Margolin Hebrew Academy

Transcription

2010-2011 ELEMENTARY FAMILY HANDBOOK
Margolin
Hebrew
Academy
390 S. WHITE STATION RD. MEMPHIS, TN 38117
2010-2011 MHA GRADES 1 – 6 FAMILY HANDBOOK
2
MHA / FYOS Mission Statement
The Margolin Hebrew Academy / Feinstone Yeshiva of the South is a warm,
community-centered, Orthodox Day School committed to instilling within its
students a love of Judaism, the State of Israel, and the Jewish people in an
academically superior educational environment. With its family-like environment
and its place at the center of a vibrant Orthodox community, MHA / FYOS fosters
passion and commitment for Torah learning and for a Torah lifestyle, imbuing its
students with derech eretz and communal responsibility, while providing them
with the tools for a lifetime of success.

The Early Childhood division of MHA / FYOS blends developmentally
appropriate skill and content learning with a rich introduction to Jewish life
and the Hebrew language in an integrated, center-based, hands-on
learning environment infused with love, nurturing, and fun.

The co-educational Lower School division features a caring yet rigorous
environment designed to meet the diverse needs of the Memphis Jewish
community and highly attuned to the individual needs of every student. Its
innovative curricula and extracurricular programming actively nurture
curiosity and creativity, community and camaraderie, while facilitating
maximal student learning in a full array of General and Judaic studies.

