ENGAGING STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN JEWISH LEARNING AND LIVING

ENGAGING STUDENTS AND PARENTS IN JEWISH LEARNING AND LIVING 5304 RFD * Long Grove, IL 60047 * (847) 634-8380 * www.bethjudea.org 1

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September 2017/ Elul 5777 To The Families of CBJ s Religious School: It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you and your child(ren) to an engaging year of Jewish education at Congregation Beth Judea! Our tradition teaches us Aseh l cha rav uk neh l cha chaver Appoint for yourself a teacher and acquire a friend (Pirkei Avot 1:6). In the spirit of this great lesson, I invite you to find a teacher, a study partner and a friend in Congregation Beth Judea s Religious School. Our learning never ceases and there is always more to what we think we ve already mastered. Congregation Beth Judea s Religious School thrives on a partnership between teachers, parents, students, and professional and lay leaders. Our vision of Jewish education is constantly evolving. We continue to refine our educational standards; we provide our students with the best materials available and we give our teachers support and feedback. We want each and every child to have a personal connection to their Jewish education. We are working as role models and teachers to inspire the next generation of practicing Jews. We want your child(ren) to view Beth Judea as a second Jewish home. We strive to create a caring and nurturing environment. Every space in filled with children learning, singing, praying, and growing together as a community. Our outstanding teachers help bring Judaism to life for our students. But it doesn t end there. We encourage you to attend the Education Committee meetings. The Committee meets at the Synagogue on the second Tuesday evening of each month. We hope that you will become active in the school and take part in the family programs being offered this year. We welcome your suggestions and ideas and look forward to working with you to provide the best Jewish education we can for your children. We hope that this Information Guide is helpful to you during the coming school year. Sincerely, Anna Besser Anna Besser Education VP 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS TITLE PAGE Message from Education Director... 3 School Administration & Contact Information... 5 School Hours.... 5 Mission Statement.... 6 Education Philosophy.... 6 Religious School Curriculum... 7-11 Shabbat Service Attendance... 12 NEW! Junior Congregation... 13 Specialty and Resources.... 14 Beyahad... 14 Family Education... 15 Experiences for Families... 15 Religious School Guidelines.... 16-18 Attendance... 16 Communication... 16 Creating an Environment of Learning... 16 Dismissal Procedures.... 17 Dress Code... 17 Drop Off/Early Pick Up... 17 Due Process Procedure... 17 Homework... 18 Inclement Weather/School Closings... 18 Kallah.... 18 Parent Role... 18 Parent Teacher Communication... 18 Snacks... 18 Visitations/Guests... 18 School Supplies... 19 Class Schedule... 20 School Calendar... 22-22 4

SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION & CONTACT INFORMATION Anna Besser Education Director abesser@bethjudea.org Adele Ennis Secretary schooloffice@bethjudea.org School Office 847-634-8380 FAX 847-634-8055 CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA EDUCATION COMMITTEE The Education Committee acts as an advocate for the educational programs of the school and synagogue. Committee members work closely with Education Director, Education VP and clergy to direct Religious School and Adult learning opportunities. The Education Committee meets on a monthly basis on the 2 nd Tuesday of the month at 8:00 p.m. in Room 2. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOURS Sunday Session Kindergarten Heh 9:00 am 12:00 pm Mid-Week Session Monday evenings Beyahad: Community Jewish High School 8 th 12 th Grade 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Tuesday Aleph Dalet: 3 rd 6 th Grade 4:15 pm 6:15 pm Heh: 7 th Grade 6:15 pm 8:00 pm Junior Congregation Open for all 3 rd 7 th Graders 10:30 am 12:00 pm Please Note: If your child will be late for weekday classes due to the public school dismissal time, please call the school office (847-634-8380) so that the teachers can be notified. 5

