Temple Sholom of West Essex Religious School

Parent Handbook 2017-2018/5777-5778

Temple Sholom of West Essex

760 Pompton Avenue

Cedar Grove, NJ 07009

T:(973)239-1321

F:(973)239-7935

www.sholom.net

2 Temple Sholom of West Essex Religious School

Parents’ Handbook

What We Wish for All of our Children…………………………………………….…….3

Educational Mission Statement……………...………….………...……………………...4

Religious School Hours………………………… ……………………………………...4

School Calendar…………………………………………………………………….……5

Educational Goals………………………………………………………………….…….6

Meet the Staff and Leadership……..………………..…………………………….……..8

Curriculum Overview ……………………………..…………………..………………....9

Hebrew Program………………………………………………………………….…..…13

Family Education…………………………………………………………………..…....14

Family Shabbat Services & Dinners and Hands-on Activities.……………………..…..17

Our Jewish Youth Journey…………………………………………………………..…..18

Post-B’nai Mitzvah Programming……………………………………………………....19

Weekly Email…………………………………………………………………………....22

B’nai Mitzvah Meetings/Tzedakah……………………………………………….……..23

Shabbat Attendance/Pasta dinners…………………………………………….………...24

.

Progress Reports/School Closings/Cell Phone Policy/Texts & Supplies…..…….......…25

Appendix A-Attendance Policy……………………………………………………........26

Appendix B-Behavior Policy.…………………………………………………………...27

Reading List for Raising a Jewish Child……………………...……………………………

29

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

WHAT WE WISH FOR ALL OF OUR CHILDREN

I wish for you to be

A person of character

Strong but not tough,

Gentle but not weak.

I wish for you to be

Righteous but not self righteous,

Honest but not unforgiving.

Whenever you speak

May your words be

Words of wisdom and friendship.

May your hands build

And your heart preserve

What is good and beautiful in our world.

May the voices of the generations of our people

Move through you

And may the God of our ancestors

Be your God as well.

May you know that there is a people,

A rich heritage to which you belong

And from that sacred place

You are connected to all who dwell on the earth.

May the stories of our people

Be upon your heart

And the grace of the Torah rhythm

Dance in your soul.

Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

4

2017-2018/ 5777-5778

At Temple Sholom, we are committed to educate our

children so that they will:

Have pride in observing our traditions and the teachings of

Torah (Torah)

Feel joy in celebrating our holidays (Avodah)

Be responsible and care for others (Gemilut Chasadim)

Our vision of education seeks to embrace:

The whole child through interactive multi-sensory learning

The entire family in our family programming

The larger community through mitzvah activities

K to 3rd Grade…….Tuesday 4 to 5:45 pm

4th to 6th Grade…. Wednesday 4 to 6 pm

7th Grade - 10th…...Alternate Wednesdays 6:00-7:45pm

4th to 6th Grade ….Monday*

*Tutorial/enrichment day

All of us at TSWE recognize the many time demands on our families,

and we strive to pursue innovative strategies to respond to these

challenges.

Our Educational Mission Statement

Religious School Hours

5 Religious School Calendar / Family Education Programs

2017-18 (as of 8-1-2017)

SEPTEMBER

8(Fri) 6:30 pm “Back to Shul” Shabbat Family service

10(Sun)10-am-noon Religious School Open House

12(Tues) First Day of Religious School K-3

13(Wed) First Day of Religious School 4-6

20(Wed) NO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL-Erev Rosh HaShanah

