Hebrew School Parent Handbook

Transcription

1 Hebrew School Parent Handbook And You Shall Teach Them to Your Children COMPILED BY CORY CHARGO DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

2 Contents A Message from the Education Director Page 1 Educational Mission and Philosophy Page 2 A Message from the Education Committee Page 3 Family Involvement - A Holy Partnership Page 5 Staff List Page 6 Academic Calendar Page 7 Schedule of Educational Programs Page 8 Educational and Religious Programs for Children and Families Hebrew School One and Two Day Programs Page 9 Hebrew School Customized Learning Family Education B nai Mitzvah Program Page 10 Shul and School Programs Madrichim (Student Assistant) Program Special Services by Grade Page 11 Tot Shabbat Friday Night Musical Shabbat Hebrew School Curriculum Goals Overview by Subject Page 12 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade Elementary Grades PreK through Grade 1 Sunday Page 13 Grades 1 through 3 Wednesday Page 14 Grades 2 through 3 Sunday Grades 4 through 5 Page 16 Middle School Grades Grades 6 through 7 Page 19 Specials Art, Music, and Technology Page 21 The Mitzvah of Tzedakah Page 22

3 Contents (Continued) Policies Drop-off and Pick-up Page 23 Attendance Late Arrivals & Early Departures Homework & Testing Progress Reports & Conferences Classroom Visits Page 24 School Closings Page 25 Snacks Rights and Expectations Page 26 Basic Do s and Don ts Page 27

4 A Message from the Education Director A Message from the Education Director Dear Parents, I am pleased to serve as Congregation Gesher Shalom s Director of Education. We have a very talented teaching staff in place for this academic year. They bring years of experience and are passionate about transmitting Jewish commitment and values to your children. TheShulhan Aruch, a Halakhic (Jewish Law) code, states that the role of the teacher is so important that there remains a place for them in the Olam Haba, the world to come. We hold our teachers here in equal esteem. We are continuing to offer a One-Day program option on Sundays. Wednesdays offer our students an opportunity to receive an extra Jewish studies subject along with an advanced Hebrew language class. One-Day and Two-Day students will learn together on Sundays. Hebrew Langue will be grouped according to ability with social and developmental considerations always being a factor as well. Our Israel Curriculum is offered in grades two, three and five. The latter is more web-based. We will continue our relationship with a Nahariya school in order to strengthen the bond we have with our sister city. Of course Israel is woven into the fabric of the Hebrew School throughout the year for all of our students. In addition to the classroom, we are offering our popular Shul and School program several times throughout the year, along with our exciting Family Education programs. We will be emphasizing more experiential learning this year and will be going on additional field trips. Our special focus this year will be on Judaism and the Environment. Our first one will be on Sunday, September 22 when we will be meeting with the Rabbi at 11:30 parents and students for a special Sukkot service followed by a Pizza lunch in the Sukkah (Pizza in the Hut). Read the weekly electronic Newsletter, HaShavua, so that you will be able to keep up with all of our offerings. Please look over the calendar to get a nice overview and take the time to stop in to see me. I look forward to spending another meaningful year with your children. B Shalom, Cory Chargo, LCSW, MARE Director of Education 1

5 Congregation Gesher Shalom s Educational Mission and Philosophy Educational Mission Congregation Gesher Shalom (CGS) believes that any Jewish person is entitled to a Jewish Education. To that end, we offer many creative educational opportunities. No matter what abilities a person may have or what stage in becoming Jewishly literate he/she may be, Congregation Gesher Shalom strives to meet their educational needs. Indeed, no Jew shall be left behind. Educational Philosophy All people learn in their own unique way. Congregation Gesher Shalom provides a solid graded curriculum for children from pre-kindergarten through grade seven. In addition, CGS strives to create the right educational program that best meets the needs of the learner. CGS employs a group of skilled educators who take seriously their task of educating the Jewish child and his/her family. Our educators use the latest teaching methodologies and technology, which are combined with their natural abilities to engage their learners. Through continued communication, CGS educators keep parents informed about the educational experience. Through regular creative opportunities, families are invited to participate in sophisticated family programs that allow adults and children to learn together. CGS is there to educate the entire family. Congregation Gesher Shalom believes that Hebrew decoding and comprehension skills are paramount to becoming Jewishly literate. This opens the door to Jewish prayer and text study which traditionally have been the cornerstones of Jewish study. In addition, CGS believes in teaching how to live as a Jew in the twenty-first century including being ethical, experiencing Jewish life cycle events, celebrating the holidays, and learning about and internalizing Jewish values. CGS promotes a love of Israel. CGS believes that Jewish Education for the entire family promotes Jewish continuity. 2