MISSION STATEMENT Congregation Beth Judea Religious School s mission is to encourage the desire for lifelong Jewish learning. Educational experiences are designed to nurture personalization of the words of Torah, creating a comfort with Tefillah and cultivating each child s Jewish identity. We strive to develop an awareness of the Jewish people s ongoing connection to the land and people of Israel. Through the learning of Torah, Tefillah, Israel and God, students learn the importance of Gemilut Hasadim (deeds of loving kindness). Appreciating Conservative Judaism as a vehicle for spiritual fulfillment, our students will grow to become responsible, literate young adults contributing to the future of the Jewish people. EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY We, as Jews, are links in a long chain of tradition and history, which has endured for thousands of years, and hopefully, will endure for thousands more. By providing a loving and supportive atmosphere in which our children can study about their heritage, we hope to instill in our students a sense of pride in who they are and a feeling of responsibility and caring for the continuity of the Jewish people. Judaism is a living faith. Conservative Jewish education provides a mixture of facts, concepts, values, and experiences enabling children to deal with their individuality and place in society. Knowledge of Jewish laws and traditions will guide our students to make well-informed personal evaluations and decisions. CBJ Religious School provides a supportive environment where all of our students are respected for their individuality and encouraged to become active participants in a life-long learning process. Our Religious School encompasses Kindergarten through 12 th Grade. During the years here, the students transition at the end of 2 nd Grade and 7 th Grade. Before conducting a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, students must have completed at least five years in an accepted religious school program. Our 8 th through 12 th Grade students participate in Beyahad, a community Jewish High School endeavor involving Congregation Beth Judea, Temple Chai and Congregation Beth Am. Students meet at the Synagogue from 6:30 to 8:30 pm every Monday evening. During the 10 th grade confirmation year, students will meet and study with our Rabbi and Hazzan and participate in the synagogue s Confirmation service, which takes place in May/June. Confirmation is incorporated into Beyahad. 6

CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OVERVIEW Shalom! Welcome to the Congregation Beth Judea Religious School. Here you will find children learning and experiencing Judaism through prayer, study, projects, holiday celebrations and family workshops. Kindergarten Second Grade We strive to instill and encourage a sense of excitement and pride in being Jewish. Through hands-on activities relating to Holiday and Shabbat observances, Jewish symbols, Torah and Mitzvot, students learn what it means to be a Jew through the lens of the home, the family and the synagogue. Jewish values are integrated in everyday lessons. Students are introduced to Hebrew letters, blessings and songs. Our program is designed to engage students in Jewish learning through music, study, drama, arts and much more! Aleph through Heh (3 rd through 7 th Grade) Students are instilled with knowledge, respect and love of elements of the Siddur, Hebrew language, Torah, Jewish rituals and an understanding of God. Prayer during weekday sessions and classroom discussions are occasions to help students develop in their spiritual growth. Hebrew Through Hebrew by Achievement Level, students will learn grade-level prayers at their own pace. Focused on the reading and understanding of a wide variety of prayers, students will learn important synagogue skills that they can use throughout their lifetime. ShalomLearning ShalomLearning is an interactive, Jewish values-based curriculum that helps children develop a positive Jewish identity. It is built on the principle of creating relevancy between a student s secular life and Jewish tradition. By using a Jewish valuesbased curriculum, students acquire important tools and learning skills that provide them with the ability to find relevancy in their life experience today. Rather than being a linear, content focused curriculum, ShalomLearning has a modern, integrated, and holistic approach that is appealing to 21 st century learners. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Heh Class/7 th Grade In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn intensively about Ethics and Values, Holocaust studies and Social Action. 7

KINDERGARTEN Time: Meets once a week for a total of 3 hours per week Hebrew: Begin to build a basic Hebrew vocabulary based on holidays and rituals. Learn Consecration prayers & songs: Shema, Torah Tsiva Lanu Moshe, Shehehianu Holidays: Introduce basic concepts and ritual symbols of Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Sukkot, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Purim and Passover. Torah: Become acquainted with various Torah stories ranging from Creation to the Building of the Mishkan. Explore basic concepts about God including how we talk to God, how we act in God s image, our covenant, Mitzvot and what it means that God is one. Values: Explore basic concepts of Mitzvot, work together to perform Mitzvot and tie their ideas into the Torah component when applicable. Foster a feeling of classroom and synagogue as a community. Tzedakah Honoring our Parents Visiting the Sick Tikun Olam Derech Eretz Feed the Hungry Saving the Earth Guarding Your Tongue Welcoming Guests Kindness to Others Talmud Torah Kindness to Animals Israel: Introduce basic concepts of Israel as the Homeland of the Jewish people. Inspire a love of the land of Israel in students. FIRST GRADE Time: Meets once a week for a total of 3 hours per week Hebrew: Learn names, shapes and sounds of the Aleph-Bet as well as sight-read their names and holiday vocabulary words. Continue to add in prayers and songs when applicable. Holidays: Building on knowledge gained in Kindergarten, students will continue learning concepts of Shabbat and Holidays through stories, arts and crafts, games & activities and songs. Bible: Students will continue learning stories in the Bible; specifically focusing on Moses, The Exodus, Moses on the Mountain, Samson, Ruth & Naomi, David & Goliath, Solomon, The Wise King, and Jonah & the Great Fish. Continue exploration about God including how we talk to God, how we act in God s image, our covenant, Mitzvot and what it means that God is one. Values/Synagogue: Explore the synagogue, the places in it and the people who work there, so as to make the students feel comfortable and welcomed at CBJ. Relate Torah stories as lessons, which can teach us the difference between right and wrong. Put mitzvot into action throughout the year. Foster a feeling of classroom and synagogue as a community. Israel: Study the symbols of the State of Israel and learn basic geography. Inspire a love of the land of Israel in students. 8

