AL-ARQAM SCHOOL WWW.ALARQAMSCHOOL.ORG 2018-2019 Parent Orientation Saturday Sep. 8th, 2018 Abeer Odeh Abushama 1
Agenda: Welcome and Introduction School Overview: Abeer Abushama Quran Department: Samar Haron Arabic Department: Hala Jamal Islamic Studies Department: Sarah Mohamed PTA and Volunteering Conclusion / Q& A School Tour 2
Al-Arqam School Al-Arqam is a supplemental school that offers students an equal education in Arabic, Quran, and Islamic Studies that is offered at other full time Islamic schools. Two day School, Fridays and Sundays Teaches four subjects: Quran, Tajweed, Arabic and Islamic Studies 3
Al-Arqam School Al-Arqam was founded in March, 2000 by Br. Ahmed Dwidar and Sr. Azza Fahmi. It started with one class, 4 students and two teachers. Currently, Al-Arqam school has 19 classes, over 250 students, a committee, a principal, three head teachers, about 40 teachers, one office manager, PTA, and babysitter 4
Vision We are dedicated to educate and inspire all students to: Love the Deen of Allah Develop the Islamic Character Gain knowledge and act upon it through deep understanding of Aqedah 5
Mission Teach Islamic Character Focus on Quran and Arabic Provide Islamic Education Provide a Unique Weekend School Example 6
Governance The Committee: board@alarqamschool.org Br. Asim Khan (Chairman) Br. Ahmad Itani Br. Ahbaid Gaffoor Responsible for: School Policies and Procedures Long term planning School account is managed by the MCA Controller and the MCA 7 Treasury.
Communication Muntazim system: https://mohid.co/muntazim Log in and update information School files, homework assignments, grades, tuition, etc Dismissal and withdrawal through office only 8
Communication School Website: www.alarqamschool.org Email Addresses: Principal: principal@alarqamschool.org Office Manager: admin@alarqamschool.org Board: board@alarqamschool.org Bimonthly Newsletter: Please send your contributions to Al-Arqam Proud page! Phone Number: 408-727-7277 ext 401 9
Calendar 10
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Classroom Schedule 12
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Floor Plan 14
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Notes Regarding the Floorplan Every Friday, room #27 will be used by GIS for their after school extended care program. Class 1D will move to room # 4 every Friday Layout due to GIS class distribution Room numbers will be installed next week 16
Book List 17
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Notes Regarding the Booklist Beginner Arabic books can be purchased from the office ($20 each) All other books can be purchased from the MCA Bookstore 19
Operations and Policies Overview 20
Arrival/ Tardiness Good Arrival Times: Arrive by 12:15pm on Sundays Arrive by 4:15pm on Fridays Tardy: Arriving after 12:35pm on Sundays Arriving after 4:35pm on Fridays Student must have a tardy permission slip to join the class late Miss the first period if 15 minutes late: Sundays 12:45 Fridays 4:45 Students have to wait in the office for next period 21
Classroom Interruption Parents are not allowed to interrupt or delay the class period. Discuss your child s concerns when teacher is available outside of the classroom hours and not at drop off or pick up time. Early Dismissal: Parents sign the student out and wait for him/her in the office. 22
Prayer Time Sunday: Duhr prayer time (2:20 p.m.) (subject to change) Friday: Asr prayer time (5:25 p.m.) (subject to change) Level 2-Level 7 pray jamaa every Friday and Sunday. Each Sunday, one beginner level class and one level 1 class pray jamaa Volunteers supervise students for Wudu. Teachers accompany students for Salah in Women s Prayer Hall Teachers and Volunteers make the transitions between Salah and class as short as possible. Students lead Salat (Imam) and Athkar and Duaa before and after Salat Students return to their classes with their teachers. 23
Prayer Time/ Reminders Discuss continuously importance of being respectful to Prayer Hall and Salat time Shoes with no laces please! Personal hygene! Follow dress code (Refer to Student Handbook) Girls 11 and up should wear hijab to school No shorts for boys 11 and up Hijab for all girls to wear at Salat time Modest Clothes 24
Lunch Break Lunch Options Pack a home lunch. Buy from cafeteria Subscribe to PTA lunch ($110 for the whole year) During Lunch: Students may be at the playground or having lunch in the cafeteria. Volunteers supervise students After Lunch: Students line-up next to their classroom door at 3:20pm Students are not allowed in the class without adult supervision 25
Classroom Discipline Teachers use a Student Reward System to encourage and motivate students. Teachers use student evaluation notebook to evaluate and assist struggling students. If these strategies are not enough, the student is sent to the office to sign a student behavior contract. If unacceptable behavior, absenteeism, tardiness, incomplete homework and class disturbance continues, parents are notified for a parent teacher conference. 26
