Parent Manual 2014-2015 5775

Parent Manual
2014-2015
5775
1
STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY
Sinai Akiba Academy offers an outstanding general and Judaic education that develops the mind, heart and soul. We engage
students in the joy and discipline of learning, introducing them to a life of personal growth, sensitivity, responsibility and
intellectual inquiry, shaped by Jewish practices and informed by a respect for diversity of thought. Through active
involvement in learning, students acquire knowledge and cognitive skills that facilitate understanding. The school promotes
students’ social and emotional growth in order to encourage caring for others and participation in spiritual life, which fosters
a deeper level of understanding and awareness. By use of differentiated instruction and varied means of academic support
within a rigorous academic program, Sinai Akiba enables students with a wide range of abilities and needs to achieve and
succeed.
Sinai Akiba provides a well-rounded curriculum designed to inform, stimulate and challenge students in order to prepare
them to participate as knowledgeable citizens in the richness of our culture. The language arts program promotes
appreciation of language and literature by explicitly teaching students to read with purpose and deep comprehension from
a variety of genres. The teaching of reading and writing are integrated learning experiences in which students analyze
written text, develop personal meaning and give expression to it. Similarly, math instruction stresses comprehension of
concepts so students will be able both to execute math operations and problem-solve with deep understanding. In all
subjects across the curriculum, from kindergarten through middle school, teachers use a wide range of age-appropriate
techniques to engage students actively in learning so that they cultivate both comprehension of ideas and proficiency in
skills. Classroom discussions promote students’ self-expression together with the ability to learn from the perspectives of
others. Art, music and technology enrich the ways in which teachers involve students in instruction, and allow students
varied methods of communication and expression.
Sinai Akiba introduces students to Jewish tradition as interpreted by Conservative Judaism, recognizing sacredness in
traditional texts and practices, while acknowledging that Judaism has evolved and changed over the centuries. Because
reading, writing and speaking Hebrew are essential tools for understanding Judaism, classical and modern Hebrew are
fundamental to the curriculum. Students develop the linguistic skills needed to study Biblical and rabbinic texts in their
original language, and learn to analyze and interpret these texts in order to create personal connections with their
underlying ideas. Similarly, in teaching mitzvot (commandments), teachers emphasize spiritual and ethical meanings, as
well as the ways in which these rituals symbolize our bond with klal yisrael (the Jewish people in all places and times) and
eretz yisrael (the land of Israel). While SAA students participate actively in traditional Jewish observance, they are
encouraged to question and analyze, and to recognize the legitimacy of diverse forms of Jewish practice and belief. The
creation of the state of Israel is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. Recognizing the significance of the state and
its national institutions, we instill in our students an attachment to the land and its people, and a sense of responsibility for
its welfare.
Sinai Akiba is a warm and caring community made up of students, faculty, administrators and parents, and is part of the
greater synagogue community of Sinai Temple. This population, diverse in national origin, religious observance and
economic status, is guided by the common goal of fostering respect and responsibility for one another. Conflict resolution,
social-emotional learning, advisory programs and leadership opportunities support this goal for students. The sense of
community is further strengthened by Jewish and spiritual values through regular t’fila (prayer) and participation in projects
promoting derech eretz (caring personal behavior) and tikkun olam (community service). Parents participate in many
committees and endeavors, guided by the SAA committee (the school’s governing body) and the PTA, while both the
synagogue and PTA bring families together for a variety of religious, social action and intellectual programs.
Governance, administration and faculty
Constructive and cooperative activity by the school’s administrative and lay leadership toward fulfillment of the goals and
purposes outlined in this document are a hallmark of Sinai Akiba’s culture.
Clear differentiation of lay/professional roles; strong administrative leadership; an atmosphere of collegial relationships
between administration and faculty; and a staff-wide commitment to high standards for professional practice and
continuous professional learning promote both stability and constructive, ongoing change.
Conclusion
Sinai Akiba graduates are intellectually curious, creative thinkers who know how to work collaboratively. The sound
foundation that they acquire in general and Judaic knowledge, together with the social-emotional and spiritual growth that
the school fosters, prepares them to participate productively and successfully in Jewish life and in the diversity of American
society.
2
SCHOOL DAY
School Hours
Students should arrive in classrooms between 7:55 a.m. and 8:05 a.m.
Instruction begins at 8:05 a.m. Classes end at 3:00 p.m. for kindergarten, and at 3:20p.m. for grades
1-8. (Early Friday dismissal, when indicated on the school calendar, is one hour earlier). Garage and
hallway supervision will begin at 7:40 a.m. Students and parents are asked to wait in designated
supervised areas on the first floor prior to 7:55 a.m.
Late Arrival
Tardiness of any student disrupts instruction for the entire class. In order to maximize the amount of
instruction each day, it is imperative that students are in class, ready to work at 8:05a.m. Any student
arriving to class after 8:05a.m.will be marked tardy and will miss important classroom instruction.
Early Pick-Up
If you must take your child out of school early on a particular day, please notify the teacher in
advance. When you arrive at school to pick up your child, first obtain a permission slip from the
receptionist. Teachers have been instructed not to release students without permission slips from
the office. Students are held accountable for work missed due to doctor or dentist appointments, so
we recommend that you avoid scheduling them during the school day.
Dismissal
1st – 8th grade students are picked up in their assigned garage locations beginning at 3:20p.m.
Kindergarten dismissal is at 3:00 p.m. At 3:20 p.m. remaining kindergarten students will be brought
to their assigned garage locations.
Any student in the building after 3:45 p.m. must be participating in a supervised activity. Students
found in the halls or garage after school will be brought to Afterschool Care This includes children
who are waiting to be picked up after an after school activity. They may not wait unsupervised in the
garage or near the security desk. We will enforce this policy as a matter of safety and security. Please
be on time to pick up your children.
Messages
If you need to drop off a sweater, lunch or the like during the school day, please bring it to the
receptionist. She will be sure to get it to your child. Please do not bring things directly to your
child’s classroom. Your child’s teachers find this very disruptive.
We deliver messages to lower school classrooms twice a day. Messages for middle school students
are posted on the third floor middle school student store door. Middle school students are
responsible for checking for messages throughout the school day. If you leave a message at the
school office after 2:00p.m., we cannot guarantee that it will reach your child before the end of the
school day.
3
DROP-OFF AND PICK-UP
In our ongoing efforts to ensure safe and secure drop-off and pick-up supervision of your children,
we ask that you use the correct entrances and exits of the parking garage to which you are assigned.
Carpool stickers are labeled to indicate which parking level you are assigned for drop-off and pick-up
each day, and to evenly distribute the flow of traffic during carpool times.
Your 2014-2015 sticker will also serve as your temple membership sticker. Your sticker should be
visibly displayed in the lower left corner of your car’s windshield. Your sticker must be displayed by
the opening of school and throughout the school year. Without a current-year sticker, or if your
sticker is not fully visible, you will not be allowed to enter the garage. Additionally, if you attempt to
enter at the incorrect gate, you will be asked to drive around to the correct gate.