OCTOBER

1(Sun) 10:00 am Build the Sukkah

3(Tues) 5:45 pm Meet the Teacher Pasta dinner for grades K-3

4(Wed) 6:00 pm Meet the Teachers Pasta dinner for grades 4-6

6(Fri) 6:30 pm Shabbat/Sukkot Family service

7(Sat)5:00 pm 6th grade Life Cycle workshop with Havdallah

13(Fri) 6:30 pm- Simchat Torah Family service and consecration of new students NOVEMBER 3 (Fri) 6:30 pm Shabbat Family Service 19(Sun)11:00 am- Mitzvot of MetroWest for 5th, 6th & 7th graders 22 (Wed) No Religious School—Thanksgiving DECEMBER 1(Fri) 6:30 pm K-2nd pm Shabbat Family Service 3(Sun) 10:00 am- Yad workshop for 6th grade families 10(Sun) 8:30 am-4th grade trip to Tenement Museum 15(Fri) 6:30 pm Shabbat/Hanukah Family Service 17(Sun )10:00 am-6th grade Torah study 25-31 No Religious School – Winter Vacation JANUARY 2(Tues) School Resumes 5(Fri) 6:30 pm 4th grade Shabbat Family service 7:30 Shabbat dinner 7(Sun) 10:00 am- Jewish Art workshop for 5th & 6th grade families 15 (Mon) No Religious School- MLK day 21(Sun) 11:00 am -Challah workshop for 5th & 6th grade families 28(Sun)8:30 am- 4th grade trip to Jewish Museum FEBRUARY 2(Fri) 6:30 pm 5th grade Shabbat Family service 7:30 pm Congregational dinner 4(Sun)10:00 am Passover Program (grades 4-7) 11(Sun)10:00 am-Mezuzah workshop for 5th & 6th grade families 19-20 (Mon-Tues) - No Religious School-Presidents’ Day 25(Sun)10:00 am-5th grade Torah study MARCH 2(Fri)5:30 pm 3rd grade Shabbat dinner 6:30 pm Shabbat Family service & 3rd grade naming ceremony 4 (Sun) Purim Carnival APRIL 2(Mon)-4 (Wed) No Religious School- Passover 13(Fri) 6:30 pm-6th Grade Shabbat Family service 7:30 pm Shabbat dinner MAY 15(Tues) Last day of Religious School– K to 3

16(Wed) Last day of Religious School– 4-6

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JEWISH IDENTITY

To feel pride in your heritage

To integrate Judaism into your daily life

To become engaged with the practice and peoplehood of

Judaism throughout your life

GOD

To form a personal understanding of God that reflects Jewish

teachings

To appreciate the relationship of God to the Jewish people

TORAH

To understand that the Torah is the key narrative of the Jewish

people

To identify central themes and messages and integrate them into

your life

To identify the structure of the Torah

To appreciate that Torah commentary and dialogue are central to

Jewish learning

KLAL YISRAEL( the Jewish community)

To feel connected to the land of Israel as the homeland of the

Jewish people

To participate in activities that promote the unity of the Jewish

people worldwide.

Educational Goals for our Students

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HOLIDAYS

To understand and appreciate the Jewish

calendar through the study of Shabbat and key Jewish holidays

To become familiar with the rituals and customs of Jewish

holidays

To learn the meaning of ritual symbols and objects

To participate in Shabbat and holiday observances both at home

and in the sanctuary as part of this community

JEWISH VALUES

To understand the important values and mitzvot that have guided

our people in the past and to learn to make choices based upon

that value system

To understand the unique Jewish view that mitzvot are the

commandments that help us repair the world (Tikkun Olam).

FAMILY

To participate in congregational activities and become a vital part

of our community

To be active partners with the school in encouraging Jewish

learning at home

HEBREW and PRAYER

To achieve competence in prayer reading

To become familiar with the structure of the Shabbat service

To attend and participate in Shabbat

services

To learn to value and practice prayer (t’fillah)

To try to find ways to feel personally connected to the Shabbat

service

Educational Goals for our Students (continued)

8

Michael Melasky…….….Director of Education

Lynda Brown……………Second Grade / Fourth Grade Jewish Studies

Cantor Feibush……… ..Tefilot/B’nai Mitzvah Tutoring/Music

Rabbi Groffman…… …. Confirmation/Post Confirmation

Meryle Handler…………Sixth Grade Jewish Studies/Seventh Grade

Sharon Jaffe……………..Kindergarten/First Grade

Gabi Levin……………….Third & Fourth Grade Hebrew /Enrichment

Chris Mason……………. Sixth Grade Hebrew/Eighth Grade/Enrichment

Michelle Nadel.. ……… .Fifth Grade Jewish Studies

Ruth Sherman ………… Third Grade Jewish Studies/Fifth Grade Hebrew

Bev Schwartz……………Hebrew Resource Room

Ruth Cash……………….Administrative Assistant Please call the school if you have any questions regarding your child’s education

(973) 239-1321.

