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Yeshivat Noam Middle School Welcome Packet Contents:

Welcome Letter Welcoming New Students Beginning of Year Calendar Supplies & Organization 6th Grade Orientation Schedule M.S. Parent Evening Behavioral Expectations Tiered Consequences Uniformed Dress Code M.S. Tzniut Guidelines Dress Code and Tzniut Enforcement M.S. Sports Program Acceptable Use of Technology Thursday Mishmar Program M.S. Exploratory Program M.S. Enrichment Program E2K Math & Science Enrichment Bar & Bat Mitzvah Guidelines

2013-14

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Welcome Letter Dear Middle School Students,

We are so excited to begin a new school year with each of you! Please read the paragraphs below that pertain to you so that you are prepared for the 1st day of school.

Sixth Graders, your first week in school will include a Middle School orientation that will give you a chance to learn about and become familiar with your classes, daily schedule, student planner, supplies, etc. We and your teachers will work with each of you to ensure that this transition to Middle School is as smooth as possible. If you purchased school supplies through the school, there will be a box with your name on it waiting for you on the 1st day. If you purchased school supplies yourself, please read through the document that describes how you should put the supplies together. You do not need to bring a siddur from home as we will be providing you with a new one in school. The orientation will also give you a chance to get to know and learn from your amazing teachers.

Seventh Graders, we hope your summer has been filled with exciting and enjoyable times, you have certainly earned it. Throughout the summer, we have had many opportunities to reflect and continue to be proud of the tremendous individual and collective growth that each of you made throughout last year. You truly set the bar quite high for what a Yeshivat Noam 6th Grader can accomplish, and we are confident you will do the same for the grades that follow.

Eighth Graders, this is your year! Just to tempt your curiosity, below is a snapshot of what will hopefully be some of the highlights of your upcoming year:

High School Interview

BJE and ReadiStep

High School Visits and Open Houses

Yearbook

Holocaust Study

Modern Israel Study

Eighth Grade Yachad Shabbaton

Eighth Grade Trip

Graduation

We hope each of you enjoy the remainder of your vacation and we look forward to seeing you on Wednesday. If you have any questions you can always email us at: tkoslowe@yeshivatnoam.org or btroodler@yeshivatnoam.org.

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Welcoming New Students Dear Current Yeshivat Noam Middle School Students,

We hope this letter finds you well and that you are enjoying your summer. We have been at school busy preparing for next year. We are looking forward to welcoming many new students to our Yeshivat Noam Middle School family.

לת פני שכינה"יותר מקב "גדולה הכנסת אורחים

“Welcoming people is even greater than welcoming Hashem.”

Below are the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the new students in your grade. It would make them feel welcomed and comfortable if you were able to call them and introduce yourself or have them over to get to know them before school begins. In addition, if you are making a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the near future, please be sure to include the new child in your Simcha. If you already sent out invitations, please call and invite those that are new to the grade

We know we can count on each of you to reach out to them and make them feel a part of our school.

They may be in camp, so even just a message on the machine will make them feel welcome. (Be sure to leave your name and phone number so they can call you back when they get home.)

6th Grade

Shifra Dimbert, 51 Grayson Place in Teaneck, 913-231-0998

Ari Kaminetzky, 786 Downing Street in Teaneck, 201-836-1808

Avital Novogrodsky, 401 Rutland Avenue in Teaneck, 201-862-0472

Shaya Novogrodsky, 401 Rutland Avenue in Teaneck, 201-862-0472

Neta Ullman, 1236 West Laurelton Parkway in Teaneck, 201-660-4028

7th Grade

Noa Berkowitz, 297 Ogden Avenue in Teaneck, 201-357-4967

Ranya Braverman Goldstein, 613 Winthrop Road in Teaneck, 201-836-1867

Jakob Coren, 146 Ridge Avenue in Passaic, 973-777-5317

Benjamin Matheson, 1298 Mercedes Street in Teaneck, 917-471-3374

Yoav Zolty, 1260 West Laurelton Parkway in Teaneck, 201-357-4473

Enjoy the rest of your summer! All the best,

Rabbi Hagler Rabbi Koslowe Mrs. Troodler

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Beginning of Year Calendar

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Supplies & Organization Below is a list of the supplies you were asked to bring to school. If your supplies were ordered through the school you will have time the first day to unpack your box and get organized. If you purchased your supplies at home, please try to organize them at home in the manner described. If you are using a different organizational system, it is not a problem, please set it up at home so that it is ready to go. If you have any questions or are unsure about any of it, please email us or ask us or the teachers the first day of school. Be well and enjoy the end of your summer! Supply List 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders were asked to bring the following supplies: Either: 2” heavy duty binder 12 dividers 1 two subject spiral notebook 2 plastic folders with holes Or: 7 one subject notebooks- Different Colors (matching folders if possible) 1 2-subject notebook 1 3-subject notebook 11 Folders- Different Colors (matching notebooks if possible) In addition: 2 spiral bound note card sets 1 pkg. multicolored 3x5 index cards 5 dozen sharpened pencils 2 boxes pens 1 sharpener 1 scissor 1 pkg. washable markers 1 pencil case 3 pkg. wide ruled filler paper, 150 sheets 1 pkg. reinforcements 1 expandable file folder with 8-10 sections for home filing 1 marble journal 1 set of earbuds Hebrew/English Dictionary (The New Dictionary compiled by Yisrael Lazar/ Hebrew-English English-Hebrew) How to organize your materials: Use your pencil case to store some of your pencils, pens, sharpener, scissors and ear buds.

