LS Parent Handbook 5776 2015 2016

BETH TFILOH DAHAN COMMUNITY LOWER SCHOOL 3300 Old Court Road Baltimore, MD 21208 410-526-9995 fax: 410-526-6753 www.btfiloh.org

2015 - 2016 5776 ‫תשﬠ"ו‬

PARENT HANDBOOK

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Accredited by the Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSCS) Certified by the State of Maryland

LOWER SCHOOL PARENT HANDBOOK

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Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION  .......................................................................................................................... 4 Principal’s Remarks ......................................................................................................................... 4 Mission Statement............................................................................................................................ 5 PARENT/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION  ................................................................................ 6 Email and Voice Mail ...................................................................................................................... 6 School Publications.......................................................................................................................... 6 Website ............................................................................................................................................ 7 Social Media………………………………………………………………………………………8 Derech Eretz and Bullying and Harassment ................................................................................... 9 Emergency Communications ......................................................................................................... 12 School Calendar ............................................................................................................................. 13 Hours of Operation ........................................................................................................................ 14 Arrival Procedures ............................................................................................................ 14 Dismissal Procedures ........................................................................................................ 14 Late Pick-Up Policy .......................................................................................................... 14 BT Plus After-School Care ............................................................................................................ 15 Inclement Weather ......................................................................................................................... 15 A Guide to Safer Rides .................................................................................................................. 16 Maryland Booster Seat Law........................................................................................................... 17 Medical Information ...................................................................................................................... 19 Vaccine Requirements ................................................................................................................... 19 Assessment..................................................................................................................................... 20 Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Dress Code............................................................................... 20 Field Trips ...................................................................................................................................... 22 Student Responsibilities ................................................................................................................. 23 Homework Request for Absentees.................................................................................... 23 Personal Belongings ......................................................................................................... 23 Map of Lower School Building ..................................................................................................... 24 LUNCH, FOOD IN SCHOOL AND KASHRUT  .................................................................... 26 Lunch  .................................................................................................................. 26 Kashrut & Birthday Parties ................................................................................................. 27 Nut Awareness Policy………………………………………………………………………….28 STUDENT ACTIVITIES  ....................................................................... 30 Lower School Student Council ...................................................................................................... 30 2

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Support Services ............................................................................................................................ 30 Youth Activities ............................................................................................................................. 30 Special Programs ........................................................................................................................... 30 ADMISSIONS ........................................................................................................................................... 31 Application Procedure ................................................................................................................... 31 GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................... 32 AIMS Parents and Independent Schools ........................................................................................ 32 AIMS Code of Ethics ..................................................................................................................... 34 AIMS Statement of Confidentiality ............................................................................................... 36 Child Abuse Law ........................................................................................................................... 36 Right of Privacy ............................................................................................................................. 36 Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Contact Information ........................................................ 37

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Introduction Principal’s Remarks August, 2015 Av 5775 Dear Parents,

Welcome to a new school year, a beginning filled with excitement and great expectations. Each year in Lower School we celebrate a theme which represents one of our core values: gratitude, respect, kindness, responsibility and community. This year our theme is “gratitude,” reflecting our goal of raising happy, appreciative children.

We are attaching an article which articulately addresses this topic.

“11 Tips for Instilling True Gratitude in Your Kids” In addition, we strongly recommend Wendy Mogul’s NY Times best-selling parenting book, Blessing of a Skinned Knee, as a wonderful resource that uses Jewish teachings to help you raise self-reliant children. Worth reading is Chapter 5, and excellent chapter about gratitude: The Blessing of Longing: Teaching Your Child an Attitude of Gratitude.

Following are two very important first day reminders.  

Please send a small dairy or pareve and nut free healthy snack to school each day.

Help your child start the school year on the right foot by turning in their completed summer reading form to their teacher on the first day of school.

We value our partnership with you in reaching and teaching our children, and we look forward to a year in which the words of our tradition truly resonate:

‫אֵ יזֶ הוּ עָ ִשיר? הַ ָשּמֵ ח בְּ חֶ לְ קוֹ‬ “Who is rich? Whoever is happy and grateful for what they have.”

With gratitude, Mrs. Wand and Mrs. Yurow

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Mission Statement Overview Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School is a Jewish, co-educational college preparatory school; its purpose is to educate Jewish students from preschool through high school. The student body is diverse, including families with varying religious, economic, cultural, and social backgrounds. Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School has been and continues to be unique in philosophy and curriculum, stressing the values and traditions of our rich Judaic heritage and American democratic ideals, while preparing students to meet local and global challenges of contemporary society.

Building Jewish Continuity Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School is committed to a modern approach to traditional Judaism and welcomes children from a broad range of backgrounds and beliefs, recognizing and respecting the spiritual dignity of those beliefs. Emphasis is placed on Torah, the love of G-d, love of Israel, and all of humanity in an atmosphere that encourages social consciousness, community leadership, and a commitment to the highest standards of ethical behavior. Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School’s responsibility to the Jewish community is to educate generations of American Jews who are committed to Jewish practices and beliefs, knowledgeable about their heritage, versed in Hebrew Language, and devoted to the Jewish community and the State of Israel.

Academic excellence We strive to provide a rigorous secular and Judaic program with the primary goal to develop each individual's intellectual capabilities. The curriculum emphasizes content mastery, skill development, critical thinking, creativity, self-knowledge, positive interpersonal relationships, independence, and love of learning in a nurturing environment.

Cutting edge technology is integrated in and supports the entire program. Comprehensive programs in arts and athletics enrich the school’s academic offerings.

Focusing on the individual Each student is encouraged to reach his or her full potential. The school embraces a range of learning styles and has an academic support program and enrichment opportunities along with social and emotional support in every division. A variety of electives and extracurricular programs in both Jewish and secular studies helps to tailor the educational program to the needs and interests of each student.

