Girls sparkle here
A SCHOOL THAT SEES EVERY GIRL AS A STAR
HOW WE DEVELOP
At Bnot Shirah, our goal is to teach skills and build our girl’s self-confidence so they can navigate any circumstance they will face in and out of school.
We use everyday encounters and classroom lessons to develop our students’ self awareness, inner worth, and resilience. With extracurricular activities, our girls learn new skills and enjoy fun activities as they develop strength, agility, poise, confidence, and so much more.
The entire Bnot Shirah staff showers the girls with warmth and love. Each girl feels like a star!
– 2nd grade parent
The administration and staff have a “can-do” attitude and a finger on the pulse of each child.
– 3rd grade parent
HOW WE LEARN
We challenge our girls – on their level – to strive and to achieve success and growth in their learning.
Through their accomplishments and mastery of each subject, our students grow into confident girls. This positive can-do attitude becomes an integral part of who each girl is and will help them meet life’s challenges as they grow. Bnot Shirah’s educational philosophy is to take proven models that work and incorporate them into our classrooms.
Skill based learning
keriah
We use the well known program “kriability” to teach our girls how to read Lashon Hakodesh. With each new letter the girls learn its shape, sound and function. The girls learn to blend sounds and the correct Havarah according to our Mesorah. We also work independently with each girl to ensure that every girl absorbs the lesson and is ready to progress in her Keriah skills.
Chumash
Learning Chumash is the cornerstone of our students’ textual learning skills for life. We use the Tzemichah Chumash Program, an all-inclusive, skill based, integrated Chumash curriculum that also reinforces their Hebrew reading fluency, grammar, writing, and reading comprehension. It fosters a connection to the Torah and empowers students to be independent learners. Each unit culminates with a reflective activity in which students apply the lessons to their own lives and grow from their Torah learning.
Middot
Middot are an all inclusive aspect of the Bnot Shirah learning experience. Our teachers weave Hashkafah and Middot into their classroom lessons and throughout the day. There is also a schoolwide emphasis on treating others with kindness and respect. Each year the school introduces a theme to learn a Middah in a nuanced way from many different angles. This year the school is imbuing the Middah of Hakarat Hatov. The girls learn to recognize their blessings and to thank Hashem, their parents, and others.
Sephardic Mesorah
Our students experience a sense of excitement and appreciation for each Yom Tov and it’s Minhagim through our immersive learning model. Rosh Chodesh assemblies are a highlight for the girls as we connect to and celebrate each month. Weekly Parashah lessons are brought to life through our centers, stories, and projects. Through every lesson we strive to impart a warm, positive connection to our Sephardic Mesorah.
Reading
Our Literacy Specialist oversees the reading curriculum to ensure it is taught properly and at age level. The Literacy Curriculum is designed to develop independent readers with a balanced approach towards literacy that includes a comprehensive hierarchy of phonics skills and a strong emphasis on reading comprehension; students learn to think deeply about reading and gain strong literary analysis skills.
Academic models
Center based
learning
Our classrooms are designed for our girls’ best learning. Center based learning allows for personal attention, and a diverse, fun learning experience for the girls. It allows us to challenge the girls on their individual levels allowing both gifted and challenged students to grow and shine.
On premise
prep-time
In order for our teachers to have their lessons fully crafted and planned, they need time and resources to prepare in advance. At Bnot Shirah, we support our teachers with on premise daily prep time along with materials and office support to come fully prepared for every lesson.
Diverse Learning
Initiative
Bnot Shirah participates in Torah Umesorah’s Diverse Learning Initiative, a cutting edge program created to engage every single child in classroom learning. This program connects principals, teachers, parents and students into a collaborative learning environment with one-on-one, group, and classroom learning models.
Student
assessments
Our Educational Director conducts regular assessments of each student to ensure that every student grasps the material and is actively learning and developing grade level skills in the classroom. These assessments ensure our curriculum stays on par with the students abilities with a goal towards mastery of every subject.
– 3rd grade parent
HOW WE TEACH
Bnot Shirah’s faculty is of the
highest caliber and credentialed educators.
Each staff member is chosen for their professional expertise, and more importantly for their exceptional character which allows them to serve as role models for our girls. Each staff member brings her own passion, experience and energy to our school. The result? Our classrooms and hallways brim with joy and warmth from teachers and students alike.
