Parent Manual 2014-2015 5775 1 STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY Sinai Akiba Academy offers an outstanding general and Judaic education that develops the mind, heart and soul. We engage students in the joy and discipline of learning, introducing them to a life of personal growth, sensitivity, responsibility and intellectual inquiry, shaped by Jewish practices and informed by a respect for diversity of thought. Through active involvement in learning, students acquire knowledge and cognitive skills that facilitate understanding. The school promotes students’ social and emotional growth in order to encourage caring for others and participation in spiritual life, which fosters a deeper level of understanding and awareness. By use of differentiated instruction and varied means of academic support within a rigorous academic program, Sinai Akiba enables students with a wide range of abilities and needs to achieve and succeed. Sinai Akiba provides a well-rounded curriculum designed to inform, stimulate and challenge students in order to prepare them to participate as knowledgeable citizens in the richness of our culture. The language arts program promotes appreciation of language and literature by explicitly teaching students to read with purpose and deep comprehension from a variety of genres. The teaching of reading and writing are integrated learning experiences in which students analyze written text, develop personal meaning and give expression to it. Similarly, math instruction stresses comprehension of concepts so students will be able both to execute math operations and problem-solve with deep understanding. In all subjects across the curriculum, from kindergarten through middle school, teachers use a wide range of age-appropriate techniques to engage students actively in learning so that they cultivate both comprehension of ideas and proficiency in skills. Classroom discussions promote students’ self-expression together with the ability to learn from the perspectives of others. Art, music and technology enrich the ways in which teachers involve students in instruction, and allow students varied methods of communication and expression. Sinai Akiba introduces students to Jewish tradition as interpreted by Conservative Judaism, recognizing sacredness in traditional texts and practices, while acknowledging that Judaism has evolved and changed over the centuries. Because reading, writing and speaking Hebrew are essential tools for understanding Judaism, classical and modern Hebrew are fundamental to the curriculum. Students develop the linguistic skills needed to study Biblical and rabbinic texts in their original language, and learn to analyze and interpret these texts in order to create personal connections with their underlying ideas. Similarly, in teaching mitzvot (commandments), teachers emphasize spiritual and ethical meanings, as well as the ways in which these rituals symbolize our bond with klal yisrael (the Jewish people in all places and times) and eretz yisrael (the land of Israel). While SAA students participate actively in traditional Jewish observance, they are encouraged to question and analyze, and to recognize the legitimacy of diverse forms of Jewish practice and belief. The creation of the state of Israel is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. Recognizing the significance of the state and its national institutions, we instill in our students an attachment to the land and its people, and a sense of responsibility for its welfare. Sinai Akiba is a warm and caring community made up of students, faculty, administrators and parents, and is part of the greater synagogue community of Sinai Temple. This population, diverse in national origin, religious observance and economic status, is guided by the common goal of fostering respect and responsibility for one another. Conflict resolution, social-emotional learning, advisory programs and leadership opportunities support this goal for students. The sense of community is further strengthened by Jewish and spiritual values through regular t’fila (prayer) and participation in projects promoting derech eretz (caring personal behavior) and tikkun olam (community service). Parents participate in many committees and endeavors, guided by the SAA committee (the school’s governing body) and the PTA, while both the synagogue and PTA bring families together for a variety of religious, social action and intellectual programs. Governance, administration and faculty Constructive and cooperative activity by the school’s administrative and lay leadership toward fulfillment of the goals and purposes outlined in this document are a hallmark of Sinai Akiba’s culture. Clear differentiation of lay/professional roles; strong administrative leadership; an atmosphere of collegial relationships between administration and faculty; and a staff-wide commitment to high standards for professional practice and continuous professional learning promote both stability and constructive, ongoing change. Conclusion Sinai Akiba graduates are intellectually curious, creative thinkers who know how to work collaboratively. The sound foundation that they acquire in general and Judaic knowledge, together with the social-emotional and spiritual growth that the school fosters, prepares them to participate productively and successfully in Jewish life and in the diversity of American society. 2 SCHOOL DAY School Hours Students should arrive in classrooms between 7:55 a.m. and 8:05 a.m. Instruction begins at 8:05 a.m. Classes end at 3:00 p.m. for kindergarten, and at 3:20p.m. for grades 1-8. (Early Friday dismissal, when indicated on the school calendar, is one hour earlier). Garage and hallway supervision will begin at 7:40 a.m. Students and parents are asked to wait in designated supervised areas on the first floor prior to 7:55 a.m. Late Arrival Tardiness of any student disrupts instruction for the entire class. In order to maximize the amount of instruction each day, it is imperative that students are in class, ready to work at 8:05a.m. Any student arriving to class after 8:05a.m.will be marked tardy and will miss important classroom instruction. Early Pick-Up If you must take your child out of school early on a particular day, please notify the teacher in advance. When you arrive at school to pick up your child, first obtain a permission slip from the receptionist. Teachers have been instructed not to release students without permission slips from the office. Students are held accountable for work missed due to doctor or dentist appointments, so we recommend that you avoid scheduling them during the school day. Dismissal 1st – 8th grade students are picked up in their assigned garage locations beginning at 3:20p.m. Kindergarten dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. At 3:20 p.m. remaining kindergarten students will be brought to their assigned garage locations. Any student in the building after 3:45 p.m. must be participating in a supervised activity. Students found in the halls or garage after school will be brought to Afterschool Care This includes children who are waiting to be picked up after an after school activity. They may not wait unsupervised in the garage or near the security desk. We will enforce this policy as a matter of safety and security. Please be on time to pick up your children. Messages If you need to drop off a sweater, lunch or the like during the school day, please bring it to the receptionist. She will be sure to get it to your child. Please do not bring things directly to your child’s classroom. Your child’s teachers find this very disruptive. We deliver messages to lower school classrooms twice a day. Messages for middle school students are posted on the third floor middle school student store door. Middle school students are responsible for checking for messages throughout the school day. If you leave a message at the school office after 2:00p.m., we cannot guarantee that it will reach your child before the end of the school day. 3 DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP In our ongoing efforts to ensure safe and secure drop-off and pick-up supervision of your children, we ask that you use the correct entrances and exits of the parking garage to which you are assigned. Carpool stickers are labeled to indicate which parking level you are assigned for drop-off and pick-up each day, and to evenly distribute the flow of traffic during carpool times. Your 2014-2015 sticker will also serve as your temple membership sticker. Your sticker should be visibly displayed in the lower left corner of your car’s