Extra pens and pencils, markers, reinforcements, and note cards can be put in a small shopping bag or container to be hung or stored in your locker until you need them.

Extra paper can be kept in your locker. If you are using a binder

2” binder 2 pkg. wide ruled filler paper, 150 sheets 12 dividers 2 plastic folders with holes

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1) Put the paper into the binder by following the following pattern: Divider, Ten pieces of paper, divider, ten pieces of paper, etc. 2) The second packet of paper should be left in your locker until you need to refill your binder. If you want, you can put some extra paper into the back of your binder so it is ready if you need it. 3) You should put the two plastic folders into the back of your binder so that you have them ready, you will label them the first week of school. 4) The dividers should be labeled: Social Studies, Science, Math, English (leave 3 sections/ dividers for English), Chumash, Gemara, Navi, and Halacha. There will be some teachers that will use the other dividers/ sections for their subject area. You will find out the first week and label those then. 5) Label your one subject spiral notebook Ivrit PLEASE NOTE: After your first day, you can rearrange the order of the dividers according to your schedule OR you can wait to label the dividers until you get home after the first day. If you are using folders and notebooks: The folders and notebooks should be labeled: Social Studies, Science, Math, English, Chumash, Gemara, Navi, and Ivrit.

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6th Grade Orientation Schedule Dear 6th Grade,

Wow, time flies! We are so excited to see and meet each of you on the first day of school. Below is a schedule of what you can expect your first day of Middle School. You will arrive, put your things in front of your locker (don’t worry, each locker is labeled with one of your names), and go to tefillah (there will be signs and teachers pointing the way). For the first day of school, bring your supplies. You do not need to bring this schedule; we will give you a new one after tefillah. Looking forward, email us if you have any last minute questions

Rabbi Koslowe – tkoslowe@yeshivatnoam.org

Mrs. Troodler – btroodler@yeshivatnoam.org

Time 6B1 6B2 6G1 6G2

8:00 Arrival

8:05 – 8:50 Tefillah

8:50 – 9:00 Breakfast

9:00 – 9:43 Welcome to Middle School

9:46 – 10:25 Blue Rules Blue Rules Locker Locker

10:28 – 11:07 Locker

Schedule Practice it

Binder Binder

11:07 – 11:26 Recess

11:29 – 12:08 Binder Locker Blue Rules Blue Rules

12:11- 12:50 Schedule Binder

Advisory Anticipation of MS

Schedule

12:50 – 1:17 Lunch

1:20 – 1:57 Big Brother Big Brother Schedule

Advisory Anticipation of MS

2:00 – 2:37 Advisory Anticipation of MS

Advisory Anticipation of MS

Big Sister Big Sister

2:40 – 3:17 Limud Torah Limud Torah Limud Torah

Limud Torah

3:20 – 3:30 Mincha Beit Knesset

3:31 – 3:47 Recess

3:50 – 4:30 MS Assembly Beit Knesset

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M.S. Parent Orientation Evening Wednesday, September 12

Schedule of the evening (grade specific):

7:30 - 9:45

o 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade parents will begin together in the Beit Knesset and then meet their child’s teachers by following a simulated Middle School schedule of their child’s day.

9:45 - 10:30

o 6th Grade Parents are invited to a “ Welcome to Middle School” orientation to meet the Middle School administration and learn more about the Middle School program.

o 8th Grade Parents are invited to a “High School Admissions Process” orientation at which time they will be walked through the high school admissions process and learn what they can do and what we do to help their child go through it successfully.

Please contact Ruchie Wiesel, rwiesel@yeshivatnoam.org with any questions or concerns.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Rabbi Tavi Koslowe

Mrs. Becky Troodler

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Behavioral Expectations To help your Middle School experience continue to be a successful one and to ensure that each child has the opportunity for uninterrupted learning, we will be implementing the following guidelines in ALL 6th,7th , and 8th Grade classes. It is important that you follow these guidelines in ALL of your classes. Students who are not able to follow these guidelines will not be allowed to be in class.

Tefillah -

o All students MUST be in their assigned seats, ready for Tefilah by 8:05am. You will hear the first school bell ring at 8:03 a.m.; that is when you are expected to walk yourself to your particular Beit Knesset.

o Students should use the bathroom or get a drink before tefillah and, as a general policy, may not leave tefillah. No one will be permitted to leave Tefillah between Yishtabach and Kedusha as this represents the most critical part of Tefillah that must go uninterrupted.

o In an emergency, during other parts of tefillah, only one student from each class will be allowed to leave at a time. The girls need to ask Mrs. Troodler or Morah Racheli permission and the boys need to ask Rabbi Koslowe or Rabbi Kurtz.

o Throughout tefillah, the following basic participatory actions are expected, as they represent a basic level of respect to the Tzibbur that we have created:

Students will be holding an open siddur

Students will stand with the Tzibbur during those times that standing is expected.

Side conversations will be taken outside of the Beit Knesset.

Setup of the Classroom:

o Each student will be assigned a seat in each of their classes.

o All desks will be already arranged. Please do not come into a classroom and move any desks or chairs, unless instructed to do so by a teacher.

o At the end of class, each student should clean up his or her desk and the area around them. Chairs should be pushed in under the desk.

o Any Sefarim or textbooks that need to be returned to the bookshelf should be put back neatly as you leave the classroom.

