Temple Beth Torah Sha aray Tzedek Hebrew School Parents manual 2016-2017 5776-5777
Welcome from the Hebrew School Director The role of Jewish education is to provide the students with the fundamental skills, information and values of our tradition that will enable them to lead a more fulfilling life and to create a meaningful place for themselves in the Jewish and world communities. However, the religious school is not the sole educator of the child. The success of religious education depends on a working partnership between the school and the parents. The family has always been the strength to help reinforce through practice what is taught in the religious school. The purpose of this handbook is to give you an overview of the religious school policies and procedures and familiarize you with your children's educational program. TBTST religious school s philosophy of education is dedicated to the preservation of the Jewish way of life. Therefore, a high priority is placed on the education of children and youth, as well as the adult membership. The following principles are used as a guide in the development of all educational programs sponsored by TBTST; 1.) To develop our Student's values and ethics within a Jewish framework. 2.) To develop within each student a deep, personal commitment to Judaism and the Jewish people. 3.) To teach our students holiday customs and lifecycle rituals that will enhance their celebrations and commemorations during their lifetime. 4.) To instill in our students concepts of Tzedakah and Tikkun Olam. 5.) To help the student understand his/her role in Klal Yisrael, the Jewish people and to identify with Jewish communities throughout the world. 6.) To develop competency in the Hebrew language. 7.) To develop a familiarity with synagogue rituals and home observances, as well as being knowledgeable in the language of the Jewish people. 8.) To instill in our students a love for Jewish learning. 9.) To develop a connection between our students and the land of Israel which will last a lifetime. Ronit Goldstein Hebrew School Director
Rabbi's message A new school year is beginning, and I look forward to having your child in our synagogue religious school. We truly want to make TBTST a second home for our young people. This is a place where children can come and learn, participate in services, go to our youth group and camp, celebrate their bar/bat mitzvah and develop a warm relationship with our Cantor, our entire staff and me. I invite you to bring your family to Shabbat and festival services and join our full range of activities throughout the year. Our synagogue is a warm, inviting place, which welcomes children, and helps them grow up to love Jewish tradition. As your rabbi, I am here to guide your family as you find ways to grow as Jews. I hope your children love our religious school. All of us at TBTST look forward to seeing you and your family throughout the year. Michael Gold Rabbi REGISTRATION, ADMISSION POLICY Temple Beth Torah Sha aray Tzedek is an Egalitarian Conservative Congregation affiliated with the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism. The Religious School follows the standard for Jewish education established by the United Synagogue commission on Jewish education. Our school program begins with kindergarten and continues through the 7 th Grade. Hebrew School days and times of operation: Kindergarten, First and Second Grades: Sunday 9:00-11:45 A.M. Aleph, Bet, Gimel Classes: Sunday 9:00-11:45 A.M. Tuesday 4:15-7:00 P.M. Daled Class: Sunday 10:00-1:00 P.M. Tuesday 4:45-7:00 P.M. Hey Class: Sunday 11:00-1:00 P.M. Tuesday 6:00-7:00 P.M. Minyan with the Rabbi (once a month) Sunday 8:30-9:45 A.M. Jr. Congregation (Aleph-Hey Classes) Saturday 10:00 11:45 A.M.
Our Hebrew School curriculum is based on the educational philosophy where children are actively participating in their own learning. A play based curriculum motivates and inspires students to pursue their own interests through individual and team efforts. Our learning environment accommodates to our students different learning styles and subjects of interest. Our curriculum is center based and designed to develop critical thinking skills, freedom of choice, and social interactions. Our Conversational Hebrew program is a play based learning program where students progress according to their own academic ability. Students develop letter recognition, reading, writing and conversational skills in a fun and interactive way. Modern technology is an important part of our Hebrew School curriculum and varied technological devices are used daily in the classrooms. Our curriculum contains the following learned subjects: Holidays, mitzvot, Tefilot, bible stories and life cycle are taught to grade level with concept adaptation to students daily lives. The love for Israel is taught in a meaningful way as students connect with students in our twinning city Nesher, Israel. The Holocaust studies are taught to Daled and Hey students. Dress code Standards and procedures The students are asked to come dressed in appropriate attire. Attendance Students are expected to attend all of their classes. Consistent attendance is essential to the success of our program. In case of a hurricane, we will follow the Broward County school Board's decisions. If the Broward County schools are closed, so are we. Please call our school at 954-721- 7660, extension 148. We will update our message regularly. Cell Phone Usage Technology is part of our Hebrew School curriculum. Personal cellphones are encouraged in the classroom as an educational tool to enhance the learning process. However, if misused for other purposes, phones will be taken away and will returned at the end of the day. If improper use continues, student will be asked to leave his/her cellphone at home and parents will be notified. Please talk this over with your child. Snacks Pizza will be served at 6 PM. The cost will be $3 per slice of pizza or $5 for two slices; a snack is $1 each and water is $1 per bottle. You may order pizza on a daily basis or you may pay in advance and you'll be notified when the account is low. As part of TBTST, the Religious School operates within the guidelines of Conservative Judaism. In accordance with Jewish law, all food served at a school activity or on school grounds
must be kosher. We ask for your cooperation as we observe the laws of kashrut, and teach your children to distinguish between what is kosher and what is not. If it anytime you have questions regarding this policy, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. Behavior code/discipline procedures It is expected that all students who attend TBTST religious school do so with a positive attitude in order to learn and experience as much as possible about Judaism, Hebrew language and other parts of our curriculum. Madrichim (Volunteers) There are many volunteer opportunities for teens throughout the school year. Hebrew School graduated students are encouraged to volunteer and assist religious school teachers in the classrooms on Sunday mornings and during the week in the afternoons if possible. Interested students should contact the Hebrew School Director. It is required that attendance will be consistent throughout the school year. Students will receive community service hours with the approval of their high school guidance counselor and the TBTST Hebrew School Director. Parking lot guidelines/flow of traffic For the safety of our students, we encourage you to follow the traffic pattern when dropping off or picking up. Early Dismissal Early dismissal is not encouraged as it is destructive to the educational process within the classroom. We do recognize that there are occasions when a student needs to leave school early. A note from the parent must be given to the teacher before class begins. NO STUDNT WILL BE ALLOWED TO WAIT OUTSIDE FOR A PARENT TO PICK UP EARLY. Parents are to come to the school office and sign out their child. Please do not go to the classroom to get your child; it disturb the learning process and disrupts the class. Family Shabbat service All students Kindergarten through Hey are required to attend their scheduled Friday evening family Shabbat service. A make-up service needs to be arranged if their attendance requirement is not met. Participating in family services allows students to learn, as well as lead the various portions of the service.
Continuing education Judaica High School Program North Campus, Temple Beth Or (Tuesday 7:15-9: 15) Our 8 th - 12 th grade students continue their studies of meaningful Jewish concepts through the Broward County Judaica High School Program. Dual enrollment opportunities are available to qualified 11 th and 12 th grade students in conjunction with Broward College. Confirmation Continued education in a Jewish institute is a requirement for tenth graders to be eligible for confirmation. Throughout the school year, students will attend five Shabbat meetings with the Rabbi. In addition, students are required to attend the following services: Simchat Torah, Purim and Yom Hashoah program. Confirmation ceremony will take place on Erev Shavuot. Akiva Leadership Program Temple Beth Torah Sha aray Tzedek (Sunday 5:00-7:00 p.m.) Upon nomination, a three year curriculum for 10 th 12 th grade Judaica High School students, designed to prepare our students to take a role as the future leaders of our community.