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Union Temple of Brooklyn Religious School Manual 2015-2016/ 5776 “Teach Each Child According to their Way” – Pirke Avot 22:6

Union Temple of Brooklyn

17 Eastern Parkway (at Grand Army Plaza)

Brooklyn, New York 11238-5699 Telephone: (718) 638-7600

Fax: (718) 783-9151 www.uniontemple.org

Dr. Linda Henry Goodman, Rabbi Mindy Sherry, Director of Youth and Family Engagement

Our Mission “Teach Each Child According to their Way” Pirke Avot 22:6

At our Union Temple Religious School, all students and their families are part of a kehillah kedoshah, a holy community. Our community welcomes all families including interfaith, interracial and single-sex couples. Our school educates our children and encourages all family members to engage in active Jewish learning. Through classroom study, tefillah (prayer services) and Shabbat/holiday family programs we strive to create Jewish learning experiences that empower our students and families to live exciting and meaningful Jewish lives.

Our mission is to learn together how to live a rich and joyful Jewish life as part of a

community, family and the greater Jewish world, K’lal Yisrael.

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August 2015,

Baruchim Haba’im- Welcome,

It is my pleasure on behalf of the faculty, staff and Religious School committee to welcome you to the Religious

School at Union Temple of Brooklyn. We are honored that you have entrusted your children to us. Jewish education

is a sacred partnership between the family and the synagogue.

You have made an important and significant decision by choosing to enroll your children in religious school. By

giving your children the gift of Jewish education you are helping to provide a solid foundation from which they will

build their lives. Jewish education extends far beyond the religious school classroom and is enriched by your home

activities and celebrations.

We look forward to continuing this sacred partnership with you. Together, we are creating a community of learners.

If at any point I can be of help to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me, my door is always open.

We are excited to see you on Sunday, September 20 for the first day of school.

B’Shalom,

Mindy

Mindy Sherry

Director of Youth and Family Engagement

17 Eastern Parkway ♦ Brooklyn, New York 11238-5699 ♦ (718) 638-7600 ♦ Fax: (718) 783-9151♦ info@uniontemple.org ♦

www.uniontemple.org

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“Teach Each Child According to their Way” – Pirke Avot 22:6

Union Temple’s Religious School curriculum is designed to guide all children on their Jewish journey. Our Kinder Kef (K-1) program focuses on Shabbat and holidays, with an interactive and exciting introduction to the Torah, Jewish holidays and rituals. Using music and crafts, our Kinder Kef students interact with Judaism in a fun and exciting way. We aim to convey a love of Judaism to our students in their classroom and at home. 2nd and 3rd graders begin to learn the Hebrew alphabet. Students will learn to identify, name and read the Hebrew letters and vowels. They will discover the Bible through the stories of Creation, and by learning about Adam and Eve, the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Students will also begin learning basic Shabbat and holiday blessings. 4th and 5th graders begin a journey through the Torah using biblio-drama (interactive storytelling) text study, and arts activities. The students learn about the people, places and values of our Torah and what it means to be a mensch (a kind and considerate person) by exploring the ethics the prophets teach us. Hebrew language instruction focuses on reading and recognizing prayer vocabulary. Our goal is to foster an appreciation of Hebrew and its importance in deepening the prayer experience and enhancing Jewish identity. We use a self-paced program which allows students to learn at their own pace and in their own ways. The Hebrew component of the curriculum includes reading, understanding the meaning of the prayer, and students giving personal meaning to the prayers learned. 6th and 7th graders will ask the question, “What does it mean to be a good Jew?” In answering this question, students will explore various Jewish values by focusing on what they are and how they apply to their daily lives. In addition they will study an overview of Jewish history, starting with the biblical period and ending in the modern era. To keep this from being an overwhelming topic, we'll be using specific items, personalities, and moments to discuss the larger movements of our people, through the world and through our past. The students will continue to expand their Hebrew reading skills and learn new prayers. For All Grades: In addition to what they are learning in the classroom, the students will have Art once a month. Our Art Specialist will visit once a month with art projects related to our curriculum. Students will also receive a weekly visit from our Shinshin. The shinshin is an Israeli volunteering during their gap year between high school and their service in the army. They will teach about Israel and Israeli culture, about Jewish identity and Jewish celebration. Parent Participation: Parents are invited to join their children for our First Friday Family Shabbat service every month, and join their children in learning during our Yom Mishpacha, Day Retreat and school-wide holiday celebrations.