Attendance/ Lateness – Attendance will be taken each period. If you are late or come unprepared to class, you will be marked late, this includes being late to school in the morning (arriving after 8:05). If you are speaking with a teacher, you are responsible to ask for a note to bring to your next class. If you come late too often or come more than 5 minutes late even once you will be asked to “pay back” missed time by sitting in a designated classroom during recess and an email will be sent home to that student’s parents.

Entering the Classroom: Class will often begin with a “Do Now” assignment that will be written clearly on the board.

o The “Do Now” is a silent/ quiet time in the classroom.

o During this time, homework may be collected or handed in and attendance will be taken.

Classroom Rules: Appropriate behavior is expected from ALL students at ALL times. We love when you are involved in the learning and when you share your thoughts and questions.

o Please raise your hand to share your thought, question or answer.

o Do not have side conversations with other students unless instructed to do otherwise

o Stay in your seat and keep your belongings to yourself, unless instructed to do otherwise.

o Any student asked to leave a class must go directly to the Middle School office and fill out a reflective behavior form. Students must remain in the office until they have met with an administrator who will email

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the incident to the parents. Students are responsible for all work missed during this time in addition to finding out their homework.

Most importantly: From this moment on, we are cutting out any comments that disrupt the classroom from learning. Any student asked to leave the room by their teacher MUST leave immediately without further comment or argument.

Leaving the classroom: only one student may leave at a time with the teacher's permission. Students should use a 3 finger (Shin) sign to signal to a teacher that they need to use the bathroom. Students may not leave to go to their locker during class. If they forgot materials needed for class they may be allowed to go their lockers, but will be marked late for not being prepared.

Lockers: There are 3 minutes between periods for students to go to their locker between each class. Students are encouraged to bring around their backpacks with materials for multiple classes to ensure that they get to each class on time.

Bells: There will be one bell signaling the end of each period and one the beginning. No students may leave their current classroom until the bell has signaled.

Recess: Students may play anywhere in the outdoor field (weather permitting), the MS gym, or hangout in the MS halls during recess. The classrooms will be locked during recess. Any sports equipment that is used should be returned to the appropriate storage bin at the end of recess. There is no physical contact sport allowed during recess beyond two hand touch. There is no ball playing allowed in the classrooms or hallways at any point throughout the day.

Cell Phones/ Electronics/ Handheld devices: MUST be put away from the time you walk off the bus for arrival until the time you get on the bus for dismissal. Any devices that are taken out during the school day will be confiscated.

iPads and ChromeBooks: The school-issued iPad or ChromeBook is intended for learning and not recreation. Students who use their device inappropriately will lose the privilege of using it.

Eating: Students may drink water or juice during a class, not soda. A student may bring a snack to eat during the first few minutes of 4th and 8th period only. Students may not share their snack with others as it is disruptive to learning. Students may not distribute food to others without having it pre-approved by Rabbi Koslowe or Mrs. Troodler. Students may never distribute homemade food to others, any homemade products to be shared will be confiscated.

We are confident that each of you has the ability to follow all of these guidelines and can have a wonderful learning experience.

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Tiered Consequences

Alongside our high academic expectations, we approach the start of the year with an equal emphasis on establishing our

behavioral standards. We will be reviewing all of the behavioral expectations with your children on the first day of

school as well as reminding them of the tiered consequences that result from disruptive or disrespectful behavior.

Specifically, we will be describing that, upon being asked to leave a classroom due to disruptive or disrespectful

behavior, students will meet with an administrator and after a:

o 1st occurrence - an email will be sent home immediately with the teacher information, and they will

spend the next 2 recesses in a supervised classroom.

o 2nd occurrence - an email will be sent home immediately, informing them this is now their 2nd

occurrence, student will need to stay after school for an hour on the following Monday.

o 3rd occurrence - a phone call to parents to have them pick up their child and schedule a parent-child

meeting with an administrator.

Our primary goal if a student is being disruptive or disrespectful is to remove them from the classroom so that the rest

of the class can learn successfully as well as provide the student with an opportunity to reflect on their behavior. While

enforcing discipline and consequences is not a pleasurable task for students or administrators, the resulting product of

graduating young men and women who have a greater internal sense and understanding of Derech Eretz Kadmah

L’Torah is something that we can all be proud of.

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Yeshivat Noam Uniformed Dress Code

Tops (shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts):

Grades 1-5: Any solid shade of blue or white

Middle School: Any solid color

All Grades

o All boys: Shirts must have collars

o No writing or logos anywhere

o No hooded pullover sweatshirts

o Sweatshirts worn outdoors do NOT need to adhere to the color and style code. However, if your child is

feeling chilly in the classroom, please provide him or her with something that adheres to uniform rules.

Bottoms:

Boys

Long pants only

Any solid navy blue or khaki beige

Pleated or flat front twill or corduroy pants

No denim, no cargo pants, no zip-off pants

Girls (skirts, jumpers and dresses)

Grades 1-5: Any solid navy blue or khaki beige

Middle School: Any solid navy blue, khaki beige, or black

All Grades - No denim or denim-like material

Footwear:

Please note that the footwear guidelines have been developed with children’s safety as the primary goal.

Only closed shoes may be worn. (No backless - clogs, naot, or sandals)

No crocs or flip-flops of any kind.

Sneakers must be worn on Gym days.

Tights and Leggings:

Grades 1-5: Any solid shades of blue, black or white.

Middle School: Any solid shade.