The High School divisions of MHA / FYOS, the Cooper Yeshiva High
School for Boys and the Goldie Margolin High School for Girls, are
committed to the religious, social, emotional, physical, and educational
benefits of single gender education. Their residential programs offer an
Orthodox boarding school option for students from across the globe so as
to increase the diversity of its student body and to facilitate the formation
of new student friendships. Through an unwavering dedication to
educational excellence in all subject areas, leadership opportunities, as
well as community building initiatives, the high schools prepare their
students for successful matriculation to the finest universities, yeshivot,
and seminaries in the world.
3
MHA / FYOS Statements of Belief
Religious Principles
1. The Torah lifestyle which guides school life and to which all students are
taught to aspire is defined by a wholehearted commitment to Halachah
(Jewish Law).
2. Moral and character development through Torah ideals must inform all
areas of the school culture. Responsibility, integrity, caring, and mutual
respect must form the foundation upon which the school community is
built.
3. Students are encouraged to courageously engage the world of secular
learning and secular culture from a Jewish perspective so as to learn from
its wisdom, to draw inspiration from its beauty, to strengthen its ethical
inadequacies.
4. The State of Israel is a gift of G-d that is central to the Jewish people, and
the support of its well-being is a responsibility of every Jew.
Educational Philosophy
1. All students can learn. Students must be provided a variety of instructional
strategies to support their varied learning styles.
2. Successful education requires a strong partnership between school and
home. At all times, parents and teachers must communicate frequently
and openly about all issues pertaining to a student’s educational
experience.
3. Only inspired teachers inspire students.
4. Consistent and sustained professional growth amongst faculty and
administration is the best means for assuring consistent and sustained
growth amongst students.
5. A reflective and collaborative learning community in which faculty
members share instructional strategies, review their pedagogical
practices, and offer guidance to their colleagues, results in improved
student learning.
6. Educational practice, policy, and the process of change yield the highest
results when they are guided by data-driven decision making, and rooted
in research-based instructional programming.
4
7. Student affect is directly proportional to student cognition. Therefore, the
promotion of a student’s emotional welfare and the cultivation of
meaningful relationships between teacher and student is a critical
component of the educational process.
8. Effective instruction must provide students with the knowledge and skills
necessary to become lifelong learners. Therefore, independent analysis,
problem solving skills, and the promotion of higher order thinking must be
extant throughout the entire curriculum.
9. Student success in the classroom and beyond is inextricably linked to a
student’s sense of self-worth. Therefore, curricular and extracurricular
opportunities that promote the development of student leadership skills,
tap into student creativity, and showcase individual student talents, are
vital components of a student’s educational experience.
5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
MHA / FYOS Mission Statement
MHA / FYOS Statements of Belief
ADMINISTRATION and STAFF
1. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
2. ATTENDANCE
3. CARPOOL, MORNING DROP OFF, AND PICK UP SAFETY
4. COMMUNICATION
5. COMPUTER USE
6. DRESS CODE
7. EMERGENCY CLOSING
8. FIELD TRIPS
9. HEALTH REGULATIONS
10. HOMEWORK
11. ILLNESS
12. LICE
13. LOCKERS AND VALUABLES
14. LUNCH AND SNACKS
16. PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
17. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
18. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.), ART, COMPUTERS AND LIBRARY
19. RECESS GUIDELINES
20. REPORT CARDS
21. SCHOOL DECORUM
22. SCHOOL HOURS
24. STANDARDIZED TESTS
25. STUDENT COUNCIL
26. STUDENT SUPPORT: HORIZONS & MHAERAH
27. SUMMER READING
28. TARDINESS
29. TELEPHONE
30. TEXTBOOKS
31. VACATIONS
32. VISITORS AND SECURITY
APPENDIX A: Margolin Hebrew Academy Computer Use Policy
6
ADMINISTRATION and STAFF
Educational Administration
Rabbi Dr. Gil Perl
Dean
Mrs. Sandra Gersten
General Studies Principal 1-6
Rabbi Akevy Greenblatt Judaic Studies Principal1-6
Mrs. Melissa Perl
Assistant Principal for Student Support &Professional
Development
Office
Hirsch Serman
Phylis Levine
Erica Stoltz
Aviva Freiden
Francie Schneider
Carolyn Smith
Executive Director
Director of Admissions and Development
Assistant to the Dean
Assistant to the Principals
Office Assistant
Bookkeeper
Kitchen
Sandra Osdoba
Robin Miller
Head Cook
Kitchen Assistant
Maintenance
Steve Sims
Marvin Tharnish
Robert Rule
Nikia Shotwell
Chrystal Carter
Facilities Manager
Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
Maintenance
* Notice of Non-Discrimination *
The Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South admits students
of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and
activities generally accorded or made available to students of the school. It does
not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national origin in the administration
of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs or other
school administered programs.
7
1. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
The Torah tells us, “mi-dvar sheker tirchak”, “distance yourselves from
dishonesty.” Honesty and integrity must go hand in hand with academic
achievement and they are central to the type of education and atmosphere that
our school must embody.
The following actions are antithetical to such values and therefore constitute
violations of the MHA/FYOS academic integrity policy:
A. Inappropriate or deceitful obtaining and/or disseminating of questions
and/or answers on assignments or examinations. This includes asking
other students who have taken an exam what the questions were.
B. Presenting someone else’s work as your own (plagiarism). Examples
of plagiarism include:
1. Copying someone else’s homework or assignments.
2. Presenting someone else’s research or work, including that
which you found on the internet, as your own.
3. Failing to attribute sources properly in a paper or research
project.
Should a faculty member determine that a student has violated the
aforementioned rules, the following consequences can be applied:
1. For the first occurrence, the student will receive a zero on the exam,
paper, or project in question.
2. For a second occurrence, the student will receive a zero, be immediately
suspended from school, and will not be readmitted until the parents have
met with the administration. A letter regarding this infraction will be placed
in the student’s permanent file. The student will also become ineligible to
serve out a term in ANY student council office.
3. For a third such occurrence, the student will receive a zero, will be
immediately suspended from school for a minimum of two days, and will
not be readmitted until the parents have met with the administration.. They
will become ineligible to seek any student council office the following year.
A letter regarding this infraction will be placed in the student’s permanent
file.
4. For any future violations, the student may be expelled from school.
2. ATTENDANCE
Each teacher takes attendance daily. Students are expected to attend school
except in cases of emergency or illness.
B. Following an absence, parents must send a note to the teacher on the
day the student returns to school, stating the reason for the absence. If
parents anticipate an absence, they should contact the teachers and
Administration well in advance.
C. Make-up work is required for all absences. In the case of illness, if a
parent wishes homework to be sent home with a sibling or neighbor, or
8
sent to the office, the office should be called before noon. Upon
returning from an illness, students will be given reasonable time to
make up their work and missed tests.
D. Whenever possible, please schedule medical and dental appointments
during non-school hours
Students are required to attend all classes. By city ordinance, any student who
has more than 30 absences in a year will not, except for extenuating
circumstances, be promoted to the next grade level. The school calendar will be
enforced until the last day of school.
3. CARPOOL, MORNING DROP OFF, AND PICK UP SAFETY
If your children walk to school or ride their bicycles to school, please make sure
that they have a designated route. Bicycles must be stored at the school in
designated areas, which do not block exit doors. Bicycles may not be brought
into the building or ridden during school hours. Please make sure your child has
a lock for his/her bike.
If your child roller blades or brings a scooter to school, the student needs to
remove the roller blades or fold up the scooter before entering the building.
These items can be stored in the back of the classroom or in lockers. There is to
be no rollerblading or scooter riding in the halls or on campus during school
hours.
If you need to park your vehicle for any reason, please park in the designated
parking areas only. Please do not park in the FIRE LANE directly in front of
the building or in any handicapped parking spaces.
For the safety of your children, no child will be dismissed from school or from
class prior to the regularly scheduled time unless a parent (or authorized person)
signs the child out in the sign-out book in the office. Upon return, please sign the
child back in to school. Remember, children cannot wait for you in the office, as
your signature is needed before they can be released from class.
Please have your carpool number hangtag on your rearview mirror with the
number facing the front of your car before getting into the carpool line.
 The students will remain in their classrooms until their carpool number is
called to go outside. Please do not instruct your child to wait elsewhere for
you.
 Most carpools are designated to be dismissed through the doors where
the elementary and administrative office wings meet. Some carpools are
designated to exit on Meadowcrest. All walkers should exit the building by
the blacktop/playground doors.
 Please do not park and come into the building or to the dismissal area to
get your child.
 Please do not get out of your car while in the carpool line.
9
 Please call the receptionist at the school office by 3:15 PM (Mon.-Thurs.)
or by 1:30/2:30 PM (Friday) to notify us if there will be a change in carpool
arrangements for a particular day.
4. COMMUNICATION
All necessary communication with your child’s teacher should take place in
writing, via e-mail, voicemail, or through the school office. Except for genuine
emergencies, please do not call a teacher at home. Day to day concerns should
always be handled through the classroom teacher first. The administration is
always available to help but first will inquire of the parent if the issue has been
discussed with, and attempted to be resolved by, the classroom teacher. If you
desire to speak to a teacher, you may leave a message in their personalized
voicemail box at the school phone number for a return phone call. You may do
this even after school hours by following the prompts of our recorded message.
Be sure to leave day and evening numbers or an e-mail address for the teacher
to contact you. Please keep in mind that many of our teachers teach a full
day and often cannot respond right away to an email or voicemail message.
Please allow 24 hours for a teacher to respond to your message. The email
address for every teacher and administrator in the school follows the same
formula: [email protected] e.g. [email protected]. You may
also reach teachers via SOIN mail at the SOIN website.
5. COMPUTER USE
Students at Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South will use a
variety of information sources including libraries and computers with approved
software and the Internet. The primary function of these resources will be to
support and extend students' learning experiences.
Consistent with these objectives, computer use guidelines have been established
to enhance the learning of individual students while maintaining a safe, functional
environment for all to use. Please remember that students have no privacy while
using school computers. At any time or place on campus the computer activity
can and will be observed for improper usage.
6. DRESS CODE
The school’s uniform is required for regular school days. The uniform mandated
is specified exactly and we indicate below where you can purchase it. If you have
any questions at all about school uniforms, please speak to the Elementary
School Principal. The school uniform jumper is obtainable from LaRose of
Memphis, 6935 Appling Farms Parkway, Suite 101 Bartlett, 38133; (901) 3864231. Other uniform items may be purchased through FrentchToast.com or other
retail outlets. Mrs. Chana Freiden keeps a used uniform closet in her house. You
may call her to set up a time to visit the closet any time during the year. The
school’s uniform is limited to the pieces described below. Outerwear may not be
worn in the classroom.
Girls (Grades 1-6):
 Blouse: The girls in grades 1 – 6 may wear any button-down blouse or
collared polo shirt with three buttons. It should have half or long sleeves
10
and come in colors of light blue, navy blue, pale yellow, or white. No cap
sleeves are permitted. No design of any kind is permitted on the blouse.
Students may unbutton the top button only.
 Sweater and Sweatshirts: Students are permitted to wear cardigan or
pullover sweaters or sweatshirts in any solid color. Please ensure that any
writing or design is appropriate for a place of Torah learning.
 Socks: Students must wear socks, knee-highs, or tights.
Shoes: No crocs, sandals, open back, open-toed, or platform shoes are
permitted.
 Jumper (Grades 1-4): The school’s plaid uniform jumper is obtainable from
LaRose of Memphis (please see above). The jumper should be long
enough to cover the knees even while the student is sitting. Please adjust
the hem as your student grows.

