Opening a great year at DRS

A revamped, state-of-the-art library, senior internships and bekiut initiative are some of the new programs coming to DRS this year. 

The school’s faculty and administration has been hard at work in preparation for the school year, which began Sept. 8, while undergoing reaccreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

The library is in the midst of a complete transformation to create a study lounge and virtual library, with databases for students to do research in both their Judaic and secular classes. iMacs, laptops and a 3-D printing station are all being added, as is a special center for students to meet with teachers for extra help and tutoring. 

A bekiut initiative is being added to complement the school’s myriad of other learning opportunities. A chabura led by Judaic Studies Associate Principal Rabbi Elly Storch will meet daily, 22 minutes before davening, with the goal of completing Masechet Kiddushin over the course of the year. Three Rabbinic Interns from Yeshiva University’s RIETS semicha program – including two DRS alumni – will complement DRS’s staff of dynamic rebbeim, assisting both inside and out of the classroom while inspiring students.

Enhancements are also being added to the yeshiva’s General Studies department to prepare students for college, careers and beyond in the 21st Century. The freshman computer curriculum is being revamped, and will be taught as a blended learning course, incorporating coding and scripting skills.

The yeshiva is offering more than a dozen Advanced Placement college-level courses, allowing students to get a head start on college while exploring their interests. Three-year language tracks are being added in Hebrew, Spanish and Mandarin, as are remedial classes in English, Math and Science for all grades. Seniors will participate in the Senior Year Odyssey project, interning in an array of industries while discovering their passions and learning firsthand about various careers.