MoriahCast

What Does a School Guidance Department Actually Do?R' Daniel Alter, Head of The Moriah School in Englewood, NJ, sits down with school psychologist Yael Krumerman and guidance counselors Yardena Brickman (middle school) and Tamara Dell (lower school) to pull back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood parts of a school.They cover what social-emotional learning looks like day-to-day, from morning meetings and lunch groups in the lower school to advisory periods on empathy, digital citizenship, and bar/bat mitzvah etiquette in middle school. The conversation gets real about rising student anxiety, how they support executive functioning, and what the difference is between bullying and conflict (and why it matters).

Decoding the School Calendar: In this episode of MoriahCast, Rabbi Daniel Alter, delves into the intricacies behind the school calendar. From the start and end dates to holiday breaks and early dismissals, the episode delves into the historical context of summer vacations, considerations for educational effectiveness, and the broader ecosystem of family schedules and communal norms. Rabbi Alter also touches on the unique aspects of the Jewish day school calendar, the rationale behind professional development days, and the decision-making process for snow days. The podcast aims to provide parents, alumni, and the extended community with an insider’s perspective on why and how these decisions are made.

In this episode of MoriahCast, R' Alter dives into the crucial role of writing in education. Joined by Associate Principal Mrs. Tzipporah Boim and Lower School Director of Curriculum and Instruction Mrs. Zeva Adelsberg, they discuss the importance of reading and structured writing programs. The episode discusses how the Writing Revolution program is implemented at the Moriah School, focusing on the step-by-step development of writing skills from basic sentences to multi-paragraph essays. How grammar is taught contextually and the significance of integrating writing across various subjects. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of reading in enhancing writing skills and concludes with evaluating the success of the writing program through various benchmarks and feedback from graduates.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:02 The Importance of Writing03:40 The Writing Revolution Program05:31 Teaching Writing Skills16:26 Integrating Writing Across Curriculum17:19 The Role of Reading in Writing18:38 Evaluating Success in Writing19:35 Conclusion

In this episode of MoriahCast, Rabbi Daniel Alter delves into the school's approach to sports and physical education. He discusses the benefits of participation in sports for children's physical and mental well-being, teamwork, and character building. Alter highlights the balance needed between playing and watching sports, the selection process for school sports teams, and the importance of ensuring that children have well-rounded identities beyond just athletics. He also touches on the community's role in fostering a healthy sports culture and shares his insights on how parents can support their children's diverse interests. The episode also explores the logistics of middle school sports and reiterates the importance of building resilient and well-rounded students.Chapters00:00 Introduction01:47 The Obsession with Sports04:42 Benefits of Playing Sports05:36 Moriah's Physical Education Program11:56 Middle School Sports Teams19:10 Parental Behavior and League Logistics21:40 Conclusion: Raising Well-Rounded Individuals

Inside Class Placement at The Moriah School: Insights and Guidance for ParentsIn this episode of MoriahCast, Rabbi Daniel Alter, Head of School at The Moriah School, takes a thoughtful look at the emotionally charged topic of class placement. He explains the school’s goal of creating optimal learning environments and outlines the many factors that go into class assignments, including academic needs, social-emotional development, and the overall balance of each class.Rabbi Alter addresses common parental anxieties and misconceptions, offers practical advice on how to approach class assignments, and shares a vision for the future — including the possibility of more flexible class placements as the school continues to grow. This episode provides parents with a transparent window into a nuanced and confidential process, while highlighting the importance of trust and partnership between school and home.The goal of MoriahCast is to provide parents with meaningful behind-the-scenes insight into the philosophy and values that shape Jewish education at The Moriah School. By sparking ongoing dialogue, deepening understanding, and promoting a shared vision of the Moriah student experience, the podcast helps strengthen the foundation of our school community.Chapters00:00 – Welcome to MoriahCast: An Introduction01:04 – Understanding Class Placement Anxiety02:40 – The Goals and Factors of Class Placement03:39 – Academic and Social Considerations06:59 – Parental Input and Misconceptions08:29 – Advice for Parents on Class Placement14:04 – The Future of Class Placement at The Moriah School15:22 – Conclusion