Skokie Chabad Hebrew School

Parent & Student Handbook

PHILOSOPHY

Skokie Chabad Hebrew School offers a warm and lively Jewish atmosphere where children attain an exciting awareness of their Jewish identity. A child equipped with Jewish knowledge and sensitivity to our beautiful teachings and traditions is a child better equipped to face the awesome moral challenges that confront us each day.

Aside from the acquisition of Jewish knowledge, our approach places a strong emphasis on creating a positive, vibrant and joyful environment to ensure the children’s continued interest in Judaism even as they move on in life. Our program is thus full of educational games, incentives, crafts, drama, family celebrations, and other engaging curricular activities. We encourage you as a parent, to get involved and be in-tune with the material your child is learning. You may discover that your child’s Hebrew School education will add an enriching spiritual dimension to the life of your entire family.

GOALS

Our Goal is for each student to:

  • Identify strongly as a Jewish person.
  • Know the why’s and how’s of Jewish life and gain an appreciation for the values and mandate of the Jewish people.
  • Master Hebrew reading.
  • Become familiar with basic Synagogue prayers and traditions.
  • Know the basic history of the Jewish people and its contemporary relevance.
  • Become comfortable expressing their feelings about G‑d, Torah, and religion.
  • Attain a Jewish perspective on life which will influence their involvement beyond their Hebrew School years.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

A school year calendar can be found here.

LOCATION

Skokie Chabad Hebrew School is located at 4059 Dempster, Skokie, IL.

COMMUNICATION

Phone: 847.677.1770 x 312

Email: [email protected]

Please share your feedback and suggestions regarding any aspect of school. Your input allows us to constantly improve and upgrade our program and we value it greatly.

Hebrew School Updates, changes or notifications will be made by regular e-mails.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, parents will be notified by email if Hebrew School has been cancelled.

SAFETY

The teachers will see to minor injuries. Should something more serious occur, G‑d forbid, the parents will be contacted immediately. Should the parents be unavailable, the child will be taken to the nearest hospital.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

If your child has any special challenges or conditions (i.e. social, behavioral), the knowledge of which would help us in caring for them and maximizing their potential, please bring them to our attention. (Please note that this information will be kept confidential.)

FOOD

Snacks and drinks are provided by the school. Please avoid sending any food to school.

Please notify us of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Skokie Chabad Hebrew School strives to create an atmosphere that reflects our Jewish values.

We expect each student to:

  • Be courteous to fellow students and staff members
  • Follow classroom directions promptly

DRESS CODE AND SUPPLIES

Boys are encouraged to wear a kipah. For those who do not bring, we will supply one at school.

Tzedakah – Charity is an important part of our curriculum, and we encourage students to bring a coin every Sunday to help fill up the class Tzedakah Box. As the boxes fill, the children will count it and discuss with each other where to allocate the money to help the needy.

ATTENDANCE

Hebrew School for all grades is held on Sunday morning from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. For the benefit of your child and all students, it is imperative that your child arrives on time and remains in school until the end of the session.

Consistent and timely attendance is vital! Please make Hebrew School a priority and impart this sense to your children in unequivocal terms.

Please schedule parties, play dates, sports activities and meetings after Hebrew School is over.

YOUR CHILD’S BELONGINGS

Students are not permitted to bring cell phones, i-pods, electronic gadgets or any dangerous objects to School. In the event that a student brings them or any other materials we deem unnecessary for learning, the teacher will hold it for safekeeping and will return it to the parents at the end of the day. We respectfully request that parents take the lead in enforcing this rule and not put the administration in an uncomfortable position.

ILLNESS

Please notify us in case of contagious disease so that we may alert the parents of other children in the class to be aware of the symptoms. Please let us also know if there are any changes in your child's health during the year e.g. vision, hearing etc. This will help us understand and cater to his/her needs.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD SUCCEED

In order for our Hebrew School program to be most effective, the home and school must work hand in hand to promote a close relationship. The following are a few suggestions to aid you in allowing this to happen.

  • A growing child needs plenty of rest. Set a reasonable bed time the night before.
  • Many of our students are involved in other extra-curricular activities (e.g. sports, music, etc.). All these are important; however please make your child’s Jewish education a priority.
  • There is a direct correlation between a student’s attendance, and his/her interest, achievement and attitude. Every time your child is absent, there is a loss of continuity to the program. Make sure to attend regularly!
  • Please help your child come to Hebrew School on time.
  • Participation in synagogue services and celebration of Jewish holidays will greatly enhance your child’s interest in Judaism and strengthen his/her Jewish identity. Our director and teachers are always willing to provide resources, share their expertise, and help out however possible.

Skokie Chabad Hebrew School strives to give your child an exciting experience in a nurturing Jewish environment. We look forward to a fantastic year where you will see much joy from your children.