Parashat Chayei Sarah

Picture Paul Revere, riding through the streets of Silver Spring and environs: Conferences are coming...conferences are coming!!!  I trust that you all have your schedules and marked your calendars for this coming Monday night (11/21) and/or the following Tuesday (11/29).  Conferences are designed to help parents and teachers understand the children whom they share.  Parents bring insights and impressions, as well as hard facts, as do the teachers.  When everyone listens to - and hears - each other, the children are the beneficiaries.  We recognize that there are some downsides to the process, the foremost being that of the limited time. We regret that conferences are short, but when everyone is prepared and keeps to the schedule, we can maximize their efficiency.

How to get the most out of your conference.  Please:

·         Be on time.

·         Don't take more than the allotted time, even if no one's waiting.  The teacher might need a break.

·         If you arrive late - even because of a previous late-running conference, do not extend this conference.  Others are waiting.  If you feel you need more time, reschedule.  (All our teachers are more than willing to work with you to find a better (or another) time.)

·         Shut off your cell phone.

·         Discuss only your child.

·         Don't talk about other teachers.

·         Understand that we are all on the same side - advocates for your child, and we are working in his/her best interest. 

·         Come prepared with specific questions, comments, or concerns and with paper and pen.

·         Leave your children at home.

·         Expect the teacher to know your child and address strengths as well as weaknesses.

·         Know that sometimes it's difficult for the teacher to tell  you something negative about your child - but the intent is to help him/her

·         We hope that your conferences are productive and give you additional insights into your children.

Thank you for your outstanding attendance at last Friday's Veterans Day performance and Open House. Your enthusiasm and your feedback assist us in making the MJBHA Lower School THE place to be!!!  Shabbat Shalom.

Parashat Lech Lecha

Continuing with my theme of "who we are in the Lower School".. One of the values we teach is that of responsible citizenship - of our school, our larger community, of Israel, and of course, of the United States.  At this time of year, it is quite evident - both visually and auditorally.  Walk through the hallways and hear various patriotic songs being practiced; look at many of the displays and see reports about Veterans and pictures reflecting the United States.  This all culminates with next Friday's (11/11/11) Lower School Veterans Day performance.  One of the recurring themes is that of hakarat hatov - recognition of the good that others do.  Our students are taught, in various stages, that we cannot take our freedoms for granted, that there is a price for democracy.  Some grades learn about the meaning of democracy; we talk about  other periods and societies  where people weren't and aren't  safe, not even to say what you want, let alone be an observant Jew, in public.  Our older students have learned that "freedom is not free"; there is a price - and it is our honor to recognize those many men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, whose sacrifices help keep us free.

One of the ways we show our appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy and the value we have for  our country and our Veterans is through respect of our flag- not just on Veterans Day, but every day.  The "Stars & Stripes" is a symbol of our freedom.  When we stand for it, in addition to the respect we demonstrate, we also show that we know and appreciate it; it reminds us that we live in a free country and that there are people whose work in the military keep it this way.    One of my personal weekly pleasures is being part of the Oneg and listening to your children sing the Star Spangled Banner in their beautiful voices.   They don't understand the full significance of this action, nor can I as someone who was born and raised in the USA.  But we certainly know enough history to recognize the significance.  Being part of a Modern Orthodox Jewish Day School, in which we can - and DO - show our appreciation for our heritage and the gifts we have, is also one way in which we show our commitment to our school's Mission - to teach wisdom and responsibility. 

Please join the entire Lower School next Friday, the 11th day of the 11th month of the 11th year (:)) at 9:15a.m. in the auditorium.  Please also make sure that your child is dressed in his/her class colors for the day as we celebrate a red, white, and blue day.  It's appropriate to bring grandparents, friends and neighbors who need a shot of patriotism and any local veterans (please let me know their names before the program).  Parents are invited to stay after the program for a brief visit to the classrooms.  (Lunch/recess begins at 10:55 due to the "short Friday" status of the day, and dismissal is at 2:00p.m.)  You are invited to join your child's class for Tefillah at 8:15.  There also will be a meeting for prospective parents at 10:30a.m.  I look forward to seeing you!!!  Shabbat Shalom