P1 Stickers:
Enter the garage on Beverly Glen., drop-off and pick-up on the P1 level, and exit on Ashton Avenue.
(right turn only upon exiting)
P2 Stickers:
Enter the garage on Ashton, drop-off and pick-up on level P-2, and exit through on Beverly Glen.
(right turn only upon exiting)
Kindergarten and First Grade Drop-Off (7:40 – 8:05a.m.):
All kindergarten and first grade families will be assigned a P2 Sticker, and should follow the directions
for P2 Stickers above. Before exiting, the drop-off area will be directly to your right. The morning
drop-off area is only available to families or carpools dropping off a kindergarten or first grade
student.
K Carpool Lane Permit:
Carpool lane permits allow short-term parking in carpool lanes for the quick pick-up of kindergarten
students and immediately return to your vehicle. They are valid only during afternoon pick-up and
when displayed. You must have returned to your vehicle by 3:15p.m. to avoid citation (Permits are
available upon request to kindergarten families).
Walk Home Pass:
Only students in third grade and above who live within a 1 mile walking distance, whose parents sign
an authorization form, may obtain a walk home pass signed by the head of school.
Temporary Visitors Pass & Pick-up Authorization Cards: For security purposes all nonTemple members (nannies, friends, family, drivers, etc…) are not issued temple or carpool stickers.
You may obtain temporary passes for their vehicles at the main security desk on the first floor.
Passes are issued for 30 days and are renewable upon expiration. Additionally, you will be supplied
with Pick-up Authorization Cards for the individual(s) you have indicated on your pick-up
authorization list. These cards should be shown to security with photo identification to enter the
building and to supervising staff for student release.
4
GARAGE ETIQUETTE
The following policies and procedures are in place for the safety of our students, our
facilities, and our commitment to our neighboring community. Please observe these policies and
procedures when entering, while inside and when exiting the building.
 During Carpool you must enter the garage from your designated P1-Beverly Glen or P2-Ashton
entrance.
 There is no parking in reserved, chained-off, or barricaded areas and spaces at any time.
 If you park in a handicapped space, your car must display a valid handicapped placard.
 Drop-off / Pick-up students only in the designated areas on levels P1, P2, and in the Upper Garage
(A.M. kindergarten and first grade drop-off only).
 If you do not use the carpool lane and choose to park, you or another adult must accompany
students into and out of the building.
 You may not park or leave your car unattended in carpool or traffic lanes at any time without “K
Carpool Lane Permit.”
 Caution tape, cones, and barricades are setup to direct traffic, please do not cross, or try going
around them.
 A “hands-free” device must accompany all cell phone usage in the garage.
 During carpool times, you may not be able to make a left-hand turn to P2 to park when you are
entering from Beverly Glen due to traffic buildup. You must drop-off or pick-up in your designated
area on P1 instead, or re-enter the garage if parking is necessary.
 When parking along the P1 and P2 walls next to the carpool lanes, you may not be able to exit during
carpool times. Traffic flow will not be disrupted so you can pull in or out. Staff will determine when
it is okay for you to pull in or out.
 There is no parking in the Upper Garage, Lower Garage, or P4 levels at any time…they are reserved
for staff parking .
 There is no stopping or parking on Beverly Glen, Ashton Ave., Holmby Ave., or Wilshire Blvd. at any
time.
 There is no Drop-off / Pick-up of students outside of the building at any time. You may park outside
and walk your students in / out. In compliance with an agreement with our neighboring community,
we ask that you do not park in residential areas adjacent to the temple.
 There are no left turns into or out of the Beverly Glen or Ashton gates at any time.
 Only students in third grade and above who live within a 1 mile walking distance, whose parents sign
an authorization form, may obtain a walk home pass signed by the Head of School. Students need to
carry their passes with them, and present them to security or staff when entering or exiting the
building.
 Please follow all directional signs and any instructions given by security or staff who are supervising.
 You must come to a complete stop at all stop signs inside and outside of the building.
 There is a 5mph speed limit in the garage that should be observed at all times.
 Please check all signage in the areas that you are parking. There are various reserved and timepermitted parking spaces throughout the garage.
5
MEDICAL POLICIES
Minor Illnesses
Please do not send a child to school with a low-grade fever or minor illness that could be contagious.
Even though this may occasionally cause you a hardship, please be considerate of others. Students
who miss school due to an illness will be given a chance to take tests and make up work upon their
return to school.
If a child experiences minor discomfort, such as a sore throat, headache, or nausea during the school
day, the staff, following the guidelines of the child's Medical Information Form, will determine
appropriate treatment. Scrapes and abrasions will be cleansed with soap and an antiseptic, and a
Band-Aid applied.
If a child is running a fever or appears otherwise ill during the school day, the school nurse will
determine if the child needs to go home. Any child with a fever of 100º f or above will be sent home.
If so, parents need to arrange for someone to pick up the child promptly. If parents cannot be
reached, the school will contact adults listed on the child’s medical emergency form with the request
that they pick-up the child. A child must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducers
before returning to school.
Injuries/Surgeries
If a student has surgery (inpatient or outpatient) a Return to School Note from the physician is
required upon return. It must indicate what activity is allowed or not allowed and the length of time
any restriction should be followed. This policy also applies to anyone returning with a cast, brace, or
crutches. The note needs to be given to the school nurse.
Emergencies
In the event of a medical emergency, we will attempt to reach you immediately. If a parent cannot
be reached, the child will be taken to the hospital. In such an event, we will also attempt to notify
the individuals indicated by the parents on the Medical Information Form.
Medications
If a student requires special medication during the school day; please give the medication along with
a signed “Permission to Take Medication Form” to the school nurse. These forms are located across
from the reception desk. There must be a permission form signed by both the doctor and parent for
any medication given, containing the medication name, dosage, time to be given and how to
administer it. Children may not keep medicine of any kind themselves. The only exceptions are
asthmatic students with signed forms permitting them to keep an inhaler in their classroom or backpacks. Parents have given or withheld permission to administer over-the-counter medications in
Magnus.. All medicine is to be administered by the school nurse.
Communicable Diseases
If you are aware that a child has a communicable disease, notify the office immediately so that an email can be sent to all of the parents in the grade. A child who has had any of these diseases is not
permitted back into school without a note from the doctor indicating that the child is no longer
contagious, except in the case of lice for which the school nurse will check the child.
6
PARENT-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Reporting to Parents
In the lower school division, report cards are issued two times per year and conferences are held
with parents two times per year.
In the middle school there are three report cards, one parent-teacher conference and one parentstudent-advisor conference per year. The second report card does not contain comments.
In the event that the student's parents are not living together, it is important that the parents inform
the school as to who should receive report cards, registration materials, and other notices. We
routinely send school mail only to the parent with whom the child lives most of the time.
Information concerning a child's educational progress will be made available to both parents
requesting such information unless a copy of a court order to the contrary is on file in our office.
