Shalom Chaverim,

It has been an exciting and busy summer preparing for the opening of school. Opening days for Hebrew school will be Tuesday and Thursday, September 6 and 8 respectively and religious school will begin on Sunday, September 10. 

Pictures of the opening of school are available on this site.

It is wonderful to be part of the Sinai Temple professional staff, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rabbi Shapiro, Cantor Mekler and the office staff for their warm welcome.  I would also like to extend a special thanks to Karen Mernoff who has not only welcomed me warmly but has also been a tremendous help and support during this time of transition.  I look forward to working with them all, as well as the fabulous teaching staff, over the coming months, to give the children of Sinai Temple the roots of what I hope will be, for them, a life long journey of Jewish learning. 

            Just as the secular education of children is a partnership between the children themselves, parents, and the school, so too, is their religious education.  I would like parents to understand that we consider you a vital partner in the religious education of your children, and that we welcome and need your support, presence, and participation. 

            This year there will be some of our favorite standard programming, some slightly adjusted, and some brand new programming in which I encourage you to participate.  I will shortly be announcing a new program for our fifth graders, some special Shabbat and Sunday programs, and am inviting parents of students with special needs to meet together, with me, on Sunday, September 25th to discuss how we are doing, and how we can improve practice to better meet the needs of our students who encounter challenges in their learning.

             I am looking forward to being a part of the future at Sinai Temple, working with, learning with, and being with, friends old and new.  Please don’t hesitate to come by and see me or contact me with your questions, concerns, ideas, or just to say hello.

B’Shalom

Sheila Shear

Third Graders are enjoying Harlene Kleiman’s class so much that one student remarked that “she cannot believe how school went by so quickly !”

Bagels and Blocks A program for pre-schoolers and their parents

Club Gimel-Dalet

Club Gimel-Dalet “Spells and Potions” The Club Gimel-Dalet program on November 21st was a great success.We had a wonderful group of budding wizards and witches attend! Much fun was had by all as they learned to perform magic, make potions and much more! Thanks to Mad Science for a great program and to our teenage helpers Julia Brenker, Sarah Chaet and Tyler Morissette who helped make this program. Club Gimel Dalet will be meeting on January 23, 2005.

Kehillah for Eighth and Ninth Graders

Religious School Philosophy

The Sinai Temple Religious School is designed to help families provide a Jewish Education for their children and growth as a family.  We seek to nurture in our students a positive, active, committed, knowledgeable Jewish identity.  As a Reform Jewish institution, we seek to enable our students by help them require the requisite knowledge and skills to discover their own path to authentic relationships with God, Torah and the Jewish people.  We believe that the Jewish religious tradition offers a worldview, a set of values and a way of life that can provide an enormously precious anchor in the midst of a turbulent and rapidly changing world.

Our goals

• To develop a sense of community within the religious school and connection to the congregation
• To provide opportunities to explore and develop a personal relation with God.
• To help students develop a commitment to living Jewishly.
• To make a connection between Jewish moral values and actions that contribute to tikkun olam - repair of the world.
• To impart a basic foundation of Jewish literacy that allows students to participate fully in Jewish spiritual and communal practice.

School Schedule  

(The Hebrew School schedule is included below, but the description of the program will be found on the Hebrew School page.)

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.      

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:

1. The teacher will remind the student of the rules and help the student to refocus his/her attention. 2. The student may be asked to step out of the classroom for a time out.  (If this happens, the parents will be called). 3. The students will be asked to leave the class and report to the school office. 4. The Director of Education will speak with the student and, if time allows, the student will return to the classroom. 5. The teacher will contact the parents.   If the problem continues in the same or subsequent sessions 1. The student will be asked to leave and report to the school office. 2. The Director of Education will speak to the student and notify the parents. 3. 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. 4. 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.