 Skirts (Grades 5-6): The skirt should be long enough to cover the knees
even while the student is sitting.
a. LaRose of Memphis has acceptable navy blue or plaid uniform skirts.
b. Any plain, navy skirt that does not have ornamentation or slits is
acceptable. No denim skirts are allowed.
 Policy for hair and grooming: The school encourages conservativeness in
appearance. This includes hairstyle, accessories, jewelry, and nail polish.
Only natural hair colors are acceptable. Any student whose appearance is
deemed inappropriate by an administrator may be required to remedy her
appearance.
Boys (Grades 1-6)
 Pants: Students must wear solid navy blue pants. No jeans, denims,
corduroys, cargo pants, sweat pants or pants with elastic around the
ankles are permitted.
 Shirts: Students may wear a long or short-sleeved button down, solid, shirt
in light blue, pale yellow, navy or white. No design of any kind is permitted
on the shirt. Shirts must be tucked in at all times. Students may also wear
long or short sleeve white, light blue, navy, or yellow collared polo shirts
with or without the school logo (available through LaRose). No turtlenecks
are permitted under the shirts.
 Sweater and Sweatshirts: Students are permitted to wear cardigan or
pullover sweaters or sweatshirts in any solid color. Please ensure that any
writing or design is appropriate for a place of Torah learning.
 Kippot and Tzizit are required for all boys in grades 1-6 at all times,
anywhere on campus and during any school activity. Students are
expected to have clips or bobby pins, as may be necessary. Caps may be
worn outdoors during recess.
11
 Policy for hair and grooming: The school encourages conservativeness in
appearance which includes hairstyle. Only natural hair color is acceptable.
Jewelry may not be worn. Any student whose appearance is deemed
inappropriate by an administrator may be required to remedy his
appearance.
Dress-Up Days (Grades 1-6)
Special days may be designated by the Administration or by individual teachers
for their classroom. On these occasions girls should wear blouses or tops with
sleeves no shorter than the uniform blouse, necklines no lower than one open
button and skirts no shorter than the uniform. Boys are never allowed to wear
shorts and girls are never allowed to wear pants. Students who fail to comply
may be sent home to change or will be provided with alternate clothing.
After School Events
At all after-school and evening events, for example the Science Fair, at-home
basketball games, etc., we strongly encourage children to be dressed according
to dress code. (There is no need to adhere to the Uniform Policy.) Abiding
awareness and sensitivity to school policy and dignity are necessary. Parents please see that your students are suitably dressed on these occasions.
7. EMERGENCY CLOSING
The school will make an independent decision regarding the closing of school
due to inclement weather or hazardous driving conditions. If, in the opinion of the
administration, the roads are safe enough to drive, there will be school. If
possible, we will open late rather than cancel the school day. Every day of school
is important; therefore, these decisions are not made lightly.
Please listen to your radio and television stations for announcements, and check
for communication in our SOIN system. Details will be provided. Decisions and
announcements are usually made before 6:30 a.m.
In the event there is a need to close school early during the school day, you will
be notified by phone.
8. FIELD TRIPS
In order for a student to attend a field trip, a permission slip must be signed and
returned to the school by a parent. Only certified kosher food may be brought or
purchased on the field trip. Booster seats are required by State law for all field
trips involving children through 9 years or under 5 feet tall.
9. HEALTH REGULATIONS
State law mandates that we have complete immunization records for each
student. These records must be on file in the school office before a child can be
admitted to class. The school may need to deny admittance to any students
whose records are incomplete.
12
 New Students: We require a health record/certificate of immunization that
includes all required vaccinations. Contact your child’s pediatrician for the
necessary forms.
10. HOMEWORK
Teachers will assign relevant homework nightly. Homework serves to reinforce,
review, or enhance what has been learned in class. It provides the student with
an opportunity to work independently, outside of school, and provides him/her
with the opportunity to develop a sense of responsibility for his/her work. In
general, homework should not exceed approximately 20 minutes in Grades 1 and
2. Homework should not exceed approximately 30 minutes per AM/PM teacher in
Grades 3 and 4. Homework should not exceed 45 minutes for General Studies
and 20 minutes per Torah Studies period in Grades 5 - 6. Students and parents
should keep these limits in mind when projects and tests are assigned. Time
management is an important skill for students to learn. They should begin
working on projects and reviewing for tests well in advance of the deadlines.
Teachers are instructed that no student should be given more than two tests in
one day. Quizzes are not included in this policy. Teachers will monitor the
homework and testing carefully; parental comments and input are welcome.
When school is closed for a religious holiday, teachers will not assign written
homework or major projects, nor will they schedule tests or quizzes due the day
classes resume after the holiday.
Teachers will post all assignments on SOIN on a regular basis. Together with the
Yoman, this is a helpful tool for the students and parents to be sure that all work
necessary is completed on time. For SOIN login information, please contact
Aviva Freiden in the office.
11. ILLNESS
If a student becomes ill during school hours, the student will be sent to the office.
If a fever of 100 degrees or higher is detected, or if the student has vomited or
has persistent diarrhea, parents will be requested to take the student home.
Children are not allowed to have prescription or non-prescription medication in
their possession, including Tylenol, Motrin, or other non-prescription medications.
The office will only dispense non-prescription medication to those that have
medication forms on file in the office.
Prescription medication must be sent to the office in the original container. It
must have the child’s name, prescription number, medication name and dosage,
times of dosage, physician’s name, and pharmacy name, address and phone
number.
A child whose ailment is contagious will not be allowed at school with or
without medicine. Children must be fever free for 24 hours prior to
returning to school. If a child vomits in the morning before school, please
do not send him or her to school until you have determined that he or she
is well.
13
12. LICE
In order to maintain a sanitary and lice free environment in the school, mandatory
lice checks will be held from time to time. Any student that does not attend a
mandatory lice check will not be admitted to class, until he/she is checked by a
school authorized lice checker. In the event a student has either nits or lice,
he/she will be sent home from school for appropriate treatment, and will only be
re-admitted when found to be nit free by an authorized school lice checker. The
school will also notify and re-check siblings and classmates of that student.
Parents must take students returning from a trip to Israel to be checked by an
authorized lice checker before being re-admitted to class. Contact Mrs. Gersten
for authorized lice checkers.
13. LOCKERS AND VALUABLES
All students in Grade 3 and above will be assigned lockers. It is the student’s
responsibility to keep his/her locker neat and in good repair. In order to keep the
hallways looking clean and neat we ask that nothing should be posted on the
outside of any locker and that nothing should be lying on top of or hanging out
from any locker. Please do not put private locks on student lockers. The lockers
are considered school property and may be checked at the Administration’s