SECOND GRADE Time: Meets once a week for a total of 3 hours per week Hebrew: Learn letters and sounds of the Aleph-Bet and be introduced to vowels. Develop decoding skills and begin reading one and two syllable words accurately. Holidays: Study the origins, rituals, songs and celebrations of the holidays. They will focus on the order of the Jewish calendar. Bible: Learn about some of the Heroes/Great Jews of the Bible, including Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Hannah, Rabbi Akiba and Rabbi Hillel. Explore Parshat HaShavuah using stories, role-playing, discussions, and crafts. Begin exploration of God concepts including how we talk to God, how we act in God s image, our covenant, mitzvot and what it means that God is one. Values: Explore Torah stories as lessons, which can teach us the difference between right and wrong. Foster a feeling of classroom and synagogue as a community. Begin exploration of CBJ as a Conservative egalitarian congregation. Israel: Inspire a love of the land of Israel. Study Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and create connection to it. ALEPH THIRD GRADE Time: Meets twice a week for a total of 5 hours per week Hebrew: Through Hebrew by Achievement Level, students will work at their own pace mastering the Aleph-Bet letters and vowels followed by developing phonetic reading skills for accuracy and fluency. Prayers: Shema, Barkhu, Ein Keloheinu, Mi Khamokha, Shalom Aleichem Additional prayers: Kiddush, V Ahavta and Aleinu ShalomLearning is based on seven Jewish values. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Aleph will learn these values through the Family lens. Students will also be engaged in authentic, dynamic Bible study. They will explore the Bible as Jews have done for centuries by pondering, personalizing, and wrestling with the text. Students will work all year on creating their own Torah scroll with synopsis of the stories they ve learned. Shabbat Attendance: During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (see Shabbat Attendance policy for more details) AND participate in a Shabbat Kallah(retreat) for their grade. Kallah Date: Friday, May 4 Saturday, May 5, 2018 Camp Henry Horner, Ingleside, IL 9

BET FOURTH GRADE Time: Meets twice a week for a total of 5 hours per week Hebrew: Through Hebrew by Achievement Level, students will work at their own pace to master prayers and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services. Prayers: Shema & V Ahavta, Kiddush, Aleinu, Introduction to Torah Service Additional prayers: Shema Ehad Gadlu, Etz Hayim, L kha Adonai, Bei Ana, Torah Blessings, Musaf Amidah: Avot V Emahot, Gevurot, Kedusha ShalomLearning is based on seven Jewish values. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Bet will learn these values through the Self lens. Shabbat Attendance: During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (see Shabbat Attendance policy for more details) AND participate in a Shabbat Kallah(retreat) for their grade. Kallah Date: Friday, May 4 Saturday, May 5, 2018 Camp Henry Horner, Ingleside, IL GIMEL FIFTH GRADE Time: Meets twice a week for a total of 5 hours per week Hebrew: Through Hebrew by Achievement Level, students will work at their own pace to master prayers and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services. Prayers: Torah Service: Shema, Ehad, Gadlu; Etz Hayim, Torah Blessings Musaf Amidah: Avot V Emahot, Gevurot, Kedusha Additional prayers: Ashrei, El Adon, Sim Shalom, Ein Kemokha, Vayehi Binsoa, Y Halelu, V Zot HaTorah, Hatzi Kaddish ShalomLearning is based on seven Jewish values. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Gimel will learn these values through the Peers lens. Students will also be introduced to Israel s history, geography, and cultural life through age-appropriate content. Student will also learn about Jewish life cycle events. Shabbat Attendance: During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (see Shabbat Attendance policy for more details) AND participate in a Shabbat Kallah(retreat) for their grade. Kallah Date: Friday, Sept 15 Saturday, Sept 16, 2017 Camp Henry Horner, Ingleside, IL 10