Commitment to the State of Israel Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School recognizes and affirms that the creation of the State of Israel is one of the seminal events in Jewish history. Recognizing the significance of the State and its national institutions, we seek to instill in our students an attachment to the State of Israel and its people, as well as a sense of responsibility for their welfare.

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Parent/School Communication

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The following steps are taken to keep parents aware of their child's progress:    

Report cards are distributed during the school year.

Parent-teacher conferences are held.

If there are specific problems or concerns, you will be contacted by your child's teacher.

One of the most important components of our children's success is communication between school and parents. If you have a question or concern, discuss it first with your child's teacher. Don't wait until a small problem becomes a big one to discuss it.

We provide these steps to allow for a give-and-take between parents and the school. If the necessity arises, the principal and staff are always willing to meet with any parents.

In order to provide the best possible care for your child, there may be times when it is appropriate for teachers to share emails with administrators.

Email and Voice Mail Email and voice mail provide excellent ways to communicate with teachers.

All emails and voice mails will be returned within a 24 hour period (exclusive of weekends and vacations).

School Publications  The Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Web portal – www.bethtfiloh.com/MyBT - an excellent source of news, calendars, announcements, and pictures from our Lower School.  Ganaynu – A bi-weekly newsletter available to Kindergarten parents on their class web pages.  Student Directory – Available on our website and published annually by the PA.  Lower School Parent Handbook – Published annually by the administration and available on the “Lower School Today” page of our MyBT portal.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Website 

The Beth Tfiloh "Lower School Today” Resource page is located on our new secure MyBT portal (login required) and provides access to announcements, news, events, flyers, forms and other resources specifically for Lower School students and parents. The Lower School homepage is available to students and parents by logging into our secure web portal using the “MyBT Login” link OR by going directly to www.BethTfiloh.com/MyBT. Once you have successfully logged in, you will be able to view Recent News, Resources, the school Calendar, update your profile, and search the school directory.

The Beth Tfiloh website includes the following helpful resources located on the menu bar: CHILDREN – direct links to your child’s grade level page and other group pages.

GROUPS – provides access to the BT Parent and BT Student group page, with general information relevant to all parents and students.

RESOURCES – “Lower School Today” and other frequently used resources for parents and students, including a link to the Academic Portal with report cards and emergency information.

NEWS – a running list of Recent Activity specific to you and your child’s classes and groups CALENDARS – school-wide and division calendars with filtering options.

MY PROFILE – please make sure your personal information is up to date! The e-mail address entered in your profile (under Internet Information) is used for all school e-mail communication.

DIRECTORIES – a searchable directory of Beth Tfiloh students, parents, faculty & alumni.

NOTIFICATIONS – choose how you wish to receive important school notifications. Click on your name, click “Settings” and select “Notifications.” For more details see, bethtfiloh.com/notifications.

PROFILE – your name and contact information. This information can be updated through the Academic Portal.

Our website also includes an Information Hotline at www.BethTfiloh.com/hotline, which includes timely messages and school closings due to inclement weather.

For login questions, use the Login Help link, view our online Website Help at www.bethtfiloh.com/help, or contact the Communications Office at 410-413-2217. For other questions about our school website, contact Joan Feldman at jfeldman@btfiloh.org or 410-4132312.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Social Media Policy This policy and accompanying guidelines are designed to create an atmosphere of goodwill, honesty, and individual accountability for all members of our school community while using social media. All Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School students and parents/guardians represent the school, even when they are communicating electronically and posting on social media outside of school. Any individual who violates this policy may be subject to disciplinary action as appropriate. In addition, students who fail to abide by the terms and conditions of this policy may lose their opportunity to take part in projects utilizing online sites and/or access to future use of online tools.

POLICY All Beth Tfiloh students and parents shall abide by the policy set forth below in all electronic and online communications as they relate to the Beth Tfiloh school community: derech eretz (as defined in Code of Conduct). berbullying will not be tolerated. it is acceptable to disagree with someone else’s opinions and provide constructive criticism, it must be done in a respectful way that is not hurtful to others. derech eretz and in accordance with this policy when posting pictures or videos of any activities or individuals at activities taking place on school grounds or at school-sponsored events. Do not post embarrassing or maliciously- intended pictures or videos of such activities. Posting appropriate pictures or videos with the consent of the subject(s) is permissible. or otherwise identifying students in photos, videos, or other posts is strictly prohibited, unless they have consented to such action.

Independent Schools,� in electronic and online communications, as in all of their endeavors. y parents/guardians to lobby other parents via social media or other means would be in violation of school policy.

GUIDELINES digital footprint for all to see. The manner in which you represent yourself online is an extension of yourself. Do not post anything you would not want friends, enemies, parents, teachers, other schools, or a future employer to see. l information such as last names, phone numbers, addresses, exact birthdates, and pictures with identifying information.

-based tagging for all photos and status updates. trusted adult.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Derech Eretz 

Proper conduct is the foundation of Torah.

--

 Vayikra Rabba 9:3

Beth Tfiloh Lower School is committed to character education, rooted in values of Torah and midot. We know that a child’s social-emotional intelligence is inextricably linked to their academic success and ability to grow into an optimistic and resilient person. The Lower School focuses on the midot of Gratitude (Hakarat HaTov), Respect (Kavod), Kindness (Chesed), Responsibility (Achrayut), and Community (Kehilla) to guide our values-based education.

We are committed to nurturing joyful, thoughtful, self-disciplined, confident and resilient children who are passionate and dedicated to their Jewish values. We teach children to do their best work, meet high expectations, persevere, listen thoughtfully to others, and show self-control.

We have a zero-tolerance policy for: (1) inflicting bodily harm, (2) continued defiance and disrespect despite teacher support and strategies. In instances where a child inflicts physical harm on another child or shows continued disrespect towards classmates or adults, the Administration will be notified immediately and a child will either (1) remain in the office for the remainder of the day, (2) will have to be picked up from school, or (3) will be allowed to rejoin the class after regaining their composure and taking responsibility for their actions. Parents will be notified of the incident and the developmentally appropriate consequence implemented at school. When a child returns to school the following day, they will meet with an administrator prior to going to class to reflect on positive behavior moving forward.

