INTRODUCTION

This booklet is designed to encourage your input and participation in our program by sharing with you our goals, and the steps we plan to take to meet them.

Our Hebrew School is part of Chabad of Parkland and thus utilizes some of the very positive points of the Chabad ideology in educating your child. A fresh and positive approach and lots of enthusiasm is the hallmark of Chabad and will be prevalent in our school.

The Goals of our Program

· To attain a strong feeling of identity with their heritage and to develop a sense of Love and Pride in being Jewish.

· Gain knowledge and understanding of the Mitzvot, traditions and practices that Judaism stands for, study the morals, values and ethical behavior mandated by the Torah.

· Master the skills of Hebrew reading and to gradually develop the ability to understand basic Hebrew words, emphasizing prayers so that the students will feel comfortable when attending services.

· Identify with the Land of Israel as their own land and develop an interest in issues relating to Israel and its inhabitants.

· Discover and explore the incredible history of the Jewish people and its relevance for all times.

· Allow students to express their opinions and questions about G‑d, Torah and religion.

· Attain a "Jewish" perspective on life and maintain Jewish feelings and involvement beyond the years at Hebrew School and ultimately perpetuate this onto future generations.

· Participate in community service by volunteering to help seniors, hospitalized children and the needy, putting what they learn into action.

 

· Most importantly, ensure that the students enjoy the classes and look at Hebrew School as a positive and fun experience.

  

CURRICULUM

Staff

Any school is only as good as its teachers. At CPHS, we are very selective when choosing the men and women who comprise our teaching staff. Their excitement for teaching excites our children for learning. Every teacher lives and breathes what he or she teaches. Staff members have Rabbinic ordination, extensive Hebrew language skills, and have attended teachers' seminaries all over the world. They are trained to use our multi-sensory curriculum, designed to connect with your child at his/her most comfortable learning method.

In addition to the Judaic studies that they teach, they understand the developmental issues applicable to the age level of their students. In short, our teachers are as enthusiastic about teacher as our students are about learning!

General Curriculum

We are enthusiastic about the beautiful lessons that Judaism has to offer, and we hope to transmit that excitement to the children through the Hebrew School curriculum.

The Chabad Hebrew School offers an outstanding program that will give your child a solid foundation in the fundamentals of Judaism, and will instill in your child the faith, beauty and values of our heritage.

All lessons will be taught in a manner that will give the children a great appreciation of our rich Jewish heritage. Role-playing, arts & crafts, and songs will be incorporated to make the lessons more enjoyable.

We plan special programs during the year, such as: Shofar Factory, Chanukah Wonderland, Purim Fun, Passover Experience, Model Seder, Matzah Bakery, and Shabbat Experience. We also feature ongoing activities throughout the year, such as Jewish Game Shows, Kosher label contest, and TGI-Shabbat to develop and maintain strong participation and enthusiasm from our students.

We believe that the joy and pride in Judaism that will be experienced at Chabad of Parkland Hebrew School will make an indelible impression upon the children.

Aleph Champ & Hebrew Language

Our Hebrew reading curriculum is the latest educational breakthrough around. Based on the martial arts motivational philosophy of color-coded levels and testing, it provides excitement and inspiration, leading the students into a winning cycle of learning. The Hebrew Alphabet as well as the vowels and word formations are divided into 10 colored levels. The students start out as “White Aleph Champs,” working their way up the colors of the rainbow to be a “Black Aleph Champ” like their teachers. Games, cards, logs and rewards make every step along this remarkable journey a fun an educational success.

Hebrew vocabulary is also a basic part of the program - students will learn Hebrew words related to Jewish themes.

Mitzvot

Children will be taught the meaning of Mitzvot - Torah commandments - and will be encouraged to enjoy the experience of doing mitzvot. Some mitzvot emphasized are Tzedaka, loving one another, kindness to living creatures, hospitality, honoring parents, mezuzah, and brachot (blessings). The teachers will help each child develop a consciousness of proper Torah behavior towards others - Midot Tovot - which is the acquisition of desirable character traits. 

Holiday Observance

Children will learn to appreciate the special quality and holiness of Shabbat and Holidays. They will become familiar with the historical background, customs, and observances of each festival through multi-sensory, hands-on activities and creative art projects.

Prayer and Blessings

Children will start to learn simple, basic prayers and blessings. Special focus will be put on understanding the prayers the children are saying. As they progress, they will learn more prayers and the appropriate time to say them.

Jewish History

Children will learn to view our Avot (patriarchs) and Imahot (matriarchs) and other Jewish heroic figures as role models. They will be taught morals and ethics from people highlighted in the weekly Torah portion. The lessons will be infused with discussions and practical lessons we can derive from our ancestors.