DALET SIXTH GRADE Time: Meets twice a week for a total of 5 hours per week Hebrew: Through Hebrew by Achievement Level, students will work at their own pace to master prayers and blessings as well as develop an understanding of the meaning of these prayers. Students will have opportunities to participate in weekly Tefillah assemblies based on Shabbat morning services. Prayers: Torah Service: V Zot HaTorah, Ashrei, Ein Kemokha, Brachot for Torah and Haftarah, Musaf Amidah: Kedusha Additional prayers: Kaddish Shalem, Adon Olam Torah Service: Vayehi Binsoa, Y Halelu, Hodo Al Eretz, Hatzi Kaddish, ShalomLearning is based on seven Jewish values. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Dalet will learn these values through the Community lens. Students will also participate in Project Etgar, which is designed to facilitate students' search for answers to real-life questions through the lens of Conservative Judaism. Project Etgar offers text-based and experiential learning opportunities; engages students in making personal and communal choices; and gives students a new lens for exploring Judaism's core values. Shabbat Attendance: During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (see Shabbat Attendance policy for more details) AND participate in a Shabbat Kallah(retreat) for their grade. Kallah Date: Friday, Sept 15 Saturday, Sept 16, 2017 Camp Henry Horner, Ingleside, IL HEH SEVENTH GRADE Seventh Grade meets twice a week for a total of 4 ¾ hours per week. The overall objective is to provide our students with contemporary, relevant study and activities during the normally stressful Bar/Bat Mitzvah year. Students attend Tuesday nights and Sunday mornings and engage in units emphasizing Holocaust Studies, Jewish Values, and Social Action projects. Occasional field trips and speakers add to this unique year. ShalomLearning is based on seven Jewish values. Throughout each value unit Torah stories, Jewish history, Israel, holidays and more are weaved and integrated so that each student explores his or her personal connection to our heritage. Heh will learn these values through the Tikkun Olam lens. Students will also be introduced to age-appropriate information about the Holocaust. During this unit, students will have guest speakers as well as a visit to the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie. Shabbat Requirements: During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (see Shabbat Attendance policy for more details) 11

More than the Jews have kept the Shabbat, the Shabbat has kept the Jews. Ahad HaAm Shabbat is an important part of our school curriculum. We teach our students about the joys and beauty of Shabbat. We train them to become proficient members of our community. In an effort to coordinate what our students are learning in the classroom and what they practice in their daily lives, CBJ has integrated Shabbat service attendance into our curriculum. Shabbat attendance is a requirement for all CBJ students in Aleph Heh. During the school year, Aleph through Heh students are expected to attend 9 Shabbat services (August 1, 2017 June 2, 2018) Please mark your attendance in the Shabbat Book located in the Robbins Sanctuary Services that will count toward Shabbat service requirements are: Friday night services begin at 7:30 pm Shabbat morning - Robbins Sanctuary services begin at 9:30 am - Junior Congregation services begin at 10:30 am o Will count towards 4 Shabbat services for Aleph & Bet o Will count towards 3 Shabbat services for Gimel, Dalet & Heh High Holiday Services - Rosh Hashanah, Kol Nidre and Yom Kippur day services. Any service in which there is a Torah and Haftarah reading such as - Rosh Hodesh - Simhat Torah (morning service) - Sukkot - Passover - Sh mini Atzeret - Shavuot We want the students to come with parents in order to fully enjoy and participate in the service. Students and families must stay for the DURATION of the SERVICE. This is NOT a drop-off Shabbat. PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING: - HEH students must attend 6 Shabbat Morning Services prior to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah; these 6 Services will be counted towards both the Shabbat Service and B nai Mitzvah Requirement. Shabbat Services need to be attended at Beth Judea in order to count towards the Attendance Policy 12