Our staff
Mrs. Yael Bussu
Mrs. Yael Bussu has been involved with Bnot Shirah as a Senior Chinuch Advisor since its inception. Mrs. Bussu, the Menahelet of Shaare Torah Girls Elementary School for over twenty years, guides our school in an active and comprehensive capacity. She has successfully mentored many of our community’s teachers and principals, empowering all to achieve their best. She has also fostered beautiful relationships with parents and students over the years and has been a role model for so many. With over three decades of experience in Chinuch and educational leadership in the Syrian Community, we feel extremely privileged to have her on our team.
Mrs. Tamar Levy
Mrs. Tamar Levy is equipped with a Master’s Degree in Special Education, certification in multiple areas of teaching, together with years of classroom experience. Her passion and motivation to see each student succeed endears the girls to her and ensures that every single student progresses through her studies with solid foundations in Keriah and Literacy. Mrs. Levy’s role has also expanded to include our new Diverse Learning Initiative program. This initiative focuses on proper assistance and support for students facing academic challenges. With Mrs. Levy’s collaboration between parents, teachers, and students, every student receives the very best resources, enabling them to grow and reach their potential.
Mrs. Ilana Maslaton
Mrs. Ilana Maslaton, is a dedicated educator with over two decades of experience within the NYC Department of Education, embodies a profound commitment to teaching and nurturing the academic growth of every student she encounters. Armed with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education from New York University and a Master’s in Literacy from Bank Street College, her academic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence in educational practice. Mrs. Maslaton’s passion lies in tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs and academic aspirations of each learner under her guidance. Throughout her career, Mrs. Maslaton has enriched her pedagogical expertise through extensive professional development initiatives, including rigorous training at Columbia Teachers College in literacy, participation in Math in the City programs, and specialized coursework at the Child Mind Institute focusing on supporting children with anxiety. Her diverse training includes the Wilson Reading Program, Foundations, Edwards Orton Gillingham approach, and Preventing Academic Failure strategies, among other phonics programs. Her comprehensive background and understanding of how to scaffold learning experiences that are both effective and compassionate, is destined to empower students to thrive in every area of their growth.
Mrs. Nechama Levitan
Mrs. Nechama Levitan, founder and developer of the Tzemicha Chumash Program, uses her extensive experience in Judaic Studies education to inspire educators to create safe and supportive school cultures, while implementing rigorous academic standards of excellence. Mrs. Levitan believes every child can learn and experience the joy of accomplishment and success. She is passionate about creating child-centered environments where children are supported to learn and thrive. She has experience teaching all elementary school grades and currently uses her time to consult, coordinate, and continue to develop the Tzemicha Chumash Program.
Mrs. Leah Wenger
.
Mrs. Leah Gittel Lefkovits
Mrs. Leah G. Lefkovits M.S. Ed., our Literacy Consultant, shares her expertise in Literacy with our staff. She has done extensive research on all facets of literacy development and teacher coaching, and writes curricula for all grade levels. She is currently the Director of Curriculum in a prominent Lakewood school with an emphasis on literacy. Her workshops and instructional packets that she has designed are much sought after by schools in New York and New Jersey. From basic phonemic awareness to analytic engagement with highlevel texts, Mrs. Lefkovits’ approach empowers teachers and students to excel in reading, writing, and language.
Primary
Morah Naomi Franco
Primary Hebrew is led by Morah Naomi Franco. Morah Naomi is most known for her overwhelming warmth, patience and attention to detail. She loves teaching and helping transform the girls from preschoolers, to mature school-ready primary students. Morah Naomi is highly attentive on instilling and teaching the proper middot and values in the classroom through her lessons and by example.
Mrs. Adina Saffer
Primary English Mrs. Adina Saffer. Equipped with a master’s degree in Special Education and BA in Science and Liberal Arts, Mrs. Saffer brings along a unique ability of simplifying difficult concepts with patience, warmth, and attentiveness. She is also a certified early childhood teacher in NY and NJ and has previously taught at STARS preschool in Lakewood and Gesher Yehuda in Brooklyn.
First grade
Morah Laya Olshin
Mrs. Laya Olshin’s palpable love of teaching and ever-present simchat hachaim radiate from within. Holder of a BA in Liberal Arts, she comes to us with a well-rounded experience teaching diverse ages. Mrs. Olshin has taught mainstream classes as well as children with special needs using many different modalities. She is excited to focus on the vital and foundational Kitah Alef year.
Miss Rochie Roth
Miss Rochie Roth is thrilled to join the team this year as a First Grade teacher. She brings with her experience working across a range of grade levels, which has given her valuable insight into the diverse learning needs of students at various stages. Her dedication, enthusiasm, and passion for education are evident in her commitment to nurturing each child’s individual growth and success. This year, Miss Roth is especially excited to support her students as they begin their reading journey and looks forward to creating a warm, supportive classroom environment where a love of learning can flourish.
