HIGH HOLY DAY SERVICES SCHEDULE
Parent Handbook 5777 – 2016/2017 � ְ וּבְ שָׁ כְ בּ,�ית� וּבְ ֶלכְ ְתּ� בַ דֶּ ֶר ֶ ֵ בְּ ִשׁבְ ְתּ� בְּ ב, וְ ִדבַּ ְר ָתּ בָּ ם,�וְ ִשׁ ַנּ ְנ ָתּם ְלבָ נֶי )'(דברים ו' ז.� ֶוּבְ קוּמ “And you shall teach them diligently to your children, and talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7)
A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
CONTACT INFORMATION: TEMPLE SINAI - 18801 NE 22 AVE., NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33180 | 305-932-9010 | WWW.TSND.ORG EMAIL: [email protected]
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
“…They [the Men of the Great Assembly] said three things: Be deliberate in judgment, raise many students, and make a protective fence for the Torah." (Avot 1:1)
Ofra Mor Religious School Principal - Ext. 222 [email protected]
Alan E. Litwak Senior Rabbi - Ext. 208 [email protected]
Norman Cohen Falah Cantor - Ext. 209 [email protected]
Susan Warech Director of Administration - Ext. 201 [email protected]
Murphy Leopold President
Ralph P. Kingsley, DD Rabbi Emeritus
Irving Shulkes, DM Cantor Emeritus
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Periodically, severe weather conditions require the Religious School to close. In general, we are closed when conditions warrant Miami-Dade County Public Schools to close. Please listen to the radio and watch the TV for announcements of school closings. You can also call the Temple at 305.932.9010 for updated information about the closing of specific programs.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
CONTENTS SUBJECT Message from the Religious School Principal Message from the Clergy A Brief Statement of Philosophy Schedule of Classes Curriculum On Time Arrival Early Dismissal Pick-Up/Drop-Off/Carpool Attendance Tzedakah Family Shabbat Behavior Cell Phones Class Placements Emergency Contacts Snack Jewish Observance and Worship Medical Information Parental Involvement Communication Contacting the school Report Cards
PAGE 3 4 5 6 6-7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
Message from our Religious School Principal:
Ofra Mor
August 2016 – Bruchim HaBa’im – Welcome!
Welcome to Temple Sinai’s Religious School. For well over 30 years, Temple Sinai has provided an incredibly high quality of personal care and individualized education to our children, with a staff dedicated to the well-being and safety of every student. Please read the Parent/Student Handbook in full, and carefully, even if you are not a new parent; and then please go through it just as carefully with your child. Its purpose is to clarify the policies, processes and procedures that regulate daily life in the school, so that we all know – parents and students, teachers and administrators – what our obligations and our responsibilities are, what standards of behavior we should all be modeling, and how we will deal with any circumstances that may arise, from discipline to B’nei Mitzvah, from the classroom to the Sanctuary. These are essential if we are to fulfill our mission to provide a warm, positive environment in which children feel comfortable and where every child knows that we value human growth as well as academic achievement. As the Religious School principal, it is my pleasure and honor to be a part of the TSND family. I am truly honored to hold this position, and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff to provide the best educational program for our students. Through a close partnership with staff and parents, I am confident that we can make our school a place where students can grow academically and spiritually. I wish you a wonderful school year, and hope to see you on campus, as often as possible, supporting your child's education through the many volunteering opportunities that are possible. B’Shalom, Ofra Mor
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
Message From Our Clergy
Rabbi Alan Litwak Cantor Norman Cohen Falah
Bruchim HaBa’im – Welcome! It is a pleasure to welcome you as we begin the new year at Temple Sinai Religious School. This is a wonderful time of the year, filled with anticipation (and even a little anxiety) for what is to come. Our teachers, led by our Principal Ofra Mor, have been working hard to prepare for another spectacular year at Temple Sinai. It is a pleasure for us to be part of such a superb team. We read in the V’ahavta prayer from Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “You shall teach [words of Torah] diligently to your children. Speak of them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.” These familiar words speak to the core of Temple Sinai’s mission. We seek to nurture our children through the gift of knowledge. The text is understood as educating our children at all times, at home and away, throughout the day. This is a joint responsibility between students, teachers, and parents that reaches beyond school hours. Please assist us in these efforts by being active, involved parents. We encourage you to model the importance of study, through your own commitment to learning. On both a personal and professional note, we hope that you will share thoughts about and be involved with our school, synagogue, and community. Stop by and say hello. May this be a year of growth for you and your family. B’Shalom, Rabbi Alan Litwak and Cantor Norman Cohen Falah
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
A BRIEF STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Jewish Education at Temple Sinai seeks to combine the best we can learn from our interaction with secular culture and the rich traditions of our Jewish heritage. We view education as a dynamic process marked by the interaction of content and method. Our goal seeks to: • • • • • • • •
Acquaint individuals with knowledge about the world in which they live and about themselves as participants in that world; Transmit the cultural heritage and values of society to its members and prepare them for an active role in its destiny; Develop the individual’s capacity to inquire, to evaluate and to think reflectively; Awaken in the individual the desire to continue to learn and the awareness that to become increasingly better educated is a life-long pursuit. We view Jewish Education as the process whereby the individual Jew can develop a sense of positive Jewish identity. Our curriculum seeks to: Broaden experience and deepen understanding so as to strengthen commitment to Judaism and to the Jewish People. Reveal Judaism as a total way of life that can be a constant source of joy and beauty, inspiration and consolation, to those who enthusiastically affirm their belonging. Involve every Jew in the continually unfolding drama of Jewish history.