windshield. Your sticker must be displayed by the opening of school and throughout the school year. Without a current-year sticker, or if your sticker is not fully visible, you will not be allowed to enter the garage. Additionally, if you attempt to enter at the incorrect gate, you will be asked to drive around to the correct gate. P1 Stickers: Enter the garage on Beverly Glen., drop-off and pick-up on the P1 level, and exit on Ashton Avenue. (right turn only upon exiting) P2 Stickers: Enter the garage on Ashton, drop-off and pick-up on level P-2, and exit through on Beverly Glen. (right turn only upon exiting) Kindergarten and First Grade Drop-Off (7:40 – 8:05a.m.): All kindergarten and first grade families will be assigned a P2 Sticker, and should follow the directions for P2 Stickers above. Before exiting, the drop-off area will be directly to your right. The morning drop-off area is only available to families or carpools dropping off a kindergarten or first grade student. K Carpool Lane Permit: Carpool lane permits allow short-term parking in carpool lanes for the quick pick-up of kindergarten students and immediately return to your vehicle. They are valid only during afternoon pick-up and when displayed. You must have returned to your vehicle by 3:15p.m. to avoid citation (Permits are available upon request to kindergarten families). Walk Home Pass: Only students in third grade and above who live within a 1 mile walking distance, whose parents sign an authorization form, may obtain a walk home pass signed by the head of school. Temporary Visitors Pass & Pick-up Authorization Cards: For security purposes all nonTemple members (nannies, friends, family, drivers, etc…) are not issued temple or carpool stickers. You may obtain temporary passes for their vehicles at the main security desk on the first floor. Passes are issued for 30 days and are renewable upon expiration. Additionally, you will be supplied with Pick-up Authorization Cards for the individual(s) you have indicated on your pick-up authorization list. These cards should be shown to security with photo identification to enter the building and to supervising staff for student release. 4 GARAGE ETIQUETTE The following policies and procedures are in place for the safety of our students, our facilities, and our commitment to our neighboring community. Please observe these policies and procedures when entering, while inside and when exiting the building. During Carpool you must enter the garage from your designated P1-Beverly Glen or P2-Ashton entrance. There is no parking in reserved, chained-off, or barricaded areas and spaces at any time. If you park in a handicapped space, your car must display a valid handicapped placard. Drop-off / Pick-up students only in the designated areas on levels P1, P2, and in the Upper Garage (A.M. kindergarten and first grade drop-off only). If you do not use the carpool lane and choose to park, you or another adult must accompany students into and out of the building. You may not park or leave your car unattended in carpool or traffic lanes at any time without “K Carpool Lane Permit.” Caution tape, cones, and barricades are setup to direct traffic, please do not cross, or try going around them. A “hands-free” device must accompany all cell phone usage in the garage. During carpool times, you may not be able to make a left-hand turn to P2 to park when you are entering from Beverly Glen due to traffic buildup. You must drop-off or pick-up in your designated area on P1 instead, or re-enter the garage if parking is necessary. When parking along the P1 and P2 walls next to the carpool lanes, you may not be able to exit during carpool times. Traffic flow will not be disrupted so you can pull in or out. Staff will determine when it is okay for you to pull in or out. There is no parking in the Upper Garage, Lower Garage, or P4 levels at any time…they are reserved for staff parking . There is no stopping or parking on Beverly Glen, Ashton Ave., Holmby Ave., or Wilshire Blvd. at any time. There is no Drop-off / Pick-up of students outside of the building at any time. You may park outside and walk your students in / out. In compliance with an agreement with our neighboring community, we ask that you do not park in residential areas adjacent to the temple. There are no left turns into or out of the Beverly Glen or Ashton gates at any time. Only students in third grade and above who live within a 1 mile walking distance, whose parents sign an authorization form, may obtain a walk home pass signed by the Head of School. Students need to carry their passes with them, and present them to security or staff when entering or exiting the building. Please follow all directional signs and any instructions given by security or staff who are supervising. You must come to a complete stop at all stop signs inside and outside of the building. There is a 5mph speed limit in the garage that should be observed at all times. Please check all signage in the areas that you are parking. There are various reserved and timepermitted parking spaces throughout the garage. 5 MEDICAL POLICIES Minor Illnesses Please do not send a child to school with a low-grade fever or minor illness that could be contagious. Even though this may occasionally cause you a hardship, please be considerate of others. Students who miss school due to an illness will be given a chance to take tests and make up work upon their return to school. If a child experiences minor discomfort, such as a sore throat, headache, or nausea during the school day, the staff, following the guidelines of the child's Medical Information Form, will determine appropriate treatment. Scrapes and abrasions will be cleansed with soap and an antiseptic, and a Band-Aid applied. If a child is running a fever or appears otherwise ill during the school day, the school nurse will determine if the child needs to go home. Any child with a fever of 100º f or above will be sent home. If so, parents need to arrange for someone to pick up the child promptly. If parents cannot be reached, the school will contact adults listed on the child’s medical emergency form with the request that they pick-up the child. A child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers before returning to school. Injuries/Surgeries If a student has surgery (inpatient or outpatient) a Return to School Note from the physician is required upon return. It must indicate what activity is allowed or not allowed and the length of time any restriction should be followed. This policy also applies to anyone returning with a cast, brace, or crutches. The note needs to be given to the school nurse. Emergencies In the event of a medical emergency, we will attempt to reach you immediately. If a parent cannot be reached, the child will be taken to the hospital. In such an event, we will also attempt to notify the individuals indicated by the parents on the Medical Information Form. Medications If a student requires special medication during the school day; please give the medication along with a signed “Permission to Take Medication Form” to the school nurse. These forms are located across from the reception desk. There must be a permission form signed by both the doctor and parent for any medication given, containing the medication name, dosage, time to be given and how to administer it. Children may not keep medicine of any kind themselves. The only exceptions are asthmatic students with signed forms permitting them to keep an inhaler in their classroom or backpacks. Parents have given or withheld permission to administer over-the-counter medications in Magnus.. All medicine is to be administered by the school nurse. Communicable Diseases If you are aware that a child has a communicable disease, notify the office immediately so that an email can be sent to all of the parents in the grade. A child who has had any of these diseases is not permitted back into school without a note from the doctor indicating that the child is no longer contagious, except in the case of lice for which the school nurse will check the child. 