discretion.
No valuables, electronic devices, media players, digital cameras, cell
phones, etc. should be brought to school unless authorized by the teacher.
Should a student bring one of these items, the school is not responsible for any
loss or damage that might occur, and should the student use the items, the items
will be confiscated by teachers or Administrators. Confiscated goods will be
returned to the parents no later than the end of the school year.
14. LUNCH AND SNACKS
All food brought from home must be certified Kosher with proper Rabbinic
supervision. While we understand that different households have varying levels
of Kashrut observance, when it comes to school, please make sure that
everything is of the highest standard. Children are extremely sensitive in this
area; they may feel uncomfortable if a teacher or fellow student brings to their
attention a questionable item. The following are the symbols of acceptable
Kashrut supervision agencies:
Badatz-Yerushalayim certification is also acceptable
14
Please restrict the food items you send to school to those bearing one of the
above symbols.
LUNCH PROGRAM:
The school offers a lunch program. The office sends out monthly menus.
Please adhere to the deadlines as instructed by the school office.
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, are reserved for Pareve or Dairy meals.
Tuesdays and Thursdays are for Pareve or Meat meals. CHILDREN ARE NOT
PERMITTED TO EXCHANGE OR SHARE FOOD ITEMS.
Students in the lunchroom are expected to leave the table, chair and floor space
clean, and to talk quietly to the people nearby. Students are expected to use
proper utensils and to use good manners. Students are not allowed to leave their
seats without specific teacher permission.
If you send lunch with your children, please send it with them in the morning.
Lunch boxes or bags should be clearly labeled. Please send spoons, forks and
paper products when needed; the school does not provide these items. Please
do not send food that needs to be microwaved!
If your child has forgotten to take lunch from home, or if you on occasion need to
drop it off, please take it to the lunchroom and leave it on the ledge under the
cabinets in the back of the room. Please make sure the lunch is clearly labeled
with the child’s name. Please do not make a habit of bringing lunches late.
15. MHA/FYOS Anti-bullying Policy
1. At the Margolin Hebrew Academy one of our goals is to create an MHA family in
which all members feel safe, appreciated, and respected and wherein everyone
understands that we were all created bi-tzelem Elokim (in the image of G-d).
Students at the Margolin Hebrew Academy are expected to behave according to
Torah values and to understand that derech eretz kadmah la-Torah (proper
behavior comes before Torah). Such a student is responsible for his or her
actions and his or her speech and is thus expected to respect all people and
property, and to act to promote the welfare of the entire school community. The
MHA expects students to conduct themselves in keeping with their levels of
development, maturity and demonstrated capabilities, with proper regard for the
rights and welfare of other students and school staff, the educational purpose
underlying all school activities and the care of school facilities and equipment,
consistent with the code of student conduct.
2. MHA prohibits any form of bullying of a student. A person is bullied when he or
she is exposed, repeatedly and over time, to negative actions on the part of one
or more other persons, and he or she has difficulty defending himself or herself.
This definition includes three important components:
a. Bullying is aggressive behavior that involves unwanted, negative actions.
b. Bullying involves a pattern of behavior repeated over time.
c. Bullying involves an imbalance of power.
15
3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
Bullying can take on many forms. This includes but is not limited to:
Verbal bullying including derogatory comments and bad names (harassment)
Bullying through social exclusion or isolation
Physical bullying such as hitting, kicking, shoving, and spitting
Bullying through lies and false rumors
Having money or possessions taken or damaged by students who bully
Being threatened or being forced to do things by students who bully
Racial bullying
Sexual bullying
Cyber bullying (via cell phone or Internet)
Non-verbal bullying such as eye rolling, sighing, gestures, etc.
Intimidation
4. We have determined that a safe and civil environment in school or during school
sponsored events/activities is necessary for students to learn and achieve high
academic standards. Bullying, like other disruptive or violent behaviors, is
conduct that disrupts both a student’s ability to learn and a school’s ability to
educate its students in a safe and disciplined environment. Since students learn
by example, school administrators, faculty, staff, parents, and volunteers are also
expected to demonstrate appropriate behavior, treat others with civility and
respect, and refuse to tolerate any forms of bullying.
5. The MHA community takes the issue of bullying seriously. We will engage in
classroom discussions, student training, parent-training, and ongoing efforts to
deal with the issues in a dedicated and serious manner so that we create a
climate and culture whereby all students feel safe and secure.
6. We recognize that teachers are often the first adults to learn about or witness
bullying. We expect faculty and staff to be alert to the possibility of bullying and
to respond by using their authority to stop and/or prevent bullying from occurring.
Faculty are also often in a position to give guidance to students involved, both
victims and perpetrators, and to encourage bystanders to assume greater
responsibility.
7. It is appropriate for all members of the school community to show concern for
one another. When anyone within the school community hears about violations of
the policy of bullying it is the responsibility of the observer to intervene in some
way. Options for intervention include anonymous reporting to a faculty member,
direct intervention, speaking with peers, speaking with a faculty member or
speaking to an administrator.
8. Incidents of bullying in any form will be referred to the principal. Possible
consequences include detention, a think sheet, deprivation of privileges,
suspension, and restoration/restitution. In addition, remedial action such as
mediation, community service, and counseling may be required. Parent
conferences will be scheduled if deemed necessary. Severe and/or repeated
offenses may result in expulsion.
16
9. MHA prohibits reprisal or retaliation, whether in or out of school, against any
person who reports an act of bullying. The consequence and appropriate
remedial action for a person who engages in reprisal or retaliation shall be
determined by the administrator after consideration of the nature, severity and
circumstances of the act, in accordance with school policies and procedures.
16. PARENT TEACHER CONFERENCES
Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled in November for grades 1 – 6. We
strongly suggest that all parents avail themselves of the opportunity to further the
home/school educational team by participating in these conferences. Parents or
teachers may request additional conferences during the school year to better
address the student’s needs.
17. PARTIES AND SPECIAL EVENTS
In-class birthday parties for children are permitted only through first grade. We
ask that students do not leave class for in-school birthday parties, classroom
celebrations, or other performances of their siblings. Please make all
arrangements for in-school parties with the teacher. Unfortunately, we cannot
allow surprise visits by clowns or in-school balloon deliveries. For all other
grades, parents may bring cupcakes (with proper Kashrut certification only - no
home baked items) or TCBY during lunch or recess with prior notice to the
teacher.
We request that when a party is planned for your child outside of school, all
invitations should be sent through the mail. Children are very sensitive and easily