Please be sure to notify the office promptly regarding changes of mailing address, email address or
phone numbers.
School record and transcript requests must be submitted to the admissions office at least 48 hours in
advance.
Back-To-School Night
Back-To-School Night in the fall is an opportunity for parents of each class to meet their children's
teachers and to learn about the curriculum for the year. Teachers work hard at building a strong,
positive relationship with the parents in their class, and this is the first opportunity to get to know
each other.
Visiting the Classroom
Parents are welcome to visit classes. You may arrange a visit by contacting the school at least 24
hours in advance, both as a courtesy and to ensure that you will be able to see those aspects of the
school day in which you are interested. You must inform the appropriate administrator of your
intent to visit the classroom. Visits are limited to 30 minutes unless otherwise agreed to by
administrator or teacher.
Resolving Problems
We encourage teachers and parents alike to communicate openly and regularly about the successes
and problems that students experience, both at home and at school. As in any important endeavor,
disagreements may arise from time to time. Sometimes parents and teachers have different
perspectives on a child’s needs. Please bring your questions or concerns directly to the classroom
teacher. Administrators are glad to step in and assist in solving unresolved issues; however, they will
ask if you have discussed the matter with the teacher directly.
E-News, Pushpages, and Teacher Webpages
You will receive Sinai Akiba’s e-news weekly on Sundays, and on Thursdays you will receive a gradespecific pushpage. Please read both communications carefully as they are the primary means of
communicating dates, programs and other news about the school. Additionally, please check teacher
webpages for class-specific information. Webpages will be updated weekly.
7
EDUCATIONAL POLICIES
Homework
Homework provides additional practice on material taught in class and helps develop independent
study habits. At no time do teachers or the school intend to overburden students. If you believe your
child has an excessive amount of homework, or requires excessive help from you, please bring this to
the attention of the teacher. As children mature, they should develop an increasing ability to
complete assignments neatly, correctly and promptly. Parents play a crucial role in helping their
children develop good study habits. If a child is absent, it is the child's responsibility to get
assignments from the teacher. Middle School students should access their teachers’ web pages
during their absences.
Individual Responsibility
Your child should come to school on time each day with the necessary supplies requested by the
teacher: pencils, paper, notebook, personal kippah, etc. Consult the supply list sent by each grade
level teacher. Boys must keep at least three extra kippot in their backpack/classroom. Charges for
replacing lost textbooks are: MS textbooks $75, elementary textbooks $60, workbooks $25,
paperback novels $15.
Behavior and Discipline
A positive learning environment requires courtesy and respect, concern for safety, protecting others'
right to learn and care for personal and school property. Sinai Akiba expects all students to conduct
themselves according to these standards. Disregard of school rules will be dealt with in a firm, fair
manner. Each teacher and his/her class develop specific classroom behavior guidelines that allow
each student to feel safe and learn to the best of his/her ability. (We utilize a conflict resolution
program called “Talk It Out” to help prevent small conflicts from becoming larger ones.)
Our behavior policy aims to make any consequence for misbehavior a learning opportunity. Rule
infractions are dealt with in a firm, fair and age appropriate manner. Immediate and logical
consequences for misbehavior are applied when necessary and possible. In the Middle School,
detentions are given for excessive tardiness, inappropriate behavior, or non-compliance with school
rules. Minor offenses will result in a lunch detention, and more serious infractions afterschool
detention. Three behavior detentions will result in suspension.
Repeated infractions of school rules, endangering the safety of students, cheating or plagiarism or
other serious misbehaviors sometimes result in suspension or expulsion from school. A suspension
may be noted on the student’s permanent record. An expulsion is always noted on the student's
permanent record. Internet abuse or possession of drugs, alcohol or tobacco in school may result in
automatic expulsion.
The school psychologist may be asked to consult with and advise parents and/or students. In the
event of ongoing misbehavior, the school may require the development of a specific behavior
contract between the child, parent and the school.
8
EDUCATIONAL POLICIES
Class Divisions
Serious thought is given to the assignment of students to classes. In both the lower and middle
schools, classes are grouped as heterogeneously as possible (with the exception of math and
Hebrew/Judaic studies in 4th through 8th grade). Among the factors taken into consideration are
academic ability, performance, motivation, behavior, friendships, and social maturity. We attempt to
place students in class groupings, which will provide stimulation without undue pressure. Classes are
structured with these criteria in mind.
Tutoring
We strongly discourage tutoring for any reason other than to remediate a true academic weakness.
Outside tutoring to help a child “get ahead,” a practice increasingly noticed in private schools,
subjects children to unnecessary pressure and teaches them that they are not “good enough”.
If for any reason your child is being tutored, it is important that you ask the tutor to contact the
classroom teacher as soon as possible, and to maintain regular contact with the teacher. Sinai Akiba
teachers are not permitted to tutor children from any class at Sinai Akiba.
Learning Support
As a Jewish day school, we believe that once a child has begun our program, we should do everything
we can to support him or her academically, emotionally and socially. Our teachers work hard to
accommodate individual differences. In addition, we provide on-site academic support for those
students who need it, and we have a school psychologist who assists with social and emotional
issues. If academic issues arise, teachers may refer children to our learning support director and/or
our psychologist. Interventions may include, but are not limited to: learning support assistance for
remediation, outside educational or psychological testing and/or therapy, or modification of a child’s
program. We keep parents informed at all times. Faculty sessions are held regularly to review a
child’s progress and further plans are discussed at this time.
The school maintains a referral list of professionals in the areas of psychology and educational testing
and therapy. If you would like such information, please call the school psychologist. If your child is
evaluated by an outside professional, it is important for the school to have this information. Please
request that a report be sent to Sinai Akiba, in care of the Head of School.
Cellular Phones
Students are allowed to have cell phones in school provided they are turned off and kept in a locker
or backpack during school hours. Cell phones that ring or are used during school hours will be
confiscated. Students may use their phones on campus before and after school hours. Individual
teachers determine whether students may use cell phones in their classrooms after school.
9
STUDENT DRESS STANDARDS
The Jewish values of self-respect and modesty, anavah, inform our dress code policy.
Dressing appropriately for school is a learning experience for the child. Sinai Akiba does not have
uniforms because it believes that decisions about dress provide opportunities for parents to teach
their children good values. If a child’s dress does not conform to our standards, parents are required
to bring other clothes to school, or the child may not be permitted in class.
Daily Dress Standard
Skirts or shorts must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee.
Tops worn with leggings must be no higher than 4 inches above the knee.
Tops must cover to at least 3 inches below the collarbone.
No boxers, thongs or underwear showing.
No cleavage, spaghetti straps, bra straps showing.
No see-through clothing (e.g. white shirt with black bra)
No bare midriffs.
No inappropriately tight clothing.
No t-shirts with inappropriate text or images.
No writing across the rear of pants or shorts.
No piercings (other than ears).
