Commissioned by Temple Shalom,
Middletown.
For use in print and for their on-line website
The Bazarsky Religious School
Introduction to Philosophy & Procedures
Year 5760 - 5761, (2000 - 2001)
~~~
The highest priority at The Samuel Zilman
Bazarsky Religious School is to enrich the hearts and minds
of our students. This is paramount to us because we believe
that their lives can be fulfilled and Judaism can be strengthened
by a future of Jews that understands its origins and sees
itself with respect and pride.
As the American Jew further integrates into
an assimilated society communication regarding Jewish issues
is vital. Jewish education has become
one avenue of communicating with and conveying Jewish issues
to American
Jewish youth, soon to be American Jewish adults.
Our School and our programs reflect a great
deal of effort, evaluation and self study as we strive to
determine the best way to accomplish our goals. All of us
concerned and connected with The Samuel Zilman Bazarsky
Religious School are committed to doing our utmost to reach
and to teach as well as nurture each and every child enrolled
in our institution.
It is our fervent hope to give our students
the tools with which to become knowledgeable and committed
Jewish adults, capable of making informed choices about
how they will live Jewishly.
Our goals are ambitious ones. To achieve
them we need to work hard. And we need your full support,
and your commitment. Working together, our goals can be
attained and our dreams can become reality. We need your
help. Please support and strengthen our efforts in our undertaking
to touch the hearts and minds of your children. Together
our hard work and diligence will bring about success in
our goals and pride for all.
May the coming year of learning in our School
help to develop a love of Judaism and to continue the development
of a Jewish identity for students and parents alike.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY
When a child is enrolled in our School we
accept this as an indication that a Jewish education is
important to the parents. Parental involvement in the activities
of the school is integral to the success of a child’s
education. We therefore rely heavily on parents to help
and strengthen the Jewish education their child child receives
at the Samuel Zilman Bazarsky Religious School. Studying
at religious school can never serve as a substitute for
parental guidance and influence. We are privileged to work
with parents to expand on the Jewish education a child receives
at home. We believe parents are the primary models of Jewish
loyalty and growth for their children.
Our goals at the Bazarsky Religious School are no different
to those of the parents. We strive to teach the students
to be at home with their Jewishness so that they are comfortable
as Jews. We believe being a Jew should be a source of pride
and never be viewed as a burden. In today's increasingly
non religious world most religious practices and observance
are too often seen as a burden rather than a privilege.
We believe the way to prevent this is to provide a deep
and loving foundation in Judaism. We want our students to
be informed about Judaism and to live it with knowledge,
insight and joy. Furnishing our children with information
gives them the materials necessary to build this strong
foundation on which to then build a Jewish life. We have
found that the more a child knows about their religion the
more they will be inclined to want to live it, and they
will build an appetite for more discovery. We can never
teach them all there is to know about Judaism. But we can
teach them that there is always more to learn.
At the Bazarsky Religious School we want our
students to want to learn more. If a child is at home with
their Jewishness they will experience a strong and unique
bond of unity with Jewish people throughout the world. We
want our students to consider their faith as something to
be discovered as well as inherited.
We strive to give our children to a deep sense
of pride in Judaism. This is a pride that grows and flourishes
out of their own study, learning and appreciation. It is
achieved by their own commitment to the high values and
eternal purpose that Torah embodies.
At some point all Jewish children ask the
following question: “why do I have to go to hebrew
school?” How parents respond to this confrontational
question makes a big difference to a child. We have found
the following to be helpful and valuable when confronted
with this question:
Because we love you and want you to know as
much about being Jewish as you possibly can.
Because we often don't know as much as we possibly could
about being Jewish and can't give all the answers.
Because at Religious School you get to meet other Jewish
children.
Because one of the most important things the Torah expects
of parents is that they teach their children Torah. If we
are unable to do that we must find someone who can do it
for us.
Because Judaism is a rich and full heritage, older than
4000 years, with lots to learn about enjoy and appreciate
and Religious School is a great place to be introduced to
it.
Because if you didn't go and later found out all that you
had missed you'd probably be mad at us.
Because Judaism is precious and beautiful and important
and we want you to share in it and be connected to it.
Because whatever career or role in life you pursue the knowledge
and information you gain in Religious School will enrich
you in ways you cannot even imagine.
Because Judaism is more than just a religion.. it is a way
of life.
Because all of Judaism is based on scholarship and study.
If we spent our whole lives studying Torah we still wouldn't
know everything there is to know about living our lives
the way God wants us to live them.
Because to be a good Jew you must first be a knowledgeable
Jew.
Special Prayer For Parents:
Dear God help me become a better parent. Teach me to understand
my children, to listen patiently to what they have to say
and to answer all of their questions kindly. Keep me from
interrupting them or contradicting them. Make me as courteous
to them as I would have them be to me. Forbid that I should
ever laugh at their mistakes or resort to shame or ridicule
when they displease me. May I never punish them for my own
selfish satisfaction or to show my power. Let me not tempt
my child to lie or steal. Guide me hour by hour that I may
demonstrate, by all I say and do, that honesty produces
happiness. And when I am out of sorts help me hold my tongue.
May I be ever mindful that my children are children and
I should not expect the judgement of adults. Let me not
rob them of the opportunity to wait on themselves and to
make decisions. Bless me with the spirit to grant them all
of their reasonable requests and the courage to deny them
those things I know will do them harm. Make me fair and
just and kind. Fit me O Lord to be loved and respected and
imitated by my children.
SCHOOL PROCEDURE AND GENERAL INFORMATION
I. SCHEDULE OF CLASSES
To minimize confusion a full month-by-month
schedule of classes is provided. Sometimes changes to the
regular schedule become necessary. Notification is always
sent home with the students. We ask your cooperation in
staying informed about the schedule of classes.
Grades 1-5:
Monday 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the School building
Wednesday 3:30 - 5:30 pm in the School building
*Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary
*Sunday 10:15 am - 12:00 noon in the social hall and school
building
(Family Friday evening services are held the
first and third Friday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
Families are encouraged to attend.)
Grades: Toy and Pre-School:
*Saturday 10:00 am - 12:00 noon in the Sanctuary
*Sunday 10:15 am - 12:00 noon in the social hall and school
building
(Family Friday evening services are held the
first and third Friday of each month at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary.
Families are encouraged to attend.)
*Saturday classes are scheduled as part of
Saturday morning Shabbat services. If there is a Saturday
morning class there will be no Sunday classes on the following
day. Attendance on Saturday mornings is not an optional
part of your child’s religious school education. Students
are expected to attend and it is hoped that parents will
join them on Saturday mornings. These meetings are to be
considered as regular class meetings for the entire School.
Participation in Shabbat services is an invaluable part
of a student’s program of study. The only way to truly
learn about Shabbat services is to participate in them.
We believe we are doing the students a disservice if we
do not provide them with the opportunity to become comfortable
and at home with the experience of Shabbat services.
Prayer is an acquired skill. Attendance at
services is a vital and valuable part of a Jew’s education
and prepares the student for membership in the adult Jewish
community.
Emphasis at the School is placed on service
attendance. Those students who do participate in services
will be recognized weekly in their classroom as well as
at the end of the year. Students are asked to attend at
least ten services throughout the year. We ask your participation
in helping your child attend services.
II. DISMISSAL AND PICK UP OF STUDENTS
Students will be dismissed from the School
building to the Temple parking Lot. Parents should meet
their children in the parking lot. To insure prompt pick
up parents are requested to arrive at the School a minimum
of five minutes prior to dismissal.
For safety it is requested that parents park
in the parking lot spaces and wait for their children. Please
do not drive right up to the door. This creates a dangerous
situation in the parking lot.
If you will be late for dismissal and pick-up
please contact the Principal at so that arrangements may
be made for your child to wait safely.
III. “NO SCHOOL “ANNOUNCEMENTS
If school is cancelled announcements will
be broadcast on WADK 1540 AM
If there is no public school there will be
no classes at The Samuel Zilman Bazarsky Religious School
on that day.
There will also be an announcement on the
answering service at the School. Call 846 9002.
IV. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
Students enrolled in our School are required
to attend all classes. Absences should be reported to the
Principal. In the event of prolonged absence the Principal
must be informed.
Students are expected to complete all assignments
so every effort should be made to catch up on work missed.
V. CONDUCT AND BEHAVIOR
School activities take place in the School building and
in the Temple building. Classes are taught by committed
adults deserving of respect. It should be stressed that
the students are in a place of religious learning and students
are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful, safe
and polite manner. Students who fail to adhere to these
rules will be subject to disciplinary action.
VI. CONFERENCES
Parents are encouraged to call the School
to schedule conferences with their children's teachers.
Parents are also encouraged to attend the School's annual
Open House which takes place in the fall.
