Religious School Chai-lights

As August is now upon us, it is time to prepare for the new school year. You will no doubt begin the school supply hunt, from new backpacks and crayons to new clothes for the beginning of the school year. While you are busy shopping around, please make sure that you have taken time out to prepare for Religious School as well. If you have not yet sent in your registration forms for either the Preschool Parent Workshop or Religious School, please do so immediately, as we must prepare for the correct number of incoming students. If you need additional forms, please contact the office or me.

I’d like to ask parents to make sure each child comes to Religious School everyday with a sturdy bag or backpack (maybe even last year’s backpack, if it’s in good shape), a folder to hold papers, a pencil case or bag with 4 -5 sharpened pencils in it, and other basic supplies such as crayons, colored pencils, markers, scissors, and glue or glue stick.

If your child is a boy, please put at least 1 or even 2 kippot in their bags as well.

You would be amazed at how much class time is wasted when students have to leave the room to get a kippah or borrow a pencil from the office.

When your students receive their new books, please make sure that their books stay in their bags/backpacks so they will be fully prepared for class.

While you are helping your child assemble their supplies for Religious school, take a few minutes to discuss your expectations of your child for the year. Please reinforce to them the importance of their time spent at Religious School, and that they will be held accountable for completing any homework assignments, or any missed class work.

Your children’s teachers will be sending you email updates to keep you informed of what is going on in the classroom, and of any homework assignments. It’s a great idea to print these out and show your child to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Please also make sure to check your email regularly as well, as most communication about upcoming events and activities from Religious School will be sent via email.

Finally, as your children get in the mindset of a fresh beginning to the school year, please consider your involvement in the Religious School. I am hoping for more parental involvement this coming year, especially from parents who have not previously volunteered. We need parents to help run all our programs and ensure that they are successful. Talk to your friends – perhaps a few of you can co-lead an event this year.

Remember, when you show your involvement in your child’s Jewish education, you are modeling to your child its importance.

I look forward to a wonderful school year. Please feel free to contact me at any time with feedback or new ideas. Enjoy the rest of your summer!