Shoes – (For safety reasons) no sandals, open-toed shoes, flip-flops, Crocs, platform or shoes with
more than a one-inch heel. We prefer athletic shoes for school, including Fridays, to avoid accidents
since students play in a gymnasium every day.
Boys need to wear kippot.
Erev Shabbat (Friday) Dress Policy
The Erev Shabbat dress policy is based on values of ‫(צניות‬modesty) and ‫(כבוד‬respect) for Shabbat.
Boys:
Collared shirt (e.g., Polo shirts) or a sweater.
Slacks or pants of any color (including khaki etc.).
No T-shirts, jeans of any color or sweats.
Girls:
Blouse, sweater or collared shirt.
Skirt, dress or pants of any color.
No T-shirts, jeans of any color, jeggings, leggings or sweats.
The same rules as for daily dress regarding modesty (see the daily dress policy).
Dress Standard Violation
Lower School:
In the event of a dress code violation parents will need to bring appropriate attire to school. 4th – 5th
grades: Student may be excluded from class, at a teacher’s discretion, until parent brings
appropriate attire.
Middle School:
Students in violation of the dress code will be kept out of class until appropriate clothing is provided
by the family. More than two violations will result in a conference with the middle school director,
parent/guardian, student, and the students’ advisor.
10
ATHELETIC PROGRAM
Athletic Philosophy
Sinai Akiba offers students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to participate in various sports teams at
levels of play and difficulty demonstrated by their grade level, interest, and ability. Our teams
compete against schools in the San Fernando Private School League. Students benefit from the
guidance of dedicated and knowledgeable coaches who emphasize sportsmanship, teamwork, skills
improvement, commitment, discipline and who above all try to make our students’ athletic
experience rewarding and enjoyable. Our goal is to offer to as many students as possible the
opportunity to participate in league sports on SAA teams and that they will enjoy the experience of
winning while developing sportsmanship and learning to cope constructively with losing.
Tryouts and Participation
Middle school teams will have tryouts prior to the beginning of each sports season. A mandatory
parent meeting is held at the beginning of the school year. There will be no tryouts for 5th grade
students. We will accommodate all who sign up, but the students will participate in an evaluation to
assist the coach in assigning students to teams. Students joining a team are expected to make a
commitment to the team. Varsity and JV teams are comprised of 7th and 8th graders.
Sports Seasons and Teams
The following division of teams may vary based upon the number of students interested in a sport.
Fall season:
 Boys Flag Football (Varsity*)
 Girls Basketball (Varsity, JV*, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B) - 10 players on Varsity, 6A and 5A teams; 12
players on JV, 6B and 5B teams. Additional 5th grade teams can be added to accommodate
all students.
 Note: Varsity and JV teams will have a conditioning week prior to the first week of school.
Winter season:
 Boys Basketball (Varsity, JV, 6A, 6B, 5A, 5B) – 10 players on Varsity, 6A, 5A teams; 12 players
on JV, 6B, 5B teams. Additional 5th grade teams can be added to accommodate all students.
 Girls Soccer (Varsity)
 Boys Soccer (Varsity)
Spring season:
 Girls Volleyball (Varsity, JV, 6A, 6B) – 10 players on Varsity and 6A teams. 12 players on JV
team and 6B.
 Boys Soccer (6A, 5A)
11
Practice Schedules
Normal practice and game days are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. 3:30/3:45-5:00 pm.
Practices may be scheduled in the afternoon and in the early evening (to 6:30p.m.) to meet
the
needs of 6th – 8th grade teams if earlier time slots are not available. (5th grade teams will not have
evening practices.)
Normal basketball/volleyball practice locations are as follows:
Varsity/JV – Weinberg Gym
6A/B – Rickles Gym
5A/B – Rooftop
Normal soccer/flag football practice locations are as follows:
Cheviot Hills Recreation Center/Rancho Park
Players are only released from the practice location to an adult. by their coaches
Players are not permitted to go to the parking structure without adult supervision.
Games are normally played on campus or at other member school locations in the San Fernando
Private School League.
Player Requirements
1. All paperwork must be turned in by the first day of tryouts (fall season: end of first week of school).
Students will not be allowed to participate without having turned in the Sports Enrollment Form, the
Enrollment fees, the Away Game Field Trip Permission Slip, and the signed SAA Athlete-Parent
Handbook form (given to players once team selections have been made).
2. Players commit themselves to attending practices and games on a regular basis. A maximum of
four absences per season will be permitted. The approval of the athletic director must be given if
additional practices are missed, and will be given for compelling circumstances only. Students who
fail to meet the attendance requirements may not be permitted to complete the season.
3. Academic eligibility requires that all players maintain a C average in all classes.
4. Discipline problems in school may affect a student’s permission to participate, as determined by
the athletic director or administration.
12
RELIGIOUS POLICIES
Oneg Shabbat
Friday is a special day at Sinai Akiba Academy. Sinai Akiba students participate in Kabbalat Shabbat
programs appropriate for their grade levels. Please see the Friday dress policy on page 14. Parents
provide the food for Shabbat classroom celebrations. The Shabbat snack should include parve (nondairy) challah, grape juice, and fruit. Please do not send cookies or sweets. The teachers have been
instructed not to pass them out.
Tzedakah
We endeavor to instill in our children the belief that tzedakah (charity) is a full-time commitment.
Each grade is involved in ongoing charity/community service (tikkun olam) projects throughout the
school year. At Sinai Akiba we also follow the custom of giving tzedakah on Friday afternoons.
Children are asked to bring a small contribution, preferably from their own money, each Friday.
Kippot
Traditionally, a Jewish male wears a kippah when studying Torah. We teach our children that all
learning is "Torah," because it is one of the noblest of human endeavors. Therefore, boys are
expected to wear kippot at all times; girls are encouraged to do so. Boys must bring and wear their
own personal kippah. They will need three (3) extra kippot from home to be kept in a zip-lock bag
either in their classroom (LS) or in their locker (MS). All boys who have become bar mitzvah are
required to own and wear tallit and tefillin at services. Girls are encouraged to do so. Men are
requested to wear kippot when attending school events.
Tefillot
Each lower school class participates in a short prayer service (15 min.) each morning and middle
school students have approximately a 30 minute service three times a week. All boys who have
become bar mitzvah, or are preparing for it, are required to own and wear tefillin at all daily services.
Girls are encouraged to do so.
Holidays
Jewish holiday observances play an important part in the life of our school. The school also marks
appropriate secular observances such as Veteran’s Day, Thanksgiving, Martin Luther King Jr. Day,
President's Day and Memorial Day.
Please note that the school will in no way participate in the observance of non-Jewish holidays such
as Halloween, Christmas, or St. Valentine's Day. Please assist us by not sending your child to school
with items relating to those days.
Parties
In keeping with the religious objectives of our school, we ask that you not hold parties on Shabbat or
holidays. Many students are unable to attend such parties due to Shabbat observance. We also
strongly request that you do not serve non-kosher foods at parties either in your home, or in a
restaurant.
