Parent Handbook

Dear Parents,

Imagine a Hebrew School where kids don't want to miss a day. They come in with a smile and leave humming a Hebrew song. Walking through the halls, you can hear the sounds of lively discussion, of singing, of laughter and of prayer. Imagine a child who feels the warmth and spirit of Judaism. Imagine the pride of his/her parents.

Welcome to The Shul Hebrew School, an exciting and innovative educational program in West Bloomfield, where we instill within our youngsters a love for Judaism, the Torah and the Jewish people. Our school is founded on the principle that, while Jews embrace many levels of observance in their personal lives, there should be a place for all Jews - no labels, no affiliations - to develop a sense of community, to enhance the experience of being Jewish, to learn and to have fun. Our student body is made up of children from various backgrounds and affiliations and Synagogue membership is not required.

Now entering our sixth year, The Shul Hebrew School has exciting new programs and a dynamic staff who focus on the individual child’s relationship to Judaism. Children are encouraged to learn at their own pace in a nurturing environment led by teachers who love and live what they teach.

We encourage you as a parent to get involved, ask questions and keep in touch with our school.

We look forward to a Happy Healthy and Successful Year. Please visit our calendar for our upcoming events and plan on joining us often.

Sincerely,

Itty Shemtov - Director

Curriculum Goals

· To attain a strong sense of Love and Pride in being Jewish.

· Explore the Torah (Bible) and the history of the Jewish people to discover their relevance to our daily lives.

· Gain an understanding of holiday traditions and other Jewish practices.

· Study the morals, values and ethical behavior as taught in the Torah.

· Master the skills of Hebrew reading and writing. (Age appropriate)

· Understand basic Hebrew words.

· Learn basic prayers so that the students can feel comfortable at their respective synagogue services.

· Study the ancient and modern history of the land of Israel.

· Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G-d, Torah and religion.

Parent/School Communication

In order to successfully implement our goals, a home-school partnership is imperative and to achieve our noble aims, we earnestly seek genuine co-operation and active participation. The old saying, that children learn what they live, is particularly true with regard to Jewish education.

With your participation in our family days through the year, our goals become a family goal. As partners, we can give them a more balanced education.

It is of great importance for the teacher to have any information which can provide for the optimum learning situation. Information of a physical, social and psychological nature can aid a teacher in planning instruction for each child.

Please note: Notices will be sent home with your child. Please check for these notices.

If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to call us at 248-788-4000 or Itty@theshul.net.

Student Code of Conduct

The Shul Hebrew School’s philosophy of behavior management is grounded firmly in the belief that children thrive in a positive and affirmative atmosphere. Setting reasonable and fair limits for behavior and describing and reinforcing desired behaviors are more effective methods than criticism and punishment. Natural consequences, time out, behavior modification, and conferences with parents and students are used consistently by the entire faculty to bring about necessary changes to inappropriate behavior.

General expectations for student conduct include:

1. Students will respect teachers, other students, and school property.

2. Students will maintain an atmosphere conducive to learning.

3. Students will maintain safety standards.

The following behaviors violate school policy and are subject to a conference between the Parent, teacher and Director:

1. Showing disrespect towards adults or peers.

2. Using improper language or name-calling.

3. Running, pushing, shoving, or yelling.

4. Disrupting the learning process.

5. Fighting.

6. Threatening, intimidating, or causing harm to any person.

Fire Safety and Security Procedures

It is the policy of The Shul Hebrew School to follow the State approved fire safety procedures of the West Bloomfield Fire Department. Each room is equipped with a map of the exit locations and are reviewed by each classroom teacher with their students. In the event of an emergency students will proceed to the nearest exit accompanied by their teacher and meet at the cul-de-sac on the North side of the building.

Drop of and dismissal procedures

In the interest of our children's safety, be sure to follow our drop off and dismissal policy.

When dropping off you can park in the parking lot and walk your child across the street and walk them in.

If you cannot walk them in, you can stop for a short moment in front of the building and watch them walk in, we will welcome them at the door. NEVER LEAVE YOUR CAR IN THE ROAD! NEVER LET CHILDREN CROSS ALONE!

If you wish to walk in and pick up your child, feel free to do so. You must park in the parking lot and walk with your child back to your car. Please do not park in front of The Shul and leave your car unattended in the road.

If you wait in the pick-up line - please wait in your car. A teacher will safely coordinate each child to their parent's car. Every effort will be made to bring out the children in order of their parents arrival. Due to the hazardous bend in the road, it is recommended that you do not “cut” in or out of line.

A child will not be dismissed unless direct contact is made with a parent. If you are having someone else pick up your child, please let us know in advance via email: Itty@theshul.net

We thank you in advance for adhering to these guidelines.

Parent Involvement

Parents can become part of the educational process by volunteering in the classroom. We use parent volunteers to assist the teachers with Hebrew reading and testing. We also need parent volunteers to help organize and assist the teacher in weekly projects.

Supplies

The school provides all textbooks and supplies for all grades.

Out of respect for the Synagogue, boys are encouraged to wear a hat or Kippah. If you do not have one and would like one, Hebrew School can provide one for you.

Tzedakah

Tzedakah (charity) is a basic value in Judaism. We attempt to develop a commitment amongst our students to share with others less fortunate than ourselves by donating a few pennies each day to charity. Please try to send some coins to school to enable your child to perform this Mitzvah.

Snack

A Kosher snack is provided; we request that you do not send any additional snacks or drinks due to Kashrut and health reasons. If your child is allergic to any food or beverages, please be sure that it is written on his/her form.

Curriculum

Hebrew Reading

Beginning with letter recognition for our youngest children, this program leads them through phonetic decoding, reading comprehension and writing. Age appropriate textbooks and workbooks will be completed throughout the year.

Our Hebrew reading curriculum uses the latest educational breakthrough. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color-coded levels and testing. Aleph Champ provides excitement and inspiration, leading the students into a winning cycle of learning.

The Hebrew alphabet as well as the vowels and word formations are divided into 10 colored levels. The students start out as "White Aleph Champs", working their way up the colors of the rainbow to be a "Black Aleph Champ" like their teachers. Games, cards, logs and rewards make every step along this remarkable journey a fun and educational success.

Hebrew Language

We offer an introductory study of the Hebrew language.

Torah (Bible) and Jewish History

The children are introduced to the characters and stories of the Bible. They are given an overview of Jewish history beginning with creation until modern day Israel.

Holidays

Through hands-on lessons, the students will have a deeper understanding of each holiday, traditions and customs. The Shul Hebrew School will also host community holiday celebrations for our students and their families.

Mitzvot: Why We Do What We Do

Why do women light Shabbat candles? Why is Shabbat such a special day in the week? Why do we have a Mezuzah on our doors? This class will teach basic Mitzvot to grades K - 2 and provide insightful meaning of Mitzvot beginning in Grade 3.

Jewish Music

We incorporate Jewish music in our classes so children become familiar with traditional Jewish music and Israeli songs.

Arts and Crafts

Art projects are incorporated into our curriculum for Jewish holiday and Mitzvot themes and will add a taste of Jewish life at home.

Extra Curricular

Family Service

The Shul will periodically offer a Family Shabbat Service that includes songs, stories, dancing & Jewish game shows. Following Services we will celebrate all the birthdays of the month with a delicious cake & a light Oneg. To add your child's name to the cake or to sponsor the Oneg, please call our office in advance of your child’s birthday.

Friday Night Shabbat Dinners

Friday night Shabbat dinners at The Shul is a great time to get to know other families & enjoy the warmth & beauty of Shabbat. The dinners feature traditional Shabbat food, stories, songs, & lots of fun for the children.

Shabbat Youth Groups

Children are encouraged to attend and participate in our regular Shabbat Service with their families. We offer simultaneous children’s programs that are very “user friendly” and interactive. It is a wonderful opportunity benefiting children in their future Jewish experiences by making them comfortable in a synagogue setting.

Bar and Bat Mitzvah Discovery Course and Training

As the students near the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah, they will be given special training to prepare them in a meaningful way for this special moment in their lives. While it is an extension of Hebrew School, we have designed a program in which the students will be immersed in relevant concepts that are not covered in the standard Hebrew School curriculum.

If you are interested visit our website for more information on this program or call Itty Shemtov 248-788-4000.

Bat Mitzvah Club

This club is for girls ages 10-13 and offers a well rounded, meaningful, and fun experience filled with moments of self-discovery and Jewish pride. The atmosphere is exciting and nurturing for both body and soul to grow and flourish. Members discover talents and develop social skills. With an emphasis on self expression, tradition and community, each girl leaves Bat Mitzvah Club with greater self-confidence, Jewish pride, and life long friendships with girls from all backgrounds and affiliations.