The Toronto Heschel School embraces a thoughtful, balanced approach to technology, recognizing both its potential and its limitations in education. We are intentionally a low-tech, high-tactile learning environment, focusing on experiential and hands-on activities that foster deep learning, creativity, and interpersonal skills.

Core Elements of the Technology Policy

1. Limited Technology in Early Years:

• Technology is introduced to students gradually, starting in the upper elementary grades (approximately Grade 5), when they are developmentally ready to use it appropriately and responsibly.
• Younger students focus on hands-on, integrated projects that provide deeper, more meaningful learning experiences.

2. Purposeful Use in Upper Grades:

• Technology is integrated as a complementary tool for learning. Students use it to conduct research, collaborate through document sharing and peer editing, manipulate data, and create visual presentations.
• Teachers incorporate technology when it enhances learning objectives, but it never replaces hands-on activities or personal interaction.

3. Focus on Social and Cognitive Development:

• The policy emphasizes the importance of social interaction, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are best developed through interpersonal communication and experiential learning.
• The slower process of writing by hand is encouraged to aid in memory retention and deeper cognitive engagement.

4. Preparation for the Future:

• While technology is not emphasized in the early years, students master technological literacy in upper grades. By the time they graduate, they possess the skills to navigate the rapidly changing tech landscape with confidence and responsibility.

5. STEAM Lab Development:

• The school’s state-of-the-art STEAM lab further enhances opportunities for innovation and exploration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.

6. No Cell Phone Policy:

• Cell phones are collected from Junior High students at the start of the day and returned at the end of the school day, ensuring a distraction-free learning environment.

Why This Approach?

• Developmental Readiness: Research indicates that premature exposure to technology can negatively impact young children’s development of self-regulation, critical thinking, and social skills.
• Balance and Purpose: The goal is to equip students with the creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills they need to use technology as a tool, rather than becoming overly reliant on it.

This intentional approach ensures that students at The Toronto Heschel School develop into well-rounded, socially adept, and tech-savvy individuals.

Heschel has a no-cell-phone policy during school hours. Phones are powered down, collected by homeroom teachers at the beginning of each day, and securely stored to foster focused learning, face-to-face interaction, and emotional well-being.

At The Toronto Heschel School, our kashrut policy reflects our commitment to inclusivity and respect for diversity within the Jewish community. We aim to create a welcoming environment where all students and families feel comfortable participating in school activities, regardless of their personal level of observance.

Key Elements of Our Kashrut Policy

Strict Adherence to Kashrut:

All food served at school functions is strictly kosher and must come from a business certified by a recognized kashrut agency.

Inclusive Practices for Meals and Events:

School-wide meals and events are designed to ensure all students can participate, promoting a sense of belonging and respect for diverse observances.

Guidelines for Food Brought to School:

Families and staff are asked to send/bring dairy or pareve (non-meat) lunches and snacks to school to maintain consistency with kashrut principles.

This approach helps students learn to share and celebrate meals in a way that honours their peers’ practices.

Sensitivity to Dietary Needs:

We ask parents to consider kashrut and allergy needs when hosting private celebrations, such as birthday parties, to ensure all classmates feel included.

Inclusivity Through Kashrut

Our kashrut policy is not just about following dietary laws; it’s about creating a shared experience that respects the diversity of Jewish traditions in our community. By uniting students around shared meals and practices, we reinforce our values of pluralism, mutual respect, and inclusivity.