School Committee Members

INTRODUCTION

Congregation Agudath Achim welcomes you and your family to our school. This Handbook is designed to give you an overall view of the goals, policies and procedures of the Religious School. It is our mission to give your child the best Jewish education possible according to his/her individual needs and capabilities. To accomplish this goal, we require each family’s commitment to assist their child in maintaining good attendance, demonstrating a willingness to learn, and by reinforcing Jewish customs, traditions, and values at home. We look forward to working with your family in order to meet your individual needs and provide meaningful ways to help you reinforce your child’s Jewish education through ongoing communication and special activities. We hope that your family’s experience with our Religious School and Congregation is a rewarding one.

SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEMBERS Rabbi Anne Heath, Principal - (508) 822-3230 Caron Hoder, Chairperson - (508) 822-3413

Mija Almeida Stacey Gay Joyce Antine Kathy Novick Laine Carter Gail Peckman

TEACHERS Mrs. Stacey Gay - Mishpacha Sheli, Gan Tinok and Kitat Yeladim Mrs. Gail Peckman - Parent Assistant - Mishpacha Sheli, Gan Tinok and Kitat Yeladim Mrs. Gail Nathan - Chaverim and Sabras Ms. Jessica Yarman - Aleph and Bet Mrs. Alice Nussbaum - Gimmel and Daled Rabbi Anne Heath - Hey, B’nai Mitzvah Preparation, and Rabbi’s Roundtable

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Sharon Cushner - (508) 285-5758

MEMBERSHIP AND DUES CHAIRPERSON Meg Antine - (508) 823-5621 SCHOOL-PARENT PARTNERSHIP MEETING

The annual School-Parent Partnership Meeting, held in September, is a mandatory informational meeting at which families learn about and become familiar with the philosophy of the school, the curriculum, new initiatives, and policies and procedures. Also at this time, parents are encouraged to ask any questions they might have concerning the school.

Parents who are unable to attend the School-Parent Partnership Meeting must contact the Religious School Chairperson to schedule an individual meeting.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL CLASSES

MISHPACHA SHELI - “My Family” Mishpacha Sheli is for our littlest ones - ages birth to 2 ½ years - and their parents. The group meets on the second Sunday of the month (October-April) from 10:00-11:15 AM. Families participate in opening and closing activities with Gan Tinok and Kitat Yeladim, and spend the remaining time getting acquainted with each other as their children play. Age-appropriate Jewish-themed toys, books and other materials are provided. In addition to Sunday group meetings, Mishpacha Sheli families join together with Gan Tinok and Kitat Yeladim families for a brief, age-appropriate Shabbat morning service at the synagogue on the first Saturday morning of every month.

GAN TINOK - “A Child’s Garden”

Gan Tinok is designed for toddlers (ages 2 ½ to 5 years) and their parents. The class meets approximately twice/month on Sundays from 10:00-11:15 AM. Families learn together through exploration, play and movement activities during story time and circle time. The students learn about holidays and traditions through stories, songs and arts and crafts. The arts and crafts activities include participation in Hadassah’s nationally recognized “Training Wheels” pre-school curriculum. Each class ends with Shabbat Snack with our Mishpacha Shelit and Kitat Yeladim friends. In addition to Sunday classes, Gan Tinok families join together with Mishpacha Sheli and Kitat Yeladim families for a brief, age- appropriate Shabbat morning service at the synagogue on the first Saturday of every month.

KITAT YELADIM - “Children’s Classroom” Designed for Kindergarten-age children and their parents, Kitat Yeladim meets approximately twice/month on Sundays from 10:00-11:15 AM. Students begin each class by participating in story time with the Mishpacha Sheli and Gan Tinok families. The students then have the opportunity for some special learning experiences separate from the other ages as they learn about the Hebrew alef- bet and Jewish holidays and traditions through music, role play, arts and crafts, and visits to our library. Each class ends with Shabbat Snack with our Mishpacha Sheli and Gan Tinok friends. In addition to Sunday classes, Kitat Yeladim families join together with Mishpacha Sheli and Gan Tinok families for a brief, age-appropriate Shabbat morning service at the synagogue on the first Shabbat of every month.