hurt when left out of these activities. If it is not possible to invite the entire class,
please use good judgment and consideration in planning these events.
18. PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E.), ART, COMPUTERS AND LIBRARY
Each student in grades 1 – 6 has P.E. twice per week. Students in grades 1-6 go
to the library once per week under the direction of our librarian. All students in
grades 1-6 and go to art class once per week with our art teacher. Students in
grades 1-6 attend computer class once per week for 45 minutes. These classes
augment and enhance our school program, providing a more enriching and
holistic educational experience for all our children.
19. RECESS GUIDELINES
Students are not permitted to bring hardballs, hard softballs, hockey sticks and
wooden or metal baseball bats to school unless they will be used under the
supervision of the classroom teacher. Catchers need to use a facemask if playing
directly behind a batter. The above equipment should be left with the teacher
until needed.
20. REPORT CARDS
In grades1-3 there are 4 report cards issued each year. Each report measures
the progress and achievement of the student for the period of that report.
Progress indicates how far the child has come over the grading period.
Achievement indicates the child’s mastery of our school’s grade level standards.
The grading scale is as follows:
17
Progress grades:
E
VG
G
N
exceeds grade level expectations
meets grade level expectations
sometimes meets grade level expectations
not yet meeting grade level expectations
In grades 4-6 there are 4 report cards issued each year. Each report measures
the student’s achievementor the period of that report. The grading scale is as
follows:
97-100: A+
77-79: C+
93-96: A
73-76: C
90-92: A70-72: C87-89: B+
66-69: D
83-86: B
65 or below: F
80-82: B
The Behavior grading scale for grades 1-6 is as follows:
E:
G:
N:
U:
Always meets behavioral expectations.
Usually meets behavioral expectations and corrects
behavior upon redirection.
Frequently needs redirection, not always responsive to
redirection.
Disruptive and does not respond to teacher redirection.
The Davening grading scale for grades 1-6 is as follows:
E:
G:
N:
U:
Excellent on time arrival record and participates with the
class, following teacher instructions.
Good on time arrival record and usually daven with the
class, following teacher instructions.
Frequently tardy, and/or frequently needs redirection from
the davening teacher.
Frequently tardy, and/or disruptive/fails to respond to
davening teacher’s redirection.
Teachers include test and quizzes, daily work and homework grades when
averaging grades. Points for participation and preparedness may be added or
subtracted as well. Parents should understand that an “A”/”E” represents an
achievement of excellence and is not the routinely expected grade for all
students in all subjects.
Grades will be available on SOIN on a daily basis and parents are expected to
monitor their child’s progress in this way. Teachers will still be in contact with
parents via email or phone messages if there is a problem with the student’s
progress. Parents are also welcome to call or email the teacher if they have a
question regarding their child’s progress. Contact Aviva Freiden for SOIN login
information.
18
Please note: The business office reserves the right to withhold report cards,
transcripts and diplomas until all financial matters have been resolved (including
the payment of lost/unreturned library books).
21. SCHOOL DECORUM
As committed Jews, we teach our children the moral imperative of “Derech eretz
kodmah la-Torah” – “Appropriate conduct is a prerequisite to Torah study and
living.” The following conduct, therefore, is expected in our school:
A. Following Torah laws to the best of a child’s ability.
B. Concern for the welfare of others and respect for their feelings.
Therefore, disrespect through (but not limited to) physical aggression,
verbal, written or electronic threats, and the use of inappropriate
language will not be tolerated. When walking in the hallway, students
are expected to keep their hands, feet, and bags to themselves.
C. Respect for other people’s property. Therefore, taking or using
property that belongs to the school or to someone else without first
receiving permission from someone authorized to provide it is not
acceptable. Defacing school property of any type in any form is never
permitted and the posting of any material on bulletin boards or walls
can only be done with teacher or administrative permission.
D. Respect for your surroundings. Students are expected to pick up trash
if they see it on the floor, not to run or eat in the hallways, and not to
chew gum in school.
E. Respect for teachers and school staff. Therefore, students are
expected to follow directions the first time they are given, to come
prepared for class, and .to stand up quietly when an administrator or
visitor enter the room,
In addition to these guiding principles, individual classroom management plans
will be implemented by each classroom teacher. At the Parent Orientation, the
teachers will clearly delineate and explain their classroom management plan.
If a student is struggling to adhere to school behavior expectations, teachers will
request a parent conference for the purpose of working together with the student
to find a satisfactory solution. We expect parents to support corrective measures
taken by the school. If the Administration is needed to step in, then the
consequences can be as follows:
First Occurrence: Lunch detention and communication with parents.
Second Occurrence: Two lunch detentions and communication from the
Administration to the parents.
Third Occurrence: ½ day in-school suspension with a parent meeting.
Any further occurrences will be dealt with on an individual basis by the
Administration, with notification sent to parents. During in-school suspensions,
students receive zeroes on all missed work. Only a member of the Administration
may suspend a student.
19
22. SCHOOL HOURS
Every student is greeted by members of our Administrative team each and every
morning beginning at 7:45 AM. Class begins at 8:00 AM daily and ends with
dismissal which begins at 3:45 PM, Monday through Thursday. For the first few
months of school, Friday dismissal is at 3:00 PM. Short Friday 2:00 PM
dismissal will begin on November 6th, 3:00 PM Friday dismissal will resume
Friday, March 19, 2010 and will extend to the end of the school year. The
newsletter will remind you of these changes.
PLEASE NOTE: There is no supervision of students before 7:45 AM or
after 4:00 PM (2:15 PM/3:15 PM on Fridays). Please do not drop off your
children before 7:45 AM, or leave them at school after 4:00 PM (2:15 PM/3:15
PM on Fridays), as the school cannot assume any responsibility for their care
and safety.
23. SOIN
Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South has been using the
student management software hosted through Schools On I-Net for the last four
years. All teacher records (lesson plans, attendance records and grade books)
are kept and updated on SOIN. Parents should be able to view student
assignments and grades in all subject areas on a daily basis. Teachers are able
to easily communicate with their students via SOINmail. One email, with just a
few clicks of the mouse can be sent to all the students, some of the students, one
of the students along with their parents. Messages, announcements and
newsletters can be posted for everyone’s information.
Here are a few important things to know about SOIN:
 To get to SOIN, go to the MHAFYOS.ORG website, click on the soin tab
on the top right of the page. Enter your login name and password, and
then you can navigate the site.
 If you need a new password contact Aviva Freiden in the office.
 Check your soinmail often for messages from teachers and the school.
 You can have your soinmail forwarded to your regular email account, so
you don’t have to check two emails. To do this: click on the email icon at
the top of your soin homepage. Click on the settings link on the upper right
