We recognize the significant physiological, psychological, and social growth experienced by our Middle School students, making this period crucial in their lives. Our program prioritizes these developmental changes by offering a comprehensive education that blends rigorous academics with a strong emphasis on character development, Judaics, and Torah studies.
The Social Emotional Learning Fundamentals (SELF) class is a positive psychology derivative focusing on flourishing. Aligned with Jewish values, SELF imparts skills for emotional understanding, relationship management, and navigating adolescence. Particularly crucial in middle school, it helps students positively process and confront changes related to identity development, peer relationships, academic success, behavioral management, bullying prevention, emotional resilience, and life skills, embodying the essence of being a mensch.
Talmud Enrichment offers academically-driven students a comfortable space to extend their Gemara learning beyond the regular classroom setting. Focused on deepening understanding through analysis and Havruta learning, the class aims to introduce students to the richness of Torah and foster a commitment to exploration and inquiry.
Minimester, a 1-week program for Middle School students, provides an innovative exploration of courses beyond the regular curriculum. Geared towards equipping students with 21st-century skills, this immersive experience features hands-on learning on and off campus. Faculty-designed courses, enhanced by local community and business collaborations, culminate in student projects or presentations showcased at the annual Exhibit Night, cultivating a dynamic learning environment.
Each year, 6th to 8th-grade students can join our Student Government program by applying and campaigning for class representative roles. They learn about the election process and the value of listening to constituents. Throughout the year, Student Government members collaborate with the Activities Director to organize school events, holiday programs, fundraisers, and community service activities.
The Israel STEAM program integrates science, technology, and innovations in Israel. Students explore these themes during one weekly science period. The curriculum delves into influential figures in Israeli science and technology, examining their impact on society. Topics include the Dead Sea’s benefits, Israeli innovations in medicine, food, military, and High Tech. Through scientific experiments and engaging activities, students gain a meaningful learning experience.
Middle school students have extended learning periods tailored to their individual needs, offering enrichment or intervention. During this time, students collaborate on group projects, receive individualized remediation or enrichment from teachers, and have dedicated time to complete assignments. The focus is on improving skills identified through standardized tests.
The CIJE Robotics League offers Middle School students an annual elective course where they collaborate to build and compete with robots. Focused on advanced programming, mechanical building, teamwork, and problem-solving, the league aligns with the official Vex Robotics Challenge, a global leader in robotics tournaments.
The Names, Not Numbers program is an additional history course for our 8th-grade students. It covers topics from the roots of anti-Semitism to the aftermath of the Holocaust and the creation of Israel. The focal point is the “Names, Not Numbers” oral history project, where students interview Holocaust survivors to preserve their stories. The project culminates in a documentary featuring survivor testimonies and reflections from participating students. Working in groups, students acquire skills in interview techniques, historical research, filming, and editing.
The Middle School Rock Band Elective allows students to dive into a world of music. Led by Arturo Garcia-Ribbi, this class offers students the chance to learn drums, guitar, bass, piano, and vocals. Students will explore various instruments, play in a band, learn and perform songs, showcase their skills in live performances, and experiment with songwriting.
Mrs. Andrea Lucero received her Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies for grades 6-12 at Manhattan College in Riverdale, New York. She began her teaching career as a fifth-grade teacher at an independent private school and then later moved on to teaching U.S. History at a public high school in New Jersey. In 2002, she moved to Miami and began teaching part-time at the Hebrew Academy Middle School. Over the years as a teacher, Mrs. Lucero taught social studies, English, and math. After her first two years at Hebrew Academy, she began teaching the Middle School Social Studies classes. Over the years, Mrs. Lucero took on various roles as an educator at Hebrew Academy, such as the student council advisor, Ruach team coach, Community Service Coordinator, and grade level coordinator. While working on her master’s degree, Mrs. Lucero took her first step into administration by taking on the role of assistant to the Middle School principal. In 2008, Mrs. Lucero graduated from Nova Southeastern University with her Master’s in Educational Leadership. In 2011, she began her role as the Middle School Principal.
