RELIGIOUS SCHOOL | POLICIES

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Religious School Policies

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Eligibility
Children become eligible for Religious School when they are five years of age by September 1 of the school year.

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. Students are expected to attend 80% of their classes. Failure to do so may result in make-up work and/or private tutoring. (A student may miss six Sunday mornings and six mid-week Hebrew classes during the school year.) Three tardies and/or early releases are counted as one absence. If it is necessary for a student to be absent please fill ou the on-line :Religious School Attendance: form, available at: http://www.tedallas.org/education/religiousschool/attendance.htm
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Tardies
Classes begin promptly at their designated starting time. Please make sure your child is in class and ready to work at the designated time. Late arrival causes disruption to the entire class.

Early Release
Sundays: If it is necessary for a child to leave school early on Sunday, please fill out the on-line “Religious School Attendance” form, available at: http://www.tedallas.org/education/religiousschool/attendance.htm. The teacher will release your child to the Religious School office at the designated time. You may pick up your child at the office.

Mid-week Hebrew: If it is necessary to leave early during the week, please fill out the on-line “Religious School Attendance” form, available at: http://www.tedallas.org/education/religiousschool/attendance.htm. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the teacher will release your child to the Religious School office at the designated time. Please pick your child up from the office. On Wednesdays, please pick up your child from the carpool line.
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Guest Policy
We do not encourage guests in the classroom since extra students may cause disruption in the class; however, a child may bring one guest, one time per year. Please register your guest at the Religious School office upon arriving in the building. We discourage guests in mid-week Hebrew.
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Visiting the Classroom
Parents are always welcome to visit the classroom. We request that you make arrangements with the classroom teacher first, then let either Eileen Kreisler or Rabbi Adam M. Allenberg know. If you will be visiting a Hebrew class, please let Jan Timmons know after making arrangements with the teacher.
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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 clothing have the choice of changing their clothes or covering anything offensive.
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Cell Phones
Cell phones must be out of sight and not used during Religious School and Hebrew School. For students in grades 6 and up, teachers may collect phones at the beginning of each class and return them at the end of class.  Cell phones which disrupt class will be held by the teacher and reclaimed by student or parent after school. Parents wishing to contact their children during Religious School or Hebrew School should call the Religious School office.
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Leaving School Premises
Students may leave school premises only under the direct supervision of a teacher or Religious School administrator.
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Parent Communication
Email is the Religious School’s primary means of communication with parents and students. Please inform us of any changes to your email address. Parents are sent a periodic e newsletter containing information about what is happening in the classrooms and of upcoming events.
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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.
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Cancellation Procedures
Cancellation Procedures
School may be cancelled in the event of severe weather or an emergency. Please check the following sources for information regarding school closings:

• KRLD Radio – 1080 AM
• KXAS – NBC Channel 5
• KRLD.com
• Temple web site: www.tedallas.org
• Religious School Office voice mail message: 214-706-0000 x174
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Web Site
The Temple Emanu-El website, www.tedallas.org, is constantly updated with the latest information regarding Youth Programs and Religious School. Please refer to the web site for Temple news.
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Classroom Discipline: Philosophy and Practice
Our discipline policy is based on a set of beliefs that shape the way we respond to our students and help them to develop into responsible Jewish adults. We believe our philosophy is consistent with sound psychological principles and with our Jewish values.

Principles of our discipline philosophy
The guiding principle of classroom discipline in the Religious School is two-fold and rests on both philosophy and practice. This discipline theory is based on a set of beliefs that shape the way we respond to our students and help them to develop into responsible Jewish adults. We believe our theory is consistent with sound psychological principles and with our Jewish values.

The philosophy of discipline in the Religious School is based, in part, on the theory of “Love and Logic,” a method of working with students that promotes healthy relationships and positive school experiences. The philosophy of “Love and Logic” teaches us that:

  • Each student is unique and deserves to be treated as such.
  • All students, even when they have made mistakes, deserve dignity and respect.
  • Students are capable of making decisions in their lives and they learn from living with the natural consequences of their actions.

The practice of discipline in the Religious School is based on both the implementation of the “Love and Logic” method and best practices in teaching. Our staff and faculty are committed to keeping the classroom experience exciting and engaging and creating meaningful learning opportunities for our students. In this way, students focus on learning, growing and interacting with their community in positive and healthy ways.
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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.
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Temple Emanu-El | 8500 Hillcrest Road | Dallas, TX 75225 | Tel. 214.706.0000 | Fax 214.706.0025 | Map & Directions