Bullying and Harassment It is fundamental to the values of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School that we create and ensure for students a “warm, welcoming and secure learning environment”. Bullying is clearly at odds with these values and will not be tolerated. It may come in various forms and can leave victims hurt, distressed, and frightened, preventing successful learning from taking place. Our Bullying Policy and Social Media Policy go hand in hand. Please read and refer to both policies when necessary.

Prohibition against Bullying: Bullying of students occurring in school is prohibited and will not be tolerated. Our Code of Conduct outlines derech eretz, the expectation of positive behavior and respect for all. This policy governs behavior in, but is not limited to: school buildings, school grounds, school-sponsored activities, including social events, field trips, sports events, and similar school-sponsored events and functions, and travel to and from school and/or school-sponsored events, and any form of electronic communication, such as but not limited to texting, emails, and social media.

Definition of Bullying: Typically, bullying is a continuing pattern of intimidation, harassment, or abuse by one or more persons against another person or persons, through verbal, nonverbal, physical, digital, or written interactions in a relationship characterized by a real or perceived imbalance of social or physical power or strength or an attempt to gain dominance over another. It can take many forms and occur in virtually any setting. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following types of behavior:

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

offensive language or images) ding by electronic means Intervention and Response to Alleged Bullying: Bullying is not acceptable at Beth Tfiloh; it undermines the school’s mission and has strong effects on students. All claims will be considered urgent and will receive a full investigation to determine appropriate action. Teachers and administrators work to investigate the full scope of each incident to evaluate the impact or outcome of the behavior, and thus whether or not an individual’s behavior is considered bullying. (See Chain of Command at end of policy.) The appropriate Divisional Administrative Team, consisting of the division’s guidance counselor, assistant principal, and principal, will assess the incident. School officials will act promptly to impose corrective action as necessary.

Depending upon the severity of the incident, the Divisional Administrative Team may implement a student safety plan; separate and supervise the students involved; provide staff support for students; and/or develop a supervision plan with parents/guardians. In addition, the Divisional Administrative Team may require the offender(s) to work with school personnel on better behavior; recommend that the offender(s) obtain counseling or other therapeutic services; and/or impose disciplinary action or other measures, as deemed necessary. The parents/guardians of students who bully others shall be notified and may be summoned to school to seek their support to change the behavior of their child.

Possible Consequences: or parent(s)/guardian(s) to provide student with corrective feedback

rs, consequences for infractions, and incentives for demonstrating positive behaviors

address in a collaborative manner issues the student may be facing school t to maximize behavioral improvement -in/check-out intervention plan for the at-risk student with a caring adult in the school who tracks the student's behavioral progress and addresses his/her individual needs on a daily basis uirement of daily or weekly check-ins with an administrator for a set period of time s to those harmed or offended -school suspension, during which the student completes his/her work

We are committed to the view that ALL members of our school community-- students, staff, and parents/guardians, have a shared responsibility to ensure that a climate of derech eretz exists where bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. In the event that the school administration deems a child’s behavior as detrimental to the safety of other members of the school community, the most severe consequences will be imposed.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Chain of Command Team.

Education.

-by-case basis, a member of the Divisional Administrative Team shall contact the parents/guardians of the student(s) involved and might summon the parents/guardians to school for a meeting with certain teachers and/or members of the Divisional Administrative Team.

ADDENDA Advice for Parents/Guardians Parents/Guardians can help by discussing bullying with their children, particularly these key points: on should suffer physical harm or personal abuse. someone else. ith your child what is friendly vs. unfriendly teasing, or bullying vs. not bullying.

-outs and changes of friendship groupings are common in young people, but efforts should be made by all to ensure this does not lead to the isolation of any individual.

action, including police involvement if necessary.

Advice for All Students TELL SOMEONE—discuss with, write, or email an adult you trust, such as a parent, guardian, teacher, tutor, guidance counselor, principal, or coach.

REMEMBER--the school will investigate claims of bullying and will do so in a sensitive way, so that those concerned are treated fairly and justly.

ELIMINATE bullying by REPORTING incidents you see. Do not join in with bullying.

SUPPORT those who experience bullying.

VALUE the diversity that exists in our students and do not let differences give rise to inappropriate behavior.

If you are being bullied – TELL someone that you trust. You have the right to be and feel safe. IT’S NOT YOUR FAULT! If you are bullying someone --

BULLYING IS UNACCEPTABLE AND IS NOT TOLERATED. SOURCES: www.tolerance.org/print/magazine/number-34-fall-2008 www.kidscape.org.uk www.stopbullying@city.sheffield.sch.uk www.orange.k12.nc.us/policy/policies/3000/3532_Prohibition_Against_Unlawful_Discrimination_Harassment_Bu llying.pdf www.state.me.us/education/bullyingprevention/management.html www.olweus.org/public/bullying.page

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Emergency Communications In the event of an unscheduled school closing or other event requiring emergency communication with members of our school community, Beth Tfiloh may utilize the following avenues of communication, as appropriate for the particular circumstance: • Information Hotline: 410-413-2345 • Text messages & email: Beth Tfiloh parents and students can choose to receive text messages and email alerts for important announcements. These notification settings are available on our website and all parents have the ability to access and change their email or text settings at anytime. To enable text messaging and email alerts, go to bethtfiloh.com/mybt to login to the BT Website. Click on your name (upper right-hand corner), then “Settings," and then “Notifications.” Verify (or add) your email address and your text number. Click “Edit Options” to choose which notifications you wish to receive and click “Save”. You will then be sent a text message with an activation code to activate text messaging. For illustrated instructions, go to bethtfiloh.com/notifications.

