Drawing on the theory of multiple intelligences, the David Posnack Hebrew Day School (DPHDS) actively provides students with opportunities to learn and explore their potential through music, drama, fine arts, computer training, and physical education.

Music
Music is an integral part of the DPHDS’s elementary school experience.  As children progress through the grades, musical instruction becomes ever more detailed and sophistical in concept and practice. In kindergarten through second grade, our teachers introduce students to rhythm and movement, work to deepen their listening skills and offer them their first opportunities to perform for an audience. From grades three to five, students expand their musical understanding through exposure to various classical, folk, and modern musical traditions. They also receive their first lessons in music theory, which then serves as the basis for future musical exploration. DPHDS particularly emphasizes Jewish music in its many forms—from simple folk songs to liturgical melodies—to bring to life our Jewish heritage.

Drama
Role playing is an integral part of childhood, something every parent of a toddler and preschooler acknowledges. At the DPHDS elementary school, our teachers bring this form of play into the classroom, giving it structure and discipline while keeping it fun.  Drama activities enter the school routine as students prepare for school productions. Through drama exercises and performance opportunities, students discover new ways to express themselves, build self-confidence, and discover and enhance their creative talents.

Fine Arts
The coordination of hand and eye, the appreciation of color, the freedom to create—DPHDS elementary school values these activities by introducing children to drawing, painting, sculpture, and other fine art forms.  Each DPHDS campus has its own dedicated art room, giving students the time and the space to explore and enhance their artistic abilities and gain enthusiasm for expression through diverse materials and media. DPHDS is especially proud of its PTO-supported “Meet the Masters” program, which teaches children about famous artists—as well as the genres in which they worked—and then challenges them to produce their own “masterpieces” in the styles of these artists.

Computer Literacy
As we enter the 21^st century, we recognize that the Information Age has become an integral part of our daily life.  At DPHDS, we feel that computer literacy is critical to the future success of our students. During their weekly visits to the computer lab, students receive grade-appropriate instruction in keyboarding and word processing, desktop dynamics, basic programs, and the safe and responsible use of the Internet. Our adoption of SuccessMaker computer software lets us present increasingly difficult language, math, logic and vocabulary problems that encourage students to increase their skill levels, and it permits teachers to evaluate students’ progress

Physical Education
DPHDS elementary school has designed its physical education program to develop physical skills, emotional health, and sportsmanship through a variety of activities. In kindergarten through second grade, we focus on the dynamics of movement to enhance fine and gross motor skills, self- esteem and individual athletic ability. Students in grades three through five participate in programs that emphasize specific skills for individual and team sports and focus on cooperative activities that encourage good sportsmanship and physical fitness.