SCHOOL SCHEDULE

SUNDAYS TUESDAYS OR THURSDAYS

Kindergarten - Grade 4: 9:00-11:00 Grades 3-6 Hebrew: 3:30-5:00

(and Family Services at 7:30 p.m.

on the first Friday evening of every month)

Grade 5-7: 11:15-1:00 TUESDAYS ONLY

Grade 7 Hebrew: 5:00-6:30

Grade 8 & 9 Pre-Confirmation:

KEHILLAH

6:30-8:30

Grade 7 Siddur Class: 10:00-11:00 WEDNESDAYS

Grade 10 Confirmation: 6:00-8:00

WHAT ARE WE GOING TO LEARN?

Grades K-3

The beginning of religious education is a time for building children’s Jewish identity and connection to Jewish holidays, values, culture and Torah. It is important that the children and their parents feel that Jewish tradition belongs to them. It is an opportune time to tap into children’s natural and open sense of spirituality. By presenting the curriculum in an interactive manner, the foundation is set for their subsequent Jewish education.

KINDERGARTEN: The class will be introduced to and become familiar with Jewish holidays and related symbols, customs, rituals blessings and observances. Students will also begin to think about God’s role and what that means. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of each month and the K/1 PACT (Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 1: In grade 1 students are encouraged to develop their connection to Sinai Temple. They continue their exploration of Jewish holidays. Through Torah stories they can explore the personalities and values of the Torah and make connections to their own lives. Students will begin their study of the Hebrew alphabet, the alef-bet. Students continue to explore their relationship with God. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services on the first Friday of each month, plus a K/1 PACT (Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 2: Second Graders go to Israel! They will explore the geography, people and sites that make Israel so special. There will be a special focus on Jerusalem. Their Hebrew Learning becomes a little more formal with the use of a pre-primer. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of each month, PACT (Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 3: Torah is the foundation of the grade 3 curriculum. Students are encouraged to raise questions and issues as they examine Torah stories for meaning. They even create their own commentaries. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of every month and PACT (Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 4: What happens after the Torah and Moses? Prophets and Kings. Students see what happens to the Jewish people in this part of our story. They will examine how they can impact the world in the style of the prophets. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of the month and PACT (Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 5: What are the special practices that mark the Jewish Life cycle? Students will examine traditional as well as new practices. “To Learn is to Do” students will examine the ethics and actions that lead to tikkun olam - the repair of the world. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: Family Services the first Friday of the month and PACT(Parents and children together) family program.

GRADE 6: Students will examine Jewish history from the perspective of problem solving and decision making as they examine how the Jewish community was impacted by historical events. A major focus will be placed on how the issues of the course relate to their lives. SPECIAL PROGRAMS: A special Shabbat service created by the students that is presented in the spring and PACT (Parents and children together) family program devoted to Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. Also, the Grade 6 Retreat which focuses on what it means to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

GRADE 7: Students re-examine Torah with an emphasis on values and mitzvot. Their other unit of study is the Holocaust with an emphasis on social responsibility, peer pressure and decisions that still impact us today.

THE HEBREW PROGRAM

OUR GOALS

The Hebrew Program, for students from grades three through seven, seeks to introduce our students to the language of the Jewish people. Our goal is to prepare students for meaningful and confident participation in congregational and home worship experiences. While acquiring reading fluency is required to participate in services, students will also study the structure and values of major prayers for Shabbat and the festivals. Grade seven students will also have an opportunity to learn conversational Hebrew.

Students are expected to complete the grade seven Hebrew curriculum regardless of the date of Bar/Bat Mitzvah.

SIMCHAT SHEVA: A Special Program for Grade Seven Hebrew Students

We realize that some students become Bar/Bat Mitzvah early in seventh grade. Seventh graders may also learn best when they have a chance to be together in a more social setting. In response to this, we have developed a special curriculum for seventh grade. Students will have 2 sections of Hebrew. They will be together each session to examine Torah portions from the Book of Genesis. They will study the meaning of the portion, read parts in Hebrew, and see how the text applies to their own lives. The second area of learning will be Modern Hebrew. Small groups will begin to learn conversational Hebrew.

SIDDUR CLASS

This is a Sunday Morning class that was created to start students off on the right foot for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah training. It is taught by the Cantor and classroom aides. Students start their intensive study of prayers six months prior to their Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.