SHABBAT MORNING Junior Congregation @ CBJ Beginning September 9, 2017 Saturday Mornings from 10:30 am 12 pm Junior Congregation is offered most Saturdays throughout the school year. The exceptions, being Thanksgiving weekend, Winter break, Spring break and Summer. Stories and Songs Amazing Games and Activities Fun Jewish Learning and Prayers Interactive Discussions Children end the morning in the Robbins sanctuary where they help lead Ein Keloheinu, Aleinu and Adon Olam on non-bar/bat Mitzvah mornings. Children invited to join Shabbat Kiddush following services. A Shabbat service run by kids, for kids for ages 7 13 in the Beit Midrash Junior Congregation services will count towards Shabbat Service requirements o 4 Shabbat service requirements for Aleph & Bet o 3 Shabbat service requirements for Gimel, Dalet & Heh AND ALL ADDITIONAL SERVICES (after the 9 required) for 18+ Shabbat Services For more information contact Anna Besser, Education Director at abesser@bethjudea.org or 847-634-0777 5304 RFD, Long Grove 847-634-0777 www.bethjudea.org 13

SPECIALTY AND RESOURCES MUSIC PROGRAM Our music program, taught by teens, is the means by which our children experience the rich and diverse music of our people. Kindergarten through Bet will have music every Sunday morning. All grades will have opportunities to participate in music in our monthly assemblies and during special programs. RESOURCE ROOM Located in the School Office is the Teacher Resource Room. In this room are materials available to support our children in their studies. There are library books, videos and Hebrew materials that are used by the teachers, tutors and Resource personnel. BEYAHAD: TOGETHER Community High School Program for the Northwest Suburbs EIGHTH THROUGH TWELFTH GRADE Striving to create the best learning experiences for our students, Beth Judea, Temple Chai and Beth Am combine their 8 th through 12 th grade programs to create a community High School, Beyahad, which means together. We are redefining what it means to be a student in the Northwest Suburbs! By combining Beth Judea s, Temple Chai s and Beth Am s resources, Beyahad enhances student s learning opportunities with more diverse classes, taught by various clergy of the 3 synagogues, as well as other teachers. - All students will choose their electives for each period in each trimester. Class choices range from Hebrew to Art to Text Study to Cooking and more! - Tenth Graders will participate in Confirmation, which meets for one class period the entire year. They will choose their electives for the other class period. - Twelfth Graders will have a special Senior Seminar that takes place in the last trimester. Beyahad will meet once a week on Monday nights from 6:30 pm 8:30 pm. Their evening will consist of the following: 6:30 7:15 pm Class 7:15 7:45 pm Dinner Break 7:45 8:30 pm Class 14

FAMILY EDUCATION One of the most exciting enhancements to our school is Family Education programs. Family education is an opportunity for age appropriate adult and child learning that has a direct link to what children are learning in the Religious School. Most of our activities are conducted on Sunday morning, coinciding with class sessions. Programs are developed based on the expectation that every child will be accompanied by a parent. CBJ Religious School s family education Encourages strong friendships and communal connections among families. Provides an environment for parents to explore and enhance their own Jewish behaviors and knowledge. Helps parents become the principal Jewish educators and role models for their children. Increases the amount of regular Jewish home observances. Increases involvement in Synagogue activities and develop a sense of community around the shul. Fosters Jewish pride and enjoyment at all ages. EXPERIENCES FOR FAMILIES Junior Congregation: Students and their parents are encouraged to participate in Junior Congregation services. Here students can apply their knowledge of the Shabbat morning service by leading their peers in worship. Join us on Shabbat mornings at 10:30 am in the Beit Midrash, beginning September 9, 2017 Gan Shabbat is a Shabbat service geared towards families with children ages 8 and under. Our service is filled with singing, stories and learning. We meet every Shabbat morning at 10:30 am. After Gan Shabbat all families are encouraged to join the main service and the community Kiddush. Consecration: Each year we invite families of all new students who are beginning their Jewish education to celebrate this milestone in a special ceremony called Consecration on erev Simchat Torah. Students receive a special gift and are blessed by the Rabbi and Hazzan! Consecration symbolizes the beginning of lifelong Jewish learning. This year s consecration will take place on Thursday, October 12 th, beginning with a family dinner timing to be determined! 15