Classroom Discipline Cell phone use is absolutely prohibited inside classrooms. Students are not allowed to bring toys to school. In case of violation, items (including cell phones) will be taken away by the teacher and sent to the office. Items will only be returned to a parent/guardian Please refer to the student handbook for more details 27
Dismissal School ends. Sundays: 5:15 pm Fridays: 6:45 pm Teachers dismiss students only to parents or guardians ( except students allowed to be dismissed by themselves). Early dismissal must be authorized by the office. Students to take all possessions before leaving school premises. Teachers escort students whose parents were more than 10 minutes late to the baby sitting room ($15 charge/child/hour) 28
PARENTS RESPONSIBILITIES Drop off and pick up students on time Update your information and emergency contacts Make sure your child has all books and school supplies every time they come to school Make sure your child clothes are in compliance with the school s dress code Check to make sure your child finishes his/her homework Stay in touch with your child s teachers and follow up when teachers have concerns about the student s performance Do your volunteer hours Go over the student handbook with your child Be involved We want to hear from you! 29
Head Teachers Duties To provide teachers with biweekly mini workshops throughout the school year to advance their teaching practices Evaluate teachers throughout the school year and provide them with the effective feedback that helps them to continue in their area(s) of strengths and to improve in their area(s) of growth To be in charge of their department events Meet with parents and teachers to discuss students issues Attend biweekly meeting with the principal/ school planning To help the principal during Salah and school events 30
Quran Department 31
QURAN DEPARTMENT
Quran Family Teacher Level Sr. Samar Haron Quran & Tajweed Head Teacher Sr. Sallouha Bejaoui Beginner A & Beginner C Sr. Samia Ziadeh Beginner B & Beginner D Sr. Sawsan Basyoni 1A & 1C Sr. Reem Mazi 1B & 1D Sr. Dina Abutaleb 2A & 2C 2B & 2D Sr. Ayah Falaha 3A & 3C Sr. Sahar Khalil 3B Sr. Zineb Nait Mohamed 5A & 5B Sr. Nabila Ansari Level 6 Sr. Iman Alsabbagh Level 7
Quran Curriculum Level Beginner Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Quran Curriculum Al-Fatiha; An-Nas At-Takathur Al-Qari ah Al-Shams Al-Balad Al-Burooj Al-Inshiqaq An-Nazi at Level 4 ------------------------------------------------------------ Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Al-Mursalat Al-Muzzammil Al-Jinn Al-Haqqah Al-Qalam; Al-Mulk
Tajweed Curriculum Beginner Level 4-12 Level 1 13-33 Level 2 34-53 (ظ ذ ث) - Tongue Letters (أ د ذ ز ر و) - Non-connected Letters - Hard Letters (Tafkheem) - Hams Letters - Qalqala Letters - Ghunnah with Noon and Meem Mushaddada - Kasra & Damma Sounds - Review of all previous rules - Shaddah - Laam Shamsiyyah - Laam Qamariyyah - Laam in the name of Allah (SWT) - Raa with Fat ha, Damma, & Kasra (Hard or soft) - Review of all previous rules - Madd Silah - Rules of Raa with Sukoon (Hard or soft) - Basic interpretation of Ith haar
Level 3 54-73 - Review of all previous rules - Basic interpretation of Idghaam - Characteristics of Sukoon - Leen Letters Level 4 Level 5 74-89 - Review of all previous rules - Basic interpretation of Ikhfaa & Iqlaab Level 6 90-102 - Review of all previous rules - Exceptions of Rules of Raa Level 7 103-108 - Review of all previous rules
Classroom Expectations Students need to bring their own Quran to EVERY class Please use a name tag and write the student s name on the cover Attendance is important. Skipping class causes uneven memorization, especially for the lower levels The curriculum is designed based on observation of the levels of most students. Some students may be at a higher or lower level It should not be expected that all students finish memorization in class
Tutoring Al-Arqam School provides tutoring for students who need extra practice Tutoring takes place during Quran or Tajweed class One-on-one meeting with tutor The Quran teacher determines which students need tutoring Our department tutor this year is Sr. Nadia Volunteer parent tutors are always welcome
Daily Routine in Class In class: Students learn new Ayat and review the previous ones Students recite in groups as well as individually to ensure proper memorization Teachers encourage the students to memorize in class (as much as possible) Students learn the general meanings of the Ayat Students study the Tajweed rules in the Ayat
At Home Students are encouraged to listen to the new Ayat every day and review the old Ayat at home There is no written homework for Quran or Tajweed The teacher will keep parents up to date on what students are learning in class It is recommended to listen to Sheikh Abdul-Basit Abdul-Samad or Sheikh Mahmoud Khalil Al-Hussary using any of the following Quran websites: http://tanzil.net http://www.houseofquran.com/
