School CalendarNew Faces, Facilities Mark New Academic Year
Maimonides School students will encounter new faces and new facilities when they return to classes on Wednesday, Sept. 5. This fall marks the 75th anniversary of New England’s oldest and largest Jewish day school.
Rabbi Mordechai Soskil is Maimonides’ new Middle and Upper School principal for Judaic studies. Rabbi Soskil, most recently middle school principal at Beth Tfiloh community school in Baltimore, has been on the job since July.
The eight additional new staff members in Grades 6-12 include a Science Department chair, Linda D’Apolito. There are also two new teachers in the elementary grades.
The most dramatic improvement to the physical plant is a virtually brand new chemistry and biology laboratory. The betterments include not only a new physical learning environment but also state-of-the-art technology. “We are upgrading the rooms in every aspect,” said Mervin Alge, Maimonides director of operations.
All the existing lab units were replaced with new, modern units, which are multi-angled to allow more students to use them efficiently. A state-of-the-art Panasonic Panoboard was installed, the latest generation of the so-called “smart boards.”
The adjacent physics lab was improved with a a new drop ceiling, improved lighting and new upper cabinets for storage.
A generous donation by Dr. Selvin Passen, a retired pathologist from Baltimore, is underwriting the majority of the improvements. Dr. Passen’s gift is in memory of his wife Sylvia, z”l. He is a business partner and longtime friend of a Maimonides family.
Also, space in the main library has been converted to a media center. Among the features are 24 new desktop computers and a projector with sound. This will expand educational opportunities extending to the entire curriculum, Mr. Alge noted. A projector and drop-down screen for classes and presentations were added in the adjacent Levy Library
More than four dozen faculty members took part in professional development activities during the summer, and are expected to bring new programs and teaching techniques back to the school.