SAFETY FIRST: We're taking extra measures to ensure your children are safe in our school.
Meet the Team
Renanit Baker
Interim Principal
I am honored to be part of the founding committee of parents who took the initiative to build PHDS from a dream into a reality. Stepping into the role of Interim Principal seemed to be a heaven-blessed marriage of my experience in administration meeting the school's need for someone to cultivate the young operation into a thriving endeavor. I have worked tirelessly to expand our professional network in the field of education and to connect us with the resources PHDS needs to build its strong foundation with a promising future.
Rabbi Yeamans
Rabbinic Advisor
Rabbi Yehoshua Yeamans is a visionary communal leader in the Rhawnhurst Philadelphia community. He is the director of development at the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools and has been an integral resource to our school. Rabbi Yeamans has been the Rabbi of Congregation B’nai Israel Ohev Zedek since August 2015, where he works to invigorate adults, teens, and youth through warm rabbinic leadership and innovative learning programs.
Ester Becker, LMHC
Social Emotional Coordinator
As a licensed clinical therapist, I'm excited to work with the school and parents to develop a curriculum that focuses on the individual and collective wellbeing of our students. I aim to give individual attention to each student to help them grow and develop the tools they need to succeed. I believe in giving our children a safe space for them to explore their thoughts and feelings and guide them in learning the skills to help themselves.
Esther Manya Laster
Kindergarten Limudei Kodesh Teacher
With five years of experience in the field of early childhood education, I am passionate about working with young children and I understand what makes them tick. I lovingly challenge my students to grow and develop their middos tovos, and I get the greatest satisfaction from watching them gain independence and self confidence. I'm looking forward to partnering with you, the family, as together we support and encourage our children.
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Chana Jacobs
Kindergarten Secular Studies Teacher
With five years of experience teaching literacy and math, I know what it takes to bring about "Aha!" moments in my students. My colleagues call me "The Child Whisperer," because I have a penchant for helping children be happy, cooperative and successful. I love to connect with each of my students individually as a whole person. My passion is to hone my children's sense of curiosity and wonderment at Hashem's world. I strive to create a positive classroom community with song, movement, collaboration and growth, and I invite you to join us!
The Parents
Partners in Education
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The partnership between parents and school is so important. At PHDS, we consider the parents part of the educational team. The home is where values are ingrained in our children, and the home is where the lessons we teach at school are further solidified and personalized. With parental input, support, feedback, and engagement, our children thrive in a holistic all-encompassing environment of supportive adults.