Tests & Quizzes There will be a Quran recitation quiz after every Surah There will be two major exams (Midterm and Final) for Quran and Tajweed throughout the year (Oral and Written): The Midterm will be on Sunday, January 13 th The Final will be on Sunday, May 12 th
Quran Day Quran Day is a day when students have the opportunity to display what they have learned in class by reciting a portion of the Quran curriculum It will take place on: April 7 th : Beginners Level 2 April 14 th : Level 3 Level 7
Arabic Department 43
Arabic Language Family Orientation 2018-2019
Arabic Department Team Hala Jamal Head Teacher Eman Q. Beginner Huda Beginner Salima Level 1 Shifea Level 1 Adalah Level 2 Hiyam Level 2 Asma Level 3 Malayeen Level 3 Hala B. Level 5 Weeam Level 6 Sallouha Level 7 27
Arabic Emphasis and Strategy Emphasis: Vocabulary building Reading and comprehension, stories Dictation and proper pronunciation Conversation Grammar and sentence structure Goals: To understand the meanings and teachings of the Holy Quran To be able to communicate well in Arabic To develop the language skills such as: Listening Speaking Reading Writing
Arabic Emphasis and Strategy Parent s role is to assist teachers by: Ensuring that their child comes to school on time Going over the homework Ensure their child maintains attendance to prevent falling behind Inform the office and the teacher with your new contact information Inform the office one month ahead before you drop your child from the school 29
Arabic Emphasis and Strategy Homework Policy: Homework is to be checked at home on Sunday and Friday and expected to be back in the following class. Homework should not take more than 30 minutes of your child s time. Homework will cover what was taught in the class during that day/week. Parent should not complete homework for child. Student should try to read as much assigned stories as possible throughout the week. PLEASE write your child s teacher a note if your child was not able to do the homework by him/herself 29
Arabic Emphasis and Strategy Communication: Reach teacher for any concerns Reach the Head Department Reach the principle Parents-Teacher conferences Tests and Progress Report: Arabic teachers will administer exams and assign projects for each unit this year. Arabic midterms will take place on 01/20/2019. Parent-teacher conferences will be held on 02/03/2019 to ensure parents are involved with their children s progress. Final exams will be on 05/19/2019.
Arabic Emphasis and Strategy Strategy: Spelling words Reading stories Conducting plays Participating in class dialogues Hands-on activities 32
Arabic Curriculum Beginner level will use لغتي الحبيبة textbook and workbook. Level 1: اآلفاق العربية المستوى األول textbook and workbook. Level 2: اآلفاق العربية المستوى الثاني textbook and workbook. Level 3: اآلفاق العربية المستوى الثالث textbook and workbook. Level 5: األفاق العربية المستوى الخامس textbook and workbook. Level 6: اآلفاق العربية المستوى السادس textbook and workbook. Level 7: اآلفاق العربية المستوى السادس textbook and workbook. It is the same textbook for level 6, and they will read additional articles, poems, and stories. All levels will read Arabic stories as Friday homework. Stories will be discussed in class on Sundays. The school will provide stories to all levels. At the end of each month, there will be a project related to previous lessons and activities Each Sunday, level 1 to level 7 will have a spelling test in class on new vocabulary
Culture Day and Arabic Language Arabic Day is on December 16 th Students will present plays or poems based on their level, and there will be fun activities for students, parents, and teachers to participate in.
Annual Arabic Spelling Bee The Annual Arabic spelling bee is a fun and rewarding extracurricular activity for Arabic language students. We encourage all students to attend this event so they can be motivated to learn Arabic while competing in a fun event with their peers. Round 1 will be on February 10th for all levels, except beginner level. Round 2 will be on February 24 th for all levels, except beginner level and level 1.
Jazakum Allah Khairan Hala Jamal Arabic department hala.jamal@alarqamschool.org
Islamic Studies Department 55
Islamic Studies teachers: Sr. Sarah (Head Teacher) Sr. Mageda Sr. Farhana Sr. Hanan Sr. Nuzhat Sr. Maryam Sr. Nuzhat Sr. Afraa Beginner Level Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7
Islamic Studies Curriculum: The Islamic Studies course covers three areas of study: 1. Beliefs and worship: The students will learn about the six articles of faith and the five pillars of Islam. Students will be introduced to their Islamic rights, and obligations. 2. Islamic history: Students will learn stories about the prophets, stories from the quran, & stories of different companions of Prophet Mohammad (S). 3. Manners and morals: Students will learn about the Islamic code of morals, manners, and ethics. They will be also instructed on wrong actions to be avoided. They will memorize as well some daily duas inshaallah during the year.