6 PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION Reporting to Parents In the lower school division, report cards are issued two times per year and conferences are held with parents two times per year. In the middle school there are three report cards, one parent-teacher conference and one parentstudent-advisor conference per year. The second report card does not contain comments. In the event that the student's parents are not living together, it is important that the parents inform the school as to who should receive report cards, registration materials, and other notices. We routinely send school mail only to the parent with whom the child lives most of the time. Information concerning a child's educational progress will be made available to both parents requesting such information unless a copy of a court order to the contrary is on file in our office. Please be sure to notify the office promptly regarding changes of mailing address, email address or phone numbers. School record and transcript requests must be submitted to the admissions office at least 48 hours in advance. Back-To-School Night Back-To-School Night in the fall is an opportunity for parents of each class to meet their children's teachers and to learn about the curriculum for the year. Teachers work hard at building a strong, positive relationship with the parents in their class, and this is the first opportunity to get to know each other. Visiting the Classroom Parents are welcome to visit classes. You may arrange a visit by contacting the school at least 24 hours in advance, both as a courtesy and to ensure that you will be able to see those aspects of the school day in which you are interested. You must inform the appropriate administrator of your intent to visit the classroom. Visits are limited to 30 minutes unless otherwise agreed to by administrator or teacher. Resolving Problems We encourage teachers and parents alike to communicate openly and regularly about the successes and problems that students experience, both at home and at school. As in any important endeavor, disagreements may arise from time to time. Sometimes parents and teachers have different perspectives on a child’s needs. Please bring your questions or concerns directly to the classroom teacher. Administrators are glad to step in and assist in solving unresolved issues; however, they will ask if you have discussed the matter with the teacher directly. E-News, Pushpages, and Teacher Webpages You will receive Sinai Akiba’s e-news weekly on Sundays, and on Thursdays you will receive a gradespecific pushpage. Please read both communications carefully as they are the primary means of communicating dates, programs and other news about the school. Additionally, please check teacher webpages for class-specific information. Webpages will be updated weekly. 7 EDUCATIONAL POLICIES Homework Homework provides additional practice on material taught in class and helps develop independent study habits. At no time do teachers or the school intend to overburden students. If you believe your child has an excessive amount of homework, or requires excessive help from you, please bring this to the attention of the teacher. As children mature, they should develop an increasing ability to complete assignments neatly, correctly and promptly. Parents play a crucial role in helping their children develop good study habits. If a child is absent, it is the child's responsibility to get assignments from the teacher. Middle School students should access their teachers’ web pages during their absences. Individual Responsibility Your child should come to school on time each day with the necessary supplies requested by the teacher: pencils, paper, notebook, personal kippah, etc. Consult the supply list sent by each grade level teacher. Boys must keep at least three extra kippot in their backpack/classroom. Charges for replacing lost textbooks are: MS textbooks $75, elementary textbooks $60, workbooks $25, paperback novels $15. Behavior and Discipline A positive learning environment requires courtesy and respect, concern for safety, protecting others' right to learn and care for personal and school property. Sinai Akiba expects all students to conduct themselves according to these standards. Disregard of school rules will be dealt with in a firm, fair manner. Each teacher and his/her class develop specific classroom behavior guidelines that allow each student to feel safe and learn to the best of his/her ability. (We utilize a conflict resolution program called “Talk It Out” to help prevent small conflicts from becoming larger ones.) Our behavior policy aims to make any consequence for misbehavior a learning opportunity. Rule infractions are dealt with in a firm, fair and age appropriate manner. Immediate and logical consequences for misbehavior are applied when necessary and possible. In the Middle School, detentions are given for excessive tardiness, inappropriate behavior, or non-compliance with school rules. Minor offenses will result in a lunch detention, and more serious infractions afterschool detention. Three behavior detentions will result in suspension. Repeated infractions of school rules, endangering the safety of students, cheating or plagiarism or other serious misbehaviors sometimes result in suspension or expulsion from school. A suspension may be noted on the student’s permanent record. An expulsion is always noted on the student's permanent record. Internet abuse or possession of drugs, alcohol or tobacco in school may result in automatic expulsion. The school psychologist may be asked to consult with and advise parents and/or students. In the event of ongoing misbehavior, the school may require the development of a specific behavior contract between the child, parent and the school. 8 EDUCATIONAL POLICIES Class Divisions Serious thought is given to the assignment of students to classes. In both the lower and middle schools, classes are grouped as heterogeneously as possible (with the exception of math and Hebrew/Judaic studies in 4th through 8th grade). Among the factors taken into consideration are academic ability, performance, motivation, behavior, friendships, and social maturity. We attempt to place students in class groupings, which will provide stimulation without undue pressure. Classes are structured with these criteria in mind. Tutoring We strongly discourage tutoring for any reason other than to remediate a true academic weakness. Outside tutoring to help a child “get ahead,” a practice increasingly noticed in private schools, subjects children to unnecessary pressure and teaches them that they are not “good enough”. If for any reason your child is being tutored, it is important that you ask the tutor to contact the classroom teacher as soon as possible, and to maintain regular contact with the teacher. Sinai Akiba teachers are not permitted to tutor children from any class at Sinai Akiba. Learning Support As a Jewish day school, we believe that once a child has begun our program, we should do everything we can to support him or her academically, emotionally and socially. Our teachers work hard to accommodate individual differences. In addition, we provide on-site academic support for those students who need it, and we have a school psychologist who assists with social and emotional issues. If academic issues arise, teachers may refer children to our learning support director and/or our psychologist. Interventions may include, but are not limited to: learning support assistance for remediation, outside educational or psychological testing and/or therapy, or modification of a child’s program. We keep parents informed at all times. Faculty sessions are held regularly to review a child’s progress and further plans are discussed at this time. The school maintains a referral list of professionals in the areas of psychology and educational testing and therapy. If you would like such information, please call the school psychologist. If your child is evaluated by an outside professional, it is important for the school to have this information. Please request that a report be sent to Sinai Akiba, in care of the Head of School. Cellular Phones Students are allowed to have cell phones in school provided they are turned off and kept in a locker or backpack during school hours. Cell phones that ring or are used during school hours will be confiscated. Students may use their phones on campus before and after school hours. Individual teachers determine whether students may use cell phones in their classrooms after school. 