SHABBAT PROGRAM

A vital element of our Jewish Education Center is the mandatory Shabbat morning program Junior Congregation for students in Gimmel through Vav. Zayin students complete their requirements in the main congregational service. Junior Congregation will be held on the Saturdays noted on the school calendar and is comprised of the following:

1) A Shabbat morning service

2) Experiential Shabbat-oriented activities based on the Torah portion or holiday.

3) Kiddush

Requirements are as follows:

Gimmel & Dalet - 5 Saturday Mornings
Hay & Vav - 10 Saturday Mornings
Zayin - 10 Saturday Mornings in the sanctuary beginning at 9:30.

Shabbat Dress Code -Students should come dressed appropriately for Shabbat worship. Girls should wear a dress or skirt. Boys should wear nice slacks (no jeans or sweats!) and a collared shirt. Shoes are preferable to sneakers.

Class Shabbat Services - All classes have the opportunity to put their skills to work by participating in Friday night or Saturday morning services in the Arin Stacey Applebaum Sanctuary. Dates for these services are in the school calendar.

Tallit & Tefillin - Students in the Vav Class, along with their parents, participate in this Sunday morning minyan and learning session. Breakfast follows the minyan. After minyan and breakfast, students return to their classroom until 12:00 dismissal time. Vav parents share the responsibility of providing the breakfast, setting it up and cleaning up afterwards. Services, starting at 9:00 AM, are led by the Rabbi and the Cantor with participation by the students and their parents.

* Please Note... All boys are required to bring and wear Tefillin. Fathers are encouraged to bring and wear their own Tefillin. Wearing Tefillin is optional for girls and women. Those wishing to purchase Tefillin may contact the Sisterhood Gift Shop.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND STANDARDS

Registration - All fees and tuition are to be paid according to the arranged schedule with prior balances due in order to register for a new school year. Parents must provide, the following forms for each student: REGISTRATION, TUITION AGREEMENT AND UPDATED EMERGENCY CONTACT forms. If you decide to withdraw your child mid-year, the school must receive DATED WRITTEN NOTIFICATION. Tuition will be prorated, if necessary, according to the date of receipt of the withdrawal notice.

Books and Supplies -Students are required to have their books, pens/pencils, and a kippah. Thanks (todah) to our parents for helping your children come to class with everything they need!

Pick Up and Drop Off - Drop off and pick up can be accomplished quickly and safely when our parents follow these instructions:

A) Enter the WEST entrance on SW 120 Street and drive in a single line around the synagogue building to the school building in the rear.

B) Drop off/pick up your child in front of the covered walkway. Pick-up is supervised by our Religious School Staff.

C) Turn off your car engine while you are in the immediate pick-up area and while the children are entering the car. AS SOON AS YOUR CHILDREN ARE IN THE CAR please move forward.

D) If you will need to assist your child, please drive to the side of the School Social Hall, park and assist your child. Continue around the building to exit. Do not turn around. Traffic is one-way only during drop-off and pick-up times.

E) DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAR WHILE IN THE CAR POOL LINE.

Attendance and Tardiness

“The day is short; The work is plentiful; And God urges us”-Pirke Avot (Chapter 3, Verse 20 ) Perhaps this phrase best describes the state of Jewish education at Bet Shira. We have so much that we must accomplish in a few short hours a week and in just a few short years. Therefore, it is essential that all registered students attend classes regularly and promptly. Illness and family tragedy are excused absences. All other absences are not excused. In case of absence, parents are expected to send a note of explanation. Regular attendance is a requirement for promotion and fulfillment of Bar/Bat Mitzvah standards as frequent absences and tardiness retard progress and accomplishment. Teachers will provide assistance in making up assignments missed during any illness, and teachers are available before and after classes to provide individual assistance.

Absences over 30% will require individual tutoring at the family's expense.

Early Dismissal -The curriculum and education program devised for our children is quite ambitious and requires every minute of class time for accomplishment of these goals. Therefore, we ask that students not leave school early except for medical or personal emergencies. Attempts should be made to arrange doctor's appointments on days when children are not in Religious School . If early dismissal does become necessary, students must bring a note to their teacher and have it approved by the education director. Parents must then pick up their children at the Education Director's office and sign the sign-out book. No student will be allowed to leave class and go to the parking lot to a waiting car or walk home alone. We are concerned about the safety and welfare of all children and want to be sure that all students are being released only to the proper authorized individuals.

Students will be released only to individuals listed on the emergency contact information Form and proper ID must be shown by anyone other than parent or guardian.

Emergency School Closing - Periodically severe weather conditions require the Religious School to close. In general, we are closed when conditions warrant Miami-Dade County Public Schools to close. Please listen to the radio for news of these closings, or call the school office at 305-238-2606.

