Dear Am Yisrael SJS Teaching Team,

Thank you all for joining us last night for our teacher meeting and dinner.  It was a wonderful opportunity to connect as a team and prepare for the upcoming school year.

I want to express my sincere gratitude to Bryan Bogucki and his team for their outstanding work in getting the school building ready. Additionally, Roxi Kropveld, Diane Rosenfeld, and Myra Weisbergwent above and beyond in their efforts.

A special thank you to Myra Feinberg for her diligent behind-the-scenes work in helping us get ready for the year. Her efforts are invaluable.

Thank you to Cantor Rosenblatt for leading us in a beautiful niggun and singing Achat Sha’altitogether. It’s important for us to model the use of the siddur and following with our etz’ba (finger) for our students and madrichim.

Here’s a summary of the key points discussed during the meeting, along with some additional points I’ve added based on subsequent conversations:

Key Points:

• Safety First: The physical and emotional safety of everyone in our buildings remains our top priority.
• Physical Contact: Physical contact is limited to high fives, handshakes, and fist bumps.
• Classroom Presentation: Classroom presentations should be organized and inviting. Chairs should be pushed in after each session, and walls should be filled with student work and Jewish concepts.
• Jewish Music: Setting the tone for learning with Jewish music is essential. I will be sharing Spotify lists with you throughout the year.
• Hebrew Names: We encourage using Hebrew names for students and madrichim whenever possible.
• Kindness and Respect: Treating others with kindness and respect is a core value at Am Yisrael SJS.
• Zero Tolerance for Bullying: There is zero tolerance for bullying at SJS.
• Brit Kitah: Each class will create a Brit Kitah (Classroom Covenant) on the first day.  Please submit an electronic copy of your Brit Kitah to me no later than Tuesday, September 10 for review and feedback before it is posted in the classroom and signed by all students, madrichim, and teachers, including the Head of School.
• Differentiation: We are committed to differentiation and meeting the needs of each student.
• Student Connections: We encourage teachers to learn five things about each student and revisit these topics throughout the year.
• Technology: Please turn off Smartboards and LCD projectors after each session.
• Inspiration: We aim to inspire our students to excel and master skills.
• Class Updates: Each class needs to send out at least 16 class updates throughout the year.

Additional Reminder:

• Availability: Mondays are my day off. Please feel free to send me messages on Mondays, and I will respond the following day.

I also want to extend a special thank you to Allan Arnet and Jennifer Jennings for their help in setting the proper tone with the madrichim team. Your guidance and support are invaluable.

Thank you to Allan Arnet and Dennis Gelbart for stopping by EJ’s in Skokie to pick up dinner on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Your efforts saved us the delivery charges and showed your dedication to our team.

I look forward to a wonderful and successful school year together.

Best regards,Charlie Sherman, MAEd, CJE
Head of SchoolAm Yisrael Conservative Congregation
4 Happ Road
Northfield, IL 60093
847-708-1805 (mobile)
csherman@amyisrael.org

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*Please note that I will not view and respond to emails on Mondays and over Shabbat (Friday evening to Saturday evening). Thank you for your understanding.