Pleasantville Community Synagogue Hebrew School Parents Handbook a"[çt 2010/2011 219 Bedford Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570 Synagogue: (914) 769-2672 School: (914) 773-0043
PLEASANTVILLE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE RELIGIOUS SCHOOL 2010/2011 1 PARENTS HANDBOOK Table of Contents Mission Statement... 1 Letter from the Educational Director... 2 School Calendar 2010/2011... 3 Our Values... 4 The Program... 5 Enrichment Activities... 6 School Policies & Rules... 7 Faculty & Class Schedules... 11 MISSION STATEMENT PCS Hebrew School is a trans-denominational and inclusive learning environment dedicated to providing meaningful and developmentally appropriate Jewish education for our children. We are committed to fostering Jewish intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth, making it relevant to the needs of the 21st century student. We seek to create and environment that cultivates life-long participation in Torah (study), Avodah (prayer), Gemilut Chasadim (acts of loving kindness), and Ahavat Israel (love of Israel). We affirm that the education of our children depends upon supportive collaboration by teachers, parents and the entire PCS community.
2 PLEASANTVILLE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE HEBREW SCHOOL August 2010 Dear Parents, Welcome to new as well as 'old' members of PCS religious school. I hope you are all having a wonderful summer and your children will be ready to come back to school in September with renewed energy and enthusiasm. We have a large task ahead of us. While it is our responsibility to provide the best possible Jewish education for our students, in order to be successful we need to have your encouragement and positive reinforcement. This support will go a long way towards creating the right attitude among our students. Many of you participated actively in our programs last year and I hope you will continue this tradition. We can not do it without you! Attached you will find the Parents Handbook including the School calendar for the year. In addition there will be a monthly mailing with a more detailed monthly calendar giving information about special School programs. Please read the handbook carefully and share the information with your children so they may be informed of the School's activities, rules and policies. I am looking forward to an exciting year of learning and celebrating our Jewish Heritage together. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions, ideas, or concerns. Shalom, Michal Solomon. Principal.
PLEASANTVILLE COMMUNITY SYNAGOGUE HEBREW SCHOOL CALENDAR* 2010/2011 3 SEPT. 12 Sun. First day of School 14-16 Tues.-Thurs. Parents orientation meetings 22-23 Wed.-Thurs. Sukkot: NO SCHOOL 29-30 Wed.-Thurs. Sukkot: NO SCHOOL 30 Thurs. Eve. Simchat Torah Service & Celebration OCT. 10 Sun. Columbus Weekend: NO SCHOOL 30 Sat. ** Zayin Shabbaton NOV. 11 Thurs. Veterans Day: NO SCHOOL 19 Fri. ** Aleph Shabbaton 24-28 Wed.-Sun. Thanksgiving Vacation: NO SCHOOL DEC. 1-8 Wed.-Wed. Chanukkah Programs. 10 Fri. ** Gan Shabbaton 18 Sat. ** Hay Shabbaton 26 Sun. JAN 2 Sun. Winter Vacation: NO SCHOOL 16 Sun. Martin Luther King Weekend: NO SCHOOL 18-20 Tues.-Thurs. Tu B Shvat Programs 28 Fri. ** Dalet Shabbaton FEB. 12 Sat. ** Vav Shabbaton, Hay Havdallah service 20-27 Sun.-Sun. Mid-Winter Recess: NO SCHOOL MAR. 11 Fri. ** Bet Shabbaton 15, 20 Tues. & Sun. Purim Programs APRIL 12-14 Tues.- Thurs. Model Seders 17-26 Sun.-Tues. Passover/Spring Vacation: NO SCHOOL MAY 1 Sun. Yom Hashoah 8, 10 Sun. & Tues. Yom Ha atzmaut Programs 18-20 Tues.-Thurs. Shavuot: NO SCHOOL 13 Fri. ** Gimmel Shabbaton. 20 Fri. ** Zayin Grad. & Moving up exercises 22 Sun. Lag Ba Omer Community Picnic (weather permitting) 26 Thurs. Last day of School *Please follow the monthly Hebrew School calendar for detailed programming. ** Please note the date of your child's class participation. Note Grade Translation: Gan = K; Aleph = 1st, Bet = 2nd, Gimmel = 3rd; Daled = 4th, Hay = 5th, Vav = 6th, Zayin = 7th.
OUR VALUES * 4 At PCS it is our goal as a community to instill our students with Jewish values as they mature into young adults. These values have always been an integral part of our philosophy of Jewish education. Together they comprise a concept called menschligkeit or 'personhood'. It is our hope that parents, teachers and the congregation will help our students understand how these values enrich their lives both in and outside the classroom. We believe that each person is created B'tzelem Elokim--µyq/la µlxb (in the image of God); therefore, all members of the PCS Hebrew School Community must act with self-respect and with respect for all others. We understand that the Jewish concept of Rachamim- µymjr (mercy) means that we act with compassion to all people. Emet-tma (truth): Honesty is required to maintain a trusting, viable community. Belief in Tikun Olam-µl/[ ˆWqt (making the world better) calls upon each of us to strive for both personal and group success. We believe that we must always be prideful of our Jewish identity, both as American Jews, and as members of the worldwide Jewish community with special ties to, and love for Israel: Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh l' Zeh-hzl hz µybr[ larcy lk (all of Israel are responsible for each other). Our commitment to Talmud Torah-hrwt dwmlt (the study of Torah in its broadest sense) demands that we arrive at school prepared and eager to learn and recognize that our education is both an obligation and a privilege. Our belief in Kavod-d/bk (treating people with dignity) and our efforts to avoid causing Bushah-hvWB (embarrassment) means that we will strive to maintain the emotional and physical safety of all members of our community. Our commitment to Darkhei Shalom-µ/lv ykrd (pathways to peace) means that we strive to communicate with each other in a peaceful manner. Our understanding of the Jewish concept of Tshuvah-hbWvt (repentance) means that we recognize that we all make mistakes, have the capacity to turn away from these mistakes, and are capable of becoming kinder, more caring people. * Portions adopted from the Solomon Schechter School guidelines.
5 THE PROGRAM All children will have an opportunity to learn about and experience Jewish culture and religion from several different aspects. Our students will learn and experience many aspects of our tradition and culture including Jewish values, history, Bible, Israel, holidays etc., along with traditional study of the Hebrew language and prayer to prepare them to be conversant at a Synagogue service While the curriculum gives the formal outline of our program, it does not reflect the ways in which it will be presented which is just as important to the whole experience. Art, music, drama, story telling and special programs will all be utilized to bring the material alive. The School Program is divided into two levels: PRIMARY (Gan-Bet, ages 5-7): an introduction to Jewish life and studies. ELEMENTARY (Gimmel - Zayin, ages 8-13): Concentrating on Hebrew Language and liturgy, Jewish values, culture and history. PRIMARY DEPARTMENT The primary department consists of Gan (Kindergarten), Aleph (first grade) and Bet (2nd Grade). It is extremely important to start Jewish education early if we want it to take deep and meaningful roots and provide a firm foundation for future learning. We will do this in a warm and creative environment which will be exciting and stimulating to the students. These years are very important for the establishment of a positive and proud self-image as a Jew, forming friendships, and feeling part of the synagogue and the Jewish community. Gan will be held twice a month and Aleph & Bet will meet once a week. ELEMENTARY DEPARTMENT The Elementary department consists of Gimmel through Zayin classes which will be held twice a week. Hebrew reading, writing and conversation skills will be developed. Students will be taught various prayers and will be familiarized especially with the Friday Night and Shabbat morning services. They will learn Jewish history, Jewish ethics, laws and customs. Jewish celebrations and creative enrichment programs play an important part of their curriculum.
ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES 6 CLASS SHABBATONIM & SYNAGOGUE ATTENDANCE: One of the highlights of each year is the class shabbaton where the children help lead the service according to the level of the class. The service is followed by a special Oneg Shabbat sponsored by the class parents. The Shabbatonim for Gan- Daled will be on a Friday night. Hay - Zayin classes will have their Shabbatonim on a Saturday morning as part of an effort to familiarize them with the Shabbat morning service and to prepare them for their Bar/Bat mitzvahs. In accordance with our Bar/Bat Mitzvah policy, students in the Hay class (5th grade) are required to attend Shabbat services at PCS a minimum of 5 times (either Friday evening or Saturday morning). Students in the Vav class (6th grade) are required to attend 10 Shabbat morning services during the year, of which 4 must be Family Education Shabbatot. Students in the Zayin class (7th grade) are required to attend 10 Shabbat morning services, during the year. Parents are strongly encouraged to attend services along with their children and required to participate in the Family Education Shabbatot. MITZVOT: Each grade will be assigned a special Mitzvah as part of the ethics curriculum*, and will be taught in more details throughout that school year. Aleph (1st Grade) Shabbat observance - tbv trymv Bet (2nd Grade) compassion to animals - µyyj yl[b r[x Gimmel (3rd Grade) honor the elderly - ˆqz ynp trdhw Daled (4th Grade) feeding the hungry - µyfyj t/[m Hay (5th Grade) don't destroy - tyjvt lb Vav (6th Grade) visiting the sick - µyl/j rwqb Zayin (7th Grade) responsibility for mitzvot - hwxm tb rb * The curriculum is available for anyone who wishes to have a copy. Please let us know. TZEDAKAH: In the tradition of Judaism, we encourage students to give tzedakah (charity) on a regular basis. The amount is NOT important - it is the concept of giving from one's self that is stressed. All classes will participate in different tzedakah projects. CELEBRATIONS & CULTURAL ACTIVITIES: We will continue to celebrate the holidays, and other cultural events, in the individual classes as well as at all school functions. These are memorable times and help bring our holidays and heritage alive. If you have specific expertise such as story telling, dancing, singing, arts & crafts etc., we highly encourage you to contact us and get involved.
SCHOOL POLICIES & RULES 7 ADMISSION Admission to Pleasantville Community Synagogue Religious School is open to the entire community through the second grade. From third grade on, the Religious School can only accommodate children of synagogue-member families. Parents are strongly encouraged to become active members in both synagogue life and school activities, since involvement is the key to a successful Jewish education. To be enrolled in our religious school children must be receiving an exclusively Jewish (religious) education. Pleasantville Community Synagogue is committed to the principle of Klal Yisrael - the greater good of the Jewish people at large. To that end, our community affirms Jewish status as being automatically conferred upon children born of a Jewish mother. Alternatively, full Jewish status in the community - including the right to stand for Bar or Bat Mitzvah - may also be acquired through a ceremony called gerut. We strongly encourage that the gerut ceremony take place no later than the third grade, but in any event as early as possible. Realizing the sensitivity of this issue for some families, the Rabbi invites any and all who are interested to meet with him for private discussion. School begins with the Gan class (K) which will meet twice a month on Thursdays (A class schedule will be forwarded to parents of the Gan class.). Aleph will meet once a week on Tuesdays. Bet meets once a week on Tuesdays, Gimmel will meet Sundays and Thursdays, Dalet on Sundays and Wednesdays, Hay on Sundays and Wednesdays, Vav on Sundays and Thursdays and Zayin on Thursday evenings and bimonthly on Tuesdays (A class schedule will be forwarded to parents of the Zayin class.).
ATTENDANCE Prompt, regular attendance and completion of assigned work is essential to the sustained learning this program is designed to achieve. Absences are excused if there are extenuating medical or family circumstances. Unexcused absences, including nonemergency medical/dental appointments, sporting practices/games, etc. are strongly discouraged. Late arrivals and early dismissals are also strongly discourage. The curriculum is designed to be most effective when a child attends and participates on a regular basis. Good attendance enhances student attitude and class morale. Skills and content are mastered cumulatively. Casual and frequent absences work against the ability of the child to be successful in Hebrew School. It is the expectation of our community that students enrolled in our Hebrew School program maintain attendance of at least 75% of days scheduled. Children who miss more than one quarter of days of Hebrew School may be referred to the Education Support Committee to ensure that their needs for adequate Hebrew School education are met. LATE ARRIVAL PROCEDURE: Students who are late for class should bring an explanatory note from their parents stating the reason for the tardiness. EARLY DISMISSAL: Early dismissal is extremely disruptive to the classroom and should be kept to an absolute minimum. In order for such a request to be honored the student should bring a note from their parents stating the time of dismissal requested and the reason. HOMEWORK Specific homework assignments are left to the discretion of our teachers. They have been instructed not to overburden the students. When given, the homework assignments are used to reinforce previously learned material and give the students an opportunity to respond creatively. It is especially important for parents to encourage their children to spend approximately ten minutes a day reviewing their Hebrew reading skills. This time spent daily will help the students become proficient in Hebrew reading. 8
STUDENT BEHAVIOR Students are expected to behave properly and to show respect to each other, the teachers, and the synagogue. Inappropriate behavior is not only disruptive to the learning process but also goes against the Jewish values we try to teach; it requires prompt attention by the school and parental support of the disciplinary action. Disciplinary problems are initially dealt with by the teacher. If a problem persists, the parent will be notified. The principal will become involved if necessary. In extreme cases, the principal may recommend that the needs of the student be evaluated by the Educational Support Committee. This committee will evaluate the student's Jewish educational needs and make recommendations on how to meet those needs both in and outside the classroom setting. If it is determined that the student cannot benefit from classroom instruction, the committee may outline alternative ways for that student to learn what he/she is responsible for learning. When that happens the cost of educating the child outside the classroom may be the responsibility of his/her family in lieu of Hebrew School tuition. FOOD A regular snack is part of the class routine for Gan, Aleph & Bet classes (K,1st & 2nd grade). From Gimmel (3rd grade) on, students are not permitted to bring food into the classrooms, except for authorized classroom celebrations. Gum-chewing is also not allowed inside the classrooms. Bringing a bottle of water to class is permitted. If a student has special food allergies or food needs please inform the school in advance. CELL PHONES Cell phones have become a distraction during class time. Students are requested to switch off cell phones and other electronic communication devices during class time. If you need to contact your child during school time, please call the school phone 773-0043 and your child will be notified. 9
10 ARRIVAL, DISMISSAL & PARKING LOT PROCEDURES The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us. The parking lot of the Synagogue can not be used to drop-off or pick-up students. NO STOPPING on Bedford Rd. is allowed under any circumstances. Parking is available either on Clark St. or Ashland Ave. Please observe the NO PARKING signs (Parking is only permitted on the South side of Clark St.). Parents are expected walk up to the main or side door of the Synagogue to pick-up/drop-off their children. Please inform us if there is any change in your child s pick-up arrangement (new car pool, new nanny etc.). For children who live within walking distance of the Synagogue, or are allowed to walk by themselves to the corner of Clark St., permission slips are available so that they may be released to walk home in groups or on their own. Children are not to leave the building unsupervised unless they have a permission slip. To ease congestion, the following suggestions should be considered: Carpool your children to Hebrew School. This eases congestion, increases parking availability and lessens your day-to-day driving responsibilities. Designate one adult to bring a group of children to the appropriate cars. This makes pick-up less crowded and also ensures that everyone will be safe getting to their cars. Don't take short cuts with your child's safety! PROGRESS REPORTS Formal reports will be sent home twice a year. Individual parent-teacher conferences are encouraged and may be arranged with the teacher at a mutually convenient time. SCHOOL CLOSING PROCEDURES If Hebrew school is cancelled due to inclement weather or dangerous road conditions, Class Parents will notify parents by telephone and e-mails. Closings will also be announced on WHUD radio (WHUD FM 100.7) and on the WHUD storm center website and School Closings on channel 12 website. It will also be listed in the Synagogue website: shalompcs.com We will follow the Pleasantville Public School inclement weather closing schedule. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FIRE DRILLS will be held periodically. We want to be sure that everyone is able to leave the building safely and quickly in the event of an emergency. FIRST AID: If a child receives a minor cut while at school it will be cleansed and bandaged. In case of more serious injury the parent will be notified immediately. If there is an emergency and the parent cannot be reached, the child will be taken to Northern Westchester Hospital. Parents should notify the school office of any allergies, particularly to medications, or food, and any other medical requirements.
FACULTY AND CLASS SCHEDULES 11 Class Teacher Day Time Gan Hedi Sperling Thursday 4-5:30pm bi-monthly Aleph Liza Tchernichovski Tuesday 4-6pm Jennifer Chervin Bet Liza Tchernichovski Tuesday 4-6pm Jennifer Chervin Gimmel I & II Liza Tchernichovski Sunday 11-1pm Jennifer Chervin Dalet * Jennifer Chervin Sunday 9-11am Wednesday 4-6pm Hay I & II* Karen Stamatis Sunday 9-11am Isabel Kopstein Wednesday 4-6pm Vav I & II Karen Stamatis Sunday 11:15-1pm Isabel Kopstein Thursday 4-6pm Zayin Darcy Spitzer Tues. 4-6pm (bi-monthly) Rabbi Mark Sameth Leonard Lowy Thursday 6:15-7:30 *Minyan (Prayer session) with Rabbi Sameth on Sunday Mornings from 10:30-11am is part of their regular class. Parents are invited to join us.