Second grade Limudei Kodesh
Morah Esty Sutton
Second grade Limude Kodesh is led by Mrs. Esty Sutton. Morah Sutton is experienced with years of teaching at Bnot Yisrael school in Lakewood. She brings an incredible amount of warmth and love together with a real excitement for learning. Her classroom is infused with a ruach where her students excel and thrive. Morah Sutton forges a bond with each of her talmidot that lasts for years after second grade.
Morah Rena Gottesman
Morah Rena Gottesman fosters a warm and encouraging classroom environment. She brings along with her years of experience teaching second grade Limudei Kodesh in Passaic, NJ as well as the training she has received while obtaining her bachelors in Judaic studies. Morah Gottesman’s passion is to enable the girls to blossom in a relaxed and positive setting. She spends much time and effort designing attractive and clear lessons and handouts that have been enjoyed by the students and co teachers she has worked with.
Second Grade General Studies
Miss Rivka Cohen
Miss Rivkah Cohen’s passion for student success makes her a positive role model for her students. With experience working with young children in both classroom and group settings, she strives to create a learning environment that is structured, engaging, and enjoyable, where every student feels supported and motivated.Through a variety of hands-on activities and whole-class instructional strategies, Miss Cohen works to meet the needs of every learner. She looks forward to helping each student grow with confidence as they develop strong reading skills, discover a love of learning, and create lasting memories in her classroom.
Miss Perela Sternheim
Miss Perela Sternheim approaches her role in educating students with creativity and enthusiasm. Miss Sternheim is excited to use her training and classroom experience specifically with the LEI Curriculum to encourage the girls to take the leap from emerging readers to proficient readers. The warmth and love her students feel have enabled her to support students with varied individualized educational and social needs. She is thrilled to join our team at Bnot Shirah.
third grade
Morah Ruchama Hirschberg
Morah Ruchama Hirschberg has a wide range of experience educating children and encouraging them to grow. She has worked with students of various grade levels in mainstream, group and one-on-one settings. She uses positivity and warmth to connect with each student in order to meet them at their level and make them feel successful in what they can accomplish. Morah Hirschberg uses different teaching methodologies to help her students learn through discovery and become independent thinkers. She is excited to join the third graders on their journey through the Amidah and hopes to foster within them a true love and connection to Hashem through prayer.
Mrs. Lori Kassab
We are excited to welcome Mrs. Lori Kassab, former third grade teacher at YDE to the Bnot Shirah team. Holder of a Masters in education, Mrs.Kassab has the know-how and experience needed to connect with her students and foster a positive and engaging learning environment. She is dedicated to creating meaningful experiences that support the growth and success of every child while providing an enjoyable learning experience.
Fourth grade
Morah Miriam Zimmerman
Mrs. Miriam Zimmerman comes to Bnot Shirah with a wealth of knowledge and classroom experience specifically with fourth graders. Her daily schedule is structured and interactive. She uses a variety of hands-on methodologies in order to reach learners of all types. She designs her lessons in a way that encourages students to apply what they already know and use it to learn new skills and understand new concepts. She looks forward to using her positivity and warmth to connect with the students at Bnot Shirah and encourage them to blossom from within.
Mrs. Tamar Bodenheimer
Mrs. Adina Bock is a charismatic and dependable 5th grade English teacher, with a proven history of success in the classroom. She commits to providing students with necessary tools to achieve academic goals, instilling love of learning and cooperative teamwork. In her years of experience, she taught grade levels ranging from 5th grade to high school, both in Limudei Kodesh and general studies. She is skilled at delivering engaging lessons while encouraging active participation during group activities.
Fifth grade
Morah Atara Bruckenstein
Mrs. Atara Bruckenstein’s passion for student discovery and love for each girl are apparent in every lesson. Her classes are engaging and well structured, giving the students the clarity and excitement needed to foster motivation for independent thinking. She uses multiple teaching methods to guide her students to learn Chumash through exploration. Mrs. Bruckenstein has previously taught in various schools in the tri-state area. She looks forward to using the skills and talents she has amassed through experience and training to impact the lives of the students at Bnot Shirah.
Mrs. Adina Bock
Mrs. Adina Bock is a charismatic and dependable 5th grade English teacher, with a proven history of success in the classroom. She commits to providing students with necessary tools to achieve academic goals, instilling love of learning and cooperative teamwork. In her years of experience, she taught grade levels ranging from 5th grade to high school, both in Limudei Kodesh and general studies. She is skilled at delivering engaging lessons while encouraging active participation during group activities.