• Website: A notice will be posted on the Recent Activity feed of our MyBT portal (bethtfiloh.com/mybt).

• Radio & Television: An announcement will be posted on WBAL Radio 1090 AM, and on WBAL TV Channel 11.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

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School Procedures 

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Hours of Operation ARRIVAL PROCEDURES Students should arrive at 8 am.

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Students arriving between 7:30 and 8 am are to report to the Zimmerman Multi-Purpose Room for supervision.

Students will be permitted to enter their classrooms at 8 am.

Students arriving after 8 am will report to the office for tardy sign-in.

DISMISSAL PROCEDURES       

Dismissal time is 3:45 pm (Monday – Thursday) Friday dismissal is 2 pm ALL YEAR LONG Students are called by their carpool location and by name for Lower School carpool. There will be adult supervision at all dismissal locations. Lower School only and Kindergarten only carpools exit the building via the Lower School entrance.

Students with PreSchool siblings are dismissed to the PreSchool carpool line by the High School.

Students with Middle School siblings are dismissed to the Middle School carpool line by the Bliden entrance.

If, in an emergency, a parent is unable to meet a child at dismissal time and will be late, please notify the office immediately so that the child may be supervised by a staff member until a parent arrives.

Please refrain from cell phone conversation when picking up your child. He or she deserves your full attention at the end of the day.

LATE PICK-UP POLICY Your child looks forward to seeing you on time every day. If, however, for some reason you are late to pick up your child(ren), at their dismissal time, we will bring them to the Lower School Office and an extended day fee of $10.00 will be assessed. This fee will be charged to your Beth Tfiloh account and it will appear on your monthly statement.

If you have an emergency and cannot pick up your child(ren) on time, please call the Lower School office at 410413-2500 to alert us. If you are calling for PreSchool after 4 pm, please call 410-486-1900 x371. Thank you for your cooperation.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

BT Plus After School Care BT Plus Extended Day Program is an exciting opportunity for BT students to explore and expand new horizons after school with their BT friends and excellent staff.

BT Plus is an Extended Day Program, including supervision and three semesters of activities for students registered, until 5pm or 6pm on regular school days (3:30pm or 5pm on Fridays – Friday times coincide with Daylight Savings Time). The Extended Day Program will begin the first day of school, Thursday, August 27th. After-school activities are only being offered to students registered for the Extended Day program and will begin Wednesday, October 7. There will be a Fall semester, a Winter semester, and a Spring mini-semester of classes.

The fee for the Extended Day Program includes after-school activities. Flexible enrollment options enable you to register your child for as many days as you wish. Participation in BT Plus is only available by pre-registration. For more information, further information, please contact Lindsay Gaister: lgaister@btfiloh.org.

Inclement Weather If we find it necessary to delay the opening or close school because of inclement weather (snow, ice, etc.), information will be announced on the Beth Tfiloh Weather Hotline number: 410-413-2345 and posted on our website. In addition, you may tune in to Radio Station WBAL, 6:30 am to 8:20 am. You may also subscribe to text message notifications. Please see instructions on page 9.

Policy on Late Openings

Please make note of the times that supervision will begin on days when there is a late opening: When school begins at 9 am (one hour late), supervision begins at 8:30 am When school begins at 10 am (two hours late), supervision begins at 9:30 am Students are supervised in the Zimmerman Multi-Purpose Room.

Please walk your children into school to assure their safety. Keep in mind that, unfortunately, we cannot assure adult supervision before any of the above stated times.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

A Guide to Safer Rides Car Safety Tips  Do not leave a child in a car with the keys in the ignition or with the motor running.  A carpool should be no larger than the number of usable seatbelts in the smallest car.  A child younger than six years and who weighs forty pounds or less must be secured in a Federallyapproved safety seat according to the safety seat and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions.  A child needs to be in a booster seat if they weigh between 60-80 pounds and are less than four feet, nine inches tall.  Choose responsible drivers with well-maintained vehicles and a concern for safety.  Keep doors locked and windows open only slightly and keep sharp or heavy objects in the trunk or on the floor.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Maryland Booster Seat Law

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Medical Information A nurse is available from 8:00 am to 3:45 pm in the Health Suite. In the event of an emergency, the nurse is contacted immediately and it is she who makes the decisions about appropriate plans of action. For the safety and well-being of all children and staff, it is Beth Tfiloh's policy that parents notify the nurse when a child is on medication.

The Baltimore County Health Department dictates that the school is not permitted to administer any medication without written consent from a physician. In addition, no student is permitted to self-administer medication.

Approved non-prescription medications will be made available, with written parental consent, in an effort to relieve minor discomforts which impede student learning.

The use of crutches, orthotic boots, and wheelchairs may be necessary when faced with an injury.

However, having these items in school can be both dangerous and disruptive. If these, or similar devices are required, the school requires a note from our recommending physician.

Vaccine Requirements Vaccine requirements changed in 2014. These requirements are in addition to the existing school immunization requirements. Please contact your health care provider to schedule an appointment to receive these vaccines before entering next school year. The new requirements are: NEW Requirements are: 2 doses of Varicella vaccine for entry into Kindergarten 1 dose of Tdap vaccine for entry into 7th grade 1 dose of Meningococcal vaccine for entry into 7th grade

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Assessment GENERAL

Teachers will utilize a variety of assessment instruments which may be standardized or informal to determine or to adapt the appropriate learning environment for individual needs. Examples of these assessments might be checklists of developmental milestones which can include speech, language and/or motor skills, Informal Reading Inventories, ERB (Educational Records Bureau) CTP 4, DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), and/or Kriyah (Hebrew Reading) scan. This list is not all inclusive. Results may or may not be shared with parents depending on the objective of the assessment utilized.

HEARING AND VISION

Hearing and vision testing of children in selected grades will be administered by a technician under the auspices of the Baltimore County Health Department and the Maryland Society for Sight.