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BAR/BAT MITZVAH GUIDELINES
Our goal is to encourage families to make their children’s b’nai mitzvah celebrations
meaningful; to promote derech eretz among students and parents; and to minimize the
chance of children being hurt at a time that should be one of celebration. Families should also be
aware of the policies in the Sinai Temple Bar/Bat Mitzvah Handbook, along with the B’nai Mitzvah
Covenant introduced in the 6th grade year.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Dates
Bar Mitzvah dates are assigned by the synagogue automatically; you do not need to call to request
that this be done. You will receive a notice approximately a year and a half before your child's 13 th
birthday (according to the Hebrew calendar) informing you of the date which has been assigned.
Sinai Temple has specific policies regarding bar/bat mitzvah qualifications. If you have any questions
about the bar/bat mitzvah programs at Sinai Temple, please contact the cantor’s office at (310) 4741518.
Scheduling:
Each year a parent coordinator will maintain a calendar of b’nai mitzvah services and parties, inform
parents of conflicts that can be foreseen, and ask the families to work out a compromise.
Each family is to provide times and locations of the service and the proposed times and locations of
parties to the coordinator. If changes are made later, the family is responsible to notify the school in
writing. Families are expected to attempt to resolve those conflicts by working out compromise plans
so that parties will not happen simultaneously. This will require flexibility on all sides.
Invitations:
Please be sensitive not to exclude small numbers of students. If most of the children of one gender
or of a particular social group are invited, please be sure to invite the rest. If a student plans to attend
a friend’s party, he/she should attend the service as well.
Kashrut and Shabbat:
Bar/bat mitzvah is a religious event. In that spirit, please either use a kosher caterer or, at the very
least, limit the menu to dairy and fish. Please do not serve non-kosher meat or shellfish. By
following this request you symbolically support the school’s goals. Also, many of the children and
their families who will be attending as your guests will find a non-kosher bar/bat mitzvah celebration
offensive. Please schedule parties to begin after the conclusion of Shabbat.
Middle School Service:
We have a tradition of celebrating our students’ b’nai mitzvah at middle school tefilot, usually on the
Thursday preceding their Shabbat celebration. The bar/bat mitzvah student leads the services and
reads from Torah (a requirement for this event). The bar/bat mitzvah is presented with a Chumash.
Refreshments may be provided for the students by the family of the bar/bat mitzvah.
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KASHRUT, FOOD AND NUTRITION
Sinai Akiba Academy observes the dietary laws, and parents should use only kosher
products in preparing food for school. We consider kashrut to be of major importance in Jewish life.
By the selection of the types of food we eat and preparation through a humane method of slaughter
we attempt to create an attitude of sanctity toward life, both human and animal. Via kashrut, we
learn to have reverence for the life we take.
Kashrut for Daily Meals and Snacks
1. All students should bring a PARVE (non-dairy) or DAIRY mid-morning snack from home.
2. Children not participating in Sinai Akiba’s school lunch program and are bringing food from home
must only bring food that is PARVE (non-dairy) or DAIRY.
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No meat products, even kosher ones, may be brought to school.
Chicken and other poultry products are considered meat and may not be brought to school.
Soup must be made with a vegetable, not a meat base.
Shellfish, shrimp, oyster and other seafood lacking fins and scales are not kosher and cannot
be brought to school.
Forbidden foods will be confiscated.
Food bought at fast-food establishments will not be allowed.
Breads for sandwiches, crackers, cookies and cake should be made with vegetable shortening.
Baked goods to be served for student, parent, or teacher functions must come from a
kosher bakery.
Kashrut and Providing Food for School Events
If you are preparing food for a school event, (such as receptions, luncheons, class parties) follow
these guidelines:
General rules for events in the school or synagogue
Acceptable:
 Kosher dairy foods (see below).
Not acceptable:
Meat products of any kind, even kosher meat products.
Food prepared at home for school or synagogue
Acceptable:
 Cold, uncooked foods prepared at home.
 Vegetables and fruit cut at home.
 Tuna made at home (with no added eggs).
Not acceptable:
 Foods cooked or baked at home.
 Food processors used at home.
Food purchased in stores for school or synagogue
Limited to the following:
 Vegetable and fruit platters purchased at produce markets.
 Cooked dairy or parve foods, only if purchased at a certified kosher deli or restaurant.
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 Baked goods, only if bought at a kosher bakery.
 Packaged items, only if they have a kosher certification and are brought to
school in the original, unopened box.
Preparation & serving in the classroom
Acceptable:
 Cutlery and platters should be new. These items may be bought in the beginning of the
year and kept in the class closet.
Not acceptable:
 Cooking tools from home, even a kosher home, may not be used in the classrooms (for
example: frying pans and food processors).
Waiting Times
 SAA follows the standard Conservative practice of waiting 3 hours from meat to dairy, and
a ½ hour from dairy to meat.
School Events at family homes or party venues
Parents should serve only dairy or parve food, or meat catered from a certified kosher establishment
at all events outside of school, such as official parent get-togethers, end of school parties, and
celebrations. Dairy and meat products are never to be served at the same event.
The school urges parents to observe the above guidelines when inviting students for such events as
birthday parties or bar/bat mitzvah celebrations.
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Approved List of Kosher Caterers for School Events Outside of Sinai Temple
Following is a list of approved kosher caterers. These are the ONLY caterers that may be
used for school events outside the Temple. No caterer not appearing on this list may be used for any
event to which parents are invited.
Baby Cakes (RCC) 130 E. 6th Street (213) 623-5555
Baskin Robbins (RCC) 1800 S. Robertson Blvd. #8 (310) 559-3131
Bibi’s Warmstone Bakery (Kehilla) 8928 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 246-1788
Carvel (RCC) 11037 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 444-0011 www.Carvel-LA.com
Catering by Brenda (RCC) 1467 S. Durango Ave. (310) 203-8365 www.CateringbyBrenda.com
Chick ‘N Chow Restaurant (Kehilla) 9301 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 274-5595
Circa / NY Catering (RCC) (310) 659-0465 www.schwartzbakeryla.com
Delice Bakery/Catering (Kehilla) 8583 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 289-6556
Eilat Bakery (Kehilla) 350 N. Fairfax Ave. (323) 933-5000
Eilat Bakery #2 (Kehilla) 9233 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 205-8700
Elat Pastry (Kehilla) 8758 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 385-5993
Got Kosher (RCC) 1410 Livonia Ave. (310) 858-3123 www.gotkosherinc.com
Judye Hendlish (SAA parent for baking) 1410 Jonesboro Drive (310) 458-1698
** Approved by Sinai Temple **
Kosher on Location (RCC) (Mobile Kitchens) 11852 Vose St. (818) 522-2502
La Brea Bagel Co. (Kehilla) 7308 Beverly Blvd. (323) 965-1287
Let’s Have a Cart Party (RCC) 426 S. Wetherly Dr. (310) 246-1230
Nagila Pizza (Kehilla) 9411 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 788-0111
Pat’s Catering/Restaurant (Kehilla) 9233 W. Pico Blvd. (310) 205-8705 / (310) 205-8707
Schwartz Catering-Fleishig (RCC) (323) 653-1683 / (323) 653-1941 www.schwartzbakeryla.com
Sinai Catering (RCC) 12233 Santa Monica Blvd. (310) 820-0048
Subway Glatt Kosher 8948 W. Pico Boulevard (310) 274-1222
Sweet E’s Bakery 1417 South Robertson Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90035 (323) 422-8885
TAKOSHER 1731 Ocean Park Blvd. (866) 892-4010 www.takosher.com
The Sensitive Baker (RCC) 10836 ½ Washington Blvd (310) 815-1800
Yogo Frozen Yogurt (RCC) 7350 Melrose Avenue (323) 951-0008
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NUTRITION
We request that a nutritious snack and lunch be sent to school every day with your child. All food
needs to be brought in a bag or lunch box clearly marked with your child’s name. Have your child be
involved in the selection and packing of a nutritious lunch/snack. Please do not send junk food.
Fresh Fruit
Here in California, we’re blessed with so many wonderful fresh fruits. Experiment with your kids—
with different whole or sectioned fruits. Try apples, oranges, bananas, melons, peaches, pears,
nectarines, and plums.
Vegetables
Cut up fresh, raw vegetables—carrots, celery cucumbers, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, and
radishes. For variety include a small reusable container with a favorite dip. These can be prepared
the night before and ready-to-go for the morning.
Dairy Products
There are many great ways to include milk products during the day. You can include yogurt, cottage
cheese, string cheese, or other dairy products as a healthy snack or part of a balanced lunch.
American children get about 40% of their calories each day from fat. To help reduce their
consumption of fat, developing tastes for non-fat and low fat dairy products is a great place to start.
Drinks
Try to cut back on the amount and frequency of sugar-based drinks. Many so-called fruit juices are
loaded with extra sugar. Milk and water are the best ways to keep your kids hydrated. Don’t overdo
fruit drinks—and look for those without added sugar. Encourage eight glasses of water a day.
Sweets
It is the policy of the school that teachers not distribute sweets as rewards or as part of classroom
parties, including Erev Shabbat observances.
Peanut Policy
While Sinai Akiba Academy is not a peanut free school, we are sensitive to the fact that some of our
students are allergic to peanuts and other tree nuts. In these cases, we work with the family, the
school nurse, and the child’s allergist to create a health plan that ensures a safe environment for
him/her. We request that nuts not be distributed as part of holiday celebrations to grades where
there is an allergic child, and have requested the synagogue caterer not to serve products made with
peanuts or peanut oil at any time.
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GENERAL POLICIES
Field Trip/Classroom Activities Fees
Fees for field trips are included in the activities fee that was part of your tuition contract. Teachers
will not collect admissions fees nor will they or room parents request or accept additional funds for
classroom activities. Each classroom will be provided a reasonable and equitable budget to work
with during the year. Teachers and room parents will be expected not to exceed it.
Teacher Gift Collection Procedure
We all want to acknowledge the wonderful job our teachers and assistants do. We also want to
minimize competition and comparison, and ensure that all teachers – including specialists who do
not have a “regular” parent body – are acknowledged. The SAA Committee, PA, and Room Parents,
in consultation with the faculty and administration have developed the following procedures for giftgiving to teachers.
 Your temple bill will reflect a charge (optional) for teacher gifts.
 The PA will use these funds to purchase gift certificates for the teachers, teacher assistants,
and specialists.
 All teachers will receive equal gifts. The specialist and teacher assistant gifts will be
determined based on the number of hours scheduled to work. Gifts are not dependent on the
number of classes taught – there will be one gift per teacher.
 Half of the funds will be used for Hanukkah and the other half at the end of the school year.
 Parents are not permitted to buy additional gifts for teachers.
 We do encourage students and families to acknowledge teachers with cards, poems, pictures,
and art projects.
 Teachers were consulted in establishing this procedure, are aware of it and have been asked
to cooperate with their colleagues by not accepting personal gifts.
Birthday Celebrations
Very simple birthday celebrations may take place at school by advance arrangement with your child's
teacher. In keeping with the religious objectives of our school, please do not hold parties on the
Sabbath or holidays. Many students are unable to attend such parties due to Shabbat observance.
We also strongly request that you do not serve non-kosher foods at parties either in your home, or in
a restaurant. Children are very sensitive, and they notice when they are not invited to parties along
with their friends. Therefore, parties in which more than half the students are invited tend to
become school events in the minds of the children and should include all class members. For lower
school, if more than half the students of either gender are invited, all the students of that gender
should be included. For middle school, if you are inviting more than 80% of the students in a grade,
you should invite all. Invitations should not be distributed at school.
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EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
A carefully thought-out and coordinated school and synagogue-wide plan exists for
decision-making and communications in the event of an emergency such as an earthquake.
Each classroom is equipped with an evacuation and safety pack containing emergency supplies.
These packs were set up by our Emergency Preparedness Committee after consultation with experts,
and are inspected at regular intervals. Each classroom, gymnasium, and office has an individual
emergency pack.
In the event of a major emergency such as an earthquake, please do not call the school office
because this will tie up our telephone lines. Sinai Temple/Sinai Akiba’s emergency hotline is 310-4813333. Updates will be recorded with the most current information. Our emergency radio contact is
KNX 1070 AM. In the event of a citywide emergency listen to KNX 1070AM for SAA emergency
announcements. Our emergency television news station is KTLA 5. They will have information on
school closings and area traffic.
Children will be released ONLY to parents or to individuals listed on the emergency/medical forms
that are on file in the school office. In the event that we were to evacuate the building, a clearly
identified staging area would be set up on the Southeast corner of Holmby St. and Wellworth Ave.
which would serve as the command center.
We regularly review and update our emergency procedures with the Temple, and conduct regular
reviews of these procedures with the faculty in order to ensure a high level of readiness
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BUILDING RULES
Students are expected to care for the building and keep it clean. Part of our derech eretz program
emphasizes respect for property. Parents will be liable for damage done by their children to Temple
or school property.
The following synagogue rules apply to all school programs using this facility.
Elevator Rules
5th -8th grade students are permitted to use the elevators from 7:40a.m. – 8:05a.m. and 3:20 p.m. 3:45 pm. Students who have orchestra passes, or those with valid elevator passes issued by the
school nurse may use the elevator. Kindergarten-4th grade students are not permitted to use the
elevators at any time unless accompanied by an adult.
Flyers
It is the policy of the school not to publicize commercial activities of any kind including tutoring
services or activities sponsored by other organizations other than those with which the school is
affiliated. All flyer postings must be approved by the Head of School.
On the first floor, only designated bulletin boards may be used. Exceptions must be approved by the
Temple executive director. Prior to hanging up flyers or posters in the temple areas, including the
garage, approval must be obtained from the Public Relations Coordinator, in the temple main office.
