CutlerJewishDaySchoolFamilyHandbook

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CutlerJewishDaySchool RabbiMeirMuller782-1831 5827TrenholmRoad,Columbia,SC29260

DearFamilies,

Thefollowinghandbookoffersinformationaboutourprogram.Thehandbookisanevolvingdocumentasourprogramisconstantlystrivingtogrowandenhancethehighqualityofcareandeducationweprovide.Thefollowingareourschoolpriorities:

AcademicrigorwithanemphasisoninquiryWebelievethatyoungchildrenconstructknowledgebyexperimentingandexploringwithmaterials,reRlecting,askingquestions,andsharingideas.Ourteachersplanexplorationsthatincorporatestandards,assesseachchild,andstrivetocreatestudentswhoarecriticalthinkers.

ActiveNurturingActivenurturingistheloveandcareweprovidetothecommunityofourschoolonadailybasis.Activenurturingthecenterpieceofourschool,andwevaluethemutualrespectitfostersbetweenourfamiliesandstaff.Activenurturingisalsorecognizedbyourpersistenceintailoringourcurriculumtomeeteachstudent’sindividualneedsasalearner.Wearecommittedtomaximizingthecognitive,spiritual,andsocial-emotionaldevelopmentofourstudentsinasafelearningenvironment.

JewishLifeSkillsTheJudaiccurriculumisfocusedondevelopingchildrenwhohaveJewishlifeskills.Thismeansthat

o Childrenexploretheholidays,history,culture,andcustomsofJudaismthroughdailyhands-onjoyfulcelebrationandpracticeoftheMitzvot(Torahdirectives).

o Inpreschool,Hebrewphrasesareused.Inelementaryschool,wefocusonspeaking,readingandwritingIvrit(Hebrew).Hebrewisviewedasalivingheritagelanguage.WealsostriveforalastingconnectionwiththelandandpeopleofIsrael.

Praxis/SocialJusticePraxismeanstranslatinganideaintopracticalaction.Wevaluesocialjustice,andwebelievethateachpersoncanchangetheworld.Childrenaretaughtthatsmallactsofkindnessandlargersocialjusticeprojectsarepartoftheirlives.Facilitatingthechildren’srecognitionoftheseopportunitiesisoneofthehighestgoalsoflearning.

Weareattunedtoourstudentsconstructingknowledge,couplingwithfamiliestobestservechildren,andappreciatingthelaughterandjoyaschildrenworktogether.CJDSisanenvironmentfocusedonthesafety,careandacademicneedsofyourchildren.NAEYC2.A.01

Sincerely,

RabbiMeirMuller

SUBJECTS COVERED IN THIS HANDBOOK

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Accessibility of families Kosher Accreditation LeadershipAfternoon program Lost and foundAllergies LunchesAnimals/Pets Medication PolicyArrivals Primary responsibilityAssembly Standardized testingAssessment Technology Assistant principal (Principals as of 2016) Tuition rates Behavior management VisitorsBreast FeedingBottles USC students Addendum 1 – Draft Harassment/Abuse PolicyBirthdays Addendum 2 – Signature requiredClass Hebrew namesClass Placement Addendum 3 – Tracking Clothing Addendum 4 – Suspected IntoxicationCommunication Addendum 5 – Breast Feeding Community ResourcesConferencesConflict resolution/guidanceCurriculumDiaperingDismissalDressEmergencies/emergency transportEmergency drillsEnrollmentFamily concernsFamily/staff relationshipsHand washingHarassment HealthHolidaysImmunizationsInclement weather or emergency closingInclusionJewish/Hebrew Curriculum

AccessibilityCJDSbelievesthatappropriatefamilymembersshouldalwayshaveaccesstotheirchildren.Hence,afamilymemberonachild’slisthasopendooraccesstothatchildatanytimeoftheschoolday.

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Allfamiliesareexpectedtokeeptheschoolapprisedoftheircurrentaddress,employment,home,andworktelephonenumbers.Inacasewhereafamilymemberisnotreachable,theemergencycontactnumberonthechild’sregistrationformwillbecalled.

AccreditationCJDSisaccreditedbytheNationalAssociationoftheEducationofYoungChildren(NAEYC),theSouthCarolinaIndependentSchoolAssociation(SCISA)andtheMerkosBoardofJewishDaySchools.

AfternoonprogramTheafternoonprogramprovidesanenrichingenvironmentforstudents.Toddlerandpreschoolchildrenstartaftercareat1:00p.m.andelementarystudentsat2:45p.m.Thefollowingisasampleschedulefortheafternoonprogram.

1:00-2:15 Familiescanchoosetohavechildrennaporplay(manychildrenstartnappriorto1:00).

2:15-2:30 Handwashingandsnack2:30-4:00 Childrenexploreclassroomlearningcenters4:00-5:00 Outsideplay5:00-5:45 Insideactivitiessuchasliteracy,art,andstorytelling

Afterschoolcareendsat5:00p.m.onFriday.Ifyouknowyouwillbelateanyday,pleasecalltheschoolofRice.After4:00,pleaseRirstcalltheofRicetoinformoflatepickup.IfyoucannotreachanyoneintheofRice,pleasecallMs.Kellyonhercellphone:(803)315-1718.

AllergiesFamiliesshouldenterallallergiesonthechild’sregistrationformandtellanystaffmemberthatinteractswiththechild.Thefollowingaresomeoftheschool’sprecautionsindealingwithallergies.

o Anallergysignwithpicturesofaffectedstudentsispostedineachclassroom.o Achildwithanallergyeatslunchatasmallertablewithchildrenwhoareknownnottobring

foodthatmaycontainallergens.o Astaffmembertakesprimeresponsibilityforrepackinglunchboxestomakesurethatno

itemsarepackedthatdonotbelongtothechild,forwipingallchildrenhandsafterlunch,andforcheckingtheallergyposterhangingineachroom.

o Staffisalsoonalertforallergiestochallahorbirthdaycupcakes.o Wealsorequestthatfamiliesnotsendinbreakfastitemswithachild,aschildrenwhowalkin

whilestilleatingcannotbeproperlymonitored.

Animals/Pets:Arrangementsforclasspetsoranimalsvisitingfromhomemustbemadebeforeanyanimalenterstheclassroom.Teacherswillconsideranyallergiespresentinthegroupandensurethatanychildallergictoananimalisnotexposedtothattypeofanimal.Animalsmustappearingoodhealthandtheirownersmustprovidedocumentationfromaveterinarianoranimalsheltertoshowthattheanimalisfullyimmunized(ifappropriate)andthattheanimalissuitableforcontactwithchildren.Staffneedstobeconsultedbeforereptilesvisit,astherecanbeariskofsalmonellapoisoning.Teachingstaffisresponsibletocloselysuperviseallinteractionsbetweenchildrenandanimalsandtoinstructthechildreninsafeandappropriatebehaviorswithanimals.(NAEYC5.C.05)

Arrivals:7:30-8:45Afamilymembermustaccompanyallchildrenarrivingforprecaretotheprecareroom.Adults

o Superviseyourchild’shandwashingo Notifythestaffmemberintheroomthatyourchildispresent

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o Finishgood-byeroutine8:45andlaterAfamilymembermustaccompanyallchildrenarrivingforschooltotheclassroom.Adults

o Superviseyourchild’shandwashingo Notifythestaffmemberintheroomthatyourchildispresentsothattheycanbesignedinto

theattendancerollo Finishgood-byeroutine

Elementary students should arrive in time to be in class at 8:15.(NAEYC10.D.06)

Assessment:Assessmentistheprocessofgatheringinformationfromseveralformsofevidence,thenorganizingandinterpretingthatinformation.Assessmentisanintegralpartofourprogram.Inonesenseassessmentsaredoneeverydayandformallysenthomethreetimesayear.Familiescanalsorequestanassessmentatanytime(NAEYC4.A.02).Assessmentsofchildren,staff,administrationandtheprogramasawholeareconductedinthefollowingmanner:

ChildrenInourpreschool,weusetheASQ(AgesandStagesQuestionnaire)toassesschildren.Thesearecompletedthreetimeseachyear(November,February,andMay)(NAEYC4.A.02).Thisvalid,research-basedperformanceassessmentisdesignedtocheckachild’sgeneraldevelopment.ASQtracksthegrowthofchildrenacrossdevelopmentalareas(social/emotional,physical,andcognitive).Theassessmentsareusedtoassistteachersinadaptingcurriculum,lessonplans,activities,andenvironmenttomeetachild’sspeciRicneedsandinterests.TheyalsohelptheschoolidentifychildrenwhomightbeneRitfromspecialservicesandassisttheteachersincommunicatingchildren’sprogresstofamilies.(NAEYC4.A.03)

Furthermore,eachchildhasanindividualportfolio.Thisinformalassessmenttoolcontainsavarietyofmaterialsthatdocumentthechild’sgrowthanddevelopment.Documentationmethodsmayincludeworksamples,photos,teacher’sobservations,anecdotalrecords,audiorecordings,otherchecklists,andratingscales.Portfoliosaresharedwithfamiliesateachconference.