9 STUDENT DRESS STANDARDS The Jewish values of self-respect and modesty, anavah, inform our dress code policy. Dressing appropriately for school is a learning experience for the child. Sinai Akiba does not have uniforms because it believes that decisions about dress provide opportunities for parents to teach their children good values. If a child’s dress does not conform to our standards, parents are required to bring other clothes to school, or the child may not be permitted in class. Daily Dress Standard Skirts or shorts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee. Tops worn with leggings must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee. Tops must cover to at least 3 inches below the collarbone. No boxers, thongs or underwear showing. No cleavage, spaghetti straps, bra straps showing. No see-through clothing (e.g. white shirt with black bra) No bare midriffs. No inappropriately tight clothing. No t-shirts with inappropriate text or images. No writing across the rear of pants or shorts. No piercings (other than ears). Shoes – (For safety reasons) no sandals, open-toed shoes, flip-flops, Crocs, platform or shoes with more than a one-inch heel. We prefer athletic shoes for school, including Fridays, to avoid accidents since students play in a gymnasium every day. Boys need to wear kippot. Erev Shabbat (Friday) Dress Policy The Erev Shabbat dress policy is based on values of (צניותmodesty) and (כבודrespect) for Shabbat. Boys: Collared shirt (e.g., Polo shirts) or a sweater. Slacks or pants of any color (including khaki etc.). No T-shirts, jeans of any color or sweats. Girls: Blouse, sweater or collared shirt. Skirt, dress or pants of any color. No T-shirts, jeans of any color, jeggings, leggings or sweats. The same rules as for daily dress regarding modesty (see the daily dress policy). Dress Standard Violation Lower School: In the event of a dress code violation parents will need to bring appropriate attire to school. 4th – 5th grades: Student may be excluded from class, at a teacher’s discretion, until parent brings appropriate attire. Middle School: Students in violation of the dress code will be kept out of class until appropriate clothing is provided by the family. More than two violations will result in a conference with the middle school director, parent/guardian, student, and the students’ advisor. 10 ATHELETIC PROGRAM Athletic Philosophy Sinai Akiba offers students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to participate in various sports teams at levels of play and difficulty demonstrated by their grade level, interest, and ability. Our teams compete against schools in the San Fernando Private School League. Students benefit from the guidance of dedicated and knowledgeable coaches who emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, skills improvement, commitment, discipline and who above all try to make our students’ athletic experience rewarding and enjoyable. Our goal is to offer to as many students as possible the opportunity to participate in league sports on SAA teams and that they will enjoy the experience of winning while developing sportsmanship and learning to cope constructively with losing. Tryouts and Participation Middle school teams will have tryouts prior to the beginning of each sports season. A mandatory parent meeting is held at the beginning of the school year. There will be no tryouts for 5th grade students. We will accommodate all who sign up, but the students will participate in an evaluation to assist the coach in assigning students to teams. Students joining a team are expected to make a commitment to the team. Varsity and JV teams are comprised of 7th and 8th graders. Sports Seasons and Teams The following division of teams may vary based upon the number of students interested in a sport. Fall season: Boys Flag Football (Varsity*) Girls Basketball (Varsity, JV*, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B) - 10 players on Varsity, 6A and 5A teams; 12 players on JV, 6B and 5B teams. Additional 5th grade teams can be added to accommodate all students. Note: Varsity and JV teams will have a conditioning week prior to the first week of school. Winter season: Boys Basketball (Varsity, JV, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B) – 10 players on Varsity, 6A, 5A teams; 12 players on JV, 6B, 5B teams. Additional 5th grade teams can be added to accommodate all students. Girls Soccer (Varsity) Boys Soccer (Varsity) Spring season: Girls Volleyball (Varsity, JV, 6A, 6B) – 10 players on Varsity and 6A teams. 12 players on JV team and 6B. Boys Soccer (6A, 5A) 11 Practice Schedules Normal practice and game days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. 3:30/3:45-5:00 pm. Practices may be scheduled in the afternoon and in the early evening (to 6:30p.m.) to meet the needs of 6th – 8th grade teams if earlier time slots are not available. (5th grade teams will not have evening practices.) Normal basketball/volleyball practice locations are as follows: Varsity/JV – Weinberg Gym 6A/B – Rickles Gym 5A/B – Rooftop Normal soccer/flag football practice locations are as follows: Cheviot Hills Recreation Center/Rancho Park Players are only released from the practice location to an adult. by their coaches Players are not permitted to go to the parking structure without adult supervision. Games are normally played on campus or at other member school locations in the San Fernando Private School League. Player Requirements 1. All paperwork must be turned in by the first day of tryouts (fall season: end of first week of school). Students will not be allowed to participate without having turned in the Sports Enrollment Form, the Enrollment fees, the Away Game Field Trip Permission Slip, and the signed SAA Athlete-Parent Handbook form (given to players once team selections have been made). 2. Players commit themselves to attending practices and games on a regular basis. A maximum of four absences per season will be permitted. The approval of the athletic director must be given if additional practices are missed, and will be given for compelling circumstances only. Students who fail to meet the attendance requirements may not be permitted to complete the season. 3. Academic eligibility requires that all players maintain a C average in all classes. 4. Discipline problems in school may affect a student’s permission to participate, as determined by the athletic director or administration. 12 RELIGIOUS POLICIES Oneg Shabbat Friday is a special day at Sinai Akiba Academy. Sinai Akiba students participate in Kabbalat Shabbat programs appropriate for their grade levels. Please see the Friday dress policy on page 14. Parents provide the food for Shabbat classroom celebrations. The Shabbat snack should include parve (nondairy) challah, grape juice, and fruit. Please do not send cookies or sweets. The teachers have been instructed not to pass them out. Tzedakah We endeavor to instill in our children the belief that tzedakah (charity) is a full-time commitment. Each grade is involved in ongoing charity/community service (tikkun olam) projects throughout the school year. At Sinai Akiba we also follow the custom of giving tzedakah on Friday afternoons. Children are asked to bring a small contribution, preferably from their own money, each Friday. Kippot Traditionally, a Jewish male wears a kippah when studying Torah. We teach our children that all learning is "Torah," because it is one of the noblest of human endeavors. Therefore, boys are expected to wear kippot at all times; girls are encouraged to do so. Boys must bring and wear their own personal kippah. They will need three (3) extra kippot from home to be kept in a zip-lock bag either in their classroom (LS) or in their locker (MS). All boys who have become bar mitzvah are required to own and wear tallit and tefillin at services. Girls are encouraged to do so. Men are requested to wear kippot when attending school events. Tefillot Each lower school class participates in a short prayer service (15 min.) each morning and middle school students have approximately a 30 minute service three times a week. All boys who have become bar mitzvah, or are preparing for it, are required to own and wear tefillin at all daily services. Girls are encouraged to do so. Holidays Jewish holiday observances play an important part in the life of our school. The school also marks appropriate secular observances such as Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day and Memorial Day. Please note that the school will in no way participate in the observance of non-Jewish holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, or St. Valentine's Day. Please assist us by not sending your child to school with items relating to those days. Parties In keeping with the religious objectives of our school, we ask that you not hold parties on Shabbat or holidays. Many students are unable to attend such parties due to Shabbat observance. We also strongly request that you do not serve non-kosher foods at parties either in your home, or in a restaurant. 