All Grades:

o No patterns or denim-like material.

o Rules for tights and leggings apply to knee socks.

Accessories:

Earrings: Stud and dime size hoop style earring are permissible. Safety is the primary concern.

Scarves may not be worn as an accessory.

Hats may not be worn in the classroom.

No bandanas

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Middle School Tzniut Guidelines

The Navi tells us in Sefer Micha, Chapter 6 Verse 8, “Hatzneah Lechet Im Elokecha” that we should walk modestly with

our God. As God is always present in our lives, we should therefore be conducting every aspect of our life with tzniut: in

our speech, our interactions with our friends, on the ball fields and at home, we should behave ourselves in a manner

that demonstrates that we recognize that God is always beside us.

The greater message of tzniut is one that we always strive to instill in our students, and we are very proud of the fine

midot and the tzanuah way that our students act. At the same time, tzniut also includes clothing; dressing in a manner

that again demonstrates our heightened awareness that we are walking with God.

Just as halacha, Jewish law, guides us in the way that we speak and behave, so too tzniut in clothing has specific

guidelines in halacha. While there are some varying opinions in this area, after careful research we have arrived at the

following guidelines:

Skirt length – all skirts must cover the knee when sitting

Sleeve length – sleeves must extend to within one “tefach”, (width of one hand) of the elbow, which is halfway

between the shoulder and the elbow.

Neckline – while there is less clarity in halacha in this area, we are asking parents to guide their daughters in this

area to use appropriate judgment and not wear low cut or low hanging shirts.

Tightness and/or Sheer Transparency Tops – this is also an area not as clearly defined in halacha, but again we

ask that appropriate judgment be used.

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Dress Code and Tzniut Enforcement As you are aware, Yeshivat Noam has a Uniformed Dress code as well as Tzniut guidelines. It is our expectation that each student will adhere to both the dress code and tzniut guidelines on a daily basis and we ask parents to ensure that all school clothing purchased meets these rules and that your child is dressed appropriately before leaving to school each day. Please know that these rules will be enforced very seriously in school. Below is the procedure for how we will be enforcing them, although it is our sincerest hope that we will never need to. Dress Code

Every effort will be made to enforce the dress code every day, with all students. Tops - Shirts, with no logos on them, will be kept in the office

o The first time the student will be sent to the office to change into an appropriate shirt that meets our guidelines.

o The second time the student will be sent to the office to change and an e mail will go home informing parents

o The third time the student will be sent to the office to change and required to stay after school for one hour on the next Monday afternoon.

Sweatshirts - if a student is wearing a sweatshirt with a logo or any writing on it (other than a Yeshivat Noam sweatshirt) the sweatshirt will be placed in the office until the end of the day.

Bottoms: Boys - parent will be called to bring them an appropriate pair of pants. Girls- will change into a school skirt. Tzniut Guidelines

Every effort will be made to enforce the guidelines of tzniut every day with all girls Only female faculty members will be enforcing the guidelines Skirts and shirts that meet the guidelines will be kept in the school office When approaching any girl about her clothing, teachers will do so in a non -threatening, matter of fact, and most

importantly sensitive manner. o The first time the student will be sent to the office to change into an appropriate skirt or shirt that

meets our guidelines. o The second time the student will be sent to the office to change and an e mail will go home informing

parents o The third time the student will be sent to the office to change and will be required to stay after school

for one hour on the next Monday. We will make every effort to not embarrass anyone and to try to talk with girls about this issue in as sensitive a manner as possible. When a student is approached by a teacher about dress code or tzniut, they are expected to cooperate fully and immediately. Responding disrespectfully will never be tolerated. We will review these protocols with all of the students within the first few days of school, but please review them with your child(ren) before school starts so that she/he is dressed appropriately for the first day. Of course, the best case scenario is to have all of the students dress according to the school guidelines, which have been in place for several years. We truly hope that this letter and these protocols end up being a waste of time and that we never need to implement them. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and partnership. Rabbi Chaim Hagler Rabbi Tavi Koslowe Mrs. Becky Troodler

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M.S. Sports Program We are very proud of the accomplishments of each our Yeshivat Noam Knights Teams. Under the inspiring leadership of their respective coaches, each of our sport teams have made steady and solid progress from year to year, often qualifying for the playoffs and, in 2010, winning the Girls Hockey Championship. While their accomplishments on the scoreboard are impressive, even more noteworthy is the consistent effort and Middot with which they play their games, earning the respect of not only our own fans, but often leading visiting fans to praise them as well. Students in 6th-8th Grade are welcome to try out for the teams that are relevant to them. Practices take place after school, games take place in the evening and weekends. Student Conduct and Academic Effort Rules Playing on a Yeshivat Noam sports team is an extracurricular privilege and, as such, student conduct and academic effort are both an integral part of being able to participate. The administration reserves the right to remove any student from a sports team, either temporarily or permanently, if they deem it necessary. The following are some guidelines, but do not represent a comprehensive list.

Appropriate behavior during all games. Including appropriate physical contact, appropriate use of language, respect of the referee, and respect shown to opposing players.

Respect for the coach, including during games and practice. Appropriate self-control in school. Games can be very stressful; students who are not able to demonstrate

appropriate self-control during the school day are considered a greater risk to lose control during a game. Academic effort. Students on sports teams must keep up with all homework, projects, reports and studying for

exams. Teachers must feel that students are putting in their best overall effort and that their school work is their priority.

