The Religious School Committee has adopted the following mission statement:

Within a welcoming, caring, contemporary Reform Jewish community, our mission is to enable students who complete Temple Beth Miriam Religious School…..

• To have a strong, positive Jewish identity
• To know their heritage and history
• To understand the concepts behind and the celebrations of the Jewish holidays
• To have a basic understanding of Torah and Bible
• To understand and feel a commitment to Jewish ethics
• To be able to participate fully in a Jewish service, i.e., to decode Hebrew fluently and to achieve an understanding of prayer
• To transfer what is learned at school to home and life

Our religious school board is made up of members of the congregation who may be parents or non-parents.  The Chair of the committee is usually on the Temple Board of Trustees and reports to the board on the functions of the school.  Our board meets with the principal every month, usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month.  The purpose of the committee is to support and guide the principal, who reports to the board on all school activities.  Board members not only make policy for the school, but may also serve as liaisons for any parents who may have reservations about approaching the Rabbi or the principal with any problems.  Over the course of the year, board members are visible during school hours and at school activities. Please feel free to meet these dedicated volunteers and share your ideas and your concerns with them

ARRIVAL TIME:  Sunday school hours are from 9:00 – 12:00: a.m.  Wednesday school hours are from 4:15 – 6:00 a.m.

It is important that our children be on time for school; however, they are dependent on the adults who drive them.  Parents, please arrange your driving/carpooling so that our students will be on time.

DROP OFF PROCEDURE: Please drop off all students directly in front of the Temple’s main doors. Students are to exit only from the passenger side of the car.  When your drop off is complete, please proceed slowly down the driveway.

EARLY PICK-UP: Although parents are discouraged from picking up their children early, occasionally it may be necessary to leave school before the end of the day. Early departure requires a written note from a parent or guardian.  Parents must also come to the Religious School office to sign their children out before picking them up in class. Students will never be allowed to leave their classroom and wait outside for a ride. If a note has not been sent, or if the early pick up is an emergency, please come to the Religious School office, so that we can be assured that your child is safely in your care and properly signed out.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURE: The following procedures have been adopted by the Religious School Committee to ensure your children’s safety during their arrival and dismissal from Religious School. We ask that you be on time to pick up your children and that you notify the principal if you find that you are going to be late.  NO CHILD WILL BE LEFT AT SCHOOL UNATTENDED! Please respect the time and commitments of our school staff as they wait with your children

PRESCHOOL DISMISSAL: All preschool students must be picked up from their classroom by a parent or older sibling at dismissal time.

FOR THE SAFETY OF OUR STUDENTS, PLEASE FAMILIARIZE YOURSELVES WITH OUR DROP OFF AND PICK UP POLICIES:

Option 1:  You may come into the building to pick up your children.  Please park your car at the Elberon Train Station, or across the street from the Temple on Lincoln Avenue. Please do not park on the circular driveway which must remain clear for the flow of pick-up traffic.  Then please find the sign out board and write each child’s first and last name.  At dismissal, the names will be called to their teachers by radio and your child will be dismissed from the classrooms.

Option 2:  Please line up on the west side of the Temple’s circular driveway.  Cars will be permitted to drive up the driveway SIX cars at a time. Children will be released from class to your carpools by radio (please help us out by identifying yourself or your child) and should enter your car on the passenger’s side ONLY.  It is important that you remain in line and not leave the Temple’s driveway until the traffic guide signals you to leave.  Please drive slowly as you exit.  We need your help to ensure the success of this procedure.  We would ask your patience for the first few weeks of school.  Pick up will tend to take a little bit longer when the school year begins, but should fall into place very quickly. Often it takes just 10 minutes to clear out our school