Sixth grade
Morah Mylo Faham
Mrs. Mylo Faham is excited to be teaching 6th Grade this year, bringing with her a rich background in education and a deep passion for student growth. She has previously instructed various high school and elementary grade levels and has extensive experience supporting students both inside and outside the classroom. Mrs. Faham has coordinated afterschool programs where older girls mentor younger students through academic activities followed by engaging, fun experiences. She also tutors girls after school and has worked closely with children with special needs during the summer months. Her teaching is driven by a strong commitment to helping every student reach their full potential through supportive, inclusive, and meaningful learning experiences.
Miss Yehudis Muller
With several years of experience teaching middle school in Chicago, Miss Yehudis Muller brings a wealth of talent and creativity to the classroom. She has a remarkable ability to encourage independence and capability in her students, fostering a growth-oriented mindset that inspires them to explore and take ownership of their learning. Miss Muller is known for forming personal connections with her students, ensuring that each child feels valued and appreciated. Her classroom is a vibrant and happy space where curiosity thrives, and she is dedicated to nurturing a love of learning in every student. She looks forward to spending the year with your daughter!
Seventh grade
Morah Hendy Thau
Mrs. Hendy Thau brings a unique blend of structure and creativity to her classrooms. Her experience as a middle school teacher both in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies subjects has given her the ability to observe students at this transformative stage. She uses this knowledge and her skill set to encourage them to develop into mature, thinking young adults. She is passionate about using group settings and explorative learning which enables the girls to take ownership and responsibility for their learning. Mrs. Thau’s warmth and positivity creates an environment where every girl feels respected and cared for; a fundamental component for success with adolescents.
Mrs. Malka Adler
Our children’s success is Bnot Shirah’s success
Social/Emotional Health
Parent support
Mrs. Mindy Rosenthal, M.S. – BCBA/LBA is available to guide our parent body and faculty with strategies to properly address behavioral, social or emotional issues that a child may display. She also conducts parenting classes for the ‘Bnot Shirah Family’ to address typical child development stages and concerns. In this way, each student is equipped with a circle of support – at home and in school – to assist her social and emotional growth in a sensitive, caring and healthy manner.
Social Skills Curriculum
Through our weekly Social Skills Curriculum, our students learn to connect with their own emotions, as well as how to interact appropriately with others. Our curriculum utilizes a host of mediums from stories, art, role playing, and more, to impart these vital life skills to our children in a way that is fun, exciting, and enjoyable.
Teacher support
We support our teachers in creating and maintaining a warm, encouraging and disciplined classroom. The procedures and routines are clearly implemented in a positive manner that enables our students to feel safe and secure. The structured environment with clear and high expectations combined with scaffolding levels of support and emotional attunement provide an optimal environment for student learning and emotional development.
Extracurricular Activities
Physical Education
The benefits of Physical Education in school are far reaching, including increased student health and better academic performance. Our Physical Education program strengthens gross motor skills and encourages teamwork, physical activity, and how to compete in a fun atmosphere.
School Library
Our beautiful new library was built to house a vast array of books and to be a serene, pleasant place for our students. Every book is read and screened to ensure only the right messages are imparted to our students. The library is built with collaborative spaces so that students can work in groups or independently.
Indoor/Outdoor Gyms
Huge indoor and outdoor spaces are set up with hopscotch, hula hoops, jump ropes, and more. With large open areas for the girls to run around both indoor and outdoor, as well as two beautiful updated outdoor playgrounds, our girls can get their energy out in every weather.
After School programs
The girls benefit from a myriad of choices in our after school program. Activities include ballet, swim instruction, painting and drawing classes, dance, arts and crafts, sports, and music. Our girls enjoy a good time with their friends in a wholesome supervised environment.
Bnot Shirah is a school with one goal – to graduate students with a foundation of Torah knowledge, Hashkafah, Middot Tovot, and educational skills, while infusing them with confidence and self worth, helping them to grow into true Bnot Yisrael.
We provide the girls with the best environment, teachers, and experiences to develop their full spiritual, intellectual, social and emotional potential.
A school out of our dreams!
“Bnot Shirah has a beautiful balance of top education and true Torah Hashkafah, with a staff who’s attuned to the emotional well being of each child. This positive and happy environment is exactly what we wanted for our daughter so she can grow and love the Torah life we live. We are so grateful to Bnot Shirah, literally, a school out of our dreams! Thank you!”
– 4th grade parent
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