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Dress Code UNIFORM DRESS CODE Grades Kindergarten through 4 Effective 2015-2016 school year Order BT school uniforms through Lands' End Phone - 1-800-469-2222 Beth Tfiloh is preferred school #900070947 Students are expected to stay well within the intent of the dress code. Students may not attend class unless they are in conformance with the dress code. Where questions arise, administration discretion will be exercised. All judgments are at the sole discretion of the Administration. Parents and guests are asked to dress in a manner befitting a Jewish day school when they enter the building.

REQUIRED CLOTHING 1. Polo Shirts (Short- or Long-Sleeved) mesh or interlock with the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Logo in a variety of approved colors are available through Lands’ End. At least one polo shirt must be white for Rosh Chodesh and special events. **PLEASE NOTE that the Lands' End line of "Feminine Fit" polo shirts is included in our school dress code.

2. Turtlenecks, mock turtles, sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets in a variety of approved colors with the school logo are available through Lands’ End. 3. Oxford or chambray shirts and blouses with the school logo are available in a variety of approved colors through Lands’ End. 4. Pants must be loose-fitting, ankle-length, and may not drag on the floor or have frayed bottoms.

Cargo and chino-style pants may be worn in khaki or navy, provided they are loose-fitting.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Specific vendors that offer loose-fitting pants styles are as follows: Lands' End, Old Navy and Target.

Note: Capri, stretch pants and leggings are not approved.

5. Knee-length khaki, or navy jumpers, skirts, skorts, or longer length shorts (shorts only may be worn during the months of August, September, October, April, May and June) available at a supplier of your choice. Leggings may be worn under skirts as long as the skirt meets the uniform standards.

6. Lands’ End Short Sleeve and Long Sleeve Mesh Polo Dresses in approved colors may also be worn.

7. Boys are required to wear kippot every day. Please keep extras in your child’s backpack.

8. Socks or tights must be worn with shoes.

9. Sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets are limited to school logo and team, tournament or organization sweatshirts in approved colors. Zip-up sweatshirts and jackets may only be worn over a BT uniform shirt.

10. Earring restrictions - excessive or dangling jewelry should not be worn for safety reasons. We are clarifying this policy by limiting permissible earrings worn by Lower School girls to stud earrings.

UNACCEPTABLE CLOTHING 1. Nylon or denim fabric 2. Embellishments of any kind 3. Sweatpants, balloon pants, nylon pants or short shorts. Leggings or stretch “skinny” pants of any fabric that fit like leggings may not be substituted for approved pants.

4. Clothing with holes, fraying, patches or clothing that is excessively tight or baggy 5. Excessive or dangling jewelry should not be worn for safety reasons 6. Flip flops Used BT uniforms are for sale during our annual School Non-Swap Shop for the reduced cost of $5 per Item. All proceeds go to tzedakah.

APPROVED COLORS Polo Shirts – Mesh or Interlock – Long-Sleeved or Short-Sleeved – with BT Logo Black, Washed Antique Indigo, Classic Navy, Cobalt, Grey Heather, Ice Pink, Maize, White, Purple Turtlenecks and Undershirts – Long-and Short-Sleeved – To be worn under polo shirt Black, Washed Antique Indigo, Classic Navy, Cobalt, Grey Heather, Ice Pink, Maize, White, Purple Turtlenecks (for Lower School) – Worn as a uniform shirt must have BT Logo Classic Navy, Maize, White Oxford Shirts for Her with BT Logo Blue, White Oxford Shirts for Him with BT Logo Blue, French Blue, White, Long Sleeve Pattern Oxford – Blue/White, Long Sleeve Chambray – Bleached Indigo, Lake Blue Stripe Sweaters with BT Logo Classic Navy, Maize, White 21

Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Fleece/Sweatshirts with BT Logo Black, Classic Navy, Cobalt, Grey Heather

It will not be necessary for Lower School students to change for Physical Education. Clothing and athletic shoes that are durable enough for the playground are also more than adequate for Physical Education. All students must wear athletic shoes for Physical Education.

On holidays such as Purim or specially designated occasions, the dress code may be lifted and students may be permitted to wear casual or “specialty� clothing. Parents will be notified in advance of these occasions.

Field Trips During the school year students will go on field trips away from the campus which enhance the instructional program. Students are expected to dress in the Beth Tfiloh School Dress Code unless otherwise directed by the teacher, and behave in an appropriate manner. Boys are expected to wear kippot. Money is not necessary as all expenses are normally covered by the school. If the trip extends over the lunch hour, students will be asked to bring a bag lunch which must be dairy. Parental chaperones are asked to conform to the dress policies and Kashrut policy of the school while accompanying students on trips.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Student Responsibilities Homework Request for Absentees Children are expected to make up homework when absent. Parents are asked to call the office (410-526-9995) each morning their child is absent and arrange for his or her teachers to leave classwork and homework assignments to be picked up in the Lower School office only. Homework is available in the Lower School office for this purpose on the counter as you enter. To insure that these requests can be honored, please call between the hours of 8:15 and 10 am.

Personal Belongings 

Name-tapes and labels should be attached to all belongings - coats, hats, kippot, sweaters, boots, gloves,

etc.  All school books should be covered immediately at the beginning of the school year.  All lost books will be charged to the student at cost. Report cards will not be mailed at the end of the school year until all books/costs are finalized.  Under no circumstances will students be permitted to carry cell phones, tape recorders, beepers or any mechanical devices unless authorized by the Principal.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Map of Lower School

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Map of Lower School  

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

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Lunch Every

moment of the school day at BT is an educational opportunity. Lunch time and snack time are perfect occasions to teach our children about community, etiquette and Jewish values.

We consider proper decorum to be appropriate at lunch time.

Eating should be a pleasant social experience. We expect our students to eat in a decorous manner and to clean up their places at the table after lunch.