hand corner. Click on the tab that says forwarding and POP/IMAP. The
first line you will see is the forwarding box. Click on the line that says
forward a copy to __________. Enter your email address there. It is
advisable to keep a copy in the soin email as well. From here, you can
write to any staff member. If you begin to type in a teacher’s name, their
email address should automatically enter in to the address line.
 If you get an email notification of a newsletter from a teacher, click on the
newsletter icon at the top of the page.
 If you want to look at the assignments of one of your children, click on
your child’s name, and then click on assignments or graded assignments.
20
 Pop up blockers need to be enabled in order for SOIN to work on your
home computer.
 All parents and students have an email account. Students in grades 7-12
automatically have access to their email. For elementary school students,
parents need to make a request for the password to either Mrs. Gersten or
Mrs. Freiden in the office and the login information and password will be
given.
 When there’s a flashing megaphone on the top of the page, click on it for a
new message/announcement.
For your benefit a copy of the computer use policy is included as an
appendix to this handbook.
24. STANDARDIZED TESTS
During May standardized tests will be administered to all students in grades 1-6.
If you foresee any conflict with these dates, kindly advise the administration so
we can make alternative arrangements. Results of the tests, along with
explanatory materials, will be mailed to you as soon as the school processes
them from the scoring center, usually by mid-July.
25. STUDENT COUNCIL
The students in grades 1-6 elect representatives at each grade level and also
elect officers for the Student Council board. These representatives serve as
student leaders and plan student activities that will benefit the students and the
school. Only students who are in good academic standing, and display consistent
academic integrity, and who receive the endorsement of their teachers and
administrators are eligible to run for office.
26. STUDENT SUPPORT: HORIZONS & MHAERAH
The mission of the Margolin Hebrew Academy is to give each child the best
education possible. We are very aware that children differ in their learning styles
and academic ability. The Administration is always available to meet with parents
and proactively work towards their child’s success in the school.
While our classrooms endeavor to meet the needs of all learners, there are times
when certain students will need remediation or enrichment beyond what is
provided in the classroom. In these situations students and teachers will work in
conjunction with resource staff to help them meet their individual learning needs,
enhance their educational experience, and reach their fullest potential. All
student support services are monitored and guided by the Principals and headed
by Mrs. Melissa Perl, who is always available to meet with parents to discuss
how best to meet the individual needs of their children.
M’HAERAH (Margolin Hebrew Academy Enrichment and Remedial
Advancement in Hebrew) is staffed by MHA Judaic Studies faculty and used for
either Judaic Studies remediation or enrichment based on teacher
21
recommendation. Horizons provides similar services for General Studies. For
more information on either program, please contact Mrs. Perl.
Should the need for individual testing or counseling arise, we will meet with the
parents, and explain our concerns carefully and offer a number of options. The
school reserves the right to mandate counseling or intervention for any student
whom the administration perceives is having consistent problems in school.
Toward the end of the academic year, parents will be notified if their child is at
risk of needing to repeat a grade.
If there’s a need for teachers to fill out any foms, please submit them to the office
and we will distribute them to the appropriate teachers. When the forms are
completed, the school will mail them to the doctor. Please be sure to leave
contact information for the doctor when dropping off the forms.
27. SUMMER READING
Summer reading is strongly recommended for all students attending the
Academy. Reading lists and requirements for grades 1-6 are posted on the
MHAFYOS.ORG website under the tab labeled “Downloads”.
28. TARDINESS
Coming to school on time is not only a good and important habit to develop, it is
also a matter of consideration and Derech Eretz for teachers and classmates
alike. Please do your best to facilitate the consistent practice of prompt arrival.
Parents of students with chronic tardies will be contacted by the administration to
establish a plan for prompt arrival. At the 10 th tardy, students could be subject to
lunch and lunch recess detention. If the problem continues, after 3 more tardies,
the student will be subject to two consecutive lunch and lunch recess detentions
and a parent meeting.
Please note that a student is marked tardy based upon when they arrive to the
classroom, not the school building. Arriving to the classroom after 8:05 is
considered a tardy.
29. TELEPHONE
The school phone is for business calls only. Children may use the phone or
be called to the phone only in cases of emergency. Necessary plans should
be made with the student in the morning before they leave home. No calls to
arrange pick-up will be allowed during the school day, other than in unusual
circumstances. Students are not permitted to call home for forgotten papers,
books, or assignments.
30. TEXTBOOKS
Students are to keep their textbooks neat and covered at all times. Each
student’s name will be written in his or her textbooks. Please take good care of
your books as the cost of replacing any books that are lost, not cared for properly
during the course of the year, or that are otherwise rendered unusable for the
next year will be the family’s responsibility. Unfortunately, we cannot issue a
replacement for a lost book until payment has been received.
22
Each year some parents request additional copies of texts and workbooks to
have at home. There is a rental fee for textbooks and consumables must be
purchased. Request for additional books should go through the Administration
rather than through the teacher. When the books are ready for pickup you will be
notified by the office. Payment is required at the time of pickup.
31. VACATIONS
Vacation plans should be made in accordance with the school calendar. For your
convenience a school calendar has been included at the end of this handbook
and is posted on our school website. If special problems arise, they should be
discussed with the administration well in advance. Please review the attendance
section.
32. VISITORS AND SECURITY
It is extremely important that we keep our students as safe and secure as
possible throughout the school day and that our adult visitors model safe
behavior for our children. Therefore, we ask that all visitors will be buzzed in by
the receptionist (the buzzer is silent), sign in at the front desk, and receive a
Visitor’s Pass before entering the school.
Parents and other visitors are asked to confine their business to the Front Office
and not go into the classroom wings or the lunchroom without a Visitor’s Pass.
Parents visiting the school should remember that their dress also sets an
example for our children and we therefore ask that they be sensitive to the
school’s standards for appropriate dress when entering the school premises. For
your convenience, kippot are available in the school office.
Parents are welcome to visit and observe a class after making an appointment
with the administration. Please sign in at the office when coming to observe a
class or visit the school.
Due to potential classroom management challenges, we do not encourage
visitors in grades pre-k - 4 to sit in on classes.
We are looking forward to a wonderfully
enriching and successful year. We thank you for
23
partnering with us to ensure the highest quality
of education for all of our children.
24
APPENDIX A: Margolin Hebrew Academy Computer Use Policy
General Computer use on Campus for Grades Pre-K -6

















Students will not abuse, tamper with, or willfully damage or change any computer
system.
Students are only allowed to use school computers for academic work and are
only permitted to use computer-related equipment when supervised or given
permission by a staff member.
Students are only permitted to use classroom computers with teacher permission
and supervision.
Only authorized users may have access to computer equipment and must obtain
that authorization through the office.
No food or drink is permitted in a computer work area.
Students will help keep any computer area clean by disposing of trash, cleaning
up work areas, and recycling paper and other resources.
When using a computer, students are directly responsible to any staff member
and are not allowed to access, trash, or delete files that belong to others, either
on the desktop or on the server.
Students are not allowed to use any computer for any illegal activity including the
violation of copyright laws.
Students are not allowed to load any music, pictures or videos of any kind
without expressed teacher permission to do so.
Students may not develop or use any program to harass other users, attempt to
infiltrate a computer system or alter the software or hardware of a system.
Students may only use the computer while logged on with their own name and
password. At the end of their computer session, they must log off.
The using of a computer or network in such a way that may disrupt or lead to the
disruption of the system services, traffic, or equipment is forbidden. Disruption
includes, but is not limited to, propagation of computer viruses and using the
network to make unauthorized entry to any other computer or accessories.
Game playing either online or local is not permitted.
Students are not allowed in the computer lab during lunch, breaks and after
school.
All homework and reports of any kind must be printed at home. In exceptional
cases, if the student needs to use a school printer for work that was assigned for
home, the teacher should be contacted.
Students in computer class may only print with permission from the computer
teacher and must obtain permission before printing. Paper will only be supplied
for class work.
Headphones may only be used with expressed teacher permission.
25
Internet Access and Use
The purpose of the Internet at Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the
South is to facilitate communication and research in support of its educational objectives.
With this in mind, the following guidelines shall apply to Internet and its use in anyway
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Students are not allowed to access web sites or email programs that are not
related to curriculum study.
Students are not allowed to access the Internet to check or send personal email
or for instant messaging.
It is expressly prohibited for students to in any way use instant messaging
or chat lines on any computer for any purpose whatsoever on campus.
Students who receive information or messages that make them uncomfortable
will immediately report the occurrence.
Posting personal information in the public domain such as addresses, phone
numbers, gender, age, and unauthorized images is prohibited.
Students can only copy or download material for which they have supervisor’s
express permission. Permission will not be granted for the downloading of
gambling, music files, videos, and other similar programs.
Students will not attempt to access private or personal materials, information, or
files of others without their prior authorization. Students may view published web
pages and site information obtained from them appropriately.
Students will not vandalize, damage, or disable the work of another individual or
organization.
Students will not access, create, or distribute harassing, obscene, racist, explicit
or threatening material, imagery or language.
Students will not use school-provided Internet access for illegal purposes or for
non-approved, commercial purposes.
Personal Electronic Devices may be confiscated and checked by an
administrator if there is reasonable suspicion of violation of this agreement.
The use of Margolin Hebrew Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South's
computer equipment is not a right, but a privilege.