HOW DO PARENTS FIT IN? With Computers & the Hebrew Reading Log

Parents – There is a role for you to play even if you cannot read Hebrew.

First, many of the Hebrew textbooks for the younger grades have a computer backup. Yes, this is for real!! This means that there is a website which has the correct answers for your child’s homework. The website even has the correct pronunciation for reading the Hebrew your child is studying. Your child’s teacher will tell you how to access this computer backup. It’s like having your own personal Hebrew tutor at home.

Secondly, we are asking that each child practice Hebrew. Teachers will send home “Hebrew reading logs” which will ask that you verify your child has practiced reading Hebrew for around 10 minutes on at least 3 days between Hebrew sessions. We can’t guarantee success for your child, but we can guarantee that practicing at least 3 times a week will make a huge difference.

Education Requirements for Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah

1) Any student planning to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah must be enrolled in and attending Sinai Temple Religious School or an equivalent school which is organized and run under Jewish auspices.

2) The student must have completed the Hebrew program at Sinai Temple, which begins in third grade and ends after seventh grade , or an equivalent school, which is organized and run under Jewish auspices. There is a minimum requirement of three years within our Hebrew program for anyone moving into the area after third grade.

3) Students who previously attended a Jewish Day School, but are not presently attending one, will be required to attend Sinai Temple’s Sunday program. In addition, they will be evaluated by the Rabbi, Cantor and/or Director of Education to determine their competency in Hebrew. Any child attending a Jewish Day School at the time of Bar/Bat Mitzvah but not during the previous few years will be evaluated to determine their competency in Hebrew. If the child’s competency is deemed satisfactory, he/she will be considered to have met the equivalent of the Hebrew program at Sinai.

4) Sinai Temple Religious School will make every reasonable effort to meet the needs of special needs learners. Parents of children with documented special needs, may, however, elect to provide individual Hebrew tutoring for their children based on the following criteria:

· To be eligible, the child must have a current IEP in place and received special services in school. Parents should share the IEP, relevant assessments and/or other appropriate information with the Director of Education.

· The Director of Education will monitor each child’s progress with a minimum of 2 evaluations per year.

· The child’s family must meet with the Rabbi, Cantor and Director of Education at least one year prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to discuss the specifics of the ceremony.

5) Exceptions to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah requirement policies will be considered if submitted in writing to the Religious School Committee. The Committee will respond in writing within seven days following its next regularly scheduled meeting. If the family is not satisfied, they may ask the Sinai Temple Board of Trustees to review their request. The Board of Trustees will provide the final decision.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

MUSIC: Grades K-4 enjoy music on a regularly scheduled basis with the Cantor. They learn songs related to their curriculum, holidays and music to share during services. There may be additional rehearsals for special presentations.

JUNIOR CHOIR: Boys and girls in grades 1-4 are encouraged to join Junior Choir. They learn new Jewish songs and assist the Cantor at Family Services. The choir rehearses every Sunday from 11:00-11:45. The students sing monthly at Family Services and on special occasions at Sinai and in the community.

PACT: “Parents and Children Together” is our family education program. It is offered in grades K-7. Parents and children learn together, increasing the understanding and involvement in the school curriculum

FAMILY SERVICES: Family services are held the first Friday of the month at 7:30. Different grades often lead or participate in the services during the year. Attendance and participation in services provides an opportunity for us to apply the lessons we study in class. We ask all religious school families to attend services once per month.

SHABBAT DINNERS: Every grade level is invited to a Shabbat Dinner during the year. The dinners usually precede a Family Service. The food is provided by the Temple and our hope is to share Shabbat with each other.

TZEDAKAH: The mitzvah of tzedakah (righteous giving) is an important part of understanding Jewish values and putting them into action. During the course of the year the school will embark on several projects. We hope that each student will bring a small amount of tzedakah every week. Taken together, the school as a whole can raise a great amount of money for the sake of important projects around the world.

THE TZEDAKAH HABIT: While we’re at it, may we ask that you also send your childl to school each weekk with an item of non-perishable food? You or your child can palce the food in the box in front of the main office. The food is sent to Open Pantry every week.