PLEASE DO NOT EVER CALL YOUR CHILD BY CELL PHONE AND ASK HIM/HER TO LEAVE THE BUIDLING.  IT IS DISRESPECTFUL BECAUSE YOU ARE ASKING YOUR CHILD TO SNEAK OUT WITH OUT BEING CALLED BY RADIO.  STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO LEAVE ONLY WHEN CALLED BY RADIO.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: All students in the Religious School are required to be in attendance a minimum of 80 percent of the scheduled session for their grade.  Regular attendance is important in order to get the most out of the religious school experience.   Every child is an important part of the class, and both classmates and teachers count on each student to do his or her best to be in attendance.  Children who do not attend regularly not only miss important discussions and group projects which cannot be made up, but  also tend to fall behind in their Hebrew reading ability.  If your child misses a school session, please contact your child’s teacher (s) so that missed work can be made up.  If several sessions will be missed, please contact your child’s teacher or principal ahead of time so that make-up work can be arranged.  While some Hebrew tutoring is available during Religious School hours, (tutoring is not intended as make up lessons, it is intended to support weaker students) additional Hebrew tutoring (at the parent’s expense) may be recommended to ensure that your child stays current with the class. If your child misses two or more consecutive classes, teachers will call parents to check in.  Parents will also be notified if their child(ren) have been absent from Religious School for 15 percent of the grade’s sessions (5 for grades K – 2 and 9 for grades 3 – 7)

DRESS CODE:  Tzniut (modesty) is a long standing Jewish value.  As a people who see ourselves as reflecting the image of God, our Jewish community believes we should act accordingly.  Therefore, clothing on which any profanity or inappropriate language, pictures or symbols are printed or depicted is not permitted.  No visible underwear is permitted.  Casual clothing or shorts are acceptable as long as this principle (tzniut) is respected.

Hoods and hats: Please refer to the dress code and help us upgrade our appearance in school and at services; please keep in mind that this is house of worship, and it takes a partnership between parents and community to enforce this policy. We would like to add to the dress code a policy on hoods and hats. Hoods must be down and hats are not permitted. Of course, a kippa is always encouraged.

Cell Phones: We understand that many children today are given cell phones for safety reasons; however, use of cell phones or text messaging, or any other use, during class is NOT permitted. If a student is found to be using a cell phone during class, it will be confiscated and returned to the parent. PLEASE DO NOT CALL YOUR CHILDREN DURING CLASS. If you have any messages for your child, please call the office and we will be happy to relay your message to your child at the appropriate time.

i-pods and other media technology: It is the policy of our religious school that use of these items is not permitted.  If a student is found to be using these items during class time, they will be confiscated and returned to the parent

PREPARATION: Teachers will inform their students as to the supplies they will need. These supplies (i.e. pencils, a notebook, tzedakah) should be brought to sool whenever classes are in session.  Students should never arrive or depart for class empty handed.

TZEDAKAH:  One of the goals of our school is to awaken our students to their Jewish responsibility toward others. During the year, our students will discuss and identify various causes which they will support with their contributions.  Tzedakah will be collected in each class/homeroom class on Sundays and Wednesdays.

BOOKS: Your children will receive books as part of the school fee.  Books may be covered and labeled with each child’s name.  Consumable books will be sent home at the end of school with the hope that they will become part of your children’s Jewish home library.  Please check to make sure your children bring all books and materials to each class session.  This year, all students in grades 4 and any new student above grade 4 are asked to purchase the new Mishkan Tefillah.  These will be kept at school for use during school services.

HOME ASSIGNMENTS: At times home assignments may be given.  It is our hope that you will participate with your children in these home assignments. Your encouragement and support of their efforts will create a sense of continuity between school and home.

REPORT CARDS: Report cards will be issued two times a year. Report cards are issues by email only, so be sure your email is correctly on file

STUDENT SUPPORT: A tutor is available in a limited capacity to assist those students who need more individualized Hebrew reading instruction and who meet our attendance requirements.  Parents are invited to speak to the principal about this program.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION:  Under normal circumstances the Religious School does not permit private tutoring in lieu of attendance.  However, there are sometimes situations that require closer consideration. Each unique situation will be handled by the principal and the rabbi

RECESS AND SNACK:  On Wednesdays only students in Grades 3-7 may bring a small snack to have during the first ten minutes of school. Fresh fruits, vegetables and juice are encouraged. Shellfish, ham or pork products are not permitted.  We do have recycling bins for cans and bottles on each floor.  Our children are reminded that they are responsible for discarding their own wrappers, empty juice boxes, etc.0

