January 25, 2018 - Beth Tikvah Preschool parent... · January 25, 2018 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION ......
Transcript of January 25, 2018 - Beth Tikvah Preschool parent... · January 25, 2018 RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION ......
January 25, 2018
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION
The mission of the TBT Religious School is to create a
strong Jewish identity within our students. We do this
through teaching them Torah, Jewish history, Hebrew
reading and prayer, and the study of Jewish holidays.
Our curriculum focuses on Jewish life and religious
practice, Tefilah (prayer), Bible, Hebrew, and Jewish
social studies. We hope that our children will feel
comfortable in any synagogue they go to with this
foundation. We want them to have a special feeling
inside of them for God, synagogue and Judaism. We
take all the aspects of Jewish education and help our
students to apply it to their own personal lives, which
strengthen their connection to our religion. We enhance
that connection not only through study, but also
through art, music, ongoing discussions with the rabbi
and by providing our students with meaningful Jewish
experiences throughout the year. It is our hope that
these wonderful components of our education program
create a positive attitude about Judaism that children
will carry into their adult lives.
The Goals of Temple Beth Tikvah’s
Religious School Program are:
-to be knowledgeable about and engaged in Jewish life and
religious practice.
-to develop a relationship with and reverence for God.
-to be connected to their synagogue community.
January 25, 2018
Dear TBT Families,
Bruchim Haba’im—Welcome to another year with the Beth Tikvah religious school community.
There is indeed a wonderful year ahead of us, filled with opportunities for students of all ages
(including parents!). You are receiving this handbook filled with important information about our
philosophy, policies and programs to illustrate Beth Tikvah’s commitment to substantive and
meaningful Jewish learning experiences for our students.
Every time we read the Sh’ma, we read “V’shinantam l’vanecha, we are instructed to “teach our
children diligently,” making it our responsibility to give our children the Jewish education they
deserve—an education shaped by vision, hope, and purpose, so that they will have the tools to look at
the world through Jewish eyes and know how to respond to the peaks and valleys we find in “real
life.”
The clergy and educators here at Temple Beth Tikvah see ourselves as your partners. To the very best
of our abilities, we will seek out ways not only to engage your children in Jewish learning, but to
deepen their understanding and commitments to their Jewish journeys. That means we are concerned
about how they learn, their self-esteem, and their capacity for compassion. It also means that we need
our students’ parents and families to journey with them. And we are here to support you in this
endeavor as you reinforce “doing Jewish” in your homes, in our synagogue, and places in-between.
As much as we are a people of thinkers and questioners, we are first and foremost a people of action.
We are not supposed to study about life, but to choose life, develop meaningful relationships, and
bring God’s Presence into our lives. So for all of you who seek out how to make Jewish choices for
yourselves and your families, we are here for you.
At Beth Tikvah we strive to create an inviting, interactive and safe environment for all our students to
learn about the history, heritage and customs of Jewish tradition and to grow to become skilled in
living a Jewish life. To further this goal, we strive to have students internalize the values of kavod –
respect and tikkun olam – repair of the world.
We stand ready to act in covenant with you to fulfill these responsibilities to benefit our congregation,
the Jewish people and each and every one of you. In addition to educating your children, we will
continue to offer many opportunities for adult learning, as well. We hope that you will participate in
one or more of these offerings during the year.