WITH THESE CONCEPTS IN MIND, WE STAND COMMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
We believe that education is essentially an experiential process. We believe in the intrinsic worth of each human being. We believe in individuality. We believe in the centrality of the teacher. We believe that social living requires limits on individual behavior. We believe in the evolution of Judaism. We believe in the Divine. We believe in the importance of Israel, as a state and a people. We believe in high ethical standards. We believe in the value of religious practice. We believe in the necessity of Jewish survival. We believe in the importance of community. We believe in learning as a life-long challenge. We believe in the integration of the whole person. We believe it is our sacred duty to take care of the environment. We believe in using educational technology, and in preparing our students to live in a sophisticated technological world.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
SCHEDULE OF CLASSES •
PK4 to 2nd Grade - Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Optional: Hebrew Enrichment 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
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3rd to 6th Grade - Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Location: All classes will take place at Temple Sinai.
CURRICULUM The Temple Sinai Religious School strives to create meaningful Jewish experiences that connect students to the awesome depth and breadth of Jewish tradition, and which prepare them for B’nei Mitzvah and their adult Jewish lives. This year we are proud to offer classes for students in kindergarten through 6th grade, with continuation to our SNFTY group in high school. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum exposes students to the rhythm and stories of the Bible; the Jewish life cycle and holiday cycle; the land of Israel; and the songs, literature and stories of the Jewish people. In addition, our focus on prayer-book Hebrew offers students the lifelong gift of connection with prayers recited across time and place. Further, by infusing our curriculum with midot Jewish values - we teach our students the skills to behave in the world in a manner informed by Jewish values. Kindergarten Entering Religious School for the first time, students are introduced to basic Hebrew vocabulary and important Jewish concepts. By cultivating a love of Judaism, we learn about Shabbat, Holidays, and concepts such as Tzedakah (righteous giving) and B’rachot (blessings). Students learn about Jewish symbols and selected stories from the Torah. 1st and 2nd Grade With a solid grounding in Hebrew letters, students begin to learn the basic structure and sequence of the Siddur, so they will feel comfortable in synagogue. Using Holidays and selected stories from the Torah as our context, students will begin to acquire basic Hebrew vocabulary.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
3rd - 4th Grade Alongside reading whole words in Hebrew, students will know how to write in Hebrew script and will practice common sentences. They will learn about modern life in Israel and study short texts from the Siddur that will sustain them throughout their lives. In addition, they will discuss Parashat HaShavuah (the weekly Torah portion) and concentrate on themes from the books of B’reishit (Genesis) and Shemot (Exodus). 5th – 6th Grade The Hebrew language component continues to build on the foundation laid in previous grades. Students use their acquired knowledge and skills to gain fluency in reading skills. Students will delve into the lives of important Biblical figures, exploring God's relationship and brit (covenant) with the people of Israel. Bible study is expanded as we explore the books of Prophets and Judges. Conversations about Jewish values and ethics form an important aspect of the development of their Jewish identity this year, and students will engage in theological discussions raised by their study of Pirkei Avot. 7th - 8th Grade and B’nei Mitzvah Becoming a B’nei Mitzvah is one of the most important milestones in the life of every Jewish child. Prior to celebrating this moment, our children dedicate months of preparation. However, this is only the beginning. Our goal is to engage our B’nei Mitzvah age and older students once a month with activities that will create a desire to continue their Jewish involvement after becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Beginning approximately 6 to 9 months prior, Temple Sinai B’nei Mitzvah students, under the guidance of Rabbi Litwak and Cantor Norman, will learn how to chant their parashah and/or haftarah with proper trope and accuracy. Students will prepare a d’var Torah (a brief teaching) in relation to the weekly Torah parashah/haftarah., lead Tefilah, commit to doing some mitzvah work, and perform an act of tzedakah.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
ON TIME ARRIVAL On Sundays, class begins at 9:00 AM at Temple Sinai. All students are expected to be on time so that we can make the most out of the sessions. Arriving 10 minutes late or more will be recorded as a tardy. A student who arrives fifteen or more minutes late must go to the office to sign in and obtain a late pass. Teachers may not admit student to class unless he/she presents a late pass. Three tardies are equivalent to one absence.
EARLY DISMISSAL For safety sake, if you need to take your child out of school prior to the regular dismissal time, you are required to come into the school office to sign the child out. The school office will then call your child down to the office. Children will not be allowed to wait outside the class. It is preferable if you can let the office and teacher know ahead of time that you will be taking your child early.
It is imperative that this procedure is followed to ensure the safety of your child.