Iris Boccihno………..Vice President of Education

Dora Brewster………Va’ad Representative

The Religious School Committee

Supports & assists with the various activities & events taking

place throughout the year.

Serves as a sounding board for the school director as she develops

school policy.

Encourages parent involvement in the school.

IF YOU WISH TO GET INVOLVED PLEASE CONTACT THE

EDUCATION DIRECTOR!

Meet the Religious School Staff

Executive Committee Liaisons

Parents and teachers are partners in your child’s Jewish education.

We value your feedback.

9 `

Kindergarten and First Grade : “Me and my Jewish world”

In our Kindergarten and First Grade curriculum the children explore Jewish

holidays and values in a warm, informal setting.

Four main relationships that are viewed from a Jewish

perspective:

the relationship between children and nature

the relationship between children and God

the relationship between children and other people

the relationship between children and animals

Students discover the big ideas from these themes as they act out the stories,

play games, and engage in arts and crafts activities.

In addition, students will start to learn the Shabbat blessings over the

candles and challah, the Shema, the Hanukah candle blessings and the first

question of the Four Questions. (The materials are: Let’s Discover the

Holidays, Let’s Discover Shabbat)

Curricula

10

Third Grade:

Jewish Studies: Torah

Students become familiar with key Bible stories and the

people in those stories

Students learn the significance of these stories through projects and

various art forms

Holidays: Students will continue to learn about rituals associated with

our Jewish Holidays.

Hebrew: Students learn the letters and vowels through an interactive

whole body program. By the end of the year the students should be able

to recognize all of the letters and vowels and decode Hebrew words with

fluency.

(The text book is Z’man Likro; The Explorers Bible; Jewish Holiday Treasure Trail)

Second Grade: Israel Through food, music, crafts and stories students spend a year as

visitors to our homeland. They learn about the various cities and regions, the culture, language and customs.

Holidays continue to be an important part of their studies as they

occur throughout the year. Students experience holiday observances with food, art and music.

Children learn the Shabbat blessings over the wine, candles and

challah, the Hanukkah blessing over the candles and are introduced to the Four Questions.

(The text book is Great Israel Scavenger Hunt; Let’s Celebrate) .

Curricula

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Fourth Grade: Jewish Studies: Mitzvot (commandments)

Students examine five to six critical mitzvot in discrete units through

project-based learning.

Each mitzvah is introduced through biblical and other

Jewish texts.

Students brainstorm about what the big issues are for them

surrounding each mitzvah

Students prepare questions and meet with an expert in an area

related to each mitzvah.

Students design and develop a mitzvah project for the class or the

school at the conclusion of the unit

Hebrew

In fourth grade the students learn to read and chant selected Tefillot

(prayers), including the Shema, the prayers for Before and After the

Torah reading, the Barchu, Mi-Cha-Mo-Cha, and the V’ahavat. They

will also learn to read and chant the Four Questions for the Passover

Seder. (The text is Hineni Express)

Curricula

12

Fifth Grade: Jewish Studies: How we treat others and our world This unit will help our students understand the significance of becoming

responsible for performing mitzvot. They will focus on the importance of these

commandments, specifically honoring parents, not gossiping, keeping peace at

home, telling the truth, presenting oneself well and love of God. In addition the

students will learn about the holidays through the lens of the relevant mitzvot.

Israel: The study of modern Israel which will include an introduction to

everyday life of Israelis and conflict with her neighbors.

(The text is: Welcome To Israel)

Hebrew: At the end of the year students will recite the following prayers: Avot V’Imahot,

G’vourot, Aleinu and the Blessing Before Reading the Haftorah.