Writtenconferencenarrativesareprovidedtoeachfamilyatconferences;assessmentsareemailedhometofamiliesthatcannotattendconferences(andgiventothefamilyiftheydonothaveemail)(NAEYC4.A.02).Aswithmanyaspectsoftheschool,assessmentisviewedasateameffort.Familiesareaskedtosupplyinformationabouttheirchildthroughwrittendocumentationandinconferences.Familiesareencouragedtobeactiveparticipantsthroughouttheschoolyearbycontinuingtoshareinformationnotonlyduringconferencesbutwhenevernecessary(NAEYC4.A.02).Wealsoinvitefamiliestodiscussthetypesofassessmentsduringconferences.Ourgoalistoachieveconsensuswithfamiliesaboutourassessmentmethods.

Attheendoftheschoolyear,muchoftheportfoliocontentwillbesenthome.Teachersmakecopiesofthedevelopmentalchecklistsandtheseareincludedineachchild’spermanentRiles.Assessmenttoolsarealsousedasindicatorsoftheoverallprogramssuccessandareasofimprovement.Thegatheredinformationhelpsguidetheprogramandplanningforthenextschoolyear.

Inkindergarten,Rirst,andsecondgradeweassessstudentsusingportfolioassessment,narrativesanddevelopmentalchecklists.OldergradeshavegradespostedonJupiterGrades.(https://jupitergrades.com/login/).

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ThestaffiscommittedtoconRidentialitysurroundingchildrenandtheirassessment.Documentsarehousedinasecuremannerandsharedonlywiththosedirectlyinvolvedinsupportingthechild.Staffwillnotdiscussindividualchildren,theirprogress,orclassroomsituationsatanytimewhenothersmayheartheconversationorwithanyoneoutsideofthechild’simmediatefamily.Familiesarealwayswelcometoscheduleameetingifaconcernshouldarise.(NAEYC2.A.05,2.A.06,4.A.02,4.E.02,4.E.04,4.E.06,4.E.07,7.B.03,7.B.04)

StaffTheadministrationevaluatesstaffannually.Observationsbytheprincipalandassistantprincipalaswellascontentofnewslettersandotherwrittenmaterialareusedintheassessmentprocess.Eithertheprincipaland/orassistantprincipalwillmeetwitheachstaffmembertodiscussthecontentsofthereport.

PrincipalTheCJDSBoardusesthePrincipal’sjobdescriptionasthetoolforthePrincipal’sannualevaluation.StaffandfamiliesassessthePrincipalthroughsurveyresultsandarewelcometocontacttheBoardpresidenttohelpinthisassessment.

OverallprogramAssessmentoftheoverallprogramisbasedonregularfeedbackfromourfamiliesandstaff.ReRlectionontheprogramtakesplaceonamonthlybasisatmeetingsbetweenthePrincipalandassistantPrincipal.ThePrincipalalsousestheParent-Teacher-Organization(PTO)feedbacktoassesstheschool.Familyandstaffsurveysareusedtoassesstheprogramandareusedforplanning.Periodicevaluationsarealsoconductedbyoutsideprofessionals/organizationsincludingtheSouthCarolinaDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS),SouthCarolinaDepartmentofHealthandEnvironmentalControl(DHEC),SCISA,andNAEYC.ExpertsfromtheearlychildhoodcommunityandtheUniversityofSouthCarolinaarealsoinvitedtoassesstheschool.

AssistantPrincipal:TheroleofAssistantPrincipal(changedtoprincipalsin2016)istoprovidesupportforchildren,teachingstaff,andfamilies/families.Supportisprovidedinthreeways:StudentSupport

o Followdevelopmentalprogressofchildrenthroughouttheprogramthroughclassroomobservationanddiagnostictoolswhennecessary

o Provideindividualresourceo Provideinitialindividualcounseling

Staffsupporto Meetregularlywithteacherstomonitorstudentdevelopmentandprogresso Meetregularlywithteacherstomonitortheireffectivenessandjobsatisfactiono Providesupportandsuggeststrategiesforstudentinstructionandbehavioralmanagemento ParticipateingenerationofandmaintenanceofEducationPlansfordesignatedchildreno Provideresourcematerialso Provideuptodatelistofchildandfamilysupportservicesinthecommunityo Supportandoverseetheinclusionprocesso Supportcollegialrelationsamongstaff

FamilySupporto Communicateconcernsregardingchildren'sdevelopmentthatincludesdocumentation,

explanations,suggestednextsteps,andreferralstooutsideprofessionalsbasedonidentiRiedneedsforhealth,mentalhealth,assessmentand/oreducationalservices

o Encouragefamiliestoadvocatetoobtainneededserviceso SupportfamilieswithachildwhohasanEducationPlanwiththedevelopmentand

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o Actasaliaisonbetweenschool,families,andoutsideprofessionalso Provideeducationalopportunitiesandfamilysupporto Providesupportincommunicationbetweenfamiliesandstaff

Attendancepolicy:Theelementarystudent’sschooldayisveryfull.Itisimpossibleforyourchild’steachertosendhomealltheassignmentscompletedduringachild’sabsence.Introductionsofnewconceptsandskills,math“games,”scienceexperiments,languageexperiences,etc.cannotbesenthome.Yourchildwillmissexperiencesthatcannotbeduplicated.Weunderstandtheneedforsomeabsencesandfeelchildrenshouldcertaintyremainathomewhenill,butweaskfamiliestobereRlectiveaboutmultipledaysmissed.

Ifyourchildisabsentformorethanaday,pleaseemailtheteacherorcalltheschooltoRindoutifworkneedstobepickedupfromschool.

After10absences,thefamilymaybeaskedtomeetwiththeprincipaltodiscusstheabsences.Studentsabsentformorethantwentydaysruntheriskofbeingineligibleforpromotion.

BEHAVIORMANAGEMENT:NAEYC1.B.09and1.B.10ThefocusoftheCutlerJewishDaySchool’schildguidancepolicyisonbuildingself-worth,increasingsocialcompetenceandenhancingthedignityofeachchild.Allguidanceanddisciplinetechniquesusedattheschoolshallbeinaccordancewiththispositiveemphasis.Webelievethatchildrenwhoaregiventhetechniquestosolvesocialproblemsthemselveswillgaininself-regulationandsocialskills.

Stepsinaddressingbehaviors:

ThefocusoftheCutlerJewishDaySchool’schildguidancepolicyisonbuildingself-worth,increasingsocialcompetenceandenhancingthedignityofeachchild.Allguidanceanddisciplinetechniquesusedattheschoolshallbeinaccordancewiththispositiveemphasis.Webelievethatchildrenwhoaregiventhetechniquestosolvesocialproblemsthemselveswillgaininself-regulationandsocialskills.

Stepsinaddressingbehaviors:OccasionalchallengingbehaviorStaffwillimplementclassroomtechniqueswhileremainingcalmandrespectfultothechildandwhileprovidingsafetyforthechildandtheotherchildrenintheroom.

o Redirection(orguidingchildren)isrecommendedtomodelandshowchildrenacceptablesocial,communicationandemotionalskills.

o ClassroommodiRicationsmaybeimplementedwhennecessary.Thesecanincludechangestotheenvironment,activitiesorteachingstrategies.

o Positiverolemodelingo Proactiveinterventiono Teacherdirectedproblemsolvingo Removalfromgrouptimeo Discussionwithdirector

TeacherwillmaintainrecordstoassistinbehaviormodiRicationandparentswillbecontactedwhendeemedappropriate.Continuedchallengingbehavior

o Principalwillbealertedforguidance.o Familieswillbecontactedbyphone,text,emailornote.AbehaviormodiRicationplanwillbe

setupwiththefamiliesinput.�7

o Continuesrecordswillbemaintained(includingpositivebehavior).o HeadofSchoolwillbealertedandcanberequestedtoattendmeeting.

Whenbehaviordoesnotchangeo Observationbytheprincipalo Meetingwithfamily,teachingstaff,andprincipaltodevelopaplanofaction.o Teachingassistantwillmonitorchild.o Progressupdateswillbecreatedbytheteacherandsenttoallstakeholderso Regularmeetingswilloccurtomonitorprogressofthesituation.