VII. SNACKS
Students are given a short time either before
classes begin or between classes for snacks. Snacks are
sold at the School (all proceeds go to the School). If parents
send snacks in with their children it is requested that
these snacks be strictly Kosher. Please ensure that your
child does not bring non-Kosher items into the buildings.
VIII. SCHOOL PHOTOGRAPH
A School Photograph is taken at the beginning
of each school year. The date of this event can be found
in the calendar provided.
IX. REPORT CARDS
Report cards will be issued to all students
in the Weekday School during the months of December and
May.
X. FIELD TRIPS
During the school year field trips are scheduled
for various events. Notification of these field trips will
be given in advance and permission for your child to participate
must be given in writing. This permission is necessary for
legal and safety purposes. Failure to provide this written
permission may result in your child’s non-participation.
A sign up sheet will be provided for parents
who wish to assist with these trips.
XI. SCHOOL TO PARENT COMMUNICATION
Regular announcements, informational letters,
and monthly calendars will be sent to all parents to keep
them abreast of class/school happenings. We ask your assistance
in keeping yourself informed of changes or additions to
the school program.
XII. STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
If there is anything we should know about your child that
will aid us in creating a more comfortable and positive
experience for them please let us know. Special Needs services
are available through the Bureau of Jewish Education and
our School. All information is handled confidentially and
sensitively.
XIII. TZEDAKAH
Tzedakah is collected on Sunday mornings as
part of the education program. At the end of the year the
School donates this Tzedakah to a local or national institution.
Other Tzedakah donations are requested throughout the year,
such as food or clothing. Parents are notified of these
requests.
XIV. SCHOOL TUITION
Tuition includes supplies.
Affiliates Non-Affiliates
Toy and Pre-School $200 $260
Grades 1-4 $350 $470
Grade 5 $400 $520
Post-Graduate $85
XV. ATTENDANCE POLICY
1. The School and parents should cooperate
to encourage regular attendance.
2. In the event of two consecutive absences
either the teacher or the Principal will contact the parents.
3. Early dismissal requires a note from a
parent. A student may not leave the class until a parent
arrives to meet the child. The student is then responsible
for completing all work missed.
4. In the case of absence from school all
work missed must be made up. This will ensure that the student
keeps up with the class. Assignments should be compatible
with work missed and should be prepared by the classroom
teacher.
5. In the case of continued absence due to
illness parents must provide a tutor at their expense.
6. Excessive absence which results in incomplete
assignments will then result in an Incomplete grade on the
student's report card. An Incomplete may prevent a student
from being promoted to the next grade level. When the missed
work is completed the Incomplete grade will be changed and
the student may advance to the next class level. Failure
to complete the work may lead to the removal of a child
from a Shabbat morning Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
7. Excessive absence in Grade Hey (5) may result in a denial
of a graduation certificate.
XVI. PARENT STUDENT WORKSHOPS
This year we will be coming together for our
popular Family Workshops on the following Sundays:
December 10, 2000
March 4, 2001
April 1, 2001
These workshops are an integral part of our
family education program. Therefore parents are strongly
encouraged attend with their child. If you cannot be present
to accompany and assist your child please let the Principal
know. We will ensure that your child is paired with another
family.
Your participation in these workshops provides
your child with a more positive experience.
To ensure that all families enjoy the workshop
time with their children we ask your cooperation in this
matter.
XVII. FUND RAISING
During the course of the year we create several
major fund raising projects to help offset the deficit of
the School. These funds benefit the School and therefore
your children. We strive to make these fund raising events
social to provide an opportunity for families to get to
know each other. Please support our efforts with your participation.
THE STUDENT'S FUND
As learning Torah is an essential part of
Judaism the Board of The Samuel Zilman Bazarsky Religious
School has set up a fund to ensure the continuation of our
institution.
This is an opportunity for parents and friends
of the School to honor or memorialize a loved one and at
the same time fund our School.
Contributions are welcome. Checks may be made
payable to The Samuel Zilman Bazarsky Religious School.
In honor of :
In memory of:
Amount of gift: $
Acknowledge to :
From:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND AND GENEROUS SUPPORT
!
SCHOOL WISH LIST
Our School is extremely important to
us. While we know that we offer our students a quality Jewish
education there are many extras which could add to our program
and which our not within our budgetary reach. Through your
generosity we hope to be able to obtain some of these extras.
If you are interested in helping please contact Rabbi Marc
S. Jagolinzer
