Sha’alei Torah is the “reshet” behind Orot, providing:
Guidance: educational expertise, new programs and a school philosophy
Operations: bill collection, payments and purchasing
Funding: procures public and private funds for Orot
Quality Staffing: Sha’alei Torah’s reputation attracts scores of teaching applicants, of which only the finest are chosen
The Educational Philosophy
School should be an enjoyable experience,
where children are taught to be inquisitive
and independent learners. Classes are given
at different levels, so children can learn at
their own speed.
The Staff
Orot’s staff reflects its philosophy:
most teachers are religious Zionists, and all the
men have served in the army. Highly
qualified teachers seek employment at Orot because
of the schools environment. Orot has a teacher-
student ratio of 1:8 (including class assistants,
math specialists). Orot has privately funded extra staff including extra teachers,
project coordinators, and more.
While most elementary schools have female teachers, Orot provides part-time Rabbis for
the younger grades and male “mechanchim” for Grades 4-6.
Chugim
Orot has the most extensive after school program in Bet Shemesh, with over 600 children attending a wide array of chugim, including: Baking; Soccer; Basketball; Dance; Gymnastics; Media; Talmud Torah; Chess; Electronics; Aerodynamics; Science; Fimo; Projects for Gifted Children; English; Jewelry Making; Drama; Sculpture; Arts and Crafts; Graphics; Handyman; Drawing.
Facilities
Orot boasts a 5000 volume library, 2
library computers, a librarian, and an active
library enrichment program. Orot is the only
school in Bet Shemesh with air-conditioners/
heaters in every classroom. Orot has a huge campus,
with lots of room for outdoor play.
Recent renovations modernized Orot’s facilities. New
outdoor playground equipment is being installed.
New Immigrants
Recent olim need to learn to make new friends, and begin to feel comfortable
in their new land. To help them make this crucial adjustment, Orot
provides Hebrew language Ulpan: A full-time Ulpan
teacher teaches children (new and not-so-new olim)
with Hebrew language deficiencies; Sherut Leumi
girls tutor students in and out of the classroom;
Social Absorption Programs for children and their families.
Students with Learning Disabilities
Special Ed is provided regularly to students
with learning disabilities and attention-deficit issues.
Students receive extra help within their
regular classes to help them keep up in class.
“Yirat Shamayim” Curriculum
Designed to help the boys understand Judaism
on a deeper level. As they mature and begin to question,
they will have the religious foundation they
need by having discussed the ideas behind the
halachot taught in grade school.
Library usage
Free after-school classes
Extra lessons in math and English are offered at different levels to help children catch up,
stay up, or surge ahead.
Computers in School
Orot believes that computers are a
great educational tool. Students make
computer presentations in subjects as diverse as Torah,
math and science.
Classrooms are being outfitted with
computers and teachers are trained in
incorporating computers into their lessons. Two specialists
onstaff offer continuing guidance.
Library computers are available for research
and writing, and all sorts of learning challenges
take place in the computer lab.
Music
Orot believes that music plays a major role
in child development and serves as a conduit
for relating to Hashem. So Orot offers an
extensive music program, including two hours a
week of musical instrument instruction!
Orot also has two Orchestras and a Girls Choir,
who perform regularly.
The Future
The new Center for Learning & Culture will provide:
Computer labs
An expansive library
Science Labs
Rooms for Art, Music and Special Education
Dining Room/Auditorium
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