(The text is Hineni Express)

Sixth Grade: Jewish Studies The Holocaust Students will learn how prejudice and anti-Semitism contributed to the Holo-

caust. Using The Diary of Anne Frank as a primary text, they will look at sig-

nificant historical events during that time period. They will also study physical

and spiritual resistance by Jews and righteous gentiles.

-Continuation of Holiday Program with emphasis on the meaning of the Jewish

Holidays

Hebrew:

Students at the end of the Sixth Grade will be able to chant fluently all of the

prayers that are part of the Bat/ Bat Mitzvah service as outlined in the Bar/Bat

Mitzvah handbook.

Additional 6th Grade Prayers may include: Kiddush, Kaddish, Oseh Shalom,

V’shamru, Shalom Rav and Sim Shalom.

(The textbook is Hineni Express)

Curricula (continued)

13

Kindergarten to Third Grade Hebrew is introduced through prayer and key vocabulary words. Through blessings,

students learn that Hebrew is the language Jews have communicated with God from

the beginning of our peoplehood. This is the primary focus in kindergarten and first

grade.

In second grade, students are taught contemporary key vocabulary words in the

context of learning about the land of Israel.

In third grade children learn the Hebrew alphabet and begin to read some words,

using a multi-sensory Hebrew curriculum.

Fourth to Sixth Grade

Beginning in fourth grade we offer a variety of ways to help your child master Hebrew

prayer, according to his/her individual learning style.

Tefilah, Hebrew prayer, will commence every Wednesday afternoon with a brief

service held in the sanctuary. Our goal is to familiarize each student with the evening

prayer service within the comfort of the sanctuary, where they will actively

participate and learn the various components of the service.

Hebrew is taught on Wednesdays for one hour. Because learning a language is a

cumulative skill it is critical that your child attend class on a regular and consistent basis.

While we understand that at times conflicts may arise please try to have your child remain

in class through 6:00pm. If you do have a conflict please notify The Education Director

advance so that the work can be made up.

On Mondays one on one tutoring is offered by appointment for students who need addition-

al help. These sessions are between 4:00pm and 6:00pm and usually are 15 minutes long.

You may request this help or a teacher may recommend it. A student will typically come

for one or two sessions. This is part of our one day a week program. It is important that

your child is available to come if s/he needs additional help.

This extra tutorial help is provided at no cost to the family.

On Wednesdays we also offer a resource room for students who need additional help and

may benefit from one on one learning.

A Learning Tip:

We firmly believe that the best way to acquire Hebrew skills is to attend class on a regular

basis and to practice Hebrew at home. This should be done three times a week: twice

during the week for ten minutes each and once each weekend for twenty minutes.

Learning Hebrew

Hebrew is the sacred language of the Jewish People. The goal of our

educational program is to enable each child to engage in prayer with

confidence and understanding.

14

“Gesher”: the B’nai Mitzvah Bridge “B’nai Mitzvah is not an event, it is you!”

Putting Bar/Bat Mitzvah ritual within the context of Jewish practice

and wisdom.

Beginning in the 4th grade, the Family Education program is designed to help you and your

children build a “Jewish tool kit” so that your family has the core skills and knowledge to be

competent and comfortable leading Jewish lives. All of the following activities described are

for parents and students to attend together.

OVERVIEW

The family programs are structured by grade.

Fourth grade families participate in two off-site activities.

Fifth and sixth grade families have three to four offerings, each of which falls into one of the

following categories:

What we do

How we celebrate and mark life’s milestones

What we learn

How we connect

Some programs will be presented two times during the year so that your family can choose

which time is best for you. Additionally, you will select one or more of the “hands-on”

programs that we offer. These programs will take place at the temple.

Participation in “Gesher” is an important part of the school curriculum and also a vital

component of the bar/bat mitzvah process.