Team Rules:

Players must participate in all practices unless there is an extenuating circumstance Playing time – playing time in games (and practice) is at the discretion of the coach. Players may play minimal

minutes or no time at all in one or more games. Players may, in a respectful manner, discuss playing time with the coach. Parents may never discuss their child’s

playing time with the coach. Players are not guaranteed a spot on the team from year to year. All players will need to try out again each year

to play on the team. Sports Teams: Basketball

6th Grade Boys Basketball (Winter-Spring) 7th Grade Boys Basketball (Fall-Winter) - NEW! 8th Grade Boys Basketball (Fall Winter) 6th Grade Girls Basketball (Winter-Spring) 7th-8th Grade Girls Basketball (Fall-Winter)

Hockey 6th-8th Grade Boys Hockey (Fall-Winter) 6th-8th Grade Girls Hockey (Winter-Spring)

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Acceptable Use of Technology Policy

Dear Yeshivat Noam Parents,

As is readily understood, student access to various forms of technology provide wonderful educational resources

while at the same time open potential access to harmful or inappropriate material. Please review and sign this

Acceptable Use Policy Form with your children so that they can benefit from the wonderful technologies offered at

Yeshivat Noam. Please note, without submission of this form, students will not be allowed to use any of the school’s

technology resources which will impact on their ability to participate fully in their school lessons and homework. Please

either sign this form and have your child bring it into school or sign it, take a digital picture of it and email it to

jbierman@yeshivatnoam.org

Acceptable Use Policy Form

The purpose of accessing Yeshivat Noam’s technology related resources is to further the education of the

student. The use of the student account must be consistent with the educational objectives of the school. Misuse of the

student account, school computers, network, email and related computing resources will result in disciplinary action.

Yeshivat Noam students are expected to show derech eretz, good judgment and appropriate middot when using

computers. Activity that results in the social, emotional or physical anguish (bullying, teasing or otherwise abusing) of

another is strictly forbidden.

Students are responsible for maintaining their accounts and ensuring that they do not give access to their

accounts to other people. No lending accounts, no borrowing accounts and no accessing someone else’s account. If a

student's account is used to violate policy, the student who owns the account will be held responsible. Personally owned

equipment is not permitted to access the school network, wired or wireless, without prior authorization.

Student email accounts are not to be used on social media sites, and are meant for homework and educational purposes

only. Illegal activity of any kind is strictly forbidden on Yeshivat Noam Computer Resources. All data on Yeshivat Noam

computers, accounts and networks are the sole property of Yeshivat Noam. Access to websites or internet resources not

on the Yeshivat Noam Whitelist is forbidden. Access to network resources such as network drives, shared folders or

printers without proper permission is prohibited.

Mr. Joshua Bierman Director of Technology, Yeshivat Noam Date:___________ Parent Signature: __________________________________ Student Signature: __________________________________

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Thursday Mishmar Learning Program

Our Middle School Mishmar program is a wonderful opportunity for each student to expand upon their Limud Torah in

an informal atmosphere. Each Thursday from 4:45-5:45, a number of Shiurim will be taking place. While many of the

Mishmar Shiurim are extensions of our Gemara program, there are several other learning opportunities open to all

students. It is our sincere hope that every student that can take advantage of this wonderful learning opportunity will

attend. That being said, students who do not feel that they can maintain proper focus and behavior at that late hour

should please not attend. The 8th Grade will be selling snacks at each Mishmar, please send your child either with their

own snack or with money to purchase one.

Please check the Shiur you will be attending and return this completed form the 1st week of school

_____ 8th Grade Boys Gemara Enrichment (Mandatory for R' Beitler's Shiur)

_____ 8th Grade Girls Gemara Enrichment (Mandatory for R’ Cohn’s Shiur) - with R’ Mondrow

_____ 7th Grade Boys Gemara Enrichment (Mandatory for R' Kessel's Shiur)

_____ 7th Grade Girls Gemara Enrichment (Mandatory for R' Markowitz's Shiur)

_____ 6th-8th Grade Boys Mishmar Learning with Rabbi Kurtz

_____ 6th-8th Grade Girls Mishmar Learning with Rabbi Hellman

Name of Student:______________________________________ Grade:______ Parent Signature:______________________________________

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Mishmar Learning Program Schedule 2013-4

September: 12th

October: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st

November: 7th, 14th, 21st

December: 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

January: 2nd, 9th, 30th

February: 6th, 13th,20th, 27th

March: 6th, 20th, 27th

April: 3rd, 24th

May: 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd (Final session)

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M.S. Exploratory Programs Dear 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students,

This year our Exploratory Program will be an optional program that takes place during an extended Wednesday lunch period. We are excited to offer the following choices for exploratory this year. Please be prepared to pick your choices the first day of school! (Please note: if you do not get to participate in an exploratory the first semester, you are guaranteed a spot in one of our exploratory programs the second semester.)

Please label your 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice.

________Drama

________ Technology

________ Art

________ School Newspaper

________ Debate - only for 7th and 8th Graders, requires work outside of school in addition to in school

________ Choir

________ 8th Grade Girls Drama Production (only for 8th Grade girls, all are encouraged to participate, this is a full year choice with a performance in the spring)

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M.S. Enrichment Programs "If you treat an individual ... as if he were what he ought to be, and could be, he will become what he ought to be and could be." Curricular enrichment provides students with an opportunity to learn beyond the confines of a particular curriculum and its’ specific parameters. We are thrilled to offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities as part of our dynamic Middle School program. Most programs will take place during lunch.