13 BAR/BAT MITZVAH GUIDELINES Our goal is to encourage families to make their children’s b’nai mitzvah celebrations meaningful; to promote derech eretz among students and parents; and to minimize the chance of children being hurt at a time that should be one of celebration. Families should also be aware of the policies in the Sinai Temple Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook, along with the B’nai Mitzvah Covenant introduced in the 6th grade year. Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dates Bar Mitzvah dates are assigned by the synagogue automatically; you do not need to call to request that this be done. You will receive a notice approximately a year and a half before your child's 13 th birthday (according to the Hebrew calendar) informing you of the date which has been assigned. Sinai Temple has specific policies regarding bar/bat mitzvah qualifications. If you have any questions about the bar/bat mitzvah programs at Sinai Temple, please contact the cantor’s office at (310) 4741518. Scheduling: Each year a parent coordinator will maintain a calendar of b’nai mitzvah services and parties, inform parents of conflicts that can be foreseen, and ask the families to work out a compromise. Each family is to provide times and locations of the service and the proposed times and locations of parties to the coordinator. If changes are made later, the family is responsible to notify the school in writing. Families are expected to attempt to resolve those conflicts by working out compromise plans so that parties will not happen simultaneously. This will require flexibility on all sides. Invitations: Please be sensitive not to exclude small numbers of students. If most of the children of one gender or of a particular social group are invited, please be sure to invite the rest. If a student plans to attend a friend’s party, he/she should attend the service as well. Kashrut and Shabbat: Bar/bat mitzvah is a religious event. In that spirit, please either use a kosher caterer or, at the very least, limit the menu to dairy and fish. Please do not serve non-kosher meat or shellfish. By following this request you symbolically support the school’s goals. Also, many of the children and their families who will be attending as your guests will find a non-kosher bar/bat mitzvah celebration offensive. Please schedule parties to begin after the conclusion of Shabbat. Middle School Service: We have a tradition of celebrating our students’ b’nai mitzvah at middle school tefilot, usually on the Thursday preceding their Shabbat celebration. The bar/bat mitzvah student leads the services and reads from Torah (a requirement for this event). The bar/bat mitzvah is presented with a Chumash. Refreshments may be provided for the students by the family of the bar/bat mitzvah. 14 KASHRUT, FOOD AND NUTRITION Sinai Akiba Academy observes the dietary laws, and parents should use only kosher products in preparing food for school. We consider kashrut to be of major importance in Jewish life. By the selection of the types of food we eat and preparation through a humane method of slaughter we attempt to create an attitude of sanctity toward life, both human and animal. Via kashrut, we learn to have reverence for the life we take. Kashrut for Daily Meals and Snacks 1. All students should bring a PARVE (non-dairy) or DAIRY mid-morning snack from home. 2. Children not participating in Sinai Akiba’s school lunch program and are bringing food from home must only bring food that is PARVE (non-dairy) or DAIRY. No meat products, even kosher ones, may be brought to school. Chicken and other poultry products are considered meat and may not be brought to school. Soup must be made with a vegetable, not a meat base. Shellfish, shrimp, oyster and other seafood lacking fins and scales are not kosher and cannot be brought to school. Forbidden foods will be confiscated. Food bought at fast-food establishments will not be allowed. Breads for sandwiches, crackers, cookies and cake should be made with vegetable shortening. Baked goods to be served for student, parent, or teacher functions must come from a kosher bakery. Kashrut and Providing Food for School Events If you are preparing food for a school event, (such as receptions, luncheons, class parties) follow these guidelines: General rules for events in the school or synagogue Acceptable: Kosher dairy foods (see below). Not acceptable: Meat products of any kind, even kosher meat products. Food prepared at home for school or synagogue Acceptable: Cold, uncooked foods prepared at home. Vegetables and fruit cut at home. Tuna made at home (with no added eggs). Not acceptable: Foods cooked or baked at home. Food processors used at home. Food purchased in stores for school or synagogue Limited to the following: Vegetable and fruit platters purchased at produce markets. Cooked dairy or parve foods, only if purchased at a certified kosher deli or restaurant. 15 Baked goods, only if bought at a kosher bakery. Packaged items, only if they have a kosher certification and are brought to school in the original, unopened box. Preparation & serving in the classroom Acceptable: Cutlery and platters should be new. These items may be bought in the beginning of the year and kept in the class closet. Not acceptable: Cooking tools from home, even a kosher home, may not be used in the classrooms (for example: frying pans and food processors). Waiting Times SAA follows the standard Conservative practice of waiting 3 hours from meat to dairy, and a ½ hour from dairy to meat. School Events at family homes or party venues Parents should serve only dairy or parve food, or meat catered from a certified kosher establishment at all events outside of school, such as official parent get-togethers, end of school parties, and celebrations. Dairy and meat products are never to be served at the same event. The school urges parents to observe the above guidelines when inviting students for such events as birthday parties or bar/bat mitzvah celebrations. 16 Approved List of Kosher Caterers for School Events Outside of Sinai Temple Following is a list of approved kosher caterers. These are the ONLY caterers that may be used for school events outside the Temple. No caterer not appearing on this list may be used for any event to which parents are invited. Baby Cakes (RCC) 130 E. 6th Street (213) 623-5555 Baskin Robbins (RCC) 1800 S. Robertson Blvd. #8 (310) 559-3131 Bibi’s Warmstone Bakery (Kehilla) 8928 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 246-1788 Carvel (RCC) 11037 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 444-0011 www.Carvel-LA.com Catering by Brenda (RCC) 1467 S. Durango Ave. (310) 203-8365 www.CateringbyBrenda.com Chick ‘N Chow Restaurant (Kehilla) 9301 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 274-5595 Circa / NY Catering (RCC) (310) 659-0465 www.schwartzbakeryla.com Delice Bakery/Catering (Kehilla) 8583 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 289-6556 Eilat Bakery (Kehilla) 350 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 933-5000 Eilat Bakery #2 (Kehilla) 9233 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 205-8700 Elat Pastry (Kehilla) 8758 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 385-5993 Got Kosher (RCC) 1410 Livonia Ave. (310) 858-3123 www.gotkosherinc.com Judye Hendlish (SAA parent for baking) 1410 Jonesboro Drive (310) 458-1698 ** Approved by Sinai Temple ** Kosher on Location (RCC) (Mobile Kitchens) 11852 Vose St. (818) 522-2502 La Brea Bagel Co. (Kehilla) 7308 Beverly Blvd. (323) 965-1287 Let’s Have a Cart Party (RCC) 426 S. Wetherly Dr. (310) 246-1230 Nagila Pizza (Kehilla) 9411 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 788-0111 Pat’s Catering/Restaurant (Kehilla) 9233 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 205-8705 / (310) 205-8707 Schwartz Catering-Fleishig (RCC) (323) 653-1683 / (323) 653-1941 www.schwartzbakeryla.com Sinai Catering (RCC) 12233 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 820-0048 Subway Glatt Kosher 8948 W. Pico Boulevard (310) 274-1222 Sweet E’s Bakery 1417 South Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 (323) 422-8885 TAKOSHER 1731 Ocean Park Blvd. (866) 892-4010 www.takosher.com The Sensitive Baker (RCC) 10836 ½ Washington Blvd (310) 815-1800 Yogo Frozen Yogurt (RCC) 7350 Melrose Avenue (323) 951-0008 17 NUTRITION We request that a nutritious snack and lunch be sent to school every day with your child. All food needs to be brought in a bag or lunch box clearly marked with your child’s name. Have your child be involved in the selection and packing of a nutritious lunch/snack. Please do not send junk food. Fresh Fruit Here in California, we’re blessed with so many wonderful fresh fruits. Experiment with your kids— with different whole or