YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL OF CLEVELAND

Transcription

1 Page1 YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL OF CLEVELAND PARENT/STUDENT HANDBOOK

2 Page2 Yeshiva High School of Cleveland (YHSC) Leadership Contact Heads of School Rabbi Kutoff cell: Rabbi Kutoff Rabbi Helman cell: Rabbi Helman Principal of General Studies Jason Kustron, M.Ed. Mr. Kustron Phone: Mr. Kustron YHSC Website: Admissions / Placement / Withdraw Policies & Procedures The governing board of The Yeshiva High School of Cleveland has adopted the following Admissions / Placement / Withdraw Policies & Procedures: A written application must be submitted for each child who is seeking admission to the Yeshiva. After a written application has been received, an interview for the child and his/her parent(s) is set up with the school administration. During the interview, parents are taken on a tour of the school, shown curriculum materials, and various aspects of the program are explained more fully. Applications are then acted upon by an Admission Committee. The Yeshiva reserves the right to determine if a child would benefit from its educational program. In accepting a student for admission to the Yeshiva, the admission committee will consider and evaluate to the best of their ability such things as family buy-in to educational pedagogy, Jewish dedication, student cooperation, student academic performance and the reason for wishing to attend. As the Yeshiva is an Orthodox Jewish school, all students must be Orthodox Jews as is commonly defined by having at minimum an Orthodox Jewish mother. The Rabbinic Authority of the Yeshiva shall have the final determination as to anyone s Orthodox status if there is an issue. Each family will be notified by letter of the Admission Committee s decision.

3 Page3 Non-Discriminatory Policy The Yeshiva High School of Cleveland recruits and admits students of any race, color or ethnic origin to all its rights, privileges, programs and activities. In addition, the school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, employment, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs. In addition, The Yeshiva High School of Cleveland is not intended to be an alternative to court or administrative agency ordered, or public school district initiated, desegregation. The Yeshiva High School of Cleveland will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or ethnic origin in the hiring of its certified or non-certified personnel. Vision and Philosophy Yeshiva High School of Cleveland (Yeshiva) is committed to the success of our students in all aspects of life. This includes the development of strong academic and social skills, the ability to be self-sufficient, and the motivation to succeed in any endeavor our students choose. The Yeshiva has two fundamental aims: To provide a foundation for our students, who will then move on to institutions of higher learning and the wider professional world. Of equal importance, is to instill within our students a system of self-awareness that leads to character refinement, good ethics, and a strong value system. To implement our philosophy, we believe that every facet of the students well-being must be considered and supported. Students respond and develop positively when they feel their educators are concerned with their whole well-being. To that end, the Yeshiva will employ a favorable teacher-student ratio to establish lasting relationships that will allow our staff to become lifelong mentors to our students, in addition to their educational roles. Criteria for all staff members includes role modeling, motivational ability, and an understanding of the importance of the teenage transitional years. Together with an accepting and relaxed, yet properly structured environment, students will be provided every opportunity to grow. The following commitments exemplify the Yeshiva s philosophy, otherwise known as the Whole Child Approach and the Yeshiva s commitment to its students and educational environment. To ensure every student is healthy and safe. Our school facility and environment will support and reinforce the health and well-being of each student and staff member. The physical school plant is attractive; is structurally sound; has good internal and external flow, and is free of defects. The building is owned by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.

4 Page4 The building will be inspected by the local fire department each year before the commencement of the school year. To ensure every student is engaged and supported. Our school will use active learning strategies, such as cooperative learning and project based learning. Teachers will build relationships with each student to support and encourage academic and personal growth. To ensure every student is challenged. Our curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices will demonstrate high academic expectations for each student. 1 1 ASCD.org recommendations for following The whole child approach ACADEMIC PROGRAM The educational program at the Yeshiva is based on a dual curriculum of Judaic studies and general studies. The Yeshiva s general studies curriculum and its implementation is to meet or exceed all regulatory standards. We offer a unique opportunity for students to thrive in a blended learning environment that allows them to take advantage of their individual skills and abilities while still under the direct guidance of our ODE Licensed teachers. Our Judaic studies curriculum follows the same guidelines, using the standards set in the leading rabbinical colleges high school programs across the country. Our high school educational program will be developed and implemented in accordance with the Ohio state-wide content & curriculum standards. The Yeshiva believes that students succeed best when they take ownership of their education. At the beginning of every year, students will be assessed of their interests, strengths, and needs. These assessments will be instrumental in developing and assigning their course work. YHSC provides Ohio Department of Education aligned blendedlearning curriculum using fueleducation.com. This model provides both direct instruction with a teacher during every class period in addition to innovative and student-centered online activities and assessments. During each class period, the teacher will lay out the goals, give a lesson of the material, and check progress of each student. Students will be able to move at their own pace toward subject mastery. If students move at a quicker pace to mastery, they will continue to the next level course in that subject matter. For example, if a student masters the necessary math courses they will need to use their work time for the next level up. This will also be an opportune way of providing AP courses, college level instruction, and other modified courses for students that are eligible for special accommodations. 1 ASCD.org recommendations for following The whole child approach