Thefollowingareexamplesofdisciplinetechniquesnotpermitted:o Corporalpunishmentorphysicalforceisneverallowed.NAEYC1.B.09o Achildisnevertobedeprivedoffood,water,anaporrestorbathroomfacilities.NAEYC1.B.

10o Achildisnevertobephysicallyrestrictedinanywayunlesshisorheractionswouldbring

harmtoselforothers.o Anadultshallneveraddressachildharshly,withthreats,intimidationorridicule.NAEYC1.B.

10o Unsupervisedisolationofachildisneverallowed.Ifachildmustbeisolatedfromthegroup,

he/shemustbeattendedbyamemberoftheteachingteam.Thelengthoftheseparationshallbeappropriatetotheageofthechildandtheindividualcircumstances(ex-age3-4,threeminutesorage4-5Riveminutes).Useofatimercanhelpthechildmonitorthelengthoftime.

Adultsarenevertodiscussachild’sbehaviorwithanotheradultinthepresenceofotherchildrenorotherparents.WrittenorverbalreportstoparentsregardingconRlictsordisagreementsbetweenchildrenshallnotincludethenameofthechildwhoactedinanaggressivemanner.Consequencesforinappropriatebehaviorshouldbeindividuallyassigned.Theentireclassshouldnotbereprimandedforthebehaviorofafewchildren.

Birthdays:Eachchildisencouragedtocelebratehisorherbirthdayinschool.Todecreaseontheintakeofsugaryfoods,theschoolismovingtocelebratemonthlybirthdaypartiesinclass(allchildrenbornduringamonthwillcelebrateonthesameday).Theschoolwillprovidecupcakesandwater.Familiesareaskednottobringanyadditionalfoodorgoodiebags.Theschoolonlyhandsoutbirthdayinvitationsifeveryoneintheclassisinvited.Theschoolstronglysuggeststhatifthemajorityofchildrenofbothgendersareinvitedtoapartythenallthechildrenareinvited.Excludingoneortwochildrencancausehurtfeelingsanddecreasesthecommunitygoodwill.

BottlesCJDSstaffprovidesbottlesforinfantsandtoddlers.ChildrenwhocannotsitupareheldwhytheyhavebottlesChildrenwhocansitareeitherhelportheysitwhiletheyhavetheirbottle.Bottlesarenevergiventochildrenincribsorbedsandneverpropped.Toddlers/twosdonotcarrybottles,sippycups,orregularcupswiththemwhilecrawlingorwalking.TeachingstaffofferchildrenRluidsfromacupassoonasthefamiliesandteachersdecidetogetherthatachildisdevelopmentallyreadytouseacup.

BreastFeedingPolicy:PleaseseeaddendumRive

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ClassHebrewNames:Eachpre-kindergartenclasshasaHebrewnamethattranslatesaspartofaplant,toreRlectdevelopmentalprogress.InfantClass-HebrewName–T’Nokeya(Colloquialismforyoungchild).Onesclass-HebrewName–Zereh-SeedsOnesclass–HebrewName–Shoresh-RootsTwosclass-HebrewName–Giv’all–StemTwosclass-HebrewName–Nevet–SproutsThreesclass-HebrewName–Alva-LeavesFours–HebrewName–Tzemach–PlantThesenameswerechosentosignifytheschool’safRinitywithnature,anunderstandingofdevelopmentalmilestones,andourconnectiontotheHebrewlanguage.

ClassPlacementFollowingtheSouthCarolinastatepolicy,childrenareplacedintheclasscorrespondingtotheirageasofSeptemberRirst(oneonSeptemberRirstareinoneyearoldclass,etc.….). As of 2017 no exceptions are made to this policy.

Clothing:Pleasedressyourchildforactiveplayandlearningwithcasual,washableclothesandwell-Rittingshoeswithbacks.Children'sclothingmustbeappropriatefortheweatherandseason.Wewillbegoingouteveryday,exceptforheavyraindays,sodressyourchildaccordingly.Incoldweatherpleasedressyourchildinlayeredclothing.

Pleasesendyourchildwithacompletechangeoflabeledclothinginalabeledplasticbag.Aswinterapproachesasetofclothesforcoldweathershouldbesenttoschool,andreplacedbywarmweatheritemsagaininthespring.(NAEYC5.A.07)

Communication:CJDSstrivesforopencommunicationbetweenfamiliesandstaff.Childreninouryoungestclasses(onesandtwos)receivedailynotesfromtheirteacher.Preschoolteacherssendweeklyclassnewsletters,andelementaryschoolteacherssendperiodicnewsletters.Weeklyschoolwideemails,weeklyFacebookupdates,weeklywebpageupdatesalongwithmonthlycalendars,andspecialnotesareallusedtohelpkeepfamiliesinformedaboutschoolactivitiesandtheirchildren'sactivitiesandprogress.Almostallcommunicationisdoneviaemailunlessotherwiserequested.

Goodcommunicationallowsourstaffandfamiliestoworktogethertomakedecisionsabouthowtobestsupportchildren'sdevelopmentandlearningand/orhowtohandledifficultiesthatarise.Afamily’sknowledgeaboutitschildrenisconsideredessentialtoourongoingassessmentandplanningforeachchild.Inordertobesensitivetoeachchildandhisfamilyneeds,ourstaffisinterestedinlearningaboutandaccommodatingthevariousculturesandlanguagesrepresentedinourschoolcommunity.Familiesareencouragedtosharetheirneedswithourstaff.

CommunityResources:CJDSstaffandadministrationareawareofavarietyofcommunityresourcesavailabletofamiliesincluding,butnotlimitedto,BabyNet(SouthCarolinaFirstSteps),InterfaithFamilyResourceandReferral,andspecialistsinchildpsychology,occupationaltherapy,etc.FamiliesseekingassistanceshouldcontactRabbiMeir.JewishFamilyService(803-787-2023ext.220),partoftheColumbiaJewishFederation,isanorganizationthatwillhelpanystafforfamilieswithmanyissuesincludingsupportinwellness,preventionandtreatmentofdepression,andstressmanagement.(NAEYC10.D.09)

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Conferences:Asstatedundertheassessmentsection,preschoolfamilieshavethreescheduledyearlyconferences.Elementaryfamilieshaveconferencestwiceayear(winterandspring).Eithertheteacherorthefamilymayrequestadditionalconferencesanytime.

Inordertosupportourchildren'slearninganddevelopment,itisrecommendedthatwhenfamilymemberswhoareseparated,divorcedornolongerlivingunderthesameroofwanttoparticipateinconferences,theyattendtheseconferencesatthesametime.InsituationswherethisisnotbeneRicial,alternativearrangementscanbemade.

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CONFIDENTIALITY:

ConYidentialityconcerningchildrenisofutmostimportance.TeacherswillNOTdiscussindividualchildrenatdrop-off/pickuporinthehallsatschoolwhereothersarepresent.Familiespresentinthebuildingasvolunteersorguestsarealsoexpectedtorespectchildren'sconYidentialitybynotrelayingsituation/problemstheyobservetoothers.AllchildYileswillbekeptsecure/lockedwithaccessbeingopentotheprincipal,assistantprincipal,andDSS.(NAEYC4.E.07)

ConYlictresolution/guidance:Thegoalofguidanceisforthechildtodevelophisorherownrulesofbehaviorthatareconsistentwithfamilyandsocialexpectations.Inlinewiththebehavioralpoliciesstatedinthishandbook,conRlictresolutionshouldencouragechildrentoself-regulateandtakecontroloftheiractions.Childrenneedsomecontrolsandlimitsastheylearntoadjusttosocietalstandards.Childrenfeelmoresecureiftheyknowwhatisexpectedofthem.

AmongchildrenconRlictswillarise.ThestaffatCJDSfocusesonbeingproactive,especiallywiththeyoungestofourchildren.Ourhighteachertostudentratioallowsstafftoknoweachchild,anticipatebehavior,anduseredirectionstrategies.Ourabundanceofmaterialsalsohelpswithsharingandotherissuesoftenfoundinpreschoolclasses.

WhenconRlictdoesarise,staffwilladdressthesituation,identifywhathashappenedandassistthechildren(asageappropriate)inidentifyingfeelings,describingproblem,andtryingalternativesolutions.Helpingthechildrenwithappropriatewords,role-playingandproblemsolvingstrategiescanendaconRlictandpreparechildrentominimizefutureconfrontations.

