Religious School Newsletter (May – June 2014)

The school year is ending so quickly. May is the closing month of our Religious School year and we are busy with activities until our closing day, May 18.

On Friday night, May 2, the 4th grade class is participating in the Shabbat service at 6:00 p.m. The teachers and students are excited to make this a special and meaningful service. On Wednesday night, May 7, from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. the Jewish War Veterans will present three awards to the 6th grade winners of an essay contest entitled “What does Memorial Day Mean to Me?” This is a wonderful program as the members of the Jewish War Veterans introduce themselves to our students and then listen as the award winning essays are read aloud.

Our students and families will participate in the Mitzvah Day activities on Sunday, May 4! We are counting on our Religious School families to support Mitzvah Day by signing up for activities at the Temple. Walking together as a Temple community in the Walk Against Hunger following Mitzvah Day activities makes the day extra special!

This year we had a wonderful faculty of dedicated, enthusiastic and creative teachers who created a warm, welcoming, and nurturing environment where students learned about our rich traditions and history. Teachers worked well with students with varied learning styles and used different techniques to ensure that leaming was productive for all students. We are fortunate to have them and we thank our teachers and our student assistants for their commitment to Jewish education. I think that we have the best teachers and devoted teen assistants in the community! We had many special programs throughout the year that enhanced our Religious School curriculum. We try to integrate formal and informal education to meet the needs of our students that offer experiential leaming opportunities. Our Religious School continues to grow! I will be busy in the coming months planning for the next school year: book orders, class assignments, hiring faculty, etc. ln order for me to do so, it is important that you return your school registration forms by July 14.Tuition for the first semester along with book and supply fees will be due witl your registration form in July. You will find the registration form along with the parking lot supervision sign up in your June White & Katzrnan bill. If you do not receive the form, please call Joyce at the Temple office at 860-561-1055. There is $50 late fee. Your Temple account must be in good standing for your children to return in the fall. If you need to speak with someone regarding your account, please call the Temple office. Enrollment for Religious School and the High Holy Day tickets will be processed for those whose accounts are up to date.

A big Todah Rabah (thank you) to all parents for your continued support, commitment, and involvement in our Religious School. Our goal of fostering both friendship and learning in our classrooms has been achieved. Your comments and concems, which are always encouraged, help to improve our school. You can always reach me by e-mail new-message24 or by phone at the Temple office. Religious school opens on Sunday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 10.

My wishes to everyone for a healthy and relaxing surnmer.

Rena Citron, Director of Education new-message24