5 Page5 ADMISSION Yeshiva High School is pleased to consider admission for all boys who would likely benefit from the school s philosophy, size, and commitment to excellence. For information please contact the school office. DAILY SCHEDULE-DRESS CODE The day will begin at 8:30 a.m. promptly with davening. Students should arrive at school by 8:30 a.m. to allow enough time to begin Shacharis with the tzibur. The school doors will be locked at 8:45 a.m. School is dismissed at 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Each student should arrive at school appropriately dressed. This includes tzitzis, no baseball caps or hoodies. Clothing should not have loud or large decals or pictures. Button down shirts, slacks, no blue jeans are to be worn. Every boy should have a jacket for davening. The student should maintain excellent personal hygiene. DAILY ACADEMIC SCHEDULE A Schedule (Mon Thur) Daily Schedule of Classes Monday Thursday "A" Schedule 08:30am 9:15am Minyan 09:15am 9:45am Halacha 09:45am 10:15am - Breakfast 10:15am 11:30am Gemara 11:30am 12:00 Break 12:00pm 1:15pm Jewish History/Mussar _1:15pm 1:45pm Lunch _1:50pm 2:35pm Gen. Ed. 1 (ENGLISH) _2:40pm 3:25pm Gen. Ed. 2 (MATH) _3:30pm 4:00pm Mincha/Break _4:00pm 4:45pm Gen. Ed. 3 (SCIENCE) _4:50pm 5:35pm Gen. Ed. 4 (SS/Elective) B Schedule (Fridays & Sundays) Daily Schedule of classes Friday & Sunday "B" Schedule 08:30am 09:15am Minyan 09:15am 09:30am Halacha 09:30am 10:15am Breakfast 10:15am 11:30am Gemara 11:30am 12:00pm Break 12:00pm 01:00pm Gen. Ed. 5 (STEM GROUP ELECTIVE)

6 Page6 ATTENDANCE With our actions, we communicate very powerful messages to our children. One of the key ideas that we would like our students to internalize is that every moment of learning is precious. In addition, there is nothing that can replace the experience of learning the material in the classroom. Please do your best to make sure your student is present and on time each day. ABSENCES OR TARDINESS Please call Rabbi Kutoff ( ) before 8:30 a.m. if your student will be late or absent. If the phone is not answered, please leave a message. Doctor s appointments and other medically necessary appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours. When a scheduling conflict is unavoidable, please contact the school at least 24 hours in advance. The student will need a doctor s note, including the date and the time of the appointment, for the absence to be excused. Absences for the following reasons shall be considered as excused: 1. Personal illness 2. Serious illness or death of a family member 3. Funeral 4. Medical appointments that cannot be arranged during non-school hours 5. Unusual or emergency situations at home 6. Religious holidays and activities 7. Authorized school activities 8. Approved college visits 9. Acts of God 10. Quarantine. An absence for any reason other than those listed above shall be classified as unexcused. A student shall have the opportunity to make up school work missed due to an excused absence; however, it shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a make-up procedure and schedule with his or her teacher(s). All make-up work shall be completed within a reasonable time following the excused absence. A student shall receive full credit for school work made up pursuant to an excused absence. The principal or his or her designee may request written verification of a student s illness from a physician licensed to practice medicine in the state in the event of frequent or extended absences attributed to personal illness.

7 Page7 VACATIONS It is very important to send your student to school whenever school is in session. Please do not extend the scheduled holiday and cause your student to miss class. Please do not schedule any vacations or out of town visits that conflict with school days without discussing it with the school administration in advance. ACADEMIC CALENDAR (Next two pages of Handbook) The academic calendar is based on a two-semester system with the first semester ending mid-january and the second ending in early June. Consequently, students complete two separate sets of general studies courses each academic year. The Academic Calendar is listed below and subject to changes; any changes will be communicated via newsletter and the YHSC website.

8 Page8 No Classes No General Studies B Schedule Every Friday & Sunday 21- Teacher in service 22 Campus Open House 23 Rosh Chodesh - Semester 1 Begins AUGUST FEBRUARY Taanis Esther no GS Labor Day no GS 17 Selichos Rosh Hashana 24 Tzom Gedalia 29 Erev Yom Kippur 10:30 dismissal Sukkos break begins SEPTEMBER MARCH 18 1 h Purim-No Yeshiva 2 Shushan Purim-No Yeshiva 19 Parent/Teacher conferences 20 Pesach Break Yeshiva resumes 30 Parent/teacher conferences OCTOBER h APRIL h Yeshiva resumes

9 Page9 21 Parent teacher conferences 23 Thanksgiving-off Shabbos 27 Yeshiva resumes NOVEMBER MAY Lag B Omer-No GS Shavuos- No Yeshiva 28 Memorial Day first night Chanukah 14 Chanukah break 19 Yeshiva resumes 25 No GS 28 Fast-Asarah Betevesno GS DECEMBER JUNE 18 S M T W T h F S Graduation 22 Last Day of Yeshiva No GS 8 In-Service for instructors 15 MLK DAY JANUARY h 5 6 JULY h Independence Day MAKING UP MISSED WORK In general, all work missed due to absence must be made up within three days after the student s return to school. In the case of a missed test, it is the student s responsibility to approach the teacher to arrange a makeup test. All work must be completed before the final day of school to earn full credit for the course.

10 Page10 LEAVING SCHOOL GROUNDS For safety and accountability, students who leave school after the start of classes for any reason are required to sign out when leaving and sign back in upon return. A record of all building entrants will be kept in the YHSC office. SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Parents are always welcome to call us with their questions and concerns. Rabbi Kutoff (Head of School): Rabbi Helman: Jason Kustron (Principal): , kutoff@yeshivahigh.org , helman@yeshivahigh.org , kustron@yeshivahigh.org Please keep us informed of any circumstances that might affect your student s performance or behavior in school. Please do not hesitate to contact your student s administrators and/or teachers with questions or concerns. An will be sent at the beginning of the school year with details as to how to reach staff. PARENT -TEACHER CONFERENCES The staff will be in continuous contact with parents. Formal parent/teacher conference are scheduled on the calendar. Our philosophy is one of open communications with parents. Conference Dates: October 30 th, 2017 & March 19, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. EMERGENCIES Parents must provide the school with emergency contact information. In case of emergency, it is our procedure to call 911 first, and then parent/guardian. Regarding weather emergencies, the Yeshiva follows the school-closing decisions issued by the Beachwood City school district.

11 Page11 KASHRUS DINING POLICY Students are required to bring their own meals each day, and they will be provided time each day for breakfast and lunch. TECHNOLOGY-ELECTRONIC DEVICES The school environment should be free of distractions for students to fully engage in their learning. Students may not bring any electronic devices, except cell phones or ipods, to school. Students must leave their cell phones and ipods in the designated area, in the office at the beginning of the school day, and they can pick them up on their way out at the end of the day. Any time sensitive phone calls can be made from the office during a break or as needed in the event of emergency. COMPUTER AND INTERNET USE Students will be provided with computers to be used in class and study halls for school purposes only. Direct supervision is required. The students are responsible for the care of their own devices. Parents are responsible for any damage caused by their student to the school computers; students who access in appropriate material online will be prohibited from in-school use. PROHIBITED ITEMS The following items may not be brought to school: matches, cigarette lighters, knives or other dangerous items. Bicycles, skateboards, roller blades and other sports equipment may not be used inside the building. MEDICATIONS All medications will be administered by the school administration. If a medication was prescribed by a doctor, a doctor s note must accompany prescribed medication as to the dosage and time to be given. Parents will need to sign a medical release form to administer medicines such as over the counter drugs in school.

12 Page12 GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOL BEHAVIOR The purpose of a school is to offer a positive learning environment conducive to rigorous academic study; the YHSC community is committed to maintaining and supporting a classroom atmosphere that gives every student the opportunity and right to learn. Students should arrive to classes prepared to learn and avoid all forms of disruptive and distracting behavior. Student Expectations: 1) Arrive on time to class 2) Have all necessary supplies and materials 3) Work on appropriate class material during assigned class-time 4) Respond promptly and courteously to inquiries from faculty 5) No food or drinks (except bottle of water with a lid/cap) in classrooms 6) Do not bring valuable personal items or cash to school; YHSC is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. DISMISSAL POLICY There are several categories of poor behavior which can result in the immediate and permanent dismissal of a student from YHSC. Incidences of these behaviors will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, but permanent dismissal from the Yeshiva should be considered the likely outcome for: 1. Multiple occurrences of disrespectful behavior toward members of the faculty. 2. Stealing 3. Inappropriate language 4. Damaging or defacing the property of others and/or school property 5. Harassing, intimidating, or physically or mentally harming others including online/social media from on or off campus 6. Entry into unauthorized areas without permission 7. Any form of Academic Misconduct: Cheating, plagiarism, etc. 8. Any behavior that may cause a Chillul Hashem, or that may bring discredit to the school and the Torah values it represents SPECIAL EVENTS The Yeshiva might occasionally organize field trips and special events. The school may call on parents to help with these events. Field trip forms will be sent at the beginning of the school year for your written permission. As field trips are planned parents will be notified in written form.

13 Page13 SIGNATURE PAGE TO BE RETURNED TO YHSC I (PARENTS NAME), HAVE READ THE YESHIVA HIGH SCHOOL OF CLEVELAND HANDBOOK AND HAVE GONE OVER THE HANDBOOK WITH MY SON, (NAME). I UNDERSTAND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SCHOOL. I WILL TURN IN ANY FORMS DUE TO THE SCHOOL BEFORE THE START OF SCHOOL. PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE: DATE: