Our rabbis taught: parents are obligated to teach their child Torah and a craft . Some say: To also teach their child how to swim. Some say: Also to teach him how to swim. The reason? The child's life may depend on it. Rabbi [Judah I, the Patriarch] said: Parents are also required to teach their children civic obligations.

Whatever parents are required to do for their child, should they fail to do it, the child must do it on his own.
Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin 29a, 30b; Mekhilta, Bo, Pis'ha, 18.


Our tradition teaches us that it is the responsibility of Jewish parents to provide their children with a Jewish education. Parents may choose to make the congregation's school their agents in this vitally important work. In so doing they commit themselves to supporting the authority of the teachers and administration, and to follow the policies laid out for the smooth running of the school.


With these teachings at in mind, Congregation Kehillat Shalomhas adopted the following discipline policy. In order that learning at the Hebrew School can continue without disruption and distraction, this discipline policy will be strictly enforced.


In the event of inappropriate classroom behavior, which may include being
(1) off task, (2) disrespectful to peers or teachers,(3) being out of a designated area, or ( 4) failing to follow directions, the following consequences will apply:
Part 1 - Classroom teacher's actions (each student is given a s starts fresh start each every class period):
1. First time warning
2. 30 seconds out in the hall (time out)
3. 60 seconds out in the hall (time out)
4. Phone call home by teacher
5. Student sent to Principal's office
Any behavior that includes the destruction of property or interferes with personal or emotional safety will result in immediate removal from class.

Part 2 - Principal's actions (these responses are cumulative over the course of the school year):
1. Principal warns student
2. Parent phone call home from Principal communicates situation to parent in a phone call
3. Parent has to come in to class with student at the next class session
4. One week suspension from Hebrew School to be ended with a reentry meeting including the parents, the Principal, the Rabbi and a member of the Education Committee.
5. One month suspension from Hebrew School. This suspension to be must be ended with a reentry meeting including the parents, the Principal, the Rabbi and a member of the Education Committee.
6. Suspension for the remainder of the School Year. Reentry to the regular program in the fall of the subsequent school year will be determined at a reentry meeting in the first week of June with the parents, the Principal, the Rabbi and a member of the Education Committee.

In the event of suspension, parents are responsible for keeping their child up to date with the curriculum of the school. The Kehilat Shalom Hebrew school will maintain a list of possible tutors to help parents fulfill their obligation to teach Torah to their children.

B. Complaint procedure:
1. Parent(s) set an appointment and meets with the teacher.
2. Parent(s) set an appointment and meet with the Principal
3. Parent(s) set an appointment and meet with the Education Committee.
4. Parent(s) set an appointment and meet with the Principal, a member of the Education Committee and the Rabbi.