General Studies

Stock Market Challenge (6th Grade) - students will create a mock portfolio of stocks to buy, sell and monitor as they compete with students across the country.

Book Club (6- 8th Grade) - students will participate in a group reading of novels with reflective discussions.

Debate Society (7th/8th Grade) - students will be part of a debate team who will learn the art of debate and compete against other schools.

E2K (6th/7th Grade) - select students have the opportunity to participate in enrichment lessons, hands on activities, and international competitions in math and science.

Poetry Schmooze and Workshop (6-8th Grade) - We will read and discuss short poems by different authors. We will look at different forms of poetry. We will then try our own hand on writing some poetry, using the techniques and styles of the poems we read.

Entrepreneur Club- Did you ever want to learn how to go about starting your own business or bringing your ideas to reality? This is the club for you.

Judaic Studies

Chidon Ha'Tanach (6th-8th Grade) - students will study sections of Tanach and take placement exams as they participate in an international competition. This will take place during school hours this year to make it easier to participate.

Tanach Enrichment (7th-8th Grade) - students will learn together with dynamic educators from within the school and from Israel to enrich their Chumash and Navi curriculum.

H.O.P.E Areyvut Philanthropy Program (7th Grade) – students will come to understand the process and importance of establishing meaningful connections with Chessed organizations.

Koveya Itim Mishna Learning (6th-8th Grade) - students will learn through several Mesechtot of Mishnayot and take qualifying tests for delicious Siyyums!

Gemara Bekiut Program (6th-8th Grade) - students will learn one of the smaller Mesechtot of Gemara over the course of the year with the goal of finishing the entire Mesechet.

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E2K Math and Science Enrichment Dear Parents of Sixth and Seventh Grade Students,

As part of Yeshivat Noam’s ongoing commitment to finding innovative ways to ensure the excellence of our education, our Middle School will again be participating in the Mitchell Excellence 2000 (E2K) program in the fall. The E2K program, funded by the Gruss Foundation, is designed for Middle School students who are interested, motivated, and talented in math and science. This exciting program is inquiry based and problem centered, with an emphasis on logic and analysis. The curricula, created by the Israel Arts and Science Academy, are intended to arouse students’ intellectual curiosity and independent thinking in a fun and creative manner. Lessons, which will be offered in addition to general coursework, employ hands-on activities, and emphasize communication and cooperative learning.

The program will consist of one 90 minute period each week of math alternating bimonthly with science. Mrs. Sheinfeld and Mrs. Sehgal, both Middle School faculty members, will be teaching E2K on Tuesday from 4:30 - 6:00. Students who participate are expected to be at all (or almost all) classes and arrange their transportation home. Students who stay for the program are able to order dinner.

If this is a program that interests your child, he/she can take an entrance exam during the first month of school. There are a limited number of spots open in the E2K class; unfortunately we will not be able to accept every child who is interested. After taking the exam, a letter will be mailed to your child inviting your child to participate or thanking your child for his/her interest and inviting him/her to try again next year. Please let me know any questions you might have.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Becky Troodler

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Bnei Mitzvah Guidelines The Gemara informs us that “greater is one who performs Mitzvot due to having been commanded than one who is not

commanded in Mitzvot.” When a girl reaches the age of 12 and a boy the age of 13, they advance into this category of

“commanded in Mitzvot” and therefore become “greater” in the eyes of the Torah and the Jewish community around

them. This ascent in Kedusha, holiness, and responsibility is the source for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.

When planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, it is helpful to keep this new level of observance of Mitzvot as the primary

emphasis which guides your decision making. In order to facilitate your planning, let us take this opportunity to inform

you of the ways Yeshivat Noam can assist you, as well as provide you with helpful guidelines in planning and celebrating

your child’s Bat/ Bat Mitzvah.

Bat Mitzvah I. Bat Mitzvah Preparations

a. At Yeshivat Noam, we have established a Bat Mitzvah curriculum to help prepare your daughter for some of the Halachik expectations as well as social challenges associated with becoming Gil Mitzvot, the age of Mitzvah observance. We implement this curriculum in the fall of 6th Grade. Some of the components that we include are:

i. Inviting mothers and daughters to learn together through the dynamic Matan Bat Mitzvah Program, focusing on Jewish women through the ages

ii. Proper decorum and expectations at community Semachot iii. Simcha dancing iv. Performance of a personalized Chessed/Tzedakah v. Discussing student concerns and anticipations associated with becoming Bat Mitzvah

b. At home, there are several ways to help your child make this transition as meaningful and everlasting as possible:

i. Limud Torah – Once a girl has reached the age of Bat Mitzvah, learning Lishmah, for the sake of enjoyment, should become part of her eternal Jewish identity. Therefore, setting up an out of school seder limud, learning session, a year before the Bat Mitzvah could help her acclimate to this new, meaningful expectation that should continue long after the Bat Mitzvah. Very often this additional learning can result in the child presenting a beautiful Dvar Torah or Siyum at their Bat Mitzvah celebration signifying that which they have already accomplished in Torah as well as that which lies ahead. Please contact the school if you would like any help finding someone to learn privately with you daughter.

ii. Tefillah – Your children are learning in school about the importance and significance of Tefillah. This is the appropriate age to encourage and expect your children, when not in school, to continue davening at home. Girls should also be encouraged to Daven with a Minyan, whenever possible, especially on Shabbat.

