A WORLD OF WELCOME

Welcome to the Religious School of Temple Beth El. We take great pride in our school and are delighted to offer our children a comprehensive program that begins in kindergarten and includes educational opportunities right up through the twelfth grade.

Jewish education at Temple is divided into several segments. Our Sunday School (K – 3) introduces our youngest students to the joys of Jewish learning. Our Hebrew School (4 – 7), which meets on weekday afternoons, deepens our children’s awareness of Jewish tradition while also stressing a competency in the Hebrew prayer book. The Confirmation program (8 – 10) allows our students to continue their growth as Jews after they become Bar and Bat Mitzvah and culminates in a meaningful service on the Festival of Shavuot at the end of the tenth grade year. Our Post-Confirmation program offers our eleventh and twelfth graders the opportunity to study in a more relaxed atmosphere with Rabbi Mass.

Back in the small villages of Eastern Europe, there was a beautiful custom observed on a young child’s first day of religious school. The teacher would spread a little honey on a slate in the shape of the letter Aleph, the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The child would lick off the honey and then recite the following verse from the Book of Psalms: “How sweet are Thy words to my palate – sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103).

Although our instructional tools are far more modern, the educational goals at Temple Beth El are not dissimilar to those of our ancestors. We seek to cultivate in our children a lifelong love of Jewish learning. We want to affirm their identity as Jews, acquaint them with our glorious history and heritage, infuse them with the values of Torah, imbue them with love of Israel and a sense of responsibility to the community of Jews all over the world and instill in them a deep appreciation of our sacred rituals, customs, festivals, holidays and Holy Days. We want every day of their Jewish studies to be as sweet as the honey on that slate.

In order to promote our children’s Jewish development and make the most of their religious education, we need the complete support of our parents. We encourage you to work closely with our teachers, our rabbis and our cantor to make Judaism come alive in your homes. We also urge you to take advantage of all of the wonderful Jewish experiences and programs that are available at Temple Beth El. Worship with us at Family Services, sing in our choirs, join our youth groups and attend our Family Education programs, support our Men’s Club and Sisterhood, attend our Adult Education workshops, participate in our Social Action projects and join us at holiday and festival celebrations.

This handbook will answer many of your questions about our program. But remember that Jewish education is a partnership between parents, synagogue and school. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please give us a call.

We look forward to another exciting year of Jewish living and learning. Let your love of Judaism be like the honey on the slate. Help your children experience the sweetness of Jewish life. Welcome!

Rabbi Ronald Mass       Cantor Arlen Frank         Beth Kramer

THE FIRST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL

The first day of Sunday School can be both exciting and scary. In order to enhance the good feelings felt by the teachers, students and parents, we will hold an assembly at the beginning of the day. All parents of students in K – 3 grades are welcome to participate with your child in the assembly and to meet the key players in your child’s religious education.

PARENTS AS TEACHERS AND LEARNING PARTNERS

Jewish tradition believes that the parent is the most important teacher to a child. Values are transmitted most strongly in the everyday interaction of life. When parents enroll their child in our Religious School, we are given a precious trust: to build and expand upon the Jewish education already begun at home. Parents can help by encouraging a positive Jewish attitude toward Judaism and Jewish studies, participating together in Services and communicating with teachers and the Educator whenever you have a question, concern, idea or suggestion. In addition, opportunities for Jewish family education will be offered in various programs throughout the school year. Watch for these special family experiences in your calendar and in the mail.

In order for a child to learn Hebrew in a fully productive way, as with any language,

reinforcement in the home is of utmost importance. To this end, we offer a

Basic Hebrew course for parents to either learn Hebrew for the first time, or to

brush up on what you may have forgotten. In this way too, parents can be teachers of Judaism to their children.

COMMUNICATION WITH TEACHERS In case you have a particular question or concern regarding your child’s education, it is important that you get in touch with the teacher. Parents wishing to contact a teacher may do so through a note or by telephoning the Religious school office. The teachers will be notified and will return your call as soon as possible. In addition, there is an opportunity for the parents of students in grades K – 3 to meet the teachers in a formal setting at the beginning of the school year. Attendance at these meetings is important for you to understand the curriculum of the school and to meet your child’s teacher. It also helps to demonstrate to your child your commitment towards your child’s Jewish Education.

HOMEWORK AND REPORT CARDS

We believe that Jewish education extends beyond the confines of the Religious School institution. As such, homework is assigned based upon the discretion of the teacher. It is designed to support and reinforce the learning that occurs in the classroom. It is expected that it will be done with an eye toward quality and in a timely manner. As Jewish education involves the entire family, it is our hope that your will participate in the homework assignments with your child in an appropriate way.