DETAILS BY GRADE LEVEL

Fourth Grade Setting the Stage – Your Jewish Past

In fourth grade you and your family participate in trips during the year. Past offerings have

included the Jewish Museum and the Tenement Museum in New York, with topics such as

stories of Jewish immigrants at the end of the 19th century or archeology and ancient

civilizations. Other venues may be included as well.

Family Education Programs

15

Fifth and Sixth Grades

B’nai Mitzvah– the bridge (Gesher) from the past to the future Fifth and sixth grade families (Parent and child together) will attend each of the programs

designated for that grade. Some program may be offered twice during the year. Additionally,

you will select one or more of our “hands-on” programs.

What we learn Torah: Why is the Torah so central to our people and how did it become the focus of the

bar/ bat mitzvah? You and your children will learn the names and descriptions of core

Jewish texts and how they have formed the basis for scholarly work. Your family will be

introduced to the Chumash (Pentateuch) and learn the significance of rabbinic

commentary, Midrash and responsa. The focus of the presentation will be on the five

books of the Torah, the division into parashyiot (portions) and the relation of the Haftarah

(prophetic readings) to the weekly parsha. The goal of this program is to give you and your

children an appreciation for the wealth of Jewish writings and the ongoing dynamic nature

of scholarly dialogue that typifies Jewish study.

Take Home Materials: Your family will be given a listing of terms used and sample pages

of materials referenced including Torah and commentary

What is a d’var Torah?

You and your children will analyze a Torah portion using the text as well as other comment

ary. Your family will work in small groups with other families, using guiding questions.

We will then come together as a group and discuss our various perspectives on the portion.

Together we will learn how to examine the structure of the parsha. Does it contain multiple

stories? If so, are they related? Who are the main actors? What is the critical issue in the

parsha? Is there a resolution? Prior to coming your family will be encouraged to look at a

G-dcast episode (www.g-dcast.com) to see how it treats a Torah portion.

Take Home Materials- families will take home a copy of the portion they reviewed with

samples of commentary and additional references to writing a d’var Torah.

What we do Mitzvot - Understanding Core Jewish Values of Behavior

Students will be given the opportunity to visit and meet with representatives throughout Essex

and Union Counties at MetroWest where they will have access to dozens of organizations to

learn about and seek possible mitzvoth opportunities.

-Sunday, November 19th at Metro-West 11:00AM -1:00 PM

Family Education Programs (continued)

16

Torah-related “Hands-On” Activities—may include:

Create a personal Yad (Torah pointer): Each child will design a yad to use that reflects

either the theme of their Torah portion or something that is Jewishly meaningful to the

child. In addition your family will have the opportunity to learn about why a yad is used

and learn about and see examples of this form of hiddur mitzvah (enhancing the

commandments).

Create a Tallit (prayer shawl): This more challenging workshop will give you and your

children an opportunity to create an heirloom tallit. The course takes about 3 to 4 hours

and utilizes silk material. Through the use of sophisticated stencils your family can

create a magnificent tallit that can be used for your child’s bar/bat mitzvah.

Jewish Art Workshop: Students and their families working with a talented Jewish fine

artist will recreate Shabbat-Israeli scenes for their home

Life Cycle Seminar: Students and families will be involved in a seminar based learning

activity to learn about and understand all of the nuances of Jewish Life.Cycle events.

This seminar will be facilitated within a Havdallah Ceremony.

Mezuzah Workshop: Students and their parents will design and create their own ceramic

based mezuzot to hang within their home. Discussion about the origin of the mezuzah

with relation to modern day interpretation will be discussed.

Make a Challah (ritual bread): You and your children will have the chance to braid a

challah and learn about the various traditions associated with it around the world and

how it relates to different holidays.

Passover Program: You and your children are invited to attend a Torah related hands on

seminar on “300 Ways to Ask the Four Questions.’

Mitzvot Related “Hands-On” Activitie

Volunteer at Interfaith Hospitality Network (a partnership of congregations within

our local community helping families who are facing homelessness) and/or

Toni’s Kitchen (a soup kitchen in Montclair). Families will be given the opportunity to

volunteer at either of these locations. You and your children will be asked to fill out a

short form reflecting upon the experience.