sectioned fruits. Try apples, oranges, bananas, melons, peaches, pears, nectarines, and plums. Vegetables Cut up fresh, raw vegetables—carrots, celery cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, and radishes. For variety include a small reusable container with a favorite dip. These can be prepared the night before and ready-to-go for the morning. Dairy Products There are many great ways to include milk products during the day. You can include yogurt, cottage cheese, string cheese, or other dairy products as a healthy snack or part of a balanced lunch. American children get about 40% of their calories each day from fat. To help reduce their consumption of fat, developing tastes for non-fat and low fat dairy products is a great place to start. Drinks Try to cut back on the amount and frequency of sugar-based drinks. Many so-called fruit juices are loaded with extra sugar. Milk and water are the best ways to keep your kids hydrated. Don’t overdo fruit drinks—and look for those without added sugar. Encourage eight glasses of water a day. Sweets It is the policy of the school that teachers not distribute sweets as rewards or as part of classroom parties, including Erev Shabbat observances. Peanut Policy While Sinai Akiba Academy is not a peanut free school, we are sensitive to the fact that some of our students are allergic to peanuts and other tree nuts. In these cases, we work with the family, the school nurse, and the child’s allergist to create a health plan that ensures a safe environment for him/her. We request that nuts not be distributed as part of holiday celebrations to grades where there is an allergic child, and have requested the synagogue caterer not to serve products made with peanuts or peanut oil at any time. 18 GENERAL POLICIES Field Trip/Classroom Activities Fees Fees for field trips are included in the activities fee that was part of your tuition contract. Teachers will not collect admissions fees nor will they or room parents request or accept additional funds for classroom activities. Each classroom will be provided a reasonable and equitable budget to work with during the year. Teachers and room parents will be expected not to exceed it. Teacher Gift Collection Procedure We all want to acknowledge the wonderful job our teachers and assistants do. We also want to minimize competition and comparison, and ensure that all teachers – including specialists who do not have a “regular” parent body – are acknowledged. The SAA Committee, PA, and Room Parents, in consultation with the faculty and administration have developed the following procedures for giftgiving to teachers. Your temple bill will reflect a charge (optional) for teacher gifts. The PA will use these funds to purchase gift certificates for the teachers, teacher assistants, and specialists. All teachers will receive equal gifts. The specialist and teacher assistant gifts will be determined based on the number of hours scheduled to work. Gifts are not dependent on the number of classes taught – there will be one gift per teacher. Half of the funds will be used for Hanukkah and the other half at the end of the school year. Parents are not permitted to buy additional gifts for teachers. We do encourage students and families to acknowledge teachers with cards, poems, pictures, and art projects. Teachers were consulted in establishing this procedure, are aware of it and have been asked to cooperate with their colleagues by not accepting personal gifts. Birthday Celebrations Very simple birthday celebrations may take place at school by advance arrangement with your child's teacher. In keeping with the religious objectives of our school, please do not hold parties on the Sabbath or holidays. Many students are unable to attend such parties due to Shabbat observance. We also strongly request that you do not serve non-kosher foods at parties either in your home, or in a restaurant. Children are very sensitive, and they notice when they are not invited to parties along with their friends. Therefore, parties in which more than half the students are invited tend to become school events in the minds of the children and should include all class members. For lower school, if more than half the students of either gender are invited, all the students of that gender should be included. For middle school, if you are inviting more than 80% of the students in a grade, you should invite all. Invitations should not be distributed at school. 19 EMERGENCY PROCEDURES A carefully thought-out and coordinated school and synagogue-wide plan exists for decision-making and communications in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake. Each classroom is equipped with an evacuation and safety pack containing emergency supplies. These packs were set up by our Emergency Preparedness Committee after consultation with experts, and are inspected at regular intervals. Each classroom, gymnasium, and office has an individual emergency pack. In the event of a major emergency such as an earthquake, please do not call the school office because this will tie up our telephone lines. Sinai Temple/Sinai Akiba’s emergency hotline is 310-4813333. Updates will be recorded with the most current information. Our emergency radio contact is KNX 1070 AM. In the event of a citywide emergency listen to KNX 1070AM for SAA emergency announcements. Our emergency television news station is KTLA 5. They will have information on school closings and area traffic. Children will be released ONLY to parents or to individuals listed on the emergency/medical forms that are on file in the school office. In the event that we were to evacuate the building, a clearly identified staging area would be set up on the Southeast corner of Holmby St. and Wellworth Ave. which would serve as the command center. We regularly review and update our emergency procedures with the Temple, and conduct regular reviews of these procedures with the faculty in order to ensure a high level of readiness . 20 BUILDING RULES Students are expected to care for the building and keep it clean. Part of our derech eretz program emphasizes respect for property. Parents will be liable for damage done by their children to Temple or school property. The following synagogue rules apply to all school programs using this facility. Elevator Rules 5th -8th grade students are permitted to use the elevators from 7:40a.m. – 8:05a.m. and 3:20 p.m. 3:45 pm. Students who have orchestra passes, or those with valid elevator passes issued by the school nurse may use the elevator. Kindergarten-4th grade students are not permitted to use the elevators at any time unless accompanied by an adult. Flyers It is the policy of the school not to publicize commercial activities of any kind including tutoring services or activities sponsored by other organizations other than those with which the school is affiliated. All flyer postings must be approved by the Head of School. On the first floor, only designated bulletin boards may be used. Exceptions must be approved by the Temple executive director. Prior to hanging up flyers or posters in the temple areas, including the garage, approval must be obtained from the Public Relations Coordinator, in the temple main office. NO signs/posters/ banners may be hung on walls, in elevators or on glass windows or cases. Although Temple policy requires that “blue tape” be used when affixing anything to walls, the use of “blue tape” does not exempt items from the rules stated above. Calendaring and Room Reservations All events must be calendared through the Sinai Akiba office and then the Sinai Temple office. Requests should be submitted to the appropriate Sinai Akiba administrator, who will then carry the item through the calendar process. Parent and Temple Directories The Parent and Temple Directories and any other school lists are for personal and school use only. Parents should not use these lists, or make them available to others, for commercial or political purposes. 