II. In School Bat Mitzvah Celebration – Celebrating your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in school, her Makom Limud Torah (place where she learns Torah) is very appropriate. We invite you to join us in the morning for Tefillah, and feel free to bring in an appropriate snack for the class to mark this special occasion. Please also try to limit the participants to immediate family and grandparents. Please let us know if you would like to celebrate with us on one of the following days:

a. The Bo Bayom, the day of her 12th Hebrew Birthday b. The day of her 12th English Birthday

As the date of your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah approaches, please be in contact with our Middle School assistant,

Ruchie Wiesel (rwiesel@yeshivatnoam.org), in order to schedule a morning to come in.

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III. Bat Mitzvah Party – If you are also planning on making a Bat Mitzvah party, please make every effort to limit the extravagance of the party. Excessive spending on a Bat Mitzvah party is not consistent with the message we are trying to teach our children. Please also try to adhere to the following guidelines:

a. Please invite all of the girls in the grade. If for some reason you are not able to invite all of the girls, please discuss it with me in advance. Those invited are then expected to attend every party that they are invited to barring any extenuating circumstances.

b. Parties may not conflict with school time. c. Parties that take place on a night before a school day should end at a reasonable time. (approximately

9:30 p.m.) d. Please make sure that the children have had something to eat before beginning Divrei Torah and

speeches. e. Classmates are expected to sit quietly and respectfully throughout all speeches and Divrei Torah, as

well as participate appropriately in the dancing. f. Cell phones are distracting to students’ appropriate participation. If your child must have a cell phone,

please remind her to shut her phone and put it away during speeches. g. Dancing should be to Jewish music and not mixed. h. It would be a wonderful message to our children if we made all of their Bat Mitzvot alcohol free

IV. Scheduling your Daughter’s Bat Mitzvah a. Aside from this letter, an online form will be sent to you so that you may inform us of your anticipated

plans for celebrating your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. As early as possible, please fill out this online form with as much information as possible.

b. In keeping with the nature of this Simcha, we ask everyone to do their utmost to avoid even the slightest bit of conflict when planning your child’s Simcha. Do not assume that just because no other child has the same birthday that there cannot be a conflict. Indeed, being mocheil on your kavod (forgiving on your honor) and compromising would be the greatest lesson you could impart to your child on this momentous occasion.

Bar Mitzvah

I. Bar Mitzvah Preparations a. At Yeshivat Noam, we have established a Bar Mitzvah curriculum to help prepare your son for some of

the Halachik expectations as well as social challenges associated with reaching Gil Mitzvot, the age of Mitzvah observance. We implement this curriculum in the spring of 6th Grade and fall of 7th Grade. Some of the components that we include are:

i. Hilchot Tefillin, Kriyat Hatorah and Tefillah B’Tzibur ii. Proper decorum and expectations at community Semachot

iii. Simcha dancing iv. Performance of a personalized Chessed/Tzedakah v. Discussing student concerns and anticipations associated with becoming Bar Mitzvah

b. At home, there are several ways to help your child make this transition as meaningful and everlasting as possible:

i. Limud Torah – Once a boy has reached the age of Bar Mitzvah, learning Lishmah, for the sake of enjoyment, should become part of his eternal Jewish identity. Therefore, setting up an out of school seder limud, learning session, a year before his Bar Mitzvah could help him acclimate to this new, meaningful expectation which should continue long after the Bar Mitzvah. Very often this additional learning can result in the child presenting a beautiful Dvar Torah or Siyum at his Bar Mitzvah celebration signifying that which they have already accomplished in Torah as well as that which lies ahead. Please contact the school if you would like any help finding someone to learn privately with your son.

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ii. Tefillah/Minyan – Your children will be learning in school about the opportunity to daven to Hashem three times a day, as well as the added significance of davening with a Minyan. This is the appropriate age to encourage and expect your children, when not in school, to continue davening as well as attending one of the many local Minyanim on weekends and for Ma’ariv throughout the week. It is all the more meaningful, when a parent is available to accompany their child and daven together.

iii. Laining/Davening – Laining and Davening at one’s Bar Mitzvah has recently become another beautiful part of the celebration. However, please be aware that this public presentation can also be a source of tremendous stress to the Bar Mitzvah boy. Being that there is no Torah mandated requirement to lain any or all of one’s Bar Mitzvah Parsha, please keep your child’s individual nature in mind when determining how much of his Parsha and/or Davening he should be expected to prepare, as this will ultimately lead to the greatest Simcha for you and your child. Please contact the school if you would like any help finding someone to teach your son any part of his Parsha and/or any part of Davening.

iv. Tefillin - As each family has their own unique Minhagim, it is important that each boy learn how to put on their Tefillin in accordance with their family’s Minhag. Please feel free to contact the school if you need any assistance contacting a Sofer.

II. In School Bar Mitzvah Celebration – Celebrating your son’s Bar Mitzvah in school, his Makom Limud Torah (place where he learns Torah) is both appropriate and meaningful. We invite you to join us in the morning for Tefillah; please feel free to bring in an appropriate snack for the class to mark this special occasion. Please also try to limit the participants to immediate family and grandparents. Please let us know if you would like to celebrate with us on one of the following days:

a. The first day your son is putting on Tefillin b. The Bo Bayom, the actual day of reaching Bar Mitzvah c. The day of your son’s first Aliyah to the Torah

As the date of your son’s Bar Mitzvah approaches, please be in contact with our Middle School assistant, Ruchie

Wiesel (rwiesel@yeshivatnoam.org), in order to schedule a morning to come in.