School To Parent Communications - We work hard to keep the information flowing! In addition to keeping the Religious School calendar handy, please check the Religious School News in Bet Shira's monthly bulletin. Keep an eye out for school mailings and check your children's pockets and folders for flyers. We also use e-mail to send out reminders and other important information.

Food/Kashrut - Food and beverages are not permitted in school classrooms or in any part of the building unless requested as part of a school or class program. Only certified kosher products may be brought into the school and synagogue complex. No homemade foods may be brought to school even if they are made in a kosher kitchen. If you have any questions regarding kashrut please call the Rabbi.

Dress - Dress code will be observed on Sunday as well as on weekdays. Public school appropriate clothing will be permitted. Girls are not to wear tube or midriff shirt or very short shorts. Boys may not wear pants that drag on the floor. Pants may not be worn below the hips. Sport caps may not be worn in place of a kippah. Boys wearing sports caps will be asked to remove them during school. Flip flops are not permitted due to safety concerns.

Tzedakah - One of the goals of our school year is to make the child feel a part of and responsible for all of Am Yisrael - the Jewish people. As part of our responsibility for each other, we encourage our students to contribute regularly to our Tzedakah Fund. Tzedakah will be collected in all classes everyday. Students will learn about the various projects, organizations and charities that monies can be sent to and they will have an opportunity to help make monetary distribution decisions. Students should be encouraged to give a few cents of their own money or allowance rather than always asking parents for the Tzedakah money.

Homework - We want every student to be able to achieve the maximum he or she is capable of in all areas of study. In order to develop necessary skills in a consistent manner, especially in the area of Hebrew language, it is often necessary to assign students some homework to be reviewed or completed at home. Homework assignments will be limited to approximately 15 minutes per night. Students are expected to fulfill homework assignments regularly. Teachers are available by telephone or email in case of questions concerning the assignments.

Electronic Devices - Students may not bring electronic devices (i.e. Game boys, CD players, CD's, phones, Ipods) to school. We cannot be responsible for these items, and they may be removed at the teacher's discretion and retrieved from the Education Director by the parents at the end of class.

Class Visitations and Guests - Students may not bring friends to visit Religious School classes. Parents who desire a class visit should make arrangements with the Education Director.

Classroom Behavior - Our goal is to create a positive school atmosphere where learning is fun and the faces of faculty and students are smiling and happy. We want students to feel good about themselves as Jews and as human beings and to care about and be respectful of themselves, their classmates and Bet Shira. Therefore, we expect our students to come prepared for class - both physically, by bringing books and supplies needed, and mentally, by coming here ready to learn and with a positive attitude. Students are expected to exhibit proper classroom behavior by following the class rules outlined by the teacher or that have been co-developed by the teachers and the students. As a general rule, they should sit in their seats, raise hands, speak only at appropriate times, and carefully treat and respect the property of Bet Shira.

Teachers will attempt to work out problems with students. We hope to respond to the frustrations of the student, not exacerbate them. When necessary, we will inform parents, not in order to call down the wrath of the home upon the student, but to explore how the child can be integrated amiably into the class routine once again and progress in learning. While we do have a Discipline Protocol, the Education Director will take swift and decisive action if necessary.

DISCIPLINE PROTOCOL

In case of behavior problems, the following will occur in sequence:

1. Teacher speaks privately with student before/after class.

2. Notification of Education Director

3. Notification of parents. Parental reaction will be noted and possible solutions suggested.

4. Parent/Teacher/Student/Education Director meeting for the purpose of adopting resolutions.

5. Continued disruption with no change effected by parents would require suspension from the school for a short period of time, with required fulfillment of missed assignments. In-school suspension may be utilized in certain circumstances.

6. Ultimately, a student will be regretfully removed from school. Arrangements for private tutoring at the parent's expense will be made so that requirements for graduation and celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah will be met. 

PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION

Should parents have a question relating to classroom dynamics, he or she should approach the issue in the following manner:

•  Contact your child's teacher.

•  Should the parents remain dissatisfied, the parents can then contact the Education Director. The Education Director is the ultimate authority.

•  Parents who feel that their needs have not adequately been addressed may contact the Religious school Chairperson, Mindy Goterer. Only questions of overall policy should be brought directly to the attention of the School Board. However, if you wish to speak at the meeting, you should contact the Chair prior to the meeting, in order to be included in the agenda.

