Religious School
What does the Shomrei Torah Synagogue Religious School offer your child?
As you enter through the doors of the Shomrei Torah Synagogue Religious School, you will be immersed in a high energy learning environment, rich with the spirit of Judaism and community. Our Religious School is a place where students learn to appreciate the fullness of Judaism and gain a sense of their Jewish self. These connections are made through song and prayer, art and dance, laughter and joy, field trips and family education, friendships and the building of special memories.
...but what about Hebrew?
Our goal is to teach the practical skills of the Siddur (prayer book) and prayers that will enable the students to be active participants in Tefillah (prayer service) and have an understanding of Hebrew as a living language. We pride ourselves in teaching lifelong language skills.
...and holidays?
Our spiral holiday curriculum is designed to ensure that students will learn something new and age-appropriate for each holiday every year. A concept is assigned to each grade for each holiday. Every year our students are able to expand on the information they have already learned and apply their knowledge in a more advanced way. Storytelling, the making of holiday objects, music, and school-wide programming are an integral part of every holiday celebration.
...and experiential learning?
We understand that all students learn in different ways. In response to this educational challenge, we offer a chuggim (electives) program. Every week, students in grades 3-5 experience different chuggim and are able to learn Jewish content through a variety of media. Chuggim are based on each grade level's theme and have a set curriculum for each quarter of the school year. At the end of each quarter, parents are invited to an assembly in which students "show off" their accomplishments in each of our chuggim. Students also receive instruction from music, dance and art specialists.
...and Shabbat and holiday experiences (STAR)
On various Shabbatot over the course of the school year, our students participate in the STAR Program. Each STAR session features a combination if Shabbat tefillah skills and concepts, Parashat HaShavuah (the retelling of the Torah portion of the week), and an Oneg. Overseen by our STAR Coordinator, STS teenagers implement the STAR sessions. Each week these teens, Madrichim, attend a training meeting to prepare them for the upcoming session. STAR sessions will be provided for students only (STAR) families together (STAR Mishpacha) and in the form of holiday celebrations throughout the year.
An integral part of our 3rd - 7th grade students' Religious School is a Camp Ramah Shabbaton. Ramah educators and counselors run this program and, in the Ramah tradition, provide an educational theme conveyed to the students through engaging activities such as stories, adventures, and social action projects. The weekend also includes sports, Shabbat services, ruach, and social time.
Each year, two Shabbatonim are offered for our students. One weekend for 3rd - 4th graders and another weekend for 5th - 6th graders. At each Shabbaton students will sleep overnight at the synagogue and enjoy creative programs and prayer services focused around a singular theme.
...and flexible scheduling?
Students in grades 3-6 must register for one of the following religious school tracks.
Experiential Track
- Attend seven out of the 15 STAR, STAR Mishpacha, Shabbat or holiday sessions.
- Attend three additional Shabbat services over the school year.
(Friday evening or Saturday morning) - Attend one in-house sleepover Shabbaton at STS.
Shabbat Track
- Attend ten out of the 15 STAR, STAR Mishpacha, Shabbat or holiday sessions.
- Attend eight additional Shabbat services over the school year.
(Friday evening or Saturday morning)
...and family programming?
Each grade level will have its own hands-on Family Education programming during the course of the year. These Family Education Programs provide an apportunity for you and your children to learn and experience Judaism together.
Parent OPen Houses, parent-teacher conferences, student evaluations, emails, flyers and Religious School newsletters keep parents informed throughout the year.
Parents are encouraged to volunteer in their children's classrooms. Room parents and parent volunteers are greatly needed and appreciated!
..and interesting opportunities for High School aged students?
High School aged students are encouraged to participate in our STAR program as Madrachim or in the classrooms as teachers assistants. This is wonderful way to be a positive Jewish role model to our younger students and remain immersed in Jewish education.
...and accessibility for all students?
In our desire to make Jewish education accessible to all children, we make every effort to provide support systems for the highly gifted student, and the physically, mentally and emotionally challenged student. Integration within our regular Religious School classrooms is the goal for all students. When this is not possible, however, special learners will be accomodated in our Gesher L'Torah program.
...and enrichment programming?
Classes are offered in eight-week sessions for students interested in Torah test study and the study of Jewish artists. Each class will be for one hour and students may sign up for one or both of the classes. Taught on Monday afternnons by Rabbi Richard Camras and School Director, Adrianne Pasternak, these classes offer an additional learning experience for our Religious School students.
Camp Kef
Our Religious School is offering a camp for Religious School age students during Winter Break (2007) and Spring Break (2008) (dates coincide with the LAUSD calendar). Calendar of dates, activities and fees will be available in July 2007.