Adults(families,teachers,andsupportstaff)canhelpchildrenlearnacceptablebehaviorbyo Modelingacceptablebehavioro Reinforcingappropriatebehaviorthroughpositivecommentsandnonverbalresponseso Avoidingnegativecommentsoractionsthatmightlabelorshameachildo Offeringlimitedchoicesoralternativeswheneverpossibleandrespectingchildren'sdecisionso Helpingchildrenunderstandthenaturalconsequencesoftheirbehavioro Designinganenvironmentthatinhibitsundesirablebehavioro Establishinghome/classschedulesandroutinessothechildknowswhatisexpected

Whenbehaviorisunacceptable,adultsmayhelpbyo Ignoringtheundesirablebehavior(wherethebehaviorisnotharmfultothechildorothers)o Reinforcingtheproperbehavioro Redirectingthebehaviorwithoutcallingattentiontothenegativebehavior(i.e.touch

shoulder,standclose,andmodel)o SeeFamilyConcerns/GrievancePolicy(CJDSStaffHandbook)forinformationonconRlict

resolutionamongadultsWhenbehaviorisconsistentlyunacceptable,adultsmayhelpby

o Takingintoconsiderationanyillnessorout-of-schoolsituationwhichmightleadtothebehavior

o Removingthechildfromthesituation(seeStaffHandbook)o Bringingbehaviortotheattentionofallconcerned,discussingpossiblecauses,andplanning

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Curriculum(Preschool):Ourpreschoolcurriculumhasbeencarefullyplannedtoprovidethebestdevelopmentallyappropriateexperiencepossibleforyourchild.Thecurriculumatourschoolisbasedupontheconstructivist(inquiry)approachanddevelopmentallyappropriatepractice.Ourcurriculumincorporatesthefollowingresourcesasaframeworkforplanningandenvironment:CreativeCurriculumbyJonesandDodge(toensureallactivitiesaredevelopmentallyappropriate)andNAEYCguidelinesbySueBredekamp&CarolCopple.HebrewinstructionusestheTalAmCurriculum.JudaicinstructionisaneclecticapproachbasedontheworkofFredaRobbinsandSheindalMuller.OurworkisalsoguidedbytheReggioEmiliaapproach.

Activitiesandexperiencesareplannedforthetotalgroup,smallgroups,andindividualchildren.Thedailyscheduleincludesactiveandquiettimes,largeandsmallmotoractivities,andchild-initiatedandstaff-initiatedactivities.Outdoorplayisscheduledeachday.

ThecurriculumisRlexibleandchild-centeredandispartofthetotalschoolprogram.TheCJDSstaffselectstopicsforexplorationandinvestigationbasedontheinterestofchildrenandfamilies.Thesetopicsguidetheteachers'planningforclassroomactivities.TheSouthCarolinaEarlyChildhoodStandardsandObjectivesarereRlectedinourcurriculum.Anoverarchingcomponentofthecurriculumisthatitisculturallyrelevant.CJDSdeRinesculturallyrelevantasacurriculumthatfocusesondevelopmentofeachchildinacademicsrelatedtotheirculture,culturalcompetenceandsocialpoliticalconsciousness.Usingthesethreeideastheadministrationleadstheteachersincreatingcurriculumthatallowsforeveryfamily’scultureandlinguisticdiversitytobeseenandvalued.Thisisbutabriefoutlineofourcurriculum,andweencouragefamiliestovisitCJDSandreviewthecurriculumwithRabbiMeir.(NAEYC2.A.01,2.A.02,2.A.04and3.F.01)

Curriculum(Elementary):OurschoolcoversallgoalslistedintheCommonCoreStateStandards.Weteachinaninquiry-basedmethodthatutilizesWholeLanguageasaphilosophyandphonicsasatool.Ourteachingmethodischildcenteredwithanemphasisoftheamazingabilitiesofyoungchildrentoconstructknowledge.Weseetextbooksasoneofmanytools,andweuseworkbooksintheareasofgrammarandhandwriting.Wealsouseselectedwebsites,includingthemathematicssiteIXL.

Diapering:Eachfamilyshouldprovidedisposablediapersandspecialcreams.Weaskthatonlycommerciallyavailablediapersorpull-upsbesentunlessamedicalreasondoesnotpermittheiruse.Pleasebesurethatyourchildalwayshasanadequatesupplyoftheseveryimportantitems.Adiapernotewillbesenthomeifthestaffnoticesthesupplyisrunninglow.Diaperchangingfollowsthepostedprocedures.

Dismissal:Eachfamilymembermustsignouthisorherchildatpickup.Pickuptimesare1:00,2:45,and5:45(5:00onFriday).Childrenareonlyallowedtoleavewithafamilymemberoradultlistedontheirpick-uplist.Nootheradultwillbeallowedtopickupachild.Eachpersononthepick-uplistwillneedtoshowidentiRication(driver’slicense)untilthestaffrecognizeshimorher.Ifapersonisrunninglateandwillnotmakethe5:45closingtimeorthe5:00closingtimeonFridaypleasecalltheschoolofRice.After4:00pleaseRirstcalltheofRicetoinformoflatepickup.IfyoucannotreachanyoneintheofRicepleasecallMs.Kellyonhercellphone,(803)315-1718.

Dress:

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Inorderforchildrentostudyandplay,happilyandsafely,clothingmustbeappropriate.Therefore,wesuggestthefollowing: Socksshouldalwaysbeworn,togetherwithcomfortablewell-Rittingshoes,sandals,orsneakers(nobacklessshoes,RlipRlopsorjellies).Allouterclothing,especiallysweatshirts,sweaters,andjacketsshouldbeclearlymarkedwiththechild’sname.

Secondgradeandolderboysmustwearaheadcovering.Kippot(yarmulkes)arealwaysavailableinschool,orachildcanwearabaseballcaporotherhat. Nolargehoopearringsarepermitted.

Emergencies/emergencytransport:Itisimportantthatstudentinformationbecarefullycompleted,withspecialcaregiventothelistingofallergies,thephysiciananddentisttelephonenumbers,andthenumbersofthosepersonstobecontactedincaseofanemergency.Shouldachildbecomeillwhileatschool,wewillcontactthefamilyimmediately.Ifnofamilymembercanbereached,wewillcallthealternateemergencytelephonenumber.

Whenachild'shealthrequiresimmediatemedicalattentionthatcannotbeadministeredinschool,thefollowingstepswillbetaken:

o Call911torequestimmediateassistance(ifdeemednecessarybyadministrator).Examplesincludebrokenbones,seizures,poison,concussions,etc.

o Callthefamilymembers,orifnotavailable,thentheemergencycontactpersono ChildwillbetransportedbyambulancetohospitalindicatedonformorProvidenceHospital

onForestDrive.o Gatherappropriatemedicalinformation/paperworktocarrywiththechildo RabbiMeir,KellyStanton,orappointedstaffpersonaccompaniesthechildintheambulance,

ifpermitted,orfollowsbycartothehospital.Thisschoolrepresentativeremainswiththechilduntilthefamiliesarriveandarebriefed.

(NAEYC10.D.06)

EmergencySchoolClosing:Incaseofinclementweather,CJDSwillfollowtheRichlandSchoolDistrictOnepolicyonopeningandclosingfortheRirstdayoftheweatheremergency(snow,hurricane,etc.).However,ifthedistrictclosesonlybecauseof“extremecold”CJDSwillremainopen.

Ifthepublicschoolsareonadelayedstart,CJDSwillbeginat9:30.However,thisisonlyifthereisprecipitationorelectricityoutage.Ifthedelayedstartisdueonlyto“extremecold”CJDSwillstartontime.Shouldweatherconditionsdeteriorateduringthedayrequiringthatweclosebefore5:45p.m.familiesand/oremergencycontactswillbenotiRiedbyphone.

Ifthepublicschoolsareclosedformorethanoneday,CJDSdelayorclosing(forthesecondorsubsequentdays)willbeannouncedviaanemail,Facebook,andonthelocaltelevisionstationsandtheschool’swebsite.

Althoughitisgenerallyourpolicytofollowthepublic-schoolschedule,theremaybetimesthatCJDSfeelsschoolcanoperateandhencewillhaveschool.Ofcourse,familiescandecidetokeeptheirchildrenathome.

Asaprivateschool,anymisseddaysduetoinclementweatherwillnotbemadeup.

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Emergencydrills:WeholdemergencydrillsforemergenciesincludingRire,tornadoandearthquakeperiodically.Evacuationplansarepostedinallrooms.OfRicepersonnelareassignedtoassistinevacuatingouryoungestchildren.Staffcarriesclassrollbooksandemergencybagsforevacuations.

