PHDS is building students’ tomorrow today

In late November, Providence Hebrew Day School officially launched “Building Tomorrow Today,” a campaign to raise $2.3 million to renovate the school’s facilities. Current and former parents of the school, alumni and friends are encouraged to support this campaign, which will shape Jewish education at PHDS for many years to come.

Built in 1961, the PHDS building, at 450 Elmgrove Ave., Providence, has never undergone a major renovation. The “Building Tomorrow Today” campaign includes replacing the original – now inefficient – heating system, installing air conditioning, enhancing security, upgrading to energy-efficient lighting, improving handicapped accessibility, expanding technology in classrooms and other educational upgrades.   In addition, PHDS will bring its facilities into compliance with the new fire code requirements, as mandated by the Providence Fire Department.

Phase one, which includes installing LED lighting, replacing the heating system and adding air conditioning, is almost complete, according to Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman, dean of the school.

Scheinerman says many people are helping with the fundraising campaign, which is chaired by Frank Halper. Stephen Weiner is chairman of the program and David Schaffer is building facilities chairman. The PHDS executive committee has also been instrumental in the campaign.

To participate or donate, call the school’s dean, Rabbi Peretz Scheinerman, at 401-331-5327, or send an email to the dean, at Pscheinerman@phdschool.org, or to Frank Halper, campaign chairman, at halpercpa@cox.net. Campaign pledges may be paid over a five-year period.

PHDS has been educating members of the Providence community since 1946 with an impressive record of success:  Its elementary- and middle-school students gain entrance into the best high schools, according to Scheinerman, and graduates of its high school, New England Academy of Torah (NEAT), often gain acceptance into the universities of their choice. Continuing to experience significant growth,

PHDS welcomed 30 new students this year, raising total enrollment to 166 students.