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Tefillah: An interactive prayer experience: We believe Tefillah is a time for personal spiritual searching while simultaneously creating a relationship with God. Tefillah is also an opportunity for community building, making meaning out of large theological concepts, and sharing personal ideas. Prayer is a skill that must be learned and practiced. Through the Religious School Tefillah experience and study, we will explore central Jewish concepts in the prayer services. All students at Union Temple will participate in these unique musical services for a half-hour every Sunday morning and during monthly First Family Friday Shabbat services at 6.30. By learning the basic skills of worship (reading Hebrew prayers, understanding Hebrew words, practicing choreography, and becoming familiar with the organization of the siddur), students will be well prepared for any future prayer experience. Parents are invited to join us for Tefillah.

SCHEDULE All Students: Sunday from 9:30am-12:30pm. SUNDAY SCHEDULE: 9:30 Arrival

9:30-10:00 Tefillah for 2nd-7th grade

10:00-10:20 Tefillah for kinder kef and 1st grade

10:15-11:00 Classroom Time

11:00-11:15 Snack and Community Time

11:15-12:30 Classroom Time

12:30 Dismissal from the 4th floor

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Drop-off/Pick-up

Students should be in the sanctuary for Family Tefillah by 9:30am. Parents are encouraged to stay

for Tefillah. Class begins promptly at 9:30am. School ends at 12:30pm. Parents must pick up their

children personally from the Religious School on the 4th floor unless special arrangements are made

in advance. If your child must leave early, or with someone other than yourself, please send in a note

with your child.

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Early Dismissal

If your child must be dismissed early, please make a request in writing and have your student give it

to his or her teacher or to the Director of Youth and Family Engagement. A parent must come into

the building and pick their child up from their classroom. Students will not be permitted to leave

by themselves or meet a parent out in the street. If someone other than a family member is

picking up your child, please make sure to include the person’s name on the note. The Religious School

does not release students to minors.

EMERGENCY CLOSINGS In case of inclement weather, check your e-mail or call the Temple office: 718-638-7600.

ATTENDANCE

Students are expected to attend all sessions of Religious School. We value your child’s presence and

participation, and regular attendance helps create a cohesive educational community. All students and

parents are expected to attend the monthly First Friday Family Shabbat service, starting at 6:30pm. A

potluck dinner will follow services. There will be other special programs throughout the year

that families will be expected to attend.

THE CALENDAR

Please consult the Religious School calendar for important dates. The Religious School calendar is

also on the Union Temple website: www.uniontemple.org.

SPECIAL NEEDS The Union Temple Religious School is committed to serving all of our children. We strive to help each child learn and feel comfortable at Union Temple. If there is something that we should be aware of about your child, please contact Mindy Sherry, Director of Youth and Family Engagement. Yom Mishpacha (Family Education Days) One of the primary obligations of Jewish parents is to teach their children. As parents, we often feel the need to learn and experience more of our Jewish traditions in order to pass them on to our children in a meaningful way. At Union Temple each grade will have a Yom Mishpacha (Family Education Day). On this day parents will come to Religious School and learn with the students. Please check the calendar for the dates. This opportunity allows for families to spend quality time together and to grow together as a family in your knowledge of Jewish tradition and ritual. No prior Jewish education needed to attend! These programs will be extensions of the classroom curriculum and will allow parents and children to learn about Judaism together.

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FAMILY EDUCATION DATES

October 25, 2015- 6th/7th Grade

December 20, 2015- 4th/5th Grade

February 7, 2016- 3rd Grade

March 6, 2016- 2nd Grade

April 3, 2016- K-1 Grade

November 22, 2015- Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El of NYC (All-School)

May 22, 2016- Mitzvah Day (All- School)

Parent Programs Parent modeling Jewish learning is a critical component of Jewish education. Throughout the school year we

will offer parent programs to take place during the Religious School hours. Parent programming is scheduled

for the following dates:

Sunday, December 6 9:30-11:00

Sunday April 10 9:30-11:00

TEMPLE MEMBERSHIP

Temple membership is required for families of students beginning in 5th grade. BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION It is recommended that your child begin Religious School as early as possible to develop a strong foundation but a minimum of two years of Religious School enrollment is required prior to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah year. Preparation for the service is arranged individually with Rabbi Goodman. On occasion additional tutoring may be recommended.

PARTICIPATION AT SERVICES

The Religious School students will participate in monthly First Family Friday Shabbat services at 6.30pm. Student participation in these services is required.

HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS Family participation in Temple celebrations, including family dinners and luncheons, services, and special programs, is encouraged. Participation reinforces awareness of the regular cycle of Jewish life, and increases the joy of Jewish life for your children and your entire family.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

How we act

All students are entitled to a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and developing a love of

Judaism. While we hope that students will behave in a respectful manner while at Religious School,

we understand that occasionally discipline problems arise.

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We expect the following from our students and families at Union Temple:

Exhibit respectful behavior that contributes to maintaining a positive learning environment

Demonstrate courtesy

Behave in a responsible manner

Attend classes regularly and arrive on time

Obey all class rules

Respect the rights and privileges of all students, teachers, advisors, administrators, and parents

Dress appropriately for study and worship

Remain in designated supervised areas

Respect the property of others, including Union Temple property and its facilities DISCIPLINARY STEPS: We have developed the following steps toward maintaining a desirable and safe learning environment when negative behavior is displayed. Inappropriate behavior will be discussed between the student and the teacher. At the discretion of the teacher, the student will be sent to an administrator. Parents will be called if the child cannot return to class without causing disruption. The student may be asked to write an explanation and have it signed by the parent and returned to school. If negative behavior persists, parents may be asked to monitor the student’s classes and assist in teaching acceptable classroom practices. Serious actions may be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

Cell phones and other electronics

Religious School is a place for the business of learning. Our students deserve and require a learning

environment that is conducive to learning. Except in situations where they are being used as

part of a class lesson, cell phones and other electronics (e.g., iPods, DS Systems) are to remain in

their owners’ pockets or bags during class and break. Teachers who feel students are being distracted

by phones or other gadgets will confiscate the item until the end of the school day.

Guests in classroom

Students are permitted to bring guests to Religious School if prior arrangements are made with the

classroom teacher and the Director of Youth and Family Engagement.

Tzedakah Tzedakah (righteous giving) in the form of small change is collected during each Sunday. Students

pick an organization at the end of the year to donate the tzedakah collected.

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Union Temple Religious School Policies Please initial each policy and sign the reverse side. Return to the office by September 20,2015

______ ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Initial

Drop-off/Pick-up Students should be in the sanctuary for Family Tefillah by 9:30am. Parents are encouraged to stay for Tefillah. Class begins promptly at 9:30am. School ends at 12:30pm. Parents must pick up their children personally from the Religious School on the 4th floor unless special arrangements are made in advance. If your child must leave early, or with someone other than yourself, please send in a note with your child.

Early Dismissal If your child must be dismissed early, please make a request in writing and have your student give it to his or her teacher or to the Director of Youth and Family Engagement. A parent must come into the building and pick their child up from their classroom. Students will not be permitted to leave by themselves or meet a parent out in the street. If someone other than a family member is picking up your child, please make sure to include the person’s name on the note. The Religious School does not release students to minors.

____ ATTENDANCE Initial

Students are expected to attend all sessions of Religious School. We value your child’s presence and participation, and regular attendance helps create a cohesive educational community. All students and parents are expected to attend the monthly First Friday Family Shabbat service, starting at 6:30pm. A potluck dinner will follow services. There will be other special programs throughout the year that families will be expected to attend.

_____ TEMPLE MEMBERSHIP Initial

Temple membership is required for families of students beginning in 5th grade. _____ BAR/BAT MITZVAH PREPARATION Initial

It is recommended that your child begin Religious School as early as possible to develop a strong foundation, but a minimum of two years of Religious School enrollment is required prior to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah year. Preparation for the service is arranged individually with Rabbi Goodman. On occasion additional tutoring may be recommended.

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____ PARTICIPATION AT SERVICES Initial

The Religious School students will participate in monthly First Family Friday Shabbat services at 6.30pm. Student participation in these services is required.

____ HOLY DAYS AND FESTIVALS Initial

Family participation in Temple celebrations, including family dinners and luncheons, services, and special programs, is encouraged. Participation reinforces awareness of the regular cycle of Jewish life, and increases the joy of Jewish life for your children and your entire family.

____ BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS Initials

How we act

All students are entitled to a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and

developing a love of Judaism. While we hope that students will behave in a

respectful manner while at Religious School, we understand that occasionally

discipline problems arise.

We expect the following from our students and families at Union Temple:

Exhibit respectful behavior that contributes to maintaining a positive learning environment

Demonstrate courtesy

Behave in a responsible manner

Attend classes regularly and arrive on time

Obey all class rules

Respect the rights and privileges of all students, teachers, advisors, administrators, and parents

Dress appropriately for study and worship

Remain in designated supervised areas

Respect the property of others, including Union Temple property and its facilities

______ DISCIPLINARY STEPS: Initials

We have developed the following steps toward maintaining a desirable and safe learning environment when negative behavior is displayed. Inappropriate behavior will be discussed between the student and the teacher. At the discretion of the teacher, the student will be sent to an administrator. Parents will be called if the child cannot return to class without causing disruption. The student may be asked to write an explanation and have it signed by the parent and returned to school.

If negative behavior persists, parents may be asked to monitor the student’s classes and assist in teaching acceptable classroom practices. Serious actions may be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

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_____ CELL PHONES AND OTHER ELECTRONICS Initials

Religious School is a place for the business of learning. Our students deserve and

require a learning environment that is conducive to learning. Except in situations

where they are being used as part of a class lesson, cell phones and other

electronics (e.g., iPods, DS Systems) are to remain in their owners’ pockets or bags

during class and break. Teachers who feel students are being distracted by phones or

other gadgets will confiscate the item until the end of the school day.

____ GUESTS IN THE CLASSROOM Initials

Students are permitted to bring guests to Religious School if prior arrangements are

made with the classroom teacher and the Director of Youth and Family

Engagement.

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Important Dates for Union Temple Religious School 2015-2016

Parent Breakfast with Rabbi Goodman:

Sunday, December 6 9:30-11:00

Sunday April 10 9:30-11:00

First Friday Family Shabbat

October 2- Naming Shabbat and Consecration

November 6

December 4

February 5

March 4

April 1

May 6

June 3- Last First Friday Family Shabbat

Yom Mishpacha (Family Program Days)

October 25, 2015- 6th/7th Grade

December 20, 2015- 4th/5th Grade

February 7, 2016- 3rd Grade

March 6, 2016- 2nd Grade

April 3, 2016- K-1 Grade

November 22, 2015- Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El of NYC (All-School)

May 22, 2016- Mitzvah Day (All- School)

Holiday Celebrations during Religious School:

December 13 - Chanukah Family celebration at 4:00pm

January 24 - Tu B’Shevat

March 20 - Purim Carnival

April 17 - Chocolate Seder

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2015-2016 Union Temple Religious School Year

September

20 First Day, Tefillah

27 Art

October

4 Art

11 NO SCHOOL- Columbus Day

18 Tefillah

25 6th/7th Grade Yom Mishpacha, Tefillah

November

1 Art

8 Tefillah

15 Tefillah

22 Family Retreat Day at Temple Emanu-El

29 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving

December

6 Art

13 Tefillah

20 4th/5th Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah

27 NO SCHOOL – Christmas Break

January

3 No School- Faculty Training

12 Art

17 NO SCHOOL- MLK Day

24 Tefillah, TuBi’Shevat Program

31 Tefillah

February

7 3rd Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah

14 NO SCHOOL- Winter Break

21 NO SCHOOL- Winter Break

28 Tefillah

March

6 2nd Grade Yom Mishpacha Tefillah

13 Art

20 Tefillah Purim Carnival After School

27- NO SCHOOL- Easter Sunday

April

3 K-1 Yom Mishpacha Tefillah

10 Art

17 Tefillah Chocolate Seder

24- NO SCHOOL- Spring Break/Passover

May

1-NO SCHOOL- Spring Break/Passover

8 Art

15 Art

22 Mitzvah Day instead of Religious School

29- NO SCHOOL- Memorial Day

June

5- Last Day Tefillah

Key

Tefillah Days- 2nd-7th grade report to

sanctuary, K-1 report to the 4th floor

Yom Mishpacha day, families in

those grades should report to the

social hall (3rd Floor)

Art Days- all students report to the

4th floor

All School and Parent Participation