Family Education Programs (continued)

17

FAMILY SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER

GRADES K—6

Beginning in December throughout the course of the school

year each class will be invited to assist in the leading of a Friday

night Shabbat Service in addition to having dinner with the en-

tire TSWE community.

In addition to leading components of the prayer service each

class will give a D’var Torah based on their theme of study.

Dates of Services

December 1, 2017 Grades K—2

January 5, 2018 Grade 4

February 2, 2018 Grade 5

March 2, 2018 Grade 3 including

Naming service

April 13, 2018 Grade 6

GRADES 4-7 TORAH RELATED HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES

PASSOVER PROGRAMMING

World renowned scholar MURRAY SPIEGEL will be running a

seminar entitled:

‘300 Ways to Ask the Four Question’

The goal of this seminar is to: ‘Spice up your seder with both fun and educational material.’

‘Appreciate the worlds languages and culture’

‘Connect your children to your family’s geneology’

Date: Sunday, February 4th, 2018 10:00 AM

18 Our Jewish Youth Journey at TSWE

19

7th Grade Program Highlights

The 7th grade program will remain eclectic covering

such thematic units as : Shabbat, Life Cycle, Jewish

foods, mitzvot, holidays, Tzedakah and Yiddishkeit from

a Jewish American Perspective.

8th Grade Program Highlights

Our 8th grade program will focus on Jewish issues and

current events with a blend of contemporary Judaism

in America. Utilizing a progressive style of education,

students may be asked to research and present on

topics important to them within today’s modern/multi-

cultural Jewish society.

Junior Youth Group: 7th-8th graders are also invited to

connect with their Jewish peers by attending social

events run by the Jr Youth Group Advisor (TaSTY JR).

Our Post– B’nai Mitzvah Youth Community

20 Our Post–B’nai Mitzvah Youth Community (cont.)

TaSTY Youth Group 9th - 12th Grade The best aspect of TaSTY is its

leadership…the TEENS! TaSTY trips, scavenger hunts, holiday celebrations and more

are planned by its officers and members.

Through TaSTY, youth groupers have the opportunity to participate in more pro-

grams with NFTY-GER, the regional Reform movement. The TaSTY Youth Group will

also serve the Temple and the local community and thus act on Tikkun Olam: Re-

pair the World. They will develop an understanding of how their actions reflect Jew-

ish teachings and will continue to build their leaderships skills developed during 7th-

8th grades.

All 9th-12th graders are invited to participate in TaSTY programs for part of a year, the

whole year, and even if they’ve missed a year. It’s never too late to:

•Develop team building skills.

•Sharpen your decision-making abilities.

•Act on the causes you believe in.

•Make friends and/or deepen friendships. TaSTY Officers and members communicate

on-line and come together as needed to pursue their objectives under the supervision

of the Youth Programs Director

Confirmation (Confirmation Class 2017-18, 10th grade) Want a more advanced study of the core

concepts of Judaism and how they relate to your life? Be Confirmed! Participate

with Rabbi and Naomi Patz on a possible class trip to Prague and Amsterdam over

President’s week to explore the Jewish people in the Shoah (Holocaust) and

throughout history. (TBD annually) Under Rabbi Groffman’s guidance, you will meet

twice a month to:

•Study the Holocaust.

•Explore issues relating to the formation of your identity.

•Discuss the weekly Torah portion each session, using G-d cast, engaging short ani-

mated videos.

•Create, as a class, your own Confirmation service.

Participate with Rabbi Emeritus Norman and Naomi Patz on a possible class trip to

Prague and Amsterdam over President’s week to explore the Jewish people in the

Shoah (Holocaust) and throughout history. (TBD annually)

21

Post Confirmation, Grades 11 & 12 Rabbi Groffman will lead several sessions over these

two years on “Preparing For College Jewish Style.”

The goal of these sessions is to help parents and

students think about how their Jewish identity can

play a part in selecting a college and how being

Jewish can impact their time at college. Some of

the sessions will be for students only, while some will

involve parents as well.