Reports to parents/Conference - We want to provide regular opportunities for effective parent/student/teacher communication. We also want to provide a structured means of assessing student progress for both the benefit of the student and the information of the parent; therefore, Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held as necessary. Report cards will be issued twice during the year - one in December and one in June. Reports will consist of evaluation marks ranging from “outstanding” to “unsatisfactory.” Teachers will also write anecdotal reports to accompany the letter grades. Whenever parents feel they would like an extended discussion of their child's report or progress, feel free to contact the respective teachers and arrange a conference outside of class hours.

SCHOOL PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES

The Arts - Music, art, dance and movement are all part of Bet Shira's integrated arts program for all primary and elementary students. The program exposes our young people to the rich variety of our Jewish art heritage.

Youth Choir - All students in the Dalet and Hay classes participate in the Bet Shira Youth Choir which meets every Sunday during the school year. The Youth Choir performs at selected synagogue services, community events, and special programs. This choir is open to all 4 th and 5 th grades of the synagogue. For additional information contact Cantor Kula at (305)238-2601.

Computer - Elementary students have the opportunity to enhance their learning by being exposed to Jewish computer sites.

Library Enrichment - Bet Shira Congregation offers our children a wonderful Judaic library. Students will have library visits programmed into their class schedules and will be encouraged to use the library for special projects.

Family Education Programs - The family is the backbone of Jewish life. Please attend and share the joy of learning with your children as we teach and review basic Judaic concepts and engage in activities which create and stimulate communication between parents and children.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah - Bet Shira Congregation, in conformance with the standards set by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, has a five year school requirement starting with grade Gimmel (3rd grade) through Zayin (7th grade). Please see attendance requirements on page 4 of handbook. Children becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah in the 8th grade school year must be enrolled in the South Dade Judaica High School . Transfer students from other communities and synagogues will be considered for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah program on an individual basis.

South Dade Judaica High School (SDJHS) - This program, coordinated in conjunction with the Central Agency for Jewish Education and neighboring synagogues, offers a full range of Judaica courses to more than 350 students in 8th through 12th grades. Classes meet at Bet Shira on Mondays from 7:00-9:00 PM. Each session is comprised of two one-hour classes with subjects rotating on a trimester basis. SDJHS offers a stimulating blend of learning and fraternizing. Students in grades 10-12 have the opportunity to earn college credit for course work through Miami - Dade College .

Madrichim - Students enrolled in SDJHS are invited to work in our religious school as Madrichim or teacher assistants or Hebrew tutor. Our school is enriched with our teens' participation and teens are enriched by the experience. Madrichim work for community service hours. Call the school office to apply for a position.

Kiyum - (Formerly “Confirmation”) - Kiyum is a Hebrew word which means affirmation, observance and survival. At Bet Shira Congregation we have chosen it as the name for our young adult program which affirms their place in the Jewish community and among the Jewish people. Towards this end our students participate in a number of activities of which STUDY, PRAYER and COMMUNITY are the key components. Bet Shira's Kiyum/ Affirmation Program starts in the 8th grade of South Dade Judaica High School and its conclusion is celebrated with a service and program at the conclusion of the 10th grade SDJHS year. For more details please contact the Education Director.

High School Graduation - All Bet Shira students are encouraged to continue their Jewish education through the end of high school. Twelfth graders will graduate from the South Dade Judaica High School in a commencement program at the end of the year and are also recognized by Bet Shira Congregation at the Religious School 's year end program.

BET SHIRA YOUTH GROUPS

Rounding out the total Jewish education experiences for our youngsters, our youth programs encourage socialization and integration of Jewish values in a fun and relaxed setting.

•  Yachad - For students in 4th and 5th grades we offer Yachad which meets 2 Sundays per month.

•  Kadima - For students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades we offer Kadima which meets most Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:30 PM. The Youth Lounge will be open to 8 th graders beginning at 4:00.

•  U.S.Y. - For 9th through 12th graders we offer U.S.Y. (United Synagogue Youth) which meets most Thursday evenings from 7:00-9:00 PM. Please call our Youth Director Jason Seigelbaum on our YOUTH HOTLINE 305-238-5555 for current information.

Parent Involvement -There are many opportunities for parents and grandparents to be involved with our school. We hope you find a way to enrich our School and your own life by becoming an active participant!

Education Committee - This committee meets once a month to give input into all facets of the religious school program. The committee is an elected board, and all parents are welcome to attend its meetings. Call Mindy Goterer, Religious School Board Chairperson to find more ways to get involved.

Class Parent - Class parents provide extra “back-up” for teachers. You may be asked to make phone calls, help with a special art project or holiday celebration. This is a great way to be involved with your child's education. Please volunteer to be a class parent.

Volunteer - Most volunteer jobs require no special skills, just the ability to smile and follow directions. If you cannot make a regular commitment, perhaps you can help once in a while for special projects or events!