ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

Dear Parents,

Thank you for inquiring about the BCC Hebrew School. Enclosed please find a registration package which includes, a program sheet, fact sheet with detailed information about the Hebrew School, and a registration application. Please read this package carefully and send in the application forms. If you have any questions or if you need any special arrangements, please feel free to call me. At BCC Hebrew School, we firmly believe that your child's first taste of Jewish learning should be fun, upbeat, and interesting. Our goal is to create a program that the students will thoroughly enjoy. Our commitment is to make each day exciting and each lesson relevant and interesting. Our approach is a "hands‐on" learning style, allowing children to experience a living Judaism. We are certain that the children will be happy to attend and absorb the material they learn. For the upcoming 2008–2009 school year we have planned innovative exciting programs, in addition to the usual holiday events. At BCC Hebrew School, families of every backgrounds and affiliations feel welcome. Tuition is affordable and synagogue membership is not required. Families are welcome to attend services at the Chabad Synagogue whenever they wish. We wish you a successful year and true Jewish Pride (Nachas) from your children.

Sincerely yours, Mrs. Nechama Geisinsky Hebrew School Director

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

1 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

SCHOOL PROGRAM We are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to our students through the excellent Hebrew School program at BCCHS. BCC Hebrew School offers an outstanding program that will give your child a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Judaism, and will instill in your child the faith, beauty and values of our heritage. All lessons will be taught in a manner that will give the children a great appreciation of their rich Jewish heritage. Role‐playing, arts & crafts, and songs are incorporated to help make the lessons enjoyable. We will present special programs during the year, such as experiences, Chanukah Rally, Purim Fun, Passover Matzah Baking, Model Seder, Lag B'Omer Barbeque, and more. We will also feature creative ongoing activities throughout the year, such as Jewish Jeopardy, Kosher Label Contest, Brachot Bee, Synagogue Services, and more. All these will help to develop strong qualities of community participation and an enthusiasm for Judaism from our students. We believe that the joy and pride in Judaism that will be experienced at the BCC Hebrew School will make an indelible impression upon the children for a lifetime.

‘ALEPH CHAMPION’ HEBREW READING CURRICULUM We know that learning to read Hebrew is quite the necessity for anyone interested in fitting in and understanding the Jewish culture. However, it is not always the most exciting skill to learn. BCC Hebrew School is the first school in the area to include the internationally acclaimed ‘Aleph Champ’ curriculum that has proven to be a fun, motivating, and effective way to teach Hebrew reading. By utilizing the colored ranking system found in martial arts classes, this program taps into a child’s natural desire to succeed and achieve goals.

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

2 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

HEBREW LANGUAGE: Children will learn to recognize and identify the names of all Hebrew letters. They will begin reading simple words after learning how to blend the sounds. Additionally, they will begin to learn how to write the letters in the Hebrew script. Hebrew vocabulary is a basic part of the program ‐ Children will learn Hebrew words related to current themes.

MITZVOT: Children will be taught the meaning of mitzvot ‐ commandments ‐ and will be encouraged to enjoy the experience of doing mitzvot. Some of the mitzvoth emphasized are Tzedaka, loving one another, kindness to living creatures, hospitality, honoring parents, mezuzah, and brachot (blessings). The teachers will help each child develop a consciousness of proper Torah behavior towards each other ‐ Midot Tovot (Good Deeds) ‐ which is the acquisition of desirable character traits.

HOLIDAY OBSERVANCES: Children will learn to appreciate the special quality and holiness of Shabbat and Holidays. They become familiar with the historical background, customs, and observances of each festival throughout the year.

PRAYER AND BLESSINGS: Children will start to learn simple, basic prayers and blessings. As they progress they learn more prayers and what is appropriate to say at which times.

JEWISH HISTORY: Children learn to view our Avot (patriarchs) and Imahot (matriarchs) and other Jewish heroic figures as true role models. They are taught morals and ethics from figures highlighted in the weekly Torah portion. The children gain knowledge and a love for the land of and its people.

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

3 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

CURRICULUM Our curriculum consists of the following: Hebrew Reading and Writing Love for Israel Conversational Hebrew Jewish Laws and Customs Hebrew Prayer Synagogue Life The Jewish Calendar Bible ‐ Torah Portions Jewish Values Jewish Songs

KADIMA: The Kadima (first step) program is designed for children ages 5 – 8 (K ‐ 3rd Grade). This program level is introduced to the as well as a simple list of Level one Hebrew. We will learn basic Jewish history starting with Creation until the time of Joshua. Holidays and Mitzvot are taught through a more relaxed environment with fun, song, games and lots of hands‐on activities. BO’NIM: The Bo’nim (builders) program is geared to children ages 9 – 12 (4th Grade – 7th Grade). This program level learns Hebrew reading format, enabling them to eventually complete full words and sentences. They learn the meaning of Hebrew words by means of interactive activities. Our Parsha class will include a brief overview of that week’s Torah Reading portion as well as practical lessons relating to our daily lives. We will be taking an in‐depth look at the basic laws, customs, and holiday observance. The Wednesday class will also begin learning an overview of Jewish history starting from the time period of Joshua.