Students will have a choice to either purchase a nutritious meal from the school lunch program or to bring a lunch from home. We are happy to announce that lunch will be offered Monday through Thursday by Beth Tfiloh’s inhouse catering department. Chef Gershon Topas will provide nutritious and well-balanced lunches for purchase during the school year. These lunches can be ordered online monthly, ordering will begin around the 15th of each month and will close to any new orders around the 25th of each month. Parent volunteers are critical to the success of our lunch program and is a popular way for parents to get involved. If you are interested, please call the office.

When packing lunch from home, BT encourages parents to give their children a well-balanced lunch containing nutritious foods they will enjoy. We also understand that lunches have been carefully prepared according to family nutritional preferences and needs (i.e. allergies, etc.). We therefore don’t allow trading or sharing lunches or snacks with classmates.

Lunches do not have to be only sandwiches.

Wide-mouthed insulated containers are available at discount and drug stores. These can be used to send a variety of good things for lunch. Most foods can be put in the freezer the night before to chill substantially. The following ideas and suggestions are for good nutritious lunches:         

Dairy products (e.g. cheeses, cream cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt) Eggs or egg salad Tuna salad Salmon (smoked or regular) Jams and jellies All vegetables and fruits, coleslaw or salad Water or juices Fresh fruit with yogurt or cottage cheese and a fruit muffin or bread Bagel with lox and cream cheese or peanut butter and jelly, tomato slices, celery/carrot sticks, and fruit

Students are not to bring “Lunchables” or any other items that have no Kashrut certification. These items are unacceptable under our Kashrut policy.

Precautions are taken for children with peanut allergies.

Lunches brought from home must be Kosher - dairy or pareve only. (Pareve is a category of foods that is neither meat nor dairy; examples are vegetables, grains, fruits, juice, rice, fish). Students may not bring meat or poultry products into school.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Kashrut Policy and Birthday Parties

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Kashrut at School Kashrut is an important concept of Judaism that is taught at Beth Tfiloh. It is approached with sensitivity, especially because there are so many different levels of Kashrut observance represented among the Beth Tfiloh school population. Our goal at Beth Tfiloh is to ensure that every child is comfortable at our school, whatever his/her background may be.

Beth Tfiloh's in-house food preparation for our school lunch program and other school and synagogue events is under the Kashrut supervision of Rabbi Chaim Sitrin, Mashgiach.

Lunches brought from home must be dairy or pareve only. (Pareve is a category of foods that is neither meat nor dairy; examples are vegetables, grains, fruits, juice, rice, fish). Students may not bring meat or poultry products into school.

All food, including snacks or cakes, brought into school to be shared with the class must have Kosher certification.

Absolutely no homemade food items may be distributed, even if the family has a Kosher home. Any food served after lunch on a meat hot lunch day must be pareve.

Acceptable bakeries: Goldman’s, Goldberg’s, Sion's, Pariser’s, Seven Mile Market, or Dunkin’ Donuts (Colonial Village and Reisterstown Rd. near Old Court locations only) Most grocery stores carry kosher items, which are acceptable if they carry the following symbols of Kashrut certification:

Please note:  The letter “D” together with one of the symbols above indicates “Dairy.”  The letter “K” without any accompanying logo, is not an acceptable certification.  See also the school’s Nut Awareness Policy For specific questions, please contact your school office.

Kashrut Outside of School We take great pride in the fact that Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School embraces the concept of Klal Yisrael (the diversity of the Jewish community) and aims to create an environment that is inclusive of all of our children, respecting the dignity of all levels of religious observance. We believe that Derech Eretz, thoughtfulness and respect for one another, concepts our children learn here at Beth Tfiloh, extend beyond the classroom and inform our treatment of others outside of our school walls.

Any birthday party, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, or other event that includes Beth Tfiloh classmates should be an opportunity for all guests to fully participate and feel welcome.

In addition, to further convey care for the feelings of others, do not send birthday invitations to school for distribution. Please send them in the mail.

To enable our school community to achieve the ideals of inclusivity, respect and thoughtfulness, we have included the following resources:    

Guidelines and FAQ’s about Kosher Food List of area restaurants and carry-outs with approved kashrut certification How to Throw a Beth Tfiloh Birthday Party Beth Tfiloh Birthday Party Packages

For more information, see bethtfiloh.com/kashrut.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

Nut Awareness Policy Our aim is to provide a safe learning environment for all people in our school community. To support this, Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School is a ‘Nut-Aware School’. This policy aims to increase our community awareness, in order to minimize the risk to children with documented allergies to nut products.

Anaphylaxis is a severe form of allergic reaction which is potentially life threatening. There are many causative agents for anaphylaxis with nuts often being the precipitating factor. Anaphylaxis is preventable. Avoidance of specific triggers is by far the best option. Management is via immediate injection of adrenaline and emergency transfer to the hospital.

This means that we encourage parents, children and staff to avoid bringing foods that contain nuts to school. Products that contain nuts include: � Nuts � Peanut butter � Nut spreads such as Nutella � Most fruit and nut bars, energy bars, and muesli bars � Many cereals, crackers, and cookies � Some biscuits � Chocolates and any other products that have nuts listed in the ingredients � Bamba SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES � Reinforce appropriate avoidance and management strategies. � Keep updated Health Care Plan information. � On advice from a Health Care Plan, individual classes may need to develop class specific measures. � Ensure that the cafeteria and other school lunch providers are sensitive of the Nut Awareness Policy. � Provide additional information to classes with children who have had previous anaphylactic reactions to nuts. � Ensure that any food items donated for school events such as special holidays are nut-safe.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES Parents/caregivers of children with previous anaphylactic reactions: � Provide the school with a Health Care Plan with a documented plan for first aid response and an Epi-pen/Auvi Q to be kept in a clearly defined location agreed to by parents and the school. � The name and contact details of the doctor who signed the Health Care Plan. � Support the class teachers and other staff in implementing the Health Care Plan.