21 TUITION AND REGISTRATION Admission Policies Sinai Akiba offers a superior general and Judaic education to a diverse Jewish student population. All students must be Jewish, and their families members of Sinai Temple. The school considers and balances several factors in making decisions for admission into the school: the candidate’s potential for success at Sinai Akiba based upon the school’s evaluation and information provided by the child’s previous school; the ways in which a child contributes to the diversity of the school in areas such as academic ability, gender, national origin, social-economic diversity, and Jewish background; as well as the potential for parental involvement in the life of the school. The admissions committee is charged to admit a balanced student population. Therefore, students who bring some of the criteria of diversity (e.g., gender, cultural background, academic potential) may be given priority. Siblings and continuing Temple members usually are given priority if their children meet the criteria listed above. Sinai Temple Membership Families must become members of Sinai Temple prior to a child entering Sinai Akiba. Maintenance of a membership in good standing of Sinai Temple is a requirement of all families enrolling students in Sinai Akiba. Registration for Continuing Students In late winter, the school will send a re-registration packet for the coming year. To re-register for the following school year the signed enrollment agreement and the appropriate forms and fees will need to be submitted to Sinai Akiba Academy. After the enrollment agreement tuition contract due date, Sinai Akiba will not guarantee a space to returning students; new and continuing students will be admitted on a first-come-first-taken basis. In such cases, if the school accepts a late contract, a late fee will be assessed. Required fees and paperwork Families are expected to provide completed documents and fees in accordance with the schedules established by Sinai Akiba. In the event that a family is delinquent in returning required paperwork or fees, the school reserves the right to exclude students from the school. Please note that openingof-school admissions cards will be emailed only to families who have completed all obligations. Tuition Fees and Payment Schedule Tuition payments are due and payable as outlined in your enrollment agreement. Any special arrangements must be confirmed in writing. Payment of tuition, dues and all other fees including parking fines are necessary in order to receive an admission card to the school. Tuition payments begin in the spring prior to the school year. Complete details are found in your enrollment agreement, attendant document, and on the website. If monthly automatic withdrawals are not processed by your bank, you will be required to make payment immediately or your child may be excluded from school. Tuition Assistance Tuition assistance is granted on a yearly basis. All tuition assistance must be renewed by application to the Tuition Assistance Committee each year. Applications may be obtained from the school office in late fall, at which time the due date for their return will be announced. Receipt of tuition assistance in one year does not guarantee tuition assistance in subsequent years. 22 Continuation of Enrollment At any time during a child's attendance at Sinai Akiba, continued admission can be denied due to academic or behavioral concerns or due to a family's failure to cooperate with school policies. As a school we are committed to working with the whole child. We understand that matching a child to the appropriate school can be a complicated undertaking. So, after admitting your child, we monitor his/her academic and social progress carefully. We have a team of experts who work with your child’s teachers to make sure that Sinai Akiba Academy can continue to meet your child’s needs. Sometimes, we cannot. If this is the case because of an academic concern, the school will make timely contact with you so that you can make appropriate arrangements for the following year. Departing Students (6th Grade) Please know that we will always honor and cherish families’ involvement and participation in Sinai Akiba Academy. As departing 6th graders, your children’s status changes as Akiba community members. They will become alumni of the school with the opportunity for a continuous and strong connection to the Sinai Akiba community. Alumni status provides a means for alumni to stay in touch with each other and the school by: Maintaining their current contact information with our alumni committee and alumni directory. Joining our alumni Facebook page and sharing news through the network and the school’s newsletter, Akiba Achshav/Akiba Now. Participating in future alumni reunions and alumni events. Alumni status affords our departing students these privileges and responsibilities that differ from currently enrolled students. Since departing students are no longer actively enrolled in SAA, they cannot attend school socials or dances, vote in student council elections, or hold spaces for their bar/bat mitzvah party dates. School Service Commitment Many school programs could not exist without the support of parents. As outlined in the enrollment agreement, there is an annual five-hour school service commitment for each family in the school. There are many opportunities throughout the school year to meet this requirement, but it is up to each family to volunteer for the specific activity of its choice. A charge of $250.00 will be billed to those families who do not fulfill their school service hours. 23 SINAI TEMPLE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS A. The child is required to complete at least five (5) consecutive years of study in our Sinai Temple Religious School or the child is required to be a student at Sinai Akiba Academy enrolled by the 5th grade. The family must also be a member of Sinai Temple in good standing and the family’s account must be current including all membership fees, pledges, tuition and all other financial obligations. Under no circumstances may a Bar or Bat Mitzvah date assignment be considered or discussed until these financial obligations are met. B. If the Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidate does not meet the minimum education requirements as outlined in Paragraph “A”, a B'nai Mitzvah Eligibility Request Form (“Eligibility Form”) needs to be completed by the parents of the child. The Eligibility Form is available from the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator or the Director of Membership and is submitted to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator. The Eligibility Form is reviewed by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Eligibility Committee (“Committee”). The Committee shall submit in writing to the family the requirements necessary for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to be scheduled at Sinai Temple (“Requirement Letter”). If the terms of the Requirement Letter are acceptable and the family agrees to fulfill the requirements contained in the Requirement Letter, then the family needs to sign the Requirement Letter and return it to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator. C. The information requested in the Eligibility Form includes (i) a copy of the child’s transcripts if the child has attended another accredited religious school or Jewish day school, and (ii) written proof of the family’s past congregational membership if not a member of Sinai Temple during the past three years. If any information provided regarding a child’s enrollment and attendance in an accredited religious school program, or of the families past synagogue involvement, is found to be false, inaccurate or misleading, Sinai Temple reserves the right to deny the scheduling or cancel the assigned date for Bar or Bat Mitzvah. D. The Eligibility Form shall be reviewed by a committee consisting of members from the professional staff and the President of the Temple and/or his or her designee. The Committee shall review the information submitted. The Committee may choose to meet with the family and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The committee may require the Bar or Bat Mitzvah (i) be delayed (ii) the child may be required to take additional classes, (iii) the child may be required to obtain a private tutor, (iv) the child may be requested to complete additional projects and/or additional assignments. If the family has not been a member of Sinai Temple during the past three years, the Committee may request a future commitment and/or payment of future membership dues to Sinai Temple past the date of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The decision of the Committee is by majority vote. The decision of the Committee is final. E. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah is minimally required to complete their religious studies for the balance of the school year in which the celebration takes place. This means that if a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is celebrating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service on or after October 1 st of any given year, they are required to attend an accredited religious school program for the remaining academic year. Furthermore, students who have completed five (5) years of Religious School studies or have graduated from Sinai Akiba Academy or another accredited Jewish day school prior to the year of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah are required to attend Sinai High, a Sinai Program for graduates of Akiba Academy, Milken Community High School, Shalhevet High School, Los Angeles Hebrew High School, or an accredited Jewish school in the year of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. 24 F. Sinai Temple recognizes the needs of committed members of the congregation who have children with significant learning disabilities. Therefore, private instruction under the direction of our Director of Religious School may be discussed. A special Bar or Bat Mitzvah may be arranged with the Senior Cantor. The family needs to contact the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator to set up an appointment with the Director of the Religious School and the Senior Cantor to discuss the possible alternatives for the child with significant learning disabilities. G. Every family celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Sinai Temple shall be required to complete the Confirmation of Enrollment Form. This form evidences the child’s enrollment and attendance in one of Sinai Temple’s religious school programs or in an accredited Jewish educational program in compliance with the Eligibility Requirements of Sinai Temple. This form must be updated as necessary. Parents are required to complete the Confirmation of Enrollment Form prior to receiving the date for their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. The form will be updated at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation, approximately one year prior to the ceremony, and at the child’s first private Bar/Bat Mitzvah lesson, which occurs approximately six months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. The form is on file and available in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator’s office. If any information provided regarding a child’s enrollment and attendance in an accredited religious school program is found to be false, inaccurate or misleading, Sinai Temple reserves the right to immediately cancel a child’s date for Bar or Bat Mitzvah and/or Sinai Temple is no longer obligated to schedule a child for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. H. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee must be paid in full one year prior to the date of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. I. Failure to comply with the policy of Eligibility for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony may result in failure to receive a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and/or immediate postponement or cancellation of a scheduled date. Notification of a cancellation of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date shall be in writing and sent to the mailing address contained in our membership records by U.S. mail with a return receipt requested. Members that tender their resignation or do not renew their membership automatically lose their assigned Bar/Bat Mitzvah date. 25 COMMITTEES Sinai Akiba Academy Committee The Sinai Akiba Academy Committee establishes school policies and guides the school's affairs. The Committee answers to the Board of Directors of Sinai Temple. Parents may attend SAA Committee meetings; however, in the interest of time, parent participation in meetings must be pre-arranged with the SAA chairperson and placed on the agenda. Your cooperation in this matter is appreciated. Education Committee The Education Committee is a subcommittee of, and is accountable to, the Sinai Akiba Academy Committee. It acts as an advisory board for the head of school. Parents can attend meetings; however, participation must be pre-arranged with the chairperson. Development Committee The Development Committee engages in fundraising, as well as long range and yearly fiscal planning. The Development Committee is a sub-committee of the Sinai Akiba Academy Committee and coordinates its activities with PTA and Temple fundraising. Budget Committee The SAA Budget Committee assesses the budgetary needs of the school. The committee, along with the school administration, is charged with creating the budget for the next school year. In addition, it is their responsibility to review and monitor the current year’s financial performance. Public Relations & Recruitment Committee The Recruitment Committee maintains a visible presence for the school in the community and arranges programs to promote recruitment of new students to the school. These parents act as Parent Docents at Prospective Parent tours and Open House Events. Parent Association The Sinai Akiba Academy PA is an active, effective vehicle for parent participation in the school. Each parent is automatically a general member of the association. The PA's purpose is to help us sustain a sense of connectedness with each other. We urge you to see Sinai Akiba Academy not only as your children's school but as a place of learning for all. Parent participation is often the key to making a good school an excellent one. 26 ADMINISTRATION Head of School - Dr. Sarah Shulkind The Head of School is responsible for the daily administration of the school, staff selection, and the implementation of educational, religious, administrative and fiscal policies. Lower School Director - Shelley Lawrence The lower school director supervises all activities and programs for kindergarten through fifth grade, and supervises general studies curriculum and instruction for those grades. She directs and coordinates the efforts of both general and Judaic studies teachers in creating a cohesive lower school program. Middle School Director – Lindsay Koss The middle school director supervises all activities and programs for sixth through eighth grades, and supervises general studies curriculum and instruction for those grades. She directs and coordinates the efforts of both general and Judaic studies teachers in creating a cohesive middle school program. She also advises students on secondary school placement. Judaic Studies Director - Irit Eliyahu The Judaic studies director supervises all areas of curriculum and instruction for Judaic studies for both the lower school and middle school. Administratively, she coordinates her efforts with those of the lower school and middle school directors. School Rabbi - Andrew Feig The school rabbi works with the administration on school and religious policies, initiates and plans family programming related to b'nai mitzvah and other aspects of the spiritual life of the school, and leads lower and middle school t'filot. The school rabbi also oversees all after school programs. Administrative Dean - Marcia Fellner The administrative dean supervises our teacher assistants program, oversees all school communications, serves as administrative liaison for the PTA, and oversees other operational issues such as pick-up/drop-off. Technology Director - Dyvar Anderson The technology director facilitates developmentally appropriate computer technology hardware, software, systems and skills in support of the diverse needs our students. In addition, she supports our educators to embrace technology as they captivate our students with the most effective learning. She also mentors our IT staff to formulate a clear technology vision for our school. Admissions Director – Lisa Zide The admissions director coordinates all procedures relating to the admission of new students, working under the direction of the Head of School. She staffs the public relations and recruitment committee. Communications Director – Jessica Emerson The communications director oversees all internal and external communications for the school. Development Director - Janet Rosenblum Our development director assists and guides the school’s fund-raising efforts. She provides oversight to the PTA on the annual event and auction, and works closely with parent volunteers on the development committee, annual giving campaign and the alumni and grandparents associations. Business Manager - Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney The business manager is responsible for the school office, department payroll, budget affairs, and facilitating on behalf of the faculty and parents with Sinai Temple departments. She supervises the office staff, staffs the tuition assistance committee, and is the liaison between the school and the temple finance department. 27
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