Parent Handbook
The
Hebrew School Bible
Parents’ Edition
2009/10-5770
Introduction
The Parents edition of the Hebrew School Bible is designed to encourage your input and participation in our program by sharing our goals with you, and the steps we plan to take to meet them.
CETT is under the auspices of Bris Avrohom which is part of the worldwide Chabad organization and thus utilizes some of the very positive points of the Chabad ideology in educating your child. A fresh, positive approach, lots of enthusiasm and a pressure free atmosphere is the hallmark of Chabad and is prevalent in our Hebrew school.
The goal of CETT is to provide your children with an education and memories that will inspire them for a lifetime. We do this by instilling in them feelings of Jewish pride, along with a sense of caring about and sharing with another; a strong command of the Hebrew language; a love & attachment to the land of Israel past & present, and most importantly a genuine understanding of Judaism.
Our Hebrew School is dedicated to providing a Jewish education, which enables our children to secure the knowledge and understanding to permit them to be Jews who are proud of their Jewish identity.
So much of what we do depends on you, the parents. Please view this handbook as an ongoing invitation to actively pursue the goals we share, at home and within your environment.
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School Calendar:
The Hebrew School calendar,lists the dates that we will be having classes and when there will be no Hebrew school, as well as other time related information. Please place it somewhere you can easily refer to it during the year.
Parent/School Communication:
It is of great importance for the teacher to have any information, which can provide for the optimum learning situation. Information of a physical, social and psychological nature can aid a teacher in planning instruction for each child. Such information should be transmitted either in writing to, or by a private conference with the administration. This information will be kept strictly confidential.
Please note that some of our school notices will be sent home with your child. Kindly check his/her school bag for these notices, and call us if you have any concerns regarding your child's performance and/or progress.
All school notices and information will be emailed directly to the email which you provided on the registration form, please make sure to check it frequently.
Sunday Fundays:
On select Sundays immediately following Hebrew school (12:30pm) there will be a Sunday Funday for all Hebrew school children and their friends. Each Sunday Funday will include a hot lunch, a craft, cool games and lots of fun, in a safe educational environment. The details of each Funday will be sent to you as the information becomes available.
Sunday Funday is not limited to Hebrew school children and is open to the entire community. On these days you may pick up your children at 2:00pm.
There will be a nominal fee for the Sunday Fundays.
Behavioral Expectations:
At CETT we strive to create an atmosphere that reflects our Jewish values. We take pride in our student body which understands that respect for their teachers, respect for one another, and respect for themselves are essential for a successful learning environment.
We expect:
1. Every student to treat fellow students and staff members with courtesy.
2. That classroom direction is followed promptly and quietly.
3. Books and materials handed out to be handled with care and kept neatly organized.
4. Proper decorum to be maintained in the classroom.
5. All students to come to school prepared with a school bag, which includes the supplies they will be using.
6. All students to act responsibly and with caution, e.g. no running or jumping in the hallways or classroom and exercising care in the parking lot.
Parents’ Responsibilities:
Parents have the responsibility to please,
1. Bring and pick up the children on time. Please note that classes will begin on time. Therefore kindly bring your child a few minutes early, to ensure that we can begin promptly.
2. Contact the principal regarding a classroom concern immediately.
3. Be supportive and positive of Hebrew School programming and take an active part in your child's Jewish Education.
4. Have children come to school prepared with supplies.
5. Regularly check your email for school notices.
6. Log on to the school website for updated pictures, and information.
Drop-off and Pick-up Policy:
Please read carefully as we have a new drop-off and pick-up policy for the safety of the children.
The front door will not be used for Hebrew school drop-off and pick-up.
Parents will need to park in the back of the synagogue and children will enter the building through the back door.
Pick-up at 12:30pm will be through the back door of the building as well. Children will be waiting at the back entrance to be picked up.
Hebrew School Responsibilities:
You should expect the school to fulfill the following:
1. Provide a positive and warm environment for your child.
2. Give your child a viable knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Holidays, History, Customs and Traditions, Torah, Israel and Jewish Values.
3. Keep you informed of your child's progress and class activities.
4. Provide your child with a knowledgeable, responsible teacher who is dedicated and concerned about your child's well-being, personal interests and Jewish education.
5. To provide your family with opportunities to learn, experience and enjoy our Jewish Heritage.
6. To provide your child with wholesome snacks.
Supplies:
On the first day of Hebrew school, your child’s teachers will inform them of what they will need to bring for their class.
Tzedaka:
Tzedaka (charity) is a concept, which is fundamental in Judaism. Our school attempts to develop a commitment among our students to share with others less fortunate than themselves by giving a few coins a day to charity. Parents are asked to provide their children with a coin/s for Tzedaka. Older children are encouraged to give Tzedaka from their own money.
Cell phones and other valuable items:
We do not permit children to bring jewelry, radios, expensive toys, cell phones, I pods etc. to school. As mentioned Cell phones are not allowed, please do not send phones with your children to school. All Cell phones if brought to school will be kept in the office until dismissal. We appreciate your cooperation with this policy.
Individualization:
CETT recognizes that children are on many different levels with regard to their fluency in the Hebrew language, and their knowledge of Judaism. We will cater to every child’s individual needs, and the curriculum will be modified accordingly. Please understand that your child will not be expected to comprehend the material of those that are more advanced than him/her.
Homework:
Students are encouraged to practice their reading at home and review the material that they learned. Parents should listen to their child's songs, stories and Hebrew reading, as this will reinforce your involvement in your child’s Jewish education. Show your child that you are interested in his/her Jewish education by making a habit of asking your children how their day was, and what they have learned. This will greatly encourage and help foster a strong and positive attitude.
Attendance policy:
Regular attendance is crucial in accomplishing the goals of our educational program. There is a direct correlation between attendance and achievement, interest and attitude. Furthermore, coming late or leaving early disrupts the entire class and disrupts your child's classroom routine. Many of our students are involved in other extra curricular activities, i.e. sports, music lessons etc. All these are important; however, please also place a priority on your child's Jewish education.
Your support of our attendance policy will be greatly appreciated.
Snow days and school cancelations:
In the event of severe weather, please check your email and/or the school website www.fairlawnhebrewschool.com for cancellation.
Reward System:
Children will be encouraged with incentives and rewards throughout the year.
Disciplinary Action:
At CETT, we are sure that the children will behave in a proper manner. Should a problem arise, we will be in contact with the parents immediately to take care of the situation.
Student Absence:
Students are responsible for the material covered in class for their own benefit. It can be obtained from a friend, or from the school. In case of a student's absence for any length of time, the teacher should be notified and arrangements should be made for obtaining the material covered in class.
Illness:
Please notify us in case of a contagious disease so that we may notify the parents of other children in the class to be aware of the symptoms. In addition, kindly let us know if there are any changes in your child's health during the year e.g. vision, hearing etc. This will help us understand and cater to his/her needs.
First Aid:
The teacher will see to minor injuries. Should something more serious occur, G-d forbid, the parents will be contacted immediately. Should the parents be unavailable, the emergency contact will be notified and/or the child will be taken to the nearest hospital.
Parent Absence:
If, for any reason, parents will be away from home for any length of time, please advise the school. This is especially important if the absence is due to special conditions, such as hospitalization, which may be upsetting to the child. When teachers are aware of such conditions, they often can be of great help in alleviating the child's distress.
School Records:
Parents should notify the school promptly, in writing, of any change in address, telephone number, as well as any change regarding emergency situations. Promptness and accuracy are necessary to keep records up to date and to communicate with the home when necessary.
Refund Policy:
There are no refunds or credits for days missed due to illness, holidays or family vacations.
Miscellaneous Rules for Hebrew School:
1. Parents wishing to visit the classrooms should obtain permission from the administration.
2. Teachers are not permitted to converse with parents while the class is in progress or in the morning before class begins when teachers are busy with class preparation. They will be happy to arrange an appointment or telephone conference, or talk to you after school hours.
How to help your child get the most out of Hebrew School:
In order for our Hebrew School program to be most effective, the home and school must work hand in hand and promote a close partnership. The following are a few suggestions.
1. A growing child needs plenty of rest. Please set a reasonable bedtime for Saturday night and try to be consistent.
2. Please provide your child with breakfast before he/she leaves the house for Hebrew school. In the past some children would come to Hebrew School hungry and therefore unable to participate.
3. Be supportive of Hebrew School and comply with our attendance policy. (see above)
4. Encourage your child/ren to practice their reading at home and review the material that they learned. Parents should listen to their child's songs, stories and Hebrew reading. Show your child that you are interested in his/her Jewish education. (See also “homework” above).
General Concerns:
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's class, we expect that you will contact us at (201) 791-7200. Or Elke@jewishfairlawn.org
We thank you very much and look forward to a year full of learning and fun!