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

4 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

FACT SHEET Age Levels Kindergarten (5 yrs) thru 7th Grade (12/13 yrs)

Schedule

K – 3rd Sundays 9:45am – 12:00pm No Wednesdays

th th Wednesdays 4 – 7 Sundays 9:45am – 12:00pm 4:30pm – 6:00pm (optional) All Grades Periodic exciting extracurricular activities

Tuition and Fees:

K – 3rd $450 4th – 7th $450 $500 incl. Wednesdays The above tuition does not include the non‐refundable registration fee and book fee.

Registration & $50 Book Fee

Payment Options: Option 1: Prepayment in full before start of school.

Option 2: Pay 2/3 of tuition before start of school, 1/3 of tuition by January 7th. Note: If for any reason you cannot commit to one of the above options, please contact our office to arrange a personal payment plan. Please note that the above options are for tuition only. ‐ The registration fee and the book fee are due with your registration form. ‐ A supply list and a school calendar will be sent to you when we receive your registration.

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

5 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

Daily Schedule – Kadimah

9:45 - 10:00 Welcome / Review Homework

10:00 - 10:10 Tefillah (prayer)

10:10 - 10:30 Parsha (Bible)

10:30 - 10:40 Break/ Snack

10:40 - 11:20 Hebrew Reading

11:20 - 12:00 Jewish Concepts (most often through songs and crafts)

Daily Schedule – Bo’nim

9:45 - 10:00 Welcome / Review Homework

10:00 - 10:10 Tefillah (prayer)

10:10 - 10:30 Parsha (Bible)

10:30 - 10:40 Break/ Snack

10:40 - 11:20 Hebrew Reading

11:20 - 12:00 Jewish Concepts (exciting ‘hands-on curriculum)

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

6 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

EXTRACURRICULAR JEWISH FUN DAY

The extracurricular program is an optional day for the children. If they don't come, they won't miss out on the regular schedule of learning. However, the benefit of this enrichment program, which will take place occasionally during the year, will be tremendous. One of the greatest gifts we can all give to our children is the feeling that our rich heritage is relevant, thriving, exciting and joyous. The extracurricular time is when children will experience fun activities that teach Jewish lessons by means of various activities, such as drama, choir, art projects, special visitors, etc. The tuition is the same with or without this optional day. There may be small cover costs from time to time for special projects or events. It's a day the children are sure to look forward to!

Bethesda - Chevy Chase Hebrew School

More than anyone else, BCC Hebrew School under the auspices of Chabad is known for its ability to…

• transmit traditional ideals in a modern world.

• relate to every Jewish child and adult and make them feel welcome and important.

• bring people together to share Judaism in a fun and exciting way, regardless of background or religious affiliation and observance.

BCC Hebrew School is where Judaism comes alive with, warmth, enthusiasm, and sense of purpose -- it is the place where your child can and will grow to be proud of his/her Judaism and flourish as a productive member of contemporary society.

All of this, and we make it fun, too!

Phone #: (301) 913‐9777 Web: www.OurHebrewSchool.com Email: [email protected]

7 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

Registration Application 2008-2009 Please Print Clearly Part I: Student Information

Last Name e-mail (child’s) First Name: English Hebrew Address City Zip Phone Birth date Age School Grade (Entering) Part II: Parents’ Information Father’s Name Work Address Phone Occupation Mother’s Name Hebrew Name Work Address Phone Occupation e-mail (parent) Synagogue Affiliation Part III: Religious & Educational History Previous Hebrew Education Does your child read basic Hebrew? None Somewhat Well Does your child have any learning difficulties with general studies? Yes No If Yes, please describe. Were there any conversions and/or adoptions in the family? If Yes, please specify.

Part IV: Medical Information (confidential) Up to date with vaccinations? Yes No Date of last tetanus shot

Are there any special medical or other information, which we should be aware of?(Confidential)

Part V: Referrals How did you hear about BCC Hebrew School?

Signature Date

8 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

Registration Application 2008-2009 (continued)

I hereby permit my child ______to participate in all school activities, and to join all class and school trips, be they on or off Chabad properties. I also permit my child to use transportation selected by the BCC Hebrew School.

Signature of parent______Date:______

Emergency Contact Information

Person to be contacted in case of an emergency when parents cannot be reached:

Name Telephone # ( ) - Relationship to child City/Town Family Physician Telephone # ( ) - Medical Insurance Co. Policy #

Medical Release Form

I hereby give consent to the administration of the BCC Hebrew School to take whatever medical measures they deem necessary, at my expense, for my child in the event of a medical emergency.

Signature of parent______Date______

9 ב"ה BCC Hebrew School Under the Auspices of Chabad of BCC

Where Our Heritage Comes Alive In The Most Exciting Way!

Registration Application 2008-2009 (continued)

Please check one or more of the following:

I am enrolling my child ______in the:

BCC Hebrew School Kadima Sunday program (grades K - 3) BCC Hebrew School Bonim Sunday program (grades 4 - 7) BCC Hebrew School Bonim Sunday & Wednesday programs (grades 4 - 7)

I have enclosed $______for registration and book fees.

I have enclosed $______towards tuition.

Please check box with your choice for method of payment:

Prepayment in full before September 21st, st th Pay 2/3 of tuition before September 21 , and 1/3 by January 7 . Other method of payment as arranged with the office. Please specify: ______

______

______

Signature Date

Please complete and return registration forms to address listed below

Chabad Center of BCC, 5713 Bradley Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20814

The BCC Hebrew School will meet on Sundays, beginning September 21nd.

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