CONGREGATION BETH JUDEA RELIGIOUS SCHOOL GUIDELINES ATTENDANCE A successful school experience is a partnership between the family and synagogue. We know there is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement, interest and attitude. Consistent Religious School attendance enables our students to learn and grow Jewishly. While we understand that our children have busy lives, attending religious school regularly and for the full session helps to ensure that a student will benefit fully from the program. Furthermore, coming late or leaving early disrupts the entire class and disrupts your child's classroom routine. Your support of our attendance policy is appreciated. A minimum of 80% attendance is required for all students in each school year, through Heh (Grade 7). Attendance encompasses Sunday and Tuesday Religious School classes. If you cannot meet any of the above requirements, please contact the Education Director and/or Education Vice-President. COMMUNICATION School communications will be mainly done via email. School communication consists of notification of school-sponsored events, synagogue sponsored events, family education material and occasionally, community sponsored events. CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT OF LEARNING Every student has the right to participate in and contribute to class discussions. However, he/she must also give the same right to fellow students and teachers. At CBJ Religious School we emphasize the following: (a) Mutual respect and consideration (b) Cooperative learning (c) Respectful expression of disagreement (d) Respect for individual differences (e) Social integration through classroom dynamics and school social functions (f) Respect that CBJ is a place of worship and the building must be treated as such. The Robbins Sanctuary and Beit Midrash are regarded as special places within the building. The following procedures will apply to all students: 1. In the event that an individual problem arises, the teacher of the class has the right to deal with the students in a manner deemed appropriate by the teacher and the school. This may include a reprimand or special assignment. 2. If a student s conduct or attitude becomes too disruptive, and the teacher determines that the student s continued presence in the class is not appropriate, the student shall be referred to the Education Director of for advising and discipline. 3. If a student is dismissed from class a second time for the same conduct, parents will become involved in the disciplinary process. 16

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES SUNDAYS: Classes end at 12 pm. At dismissal, students will come up to the lobby. Park your car and come into the building for pick up. TUESDAYS: Classes end at 6:15 pm for Aleph Dalet and 8:00 pm for Heh. At dismissal, students will come up to the lobby. Park your car and come into the building for pick up. Please note for security reasons, the main school entrance will be locked weekdays at 4:30pm and again at 6:30pm and on Sundays at 9:20am. DRESS CODE Students are expected to dress in a fashion that reflects respect for the synagogue. This holds particularly true on Shabbat and holidays. Kippot are required for boys and encouraged for girls. DROP OFF and EARLY PICK UP We have limited time with your children and every minute counts. Please have students at CBJ a few minutes before class starts so they can get to their classroom on time. Drop off is at the main school entrance on the lower level of the parking lot. Any parent picking up a child prior to the end of a class must first go to the Religious School Office in order to sign the child out. This is very important please help us to ensure the safety of our children. DUE PROCESS PROCEDURE (for students and parents) A grievance is a complaint involving the individual rights of a student or parent as it relates to the program of Congregation Beth Judea Religious School, a complaint involving the conduct of another student or member of the staff, or a complaint arising from an interpretation or application of a school policy or procedure. Any aggrieved student or parent wishing to file a grievance shall do so in accordance with the following steps: 1. Informal Congregation Beth Judea Religious School Staff The student and/or parent will meet with the appropriate Religious School staff members and attempt to solve the problem informally within five days of the specific incident precipitating the grievance. 2. Informal Education Director If the matter cannot be resolved in Step 1, the aggrieved party may request a meeting with the Education Director. The aggrieved party will meet with the School Director to attempt to informally resolve the problem. If it cannot be resolved within 10 days of the meeting, the aggrieved party may proceed to Step 3. 3. Formal Education VP The aggrieved party may request to meet with the Education VP. The written request will indicate what the grievance is (refer to definition of a grievance). The Education VP will meet with the aggrieved party and attempt to solve the problem within the limits of the Religious School policy and within ten days. The formal decision will be in writing. 4. Formal Education Committee The aggrieved party may, within five days of the receipt of the written decision in Step 3, request in writing to meet with the Education Committee at its next regularly scheduled meeting. The Education Committee, after hearing the complaint, will render its decision, which shall be final. 17