How together we achieve our goals? Parents: Needs to help reinforce Islamic Studies ideas through stories and reminders of Allah (SWT). Students: Be reminded that, they are part of the Ummah and have a very large role to play, and it begins with good behavior and deep knowledge. Teachers: Needs to create plans that will engage the students in the material and make it relevant, age appropriate, and action driven.
What should we do to achieve our goals? Parents: Follow up with your children to complete school assignments and discuss what is on their minds. Always remember to be positive and encouraging. Students: Speak up with questions, suggestions, reflections. Be active, be grateful, and always be in remembrance of Allah (SWT). Teachers: Motivate each student to be a better Muslim, person, and learner. Be positive and smile, and improve our students' understanding of Islam.
Islamic Studies Books: Allah Loves me book for Beginner Level.
I love Islam book from Level 1 to 5.
Learning Islam 1 book for level 6, along with other materials the teacher will provide inshaallah.
Level 7 (No text book) they will learn through research & projects. The research will be from books that we have in our school / library, and from the internet inshaallah.
Activities that will be held this year inshaallah: Hajj Simulation ( Sep. 23rd) Islamic Expression (Dec. 2nd) United Fast / Iftar day (Dec. 9th) Islamic Studies Quiz Day (March. 10th, 17th and 24th) Workshops Toastmasters Program Sadaqah Drive Guest Speakers. We are open to new Ideas.
If you have any question please contact me at, sarah.mohamed@alarqamschool.org Jazakum Allah Khayran
Volunteering 68
Volunteering Purpose Strengthen student, school, and parent relationship. Enrich our school with activities Ensure student safety Required 20 hours per family Volunteer hours have to be finished by 5/1/2019 69
Areas of volunteering/ Committed Tasks Photographer Students Certificates Newsletter Room parent ( assistant for each teacher) PTA helper 70
Areas of Volunteering/ Other Tasks Hallway monitoring Fridays and Sundays (5) Lunch supervision Sundays only ( 8 ) Events (Hajj Simulation coming up) Office work Take home tasks Storage for Al Arqam (2) 71
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Door Volunteers Please stay at the assigned doors at all times. If you have to leave your spot for any reason, let other volunteers know and ask them to cover for you Give students tardy slips for the first 15 minutes after school begins Send students who are more than 15 minutes late to the office No parents or students are allowed in hallways when classes are in session. Please stay in your spot and do not take any breaks during lunch. When using a chair from classrooms, please return it back to the same classroom at the end of the school day. Do not allow students to leave school without an adult even if teacher sends them 74
Volunteers Near Bathrooms Please supervise students at the bathrooms at all times. If you have to leave your spot for any reason, let other volunteers know and ask them to cover for you Make sure that the students do not waste time. Help the students during Wudu to speed up the process. Do not go inside the bathroom unless there is an emergency Please stay in your spot and do not take any breaks during lunch. 75
Lunch Volunteers Please meet PTA members outside at 2:30 You will be given a vest and assigned a spot Please stay attentive and remember you are in charge of students in your spot After lunch please check the area for students and return items students forgot to lost and found Return vest and record your hours 76
School Events 77
Policy for Missing Hours $25 for each missing hour after 5/1 78
Volunteering Reminders Please take your tasks seriously, we count on you!!! If you would like to cancel your signup, please do so as soon as possible Add date/time to your calendar or take a picture of sign up sheet During lunch all volunteers should be in their spots. Please do not take a break during lunch Please remember to record your volunteer hours in the binder in the office (Check Children s names as we have many families with the same name) No babysitting for volunteer parents Please pick a task that matches your time and interest We hope you will enjoy your time with us! 79
PTA 80
Al-Arqam PTA Began in 2012 Lunch every Sunday Gifts for events and throughout the year ( rewards) Year book and calendar Spirit days winner prizes Email Address: 2alarqampta@gmail.com 81
Support the PTA Donations Buy the Year book Buy the Calendar Buy Lunch Volunteer with PTA 82
PTA Members Magda Turshani ( President) Afraa Abdul_Razak Tahani Sury Nachida Hedroug 83
Jazakum Allah Khairan!! Abeer Odeh Abushama principal@alarqamschool.org 84