THE STANLEY I. CHERA SAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE WAS AN EVENING TO REMEMBER, WITH A PACKED HOUSE IN THE NEW, BEAUTIFUL MOISE SAFRA BUILDING. AS PARENTS WALKED THROUGH THE DOORS, THEY WERE GREETED BY A WORLD MAP SYMBOLIZING SAM’S MULTICULTURAL COMMUNITY.
Another table offered parents the opportunity to participate in voting for a team name for the upcoming middle school, which SAM plans to launch within the next 24 months. This engagement not only fostered a sense of belonging, but also emphasized SAM’s dedication to involving parents in the decision-making process. Visitors were also able to sample various learning styles, providing a hands-on look at SAM’s dedication to innovative and immersive education.
Upstairs, the SAM leadership team unveiled plans for a new 15,000 square foot second campus for the elementary and middle schools. The new facility, located on East 96th Street off of Fifth Avenue, is a historic former school, in move-in condition. It spans six floors, and will feature 16 classrooms, a cafeteria, a cutting-edge science laboratory, a beautiful library, and much more. This announcement reflected SAM’s determination to provide students with a premiere educational environment that nurtures growth and exploration.
A highlight of the event was Trustee Haim Chera’s generous offer to current elementary school families and the first 20 pioneering families to join the SAM Elementary school community for the upcoming school year. He announced a 50% reduction in tuition fees, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and reclaiming the narrative of education in Manhattan, ensuring that every child is seen, celebrated, and supported.
The SAM Elementary School leadership team, including Rabbinical Leader Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi, Co-Heads of School Dr. Rachel Harari and Mrs. Mary Peldman, and Executive Director Michelle Dayan, shared insights into SAM’s values and philosophy. Dr. Harari stressed the need to move away from the traditional competitive model and focus on fostering a love for learning and curiosity.
Mrs. Peldman spoke passionately about SAM’s unique approach to integrating subjects through experiential learning, breaking down the barriers between isolated subjects to create a holistic and immersive learning experience. Michelle Dayan shared her deep commitment to the school as both a parent and executive director.
Rabbi Ariel Mizrahi described SAM’s philosophy of teaching Torah, emphasizing the importance of imparting knowledge from a place of love and excitement, connecting the past with the future.
Before parents explored classrooms and spoke with teachers, Rabbi Shlomo Farhi of the Edmond J. Safra Synagogue in Manhattan highlighted the urgency of SAM’s growth in Manhattan, invoking the shofar’s call to action. The SAM School’s expansion plans, which include a 2-year-old through 4th grade program in September 2024 and the launch of a middle school and high school within the coming years, underscore the school’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its community.
The SAM School’s vision and commitment are setting a new standard for education in Manhattan, with a vision that promises a bright future.