BAGELS AND BLOCKS: Do you have a 3 or 4 year old? We have something for you too! Bagels and blocks is specially designed for 3 and 4 year olds and their parents. It meets 4-5 times/year for music, activities, games and crafts related to Jewish holidays.

CLUB ALEF BET: Grade 1 and 2 students have a special social opportunity with extra activities after religious school. Special mailings will be sent out to these students.

CLUB GIMMEL DALET: Grade 3 and 4 students are invited to their own social opportunities after religious school. Mailing will let you know more.

GRADE 6 RETREAT: This is a special opportunity for Grade 6 students to spend the weekend away getting to know each other and exploring what it means to become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in an informal educational setting.

YOUTH PROGRAMMING: JOY - Our Junior Youth Group is for students in grades 7 and 8. SPFTY is our Senior Youth Group. Both groups have an active calendar from October to May. These activities provide opportunities for informal Jewish learning and friendship with students from throughout the region.

POLICIES and PROCEDURES

These policies are designed to assist in providing a positive learning and teaching experience.

ATTENDANCE:

AS of last year, the School Committee has adopted the following attendance policy. Students have so little time and so much to learn. That is why we expect students to attend Religious School regularly. Frequent absences create difficulties with keeping up with the work and may impact incentive for future progress. They also influence a student’s connection to the class as a community. In addition, excessive absences tend to lower the status of the Religious School in the eyes of the child and may negate our efforts to raise the school’s standards. In light of this, students will be allowed a maximum of 5 absences for Sundays and 5 absences from Hebrew. Please make every effort to have your child in school unless he/she is ill.

In the event that a student exceeds the allotted number of absences, the student will need to meet with the Director of Education and will be given an assignment that reviews the themes of the curriculum. This is done to ensure that the student has covered the curriculum and we have provided a high standard of Jewish learning. In order to move to the next grade level students must complete the assignment.

Our best chance for success depends on students looking at religious school as a serious and worthwhile commitment. Your support in creating this attitude is crucial and greatly appreciated.

SNACKS AND FOOD:

We understand that our weekday Hebrew students sometimes come right from school to Sinai Temple and do not have time to go home for a snack. If this is the case, please keep in mind the following: Please limit snacks to dry snacks ONLY. Water is available to drink. Snacks are to be eaten in the first 10 minutes of class only. This will prevent interruption of class and will allow students to focus their attention on the lesson.

HOMEWORK:

We realize that students have demanding schedules. While teachers limit the amount of homework, it is necessary. This is particularly true for the acquisition of Hebrew. In Hebrew School we ask that students spend 10 minutes/night. Please check with your child regarding assignments and help to see that they are completed. Parent interest goes a long way in student participation. If you have any questions or concerns about the homework, please contact the teacher or the Director of Education.

SCHOOL CLOSING:

Should it be necessary to cancel school due to inclement weather, we will notify radio stations WHYN and WMAS and Television stations WGGB 40 and WWLP 22. If Longmeadow has no school, there will be no Hebrew School. Please remember you can always call Sinai Temple for information.

COMMUNICATION/EVALUATION:

It is our hope that communication between teachers and parents will be on-going. We encourage our teachers to be in touch with you, both about the class and about your child, through the mail and by telephone or e-mail. At the beginning of the school year, teachers will send home a letter of introduction which includes their telephone number and other ways to be in touch. (Please do not call teachers or the Director of Education on Shabbat). Written progress reports will be sent home in the winter and the spring. If there is an important occurrence in your child's life (family illness, birth of a child, etc.), it would be helpful to us and to your child if we are notified. These types of occurrences may effect your child’s functioning in school and we want to be of assistance if we can. Should you have concern about your child's progress, please speak with the teacher or the Director of Education. The earlier we can identify and discuss any problems, the more likely we are to be able to find a constructive and successful solution. In other words, even if your concern is over something small, call! Better to deal with the concern when it is still small. Of course, it is also wonderful to hear from parents who have positive feedback to offer!

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS:

We want all students to have a positive Jewish education and to part of the classroom and synagogue community to the greatest extent possible. To that end, please notify us at the beginning of the year about any learning disabilities or other special needs to which we should be sensitive. For students with special needs, it is most helpful for parents (and the student as applicable) to talk about specific needs. Any written evaluations are also helpful. The information is then shared with the teacher (with permission of the parents) either through the Director of Education or in a meeting with the parents. We know that this can sometimes be difficult. Please be assured that all information is kept strictly confidential. To the extent that we are able, we try to provide students with additional materials and personnel to assist them in the classroom.

TUITION:

School tuition covers many different things. For all grades, it covers the books and materials the students use. Seventh through tenth grade tuition includes the cost of dinners and snacks and partially covers the cost of trips. However, tuition only pays for part of your child’s education. Funds from the Temple, the Jewish Federation, as well as fundraisers and grants pay the remaining costs. In order to meet our obligations on time, it is necessary for families to pay the tuition on time.

Fifty percent of tuition should be paid by October 1, 2004. Full payment should be made by February 3, 2005. A prerequisite for enrollment in the current year’s Religious and Hebrew School is the clearing of any outstanding debt. Scholarships are available in limited quantity. Please call the temple office to request a scholarship application. All scholarship applications must be completed and returned to the Religious School office no later than the end of October. Please note that prior year’s dues must be paid in full in order for your child to attend Religious School. If this is an issue, please contact the temple office to discuss dues abatement. We do not want any child to be deprived of a Jewish education.

REGISTRATION:

Registration is a crucial process in the religious school functioning. It is used to set up classes and has a direct impact on teachers being re-hired or hired as well as ordering books and materials. A large number of late registrations make it difficult for us to plan and uses up a great deal of administrative time trying to determine correct enrollment. We don’t want parents and children to miss important information because they are not registered. Save $25 late by registering on time and more importantly, help us out! Register on time!

DISCIPLINE

The Sinai Temple Religious School is firmly committed to providing a positive climate in which all our students can thrive. While we emphasize classroom learning, there are additional goals of building a community through kavod and derech eretz, respect and treating people in the correct manner. We try to create an atmosphere in which teachers are committed to treating students with dignity and respect. Our expectation is that students will treat their teachers and classmates in the same manner. This serves to put Jewish values into action at all times – not just in the classroom. Effective learning results when students, teachers and parents work together to ensure a positive educational experience.

Teachers, along with their students, will set up basic classroom rules to facilitate a productive learning environment. In the event that students do not demonstrate this respect and detract from the learning process, the teachers will take steps to help the students conduct themselves properly. Parents will always be notified and involved in the process. Discipline problems will be handled in the classroom whenever possible.

If a student is not able to follow the classroom rules, the teacher and/or the Director of Education will take corrective actions in the following sequence:

The teacher will remind the student of the rules and help the student to refocus his/her attention.
The student may be asked to step out of the classroom for a time out. (If this happens, the parents will be called).
The students will be asked to leave the class and report to the school office.
The Director of Education will speak with the student and, if time allows, the student will return to the classroom.
The teacher will contact the parents.

If the problem continues in the same or subsequent sessions

The student will be asked to leave and report to the school office.
The Director of Education will speak to the student and notify the parents.
The Director of Education will have the right to remove the student from the class for a day and will notify the parents to pick up the child.
A conference will be held with the parents, the student, the teacher and the Director of Education. Parents may be required to sit in on the child’s class.

A student sent out for a third time

The student‘s case may be brought before the Religious School Committee and the Rabbi will be consulted. Parents will be required to meet with the teacher, Director of Education, Rabbi and a member of the school committee before the student can be readmitted to class. All efforts will be made to help the student remain in the classroom. However, we will reserve the right to suspend a student for disciplinary reasons.

SIX THINGS YOU CAN DO TO HELP

1. Make sure that your child attends school regularly and on time.

2. Become familiar and involved with your child’s Jewish learning.

3. Encourage positive behavior in class.

4. Model Jewish living and learning for your child by celebrating Shabbat and holidays at home and at the synagogue, attend family services, be part of the PACT program. Do some studying for your own learning.

5. Encourage your child to tell you what he or she has studied by asking questions that require more than a yes/no answer. Send the message that Jewish education is important to you.

6. Be in touch with your child’s teachers.

V’shinantam l’vanecha - Teach the tradition diligently to your children so that they may in turn teach it diligently to theirs. At Sinai Temple we take this charge to heart. We look forward to an association with parents and children that helps children to develop a strong sense of Jewish identity and a foundation of learning that enables them to make Judaism a part of their lives so they will indeed pass their heritage on to others.