NO signs/posters/ banners may be hung on walls, in elevators or on glass windows or cases.
Although Temple policy requires that “blue tape” be used when affixing anything to walls, the use of
“blue tape” does not exempt items from the rules stated above.
Calendaring and Room Reservations
All events must be calendared through the Sinai Akiba office and then the Sinai Temple office.
Requests should be submitted to the appropriate Sinai Akiba administrator, who will then carry the
item through the calendar process.
Parent and Temple Directories
The Parent and Temple Directories and any other school lists are for personal and school use only.
Parents should not use these lists, or make them available to others, for commercial or political
purposes.
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TUITION AND REGISTRATION
Admission Policies
Sinai Akiba offers a superior general and Judaic education to a diverse Jewish student population. All
students must be Jewish, and their families members of Sinai Temple. The school considers and
balances several factors in making decisions for admission into the school: the candidate’s potential
for success at Sinai Akiba based upon the school’s evaluation and information provided by the child’s
previous school; the ways in which a child contributes to the diversity of the school in areas such as
academic ability, gender, national origin, social-economic diversity, and Jewish background; as well as
the potential for parental involvement in the life of the school. The admissions committee is charged
to admit a balanced student population. Therefore, students who bring some of the criteria of
diversity (e.g., gender, cultural background, academic potential) may be given priority. Siblings and
continuing Temple members usually are given priority if their children meet the criteria listed above.
Sinai Temple Membership
Families must become members of Sinai Temple prior to a child entering Sinai Akiba. Maintenance of
a membership in good standing of Sinai Temple is a requirement of all families enrolling students in
Sinai Akiba.
Registration for Continuing Students
In late winter, the school will send a re-registration packet for the coming year. To re-register for the
following school year the signed enrollment agreement and the appropriate forms and fees will need
to be submitted to Sinai Akiba Academy. After the enrollment agreement tuition contract due date,
Sinai Akiba will not guarantee a space to returning students; new and continuing students will be
admitted on a first-come-first-taken basis. In such cases, if the school accepts a late contract, a late
fee will be assessed.
Required fees and paperwork
Families are expected to provide completed documents and fees in accordance with the schedules
established by Sinai Akiba. In the event that a family is delinquent in returning required paperwork
or fees, the school reserves the right to exclude students from the school. Please note that openingof-school admissions cards will be emailed only to families who have completed all obligations.
Tuition Fees and Payment Schedule
Tuition payments are due and payable as outlined in your enrollment agreement. Any special
arrangements must be confirmed in writing. Payment of tuition, dues and all other fees including
parking fines are necessary in order to receive an admission card to the school. Tuition payments
begin in the spring prior to the school year. Complete details are found in your enrollment
agreement, attendant document, and on the website. If monthly automatic withdrawals are not
processed by your bank, you will be required to make payment immediately or your child may be
excluded from school.
Tuition Assistance
Tuition assistance is granted on a yearly basis. All tuition assistance must be renewed by application
to the Tuition Assistance Committee each year. Applications may be obtained from the school office
in late fall, at which time the due date for their return will be announced. Receipt of tuition
assistance in one year does not guarantee tuition assistance in subsequent years.
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Continuation of Enrollment
At any time during a child's attendance at Sinai Akiba, continued admission can be denied
due to academic or behavioral concerns or due to a family's failure to cooperate with
school policies.
As a school we are committed to working with the whole child. We understand that matching a child
to the appropriate school can be a complicated undertaking. So, after admitting your child, we
monitor his/her academic and social progress carefully. We have a team of experts who work with
your child’s teachers to make sure that Sinai Akiba Academy can continue to meet your child’s needs.
Sometimes, we cannot. If this is the case because of an academic concern, the school will make
timely contact with you so that you can make appropriate arrangements for the following year.
Departing Students (6th Grade)
Please know that we will always honor and cherish families’ involvement and participation in Sinai
Akiba Academy. As departing 6th graders, your children’s status changes as Akiba community
members. They will become alumni of the school with the opportunity for a continuous and strong
connection to the Sinai Akiba community. Alumni status provides a means for alumni to stay in touch
with each other and the school by:
 Maintaining their current contact information with our alumni committee and alumni
directory.
 Joining our alumni Facebook page and sharing news through the network and the school’s
newsletter, Akiba Achshav/Akiba Now.
 Participating in future alumni reunions and alumni events.
Alumni status affords our departing students these privileges and responsibilities that differ from
currently enrolled students. Since departing students are no longer actively enrolled in SAA, they
cannot attend school socials or dances, vote in student council elections, or hold spaces for their
bar/bat mitzvah party dates.
School Service Commitment
Many school programs could not exist without the support of parents. As outlined in the enrollment
agreement, there is an annual five-hour school service commitment for each family in the school.
There are many opportunities throughout the school year to meet this requirement, but it is up to
each family to volunteer for the specific activity of its choice. A charge of $250.00 will be billed to
those families who do not fulfill their school service hours.
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SINAI TEMPLE BAR/BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
A. The child is required to complete at least five (5) consecutive years of study in our Sinai
Temple Religious School or the child is required to be a student at Sinai Akiba Academy
enrolled by the 5th grade. The family must also be a member of Sinai Temple in good standing
and the family’s account must be current including all membership fees, pledges, tuition and
all other financial obligations. Under no circumstances may a Bar or Bat Mitzvah date
assignment be considered or discussed until these financial obligations are met.
B. If the Bar/Bat Mitzvah candidate does not meet the minimum education requirements as
outlined in Paragraph “A”, a B'nai Mitzvah Eligibility Request Form (“Eligibility Form”) needs
to be completed by the parents of the child. The Eligibility Form is available from the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah Coordinator or the Director of Membership and is submitted to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Coordinator. The Eligibility Form is reviewed by the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Eligibility Committee
(“Committee”). The Committee shall submit in writing to the family the requirements
necessary for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to be scheduled at Sinai Temple (“Requirement Letter”). If
the terms of the Requirement Letter are acceptable and the family agrees to fulfill the
requirements contained in the Requirement Letter, then the family needs to sign the
Requirement Letter and return it to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Coordinator.
C. The information requested in the Eligibility Form includes (i) a copy of the child’s transcripts if
the child has attended another accredited religious school or Jewish day school, and (ii)
written proof of the family’s past congregational membership if not a member of Sinai
Temple during the past three years. If any information provided regarding a child’s enrollment
and attendance in an accredited religious school program, or of the families past synagogue
involvement, is found to be false, inaccurate or misleading, Sinai Temple reserves the right to
deny the scheduling or cancel the assigned date for Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
D. The Eligibility Form shall be reviewed by a committee consisting of members from the
professional staff and the President of the Temple and/or his or her designee. The Committee
shall review the information submitted. The Committee may choose to meet with the family
and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The committee may require the Bar or Bat Mitzvah (i) be delayed (ii)
the child may be required to take additional classes, (iii) the child may be required to obtain a
private tutor, (iv) the child may be requested to complete additional projects and/or
additional assignments. If the family has not been a member of Sinai Temple during the past
three years, the Committee may request a future commitment and/or payment of future
membership dues to Sinai Temple past the date of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The decision of the
Committee is by majority vote. The decision of the Committee is final.