With warm wishes and shalom,
Hassia Levin Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Nancy Kassel
Director of Education Rabbi Cantor
January 25, 2018
Contents RELIGIOUS SCHOOL MISSION .......................................................................................................................... 3
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND STANDARDS .............................................................................. 6
ADMISSION STANDARDS ................................................................................................................................. 6
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOURS ......................................................................................................................... 6
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS ....................................................................... 6
ATTENDANCE ..................................................................................................................................................... 7
BAR/BAT MITZVAH ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................ 7
INCLEMENT WEATHER ................................................................................................................................... 7
HOMEWORK........................................................................................................................................................ 7
SECURITY ............................................................................................................................................................. 7
CARPOOL ............................................................................................................................................................. 8
CARPOOL SYSTEM - DO’S & DON’TS ....................................................................................................... 8
STUDENT EVALUATION .................................................................................................................................. 9
TUITION REFUND POLICY .............................................................................................................................. 9
TZEDAKAH .......................................................................................................................................................... 9
DRESS CODE ........................................................................................................................................................ 9
CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 9
SCHOOL PROPERTY ......................................................................................................................................... 9
STUDENT GUEST POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 9
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM .................................................................................................................................. 9
PLAYGROUND ................................................................................................................................................... 10
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES .......................................................................................... 10
BOARD OF EDUCATION ................................................................................................................................. 10
OUR RABBI ......................................................................................................................................................... 10
OUR CANTOR .................................................................................................................................................... 10
POST BAR/BAT MITZVAH EDUCATION PROGRAM .............................................................................. 10
TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH BEHAVIOR CONTRACT ...................................................................................... 11
CLASSROOM RULES: ...................................................................................................................................... 11
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS: ..................................................................................................... 11
CONSEQUENCES: ............................................................................................................................................. 11
CURRICULUM: PREK THROUGH SEVENTH GRADE ............................................................................... 13
KINDERGARTEN CONSECRATION ............................................................................................................. 13
CALENDARS ............................................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.
OTHER IMPORTANT DATES ................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
FAMILY EDUCATION DAYS* ........................................................................................................................... 14
GRADE LEVEL SHABBAT SCHEDULE ........................................................................................................... 14
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RELIGIOUS SCHOOL LEADERSHIP AND STANDARDS
Alexandria Shuval-Weiner Nancy Kassel Donald Tam
Rabbi Cantor Rabbi Emeritus
Hassia Levin Perri Kunofsky
Education Director Religious School Administrator
ADMISSION STANDARDS
Temple Beth Tikvah’s religious school provides education to students from Preschool through twelfth
grade. Our Preschool consists of students who are four by September 1st of the year of admission.
Children admitted to Kindergarten must be five years old by September 1st of the year of admission.
Children will be placed into the same grade as their public/private school whenever possible. There are
exceptions, however, if a child does not have the Religious School background required. In these cases,
placement will be at the discretion of the Director of Education after consultation with the parents.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL HOURS
PreK – 7th grades Sunday 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
3rd – 6th grades Tuesday 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
8th-12th grades Monday 6:45 pm – 8:30 pm
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBERS
Temple Beth Tikvah
Religious School Office
9955 Coleman Road
Roswell, GA 30075
(770) 642-4168 phone
(770) 642-0813 fax
www.bethtikvah.com
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ATTENDANCE
Regular attendance is essential to a quality Jewish education. Temple Beth Tikvah’s Board of
Education believes that regular religious school attendance is so important that a policy has been
implemented to discourage excessive absences. Students who miss more than twenty-five percent
(25%) of class sessions of religious school during one school year period may be retained if their
Hebrew proficiency is insufficient to warrant promotion to the next grade level. If your child must be
absent due to illness or family emergency please notify the religious school office as soon as possible
The Board of Education also resolved in May of 2006 that “Because 7th Grade is a B’nai Mitzvah
preparation year, there will only be 3 unexcused absences allowed in 7th grade. Any other absences
must be medical or Jewish life cycle related with written documentation”. To discuss extenuating
circumstances please contact the religious school office.
BAR/BAT MITZVAH ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS The following requirements apply to students who will become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Tikvah:
A minimum of five years attendance in mid-week Hebrew classes. Exceptions can only be
made by the Director of Education or Rabbi
To qualify for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparatory course, the Sixth grade students are tested on Hebrew reading. All
Sixth Graders are independently tested for reading fluency. Students MUST pass all tests to qualify. After testing,
parents are notified of the results in writing by the Education Director.
With the exception of students attending Jewish day schools, enrollment in our Religious School and Hebrew
classes through completion of 7th grade is required.
For students who have completed 7th grade and become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in 8th
grade, the student must be enrolled in our Kesher program.
Additional Bar/Bat Mitzvah information may be found in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook.
INCLEMENT WEATHER To accommodate our students religious school will try to follow the lead of Cobb and/or Fulton
county schools closures*. Announcements may be made on television channel 11 (WXIA). Please
watch this channel for the announcement. If you are still in doubt, call the religious school number and
we should have an answering machine recording confirming or denying the cancellation.