Madrichim(Teaching Assistants),

Grades 8–12

Top Reasons for Becoming a Classroom Aide:

1. Little kids think you are very cool.

2. You have responsibility allowing for LOTS of fun

projects

3. You get lots of hugs.

4. The teachers think you are very cool.

5. Sometimes you get to play with crayons and clay.

6. It looks great on a college transcript.

7. YOU GET PAID!!!!

Our Post–B’nai Mitzvah Youth Community (cont.)

22

Weekly School Email (and why you should read it)

The Religious School sends out a

weekly email to keep families

informed and increase the

communication between school

and home. The weekly email

includes upcoming events such as

Family Programs, pasta dinners,

and early Shabbat services. In

addition, the email features

Holiday information, current

Jewish community events and

interesting links.

23

The Saturday morning programs begin at 9:15 am. Cantor Feibush will distribute a copy of the B’nai

Mitzvah service and review how the service runs. Families then move into the sanctuary to

attend that day’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, which brings to life everything just studied with the

Cantor. Following the service, families will meet with Rabbi Groffman and Michael Melasky to

further understand the meaning of Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Mitzvah Pathways.

Please remember you will be attending a service and therefore should be properly attired.

The program should conclude by 12:30.

A reminder: these programs are a required part of the B’nai Mitzvah preparation. Parents and students

are expected to attend together. If you cannot come to the same session please make sure that you

come to another session separately.

The Shabbat morning meetings are in addition to the technical meetings that take place 1) upon

receiving your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date and 2) 12-18 months in advance of that date.

Hillel used to say: The more tzedakah, the more shalom. Please help your child practice the mitzvah of tzedakah.

Each week in class we collect tzedakah.

B’nai Mitzvah Meetings for Sixth Grade Families

Tzedakah (collecting charitable funds)

Dates TBD

October 28, 2017

March 24, 2018

May 5, 2018

24

SHABBAT SERVICE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS All students in grades 1-6 are required to attend Shabbat

services in order to experience Shabbat with the TSWE

community and become familiar with our service.

Each child’s requirement is equal to their grade level. For

example, 1st graders are required to attend 1 Shabbat service per year,

2nd graders 2 services, etc.

The first Friday of each month is our Family Service. The service has a

6:30pm start time and is more “student friendly” but is not a “tot

Shabbat” (see the temple website for those programs). Occasionally,

there may be other early services during the month. Of course, all

families are welcome at our 8:00 pm services.

High Holiday services are not considered toward completion of the

requirement.

Shabbat Attendance

Even more than the Jews have kept Shabbat, Shabbat has kept the Jews.

TSWE Brotherhood regularly sponsors a free pasta dinner following

Religious School classes. This is a fun way to socialize with other families and

you don’t have to cook dinner!! You have the option of sponsoring a dinner

for a special occasion, such as your child’s birthday, etc. MEET YOUR CHILD’S TEACHERS AT THE FIRST PASTA

DINNERS OF THE YEAR! (see calendar)

Check our weekly email for the dates!

Brotherhood/Pasta Dinners

25

Students will be formally evaluated two times during the year. Parents of all Religious

School students will receive written progress reports by mail twice a year. In addition

parents of students in grades 4, 5, and 6 will receive ongoing updates regarding their child’s

Hebrew progress. Teachers in all grades will send a weekly email update of class activities.

Do not hesitate to contact the teacher or the Educational Director if any questions arise.

Progress Reports

Texts and Supplies Your child will be given text books at the beginning of the year. If your child needs to bring

them home for homework please be sure to send them back to class the next time. If a textbook

is lost, a fee will be charged.

Students should come to school ready to work—this means that they should come with a pen,

pencil, a notebook, if necessary, and any other materials the teacher has requested.

Whenever inclement weather forces the cancellation or early dismissal of classes in the

Cedar Grove and/or West Essex Regional Schools, the Religious School will also be closed.

In these cases an email will be sent to all families. You may also verify with the Temple

office after 1 PM at (973) 239-1321 . Closings will additionally be posted to

www.cancellations.com.