Enrollment:IdealclassenrollmentsatCJDSP1 2staff,10childrenP2 2staff,14childrenP3 2staff,18childrenP4 2staff,18childrenK 2staff,18children1-5 1staff,12children

EnrollmentrequiressubmissionofallRinancialformsandallformsrequiredbytheSouthCarolinaDepartmentofSocialServices(DSS).TheseincludebutarenotlimitedtoaCertiRicateofImmunizationandacopyofthechild'shealthform/physicalsignedbyadoctor.Familiesareencouragedtomakearrangementstovisitschoolwiththeirchildrentoacquaintthechildrenwiththestaff,environmentandclassmatespriortotheirRirstdayofschool.

Evacuation Primary and secondary evacuation procedures are posted in each room and are practiced.

In the event of a tornado warning, all children should be brought to the social hall. Teachers must bring their attendance reports. Principal will ensure that all children are out of the classrooms.

Familyconcerns:Whenfamilieshaveaconcernabouteducational,social,orsafetyissues,interactionswithstaff,oranyotherissueconcerningCJDSandtheirchild,theyinformtheschool.CJDSwillmakeeveryefforttoaddresstheseconcernsinatimelymanner,andfamiliesareinvitedtomakeappointmentswiththechild'steacher,Ms.KellyStanton,and/orRabbiMeirMuller.RabbiMeirfollowsupeachconferencewithawrittensummaryoftheconference.AnyconcernnotyetresolvedcanbeaddressedbywritingalettertotheSchoolBoardpresident.

ItisimportantthatallfamiliesfeelcomfortablediscussingmatterswiththestaffatCJDS.Aschoolisonlyasstrongasallofthepeopleinvolved–children,staff,familiesandboardmembers.Weallhavearesponsibilitytoworktogethertosolveproblems.

Family/StaffRelationships:Teachersworkinpartnershipwithfamilies,establishingandmaintainingongoingtwo-waycommunication.Teachersalsocommunicatewithfamiliesregularlyaboutthechild’sindividualneedstoensureasmoothdailytransitionfromhometoschoolandbackagain.Pleaseshareanyconcernsthatyoumighthavewithyourchild’steacher.Weunderstandthatitisabigsteptoenrollyourchildinschool.Theteachersinturnwillshareinformationwithyouaboutclassroomrules,expectationsandroutines.Pleasecheckthenewslettereachmonthforinformationaboutyourchild’sclassroom.Ourteacherscommunicateinmanydifferentways;websites,emails,bulletinboardsoutsidetheroom,andweeklynewsletters.

ThestaffatCJDSmakeseveryefforttocounteranypotentialbiasordiscriminationbytreatingallchildrenwithequalrespectandconsideration.Teacherswillinitiateactivitiesanddiscussionsthatbuildapositiveself-imageandteachthevaluingofdifferences.Classroomstaffwillintervenewhen

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childrenteaseorrejectothersandwillprovidemodelsandvisualimagesintheclassroomofadultsandchildrenwithdifferingabilities,differingethnicorculturalbackgrounds,anddifferingprimarylanguage.TeachersstrivetoworkwithfamiliestohelpchildrenparticipatesuccessfullyinCJDSevenwhenourprofessionalvaluesdifferfromthefamilyvaluesandpractices.

PleaseletusknowifitisdifRicultforyoutocommunicateinEnglishandwewillarrangeifatallpossibleforanotherpersontointerpretforyou.(NAEYC1.D.01)

Field Trips (NAEYC 10.B.08, 10.D.06) Our staff is not covered completely by our insurance in the case of mishap. Parents should be asked drive their children to the location of the trip. The trips should connect to curriculum, secular and/or Judaic.

All field trips must be cleared with the Principal before a trip is finalized and drivers secured. The trip will be written on the school master calendar in the staff room.

Signed permission slips and emergency medical forms are required for each field trip. Each driver should have a folder with the list of students in their car, directions to destination, permission slips and emergency medical forms. These should be returned to the teacher in charge upon return from the trip. Each teacher must have a cell phone and first aid kit with him or her.

Handwashing:Handwashingisour#1defenseagainstthespreadofillnessatschool,andespeciallyintheearlychildhoodsetting.WeteachthehandwashingstepsasdirectedbytheU.S.DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices(HHS)andfollowtheNAEYCguidelinesonwhenhandwashingistobedone.Weencouragefamiliestoteach/usethesameprocedureathometoaidthechildrenininternalizingthisprocess.

Handwashingexpectations:

Childrenandadultswashtheirhandso Onarrivalforthedayo Afterchangingadiaperorusingthetoileto AfterhandlingbodilyRluids(nose,cough,etc.)o Beforemealsandsnackso Afterwaterplayinvolvingtwoormorepersons(NAEYC5.A.10)o Afterhandlingpets/animals,orsurfacestouchedbyanimals.o Whenmovingfromonegrouptoanothergroupoftoddlers.o Whenescortingagroupofolderchildrentoatoddlergrouporbringingtoddlerstoanolder

group

Adultsalsowashtheirhandso Beforeandafteradministeringmedicationso Afterassistingchildwithtoileting/diaperso Afterhandlinggarbageorcleaning

Handwashingmethod:

o Usesoapandwarmrunningwatero Rubhandsvigorouslyfor15to20seconds.

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o Washallsurfaces,includingbackofhands,wrists,betweenRingers,underRingernailso Rinsewello Dryhandswithapapertowelo Turnoffthewaterusingapapertowelinsteadofbarehands(NAEYC5.A.09,10.D.01)

Harassment:Allsuspectedissuesofchildabuse/neglectbyfamilymembers,staff,volunteers,orothersmustbereportedimmediatelytoDSSandanyotherappropriatelocalagencies.ConRidentialitysurroundstheseissues.

CJDSiscommittedtoprovidinganenvironmentfreeofharassmentofanykind.Sexualharassmentandharassmentbasedongender,age,race,color,religion,nationalorigin,ordisabilitiesareprohibitedbylawandarecontradictorytotheschool'spolicy.Asaninstitution,CJDSbelievesintheworthoftheindividualasstatedintheschool'sphilosophy.Everyindividualisentitledtoappropriaterespectandfreedomfromharassmentinanyform,sexualornonsexual(seeaddendumtothishandbook).(NAEYC10.D.03)

HEALTH:CJDSstrivestomaintainahealthyandsafelearningenvironmentforitschildren,staff,andfamilies.Inordertoaccomplishthis:

o ExclusionpoliciesfollowtheAMAhandbookandtheDHECregulations.o CJDSparticipatesintheUnitedStatesDepartmentofAgriculture'sChildandAdult

CareFoodProgramandisregularlyinspectedbyDHECandDSSo Writtensnackmenusarepostedandsharedwithfamilieso ChildhealthandimmunizationrecordsaremaintainedinaccordancewithSouth

CarolinaDSS(NAEYC10.D.05).o ManyofourstaffaretrainedinandmaintaincertificationinCPRandFirstAido OurSickPolicyandMedicationPolicy(inallhandbooks)detailexpectations/

proceduresrelatedtoactivelysickchildren,contagiousillnessesandtheirreporting,andtheuseofmedications.

o Diagnosedallergiesaremonitoredandadaptedforonanindividualbasis.o Ourschool-inside,onplaygroundsandinentranceareas-isdesignatedaNO

SMOKINGzone.o Ourchildrenplayoutdoorsdaily,weatherpermitting,andhavelarge-motorplay

opportunitieswhentheyneedtobeindoorsduetoinclementweathero Duringoutdoorplay,cold,heat,sunexposure,andinsectsareconsidered.