TRIPS: During the school year your child may participate in a class trip.  Parents will be notified in writing prior to the trip regarding dates, times, fees, special instructions, etc. We ask that you please sign and return the Trip Authorization Form which was included in the registration package; however, permission slips will be sent out prior to every trip.  Transportation for our field trips depends on parent drivers, so if you are willing and able, please volunteer.  Please remember that New Jersey state law requires that children under eight years old or under 80 pounds must be seated in an appropriate booster and that children under 100 pounds may not ride in the front seat.  Students without written consent will not be permitted to participate in school trips. If you do not want your child to go on any given trip, please notify the principal in writing, prior to the trip.  Madrichim will also be invited to any class trip which involves their class.  As minors, they will also be required to have permission to go on field trips.

VISITATION:  Parents may visit the Religious School.  We request that you schedule your visits in advance as a courtesy to your child’s teachers and so that they may arrange to meet with you before or after school.  Please note that teachers are not available during class or during school hours unless prior arrangements have been made.  Should you decide to visit your child’s class on the “spur of the moment”, kindly stop by the Religious School office to let us know before heading to the classroom. This allows us to remain aware of adults who are in the building while classes are in session.

GUESTS POLICY: We understand that often our students have sleepovers which may run into Sunday mornings.  While we do not encourage our students to bring guests who are not students, we recognize that there are times where a choice might be made about attending class on a Sunday morning if there is a friend at home.  Therefore, in the interest of the safety and liability, and as a courtesy to the teacher and classmates, parents of students with guests must register that guest with the principal.  No guest will be permitted without a pass or a guest I.D. issued by the principal.  We do reserve the right to remove any guest who may become disruptive at any time.

THE LIBRARY: We are in the process of enriching our children’s library through a generous yearly donation from our Beth Miriam Sisterhood.  Students visit the library regularly with their teachers as part of our curriculum.  Our librarian highlights selections and then students are encouraged to check out a book to take home.  Please have your child share his/her selection with you and be sure to return it when it is due.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES:  All students are expected to attend family and holiday services.  Attendance at services enhances the education of our children by putting the Hebrew language, the theology and the customs that we teach into a meaningful context. Please check the calendar and make note of your child’s Family Service date.   We look forward to having 100% participation in these inspiring services.  It is customary for parents of the class leading the Shabbat service to work together to organize and host the oneg following the service.

CONSECRATION:  Consecration is a special ceremony which formally marks and commemorates the beginning of a child’s Jewish education.  All Kindergarten students and students who are new to our school will be consecrated during Simchat Torah services.  Students will work with their teacher and the Cantor to learn a few songs to be performed for their consecration.  It is a significant time that should be celebrated with family and friends.  Please check enclosed calendar for the date and time.

BAR/BAT MITZVAH:  Children who are in good standing, who are officially registered in our school or have at least 4 years of attendance in another Jewish educational institution, who are doing passing academic work, who have reached an appropriate skill level (determined at least six months prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date) and whose conduct and attendance are within acceptable norms will be considered a candidate for Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Regular attendance (at least twice a month) of our pre Bar/Bat Mitzvah students at Friday evening Shabbat services, 6 months prior to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, is also a mandatory requirement.  Bar/Bat Mitzvah training is offered to students with the understanding that the student is firmly and absolutely committed to completing the academic year.  A student who becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah one day and stops coming to Religious School the next day violates our trust, and calls into question the meaning of the ceremony.

CONFIRMATION: Student in Grade 10 who wish to be confirmed must attend Teen Academy for at least three years in order to be confirmed.  Additional projects may be assigned.

TEEN ACADEMY: Students are strongly encouraged to fulfill their obligation as a Reform Jewish young adult by continuing their Jewish education after Bar/Bat Mitzvah.  In order to accommodate our post bar/bat mitzvah students, we have implemented a monthly program taught by Rabbi Stanway. Students must be registered for this program.  Confirmation will be held for students in Grade 10. A full hot breakfast will be provided by the Family Affair, Sisterhood and Men’s Club.  This year Teen Academy will be held over two periods due our largest teen enrollment in recent years.  Students in grades 8 and 9 will have breakfast and class during first period and students in grades 9-12 in second period.  Most of our Teen Academy students are also Madrichim, so while they are not in Teen Academy, they will be working with their assigned classes.  Students in Teen Academy who are not Madrichim are asked not to loiter in the school in order not to disturb our on-going programs.

