Temple Beth David of Cheshire CT

Education . . . Religious School

About The Religious School • Cancellation Policy • Progress Reports
Shabbat Service Requirements • Religious School Calendar

Director of Education: Jane Kessler

The mission of the Temple Beth David School of Jewish Studies is to educate the children of Temple Beth David in the history, beliefs, and practices of Reform Judaism, and to develop the Jewish attitudes and identity that support those ideals.

Temple Beth David offers a Jewish educational experience for children from kindergarten through 8th grade. The focus in the upper grades (4-8) is on Hebrew reading, liturgy, and Judaic Studies. Adult continuing education is offered on topics of contemporary interest.

Temple Beth David is proud of its school and the commitment of its teachers to Jewish education. Virtually all of its faculty are Temple members with children enrolled in the program. Parents are always welcome to sit in on classes and only need to stop by the office and pick up a visitor's pass to do so.

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Cancellation Policy

If the public school is cancelled, the religious school will be cancelled. All announcements will be made on WELI 960 AM.

While we're in the process of handling a snow emergency, we need to use the phones a great deal. There are a great many calls that need to be made, notifications, both official and otherwise. We ask you-please - don't call the Temple office to ask if school will be cancelled. Such calls seriously impede our emergency procedures and keep us from doing the best job for you. Turn on your radio, and the announcement will be there.

If you don't hear it on the radio, that means school is on. Of course, parents should always use their discretion in deciding whether to send their children out of the house.

Note: When Cheshire Schools are Closed, the Temple school is also closed.

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Religious School Progress Reports

Progress reports will be mailed out one week after the close of the marking period. See the Religious School Calendar for closing dates of marking periods.

How are grades determined?

Class Attendance:
- Attendance will be recorded and students are responsible for all class work undertaken during the year. If there are more than three absences, the teacher will assign make-up work and a precautionary letter will be sent home. Students who do not satisfactorily complete the year's attendance requirements may bot be eligible for promotion to the next higher grade.
- Grades 1 - 3: 18 days attendance required
- Grades 4 -7 : 46 days attendance required.
Class Work: Grades will be an accurate reflection of the child's work. If a child is doing poorly, it will be indicated on the report form. Likewise good grades must be supported by class work.
Behavior: Behavior reports must also be a true indication of a child's actions. If a child is disruptive or rude, that behavior will be written on the child's report card. particularly disruptive will be documented on an Incident Report and submitted to the Principal for disposition. After three Incident Reports, the Principal is required to schedule a conference with the parent(s).
Homework:
- Hebrew Studies: All students enrolled in Hebrew will be given a brief homework assignment and reading drill each day of class in order to reinforce what was learned and to minimize the effects of the time elapsed between class sessions. The reading drills will require ten minutes each day. Parents are requested to ensure that the student performs the reading drill each day.
- Judaic Studies: Judaic Studies teachers will also assign homework appropriate to their subject matter.
- Note: Please be aware that the school does not regard homework as an option. Failure to complete homework on time will have a negative effect on the student's grade.

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Shabbat Service Attendance Requirements

Attendance at Shabbat Worship is a critical part of the life of a Jew. It inspires a sense of community, imbues the student with a feeling of closeness to God, and remains the most effective means of teaching the principles and concepts of Judaism. While regular attendance at Shabbat worship should form part of the life of every Jew, the School Committee has established certain criteria for our student body.

Grades 1-4: It is recommended that students attend a minimum of four (4) Shabbat services during the year.
Grades 5-6: It is highly recommended that students attend a minimum of ten (10) Shabbat services during the year.
B'nai Mitzvah Students: B'nai Mitzvah students are required to attend a minimum of fifteen (15) Shabbat services. This is extremely important for the mastery of the prayers and for establishing a familiarity with the service.
Parents are encouraged to attend services with their children. As a consequence of not meeting this requirement a Saturday B'nai Mitzvah service may be denied.

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