E. The Bar or Bat Mitzvah is minimally required to complete their religious studies for the
balance of the school year in which the celebration takes place. This means that if a Bar or
Bat Mitzvah is celebrating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah service on or after October 1 st of any given
year, they are required to attend an accredited religious school program for the remaining
academic year. Furthermore, students who have completed five (5) years of Religious School
studies or have graduated from Sinai Akiba Academy or another accredited Jewish day school
prior to the year of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah are required to attend Sinai High, a Sinai Program
for graduates of Akiba Academy, Milken Community High School, Shalhevet High School, Los
Angeles Hebrew High School, or an accredited Jewish school in the year of their Bar/Bat
Mitzvah.
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F. Sinai Temple recognizes the needs of committed members of the congregation who have
children with significant learning disabilities. Therefore, private instruction under
the
direction of our Director of Religious School may be discussed. A special Bar or Bat
Mitzvah may be arranged with the Senior Cantor. The family needs to contact the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah Coordinator to set up an appointment with the Director of the Religious School and
the Senior Cantor to discuss the possible alternatives for the child with significant learning
disabilities.
G. Every family celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah at Sinai Temple shall be required to complete the
Confirmation of Enrollment Form. This form evidences the child’s enrollment and attendance
in one of Sinai Temple’s religious school programs or in an accredited Jewish educational
program in compliance with the Eligibility Requirements of Sinai Temple. This form must be
updated as necessary. Parents are required to complete the Confirmation of Enrollment Form
prior to receiving the date for their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony. The form will be
updated at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Orientation, approximately one year prior to the ceremony,
and at the child’s first private Bar/Bat Mitzvah lesson, which occurs approximately six months
prior to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. The form is on file and available in the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah Coordinator’s office. If any information provided regarding a child’s enrollment and
attendance in an accredited religious school program is found to be false, inaccurate or
misleading, Sinai Temple reserves the right to immediately cancel a child’s date for Bar or Bat
Mitzvah and/or Sinai Temple is no longer obligated to schedule a child for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
H. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Fee must be paid in full one year prior to the date of the Bar/Bat
Mitzvah.
I. Failure to comply with the policy of Eligibility for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony may result in
failure to receive a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, and/or immediate postponement or cancellation of
a scheduled date. Notification of a cancellation of a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date shall be in writing
and sent to the mailing address contained in our membership records by U.S. mail with a
return receipt requested. Members that tender their resignation or do not renew their
membership automatically lose their assigned Bar/Bat Mitzvah date.
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COMMITTEES
Sinai Akiba Academy Committee
The Sinai Akiba Academy Committee establishes school policies and guides the school's affairs. The
Committee answers to the Board of Directors of Sinai Temple.
Parents may attend SAA Committee meetings; however, in the interest of time, parent participation
in meetings must be pre-arranged with the SAA chairperson and placed on the agenda. Your
cooperation in this matter is appreciated.
Education Committee
The Education Committee is a subcommittee of, and is accountable to, the Sinai Akiba Academy
Committee. It acts as an advisory board for the head of school. Parents can attend meetings;
however, participation must be pre-arranged with the chairperson.
Development Committee
The Development Committee engages in fundraising, as well as long range and yearly fiscal planning.
The Development Committee is a sub-committee of the Sinai Akiba Academy Committee and
coordinates its activities with PTA and Temple fundraising.
Budget Committee
The SAA Budget Committee assesses the budgetary needs of the school. The committee, along with
the school administration, is charged with creating the budget for the next school year. In addition, it
is their responsibility to review and monitor the current year’s financial performance.
Public Relations & Recruitment Committee
The Recruitment Committee maintains a visible presence for the school in the community and
arranges programs to promote recruitment of new students to the school. These parents act as
Parent Docents at Prospective Parent tours and Open House Events.
Parent Association
The Sinai Akiba Academy PA is an active, effective vehicle for parent participation in the school. Each
parent is automatically a general member of the association. The PA's purpose is to help us sustain a
sense of connectedness with each other. We urge you to see Sinai Akiba Academy not only as your
children's school but as a place of learning for all. Parent participation is often the key to making a
good school an excellent one.
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ADMINISTRATION
Head of School - Dr. Sarah Shulkind
The Head of School is responsible for the daily administration of the school, staff selection, and the
implementation of educational, religious, administrative and fiscal policies.
Lower School Director - Shelley Lawrence
The lower school director supervises all activities and programs for kindergarten through fifth grade,
and supervises general studies curriculum and instruction for those grades. She directs and
coordinates the efforts of both general and Judaic studies teachers in creating a cohesive lower
school program.
Middle School Director – Lindsay Koss
The middle school director supervises all activities and programs for sixth through eighth grades, and
supervises general studies curriculum and instruction for those grades. She directs and coordinates
the efforts of both general and Judaic studies teachers in creating a cohesive middle school program.
She also advises students on secondary school placement.
Judaic Studies Director - Irit Eliyahu
The Judaic studies director supervises all areas of curriculum and instruction for Judaic studies for
both the lower school and middle school. Administratively, she coordinates her efforts with those of
the lower school and middle school directors.
School Rabbi - Andrew Feig
The school rabbi works with the administration on school and religious policies, initiates and plans
family programming related to b'nai mitzvah and other aspects of the spiritual life of the school,
and leads lower and middle school t'filot. The school rabbi also oversees all after school programs.
Administrative Dean - Marcia Fellner
The administrative dean supervises our teacher assistants program, oversees all school
communications, serves as administrative liaison for the PTA, and oversees other operational issues
such as pick-up/drop-off.
Technology Director - Dyvar Anderson
The technology director facilitates developmentally appropriate computer technology hardware,
software, systems and skills in support of the diverse needs our students. In addition, she supports
our educators to embrace technology as they captivate our students with the most effective learning.
She also mentors our IT staff to formulate a clear technology vision for our school.
Admissions Director – Lisa Zide
The admissions director coordinates all procedures relating to the admission of new students,
working under the direction of the Head of School. She staffs the public relations and recruitment
committee.
Communications Director – Jessica Emerson
The communications director oversees all internal and external communications for the school.
Development Director - Janet Rosenblum
Our development director assists and guides the school’s fund-raising efforts. She provides oversight
to the PTA on the annual event and auction, and works closely with parent volunteers on the
development committee, annual giving campaign and the alumni and grandparents associations.
Business Manager - Jeanne Jacobs-Gaffney
The business manager is responsible for the school office, department payroll, budget affairs, and
facilitating on behalf of the faculty and parents with Sinai Temple departments. She supervises the
office staff, staffs the tuition assistance committee, and is the liaison between the school and the
temple finance department.
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