All Parents are asked to support the school’s Nut Awareness Policy by: � Being sensitive and supportive to the needs of students with a history of anaphylaxis. � Providing children with healthy food options that do not contain nuts. � Encouraging children to wash their hands before and after eating.

STAFF RESPONSIBILITIES All Staff are asked to support the school’s Nut Awareness Policy by: � Incorporating it as part of the class health program. � Teaching children the importance of washing their hands before and after eating. � Reminding students and parents of the Nut Awareness Policy prior to school events where food is available for sharing and /or purchase. � Have up to date training in: hat is an allergy?

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

-pen/Auvi Q use PROMOTING THE NUT AWARENESS POLICY The policy will be promoted by: � Parents and caregivers being informed via this newsletter � Publication on the school website � Staff being informed and provided with training opportunities

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook



Student Activities Lower School Student Council The Lower School Student Council is comprised of the entire 4

th

grade. Children serve on committees that focus on mitzvot and midot. Committees include: Chesed (acts of kindness), Seder Vanikayon (order & neatness), Simcha (happiness), Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, Tikun Olam, and Midot.

Support Services At Beth Tfiloh, we support and encourage the social-emotional well-being of our students. A licensed clinical social worker and trained responsive classroom teacher, provides numerous activities and services for students and their families. She works with students and teachers in the classroom environment, creating conversations and activities that help the children recognize and practice healthy social skills, positive friendship skills, empathy and compassion.

Youth Activities We have added a very exciting component to enhance the Shul/School link by offering Family Shabbat Services, Shabbaton programs and other family-oriented activities throughout the year.

These programs are under the supervisions of our Youth Office.

You are more than welcome to join us for these activities. You can find these activities on the website. In addition, the Youth Department calendar can be found on the Lower School Division page.

Special Programs We are proud of the learning atmosphere at Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. We like to share special days such as the Kindergarten Follies, Siddur Program, Chumash Program, Midot Program, and the 4th Grade Family Shabbat Program as well as other occasions with our parents. You will receive ample notification of these programs during the course of the year. It is not advisable to bring small children who may be disruptive to the programs, since our students and teachers work hard to make the programs a success. Please do bring grandparents or relatives who will enjoy seeing the spirit of the children at our school.

Our annual Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day gives grandparents and special friends other than parents an opportunity to participate with their child in classroom activities and experience the Beth Tfiloh learning environment. This program will take place on Friday, April 15th.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

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Admissions APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Procedure for admission is as follows: 1. Children who celebrate their fifth birthday on or before September 1st may apply for Kindergarten.

2.

Beth Tfiloh PreSchool students applying for Kindergarten must submit a completed Application for Admission and a $230 non-refundable/non-transferable application/testing fee. Students will be tested during school hours.

3.

Students new to Beth Tfiloh applying for Kindergarten through Grade 4 must submit a completed Application for Admission, a Record Release, and a $230.00 non-refundable/non-transferable application/testing fee. A test date will be arranged after the Application for Admission has been received.

Students who are applying for Kindergarten and Grade 1 will be observed at their current school. A visit to the BT campus will be arranged on an individual basis for students applying for Grades 2-4.

4.

New students entering Grades 5-12 are required to submit a completed Application for Admission, a Student Questionnaire, a Record Release, and a $50.00 non-refundable/non-transferable application fee. A campus visit and an interview will be arranged on an individual basis. Students are required to take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE), a national admissions test used by many independent schools. Students only need to test at one site. Beth Tfiloh’s Sunday testing date is January 10, 2016.

5.

Admission decisions are made after careful evaluation of each student’s application materials. Notification of admissions decisions will be mailed to parents on February 19, 2016.

6.

Current Beth Tfiloh students will be mailed re-enrollment contracts at the beginning of January. A $700.00 reenrollment fee must be submitted with each student’s re-enrollment contract. This fee will be applied toward tuition.

7.

Financial Aid: Indicate your intent to apply for assistance on the application form, and information will be sent to you.

8.

Application Deadline is January 8, 2016. After this date, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis pending space availability.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

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General Information AIMS Parents and Independent Schools AIMS

PARENTS AND INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS To be successful, every independent school needs and expects the cooperation of its parents, who must understand and embrace the school’s mission, share its core values, and fully support its curriculum, faculty and staff. When joined by a common set of beliefs and purposes, the independent school and its parents form a powerful team with far-reaching positive effects on children and the entire school community.

Working together, parents and school professionals exert a strong influence on children to become better educated; they also help them to mature by modeling adult working relationships based upon civility, honesty, and respect.

In practice, the greatest impediment to effective teamwork between independent schools and parents grows out of misunderstandings about school decision-making processes: Who makes decisions in independent schools? How are those decisions made?

Independent schools must communicate their procedures to parents, who, in turn, share the important responsibility to become informed members of the school community.

PARENTS AND THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES In most independent schools, decision-making authority at the highest level resides in a volunteer Board of Trustees whose membership often includes current parents. The Board of Trustees does not intervene in the daily affairs of the school, such as curriculum development and hiring, evaluating, or firing of faculty and staff. Instead, the Board focuses on three areas critical to the success of any independent school: it selects, evaluates, and supports the Head of School, to whom it delegates authority to

manage the schools; it develops broad institutional policies that guide the Head in running the school; and it is accountable for the financial well-being of the school. In the conduct of its official business, the Board acts only as a whole; individual Trustees, including the Board Chair, have no authority to act unless specifically authorized to do so by the Board acting as a whole.  AIMS encourages parents who are interested in high-level decision making to stay informed about the work of the Board of Trustees by reading school publications, talking to the Head of School, and attending appropriate meetings.  Parents with concerns about the school or with decisions made by the administration or faculty are encouraged to inquire about and follow the school’s review process, but they should not expect the Board of Trustees to act as an appeals board. In a day school, trustees often interact with others within the school community and hear concerns about the daily operation of the school. As a matter of good practice, the trustee reports those concerns to the Head of School.