*If Cobb and/or Fulton County cancel after school activities, the Religious School may not always
follow their lead. In case of threatening weather conditions we will keep our parents informed.
HOMEWORK Teachers at their discretion may assign meaningful homework. While we are aware that students have
homework from their public/private school, homework can be an important reinforcement of Religious
School studies and is designed to facilitate excellence in our student’s Jewish knowledge.
SECURITY The safety and security of our students is our number one priority. Roswell police officers will patrol the
premises during religious school to help make our building safe and secure. The police officers
constantly survey the building monitoring the coming and going of parents, congregants, and visitors to
our building.
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In order to take a student out of class early, a parent must come to the religious school office no later
than 11:45 a.m. on Sundays or 6:15 p.m. on Tuesdays, show his/her driver’s license, and then sign
his/her child out of school. Students will be called by means of our intercom system. Teachers will not
release students unless a school staff member has instructed them to do so. On Sundays bring your
child on/after 9:15 a.m. and Tuesdays bring your child on/after 4:45 p.m. If your child arrives early
(i.e., more than 15 minutes before school begins) he/she will be required to sit and wait in the school
lobby until the appropriate time.
CARPOOL In order to make carpool a success, we must all work together and participate positively. This is for the
safety and best interest of your child(ren). Please read the following carpool information and Do’s and
Don’t list.
Carpool drop-off begins fifteen minutes before the start of the school day. Parking in the carpool line
does not begin until 9:45am on Sunday and 5:15pm on Tuesday. This will allow time for late-comers to
enter the building safely and efficiently. If you intend on staying in the parking lot throughout the school
day, please park in the lot until the above specified times. At the specified carpool times, you may begin
creating carpool lines.
The religious school will utilize our intercom system for carpool dismissal. Students will remain in their
classrooms during carpool. Carpool numbers will be called out over the intercom system. Teachers will
remain in the classrooms to supervise students during carpool time. PreK and Kindergarten students will
be escorted out of the building by a staff member and helped to their vehicles. If students do not hear
their number called the first time we will call the student by name. If your child(ren) do not come out
when their number is called you will be asked to pull over to the side of the parking lot so we can locate
your child and allow other parents to leave the parking lot in a timely manner.
CARPOOL SYSTEM - DO’S & DON’TS DO obtain a carpool number, teach it to your children, and display it properly in the right hand side of
your windshield.
DO explain to your children the carpool system. Be positive when mentioning carpool to them. It is
their responsibility to listen to the carpool numbers being called and to leave their classrooms when their
number is called.
DO stay in your car while in the carpool line; or else leave your keys in your car. This will enable
carpool staff the ability to move your car.
DO be an example to your children by behaving in a decorous manner. Please understand that safety is
our primary concern.
DO follow the directions of the carpool staff.
DON’T disrupt classes by checking your children out for “non-emergency” issues. The school’s primary
goal is to give our students a well-rounded Jewish education. Having children leaving prior to the end of
the day defeats the purpose and continuity of our teaching.
DON’T attempt to check out your children after 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, or 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday.
Parents not participating in carpool must check their children out 15 minutes before the end of the
school day.
DON’T switch lanes. Please stay in your lane to avoid unnecessary clogging and delays.
DON’T use your cellular phone in the carpool line. We need your full attention and focus once our
children are dismissed.
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STUDENT EVALUATION Teachers will evaluate students on an ongoing basis. Student reports will go home in the last session in
December and the last session of school in May.
TUITION REFUND POLICY Temple Beth Tikvah Religious School will not issue tuition refunds beyond the first 3 sessions of the
school year. Refunds will incur a $100.00 processing fee. Refund requests must be in writing. Approved
refunds will be issued within 60 days of the request.
TZEDAKAH On a weekly basis, the opportunity and obligation to observe the mitzvah of Tzedakah will take place in
the Religious School. Children should be encouraged to give of their own so they understand the
experience of sharing with others. Some organizations that have benefited from our children’s support
are: Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Alzheimer’s Association of Israel, Jewish National Fund,
Make a Wish Foundation of America, and many more. In addition, a portion of the money will be used
to benefit the Religious School and its students.
DRESS CODE Students must show respect for our school, sanctuary, teachers, and fellow students by wearing attire
similar to that required in public school. No head coverings, other than kippot, may be worn. During
special holidays or memorial days students may be asked to wear synagogue attire or a formal white
shirt. Please be respectful during these times by participating as requested.
CLASSROOM DISTRACTIONS Toys, stuffed animals, electronic devices, cell phones, iPods, and similar items are not permitted in the
classroom (unless the child is participating in a teacher initiated “show and tell”). These items can be
distracting to teachers and other students and are not conducive to learning. For those children that carry
phones for safety reasons: Each classroom will have a cell phone parking lot. Students will be asked to
park their devices during school hours.
SCHOOL PROPERTY We need to take special care of our school because it is our "home." Because the school is joined to the
Synagogue, we must also preserve the sanctity of the building as a place of worship. Students will be
held accountable for any destruction or property damage that he/she may affect.
STUDENT GUEST POLICY In the spirit of hospitality, we are thrilled to welcome guests. However, due to our responsibility to care
for the welfare of all who enter our doors, no “guest” may attend school without the consent of the
Religious School Director. If a guest has prior approval from the director to attend classes we will need
the following:
Advance notification and approval from the teacher
A signed waiver from the parent of the guest.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAM We desire all Temple Beth Tikvah parents to become involved. All parents are required to volunteer for
one event or day per child. There is always something to be done at the school. Please give of your time
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generously by being a room parent, volunteering for holiday/special programs, be a substitute teacher or
assisting with school flyers and mailings.
PLAYGROUND Students will be allowed to play on the playground ONLY if supervised by a parent or teacher. The
playground will be open during religious school hours for our youngest students. After playing, students
must wipe their feet on the mats as they enter the school building. Students must stay off the fence and
not climb on top of the playground structures.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DIFFERENCES Temple Beth Tikvah Religious School is eager to know about a student’s unique educational needs.
Parents are encouraged to share information on how their child learns best by submitting any educational
plans and accommodations that have been put into place in the secular school. We also encourage parents
to discuss any learning style concerns with our educational staff, whether or not an I.E.P. exists for the
secular school. The Director of Education and the student’s teacher are available to meet with parents at
any time to discuss alternatives and options to accommodate our children with special needs. As always,
any information that you share with us regarding your child will be kept confidential. The family is
financially responsible if a child has special needs that require a dedicated teacher or teaching assistant
for his/her success. Prior to any special assistance being received these services must be paid for in
advance in full for the calendar school year.
BOARD OF EDUCATION We are fortunate to have an active Board of Education. The Board is involved with overseeing events
and decision making that relates to religious school life. We encourage all parents to become actively
involved in the education of their children by participating with the Board members in their continuing
support of the ongoing programs.
OUR RABBI Rabbi Alexandria Shuval-Weiner is an important part of our education program. During the Religious
School year, Rabbi Shuval-Weiner will lead tefillah (prayer experiences), holiday assemblies and
discussion groups for all grades, provide classroom demonstrations, work closely with the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah students, and coordinate Shabbat Service participation. Rabbi Shuval-Weiner also teaches the
Confirmation class to our students in tenth grade.
OUR CANTOR Cantor Nancy Kassel is an active part of our educational program. Cantor Kassel co-leads our students in
weekly tefillah (prayer) and song. She also assists in preparing our students for grade-wide Shabbat and
family services. In addition Cantor Kassel works with our sixth grade students in the classroom teaching
them trope and liturgy, conducts our children’s choir, heads the Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring program, and
works with our Confirmation students.
POST BAR/BAT MITZVAH EDUCATION PROGRAM
Temple Beth Tikvah’s leadership is devoted to its students of all ages. It is our position that Jewish
learning is a lifetime endeavor. As our students become b’nai mitzvah, they are not only reaching a life
cycle moment, they are affirming their commitments as Jews. Therefore, we are offering a program for
post-b’nai mitzvah students in grades 8-12. On Monday nights, all of these students will gather for
dinner as part of one single community, then they will break into their own classes.
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TEMPLE BETH TIKVAH BEHAVIOR CONTRACT
In our tradition, we believe that each and every soul is created in the image of God. As such, the way in
which we interact is a sacred covenant. Our Brit makes sure that our school is safe and warm for both
teachers and students.
GENERAL STATEMENT:
Developing a positive school climate involves the use of (1) age appropriate consequences (2) a simple
structure (3) reasonable rules (4) and the child assuming an important role in his/her own educational
environment. In such an atmosphere, the class is neither teacher-dominated nor student-controlled;
rather, it is a joint effort to learn, relate, and experience.
The following policies are designed to help end student/teacher power struggles, free the administration
from having to deal with day-to-day disciplinary issues, and preserve instructional time in the classroom.
CLASSROOM RULES: The students and teachers in each class will compile a list of rules cooperatively.
RELIGIOUS SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS:
Students, teachers, administrators, and parents will show respect toward each other with appropriate
words and deeds.
Students will show respect toward all areas of the synagogue building. The teacher and/or room parents
permit food and drinks during designated snack times and special programs as assigned. Proper
treatment of landscaped areas, the playground, and restrooms is expected at all times, and students should
wear attire similar to what would be worn to elementary or middle school. NO head coverings, other
than kippot may be worn.
Students will come to class ready to learn. This includes bringing the necessary books and materials,
completed homework, a positive attitude, good questions, and an open mind.
Students will choose to either fulfill the expectations or accept the consequences listed in the behavior
agreement.
Parents will actively help their child(ren) fulfill expectations 1-4.
Parents will keep absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals to an absolute minimum. Excessive
absences (more than 25% of the sessions) make it very difficult to accurately assess progress and may
result in retention.
Parents will communicate positive comments, questions, or concerns to the child’s teacher, the Education
Director, or a member of the Board of Education.
Teachers will create a positive learning environment in the class with appropriate learning activities,
“incentives,” and “rewards”.
Teachers will notify the parents of positive achievements as well as difficulties experienced by the
student in class.
Teachers will be available to meet with students and/or parents to discuss and resolve behavior and
academic issues. If needed, the Director of Education is always available.
CONSEQUENCES: Should a situation arise in which behavior by a student (or group of students) results in the loss of
instructional time, the following procedures will be followed:
The teacher will positively refocus the student(s) by reminding the class of the expectations and that a
second infraction will lead to dismissal from the classroom.
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If dismissal from class occurs, the student will be sent immediately to the office and parents will be
notified.
If a second dismissal from class occurs within a month, the student will need to be accompanied back to
the classroom by a parent with an action plan detailing positive behavior changes.
If a third dismissal occurs within four sessions of the first dismissal, parents will be notified immediately
to come get their child from school. Readmission to class will take place only after a satisfactory
resolution has been achieved in a scheduled meeting with the Education Director, the teacher, the student,
and the parents. The parents may also be required to attend class with their child during the next class
session.
If a fourth dismissal occurs, the student may face additional detention, suspension, or expulsion. This
decision will be made by the Education Director and parents will be notified.
When appropriate behavior has been displayed for one month without classroom dismissal, the student is
given a clean slate and the cycle of consequences starts over again.
If a situation arises in which property is stolen or destroyed, the repair or replacement cost will be
incurred by the student.
HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, THREATS (VERBAL, WRITTEN OR ELECTRONIC), AND
BULLYING BEHAVIOR:
Harassment is defined as:
Intentional, substantial, and unreasonable verbal, physical or written contact that is initiated, maintained,
or repeated. No student shall engage in harassment, intimidation, or abuse of or toward any other
student(s).
Bullying behavior is defined as: Willful attempts or threats to inflict injury on another person, when
accompanied by an apparent present ability to do so; or intentional displays of force such as would give
the victim reason to fear or expect immediate bodily harm.
1. No student shall engage in verbal or written harassment or bullying of or toward another student or
students or employees.
2. No student shall threaten, either verbally, in writing, electronically, or by physical presence, expressed
or implied, or conspire to cause bodily injury to any student or employee.
3. No student shall harass or bully another student or students. At least one parent/guardian will be
required to attend a conference with the Director and/or Rabbi concerning the student’s bullying offense.
Students who knowingly file a false report of bullying will also be disciplined.
At no time will physical or verbal abuse, stealing, or the use, possession, or sale of devices or substances
that are harmful to self and/or others be allowed on Temple property. This will result in immediate
suspension and/or expulsion from school. It has been Board mandated that religious school fees cannot
be refunded in a case of dismissal from religious school, based on reasons set forth above.
We at Beth Tikvah’s Religious School thank you for your cooperation in implementing our behavior
contract. Together, we can provide a safe and productive learning environment for our children.
January 25, 2018
CURRICULUM: PREK THROUGH SEVENTH GRADE
PreK Children will explore and learn about bible, and Mitzvot. The primary program we will be utilizing is
called A Child’s Garden of Torah. The series is made up of twenty-five lessons with stickers that
introduce and review bible stories. The lessons are written clearly so that beginning readers will find
themselves able to read and non-readers will be able to easily follow along. We will also utilize a series
called Look at Me. This is a four part series that talks about Mitzvah, Synagogue, Shabbat and
Hanukkah.
TEXTS: Look at Me – I Can Celebrate Series Holiday Activity Kit A Child’s Garden of Torah
Freddie Levin and Sunny Yudkoff Zelda Meshberg Joel Lurie Grishaver
KINDERGARTEN
Children will explore and learn about Jewish Holidays, Jewish Life, Shabbat, Bible, and Mitzvot. The
primary program we will be utilizing is called Let’s Discover the Holidays. The series is made up of
sixteen, 4-page folders highlighting each holiday with lively artwork, photographs, and activities. The
books are written clearly so that beginning readers will find themselves able to read and non-readers will
be able to easily follow along. Students will learn about biblical characters and review Bible stories in
Teach Me Torah. Each four-page Shalom Sesame Classroom Magazine provides content-rich
photographs, developmentally-appropriate text, playful Shalom Sesame characters, and thought-
provoking questions and activities designed to engage children and build Jewish identity. Jewish and Me:
Mitzvot, a set of eight 4-page folders for the early childhood classroom, focusing on mitzvot, values,
developmental skills, and social skills. Children will identify ways they can create shalom bayit (peace in
the home), practice recycling to take care of the environment, make a card or gift for someone who does
not feel well, and more. The students will use activity books to familiarize themselves with the Aleph-
Bet.
TEXTS: Let’s Discover the Holidays Teach Me Torah Shalom Sesame Now I know my Alef Bet
Sarah Feldman Vicki L. Weber Dena Neusner Bonnie Sharfmann &
Deena Bloomstone
KINDERGARTEN CONSECRATION Consecration is a tradition in many American Jewish schools where we “bless” our children as they begin
their formal Jewish education. It is a lovely, family-friendly ritualized moment to mark the beginning of
your child’s sacred journey. All of our Kindergarten students will be on the bimah during our Simchat
Torah service. Consecration will be at Temple Beth Tikvah on Sunday, October 23rd. Please be sure to
inform the school office if your child will be attending the ceremony. We can be reached at
[email protected] or 770-642-4168. RSVP's must be received by Friday, October 14th in order
to give the office ample time to prepare your child’s certificate.
FIRST GRADE The study in First Grade continues to develop the student's understanding of the Jewish holidays and
being Jewish. Children will be presented with an overview of the yearly cycle, with its observances,
symbols, and activities in the form of drawings, exercises, games and other activities. The concepts of
tzedakah (acts of justice through giving) and mitzvah (Jewish sacred obligations) will also be taught
enabling the children to understand the many dimensions of charity, justice and kindness. Through the
discussion of holidays, their symbols, and their meanings, students will begin to explore the concepts of
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miracles, determination, heroism, and freedom. They will discover these not only through the holiday
cycle, but through stories in the Bible and other Hebrew literature. They will see these themes emerge
specifically in studying the stories of God’s creation of the world, Noah’s ark, the Macabees, and the
scroll of Esther. Students will also acquaint themselves with berachot (blessings) for Shabbat and the
holidays. The holiday classroom text, BJL Beginnings allows our students to learn about the Jewish
holidays, symbols, and customs through easily readable stories, drawings, exercises, and games. The
secondary program Let’s Discover the Aleph Bet to further teach the children the Aleph Bet.
TEXTS: Let’s Discover Israel BJL Beginnings Let’s Discover the Alef Bet
Gila Gevirtz Sarah Feldman
SECOND GRADE In second grade students deeply examine their Jewish heritage. Children will explore classic Bible tales
through the text, Let's Discover the Bible, which will re-orient them with Bible stories, vocabulary, and
history. Students will also use the holiday series entitled, Let's Celebrate, in which students will learn
more about the rituals, customs and traditions that accompany every Jewish holiday. The discussion of
Jewish heritage stretches back in history to figures from Torah and Midrash (rabbinic writings) and
extends forward into the discussion of modern Israel, its people and its culture. The exploration of
Jewish culture extends into the study of the students’ lives and homes, where they will see how the
practice of mitzvot and celebration of Jewish holidays ties them spiritually to their foremothers and
forefathers. Students will continue working with the Alef-Bet through Shalom Alef Bet.
TEXTS: Let's Discover the Bible Let's Celebrate Shalom Alef Bet
Shirley Rose Project Editor - Adam Siegal Pearl Tarnor
THIRD GRADE Third grade children will study the Bible through the text, A Child’s Bible: Lessons from the Torah. This
text allows students to utilize their linguistic and comprehension abilities, as well as reinforce the history,
ethics and archaeology of times past in relation to how we live today. Students will continue to learn
about the Jewish holidays and customs through the text, My Jewish Year: Celebrating Our Holidays.
This book expands upon the holidays, emphasizing Jewish traditions, ritual, symbols, legends and history
through stories and exercises. With the assistance of their teachers, students are asked to make
connections between the lives of biblical figures and their own lives, to see how the choices that figures
from the Torah and the prophets effected the lives of the Jewish people, and how faced with difficult
decisions, the students themselves might choose. Returning once again to the concepts of freedom and
heroism, students are asked to look for these treasured values in their own lives. Using Reading Hebrew,
students will learn a step-by-step mastery of the Alef-Bet, involving decoding and reading fluency. Some
technical skills introduced will be visual discrimination, auditory discrimination, manuscript writing,
speed-reading, prayer practice and fluency of vocabulary. Students are assisted in expanding their
introductory knowledge of Hebrew consonant and vowel recognition, putting these sounds together to
form words. Children are encouraged to read aloud and grow comfortable with their reading ability.
TEXTS: A Child’s Bible: Lessons from the Torah Derech Binah
Seymour Rossel Lillian Adler
My Jewish Year: Celebrating Reading Hebrew
Our Jewish Holidays Castberg and Adler
Adam Fisher
January 25, 2018
FOURTH GRADE Our Fourth Grade students will use the book, Welcome to Israel, to take an informative and fun filled
“tour” of Israel. It introduces students to Israel history; geography; and political, commercial and cultural
life. Students will further explore Jewish holidays and life cycle events with the text, The Book of the
Jewish Year. Hebrew reading skills will be further developed by introducing the children to prayer.
Students will use the book Hineni 1: Hebrew Through Prayer, to build upon their Hebrew fluency and
prayer comprehension. Students will use their growing Hebrew reading skills to learn the meaning of the
Saturday morning Shabbat prayers. They will also learn the months of the Hebrew calendar, as well as
Hebrew numbers, and these vocabulary words are used to enhance the discussion of the Jewish Holiday
cycle. Also included in the curriculum is a book and study workshop called, Sedra Scenes. This book
provides the students a chance to focus on the Torah portion of the week by acting out and reliving events
and personalities. By doing so, the children feel much more in touch with the stories of the Torah and
see the importance and practicality of their studies. The students will utilize The Childs Bible : Lessons
From the Prophets and Writings for authentic and moving retellings of the great Bible stories. This book
highlights their timeless moral and spiritual truths and applies them to the personal concerns of today's
children.
TEXTS: Welcome to Israel The Book of the Jewish Year
Lilly Rivlin with Gila Givirtz Steven Wylen
Sedra Scenes Hineni 1- Hebrew Through Prayer
Stan J. Beiner Terry Kaye
FIFTH GRADE Fifth Grade students will advance in their study of Hebrew, prayer and Shabbat worship. The curriculum
emphasizes the above three aspects that lead to a natural transition into formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah studies.
The primary focus of this year is to provide a complete understanding of the Shabbat service in
preparation for becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Students will use the text Basic Judaism:Torah as their primary Bible/history text. The chapters highlight
Jewish history through stories, photographs, artwork, and historical time-lines. The Book of Jewish
Holidays is a combination of Bible stories, holiday customs, and Jewish traditions. The book contains
everything about feasts, fasts, and festivals that mark the Jewish year with innovative activities and
creative projects to bring it all to life. Hineni 2: Hebrew Through Prayer is the Hebrew text for 5th grade.
This text continues with the Shabbat morning service and selected prayers for Friday night. The students
will also focus on the weekly Torah Portions by reading skits and participating in group discussions.
TEXTS: Basic Judaism: Torah Parasha Plays
Naomi Pasachoff Richard J. Allen
The Book of Jewish Holidays Hineni 2: Hebrew Through Prayer
Ruth Lurie Kozodoy Terry Kaye
SIXTH GRADE An emphasis will be placed on prayer study and Hebrew reading fluency in preparation for the student's
Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The Siddur (prayerbook) will serve as a pertinent text to assure that each student will
be prepared for his/her place as an active participant in Jewish life. Students will begin to perfect the
prayers necessary for advancement into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah year.
January 25, 2018
The Jewish Lifecycle Book and the Time of Our Lives explain Jewish lifecycle events and the pertinence
they have to our lives. The ultimate purpose is to introduce, explain, interpret, and illuminate the
fundamental concepts of Judaism which weave together the basics of history, belief, ritual, halacha and
tradition into the fabric of Jewish life. Students will study the different ways Jewish lifecycle events are
observed in Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform traditions. Modern traditions are compared to a basic
understanding of Torah and the teachings of rabbis. Why Be Different? A Look at Judaism focuses on
Jewish values and ethics important for every Jewish child. It helps answer questions like, “How can we
believe in G-d if there is suffering in the world?” and “Who decides what is right and wrong?” Students
will be taught to think about morality in society as a whole. Additionally, our sixth grade will study both
Holocaust and Israel through the texts Joseph and Me: In the Days of the Holocaust and A Young
Person’s History of Israel.
TEXTS: The Jewish Lifecycle Book Why Be Different? A Look at Judaism
Rabbi Michal Shekel Janice Prager and Arlene Lepoff
Mishkan T’Filah The Times of Our Lives
CCAR Nina Beth Cardin and Scott Blumenthal
SEVENTH GRADE The 7th Grade curriculum focuses on the modern history of Judaism and Israel. We live in a world today
that struggles with issues pertaining to the existence of Israel; with our children facing questions and a
culture that makes it difficult to explain the complex situation to themselves and others. For a strong
Jewish identity, the study of their own heritage and the State of Israel is so important. The students will
discuss Jewish life in Europe (Eastern and Western) as well as Jews discovering the New World, the
history of Zionism, the rise of anti-Semitism, the Holocaust, the establishment of the State of Israel and
its political, social, and cultural life.
Our students will be developing their own book by using documents, personal histories, literature, films,
and creative activities to enrich their learning. Our goal is for our students to feel confident and have
pride in their Jewish heritage and strengthen their identity as Jews.
As a part of the curriculum, students will have speakers and field trips as well as participate in hands-on
mitzvah and tzedakah projects that will help them discover their own roles and responsibilities as young
adults and as Jews in the community.
January 25, 2018
FAMILY EDUCATION DAYS*
6th grade – Sunday, November 12th @9:35am 3rd grade - Sunday, @9:35AM
4th grade - Sunday, @9:35AM 1st & 2nd grade - Sunday, @9:35AM
5thgrade – Sunday, @9:35AM
*All family education days begin with Tefilah services at 9:35 in the Sanctuary.
After services parents are asked to gather in the social hall.
Schedule subject to change
GRADE LEVEL SHABBAT SCHEDULE
1st & 2nd Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, October 20th @6:30 PM
3rd & 4th Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, January 19th @6:30 PM
5th & 6th Grade Shabbat & Family Service Friday, April 20th @6:30 PM
Kindergarten Consecration Wednesday, October 11th @6:00PM
10th Grade Confirmation Friday, May 4th @6:30 PM
All graded Shabbats start with an Oneg at 6:00PM