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PICK-UP/DROP-OFF/CARPOOL
The safety and security of our families and our campus is an absolute priority. Thank you in advance for following the safety and security rules that have been implemented for your safety and for the safety of your child. • • • • • • •
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• • •
Please post carpool signs on your windshield. Follow all signage and directions from our security personnel and staff at all times. Observe all reserved parking signs. Do not leave or exit your vehicle when dropping off and picking up your children for any reason. Unattended vehicles are a danger and interfere with the timely dismissal of our students. For your child’s safety, only pick up and drop off your children on the school (passenger) side of the vehicle - not on the traffic (driver) side of the vehicle. Have checks, forms, notes, instructions, etc. ready before you enter the drop off or pick up line do not hold up the carpool line for personal business. Our teachers will be happy to discuss anything with you regarding your child; however, the carpool time is not a good time to do so. Therefore, please schedule a meeting with the teacher or ask him/her to call you after the carpool. Children will be released to their authorized carpool only. While it is important that you pick up your carpool on time, for safety reasons, it is equally important that you not arrive early. Carefully enter the parking lot through the main entrance; pull up as far as possible toward the pick-up area. The staff in charge of dismissal will direct the children to your car. Proper use of seatbelts for all children is the law. With your cooperation, we can maintain a perfect safety record for each and every child in our school. If your child is going home in a carpool other than his regular one, you must notify the office in writing when school opens that day. You must also notify the child’s carpool driver. No child will ever be released to anyone unless we have been specifically instructed in writing by the parent who that person will be, and we insist on seeing proper identification.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
ATTENDANCE Attendance is noted on progress reports at the end of each semester. To encourage our students, teachers will recognize those students who have perfect attendance in their classes and recognition for attendance excellence will also be given at Tefilah assemblies on Sundays and at the closing ceremony on the last day of school. Uneven attendance affects the entire classroom community. Our goal is to establish consistency, and thus ensure that all our children master the core concepts and material covered in class.
TZEDAKAH In our school each class session is an opportunity for our students and teachers to make a difference in the world by giving some of our financial resources to people in need. At the start of each year, teachers will remind the students of the importance and nature of tzedakah, and how we do it in our school. We believe that students should not simply ask their parents for money for tzedakah, but should actively earn the money they want to donate by accomplishing tasks which their parents have assigned for them, or through another personal action. This adds an element of personal commitment and sacrifice to tzedakah. This elevates it to a higher level. Classes collect tzedakah every Sunday at the beginning of the session. To support your children’s ability to give tzedakah, please: 1. Find different ways to motivate and encourage your child to bring in tzedakah. 2. Assign different tasks for him/her to accomplish in return for the money. 3. Reinforce to your child the lesson of social responsibility and social action which we are teaching them in school. Teachers may choose the Jewish organization(s) to which to donate or they may invite the students to vote. In either case, parental involvement is very important to the success of the tzedakah project.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
FAMILY SHABBAT As a parent in Religious School you belong to the extended family of Temple Sinai. Together, we are looking forward to helping our children set priorities in their life and to shape their Jewish identity for the years to come. Religious School families are encouraged to attend and participate in Family Shabbat services. Each year the Religious School hosts at least one Friday Night se’udah (Shabbat meal) – an opportunity for all our families to come together to celebrate Shabbat around a communal table, and to participate in a Kabbalat Shabbat service led by our Religious School students. Although we highly recommend our students to attend Shabbat services at Temple Sinai on a regular basis, it is crucial to participate at least a few times a year. 1. 2.
Students for K though 2nd grade are expected to attend at least twice a year; Students of 3rd through 6th grades are expected to attend at least three times a year.
BEHAVIOR AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICY BULLYING IS NOT PERMITTED. It is the policy of Temple Sinai Religious School that all of its students and employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment is prohibited. Derech eretz and g’milut chasadim (cooperative behavior) are part of living in a community. At Temple Sinai Religious School, we value the rights of the individual, and help the individual learn how to exist happily and peacefully with his peers. Each teacher works with the class to establish rules appropriate for its age level; these standards must be established in order for effective learning to take place. This includes cooperation, listening to and following directions, respecting the rights of others. Disruptive behavior interferes with the teacher’s ability to achieve stated objectives and prevents other students from learning. Classroom Brit (Covenant) Our Religious School has a class brit that teachers are to use in every grade (from Kindergarten through eighth grade). This brit is an agreement between students and teachers and outlines the rules that everyone will follow to promote a positive learning environment in the classroom. Every student receives a copy of the brit. This copy is signed by the students and teacher while the student takes the student copy home.
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Discipline procedures 1. When disruptive behavior first arises, the teacher and student seek to resolve the matter during that session. 2. If the disruptive behavior continues the following week, the teacher will speak with the student; and or contact the parent by phone or via email. 3. If the disruptive behavior persists, after parents were informed, the Principal will convene a meeting with the student, parent and teacher.
CELL PHONES Cell phones and other communications devices are not needed by students, and can provide a disruption and distraction in the classroom. Students are asked to leave such devices at home, but must switch them off in class, if they have a good reason to be carrying them. Cell phones or any device capable of sending and receiving messages will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day if they are used in class. For safety reasons, parent use of cell phones during arrival and dismissal is not permitted; we also ask that you turn the ringers off during parent meetings, student performances or other gatherings.
CLASS PLACEMENTS Class placement is made on the first day of school during the opening assembly. If your child wants to change his/her class, please discuss it with the Principal. During the school year class changes are made on an individual basis only with the consent of the Principal. Teachers are not allowed to approve class changes or to inform parents that the child is permitted to be in their classes. Please come to the office to discuss your concern.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCIES: It is imperative that we have the name and telephone number of someone local as an emergency contact. Please list those individuals on the Emergency Card who live or work close enough to school to come pick up your child if you cannot be reached or come to school yourself. The school reserves the right to take emergency action on behalf of the child if parents cannot be reached, and if a delay would jeopardize the child’s health or safety.
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SNACK Snack is served during the morning. One of Temple Sinai's core values is respect for the environment as an element of tikkun olam. Please try to avoid sending snacks in Styrofoam boxes, or wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic. Our goal is to achieve completely litter less snacks and your support in this is greatly appreciated. Because we wish to promote healthy nutritional habits, we also request that parents do not send candy, soda, and “junk” food as snack. Fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and healthy snacks are preferable, and provide better nutritional staying power. All food conforms to our Food Policy which is available upon request. Food allergies should be reported, in writing, to the teacher and school secretary so that we may monitor special treats or snacks.
JEWISH OBSERVANCE AND WORSHIP
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE Temple Sinai is a Reform Temple. While we teach children to respect all other Jewish perspectives, we teach Reform Judaism at our school. Our t’filah reflects Reform Jewish ideology.. The wearing of kippah and tallit is a matter of personal autonomy; however, we do encourage all our students to acknowledge through their dress the sanctity both of prayer and the place of prayer.
HOME OBSERVANCE We encourage you to experience the joy of Shabbat and Yom Tov in your home with your family. Early on, your child will know the proper blessings over the candles, wine and challah. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to reinforce what is being taught in school, even if your observance is quite simple. Preparing and sharing a special Shabbat or Yom Tov meal serves to strengthen Jewish family values in a beautiful and meaningful way. From time to time, we offer informal instruction for those parents who feel they need direction or a refresher. The important thing is to develop a Shabbat and Yom Tov tradition in your home for your family to share.
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TORAH TO GO Host a Torah a week in your home! With our Torah To Go Program you can arrange to take a Torah from Temple Sinai into your home. We know that this will be a meaningful experience for you, your family, and your friends. The Torah is a living, breathing object. Do not be afraid to take the Torah out of the ark, undress it, read it, roll it, look at it, and explore how it is constructed. From its earliest origins, Torah has always been a shared experience. We hope that you will invite your friends and your clergy to share in a special moment or event. Is there a particular Jewish holiday that you enjoy or a special Shabbat that would be made that much more meaningful by including the Torah in your celebration? This will surely be a great experience for adults and children alike. Please contact Rabbi Litwak at [email protected] to request a week.
MEDICAL INFORMATION It is imperative that parents inform the office of any allergies that may affect their child while in school or of any medication they are taking that may affect their ability to work. If a child is using an Epipen, a spare pen must be kept in the office, and replaced when it reaches its optimum date.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We encourage parents to become active in our school. Whether by being a Room Parent or a front desk volunteer, or involvement with the Religious School Committee or other ways of supporting and assisting the teachers, parents can be good role models to their child about the importance of our school. Moreover, if you would like to help out with a class project or if you have a special hobby or talent to share, please let the office know. We welcome parents to visit our school, but for reasons of security and planning, please check in with the office before going into the school building. We also offer many opportunities throughout the school year for parents to learn with their children. We hope that you will take this opportunity both to strengthen your own Jewish knowledge and to support your child’s education.
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COMMUNICATION An essential ingredient for the success of our educational program is the establishment of good communication. The school will keep you informed of school activities in general and your child’s progress in particular. Our teachers are often in touch with parents on an informal basis. A phone call from a teacher or administrator does not necessarily signal a crisis; it may be an expression of our concern for the child’s well-being, but is just as likely to be alerting you when good things happen in school. Likewise, we ask that you keep us informed of situations that may be affecting your child either positively or negatively. We need to be informed about changes in: a child (or family member’s) health, behavior, transportation arrangement, family status, medications, or anything that might upset the child’s normal routine. Our professional staff respects the confidentiality of such information. We cannot stress enough how important it is that if you have a problem or question concerning your child, you speak with the teacher first . The teacher is ultimately responsible for everything that affects the student’s day-to-day progress and is in the best position to clarify matters or deal with problems. Where necessary, the teacher will involve or refer you to another teacher who might be more directly involved. If you feel the problem has not been resolved after speaking with the teaching staff, then please request a conference with the administrative staff.
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL When issues arise, the most effective way to handle any concern is to contact the teacher first. Your child’s teacher is a professional with extensive responsibilities. The considerate way to contact the teacher is by written note, e-mail or through the school office. The teacher will return your call as promptly as possible. It is impossible for the teacher to give your concern appropriate attention while engaged in teaching or other school responsibilities such as carpool duty. Please do not discuss school concerns in public places or at social events. Teachers may choose to call you from their homes, but you should not call them at home; please call them only at school. Temple Sinai staff have the same formula for e-mails = first name.last [email protected].
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REPORT CARDS Report cards are issued twice a year in January and in June. These reports are intended to communicate the teacher’s evaluation of the child’s strengths and weaknesses in each subject area. Please read the comments carefully and discuss them with your child. We can work together for the success of your child.
We are looking forward to welcoming your child to:
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CONTACT INFORMATION: TEMPLE SINAI - 18801 NE 22 AVE., NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL 33180 | 305-932-9010 | WWW.TSND.ORG EMAIL: [email protected]
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
“…They [the Men of the Great Assembly] said three things: Be deliberate in judgment, raise many students, and make a protective fence for the Torah." (Avot 1:1)
Ofra Mor Religious School Principal - Ext. 222 [email protected]
Alan E. Litwak Senior Rabbi - Ext. 208 [email protected]
Norman Cohen Falah Cantor - Ext. 209 [email protected]
Susan Warech Director of Administration - Ext. 201 [email protected]
Murphy Leopold President
Ralph P. Kingsley, DD Rabbi Emeritus
Irving Shulkes, DM Cantor Emeritus
EMERGENCY SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Periodically, severe weather conditions require the Religious School to close. In general, we are closed when conditions warrant Miami-Dade County Public Schools to close. Please listen to the radio and watch the TV for announcements of school closings. You can also call the Temple at 305.932.9010 for updated information about the closing of specific programs.
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
CONTENTS SUBJECT Message from the Religious School Principal Message from the Clergy A Brief Statement of Philosophy Schedule of Classes Curriculum On Time Arrival Early Dismissal Pick-Up/Drop-Off/Carpool Attendance Tzedakah Family Shabbat Behavior Cell Phones Class Placements Emergency Contacts Snack Jewish Observance and Worship Medical Information Parental Involvement Communication Contacting the school Report Cards
PAGE 3 4 5 6 6-7 8 8 9 10 10 11 11 12 12 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
Message from our Religious School Principal:
Ofra Mor
August 2016 – Bruchim HaBa’im – Welcome!
Welcome to Temple Sinai’s Religious School. For well over 30 years, Temple Sinai has provided an incredibly high quality of personal care and individualized education to our children, with a staff dedicated to the well-being and safety of every student. Please read the Parent/Student Handbook in full, and carefully, even if you are not a new parent; and then please go through it just as carefully with your child. Its purpose is to clarify the policies, processes and procedures that regulate daily life in the school, so that we all know – parents and students, teachers and administrators – what our obligations and our responsibilities are, what standards of behavior we should all be modeling, and how we will deal with any circumstances that may arise, from discipline to B’nei Mitzvah, from the classroom to the Sanctuary. These are essential if we are to fulfill our mission to provide a warm, positive environment in which children feel comfortable and where every child knows that we value human growth as well as academic achievement. As the Religious School principal, it is my pleasure and honor to be a part of the TSND family. I am truly honored to hold this position, and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff to provide the best educational program for our students. Through a close partnership with staff and parents, I am confident that we can make our school a place where students can grow academically and spiritually. I wish you a wonderful school year, and hope to see you on campus, as often as possible, supporting your child's education through the many volunteering opportunities that are possible. B’Shalom, Ofra Mor
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Message From Our Clergy
Rabbi Alan Litwak Cantor Norman Cohen Falah
Bruchim HaBa’im – Welcome! It is a pleasure to welcome you as we begin the new year at Temple Sinai Religious School. This is a wonderful time of the year, filled with anticipation (and even a little anxiety) for what is to come. Our teachers, led by our Principal Ofra Mor, have been working hard to prepare for another spectacular year at Temple Sinai. It is a pleasure for us to be part of such a superb team. We read in the V’ahavta prayer from Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “You shall teach [words of Torah] diligently to your children. Speak of them when you stay at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you get up.” These familiar words speak to the core of Temple Sinai’s mission. We seek to nurture our children through the gift of knowledge. The text is understood as educating our children at all times, at home and away, throughout the day. This is a joint responsibility between students, teachers, and parents that reaches beyond school hours. Please assist us in these efforts by being active, involved parents. We encourage you to model the importance of study, through your own commitment to learning. On both a personal and professional note, we hope that you will share thoughts about and be involved with our school, synagogue, and community. Stop by and say hello. May this be a year of growth for you and your family. B’Shalom, Rabbi Alan Litwak and Cantor Norman Cohen Falah
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A Community Nurturing Fuller Jewish Life
A BRIEF STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Jewish Education at Temple Sinai seeks to combine the best we can learn from our interaction with secular culture and the rich traditions of our Jewish heritage. We view education as a dynamic process marked by the interaction of content and method. Our goal seeks to: • • • • • • • •
Acquaint individuals with knowledge about the world in which they live and about themselves as participants in that world; Transmit the cultural heritage and values of society to its members and prepare them for an active role in its destiny; Develop the individual’s capacity to inquire, to evaluate and to think reflectively; Awaken in the individual the desire to continue to learn and the awareness that to become increasingly better educated is a life-long pursuit. We view Jewish Education as the process whereby the individual Jew can develop a sense of positive Jewish identity. Our curriculum seeks to: Broaden experience and deepen understanding so as to strengthen commitment to Judaism and to the Jewish People. Reveal Judaism as a total way of life that can be a constant source of joy and beauty, inspiration and consolation, to those who enthusiastically affirm their belonging. Involve every Jew in the continually unfolding drama of Jewish history.
WITH THESE CONCEPTS IN MIND, WE STAND COMMITTED TO THE FOLLOWING PRINCIPLES: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
We believe that education is essentially an experiential process. We believe in the intrinsic worth of each human being. We believe in individuality. We believe in the centrality of the teacher. We believe that social living requires limits on individual behavior. We believe in the evolution of Judaism. We believe in the Divine. We believe in the importance of Israel, as a state and a people. We believe in high ethical standards. We believe in the value of religious practice. We believe in the necessity of Jewish survival. We believe in the importance of community. We believe in learning as a life-long challenge. We believe in the integration of the whole person. We believe it is our sacred duty to take care of the environment. We believe in using educational technology, and in preparing our students to live in a sophisticated technological world.
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SCHEDULE OF CLASSES •
PK4 to 2nd Grade - Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM (Optional: Hebrew Enrichment 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
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3rd to 6th Grade - Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
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Location: All classes will take place at Temple Sinai.
CURRICULUM The Temple Sinai Religious School strives to create meaningful Jewish experiences that connect students to the awesome depth and breadth of Jewish tradition, and which prepare them for B’nei Mitzvah and their adult Jewish lives. This year we are proud to offer classes for students in kindergarten through 6th grade, with continuation to our SNFTY group in high school. Our developmentally appropriate curriculum exposes students to the rhythm and stories of the Bible; the Jewish life cycle and holiday cycle; the land of Israel; and the songs, literature and stories of the Jewish people. In addition, our focus on prayer-book Hebrew offers students the lifelong gift of connection with prayers recited across time and place. Further, by infusing our curriculum with midot Jewish values - we teach our students the skills to behave in the world in a manner informed by Jewish values. Kindergarten Entering Religious School for the first time, students are introduced to basic Hebrew vocabulary and important Jewish concepts. By cultivating a love of Judaism, we learn about Shabbat, Holidays, and concepts such as Tzedakah (righteous giving) and B’rachot (blessings). Students learn about Jewish symbols and selected stories from the Torah. 1st and 2nd Grade With a solid grounding in Hebrew letters, students begin to learn the basic structure and sequence of the Siddur, so they will feel comfortable in synagogue. Using Holidays and selected stories from the Torah as our context, students will begin to acquire basic Hebrew vocabulary.
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3rd - 4th Grade Alongside reading whole words in Hebrew, students will know how to write in Hebrew script and will practice common sentences. They will learn about modern life in Israel and study short texts from the Siddur that will sustain them throughout their lives. In addition, they will discuss Parashat HaShavuah (the weekly Torah portion) and concentrate on themes from the books of B’reishit (Genesis) and Shemot (Exodus). 5th – 6th Grade The Hebrew language component continues to build on the foundation laid in previous grades. Students use their acquired knowledge and skills to gain fluency in reading skills. Students will delve into the lives of important Biblical figures, exploring God's relationship and brit (covenant) with the people of Israel. Bible study is expanded as we explore the books of Prophets and Judges. Conversations about Jewish values and ethics form an important aspect of the development of their Jewish identity this year, and students will engage in theological discussions raised by their study of Pirkei Avot. 7th - 8th Grade and B’nei Mitzvah Becoming a B’nei Mitzvah is one of the most important milestones in the life of every Jewish child. Prior to celebrating this moment, our children dedicate months of preparation. However, this is only the beginning. Our goal is to engage our B’nei Mitzvah age and older students once a month with activities that will create a desire to continue their Jewish involvement after becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Beginning approximately 6 to 9 months prior, Temple Sinai B’nei Mitzvah students, under the guidance of Rabbi Litwak and Cantor Norman, will learn how to chant their parashah and/or haftarah with proper trope and accuracy. Students will prepare a d’var Torah (a brief teaching) in relation to the weekly Torah parashah/haftarah., lead Tefilah, commit to doing some mitzvah work, and perform an act of tzedakah.
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ON TIME ARRIVAL On Sundays, class begins at 9:00 AM at Temple Sinai. All students are expected to be on time so that we can make the most out of the sessions. Arriving 10 minutes late or more will be recorded as a tardy. A student who arrives fifteen or more minutes late must go to the office to sign in and obtain a late pass. Teachers may not admit student to class unless he/she presents a late pass. Three tardies are equivalent to one absence.
EARLY DISMISSAL For safety sake, if you need to take your child out of school prior to the regular dismissal time, you are required to come into the school office to sign the child out. The school office will then call your child down to the office. Children will not be allowed to wait outside the class. It is preferable if you can let the office and teacher know ahead of time that you will be taking your child early.
It is imperative that this procedure is followed to ensure the safety of your child.
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PICK-UP/DROP-OFF/CARPOOL
The safety and security of our families and our campus is an absolute priority. Thank you in advance for following the safety and security rules that have been implemented for your safety and for the safety of your child. • • • • • • •
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Please post carpool signs on your windshield. Follow all signage and directions from our security personnel and staff at all times. Observe all reserved parking signs. Do not leave or exit your vehicle when dropping off and picking up your children for any reason. Unattended vehicles are a danger and interfere with the timely dismissal of our students. For your child’s safety, only pick up and drop off your children on the school (passenger) side of the vehicle - not on the traffic (driver) side of the vehicle. Have checks, forms, notes, instructions, etc. ready before you enter the drop off or pick up line do not hold up the carpool line for personal business. Our teachers will be happy to discuss anything with you regarding your child; however, the carpool time is not a good time to do so. Therefore, please schedule a meeting with the teacher or ask him/her to call you after the carpool. Children will be released to their authorized carpool only. While it is important that you pick up your carpool on time, for safety reasons, it is equally important that you not arrive early. Carefully enter the parking lot through the main entrance; pull up as far as possible toward the pick-up area. The staff in charge of dismissal will direct the children to your car. Proper use of seatbelts for all children is the law. With your cooperation, we can maintain a perfect safety record for each and every child in our school. If your child is going home in a carpool other than his regular one, you must notify the office in writing when school opens that day. You must also notify the child’s carpool driver. No child will ever be released to anyone unless we have been specifically instructed in writing by the parent who that person will be, and we insist on seeing proper identification.
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ATTENDANCE Attendance is noted on progress reports at the end of each semester. To encourage our students, teachers will recognize those students who have perfect attendance in their classes and recognition for attendance excellence will also be given at Tefilah assemblies on Sundays and at the closing ceremony on the last day of school. Uneven attendance affects the entire classroom community. Our goal is to establish consistency, and thus ensure that all our children master the core concepts and material covered in class.
TZEDAKAH In our school each class session is an opportunity for our students and teachers to make a difference in the world by giving some of our financial resources to people in need. At the start of each year, teachers will remind the students of the importance and nature of tzedakah, and how we do it in our school. We believe that students should not simply ask their parents for money for tzedakah, but should actively earn the money they want to donate by accomplishing tasks which their parents have assigned for them, or through another personal action. This adds an element of personal commitment and sacrifice to tzedakah. This elevates it to a higher level. Classes collect tzedakah every Sunday at the beginning of the session. To support your children’s ability to give tzedakah, please: 1. Find different ways to motivate and encourage your child to bring in tzedakah. 2. Assign different tasks for him/her to accomplish in return for the money. 3. Reinforce to your child the lesson of social responsibility and social action which we are teaching them in school. Teachers may choose the Jewish organization(s) to which to donate or they may invite the students to vote. In either case, parental involvement is very important to the success of the tzedakah project.
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FAMILY SHABBAT As a parent in Religious School you belong to the extended family of Temple Sinai. Together, we are looking forward to helping our children set priorities in their life and to shape their Jewish identity for the years to come. Religious School families are encouraged to attend and participate in Family Shabbat services. Each year the Religious School hosts at least one Friday Night se’udah (Shabbat meal) – an opportunity for all our families to come together to celebrate Shabbat around a communal table, and to participate in a Kabbalat Shabbat service led by our Religious School students. Although we highly recommend our students to attend Shabbat services at Temple Sinai on a regular basis, it is crucial to participate at least a few times a year. 1. 2.
Students for K though 2nd grade are expected to attend at least twice a year; Students of 3rd through 6th grades are expected to attend at least three times a year.
BEHAVIOR AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICY BULLYING IS NOT PERMITTED. It is the policy of Temple Sinai Religious School that all of its students and employees have an educational setting that is safe, secure, and free from harassment and bullying of any kind. Conduct that constitutes bullying and harassment is prohibited. Derech eretz and g’milut chasadim (cooperative behavior) are part of living in a community. At Temple Sinai Religious School, we value the rights of the individual, and help the individual learn how to exist happily and peacefully with his peers. Each teacher works with the class to establish rules appropriate for its age level; these standards must be established in order for effective learning to take place. This includes cooperation, listening to and following directions, respecting the rights of others. Disruptive behavior interferes with the teacher’s ability to achieve stated objectives and prevents other students from learning. Classroom Brit (Covenant) Our Religious School has a class brit that teachers are to use in every grade (from Kindergarten through eighth grade). This brit is an agreement between students and teachers and outlines the rules that everyone will follow to promote a positive learning environment in the classroom. Every student receives a copy of the brit. This copy is signed by the students and teacher while the student takes the student copy home.
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Discipline procedures 1. When disruptive behavior first arises, the teacher and student seek to resolve the matter during that session. 2. If the disruptive behavior continues the following week, the teacher will speak with the student; and or contact the parent by phone or via email. 3. If the disruptive behavior persists, after parents were informed, the Principal will convene a meeting with the student, parent and teacher.
CELL PHONES Cell phones and other communications devices are not needed by students, and can provide a disruption and distraction in the classroom. Students are asked to leave such devices at home, but must switch them off in class, if they have a good reason to be carrying them. Cell phones or any device capable of sending and receiving messages will be confiscated and returned to a parent at the end of the school day if they are used in class. For safety reasons, parent use of cell phones during arrival and dismissal is not permitted; we also ask that you turn the ringers off during parent meetings, student performances or other gatherings.
CLASS PLACEMENTS Class placement is made on the first day of school during the opening assembly. If your child wants to change his/her class, please discuss it with the Principal. During the school year class changes are made on an individual basis only with the consent of the Principal. Teachers are not allowed to approve class changes or to inform parents that the child is permitted to be in their classes. Please come to the office to discuss your concern.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS EMERGENCIES: It is imperative that we have the name and telephone number of someone local as an emergency contact. Please list those individuals on the Emergency Card who live or work close enough to school to come pick up your child if you cannot be reached or come to school yourself. The school reserves the right to take emergency action on behalf of the child if parents cannot be reached, and if a delay would jeopardize the child’s health or safety.
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SNACK Snack is served during the morning. One of Temple Sinai's core values is respect for the environment as an element of tikkun olam. Please try to avoid sending snacks in Styrofoam boxes, or wrapped in aluminum foil or plastic. Our goal is to achieve completely litter less snacks and your support in this is greatly appreciated. Because we wish to promote healthy nutritional habits, we also request that parents do not send candy, soda, and “junk” food as snack. Fresh fruit, raw vegetables, and healthy snacks are preferable, and provide better nutritional staying power. All food conforms to our Food Policy which is available upon request. Food allergies should be reported, in writing, to the teacher and school secretary so that we may monitor special treats or snacks.
JEWISH OBSERVANCE AND WORSHIP
RELIGIOUS PERSPECTIVE Temple Sinai is a Reform Temple. While we teach children to respect all other Jewish perspectives, we teach Reform Judaism at our school. Our t’filah reflects Reform Jewish ideology.. The wearing of kippah and tallit is a matter of personal autonomy; however, we do encourage all our students to acknowledge through their dress the sanctity both of prayer and the place of prayer.
HOME OBSERVANCE We encourage you to experience the joy of Shabbat and Yom Tov in your home with your family. Early on, your child will know the proper blessings over the candles, wine and challah. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to reinforce what is being taught in school, even if your observance is quite simple. Preparing and sharing a special Shabbat or Yom Tov meal serves to strengthen Jewish family values in a beautiful and meaningful way. From time to time, we offer informal instruction for those parents who feel they need direction or a refresher. The important thing is to develop a Shabbat and Yom Tov tradition in your home for your family to share.
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TORAH TO GO Host a Torah a week in your home! With our Torah To Go Program you can arrange to take a Torah from Temple Sinai into your home. We know that this will be a meaningful experience for you, your family, and your friends. The Torah is a living, breathing object. Do not be afraid to take the Torah out of the ark, undress it, read it, roll it, look at it, and explore how it is constructed. From its earliest origins, Torah has always been a shared experience. We hope that you will invite your friends and your clergy to share in a special moment or event. Is there a particular Jewish holiday that you enjoy or a special Shabbat that would be made that much more meaningful by including the Torah in your celebration? This will surely be a great experience for adults and children alike. Please contact Rabbi Litwak at [email protected] to request a week.
MEDICAL INFORMATION It is imperative that parents inform the office of any allergies that may affect their child while in school or of any medication they are taking that may affect their ability to work. If a child is using an Epipen, a spare pen must be kept in the office, and replaced when it reaches its optimum date.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We encourage parents to become active in our school. Whether by being a Room Parent or a front desk volunteer, or involvement with the Religious School Committee or other ways of supporting and assisting the teachers, parents can be good role models to their child about the importance of our school. Moreover, if you would like to help out with a class project or if you have a special hobby or talent to share, please let the office know. We welcome parents to visit our school, but for reasons of security and planning, please check in with the office before going into the school building. We also offer many opportunities throughout the school year for parents to learn with their children. We hope that you will take this opportunity both to strengthen your own Jewish knowledge and to support your child’s education.
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COMMUNICATION An essential ingredient for the success of our educational program is the establishment of good communication. The school will keep you informed of school activities in general and your child’s progress in particular. Our teachers are often in touch with parents on an informal basis. A phone call from a teacher or administrator does not necessarily signal a crisis; it may be an expression of our concern for the child’s well-being, but is just as likely to be alerting you when good things happen in school. Likewise, we ask that you keep us informed of situations that may be affecting your child either positively or negatively. We need to be informed about changes in: a child (or family member’s) health, behavior, transportation arrangement, family status, medications, or anything that might upset the child’s normal routine. Our professional staff respects the confidentiality of such information. We cannot stress enough how important it is that if you have a problem or question concerning your child, you speak with the teacher first . The teacher is ultimately responsible for everything that affects the student’s day-to-day progress and is in the best position to clarify matters or deal with problems. Where necessary, the teacher will involve or refer you to another teacher who might be more directly involved. If you feel the problem has not been resolved after speaking with the teaching staff, then please request a conference with the administrative staff.
CONTACTING THE SCHOOL When issues arise, the most effective way to handle any concern is to contact the teacher first. Your child’s teacher is a professional with extensive responsibilities. The considerate way to contact the teacher is by written note, e-mail or through the school office. The teacher will return your call as promptly as possible. It is impossible for the teacher to give your concern appropriate attention while engaged in teaching or other school responsibilities such as carpool duty. Please do not discuss school concerns in public places or at social events. Teachers may choose to call you from their homes, but you should not call them at home; please call them only at school. Temple Sinai staff have the same formula for e-mails = first name.last [email protected].
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REPORT CARDS Report cards are issued twice a year in January and in June. These reports are intended to communicate the teacher’s evaluation of the child’s strengths and weaknesses in each subject area. Please read the comments carefully and discuss them with your child. We can work together for the success of your child.
We are looking forward to welcoming your child to:
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