Disciplinary actions related to student access to electronic resources may be
determined at the school and/or classroom level in accordance with school
disciplinary policies.
Violations of the school policy may result in a loss of access to electronic
resources. Such loss may result in the inability of the student to successfully
complete the curriculum learning outcomes.
o It is the responsibility of the parents and students to submit a signed copy
of the school's Acceptable Use Agreement to the classroom General
Studies Teacher.
Disclaimer
Although this policy has been carefully prepared and reviewed, the Margolin Hebrew
Academy/Feinstone Yeshiva of the South assumes no liability for any errors, omissions,
or misinformation. Use of any information obtained via the Internet is at the user's own
risk. The School is not responsible for any damage suffered by a user. This includes, but
is not limited to, loss of data resulting from delays, non-deliveries, or service
interruptions.
26
MARGOLIN HEBREW ACADEMY/FEINSTONE YESHIVA OF THE SOUTH
2010/2011 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CALENDAR
Mon. Aug. 16
Tues. Aug. 17
Wed. Aug. 18
Mon., Aug. 23
Wed., Aug. 25
Mon., Sept. 6
Tues., Sept. 7
Wed., Sept. 8
Thurs., Sept. 9– Fri., Sept. 10
Fri., Sept. 17
Tues., Sept. 21
Wed., Sept. 22– Fri., Oct. 1
Mon., Oct. 4
Sun., Oct. 17
Tues., Nov. 2
Fri. Nov. 12
Wed. Nov. 17
Tues., Nov. 23
Wed. Nov. 24
Thurs., Nov. 25– Fri., Nov. 26
Thurs., Dec. 2-Thurs., Dec. 9
Fri., Dec. 10
Thurs. Dec. 23– Sun. Jan. 2
Mon., Jan. 3
Mon. Jan. 17
Thurs., Jan. 20
Tues., Feb. 8
Thurs., Feb. 10
Mon. Feb. 21
Tues., Mar. 8– Fri., Mar. 11
Mon., Mar. 21
Thurs., Mar. 31
Mon., Apr. 11– Thurs., Apr. 14
Fri., Apr. 15– Wed., Apr. 27
Thurs., Apr. 28
Mon., May 2
Mon., May 2– Fri., May 6
Mon., May 9
Tues. May 10
Mon., May 23
Mon., May 30
Wed., June 1
Fri. June 3
Back to School Night 1st Grade Only
Supply Drop off Day
First Day of School
Back to School BBQ
Back to School Night for Grades 2-6
Labor Day– NO SCHOOL
Rosh Hashana Programming
Erev Rosh Hashana No school
Rosh Hashana, NO SCHOOL
Erev Yom Kippur - NO SCHOOL
Sukkot Programming
Sukkot Break- NO SCHOOL
Classes Resumes (Regular Time)
Fall Festival
2:00 dismissal Teacher In-Service
2:00 Friday Dismissal begins
11:30 dismissal P/T Conferences
Thanksgiving Program
11:30 dismissal pre-k –6th
Thanksgiving– NO SCHOOL
Chanukah—Special Programming
Poetry Contest
Winter Break (No School)
Classes Resume
MLK Jr. Day—No School
Tu B’Shevat– Special Programming
Science Fair
Science Fair Assembly
Presidents’ Day No School
Spirit Week
Shushan Purim– Carnival; 2:00 Dismissal
4th Grade State Fair
Pesach Programming
Passover Break
Classes Resume
Yom Hashoa– In School Commemoration
Achievement Tests, Grades 1-6
Yom Hazikaron– In School Commemoration
Yom HaAtzmaut– In School Celebration
Lag B’Omer Program
Memorial Day- NO SCHOOL
27
Yom Yerushalayim– In School Celebration
Last Day of School 11:30 dismissal

Margolin Hebrew Academy

Transcription

Similar documents

Amathea

instructions

bowers museum - Springs Charter Schools

Young Women`s Conference

Our Lady Queen of Martyrs School

Marjory Stoneman Douglas Elementary

CAMP OVERNIGHTS

Preschool Pals

1 Submitting Grades via Banner Self Service 1. Go to banweb.mtu

School Motto: The Team that Cares and Shares SPRING BREAK