III. Community Bar Mitzvah Celebration – Celebrating in one’s shul on Shabbat is another beautiful aspect of a Bar Mitzvah. In maintaining the proper perspective of this Simcha, we would like to suggest and establish certain policies, both for the family celebrating as well as for those attending.

a. Please invite all of the boys in the grade. If for some reason you are not able to invite all of the boys, please discuss it with me in advance. Those invited are then expected to attend every Simcha that they are invited to barring any extenuating circumstances.

b. Please make sure that the children who do not live near you have a place to stay for Shabbat and a place to go for meals.

c. If you are making a Shabbat Bar Mitzvah in a hotel, please speak to Rabbi Hagler or Rabbi Koslowe for additional guidance.

d. Classmates are expected to come to shul on time as well as stay in shul for the duration of Tefillah, Kriyat Ha’Torah, and the Rabbi’s Dvar Torah.

e. Classmates are expected to sit quietly and respectfully throughout all speeches and Divrei Torah, as well as participate appropriately in all Zemirot and dancing.

f. Despite the often crowded conditions, all classmates are expected to wait patiently and conduct themselves in a most appropriate manner throughout a Kiddush or Shabbat meal.

IV. Bar Mitzvah Party – If you are also planning on making a Bar Mitzvah party, please make every effort to limit the extravagance of the party. Excessive spending on a Bar Mitzvah party is not consistent with the message we are trying to teach our children. Please also try to adhere to the following guidelines:

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a. Please invite all of the boys in the grade. If for some reason you are not able to invite all of the boys, please discuss it with Rabbi Hagler in advance. Those invited are then expected to attend every party that they are invited to barring any extenuating circumstances.

b. Parties may not conflict with school time. c. Parties that take place on a night before a school day should end at a reasonable time. (approximately

9:30 p.m.) d. Please make sure that the children have had something to eat before beginning Divrei Torah and

speeches. e. Classmates are expected to sit quietly and respectfully throughout all speeches and Divrei Torah, as

well as participate appropriately in the dancing. f. Cell phones are distracting to students’ appropriate participation. If your child must have a cell phone,

please remind him to shut his phone and put it away during speeches. g. Dancing should be to Jewish music and not mixed. h. It would be a wonderful message to our children if we made all of their Bar Mitzvot alcohol free

V. Scheduling your Son’s Bar Mitzvah a. Aside from this letter, an online form will be sent to you so that you may inform us of your anticipated

plans for celebrating your son’s Bar Mitzvah. As early as possible, please fill out this online form with as much information as possible.

b. In keeping with the nature of this Simcha, we ask everyone to do their utmost to avoid even the slightest bit of conflict when planning your child’s Simcha. Do not assume that just because no other child has the same birthday that there cannot be a conflict. Indeed, being mocheil on your kavod (forgiving on your honor) and compromising would be the greatest lesson you could impart to your child on this momentous occasion.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Breakfast Information Setting up a Breakfast

In order to schedule a day for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah Breakfast, you must contact Ruchie Wiesel in the Middle School office either by phone at ext. 113 or by email at rwiesel@yeshivatnoam.org. Bar Mitzvah breakfasts will take place on Mondays and Thursdays and Bat Mitzvah breakfasts will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. We will not be doing any breakfasts on Rosh Chodesh.

Tefillat Shacharit begins each morning at 8:05 a.m.; we usually finish around 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and around 8:50 a.m. on Monday and Thursday.

Please feel free to invite relatives to join us for both Tefillah as well as for breakfast. Please just let Ruchie know approximately how many guests you anticipate will join us.

Breakfast will take place in a classroom after Tefillah.

Dvar Torah

Before the end of Tefillah, Rabbi Hagler or Rabbi Koslowe will give a brief Dvar Torah in the Beit Knesset and present the Bar/bat Mitzvah child with a gift from the school.

After Tefillah, your child’s class will be dismissed to a classroom where they are encouraged to say a short Dvar Torah; this is often a wonderful opportunity for the student to describe the experience that they had with their Chessed Project.

Breakfast

The school provides cereal and milk every day for breakfast. If you wish, you may supplement that with Donuts (Entenmann's or Freihofer's, just be sure that they are nut free) and orange juice or chocolate milk. If you bring

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in anything else for breakfast, or that contains nuts, the food will not be permitted to be used for the breakfast and we will provide cereal instead.

The school can provide plates, forks, knives, spoons and cups (all plain white). Should you wish to bring nicer plates, tablecloths and utensils, please let Ruchie know. The school does not provide bowls, so if you would like those, please bring them in.

Please do not bring in hot drinks. Please only bring in enough food your guests and the children of the same gender from your child’s grade.

If you have any questions about the above information please feel free to e-mail or call Ruchie in the Yeshivat Noam

Middle School office 201-261-1919 ext. 113. We look forward to celebrating this special occasion with you and your

family.

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Yeshivat Noam

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planning Form

Name of child becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah:

Date of Birth:

English: (MM/DD/YYYY)

Hebrew: (i.e. 12 Sivan)

Date of “Bo Bayom” – (English date of his 13th /her 12th Hebrew bday):

(MM/DD/YYYY)

We would like to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah…

On the following Shabbat:

At the following Shul:

In the following Minyan:

We would like to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah…

On the following date:

At the following place:

In addition to the dates listed above, please also mark down that we intend to do the following:

on the following date:

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For office use only

Date Received: Confirmed:

Additional Notes: