Answers to Your Questions

January 2020   Keeping Connected

During the past week before writing this article, I kept track of some of the many questions that I was asked in the course of my work here at Congregation Shalom. Some of them included, “Do we have class next week?”  “Is Rescue coming to visit again?” “Do you have any chocolate in the office that I can eat?” “Do you know the person ringing the bell at the door?” and “How do you like being the (interim) education director?”

In response to whether we have class or not depends on the calendar for the week. The schedule is complicated so it is important to keep an eye out for various communications that detail upcoming schedules for class. (See January schedule below.) I can tell you that when class is in session, it is important to really try to get your student to class on time. The teachers work hard to plan their lessons and truly want all the students to be able to be part of the whole lesson. When students regularly come late to class, it disrupts the flow of the class and creates distraction. Please make an effort to help to get your student to class on time.

The visit from Rescue and Jessica and Patrick has been a highlight of the year (so far!) Though there are no plans at this time to have them visit again, we can all continue to donate to the tzedakah project to help the NEADS organization so that many more people can be paired up with a service dog. Check out the tzedakah board to see the great progress we are making. (See photos below!)

I do on occasion have chocolate in the office but it does not stay for long! I do have snacks and juice if anyone needs a little pick me up (students, staff, madrich and you!)

The security committee continues to work tirelessly to help keep our school and building safe. It is great how our community is working together to keep an eye on the front door. Please remember, that at this time, we are asking that all students are accompanied by an adult into the building and out of the building. I know that it can sometimes feel easier to not come into the building, but it is for the safety of all and, we love to see you in the building!

These first six months of helping to run the Religious/Hebrew School at Congregation Shalom has been a wonderful experience. I am fortunate to get to work together with so many caring, kind and supportive people and I would not be able to do this work alone.  One of my favorite parts about Congregation Shalom is the community and in my work, the community could not be stronger. Together, we are all (teachers, staff, Rabbi, School Committee, madrichim, students, families, friends, and everyone else) working to help run a successful learning environment. I hope that as we begin a new calendar year we can continue to support and encourage each other with open communication, understanding and great joy. In this way, I know that school will continue to be a successful learning environment and a place that students and families enjoy being part of each week.

Schedule for January

January 5 – School is back in session (Preschool, K-7)

January 8 – Hebrew School, Chai School Session 2 begins

January 10 – 2nd grade class dinner and Shabbat service

January 12 – Religious School, Grade 6 Family Ed

January 14 – Post Confirmation

January 15 – Hebrew School, Ma’ariv Service (staff led), Chai School

January 19 – No School (MLKing weekend)

January 22 – Hebrew School, Chai School

January 26 – NO PRESCHOOL, Religious school in session for K-7, Grade 7 trip to mikvah

January 29 – Hebrew School, Chai School