Join us on this exciting journey of exploration and discovery, where every day is an opportunity to learn, play, and grow together!

The Mary Louis Academy

A High School for young women valuing faith and service with dedicated teachers, challenging academics, outstanding facilities, and friends for life. The TMLA experience produces stellar college acceptances and confident graduates who know how to lead.

Xaverian High School

A private, co-educational Catholic college preparatory school for grades 6&ndash;12 located in Bay Ridge. Giving students the opportunity to grow in their faith, intellect, leadership skills, musical passions, athletic talents, and much more, in the long standing tradition of the Xaverian Brothers.