Lower Division (PreK-5)
Ms. Shapiro joined the Denver JDS faculty in 2002 as a technology specialist and has held many roles here before becoming Lower Division principal. She earned a degree in psychology from the University of Colorado and served on the faculty of the Program for Early Developmental Studies at the University of Health Sciences Center before coming to Denver JDS. Additionally, Elana holds a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard Business School Online; Harvard Graduate School of Education. Elana is passionate about Jewish day school education, and is the proud parent of two Denver JDS graduates.
“One of my favorite moments at Denver Jewish Day School
is my morning routine of greeting our students at the door as they arrive to school each day. As children walk through the doors, I am struck by how very special each of them is and how special that makes our school community.”— Elana Shapiro, Lower Division Principal
Welcome to the Lower Division!
Denver Jewish Day School students are curious, joyful, and enthusiastic learners — respected and celebrated for the unique contribution they bring to their class and to our school. Our teachers, administrators, and staff take the time to get to know each and every one of our students. Differentiated instruction and inquiry-based learning ensure that our students are met at their appropriate instructional level, and they are encouraged to explore questions and learning that ignite their curiosity. Our strong focus on our school’s Divrei Chaim (Words to Live By or core values) as well as our Helping Hands service learning program instill respect, kindness, and a sense of efficacy in even our very youngest students.
Our school community includes students, parents, and educators who come together from different backgrounds and Judaic observance to share in the goal of creating and fostering an inclusive and pluralistic school community in which our children grow and thrive as learners and people.
I welcome you to explore this warm and wonderful learning community — our mishpachah (family) — in which all of our students are encouraged to reach their greatest potential.