Reform Jewish Day School Adds Summer STEM Program

Rodeph Sholom School, an independent Reform Jewish day school, is offering a summer STEM program for fifth through eighth grades. The STEM summer camp in Manhattan is in partnership with i2 Camps.

Rodeph Sholom School, the only nursery to eighth-grade Reform Jewish independent day school in New York City, is adding a two-week STEM camp program to its diverse summer programming. The school is partnering with i2 Camp to help middle school students develop their 21st century skills.

Campers will choose one of two courses: Physics of Photography or Digital Game Design from Scratch. In Physics Photography, campers will learn how to use physics to construct a pinhole camera using boxes and other simple materials. In Digital Game Design from Scratch, campers will learn how to create an original video game with custom graphics, sound effects, and music.      

Camp will be held at the school’s 79th street location and will last from 9am-4pm.The first week of camp runs from June 22–26 and the second week will run from June 29-July 2. Camp registration is open for students entering fifth through eighth grades.

Rodeph Sholom School also offers an early learning program for preschoolers designed to introduce toddlers to the school environment. The program, called Learning Together, is offered throughout the year to children ages 12-30 months.  

Along with its focus on academics, community outreach and service is a top priority at RSS, says Sarah Haun, director of communications. Cultural trips and experiential learning are a special part of the curriculum, says Haun. This year, seventh-grade students screened the film Selma to prepare for a weeklong trip to the American South as part of their education in U.S. history and civil rights.

Above photo: Students in the Early Childhood Division at Rodeph Sholom School work closely with their teachers.