MADRICHIM: Eligible post bar/bat mitzvah students have the opportunity to volunteer in our Religious School.  This is a serious commitment in which students receive formal and informal training as teaching assistants.  In this way, students may maintain their connections with the synagogue and with Judaism.  In addition, they gain not only community service hours, which some other programs may require, they also attain skills they can use to acquire employment in synagogues when they become college students. All Madrichim are strongly encouraged to participate in Teen Academy and will be excused from their duties in order to attend. Our Madrichim program is only available to temple members, graduates of our school.

MUSIC PROGRAM: The purpose of this program is to teach our students Jewish music and to feel a joy and oneness with the Jewish people through song.  The music curriculum is geared to each grade level.  Songs and tefillot (prayers) are selected according to our students’ competency in Hebrew and emphasis is placed on the Jewish holidays throughout the year. Cantor Raina and Tom Gavin meet with each grade twice a month and coordinate the music for Family services along with the teachers.

CHOIR: Students in Grades 3 -7 are invited to participate in the Children’s Choir, under the direction of our Cantor.  Students in grade 2 may also participate, but will not be formal members of the choir until they are in grade 3.  During a special ceremony at the end of the year, they are introduced as formal members of the choir and are given their robes. We have found that students who participate in choir not only make long lasting friends and seal a bond with Temple Beth Miriam, but also significantly increase their Hebrew skills in class as well.  TBM Children’s Choir is open only to children in who are temple members and enrolled in our Religious School. Choir rehearsals will take place directly following Sunday Religious School hours from 12:00-12:45 P.M. Students are asked to bring lunch.  Remember that no pork or shellfish is permitted.

DRAMA: Every year, our students in Grade 3 and above are all invited to participate in our annual Purim Spiel, written and directed by Judyth Brown, with collaboration from many others.  Students in Grade 2 and below may participate in a “cameo” appearance.  This experience helps those who participate to bond with fellow cast members for lifelong friendships.

YOUTH GROUPS: Temple Beth Miriam’s Senior Youth Group (SALTY) is for students in Grades 9-12.  Junior Youth Group (SALTEENS) is for students in Grades 6, 7 and 8, and will both be led by Dee Ross. Members in both groups take an active role in planning their programs.  Membership in a youth group provides social opportunities and leadership experiences and is a proven route to building young peoples’ Jewish identities.  It is through the Temple Youth Group that students are able to participate in the Reform Movement.  Our members have attended URJ events all around the country.  The Youth Group is responsible for High Holiday childcare, the Purim Carnival and various other projects throughout the year.  For more information on joining the Temple Youth Group, please check out their very own website or contact Dee Ross at the temple.  This year we will also have youth group programming for students in grades in grades 4-5 called the Tam Tams to allow those students to get to know one another in a Jewish context outside of Religious  School.

Guest policy: We understand that often our students have sleepovers which run into Sunday mornings. In the interest of safety and liability and as a courtesy to the teacher, parents of students with guests must register that guest with the principal. No guest will be permitted without a pass or a guest I.D. issued by the principal. We reserve the right to remove any guest who may become disruptive at any time.

AWARDS:  Awards but not prizes for achievement and attendance will be presented at our final assembly.  Students in the Primary Grades will receive an attendance award if they have been absent two times or less. Students in the Intermediate Department will receive an attendance award if they have been absent four times or less. Religious School students are also eligible for consideration for the following special awards:

THE MILTON ZIMENT SCHOLASTIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: for exceptional academic performance, recommended by teachers

THE ARTHUR and HAZEL HARMON AWARD: for congregational and community service, recommended by teachers

HEIMLICH MEMORIAL SCHOLAR: for a high school senior, who has distinguished him/herself through exceptional Temple community service.  Students must submit a personal essay.

FAMILY EDUCATION: Each month parents and their children will spend part of a Sunday engaged in a Family Education lesson together.  These lessons are carefully selected and designed to complement and enhance our curriculum.  Parents are strongly encouraged to attend to learn with their child, and so we hope to see 100% parent participation, if possible.