School Closings

Cellular phones, IPods, etc. must be turned off or silenced and

placed in a basket on the teacher’s desk until dismissal, unless

the teacher instructs the students to use them during class as part

of their learning experience.

Cell Phone Policy

26

Because Religious School meets only two hours a week,

punctuality and regular attendance are critical to a meaningful

Jewish education. Children are expected to attend school

and all required activities on a regular basis to ensure that they

complete the grade’s work. Only illness and lifecycle events in the

family are considered excused absences. All other

absences are considered unexcused absences.

It is the responsibility of the Parent or Guardian to

insure that the student regularly attends the religious school ses-

sions. Students may have a maximum of three unexcused absences

a year. Leaving early or excessive absences may result in your

child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah being delayed to a future date.

If a child is going to be absent from a religious school session, it is

the parent’s obligation to contact the

temple office. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the

information above, please feel free to discuss them with Michael

Melasky.

Early dismissal from class, if required, must be indicated in

writing by parents. Students must be picked up in the building and

parents must sign that they have taken their child early from class.

Clipboards and forms will be available in the office for this

purpose. Parents must indicate in writing if someone other than a

custodial parent will be picking up their student.

Appendix A—Attendance Policy

27

Philosophy

We believe that each individual should have the following rights:

1. The right to learn without interference from others.

2. The right to work with students and teachers in an atmosphere of

mutual respect and understanding.

3. The right to have one’s personal property respected by others.

4. The right to be protected from physical harm.

Expectations of Behavior -

“Do not unto another that which is hateful to yourself,” taught Rabbi

Hillel as noted in the Talmud, Shabbat 31a. As this is the basis of our

discipline policy, we ask all of our parents, students and teachers to work

together to support these expectations:

1. Students will be ready to participate in class activities.

2. Students will not disrupt any other student’s participation in class

activities.

3. Students will not touch other students in a manner that could be

considered offensive or disruptive or use language that could be

considered offensive or disruptive.

4. Students will not abuse the property of Temple Sholom or the facility,

itself.

5. Students will behave in accordance with the spirituality of our

sanctuary at all times. The sanctuary is not to be used as a

passageway to other rooms of our facility. Such items as skateboard,

in-line skates, or sport cleats will not be permitted in that room at any

time for any reason.

6. Students will remain on campus at all times, from the time they are

dropped off until the time they are picked up. This means they cannot

leave the school grounds at any time. If a student is discovered

leaving the campus, parents will be notified immediately.

Appendix B– Behavior Policy

28

To ensure these expectations are achieved, the following regulations will be

enforced: Classroom standards will be established by the Education Director

and the teacher in conjunction with students on the first day of

school .

The following are prohibited: rudeness, stealing, vandalism,

dishonesty, profanity and vulgarity, and fighting.

Discipline Procedure In a situation where a particular student is unable to comply with the stated policies,

the teacher and Education Director may enact the following procedures:

1. If there are consistent violations of the berit hakitah (classroom standards), the

teacher will confer with the student and a written notice of the infraction will

be mailed home.

2. If infractions continue, the Education Director will confer with the teacher and

the student and parents will be informed in writing.

3. If there are further problems, parents will be called for a conference with the

teacher, the Education Director, and/or the Rabbi to determine further action

which may include any or all of the following:

Parents may be required to be on premises during school hours;

The student may be removed from the classroom for a specified period

of time;

The student may be suspended for a period of time until homework

study assignments are completed satisfactorily or until behavior im-

proves;

Parents, school representatives, and the student may confer to determine

appropriate arrangements.

In the case of suspension from the Religious School:

The Religious School Committee will monitor actions of all suspended

students to determine if readmission is possible after a prescribed time.

In extreme or unusual circumstances, the preceding sequence may be

suspended and other action may be taken at the discretion of the

Education Director, the Rabbi, and/or the Religious School

Committee.

Appendix B– Behavior Policy (continued)

29

Reading List for Raising Jewish Children