HOMEWORK Homework is an effective tool for achieving and reinforcing the goals of the Religious School. Assignments will always be realistic in their duration keeping in mind the demands of a child s secular schoolwork load. INCLEMENT WEATHER /SCHOOL CLOSINGS Every attempt will be made to broadcast announcements when weather conditions cause school to close. Check www.emergencyclosings.com for CBJ closings. Notifications will also be sent out via: Remind App Email Posted on synagogue website www.bethjudea.org KALLAH The Aleph-Bet and GImel-Dalet Kallot (Shabbat retreats) have become a much anticipated highlight during the course of the school year. Programming includes services, interactive games, experiential activities, ropes course, and the opportunity for our children to experience Shabbat in the company of their Religious School peer group. Alpeh-Bet: May 4-5, 2018 Gimel-Dlaet: Sept 15-16, 2017 PARENT ROLE Parents play a vital role in the Jewish education of their children. It is their enthusiasm that reflects on their child's ability and willingness to learn. We ask that you be supportive of Congregation Beth Judea s Religious School and its learning process. The school's goal is to provide the children with the interest and motivation to keep the learning process going throughout their adult Jewish life. If parents have any concerns about their child s classes, they should not hesitate to contact the teachers or Education Director. PARENT-TEACHER COMMUNICATION Parent-Teacher: In addition to a scheduled mid-year parent-teacher conference, teachers will maintain regular communication with each parent of his/her students. This may be through personal conversations, over the phone, by mail or e-mail. Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their student s progress in school and should contact the teacher on a regular basis with any concerns or suggestions. Parent-Education Director: The Education Director is always available for formal or informal conversations with each and every parent. Please feel free to contact the Director personally, by phone or e-mail. Parents will also receive regular communication on school events or general news from the Director by mail and e-mail. Anna Besser s e-mail address is: abesser@bethjudea.org Parent-Teacher Conferences: These conferences will be via phone calls. Parents can set up a scheduled time to talk to the teachers and discuss any concerns. SNACKS Any food brought into the school for classroom celebrations must be Kosher, dairy or parve, peanut and tree-nut free. In order to respect the laws of Kashrut, no food prepared in any private home may be brought into the school or Synagogue. We appreciate your cooperation with these policies. VISITATION / GUESTS Students who are not enrolled in our Religious School are welcome in the classroom on an occasional basis during the year provided that arrangements are made with the Education Director prior to the visit. Parents are always welcome in the classroom, but are expected to notify the Education Director prior to their visit. 18

CBJ SCHOOL SUPPLIES 5778 (17-18) KINDERGARTEN 6 large Elmer's School Glue Sticks 4 boxes 24 crayons 1 box of washable markers 1 roll of clear packing tape FIRST GRADE 1 classroom primary journal 1 folder 1 supply box 1 box of markers 1 box of crayons 6 sharpened pencils 2 large-size glue sticks 1 black dry erase marker 1 5 oz. can of play-dough (labeled with your child s name) SECOND GRADE 1 supply box 2 large glue sticks 3 highlighters 1 pair of scissors 6 sharpened pencils 1 box of washable markers 3-4 fine tip dry erase markers 3x3 Post-its (any color; 1 pkg) 3x5 index cards (1 pkg, white) THIRD GRADE ALEPH 2 two-pocket folder 12 sharpened pencils 1 packages of broad tip markers 1 packages of thin tip markers 1 package of dry erase markers 3 black flair pens FOURTH GRADE BET 2 two-pocket folders 1 pair of scissors 6 sharpened pencils 2 highlighters 2 pens (black or blue) 1 package of dry erase markers 2 glue sticks 1 white pillow case FIFTH GRADE GIMEL 2 Folders 2 highlighters 6 sharpened pencils ½ or 1 Post-it Tabs (for annotating/labeling) 1 package of dry erase markers 1 package of markers 1 Siddur Sim Shalom (received at end of Aleph) SIXTH GRADE - DALET 12 sharpened pencils 2 highlighters 1 package thin markers 1 package of dry erase markers 1 flexible 3-ring binder 1 spiral notebook SEVENTH GRADE HEH 1 folder 1 Pink Pearl or White Pearl eraser 4 pencils 6 pens 1 spiral notebook 19

Days Class Room Teacher Sunday 9 am 12 pm Kindergarten 9C Debbie Weiss First Grade 9A Erica Veronie Second Grade 2 Lisa Ribot Aleph 7 Peggy Weiner Aleph / Bet Hebrew 4 Yochi Eilian Bet 8 Judy Jury Gimel 1 13 Marc Sender Gimel 2 11 June Fox Dalet 1 5 TBD Dalet 2 6 Michele Sussman Gimel / Dalet Hebrew 12 Natalie Gurin Bet Hebrew / Heh 10 Tammy Scheibe Tuesday 4:15 pm 6:15 pm Aleph 7 Peggy Weiner Aleph/Bet Hebrew 4 Yochi Eilian Bet 8 Judy Jury Gimel 1 13 Marc Sender Gimel 2 11 June Fox Dalet 1 5 TBD Dalet 2 6 Michele Sussman Gimel / Dalet Hebrew 12 Natalie Gurin Bet Hebrew 10 Tammy Scheibe Tuesday 6:15 pm 8 pm Heh 10 Tammy Scheibe Shabbat 10:30 am 12 pm Junior Congregation Beit Midrash Shira & Marc Sender 20