CHAVERIM - “Friends”

The Chaverim class is for children in the first grade. The curriculum focuses on Jewish holidays and traditions, Bible stories, music and mitzvot. Students continue their introduction to the Hebrew alef-bet and learn basic vocabulary and blessings. The class meets twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad.

Requirements for promotion to Sabras: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at a minimum of six (6) Shabbat B’Yachad services, with parents/family, on the first Saturday morning of each month.

SABRAS - “Pioneers” Children in Sabras attend 2nd grade (ages 7-8). Students continue their study of holidays, traditions, Bible, mitzvoth, the Hebrew alef-bet and basic vocabulary and blessings. Music and literature continue to be essential components of the curriculum. The class meets twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad.

Requirements for promotion to Aleph: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at a minimum of six (6) Shabbat B’Yachad services, with parents/family, on the first Saturday morning of each month.

ALEPH Students in Aleph attend third grade (ages 8-9). This class meets twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad. The focus of the curriculum is on beginning Hebrew reading and writing, an introduction to liturgy, and a more advanced study of holidays, mitzvot, Bible, traditions, and Jewish responsibilities. The student learns to recite and understand basic prayers and blessings. Students work on developing an understanding of Jewish ethics, including their relationships with others, their relationship with God, self-respect, responsibility, and commitment to Judaism. Each student develops a basic understanding of the narratives and lessons of the Torah. They are introduced to current events as they pertain to Judaism and the Jewish people. Each student participates in a hands-on mitzvah project.

Requirements for promotion to Bet: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at all eight (8) Shabbat B’Yachad services, with parents/family, on the first Saturday morning of each month.

BET Kitah Bet is designed for students in the fourth grade (ages 9-10) and meets twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad. Students in this class focus on developing fluency in Hebrew reading. Emphasis is placed on vocabulary development, writing, Jewish values, and liturgy. Students are introduced to Jewish life cycle events, lessons from the Prophets, the State of Israel, and developing a relationship with God. Students review all previously learned liturgy and focus on learning additional elements of the Shabbat service. Students gain an understanding of narratives and lessons from the Prophets and selections from Jewish literature. Current events are discussed as they pertain to Judaism and the Jewish people. Each student participates in a hands-on mitzvah project.

Requirements for promotion to Gimmel: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at all eight (8) Shabbat B’Yachad services, with parents/families, on the first Saturday morning of each month.

GIMMEL

Students in Gimmel are in the fifth grade (ages 10-11) and meet twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad. Students continue to develop their Hebrew reading and writing skills, with an introduction to translation. Additional focus is placed on learning elements of the Shabbat service, meaning of the holidays and their customs, lessons from the Torah, the history of the State of Israel, current events, Jewish values and ethics, and familiarity with the siddur and the humash. The student reviews all liturgy previously learned and develops an ability to read and understand selections from the Torah service.

During the year that the student attends Gimmel, his/her parent(s) should speak with the Rabbi to schedule a meeting to discuss the student’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, propose a date, and review expectations and requirements. The date will be set in conjunction with the Rabbi, the President of the Congregation, and the Religious School Chairperson. At this time, the family will be given a B’nai Mitzvah packet to assist them in preparing for this important event.

Requirements for promotion to Daled: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at all eight (8) Shabbat B’Yachad services AND attendance at one additional Shabbat morning service per month as a Prayer Leader, as scheduled with the Rabbi.

Students in Daled are in the sixth grade (ages 11-12). This class meets twice per week, on Thursdays and Sundays, and once per month on Saturday for Shabbat B’Yachad. Students continue to develop “prayerbook Hebrew,” with a focus on developing competency in leading parts of the Shabbat service, meaning of the holidays and their customs, lessons from the Torah, the history of the State of Israel, current events, Jewish values and ethics, and familiarity with the siddur and the humash.

The student reviews all liturgy previously learned and continues to develop an ability to read and understand selections from the Shaharit service, Torah service, and Musaf service.

Requirements for promotion to Hey: Satisfactory attendance and progress in class AND attendance at all eight (8) Shabbat B’Yachad services AND attendance at one additional Shabbat morning service per month as a Prayer Leader, as scheduled with the Rabbi.

During the year that the student attends Daled, it is the parent(s)’ responsibility to speak regularly with the Rabbi and the student’s teacher to ensure that requirements and expectations for the student’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah are clearly understood and being addressed.

Students in Hey attend 7th grade (ages 12-13). Hey is the pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah class as well as a continuation of the study of Hebrew, liturgy, Jewish history, current events, ethics, and Torah. Each student meets once per week on Thursdays for class instruction, once per week for individual instruction with the Rabbi, as scheduled, and once per week for Shabbat services. All students are expected to undertake and complete an approved mitzvah project.

Students work on mastering elements of liturgy, including the Friday night service, Torah service, and Shacharit service. Students study the Holocaust and participate in a focused study of the concepts of God, Torah, and Am Yisrael. Current events are reviewed and discussed.

In this year of or preceding Bar/Bat Mitzvah, each student undertakes a special mitzvah project developed with the advice and consent of the Rabbi. Hey students are expected to attend all scheduled Shabbat B’Yachad services as well as act as Prayer Leader for other services as scheduled with the Rabbi.

The Hey class encompasses a very important year for students preparing for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. By this point, families should have a firm understanding of what will be expected of their child to prepare for this special event to be held at or near the close of this school year. It is the family’s responsibility to schedule a meeting with the Rabbi at least six (6) months before the Bar or Bat Mitzvah date to review the student’s progress and the family’s wishes in order to decide on the student’s level of Bar/Bat Mitzvah participation, as outlined on the following pages.

BAR AND BAT MITZVAH

Minimum requirements for Bar or Bat Mitzvah at Congregation Agudath Achim:

 Family membership in the Congregation for at least the previous three years and  Student’s successful completion of at least three years of the Congregation’s Religious School, Gimmel through Hey, or a certificate of successful completion from another approved religious school and  All Congregation dues and fees paid in full at least ninety (90) days before the event (membership dues, Religious School fees, and event fees) and  Student’s attendance at all eight (8) Shabbat B’Yachad services AND attendance at additional Shabbat morning services per month as a Prayer Leader, as scheduled with the Rabbi and  Student’s completion of an approved mitzvah project.

The Religious School Committee recognizes the unique needs of each family. Exceptions to these requirements may be made in special circumstances (e.g., financial limitations; students with special needs) through consultation with the Rabbi. The Rabbi may consult with lay leaders to determine special circumstances. All consultations are strictly confidential.

LEVELS OF B’NAI MITZVAH PARTICIPATION At age thirteen, Jewish boys and girls are ready to take on the Jewish responsibilities of adulthood. At Congregation Agudath Achim, we all share in the joy and celebration of this important event, whether the student is called to the bimah for an aliyah or leads the entire Shabbat service. The student’s level of participation in the ceremony is based on the family’s expectations and preferences, their commitment to the community, and the student’s progress through Religious School and attainment of requirements. The following levels of participation have been established:

Shalom: The Shalom Bar or Bat Mitzvah is available to the student who has not met the requirements of class participation and Shabbat attendance. The student and his/her parents will be extended the honor of receiving aliyot during the Torah service.

Chai: The Chai Bar or Bat Mitzvah is available to the student who has partially met the requirements of class participation and Shabbat attendance. This student will be extended the honor of leading the Shabbat Torah service, including chanting the Maftir and Haftarah. The honor of receiving aliyot will be extended to the student, his/her parents, and three other persons of the family’s choice.

Double Chai: The Double Chai Bar or Bat Mitzvah is for the student who has met all the requirements of class participation and Shabbat attendance and who is therefore prepared to lead Shabbat services, including chanting the Maftir and the Haftarah. The family can decide to have the student participate in any facet of the Friday night, Saturday morning, and/or Havdalah service. Aliyot will be extended to the student and persons selected by the family.

KEVUTZAT HA RAV - “The Rabbi’s Roundtable”

The Rabbi’s Roundtable is a post-B’nai Mitzvah opportunity for our youth to “get their hands dirty” – to put into practice all they have learned about mitzvot – and to learn even more in the process. Initially meeting once a month on Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, students will work with Rabbi Heath and others to implement “Living Links” – the goal of which is to make intergenertional connections within our Congregation as we work to document our history using video, audio and computer technologies. Our community elders will have a chance to share their wisdom as our youth record it for posterity – all the while building community across generations. All Jewish post-B’nai Mitzvah youth in our area are invited to participate, whether or not their families are currently members of the Congregation.

Chaver - Students ages 13 to 16½ (leading to Confirmation) Madrich - Students ages 17 and 18 Yoeitz - Post-high school The primary objective of Kevutzat HaRav is to motivate teens to act in a Jewishly ethical and menschlichkeit way by inspiring them to take an active, positive, participatory role in their continued Jewish education. Students are expected to practice articulating their own opinions in a more developed and mature style.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL ACTIVITIES, COMMUNITY EVENTS, AND FAMILY EDUCATION

The Religious School and our Jewish community enjoy celebrating the beautiful holidays, traditions and customs of Judaism with special services, parties, functions, family education activities, and other events. Throughout the school year, we offer a variety of fun and educational activities designed for families and children of all ages. We also support our Religious School and community through fundraising activities.

Taking part in these activities and events gives us the opportunity to express ourselves as part of a Jewish community. We get to know each other better and our children form lasting friendships with their classmates. Children appreciate and enjoy the break from the classroom while continuing to learn and make meaningful connections with hands-on experiences.

Your participation makes these events possible and fun for all. Please consider attending as many of these activities as possible and volunteering to help out with one or more during the school year.

SHABBAT SERVICES Children of all ages learn best when they take advantage of all the learning activities available. We encourage our children to attend synagogue services on Friday nights, Saturday mornings and holidays in order to maximize their understanding of and spiritual connection to Judaism and their community. Religious School students are required to attend a minimum number of Shabbat B’Yachad and other services (see class descriptions).

First and Fourth Friday Evening Shabbat of each Month: The “Roving Rabbi” working to “Rekindle Shabbat” and to build community by having two or three families meet at one home for Shabbat dinner. Rabbi Heath attends as a guest and educator without usurping host family traditions. Third Friday Evening Shabbat of each Month: Simchat Shabbat at 7:30 PM - A blend of traditional and contemporary music and prayers with our Simchat Shabbat Musicians and Choir. First Shabbat of each Month: Saturday morning, 9:00 AM: Shabbat Mini- Minyan, Shabbat B’Yachad, Shabbat Learners’ Minyan - all children, all parents, all interested in learning more about Shabbat prayers. Adults and children will be invited to hone their Torah and prayer skills, becoming part of the Rabbi’s “Yad Squad.” Religious School curriculum includes an emphasis on such skill development. Print and electronic materials will be ready for individuals and families to use at home. All Other Shabbat Mornings: Our ongoing 9:00 AM minyan. Sponsor-A-Shabbat: Gather a minyan, make a kiddush, honor a yahrzeit, celebrate a b’nai mitzvah anniversary. Second Shabbat of each Month: Saturday evening - Havdalah with the Rabbi - welcome evenings for newer members. Shabbat Rosh Hodesh and Festival Mornings: Hallel/Psalms of Praise Choir. Special Shabbat Mornings:

2007 October 6 Welcoming Our New Members October 20 Marc Gleason, Bar Mitzvah

2008 January 26 Sisterhood Sabbath March 22 Andrew Wolsky, Bar Mitzvah June 14 Volunteer Recognition June 21 Sarah Hoder, Bat Mitzvah

STUDENT PARTICIPATION Students are encouraged to attend classes regularly and actively participate in class. Students are expected to make up any work missed.

DROP OFF AND PICK UP Please be considerate by dropping off and picking up your child on time. Parents are responsible for the safety of their children entering the building and reaching their classrooms. Be sure that there is a teacher present before leaving children at the JCH. Parents must come into the building to pick up their children after class. A note and identification is required if a person other than a parent is to pick up a child. If you are going to be late for pick up, or there is a change in transportation arrangements, please call the JCH.

SCHOOL CANCELLATIONS Weekday weather closings will coincide with Taunton Public Schools; if Taunton closes or has early dismissal, Religious School for that day will be cancelled. Teachers will try to reach you with cancellation information. You may also call the JCH (508 822-3230) and follow the recorded phone menu for school cancellation information. For Sunday closings, call this same number for information.

CALENDAR A School Calendar is provided for each family. Each family should review the schedule in advance to minimize scheduling conflicts.

ABSENCES For the safety of your child(ren), please call the JCH (508 822-3230) to let teachers know if your child will be absent from school.

CARPOOLING We are happy to assist parents to set up carpool transportation to/from classes and services.

CURRICULUM

Our Religious School provides education for children from infants through late teens. Our mission is to provide a well-rounded Jewish education, thus fostering a positive sense of Jewish identity. We believe that a knowledgeable student will become an active participant in the Jewish community. The Religious School Committee has developed a comprehensive, sequential curriculum which includes study in the following general topics: Jewish values, holidays, commandments, Torah, Hebrew, prayer, Israel, and the Jewish people. Students are assessed according to established objectives and achievement is reported twice per year for each student via the Report of Progress.

We believe that communication between the school and family is essential. Each teacher communicates with families by sending home a monthly newsletter. Your child’s teacher may also contact you by phone, email, or in writing. We also encourage families to become integral members of the Jewish community by attending synagogue and special family events.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the curriculum, course outlines, or discipline, you may contact your child’s teacher, Caron Hoder, or Rabbi Heath.

PARENT PARTICIPATION Parents are encouraged and welcomed to support their children’s religious education. Some of the ways you can participate are:

 Attend Shabbat B’Yachad synagogue services with your child(ren)/family.  Attend Friday night, Saturday morning, and holiday services at the synagogue with your family.  Volunteer to help serve the Oneg Shabbat on one or two Friday night services during the school year.  Volunteer to help set up the Kiddush on one or two Saturday mornings during the school year.  Volunteer to help plan or assist with a school or Congregation activity.  Volunteer in the classroom.  Communicate regularly with your child’s teacher.  Participate in family education events.  Assist with fundraising activities and/or respond generously to fundraising events.

SISTERHOOD The Sisterhood of Congregation Agudath Achim is a group of women who are dedicated to the perpetuation of Judaism and its ideals in the home, the community, and the synagogue. Sisterhood financially supports the activities of the Religious School. If you are interested in Sisterhood membership information, please contact Kathy Novick, Caron Hoder, or Rabbi Heath.

KIDDUSH VOLUNTEERS

Helping with the set-up and clean-up of Kiddush for one or more Saturday mornings during the school year is greatly appreciated and is a terrific mitzvah! This involves coming to a Saturday morning service, setting up the Kiddush refreshments (provided by the synagogue) and cleaning up when the Kiddush is over. Members are always available and willing to pitch in and lend a hand. All parents are welcomed and invited to attend any Saturday morning service where members will review how to set up for the Kiddush. If you have any questions regarding this, or would like to volunteer, please contact Caron Hoder.

TUITION, FEES, AND DUES

Our Religious School can exist only when every family fulfills their obligation to submit all tuitions and fees in a timely manner. Once a student is enrolled in class Chaverim, the family is required to become a member of the Congregation. It is essential that this financial commitment is met. By ensuring the future of our Religious School and Congregation through adequate financial support, we protect our Jewish future and that of our children. We depend on each family to pay their share of tuitions, fees and dues in order to support our Congregation family. Please note that tuitions do not cover the entire cost of your child’s religious education. The Congregation and the Sisterhood financially support about 50% of the cost of the Religious School. There may be events at which a small fee will be charged to assist with the cost of food and/or materials. Your understanding and cooperation are greatly appreciated.

Scholarships and dues reductions are available. Please contact Sharon Cushner, Financial Secretary for information. All communication is strictly confidential.

AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS Prior to the beginning of each school year, parents may apply for their child to receive a Felice W. Goldstein Memorial Scholarship. One or more financial scholarships may be awarded to be used toward Religious School tuition. Contact the Financial Secretary for information.

At the end of each school year, awards are given to deserving students in classes Chaverim through Hey. These awards are given for achievement, conduct, cooperation and attendance. Religious School faculty and committee members determine the recipients of the following awards:

The Jeffrey Karel Memorial Award is given to the student with the most outstanding record from Aleph through Hey.

The Samuel and Sarah Ofengand Memorial Award is given for ruach (spirit), demonstrated by the best attendance record at Saturday morning Shabbat services.

The Herman Mell Award is given for achievement and excellence in Hebrew and Sabbath liturgy.

The Bertram Antine Memorial Award is given to the student who best demonstrates Menschlichkeit.

The Russell Cetlin Memorial Scholarship is given for overall achievement and includes a $75 award toward tuition.

The Rodef Bina Award (“seeker of knowledge”) is given to the student who demonstrates enthusiasm for learning.

The Talmud Torah Award is given to the student who demonstrates a consistent desire to learn Torah.

CODE OF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE POLICY In order to provide our children with a sound and nurturing learning environment as well as instruction in basic social skills, this Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy has been adopted as the standard of behavior required of all students.

Religious School is a learning environment that seeks to promote respect, understanding, and knowledge of Jewish history, language, and culture. All students are expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior and proper decorum in the classroom and synagogue settings. Parents are expected to support this Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy.

1. Students are expected to listen attentively and speak respectfully to adults and classmates. Examples include: listening while another is speaking; not talking back to a teacher; speaking in a normal tone of voice.

2. Students are expected to respect the personal space and property of others. Examples: keeping hands and feet to one’s self; not taking items from others without asking; not writing on or otherwise defacing school or personal property.

3. Students are expected to perform all assigned work to the best of their ability within the allotted time. Examples: attending to task without unduly socializing with classmates; completing homework.

4. Students should come to class prepared with completed assignments and appropriate materials. Examples: homework done; yarmulke; books; pencils.

5. Students are expected to attend classes regularly and arrive punctually.

6. Personal property not related to Religious School should not be brought to school. Examples: Gameboys, cell phones, CD players, gum.

7. Students should be in their seats and ready to learn at the start of class.

8. Students are expected to follow the classroom rules established by their teacher.

The Religious School Committee reserves the right to exclude a child from school for behavior that is significantly disruptive to the learning process. Students suspended from school may be re-admitted subject to a meeting between the student’s parent(s) and the Religious School Chairperson, and satisfactory resolution of the behavior issue. Permanent exclusion from Religious School may be implemented where all reasonable efforts at remediation have been unsuccessful.

SOME FINAL WORDS… The members of the Religious School Committee hope that this Handbook provides you with all the information you need regarding our Religious School. We welcome comments and suggestions and encourage your ongoing participation in your child’s religious education.

If you should have any questions or concerns during the school year, please feel free to contact any of the School Committee members. If you have any issues that need to be addressed by the School Committee as a whole, please contact Caron Hoder or Rabbi Heath. We will make every effort to address your concerns in a timely manner.