6 A Message from the Education Committee Dear Parents, Welcome to the Gesher Shalom school year. My name is Ronit Slotky and I am the Chair of the Education Committee. We strongly believe that Jewish education should be part of our children s environment even when they are not in Hebrew School and that being part of a community is as important as learning Hebrew and prayers. In order to create this environment and to make the coming school year even more exciting than before, we introduced a few changes in the program. These changes will bring families and friends together during Tefillah, Field trips, and more. I hope that you and your family will take part in these activities and we would love to hear how this creative scheduling/curriculum works for you and your child. Here are some of the highlights to keep in mind and put in the calendar: Shabbat Family Services! Our Family Services continue this year due to the success of last year. Each grade will be featured two times a year, but all families are encouraged to join every time. Each Service has a special theme and learning activity. Check out this section in this handbook to learn more about these special days. Please make note of the family services that have been scheduled for each grade. September 15 th Sukkot Events Come at 10:30 am to help decorate the Sukkah. September 22 nd Join your children at 11:30 for a short service with the Rabbi followed by Pizza in the Sukkah after. November 3rd Join us for our Holiday Boutique!! Also our synagogue will be a Mitzvah Day site. November 24th Pre-Chanukah Hebrew School Party November 27 th Chanukah Community Menorah lighting. March 16 th Purim Carnival. April 13 th Passover Model Seder during Hebrew School. To communicate with you and keep you posted on all the exciting activities and the regular programs: Our class parents will be reaching out to families as needed. Please volunteer to be a class parent! Cory will continue his weekly HaShavua newsletter and you will receive regular classroom updates from your children s teachers. Don t forget to check your child s folder! Additionally, we will be offering a few youth group experiences for your opportunity for the children to spend time together and get to know each other. Although we understand that everybody has a crazy schedule, we hope that you will encourage your child to participate in these fun activities. We can always help you with carpool arrangements! We encourage you to get involved with the Hebrew School - help out at the boutique or Purim carnival, speak with your child's teacher about sharing your (or a grandparent's) talents with their class, sign up to be a class parent - the possibilities are endless. Think about joining one of the Congregation s committees - membership, events, ritual, and more. If at any time you feel that you would like to be involved or simply want to express an opinion, we urge you to contact any member of the Committee or Cory Chargo directly. We must work as a team, and lead by example, to ensure that children continue along the path of Jewish literacy. Ronit Slotky 3

7 A Message from the Education Committee (Continued) The Education Committee Ronit Slotky, Chair Hannah Atlas Lisa Cohen Steve Cohen Simcha Hausman Marvin Josif Eve Kohut Anita Krauss Arie Levi Stephanie Levi Elise Rosen Alan Stern Susan Vardy 4

8 Family Involvement A Holy Partnership Family Involvement - A Holy Partnership Jewish Education is a partnership. It is a unique and holy relationship between home and school, between parents, children, and teachers. We believe that synagogue and school are both important aspects of a child s Jewish learning experience. In our school, we will do our part to make our educational program the best it can be. Parents will receive regular communication from teachers. Midyear and year-end report cards, and the opportunity for conferences, are only some of the ways of letting you know what is happening with the children. Another aspect of a child s Jewish education is the home perhaps the most central and influential arena in a child s development as a Jewish individual. The skills and appreciations students learn in school must be reinforced in the home or they will have little, if no, meaning for the child. We therefore encourage discussions, shared observances and learning experiences and celebration of Jewish life with family and friends at home. Through these efforts we hope to develop a true home-school partnership. Together we can fulfill the mitzvah of v shinantam l vanekha - you shall teach them to your children. How? Make sure you read the weekly electronic newsletter, HaShavua which has all programmatic and educational events both as a part of the Hebrew School and the synagogue at large. Check your child s backpack regularly for communications from teacher s noting updates, curricular developments, programs and homework assignments. To help complete this partnership, parent s can take cues from the school s information and follow up appropriately with their child(ren). When a holiday is approaching, parents can check for the particulars that are being learned and ask what the child can do at home for the upcoming celebration. When asked to participate in a class project, enthusiastic involvement from parents will mean a great deal to the child - making him or her feel that Hebrew School and the things learned here are valuable. 5

