RELIGIOUS
SCHOOL VALUES & RULES
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Commitment to Core Values & Conduct
Expectations
Congregation Beth Israel Religious School expects adults and children to be committed
to living out core values that model derech eretz (the
right way to behave toward others) and to be responsible citizens who reflect
and build a caring community.
The Religious School has established conduct expectations, procedures for intervention,
and consequences. We believe that together - using these TORAH concepts
as our guide - we will build a meaningful and productive community.
Trust and Tolerance -
Expectations of honesty and integrity in all matters. Acceptance of the fact
that differences in beliefs concerning various issues is both reasonable and
potentially constructive.
Openness - Recognition
that learning, teaching, parenting, religious and socioeconomic resources
and styles can vary.
Respect, Responsibility,
and Righteous Living - Promoting human equality, dignity and freedom,
refraining from discriminatory actions and comments, caring for public and
private property, and regularly practicing tzedakah (righteous acts) and
hesed (acts of kindness).
Academic Effort -
Spending time and focused energy on Talmud Torah,
coupled with joy in learning.
Honesty, Humility, and Humor -
Not feeling unduly self-important, being able to laugh at ourselves, and together
with (not at) others.
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School Guidelines & Policies
Attendance:
: Attendance must be regular in order for students to derive the most from our program. Our curriculum consists of a continuum of information that is linked session to session. Students must attend at least 80% of scheduled classes. The teachers in grades 3 through 7 may assign make-up work. B'nai Mitzvah students may not be excused from class for individual tutoring.
Absences: For safety reasons please call the Religious School office at 858-535-1144 if your child is ill or will not be attending class.
Conduct: The way we act toward others should reflect the way we would want others to act toward us. Kindness, respect, courtesy and helpfulness are values we cherish.
Communication: Please contact the School Office at 858-535-1144 ext. 3121 or Rhona Gordon about anything that might help us better serve you and your children. Most school communication with parents is via email. To ensure seamless communication make sure that we have your current email addresses. If you change your e-mail address, please update the office. Talk with your child's teacher frequently about class work and special events. Teachers' email addresses are available online. Room parents will inform you about ways you can be involved with activities in the classroom.
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Discipline: Congregation Beth Israel Religious School strives to establish a respectful partnership between school and home where parents and staff, together with the student, seek to resolve a child's school problems. Students can and must learn to take responsibility for their own actions. Consequences for misbehavior will be logical, relevant, and designed to teach appropriate behavior, rather than to be merely punitive. All staff will strive to establish consequences that expect the student to: reflect on his/her behavior, make a plan for self-improvement, and provide meaningful service back to the Congregation Beth Israel Religious School.
Most behavior issues will be handled directly by teachers. In some cases, consistent misbehavior may involve the school administrator. When students disrupt the class, they will be given a warning the first time. If the disruption continues, the student will be sent to the office to determine a future course of action with Rabbi Katz or Mrs. Levy. Parents may be contacted to meet with administrators and assist in the design of a plan for improvement.
At any time, if a child's behavior is determined to be unsafe or dangerous to another child or teacher, parents will be asked to pick up their child immediately. In case of vandalism, students and their families will assume the responsibility for repairs and/or clean up. The school upholds the rights to further suspend or require a child to be withdrawn from school for seriously inappropriate behavior.
Congregation Beth Israel Religious School maintains a "No Tolerance Policy" toward acts of physical violence, blatant disrespect to adults, willful acts of harassment, or any act that threatens the health and well being of others. Immediate and severe consequences such as in-school or out-of-school suspension or expulsion could result.
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Dress Code: Congregation Beth Israel is a religious institution that operates its schools to affirm and teach basic Jewish mitzvot and values. One of the values we want our children to internalize is Kavod Ha-Makom, respect for place. One of the ways we show
respect is by how we dress. Our school has not required formal
dress. Nevertheless, because we are regularly in the sanctuary and chapel some kavod is required in how we dress in these locations and by necessity the whole school. Appropriate dress is important and reflects the values we teach and expect at CBI.
Shabbat clothing – When attending a service in the sanctuary or chapel or presenting a program at Shabbat services wear clothes appropriate for the occasion.
School clothing - Pants, dresses or shorts may be worn; shorts and skirts should be mid-thigh or longer.
- Shirts should not have any inappropriate message
(e.g., promoting smoking, alcohol, drugs or violence)
- No undergarments should be obviously visible. For girls, straps should
be at least 3 finger widths.
- Shirts must cover entire torso and midriff.
- Hats must be worn facing front and not obscure a face.
- Clothes should be neat without rips or holes.
- Shoes must be worn at all times in the building and playground.
- No "roller" shoes allowed.
- Cell phones and ipods must be turned off during class and services.
- No electronic devices are permitted in class or at services.
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Chevrah Tefillah:
Service attendance. To enhance understanding and comfort with Jewish liturgy we strongly encourage students to strive for a level of service attendance. Students may count Shabbat or holiday services toward their totals. Students who reach these goals will be honored at the end of the school year. This year at least 6 services have been set as a membership requirement.
Family Shabbat: : Once a year, each K through 6th grade class assumes a special role in leading family Friday evening Shabbat services which are on the 2nd Friday of every month at 7 pm. The schedule for leading Shabbat services will be posted soon.
We encourage all Religious School students and their families to attend Family Shabbat services regularly. See dress code for appropriate clothing guidelines.
Hebrew Homework (Grades 3 – 6): Hebrew
homework assignments are ongoing throughout the year. Please make sure your child
completes the reading and sign the appropriate forms.
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Lost & Found: Check the
Religious School office for items lost at school. Labeling books and clothes
is always helpful.
Mitzvah Projects: We
invite and encourage students and their families to participate in social action
projects finding a meaningful way to become involved in making a difference in
this world. A resource list is available in the school office.
Parent Visiting: Adults
should feel free to visit the Religious School classrooms and programs at any
time. Contact the office in advance and confirm with the teacher so he/she is
aware you will be attending class.
Progress Reports: Progress
reports for grades K – 6 will be mailed home after each semester.
Promptness: Please
help students be on time for class and tefillah. It is respectful and important
for learning, making friends and feeling a part of our community.
Room Parents: Parent involvement enhances the classroom activities, communication and fun. We need at least two room parents for each grade. The job includes helping with special events, organizing class activities, and communicating with other families. Please contact Marvin Estrin if you are interested in becoming a Room Parent.
Snacks: Feel free to send
snacks with your child. There are designated times during school for each grade
to enjoy a snack. CBI practices biblical kosher, especially the avoidance of
all pork and shellfish or mixing dairy with meat products.
Supervision: Our
first priority is the safety of the children. Students may not leave the Temple
grounds unless accompanied by an adult. For an early pickup, parents must sign
the student out with their teachers in their classroom.
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Tzedakah: (righteous
acts of loving kindness; the giving of charity). Our tradition teaches that giving
to others who are less fortunate is a mitzvah (a
commandment). Please help your children to get into the tzedakah habit
by reminding them to set aside some of their money each week. Students will have
an opportunity to direct their class tzedakah (collected
on Sundays) by discussing different options.
Visitors: Children who
are not enrolled in our Religious School may attend only with the advance consent
of an administrative staff member and with a parent's written permission.
Web site: Click on Schools and Religious School. Check out the Religious School section of our synagogue Web site regularly for activities and programs.
Worship Service/Tefillah: Services are held at the beginning of each session for grades 3 through 6. Students have a chance to participate in and lead parts of the service. Please be prompt: beginning and ending a prayer service together is part of the communal experience we promote. go to top
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