Extremesintemperatureshortenthelengthoftimeoutdoors.o Weteach,use,andrecommendforhomeusethehandwashingmethodrecommended

byHHSandfollowNAEYCrecommendationsforoccasionsthatrequirehandwashingofchildrenand/oradults.

o Precautionsaretakentoensurethatcommunalwaterplaydoesnotspreadinfection.Waterischangedbeforeanewgroupofchildrencomestoparticipateinthewaterplayactivity(NAEYC5.A.10)

o Routinemaintenance--cleaningandsanitizing--followstheNAEYCCleaningandSanitationFrequencyTablesandismonitoreddailybychecklist(NAEYC10.D.01)

o Equipmentandmaterialsaremanagedwithhealthinmind(forexample,toysmouthedbychildrenaresetoutofreachuntilsanitized).

o AnAnimal/PetPolicydetailsconditionsunderwhichanimalsmaybeintheschoolbuilding.

o

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Ourstaffcreatedthefollowinghealthpolicystatement:KeepingchildrenhealthyisagoaloftheCutlerJewishDaySchool.AttheDaySchoolourstaff

hascertainguidelinestofollowandweproviderecommendationsforfamiliestofollow.Whiletherearemanychallengestokeepingchildrenhealthy,apartnershipbetweenhomeandschoolincreasesthehealthofallchildrenintheprogram.(NAEYC10.D.01)

CJDSStaffRequirements:o Handwashingasdescribedaboveo Cleaningandsanitizingareas,toysandsurfaces

o Toysshouldbecleanedweeklyinsoapywateroradishwashero Toysthatachildplacesinmouthneedtoberemovedandcleanedo Countertops,Rloors,doorknobs,andhandlesarecleaneddailyo Diaperingandtoiletingproceduresarepostedinchangingareas

CJDSFamilyRecommendations:Wetrustyourjudgmentregardingwhentoincludeandexcludeyourchildfromschool.Thefollowingguidelinescanassistyouinmakingthisdecision:

ReasonsforExclusiono Achildcannotparticipatecomfortablyinschoolactivitieso Afeverabovenormalandbehaviorchangesorothersymptoms(e.g.,sorethroat,rash,

vomiting,anddiarrhea).Ifatemperatureofonehundred(100)degreesFahrenheitisnoted,family(s)willbenotified.Thechildmayreturntoschoolwhenthetemperatureremainsnormalfortwenty-four(24)hourswithouttheaidofafeverreducingmedicinesuchasTylenolorAdvil.

o Diarrheao Rash-Suspiciousrashesareconsideredcontagiousuntilthechild'sphysicianindicates

otherwise,inwriting.Whenarashisnoted,thefamily(s)willbenotiRied.o CongestionandDischarges-Seriouslungcongestionoracontinuouspurulentdischargefrom

theearsornosewillnecessitateconfirmationfromthechild'spediatricianstatingthatthisconditionisallergyrelatedand/ornon-contagiousinorderforthechildtoattendschool.

o HeadLice-Consideringtherapidspreadofthiscondition,childrenwithactiveheadliceareremovedfromtheschoolandmustnotreturnuntiltreatmenthasbeengiven.Theschoolhasalicepolicythatcanberequestedbyafamilymember.

o Vomitingmorethantwotimesintheprevious24hours--Ifachildhasbeenvomitingpriortocomingtoschool,he/sheshouldbekeptathome.Ifvomitingoccurswhilethechildisatschool,family(s)willbenotifiedthatthechildneedstobepickedupandtemporarilyremovedfromtheschool.

o Abdominalpainthatcontinuesformorethantwohourso Pinkeyeo Strepthroat,TB,Impetigo,Headlice(untilafterRirsttreatment)andotherknownillnesses

(e.g.,Mumps,Measles,Hepatitis)

Intheinterestofmaintainingahealthyatmosphereforall,ourprogramcannotkeepactivelysickchildrenatschool.Itisthefamily'sresponsibilitytomakealternatearrangementsintheeventofillness.Nochildwithfeverorsignsofinfectiousdiseasewillbeadmittedorretained.TheofRicewillcallyouifyourchildbecomesillduringtheday(fever,vomiting,etc.).

o Familiesandstaffshouldbeawarethattheschooldoesnotemployanurse.o FamiliesarenotiEiedinwritingwhentwocasesofacommunicablediseasearereportedat

school.Noticesaresenttoallfamiliesandindicatetheagegroupinwhichtheillnessoccurred.�17

AnillchildwillbecaredforintheschoolofRicebytheassistantprincipalorofRicemanageruntilthechildiscollectedbyhisorherfamily.Untilthattime,thechildwillbeofferedarestmatandmadeascomfortableaspossible.(NAEYC5.A.04,5.A.05,10.B.08,10.D.01)

Holidays:OurcurriculumincludesasthemesallJewishholidaysalongwithThanksgiving,Dr.MartinLutherKingDay,Veteran’sDay,MemorialDay,andPresidents'Day.Ourcurriculumdoesnotincludethefollowingholidays:Halloween,Christmas,Valentine’sDay,St.Patrick'sDayandEaster.

Homework:Theschool’sphilosophyleanstowardsaminimalassignmentofhomeworkinmostcases.Thispolicyisbasedoncurrentresearchthathasnotshownaconsistentcorrelationbetweentheamountoftimespentonhomeworkandthechild'slevelofacademicachievement.Theadministrationalsoisconcernedthatchildrendonothaveenoughtimetoplayandenjoychildhood.Hence,theschoolisveryselectivewithhomeworkassignments.Ingeneral,thereisabriefHebrewassignmenteacheveningandperhapsasmallassignmentfromanothersubject.

Immunizations:Tocomplywithstatelawsregardingimmunizations,ourschoolrequiresallchildrenenteringourprogramandallstudentsnewtotheschooltosubmittheofRicialStateofSouthCarolina"CertiRicateofImmunization"signedbyadoctor,theHealthDepartment,ormilitaryclinic.Makesureyouaskyourdoctorfora"CertiRicateofImmunization."Withoutthisform,properlycompleted,yourchildcannotattendschool.

MinimumImmunizationRequirementsfortheFinalCertiEicateforDayCareAttendance:o Four(4)dosesofanycombinationofDTP,DT,DTP-Hib,DTaPorTdvaccinewithatleastone

(1)dosereceivedonorafterthefourthbirthday.o Three(3)dosesofanycombinationoforalorinactivatedPoliovaccinewithatleastone(1)

dosereceivedonorafterthefourthbirthday.o Two(2)dosesofRubeola(measles)vaccinewithbothdosesreceivedonoraftertheRirst

birthdayandseparatedbyatleastonemonth.o One(1)doseofRubella(Germanmeasles)vaccinereceivedonoraftertheRirstbirthday.o One(1)doseofMumpsvaccinereceivedonoraftertheRirstbirthday.o Three(3)dosesofHepatitisBvaccineo One(1)doseofVaricellavaccine(ChickenPox)receivedonoraftertheRirstbirthdayforall

childrenadmittedtokindergarten.o Current,ageappropriateHaemophilusinRluenzatypebconjugate(Hib)vaccinationaccording

totheRecommendedChildhoodImmunizationSchedule,UnitedStates.

Inclementweatheroremergencyclosing:In case of inclement weather, CJDS will follow the Richland School District One policy on opening and closing for the first day of the weather emergency (snow, hurricane, etc.). If the public schools are closed for more than one day, CJDS closing will be decided (for the second or subsequent days) and announced via an email, Facebook, and on the local television stations and the school’s website. Although it is generally our policy to follow the public-school schedule, there may be times that CJDS feels school can operate and hence will have school. Of course, families can decide to keep their children at home.

If the public schools are on a delayed start, CJDS will begin at 9:30. However, this is only if there is precipitation or electricity outage. If the public school delayed start is due only to “extreme cold” CJDS will start on time. Should weather conditions deteriorate during the day requiring that CJDS closes before

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5:45 p.m. families and/or emergency contacts will be notified by phone.

Because CJDS is a private school any missed days due to inclement weather will not be made up.

Inclusion:Inclusioninvolveslookingatchildrenalongaspectrumfromthoserequiringthemostindividualassistancetothosewhoarethemostindependentandsupportingtheirgrowthacrossalldevelopmentalareas:social/emotional,physical,language,andcognitive.Thisisaccomplishedby

o Screeningandongoingassessmento Gatheringinformationfromfamilies,staff,andrelevantprofessionalso Establishingandfosteringcommunicationamongfamilymembers,teachingstaff,and

administrationo Adaptingcurriculum,environment,strategies,schedulesandmaterialso Facilitatingtheprovisionofinclusionaides,asneededo Encouragingfamiliestobeactivelyinvolvedintheinclusionprocess

Jewish/HebrewCurriculum:JudaicaandtheHebrewlanguagearepresentedthroughaninquiry-based,hands-onapproach.AllstaffmembersareinvolvedinthisprocessundertheguidanceofRabbiMeirMuller,MorahSheindalMuller,MorahDevorahMarrusandMorahVeredAlmor.InlearningJudaica,childrenareexposedtothetraditions,symbolsandholidaycelebrationsoftheJewishpeople.InHebrew,thefocuswillbeonprayersandconversationallanguagethroughsongs,games,andstorytelling.ConversationalHebrewisformallyintroducedduringKindergartenandtheTalAmcurriculumstartsinRirstgrade.

Kosher:Althoughwedonotmandatekosherlunches,abriefguidetothekosherlawswillbesuppliedtoeachfamily.AllfoodservedbytheschoolisKosher.Therefore,anyfoodthatcomesfromhomeforsharingamongthechildrencanonlybewholefruitorvegetables(thisincludesthesnacksthatfamiliesdonatetoclasses).(NAEYC5.B.02)

Leadership:ThemeaningfulcontributiontotheCJDSvision/missionbyallthoseassociatedwiththeschoolcreatesourschoolculture.Administrationprovidesleadershipthatpromotesprogramvisionandgoals.Administratorsrespondproactivelytochangingconditionstoenhanceourprogram.Goodlisteningandeffectivecommunicationwithallconcernedcreateasenseoftrustthatallowsstaffmemberstooperateprofessionallyastheyplanfor,implement,andevaluateallaspectsofschoollife.Furthermore,CJDSadministratorsvalueandscheduletimetofostercollaboration,includingasmanyvoicesaspossibleinthediscussion.Theadministrationvaluesongoingtrainingforstaff,withanemphasisonthenecessaryskillsneededtobuildpositiverelationships,understandchildren'sdevelopment,andestablishgoodpracticesthatinvolveourfamiliesandthecommunitywelivein.

Lostandfound:Itemsarekeptunderthefronttable.Pleasecheck“lostandfound”regularly,asourstoragespaceislimited.Unclaimeditemswillbedonatedtocharityperiodically.Thesedonationtimeswillbeannouncedinnotesandanoticewillbehungonthefrontdoor.“Lostandfound”islessofanissuewhenitemsaremarkedwithchildren'snames.

Lunches:Alllunchboxesmustbelabeledwiththechild’sname.Wesuggestplacinganicepackinthelunchbox.Familiescanchoosetoplaceachild’slunchinaschoolrefrigerator,butifthelunchcontainsanicepackorneedsnorefrigeration,itcanbeplacedinclassroombasket.Atthestartoftheschoolyear,

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eachfamilywillreceiveahandoutdescribingkosherandnutritiouslunches.Inemergencies,theschoolhasfoodtofeedachildwhodoesnothavelunchordoesnothaveenoughlunch.(NAEYC5.B.02)

MEDICATIONPOLICY:CJDSfollowsSouthCarolinalawandpoliciessetbySouthCarolinaDSSandDHECLaws,includingthefollowingguidelines:

o AfamilymemberorlegalguardianmustsigntheCJDSmedicalconsentform.o Medicationmustbeinitsoriginalprescriptionbottlewiththecorrect,up-to-datedosageon

thebottle.o Ifthedoctorchangesthedosage,he/shemustchangetheprescriptionorprovideanoteon

thephysician'sletterheadwithnewdirectionsandanoriginalsignature.o Theprescriptionmustbewrittenforthechildtowhomitistobegiven.

Wecannotadministermedicationatschoolunderthefollowingcircumstances:o Itissentinabaggieoranycontainerotherthantheoriginalprescriptionbottle.(This

includesanyoverthecountermedicationssuchascoughdrops.)o WedonothaveaCJDSmedicalconsentformsignedbytheappropriatefamilymemberor

legalguardian.

Procedures:o OfRicestafforthePrincipal'sdesigneeadministersmedicationsonadailybasis.o Thoseadministeringmedicationreceivetraininginthisarea.o Thepersonadministeringthemedicationssignsadailymedicationlogkeptwiththe

medication.o IfachildfailstocometotheofRicetotakemedication,he/shewillbecalledtotheofRice.o Administrationchecksthemedicationlogonceamonth.o AllmedicationislockedupatalltimesaccordingtoSouthCarolinalawandDHECregulations.oDSSregulationsstateasfollows:1. Written,signedanddatedfamilyconsentisrequiredpriortotheadministrationofany

prescriptionoroverthecountermedicationoradministrationofspecialmedicalprocedures:a. Allmedicationsshallbeusedonlyforthechildforwhomthemedicationislabeled.b. Medicationsshallnotbegiveninexcessoftherecommendeddose;andc. PrescribedspecialmedicationproceduresorderedforaspeciRicchildshallbewritten,

signed,anddatedbyaphysicianorotherlegallyauthorizedhealthcareprovider.2. StorageofMedication

a. Allmedicationsshallbekeptintheiroriginallabeledcontainersandhavechildprotectivecaps.Thechild’sRirstandlastnameshallbeonallmedication.

b. Allmedicationsshallbestoredinaseparatelockedcontainerunderproperconditionsofsanitation,temperature,lightandmoistureand

c. Discontinuedandexpiredmedicationshallnotbeusedandshallbereturnedtothefamilyordisposedinasafemanner.

3. Medicationerrora. Anymedicationerror,e.g.failuretoadministermedicationattheprescribedtime,

incorrectdosageorwrongmedication,isrecordedinthechild’srecordsandfamiliesareimmediatelynotiRiedverballyandinwrittenform.(NAEYC5.A.11,10.B.08)

ParentTeacherOrganization(PTO):The primary purpose of the PTO is to create community among the families at CJDS. This is facilitated through monthly play dates, a summer get together, educational events, and two town hall meetings (at which the PTO provides an opportunity for families to submit questions for the administration to answer). The PTO helps with communicating the school’s mission to families and the community.

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Primaryresponsibility:Eachclassroomleadteacherhasprimaryresponsibilityforthechildrenassignedtoherorhisclass.Theteachers(botha.m.andp.m.)aresupportedintheireffortsforeachchildbyteachingassistants,aswellasbyadministratorsandspecialtyteachers.Staffalsoworksacrossagelevelstosupportoneanotherthroughteamsandmentoring.

StandardizedTesting:Standardizedtestswillbeadministeredforstudentsinthirdgradeandabove.Resultscanbediscussedwiththeteacher.RabbiMeirhaswrittenaFAQguideonCJDStestingpolicythatcanberequestedbyfamilies.Toquotefromtheguide:“Ifeelthatstandardizedtestingisnotagoodtooltomeasuretheacademicsuccessofachild.CJDSacademicgoalsincludeproducingstudentswhothinkdeeply,askgreatquestions,andbecomepassionateaboutlearning.Astandardizedtestdoesnotmeasureanyoftheseobjectives.InmyyearsasaneducatorIhaveneverheardateacherstate,‘Oh,IthoughtJohnnywasagoodreaderbecausehesummarizeswhathereadssoeloquently,readsforpleasure,andgetsexcitedaboutbooks.ButsincehedidpoorlyonthestandardizedtestIguessIwaswrong.’Whenassessingastudent,Irelyontheclassroomteacherorteamofteacherstohavethemostauthenticinformationandbestinsights.”

Technology:EachthirdthroughRifthgraderisassignedaGoogleChromebookprimarilyforeducationalresearch.KindergartenstudentsthroughsecondgradestudentshaveaccesstoaChromeBookwhentheteachersfeelitisadvantageoustouse.

Tuitionrates:o TuitionratesarepublishedintheCJDStuitionbrochure.

o WearededicatedtoeducationandbelievethatachildinourprogramwillbeneRitimmensely.Hence,weprovidescholarshipstofamilieswhoareinneed.Theschoolwillaccept,willprovidescholarships,andwillnotdiscriminateagainstanystudentregardlessofrace,color,andnationalorethnicorigin.ScholarshipsarestrictlyconRidential;pleaseaskRabbiMeirfordetails.

o TheCutlerJewishDaySchoolshalladmitstudentsofanyrace,color,nationalandethnicorigintoalltherights,privileges,programsandactivitiesgenerallyaccordedormadeavailabletostudentsattheschool.TheCutlerJewishDaySchooldoesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,andnationalorethnicoriginintheadministrationofitseducationalpolicies,admissionpolicies,scholarshipandloanprogramsandathleticandotherschool-administrationprograms.(NAEYC10.B.08)

USCstudents:PracticumstudentsfromtheUniversityofSouthCarolinainteractwithourstudents,fromthreeyearoldsthroughthirdgrade.USCstudentsarenotusedtomaintainourratiosorreliedupontoreachourcurriculumgoals.WevalueourpartnershipwithUSCandfeelthattheUSCstudents’involvementbeneRitsCJDSstudents.

Visitors:WhilewehaveanOpen-DoorPolicyfordesignatedfamilymembersandlegalguardians,forthesafetyofourchildrenandforeducationalpurposesnovisitorisallowedtoenteraclassroomwithoutthepermissionoftheofRice(principalorassistantprincipal).Whileafamilymemberhasfreeandfullaccesstohisorherchildwithoutpriornotice,ifthereisacourtorderlimitingfamily

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accesstheschoolwillenforcethatorder.Wehavefoundthatvisitsduringnaptimecanbedisruptiveandwediscouragevisitsatthistime,butdoallowthem.(NAEYC7.A.11)

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ADDENDUMONE(NAEYC10.D.03,10.D.04)

Harassment/Abuse–draftofpolicy*Allsuspectedissuesofchildabuse/neglectbyfamilies,staff,volunteers,orothersmustbereportedimmediatelytoSouthCarolinaDSSandappropriatelocalagencies.*ConYidentialitysurroundstheseissues.

HARASSMENT:

CJDSiscommittedtoprovidinganenvironmentfreeofharassmentofanykind.Sexualharassmentandharassmentbasedongender,age,race,color,religion,nationalorigin,ordisabilitiesareprohibitedbylawandarecontradictorytotheschool'spolicy.Asaninstitution,CJDSbelievesintheworthoftheindividual.Accordingtotheschool'sphilosophy,everyindividualisentitledtoappropriaterespectandfreedomfromharassmentinanyform,sexualornonsexual.(NAEYC10.D.03)

SexualHarassment:SexualharassmentisdeRinedtoincludeunwelcomesexualadvances,requestsforsexualfavorsandotherverbalorphysicalconductofasexualnature.Undesiredphysicalcontact,repeated, unwelcome requests for social engagements, and questions or comments about sexualbehavior or preference are included in this deRinition. Sexual harassment is prohibited by schoolpolicy and may be the subject of an action under state and/or federal lawwhen the behavior isdirected toan individualbecauseofhisorhergenderand(1)submission to such conduct ismadeeither explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of instruction, employment or otherwise fullparticipationinschoollife;(2)submissiontoorrejectionofsuchconductisconsideredinevaluatinga person's academic work or job performance (3) or such conduct has the purpose or effect ofunreasonably interfering with a person's academic or job performance or creating a sexuallyintimidating,hostile,oroffensiveeducationalorworkingenvironment.

TheabovedeRinitionswillbeinterpretedandappliedbytheschoolconsistentwithacceptedstandardsofmaturebehavior.Itisimportanttorecognize,however,thatsociety'smoresarerapidlychangingwithrespecttowhatisconsideredverbalsexualharassment.Womenandmenarebecomingsensitiveinadisapprovingwaytocommentsthatcanbeinterpretedsexually.Suchharassmentisespeciallyinappropriatecomingfromaperceivedsuperior(e.g.,employerormanagertoemployee,teachertostudent,andolderstudenttosignificantlyyoungerstudent).

NonsexualHarassment:ProtectedStatusandOtherHarassment:Nonsexualharassmentincludesconductwhichhasthepurposeoreffectofunreasonablyinterferingwithaperson'sacademicorjobperformanceorcreatinganintimidating,hostile,oroffensiveeducationalorworkingenvironmentonthebasisofaperson'sprotectedstatusotherthansex,i.e.race,age,color,religion,nationaloriginand/ordisability.Suchharassmentmayalsobebasedupongender,despite lackof sexualadvances.ForCJDS’spurposes,nonsexualharassmentmayalsobedefinedasanybehaviorthatthreatensaperson'ssafety and any behavior, either verbal or nonverbal, which on a recurring basis, traumatizes theindividualtoapointthattheindividual'sperformanceissigniRicantlyaffected.

ABUSE:

CJDSiscommittedtothepreventionofanyformofabuse,includingphysical,sexual,orpsychologicalabuse.ForCJDS'spurposes,theterm"abuse"canrefertoanyincidentwhereanyindividual,whetheradult or child, engages in conduct that harms or substantially threatens the physical, sexual, or

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psychologicalwell-beingofanystudent.Suchabusecanbesubdividedintothreeareas:A. Physicalabuse:non-accidentalphysicalinjuryand/orextremeand/orrepeated

failureonthepartofthecaretakertomeetthechild'sphysicalneeds;B. Psychologicalabuse:extremeand/orrepeatedconductwhichisinhumaneor

otherwiseunconscionable;C. Sexualabuse:sexualinvolvementbetweenachildandfacultyorstaffwhohas

greaterknowledge,authority,powerorresources.

REPORTINGDUTIESFORHARASSMENT/ABUSEORNEGLECT:

Anystudentoremployeewhobelievesthatafacultymember's,administrator's,supervisor's,(another)employee's, (another) student's or a nonemployee's actions or words constitute discrimination,harassment, or abuse toward himself or anyone else has a responsibility to report the situationimmediately and thereafter submit a written description to the appropriate administrator,counselor,orrabbi.

DISCIPLINEFORHARASSMENTAND/ORABUSE:

ComplaintsInvolvingStudents:Theschool,atitsdiscretion,maysuspendanystudentitsuspectsofharassmentorabuseasdefinedherein.Theschooland/orappropriatelawenforcementagencieswillpromptlyinvestigatethecircumstances.Following investigationofanycomplaintofharassmentorabusebyastudent,awrittenreportwillbeplacedinaconRidentialRileforreviewbytheprincipaland/or his/her designee. Any student determined, by investigation and at the sole discretion ofCJDS, to be guilty of any form of abuse is subject to discipline, up to and including immediateexpulsion.

ComplaintsInvolvingSchoolEmployees:CJDS,at itssolediscretion,maysuspendwithorwithoutpay any school employee accused or suspected of abuse or harassment as deRined herein. Anyschoolemployeewhoengagesinabuseorharassmentissubjecttodiscipline,uptoandincludingimmediatetermination.Theprincipaland/orappropriatelawenforcementagencieswillpromptlyinvestigatethecircumstances.

INVESTIGATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT, HARASSMENT BASED UPON PROTECTED STATUSAND/ORSCHOOL-RELATEDABUSECOMPLAINTSINVOLVINGSTUDENTS,FACULTY,STAFFANDADMINISTRATORS:Awrittencomplaintofallegedsexual/protectedstatusharassmentorschoolrelatedabusewithallappropriatetimes,places,anddatesmustbesubmittedtotheappropriateadministrator,counselor,orrabbi, who will forward the information to the principal. The school will promptly conduct anappropriateinvestigationofanyallegationsofabuse,sexualharassment,orharassmentofasimilarlyoffensive nature based on protected status, including gender, age, race, color, religion, nationaloriginanddisability.Uponreceiptofthereport,theprincipalwillnotifytheindividualchargedand/orthe families, ifastudent is involved, thatacomplainthasbeen lodged.Theprincipalwillappointamemberofthefacultyorstaff to investigateanddocumenttheeventsspecifictothecharges.Uponreceiptofthedocumentationfromtheappointee,thecasewillbesubmittedtoanadhoccommitteecomprised of the Principal, a ChabadRabbi, Principal's appointee(s), the Chair of the CJDS SchoolBoard, and a member of the Board appointed by the School Board Chair. The Rindings of thecommittee and recommendations for appropriate actionwill bepresented to thePrincipal,whowill

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makethefinaldecision.

RetaliationagainstanystudentoremployeeforRilingacomplaintorparticipatinginaninvestigationisstrictlyprohibited.However,ifafterinvestigatinganycomplaintofharassmentorunlawfuldiscriminationCJDSdeterminesthatastudentoremployeehasintentionallyprovidedfalseinformationregardingthecomplaint,disciplinaryactionmaybetakenagainsttheindividualwhogavefalseinformation.EachstepoftheprocessmustbedonewithconRidentiality.

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ADDENDUMTWO:

TheCutlerJewishDaySchoolhasprovidedanoverviewofthepoliciesandproceduresrelatedtotheprogram’soperation.Itwasdevelopedinanefforttocommunicateimportantinformationtofamiliesandtohaveitavailableforreviewasneeded.

Thesepoliciesincludeadisciplinepolicy(redirectionanddiscussionarepreferred)andmedicationpolicy.

PleasesignthestatementbelowandreturntoRabbiMuller.

IhavereadtheCutlerJewishDaySchoolhandbookandamawareofthepoliciesstatedinthismanual.

_____________________________________________________________________FamilyMemberSignature Date

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ADDENDUMTHREE:

TheCutlerJewishDaySchoolaccountsforstudentsbyusingtheclassclipboard,whichholdsthedailyattendance,andheadcounts.Teacherschecktheclipboardandthencountthechildren.Thisisusedasthechildrenaremovedfromroomtoroom,enterandexitthepremisesormovetoanewlocationinoraroundtheschool.

ADDENDUMFOUR:Achildwillnotbereleasedtoanadultwhoappearstobeintoxicated.Insuchacase,anotheradultonthechild’spickuplistwillbecalled.

ADDENDUMFIVE:

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