9 Staff List 1. Cory Chargo, Director of Education 2. Rabbi Kenneth Stern, 3. Cantor Paul Zim, 4. Zeeva Sklar, PreK through Grade 1 Sun. and Grades PreK-3 Wed. zeevasklar@aol.com 5. Miriam Leider, Grades 2-3 Sun. and Wed. Grades Peninah Pick, Grade 4-5 Sun. and Wed. morahpep@yahoo.com 7. Deborah Yucht Bejar, Grades 4-7 Sun. debbie@bejar.us 8. Myra London, Grades 6-7 Sun. and 4-7 Wed. myralondon8@gmail.com 9. Cory Chargo, Grade 7 Sun. teacher cory@geshershalom.org 10. Mary Lou Posten, Hebrew School Assistant religiousschool@geshershalom.org 6

10 Academic Calendar 7

11 Schedule of Educational Programs Pre-Kindergarten-Grade 1-Sunday 9:00-9:45 Period I 9:45-10:30 Period II 10:30-11:00 Recess/Snack 11-11:50 Period III 11:50-12:00 Pack and clean Grades 2-7-Sunday And One-Day Program 9:00-9:50 Period I 9:50-10:40 Period II 10:40-11:10 T fillah/snack 11:10-12:00 Period III 12:00 Depart Grades 1-7-Wednesday 4:00-4:45 Period I 4:45-5:15 T fillah/snack 5:15-6:00 Period II (Students in grades 1-3 have the option of staying for Period II) Shabbat Mornings (Check the Hebrew School calendar for dates.) 11:00-12:00 Family Services 11:00-12:00 Tot Shabbat 8

12 Educational and Religious Programs for Children and Families Hebrew School One-Day Per Week Program - Sun 9am - 12pm Hebrew language fundamentals Jewish customs, holidays, Jewish history, prayers, ethics, and values Bible study Family education Hebrew School Two-Day Advanced Program - Wed 4pm - 6pm; Sun 9am - 12pm The full curriculum of our One-Day Program PLUS Advanced Hebrew language In-depth study of Jewish prayer and an additional Jewish Studies class. Hebrew School Customized Learning (choose from 3 program options) Hebrew School At Home private instruction, choice of 1 or 2 days per week; OR Private instruction at school, choice of 1 or 2 days per week; OR Personalized curricula and methods for students with individual learning requirements Family Education As mentioned, we strive to educate the whole family. Hence we offer a number of opportunities when we bring together families to learn, celebrate, and experience Jewish customs. These learning opportunities are family services, field trips, and our Shul and School programs. 9

13 Educational and Religious Programs for Children and Families (Continued) B nai Mitzvah Program The process of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is exciting not only for the individual young adult, but for the entire family and community. Through our skilled staff, CGS will prepare anyone for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, no matter what stage in the process they are entering. One path toward this goal is to be a part of our Hebrew School from an early age, as this will naturally provide the student with the necessary skills to become a B nai Mitzvah. However, CGS is committed to creating alternative paths if that best meets the needs of the individual. The CGS B nai Mitzvah program team consists of the Education Director, our Tutors, the Rabbi and the Cantor who all join with the Bar or Bat Mitzvah and his/her family to map out the path toward this highly spiritual life cycle event. For questions about this, please contact the Education Director at or at cory@geshershalom.org. There will be an informative Parent meeting on Sunday, November 17th from 11:00 am to noon for families who will have a Bar/Bat Mitzvah through June Shul and School Programs There are several days throughout the school year when regular school sessions are cancelled due to specific holidays. Congregation Gesher Shalom sees these times as wonderful learning opportunities for the entire community. Therefore we bring together students, families and the entire congregation for special programs. The goal is that the entire Congregation Gesher Shalom community will learn together. -Sunday, September 22 -Sunday, April 13 Special Sukkot ceremony followed by a Pizza Lunch in the Sukkah 11:30 am. Family Model Seder-Hebrew School 10:30am-noon(No Regular Hebrew School Madrichim (Student Assistant) Program Once students have completed the seventh grade program, they are invited to become aides in the classroom. They are extremely helpful to our teachers and reinforce learning by working with students in small groups or one-on-one. 10