It is important that you know how your child is doing in Religious School. Twice a year around Chanukah and Shavuot, the students in grades K – 7 receive report cards designed to apprise you of your child’s progress.

CODE OF CONDUCT

While our school is primarily a Beit Midrash, a House of Study, and is devoted to religious studies, it is also a Beth El, a House of God. As such, we encourage an attitude of respect from our students for our building, our teachers and their fellow students. Parents will be notified by the teacher and/or the Educational Director if disruptive behavior becomes an obstacle to effective and enjoyable learning.

To begin every day with the best foot forward, all students are expected to be fully prepared for all aspects of the school day. Bringing to school an excitement and joy for learning is just as important as bringing pencils, papers and textbooks.

SPECIAL NEEDS

Parents are asked to keep Mr. Kramer informed of any medical needs or special considerations which will enable us to affect the greatest learning for each child. It is our desire to place all children with special needs whenever possible in our religious studies program. We have a remedial teacher in the Hebrew School and a special Hebrew tutor to help children who may need alternate methods of learning.

ATTENDANCE

The Board of Education of Temple Beth El believes that regular attendance in the Religious School is an absolute necessity in order to attain a complete Jewish education. It is the responsibility of the Parent of Guardian to insure that the student regularly attends the Religious School sessions. Any absence requires the parent to submit an explanatory note on the next date upon which the child attends the Religious School. Three consecutive absences may result in a telephone call from the Religious School office to the home. At the discretion of the Educator, a parental conference may be required due to excessive absences. In addition, excessive absences may require private tutoring at the parent’s expense, in addition to classroom attendance.

GUESTS

If your child wishes to bring a friend to class, he or she must check in at the beginning of school in the Religious School office to sign in with office personnel. The child must also bring a note stating with who they will be for the day.

EARLY DISMISSAL

It is important for your child’s complete Jewish education that he/she attends the entire Religious School day. If a student needs to leave early, a note must be brought to the Religious School office at the beginning of the school session to have it signed by office personnel. The student will then take the signed note to the teacher. Parents must report to the Religious School office where their child will be brought for dismissal. Due to safety concerns your child will not be permitted to leave the building to meet you.

SUPPLIES AND BOOKS

With the exception of special events, all supplies and books are provided by the Religious School. Students may purchase replacement or additional copies of any text from the Religious School office. It is expected that students bring all their textbooks, including Siddurim (prayer books) to every session.

RESOURCES

It is our hope that you will be able to extend the Jewish learning your child receives in the religious School into you own home. We are offering the opportunity to utilize our children’s library of Jewish books, found in the board room and our school library of Jewish videos and cassettes. These can be signed out of our Religious School office for a two-week period.

TZEDAKAH

Our Tanach (Bible) tells us: “They that turn the many to righteousness (tzedakah)

shall shine like the brightness of the skies.” (Daniel 12:3). One of the values most

highly regarded in the Jewish community is that of tzedakah, righteous giving.

Our Religious School offers students many opportunities over the year to

participate in this mitzvah (commandment; good deed). We ask that they bring a

weekly contribution to their class tzedakah fund. These moneys will be donated to

various organizations based on class discussions and choice. In addition, over the

year they will be asked to bring various items, such as canned or packaged food,

used clothing or toys to help those in need.

SPECIALTY CLASSES AND PROGRAMS

Judaic art projects enhance the classroom curriculum. Each class uses art work

in an age-appropriate manner according to their curricular goals. Art will at

times be led by regular classroom teachers, and at other times, by an art special-

ist. All art projects are designed to be part of a larger educational experience,and

accordingly, are designed to illustrate specific points relevant to the curriculum

The music program is run by the Cantor. On Sundays, our terrific Teen Aides

assist Cantor Frank during song sessions. Their spirited presence

enhance our wonderful music sessions. All students enjoy Jewish music

and t’fillah (prayer) sessions on a regular basis throughout the year.

Prayer is an important element of the Religious School. Teachers, clergy and the

Educational Director all take leadership in worship experience for all students.

Worship services during Religious School provide children a chance to put some

of their Hebrew skills and knowledge into practical use in an inviting and

beautiful setting.

Assemblies and a wide variety of special-event programs enhance the curriculum

of each grade. Our many interactive special programs are designed to celebrate

and teach holidays and other important Jewish topics and themes throughout the year.

At times, parents are invited to enjoy these special school programs alongside their

children. We will notify parents well in advance of these opportunities.

SCHOOL CLOSING

In the event that school is closed due to inclement weather, an announcement will be broadcast on WRCR (1300 AM) radio and posted on WWW.Cancellations.com. As our school is made up of children from a number of school districts, the Religious School does not follow any one school district in determining scheduled school closings. All scheduled school closings can be found on the school calendar.

REGISTRATION AND TUITION POLICIES

7^TH GRADE REGISTRATION

The ceremony of Bar/Bat Mitzvah will only be performed if the student is fully registered for the 7^th grade Religious School program before commencement of Religious School in the fall of that year.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH TUTOR TUITION

This entire fee for Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring should be paid in full before the student enters the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring program.

BOARD OF EDUCATION POLICY ON RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT IN FOURTH THROUGH SEVENTH GRADES

Because we value our sequential curriculum and strive to provide your children with a comprehensive Jewish education, we require attendance in residence for all grades 4^th through 7^th, inclusive. A student who misses any grade in the sequence will be required to make-up the missed grade upon return to our school. The Board of Education, in consultation with the Educational Director, the Rabbi, the Cantor, the teachers and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutors, will approve all decisions regarding remedial tutoring, at the expense of the parents, in addition to tuition. Any lapse of attendance will delay or cancel your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. If already assigned, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date will be forfeited upon non-registration for any school year in the sequence. A different date will be assigned upon re-enrollment. If a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date has not yet been assigned, the date assigned upon re-enrollment will be delayed 6 months beyond the child’s 13^th birthday. Special circumstances may be given consideration at the Temple’s discretion.

LATE ENTRY INTO RELIGIOUS SCHOOL PROGRAM

If a student enters the Religious School program after the 4^th grade year, they must be fully registered for the program. They will attend school according to their ability, at the discretion of the Rabbi or Educator. They will, at the discretion of the Educator, hire at their own expense, a Hebrew and/or Judaic teacher in order to catch them up to the level of education of the rest of the class. If there is no prior Jewish education before entering the Temple Beth El Religious School program, there is a requirement of a minimum of 3 years of Hebrew and Judaic education in the Temple Beth El program, under the direction of the Educator, before there can be a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. These requirements are at the discretion of the Rabbi or Educator.

PRORATING TUITION

If a student, for any reason, registers for the Religious School program after the official registration time in the spring of the previous year, there will be an automatic $50 late registration fee added to the regular tuition fee. If a student enters the Religious School program after the first month of the school year, they may pay only for those months they are enrolled in the program. This policy does not apply to those who are absent due to illness or vacation.

REFUND

If, after registering for Religious School, a child decides to leave Religious School for any reason, Temple Beth El will offer the following refunds: Prior to the first day of school there will be a 100% refund of all money. Between the first and fourth session of school, the refund will be the amount paid in excess of 20% of annual fee. After 4 sessions of school are completed, there will be no refund. There are no re funds during the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.

CLASS PLACEMENT AND CLASS CHANGES

Class lists are constructed by the Educational Director in late summer, once school registration sessions have concluded. Classes are determined in such a way that the needs of each individual student and the needs of the school as a whole are considered. Classes are compiled based upon numerous factors including academic progress in the previous year, social and emotional issues and the recommendations of previous teachers. Request to be with friends or a specific teacher are considered, though not guaranteed. Please note our Board of Education policy: Once assigned to a class, no class changes will be considered until the child has tried out his/her assigned class for one month. If needed, after one month has passed, possible class changes may be discussed with the Educational Director.

Torah Tots – Toilet Trained 3 and 4 year olds Six Select Sundays (TBD) 9:30 AM – 11:20 AM Kindergarten – 3rd Grade Sunday 9:30 AM – 11:20 AM

4th,5th,6th and 7th Grades Monday & Thursday 4:10 PM – 6:00 PM Confirmation Program 8th,9th & 10th Grades Monday – 7:15PM – 8:30 PM Passport Program Days In Residence 4TH,5th,6th & 7th Grades Monday- 4:10 – 6:00 PM Passport students will meet with mentor for individual 30 minute, mutually agreed upon scheduled sessions. People You Should Know Rabbi Ronald Mass - Senior Rabbi Cantor Arlene Frank Billie Landman – President of Temple Beth El Beth Kramer – Director of Lifelong Learning Helen Gitlin– Administrative Assistant of Religious School TempleBeth El Religious School Office: (845) 352-5823 Office Hours: Sunday 8:30 AM – 11:30 PM Monday thru Thursday 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM TempleBeth El Main Office: (845) 356-2000 Office Hours: Monday thru Thursday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Visit our website at: www.templebethelrockland.org E-mail Beth Kramer: educator@templebethelrockland.org E-mail Helen Gitlin: schooloffice@templebethelrockland.org