The Land of Israel

The children will learn about the land G‑d gave us. We will start the history from our patriarchs, through the Holy Temples and up to modern day Israel. The children will be instilled with a love and attachment to our Holy Land. They will be exposed to pictures, films, games, projects and songs about the land. 

Arts and Crafts

Art projects are incorporated into our curriculum to add excitement to the upcoming holidays and Mitzvot. Our projects will have Jewish holiday and Mitzvah themes and will add a taste of Jewish life to your home. The younger students will be doing art more often than the older grades.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah

When your child is ready for Bar/ Bat Mitzvah, Chabad of Parkland Hebrew School will lay the foundation for a meaningful ceremony. The Rabbi is available for consultation on all aspects of the special day. Your family will have the option of celebration in the warm and traditional atmosphere of Chabad or in the location of your choice. Together, we can ensure that your child’s first taste of their Jewish identity will be enjoyable, fun and most importantly, create memories that will inspire his/her for a lifetime.

Confidential Information

It is of great importance for the teacher to have any information, which can provide for the optimum learning situation. Information of a physical, social and psychological nature can aid a teacher in planning instruction for each child. Without this knowledge, teachers are handicapped and may be unable to provide the kind of support needed. Such information should be transmitted either in writing to, or by a private conference with, the teacher. Obviously, this information will be kept confidential. 

Encouragement

We believe that Hebrew School should be a positive experience for your child. Our teachers use oral encouragement, small prizes and rewards, including the very popular Torah Dollars throughout the year. Constant encouragement is the greatest gift that you as a parent can give your child. Too much is never enough! 

Behavioral Expectations

At Chabad of Parkland Hebrew School we strive to create an atmosphere that reflects our Jewish values. We trust our student body to understand that respect for teachers, respect for one other and respect for themselves, are essential for a successful learning environment.

We expect: 

1. Every student to treat fellow students and staff members with courtesy.

2. Books and materials handed out will be handled with care and kept neatly organized.

3. Proper decorum to be maintained in the classroom.

Books & Supplies

Text books & all supplies are included in the Tuition fee and are provided by the Hebrew School. All textbooks are provided to your child by our school "on loan". This means that the books are made available to your child to use in class and take home throughout the school year, but must be returned by year's end, unless otherwise specified in which case you child may come home at the end of the year with their completed workbook. 

Tzedakah

Tzedakah (charity) is a fundamental concept in Judaism. Our school attempts to develop a commitment among our students to share with others less fortunate than themselves by donating a few pennies a day to charity. Parents are asked to provide young children with a coin daily for Tzedakah. Older children should give Tzedakah from their allowance money. 

Homework

Although no official homework will be given, students are encouraged to practice their reading at home. Parents should listen to their child's songs, stories and Hebrew reading, as this will reinforce your involvement in your child’s Jewish education.

Attendance

Regular attendance is crucial in accomplishing the goals of our educational program. There is direct correlation between attendance and achievement, interest and attitude. Furthermore, coming late and leaving early disrupts the entire class and disrupts your child's classroom routine. Your support of our attendance policy will be greatly appreciated. 

Parent Responsibilities

Parents have the responsibility to:

· Bring children weekly as well as drop off and pick up the children on time.

· Contact their teacher or director regarding a classroom concern.

· Be supportive and positive of Hebrew School programming.

· Take an active part in the child's Jewish Education.

Hebrew School Responsibilities

You should expect the School to fulfill the following:

· Provide a positive and warm environment for your child.

· Give your child a viable knowledge of Hebrew, Jewish Holidays, History, Customs and Traditions, Torah, Israel and Jewish Heroes and Heroines.

· Keep you informed of your child's progress and class activities.

· Provide your child with a knowledgeable teacher who is dedicated and concerned about your child's Jewish Education.

· To provide your family with opportunities to learn experience and enjoy our Jewish Heritage.

Snacks

Snacks will be provided for your children on Sundays. If students wish to bring their own snack to school only Kosher foods are permitted.

Illness:

Please notify us in case of a contagious disease so that we may notify the parents of other children in the class to be aware of the symptoms. Please let us also know if there are any changes in your child's health during the year e.g. vision, hearing etc. This will help us understand and cater to his/her needs.

First Aid

The teacher will see to minor injuries. Should something more serious occur, G‑d forbid, the parents will be contacted immediately. Should the parents be unavailable, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital.

Parent Absence

If, for any reason, parents will be away from home for any length of time, please advise the school. This is especially important if the absence is due to special conditions, such as hospitalization, which may be upsetting to the child. When teachers are aware of such conditions, they often can be of great help in alleviating the child's distress.

Please note: There are no refunds or credits for days missed due to illness, holidays or family vacations.