14 Prayer Opportunities for Hebrew School Families Special Services by Grade Congregation Gesher Shalom promotes families coming together for unique prayer experiences. Students spend classroom time studying a certain theme and then two times a year come together with their families for a prayer service dedicated to them, and in which the children have a special role. You are expected to work with the students in preparing for these special services. Teachers help prepare students with various prayers and the Ed Director leads the specific themes and the services themselves. These Family theme services take place on the following dates Attendance at all Friday evening and Saturday morning services is recorded by students placing their name card located in the lobby into the adjacent attendance box. Tot Shabbat Congregation Gesher Shalom reaches out to children of all ages and families at all stages. It meets the same dates as the Family Services listed above. Once or twice a month, join us for a creative Shabbat morning experience dedicated to small children and their parents. Tot Shabbat offers an age appropriate musical prayer experience for infants and toddlers and their parents. Of course children of all ages are welcome to join us. When ever there is a Family Service above, there will also be a Tot Shabbat service. Friday Night Musical Shabbat Grades PreK/1 Grades 2/3 Sept. 21 Dec. 7 Jan. 4 March 29 April 5 Grades 4/5 Grades 6/7 Oct. 26 Feb. 1 Miscellaneous Family Services Music is well said to be the speech of angels (Thomas Carlyle) Congregation Gesher Shalom realizes the value of music and how it aids in the expression of prayer. We are fortunate to have such a renowned musician in our Cantor! Cantor Paul Zim and our own Rabbi Stern offer a spiritual musical journey as they welcome in Shabbat one Friday per month. Join us for this traditional and modern creative musical Shabbat experience. Check the calendar for relevant dates. Requirement: Attendance at 10 Services throughout the year. Nov. 23 Mar. 1 May 9 Friday night Siddur Ceremony All School April 26 Alumni Family Service in main sanctuary and Tot Shabbat 11

15 Hebrew School Curriculum Goals-Overview by Subject Hebrew Language By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, in both the One- and Two-Day Programs, he/she will be able to read fluently, have a working prayer vocabulary, and be able to identify relevant items in Modern Hebrew. Torah/Bible By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, he/she will be familiar with the basic stories of the Tanach, know in depth the structure of the Tanach, understand critically both Genesis and Exodus, and find personal relevance in the Biblical text. T fillah/prayer By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, in both the One and Two-Day Programs, he/she will be familiar with the various prayer services, be able to lead services with confidence, know the meaning of the prayers, and have found some personal meaning in the act of praying. Shabbat and Holidays By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, in both the One and Two-Day Programs, he/she will be knowledgeable of both the Jewish Holidays and the Israeli national holidays. He/ she will be able to celebrate each enthusiastically and with confidence. Jewish Ethics and Values By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, he/she will learn about and internalize the many wonderful attributes about being Jewish. Students will learn that being Jewishly ethical is a deep commitment that is steeped in our texts and traditions. Students will grapple with many of the dilemmas that face the Jewish people and will apply critical thinking skills. Israel By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, he/she will love Israel, be familiar with the historical and modern connection that the Jewish people have to Israel, be knowledgeable of the history of ancient and modern Israel, and will establish personal connections with Israeli peers. Jewish History By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, he/she will have gained a sense of where they personally fit into the Jewish time-line. Students will learn about the Biblical period through the Rabbinic period as well as the history of modern and ancient Israel. Rabbinics By the time a CGS student finishes Grade 7, he/she will be familiar with a variety of Rabbinic texts, and generally know their content and their sources. Students will have studied some texts more in depth and be prepared for further study if this is what they wish. 12

16 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade Curriculum Objectives by Grade Sunday Class - PreK through Grade 1 Our youngest students enter the Gesher Shalom Hebrew School in Pre-Kindergarten and remain in the class through Grade One. What follows are the specific classes that your child will experience on Sundays from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm along with the learning objectives. Celebrating Holidays and Shabbat Students will celebrate all of the holidays listed below. Students will learn key concepts related to the holidays Students will do projects related to each of the following holidays: High Holidays, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Chanukkah, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, Shabbat I m Learning Hebrew! Students will be able to identify letters and differentiate them from each other. Students will begin to learn the sounds associated with Hebrew letters Students will learn associated Hebrew words that connect with the letters. Students will begin to blend multiple Hebrew letters and vowels. Fun with Bible Stories! Students will gain an appreciation for the Bible and its content. Students will identify with the Bible stories as their own personal history. Students will focus on stories related to: Creation, Jonah and the Great Fish, Adam and Eve, Noah, The Tower of Babel, Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, Baby Moses, Let My people go, Moses on Mt Sinai, Samson, Ruth and Naomi, David and Goliath, Solomon the Wise King I Love Israel! Students will learn that Israel is the Jewish State Students will feel positive and a sense of awe about Israel Students will create art projects related to Israel I Like To Pray Students will learn how to do a Chanukat HaBayit Students will learn how to hang a Mezuzah Students will make a Mezuzah Students will learn Brachot over bread, fruit, wine, and over washing hands. On Wednesdays. Grade 1 has the option of attending a special Hebrew class with some of the older children. 13

17 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Integrated Modern Hebrew Period I Wednesday Class - Grades 1 through 3 Students in grades 1-3 have the option of attending on Wednesdays as well for an Advanced Hebrew class focused more on Modern Hebrew. Using components of a superior curriculum from Israel, called Chalav U Dvash, students are exposed to music, books, puppets and more teaching them about fun Jewish themes including the weekly Parasha. Modern Hebrew is integrated with the following learning areas: Students will understand how the Torah is divided by Parashot. Students will learn about relevant values that can be gleaned from the Torah Students will do activities and projects that reinforce their understanding of each Torah portion studied Students will gain an appreciation for their holy text and enjoy learning about it. Hebrew Enrichment Period II During the second period on Wednesdays, Students will focus more on developing reading skills in Hebrew and applying them to specific prayers. Sunday Class - Grades 2 through 3 Holidays: Introduction to the Jewish Holidays Period I Students will learn the meaning of Shabbat Students will learn specific prayers associated with Shabbat Saturday morning service Students will learn about Shabbat Ritual objects Students will learn blessings and songs associated with home Kabbalat Shabbat. Students will participate in holiday celebrations as they appear on the Jewish calendar. Bible: In the Beginning Period I Students will learn the basic stories found in the book of Genesis Students will engage in a dynamic critical view of the text Students will study the following stories in depth: Creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Tower of Babel, Abraham, The Binding of Isaac, Isaac and Ishma el, Jacob, Joseph, A glimpse into Moses Students will periodically throughout the year learn about real modern areas in Israel along with some Modern Hebrew vocabulary Students will continue to build on their love for Israel 14

18 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Sunday Class - Grades 2 through 3 Hebrew/Prayer Period II Students will be able to identify all Hebrew letters, their sounds, and the vowels. Students will be able to blend letters, decode word families, and read certain key words with comprehension. Students will to learn to decode and write Hebrew script. Students will begin to understand the idea of the Hebrew root. Students will increase their fluency in decoding through the study and experience of prayer mainly through the Brachot Students will learn key prayer words that will move them toward reading comprehension Students will become familiar with some Hebrew grammar prefixes, suffixes, and roots Jewish Ethics and Values: Jewish Life Cycle from Birth to Death Period III Students will learn about the value of birth and how Judaism celebrates this Students will learn about celebrations for Jewish children including Consecration and the B nai Mitzvah ceremony Students will learn about Jewish weddings Students will learn about Conversion Students will learn about how Judaism views aging Students will learn about how Judaism views death 15

19 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Grades 4 through 5 Grades 4 and 5 are combined on Wednesdays and are separated based on ability on Sundays for Hebrew Class. Sunday Class Grade 4 Period I Bible: Quest for Freedom Studying the Book of Exodus Students will study in depth the book of Exodus and learn the layout of the stories Students will imagine what life might have be like as slaves Students will explore ways that we experience metaphorical slavery today Students will study how the Israelites lived in the desert Students will do projects that relate to the experiences of the Israelites in Egypt and after Israel: Modern Israel Explorations Sunday Class Grade 5 Period I Students will explore many aspects of Modern Israel in this new, web-based curriculum Students will learn about how Cultural Arts are expressed in Israel Students will learn about the diversity of the population in Israel Students will learn about Israel s economy Students will learn about Israel s political system Students will learn about conflict and security issues in Israel Students will learn about and appreciate the multiple historical layers of Modern Israel Students continue to build on their love of Israel Hebrew/Prayer Sunday Class Grades 4 through 5 Period II Students will continue their fluency in reading Hebrew with growing comprehension of Hebrew prayers and will be separated according to achievement levels. Students will use the Friday evening and Saturday morning services, as the gateway toward reinforcing Hebrew skills. Students will become familiar with some Hebrew grammar prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Students will be able to write in Hebrew script. Students will reinforce their learning through use of an interactive CD. Students will learn to recite and understand the following prayers: Amida Lecha Dodi Veshamru Shalom Aleichem Students will become more fluent in the weekday morning Shacharit service. Students will familiarize themselves with the afternoon Minchah service. Students will become familiar with the Shabbat morning service 16

20 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Sunday Class - Grade 4 Jewish Ethics/Values: From People to People Period III Students will explore behaviors that promote ethical living from a Jewish perspective Each value that is explored will be exemplified by real live people heroes who personify the value. The following values will be learned in depth: The value of taking care of one s body, the value of always seeking peace--be it between people or nations, the value of guarding one s tongue and speaking kindly to one another, the value of giving Tzedakah and contributing to charities, the value of changing and asking for forgiveness and T Shuvah, the value of being courageous, the value of our connection to Eretz Yisrael, the value of chasing after what is righteous and just, the value of being humble, the value of being honorable, the value of singing and being creative, the value of saving a life. Sunday Class - Grade 5 Jewish Ethics/Values: Doing and Experiencing Mitzvot Period III Students will learn about and do projects that bring to life Mizvot Students will spearhead many Tzedakah projects for the Hebrew School Students will experience the Mitzvah of Ba al Tashchit preserving the Earth Students will experience the Mitzvah of Bikur Holim visiting the sick Students will experience the Mitzvah of Ma achil Re evim feeding the hungry Students will experience the Mitzvah of Pidyon Shvu im redeeming captives Students will experience the Mitzvah of Tza ar Ba alei Hayim showing compassion to animals Students will experience the Mitzvah of Hiddur P nai Zaken esteeming the Elderly Students will experience the Mitzvah of Chesed Shel Emet honoring the dead and comforting mourners. Students will experience the Mitzvah of Hachnasat Orchim welcoming guests 17

21 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Holidays and Life Cycle through Text Period I Wednesday Classes Grades 4 through 5 Students will learn about and experience the Jewish Holidays as they fall on the Jewish calendar Students will study these holidays in depth focusing on the text sources of each holiday Students will make a link between the textual references of the various holidays to how each is celebrated today. Students will learn about the concept of Yom Tov and its restrictions, Melachah, and the fast holidays. The holidays covered include: Rosh HaShanah, Yom Kippur, Succot, Hoshanah Rabbah, Shmini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Chanukah, TuB Shvat, Purim, Pesach, Shavuot, Tisha B Av, Shabbat. Hebrew/Prayer: Advanced Hebrew Period II Students will continue their skill development in Hebrew Students will be combined and then divided according to ability in smaller groups Students will work closely with greater supervision in order to reinforce their learning Students will apply their learning through prayer recitation 18

22 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Grade 6 through 7 Grade 6 is taught by three teachers - one for Hebrew language, one for Bible, and the other for a Jewish Ethics/ Values class. Grade 6 marks the official entrance into preparation for the B nai Mitzvah. The prayers studied relate directly to the ceremony and most students also begin their formal tutoring in preparation for their Simcha. Below are the courses found in Grade 6 on Sunday. Bible: Studying the Prophets I and II Period I Sunday Classes Grade 6 through 7 Students will learn the structure of the Bible, including the content of the Torah, Prophets, and Writings Students will read, Deborah, Jonah, Esther, Elijah, Ezekiel, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Miriam, Nathan, Rahav (Joshua), and Solomon Students will study these texts critically and learn about some of the ancient commentators and their thoughts about specific Biblical verses. Students will be able to explain the basic content of each of the prophets studied Rabbinics: Ethical Dilemmas Period II Fall Students will be able to understand key ethical dilemmas. Students will explore Jewish tradition and text approaches to ethical dilemmas. Students will grapple with and debate important social dilemmas that have ethical questions. Parents will be informed about the learning surrounding the following topics: Jewish Law, Pre-marital sex, Surrogate Parenthood, Lying, Abortion, War and Peace, Obedience to Parents, Dependence vs. Independence. Intermarriage Israel/Holocaust: Period II Winter/Spring Students will learn about the Holocaust from specific narratives of survivors and other famous personalities. Students will learn the historical parameters of the Holocaust Students will learn about anti-semitism. Students will learn about the experiences of individuals who immigrated to Israel Students will learn about life in Israel. Students will consolidate their learning by creating a play that will be performed in the Spring of

