RELIGIOUS SCHOOL | POLICIES

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Religious School Policies

Attendance
A community does not function effectively without all of its members present. It is important that each child participate fully throughout the year, as many long-term themes and projects are part of our curriculum. Absence from any class may involve make-up work and additional tutoring, which will be offered to students monthly. Every student must attend 80% of classes in order to be eligible for Bar/Bat Mitzvah at age thirteen. A student may miss six Sunday mornings and six mid-week Hebrew classes over the year. Three tardies and/or early releases are counted as one absence. Back to top >>

Early Release
If it is necessary for a child to leave school early on Sunday, please have your child bring a note to the Religious School office when he/she arrives. An office staff person will give your child an early-release form, which your child will give to his/her teacher. The teacher will release your child to the Religious School office at the designated time. You may pick up your child at the office. Back to top >>

Guest Policy
Although we do not encourage guests in the classroom since extra students may cause disruption in the class, a child may bring one guest, one time per year. Please register your guest at the Religious School office upon arriving in the building. Back to top >>

Visiting the Classroom
Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom. We request, however, that you let either Macki Ellenbogen or Eileen Kreisler know ahead of time. Back to top >>

Dress Policy
While there is no list of approved clothing, we do believe that members of Temple should not be made to feel uncomfortable or offended while at Temple. Many members feel uncomfortable around clothing that is overly revealing or expresses profanity or sexuality. Students who wear this type of clothes have the choice of changing their clothes or covering anything offensive. Back to top >>

Cell Phones
Cell phones are acceptable as long as they are out of sight, do not ring, and are not being used during Religious School. Parents wishing to contact their children during Religious School should call the Religious School office. Back to top >>

Leaving School Premises
Students may leave school premises only under the direct supervision of a teacher or Religious School administrator. Back to top >>

Parent Communication
E-mail will be the Religious School’s primary means of communication to parents and students. Please be sure that your e-mail information is included in the registration materials. Back to top >>

Scholarships
The Religious School is happy to provide scholarship assistance. Scholarship requests must be submitted by June 15th and will be distributed by June 21st. Please call the Religious School office for information regarding scholarship requests. Back to top >>

Tzedakah
Giving is an important mitzvah (sacred obligation) of Jewish life. In each class, the importance of Tzedakah is discussed and money is collected each week and given, with the approval of the students, to various agencies. Please take time to discuss with your child the mitzvah of giving Tzedakah, and encourage your child to give a portion of his/her own money. Back to top >>

Cancellation Procedures
School may be cancelled in the event of severe weather or an emergency. Please check the following source for information regarding school closings:

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Web Site
This web site is constantly being updated with the latest information regarding Religious School and Youth Activity events and programs. Please become comfortable with referring to the web site for any Temple news.

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Discipline Philosophy
Our discipline policy is not a set of specific rules and punishments. Rather, it is a set of beliefs that shape the way we respond to our students and help them to develop into responsible Jewish adults. We believe these principles are consistent with sound psychological principles and with Jewish values we live by. Back to top >>

Principles of our Discipline Philosophy

  • We love our students, even when they make mistakes. All students, even when they have made mistakes, deserve dignity and respect.

    Haranguing and lecturing students is not a sign of love and respect nor does it engender dignity.
  • Students learn from living with the natural consequences of their actions. By allowing our students to live with the natural consequence of their actions, we send the message that they are capable of making decisions in their lives and learning from their successes and mistakes.

    Our role is to help provide appropriate, natural consequences, and to help our students to think through their decisions, so they will make even better decisions in the future.
  • Parents are our partners in developing appropriate natural consequences and in encouraging our children to make good decisions.
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Parenting Resources
The principles listed above can be found in the parenting program that is the basis of our approach called Love and Logic. The Weisberg library has a collection audio and videotapes that explain the principles of Love and Logic in greater depth. More complete explanations of the Love and Logic program, as well as additional books and tapes for teachers and parents can be found at www.loveandlogic.com. Back to top >>



Temple Emanu-El | 8500 Hillcrest Road | Dallas, TX 75225 | Tel. 214.706.0000 | Fax 214.706.0025 | Map & Directions