Event August 2017 Time 18 Shabbat Under the Stars 6 pm 20 School Meet n Greet & mini Mitzvah Day 10:30 am 5 November 2017 Event CBJ Sisterhood Hanukkah Bazaar Heh Field Trip Time Students will be able to attend AFTER classes 9 am 12 pm 5 10 11 September 2017 Event First Day of Classes Aleph Heh First Day of Sunday School Classes (K 2 nd Grade) School & Youth Kick-Off; Classroom visits & more! First Beyahad (HS) Class (CBJ location) Time 4:15 6:15 pm (Aleph Dalet) 6:15 8:00pm (Heh) 9:00 am 12:00 pm 9:00 am (Parents join in at 9 am) 6:30 8:30pm 15-16 Gimel Dalet Kallah @ JCYS Henry Horner (Ingleside, IL) 12 Second Grade Family Program Parents join in at 10:30 am No Religious School / No Beyahad Classes Thanksgiving Break: Monday, Nov. 20 Sunday, Nov. 26 27 Beyahad Classes Resume 6:30 8:30 pm 28 8 Religious School Classes Resume December 2017 Event Aleph Heh Family Shabbat Dinner 4:15 6:15 pm (Aleph Dalet) 6:15 8:00pm (Heh) Time 6:15 pm October 2017 Event Time 1 No Religious School 18 No Beyahad Classes (Finals Week) No Religious School / No Beyahad Classes Winter Break: Sunday. Dec. 24 Sunday, Jan. 7 8 First Grade Family Program Parents join in at 10:30 am 9 No Beyahad Classes (Columbus Day) 12 Consecration TBD 22 Gimel Field Trip 9:00 am 29 Gimel Family Program Parents join in at 10:00 am 31 No Religious School 21

8 9 14 15 21 27 January 2018 Event Beyahad Classes Resume (Temple Chai location) Religious School Classes Resume Sunday School Classes Resume (K 2 nd Grade) K 1 st Grade Family Program Dalet Shabbat Dalet leading Robbins Sanctuary service No Beyahad Classes (MLK Jr. Day) Time 6:30 8:30pm 4:15 6:15 pm (Aleph Dalet) 6:15 8:00pm (Heh) 9:00 am 12:00 pm Parents join in at 10:30 am 9:30 am 28 Heh Holocaust Field Trip 9 am 12:45 pm 4 February 2018 Event World Wide Wrap (Dalet & Heh to participate) Time 8:30 am 9 11 March 2018 Event K-2 nd Grade Family Shabbat Dinner Time 6:15 pm K-1 st Grade Gidwitz Visit TBD Dalet Kosher Meal Parents join in at 11:00 am 13 Heh Class Picture 6:30 pm 17 Bet Shabbat Bet leading Robbins Sanctuary service 9:30 am No Religious School / No Beyahad Classes Spring Break/Passover: Sunday, March 25 Saturday, April 7 8 9 Event April 2018 Sunday & Religious School Classes Resume Beyahad Classes Resume (Temple Chai location) Time 9:00 am 12:00 pm 6:30 8:30 pm 11 Aleph Bet Family Program Parents join in at 10:30 am 29 Aleph Siyum 11:00 am 18 No Religious School (President s Day weekend) 30 Last Beyahad Classes 6:30 8:30 pm 19 24 Gimel Shabbat Gimel leading Robbins Sanctuary service 25 Purim Carnival No Beyahad Classes (President s Day) 9:30 am Regular dismissal (12 pm) Event May 2018 Time 4-5 Aleph Bet Kallah @ JCYS Henry Horner (Ingleside, IL) 8 Last Tuesday class session Heh End of Year Program 4:15 6:15 pm (Aleph Dalet) 6:30 pm 13 Last Day of School 2 nd Grade End of Year Program 9:00 am 12 :00 pm TBD 22