23 Hebrew School Course Objectives by Grade (Continued) Curriculum Objectives by Grade (continued) Hebrew/Prayer Period III Students will decode Hebrew fluently Students will learn key vocabulary words from the various prayers Students will learn the Torah Service Students will learn key prayers that will help them with their B nai Mitzvah ceremony Students will be able to serve in various roles within the Torah Service Students will be able to recite and know the meanings of the following prayers: Ashrei, Amida, Aleinu, Kaddish, Ain K eloheinu, Shema u virchoteha, Modeh Ani, Kiddush, VeShamru, Adon Olam, the development of the Siddur, the structure of various prayers service. Wednesday Classes Grades 6 through 7 Jewish History Ancient Israel till the Modern Period Our History curriculum is a two year course from Ancient Biblical time to the establishment of the Modern State of Israel. This year, we will focus on the Ancient Israel. This year. Students will survey Jewish History from the Early Israelites up until the Enlightenment. Students will apply critical thinking to better grapple with the experience of the Jewish people over time. Students will learn about the spirt that led to the various streams of Judaism. Students will study the following eras in Jewish History: The Early Israelites, Hellenism, the Roman period, Rabbinic Judaism, the birth of Christianity, Babylonia, Midieval Europe, Spain in the Middle Ages, and then the forces of the Enlightenment and its impact on Judaism. Hebrew/Prayer: Advanced Hebrew Period II Students will decode Hebrew fluently Students will learn key vocabulary words from the various prayers Students will learn the Torah Service Students will learn key prayers that will help them with their B nai Mitzvah ceremony Students will practice leading prayers with the class and with the other students In addition to Prayer Hebrew, on Wednesdays, students will learn some Modern Hebrew including identifying relevant vocabulary and basic conversations. 20

24 Hebrew School Course Specials - Art, Music and Technology Specials Art, Music and Technology Congregation Gesher Shalom believes that children, and indeed all learners, must be exposed to learning on many different levels. Therefore, we are blessed to have the facilities that promote the teaching of our expansive curricular objectives through creative means. CGS offers the opportunity for students to express themselves through technology, music, and art. Art Congregation Gesher Shalom has a great variety of resources that help reinforce learning in a creative manner. Teachers use art to create various projects that help reinforce our learning objectives through creative means. Our youngest students have a weekly period dedicated exclusively to Jewish Art. Music Congregation Gesher Shalom, in addition to our musical Shabbat and prayer experiences, is fortunate to have a high profile talent in our Cantor. Cantor Paul Zim visits classes frequently and leads songs as they related to various events that fall on the Jewish Calendar. Technology Thanks to the benevolence of a generous donor, CGS is blessed with a state-of-the art computer lab. Teachers take their students to the lab at various times throughout the year in order to do guided research on the internet, view videos, create documents and do activities that support their learning. In addition, GCG has Smart Boards, interactive white boards, donated to us by the Legacy Heritage Foundation, that enhance the learning in the classrooms. 21

25 The Mitzvah of Tzedakah The Mitzvah of Tzedakah Tzedakah is the cornerstone of what it means to be a Jew; the commitment to give of one s possessions to help those who are not as fortunate. The giving of tzedakah is not a choice, but is a mitzvah - an imperative for living in society with others. It is the obligation of every Jew to give tzedakah. The giving of tzedakah righteous giving, is an integral part of our Hebrew School. While we will encourage our students to engage in the fulfillment of many kinds of mitzvot we ask the children to contribute weekly in their classrooms. Unlike other forms of charity we should not give merely when we are able, willing or in the mood. Instead, we should make tzedakah a regular habit. With the help and encouragement of our teachers, the children will decide as a class how they will practice tzedakah, and which worthy organizations will receive their generous donations or for whom they can perform special services. At home, parents can encourage even the youngest children to participate in the fulfillment of this mitzvah. It is better for a child to bring 25 cents each week, then $5.00 once a month. In that way, the child learns that tzedakah is a constant obligation, a way of life, and not a sporadic good deed. Each teacher will be collecting tzedakah at the beginning of each class. Several times throughout the year we determine as a community how these funds should be used to benefit others. 22

26 Policies Drop-off and Pick-up Parents are asked to drop off their children in the lobby of the Hebrew School and not walk their children to the classroom. If there is an emotional need to escort your child to the classroom, please do not hesitate to discuss this with the Education Director. At the end of the day, parents are asked to wait in the lobby where your children and their teacher will meet you. Teachers will only hand off your children to yourselves or to an approved designated person. Attendance Regular attendance in Hebrew School classes is expected of all students. Repeated absence is not only disruptive to your own child s ability to gain a full measure of what the curriculum has to offer, but also disrupts the class continuity and growth. Scheduling of activities that regularly conflict with Hebrew School is not consistent with our educational goals. Encouragement and a positive attitude on behalf of the parent s are of great help in maintaining regular attendance on the part of the student. Late Arrivals & Early Departures Leaving early or arriving late to class is discouraged. It is a disturbance to the class as well as the child. If this is unavoidable, a parent or guardian must personally accompany the child and sign him/ her in or out. A note must accompany any child who will be departing early, and submitted to the teacher upon arrival. A monitor, office staff or the Director will escort the child to/from the classroom. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES MAY A PARENT/GUARDIAN GO TO A CLASSROOM DIRECTLY TO COLLECT OR RETRIEVE A CHILD DURING CLASS TIME. THIS IS A SECURITY ISSUE & THE SAFETY OF YOUR CHILD IS OUR TOP PRIORITY! Parents are expected to ensure that any and all make-up assignments are received and completed by the student before the next session. Homework & Testing While much of the Hebrew School education takes places in the classroom, there is a need for reinforcement of learning and evaluation. Therefore, teachers shall give Hebrew & T fillah homework assignments and assessment testing will take place. Homework and testing will take into account the burden of a dual program of public and Hebrew School. Progress Reports & Conferences Progress reports shall be issued twice during the school year. Reports will reflect class participation, homework, prayer mastery and test scores. Parent Teacher communications will be ongoing, and personal conferences done by request. 23

27 Policies Classroom Visits Classroom Visits We are delighted to have you visit your child s class during the school year! Parents of our younger students are encouraged to come to class and share stories, family traditions, or bring a special talent. Prior arrangements must be made with the school office and child s teacher as to specific dates and times that are most appropriate. ** Please remember, that during this time of heightened awareness of security issues, all visitations must be cleared in advance. This policy will be strictly enforced throughout the school term. (Please also note that these occasions are NOT a time for personal conferences. Make arrangements apart from class time if a conference is needed.) 24

28 Policies School Closings and Snacks School Closings Emergency closings due to inclement weather will be announced via our phone system through One Call Network at least 1 hour prior to school opening. Our Hebrew School will make decisions regarding closings by 2:00pm weekdays or 7:00 am on Sundays. You may also call the Hebrew School s ext. 321 any time after 2:00pm for cancellation information. Cancellations are based on the Fort Lee Schools and Police Department recommendations. Snacks We understand that many of our students are arriving from school with little or no time to grab a much needed snack. Plus, research has shown that children learn better when they are properly sated. For this reason, the Education Committee has asked that each family pay $20.00 per child to cover snacks for the entire year. Staff will make sure students are provided with a healthy snack. Due to the multiple allergies present, Congregation Gesher Shalom is a nut free school meaning that products served neither have nut products in them nor were they prepared in an environment where nuts are present. 25

29 Policies-Rights & Expectations Rights & Expectations Rights The Education Committee of Congregation Gesher Shalom feels that each student has the following rights: The right to learn The right to work together as students and teachers in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding The right to one s personal property The right to be safe Expectations: Students will be ready upon arrival to participate in all class activities and learning. This means having all books, materials and homework. Students are expected to encourage learning Students are expected to behave in a kind and ethical manner toward each other and toward the faculty Students are expected to treat school and personal property with respect Students are expected to treat the synagogue and with respect and awe Boys are expected to wear kippot at all times when in our building, and girls may choose to do so. In order to uphold these standards and expectations we will: Establish classroom rules and expectations on the first day of school and post them inside the classroom. This is called the Brit HaKitah (classroom covenant) Work with parents to make sure that learning and proper behavior is supported at all times 26

30 Policies-Basic Do s & Don ts Basic Do s & Don ts Do check with your child for notices!!! Frequently the children forget to give notices to their parents and important information is not received. Please make sure the school has your current address so that notices can be sent directly. You can also check our website, for current flyers. Do maintain a respectful attitude towards the synagogue, the school, the teachers, and Jewish learning. This includes respectful dress - keeping in mind that the children will be entering the sanctuary for prayers. Do check labels for kosher certification when bringing foods of any kind into the synagogue or classrooms. Don t send foods prepared at home. It s a wonderfully kind gesture, but in an effort to insure kashrut we have to decline! Don t chew gum or eat in the classrooms, hallways, or daily chapel, PLEASE! (except for approved parties, etc.) Do not use cell-phones during class hours. We will gladly transmit any message you need us to- to your child. Please call the school office. DO ARRIVE TO SCHOOL ON TIME WITH A SMILE, PLEASE! 27

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