¹See the excellent Trustee Handbook by Mary Hundley DeKuyper, published by the National Association of Independent Schools

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

AIMS Parents and Independent Schools PARENTS AND THE FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATION Parents play an essential and positive role in the life of an independent school. Not only are parents advocates for their children, they also support the faculty and administration through extensive volunteer activities and events.

consider whether another school would be a better match for the family.

THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION AND THE SCHOOL The Parents Association in an independent school provides a vital and much-appreciated service to school leadership and the entire school community. Because the Parents Association is so important, and its volunteer activities potentially so wide-ranging, AIMS recommends the following steps to structure and clarify the Association’s role.

The relationship between parents and the faculty and administration is formally governed by the school’s written enrollment contract and handbook, in which its procedures are spelled out. When parents choose to enroll their child in an independent school, they agree to subscribe to its mission, follow its rules, and abide by its decisions. However, most teachers and administrators would agree that trust and mutual respect are the most essential underpinnings of effective working relationships with parents.

 The Board of Trustees, in consultation with the administration, should develop a set of written by-laws for the Association that make clear its procedures and role as a service organization.  The by-laws should clearly state the Association’s mission to support the decisions and policies of the Board and administration. The Parents Association neither participates in policy-making by the school, nor functions as a lobbying group.

 AIMS encourages parents to work productively with teachers and administrators by staying informed about their child and important events in the life of the school. Thoughtful questions and suggestions should be welcomed by the school. It is incumbent upon the school to provide parents with timely and pertinent information.

 The finances of the Parents Association should be supervised and regularly monitored by the school and should be part of the school’s annual audit process.

 Parents best support a school climate of trust and respect by communicating concerns openly and constructively to the teacher or administrator closest to the problem. Efforts by parents to lobby other parents will be viewed by the school as counterproductive.

 The Head of School should be closely involved in the Association nominating process. Cooperation and teamwork between the Head of School and the officers of the Parents Association are crucial to the health of the school community.

 While parents may not agree with every decision by the school, in most cases, the parent and school will find enough common ground to continue a mutually respected relationship. In the extreme case, however, an impasse may be so severe that the parent cannot remain a constructive member of the community. In such cases, both the parent and the school should

 It is appropriate that the Parents Association advertise its activities and events. However, the Association is not a public relations arm of the school and should play no role in the school’s efforts to communicate about itself.

AIMS The Association of Independent Maryland Schools (AIMS) is an association of more than 100 independent, college preparatory schools in Maryland and the District of Columbia, representing more than 40,000 students and more than 5,000 teachers, administrators, and staff. It was organized in 1967. AIMS works in cooperation with the Maryland State Department of Education and is a member of the Maryland chapter of the Council of American Private Education and the National Association of Independent Schools.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

AIMS Code of Ethics

AIMS

CODE OF ETHICS ADMISSIONS 1.

A school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its admission policies.*

2.

A school will not initiate a conversation with a student or family known to be enrolled at another AIMS school for the intended purpose of recruiting that student from another member school.

3.

A school recognizes the right of its students or families to visit and consider other schools without notifying the present school. It also recognizes and respects the right of another school to hold preliminary discussions about the possibility of admission.

4.

Upon request and as promptly as possible, a school will send an official copy of a transcript (or its equivalent) and other pertinent information to another school to which a student has applied.* However, if a transcript or other information is being withheld, the present school will notify the requesting school immediately.

5.

(a) A school will advise any school requesting a transcript if a family has not met its financial obligations at its present school. (b) A school will not offer an enrollment contract to a student without first receiving an official copy of a transcript (or its equivalent) from the student’s present school.*

6.

A school will not offer an enrollment contract to a student whose family has not made satisfactory arrangements to meet its financial obligations at another school.

7.

A school will take all reasonable and lawful measures to maintain the confidentiality of reports and information exchanged among schools concerning students and parents.*

FINANCIAL AID ADMINISTRATION Need-based financial aid is the primary means to support access to independent schools by students of diverse socio-economic levels. For this reason, AIMS strongly endorses need-based financial aid and recommends that assistance be granted only on the basis of demonstrated financial need.

1.

A school will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its financial aid policies.*

2.

A school that offers merit awards will advise the Association at the start of each academic year.

The Association will publish annually a list of all such merit award programs. For purposes of this Code, merit awards include any amounts granted in excess of demonstrated need.

3.

A school will not use merit awards to “bargain” for a student attending, applying to, or committed to attending another AIMS school.

4.

A school will use a uniform methodology to assess annually, in a consistent and equitable manner, each family’s ability to pay for education.*

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

5.

A school will require adequate documentation of family resources when determining need.*

6.

A school will provide students and families with factual information about its aid opportunities, financing opportunities, policies, and procedures.

7.

A school will use financial aid only as a means to enroll students who match the school’s mission and academic programs. A school will not make financial awards, whether need-based or merit, to attract a student for whom the school’s philosophy and academic programs are not well suited.

8.

A school will not set different standards of behavior and academic performances for its financial aid recipients.*

9.

A school will refrain from and discourage others within the school community from disclosing the names of financial aid recipients and award amounts.*

10. A school will safeguard the confidentiality of all financial information supplies by a family.*

HIRING OF FACULTY AND STAFF AIMS expects that school communities will espies a spirit of respect and professionalism between employers and employees.

While many individuals in an AIMS school may participate in the employment process, the Head of School is responsible for ensuring that the following standards are met: 1.

A school will not take any action intended to encourage an employee of another school, whether a member of AIMS or not, to break a contract

2.

A school will ascertain whether the candidate is under contract at another school.

3.

A school will recognize the right of an employee to visit and consider employment in another school without notifying the employee’s present school. A school will also recognize and respect the right of another school to hold discussions about the possibilities of employment without notifying the present school. In both cases, it is understood that the period of employment under consideration does not coincide with a period to which the employee is already committed by contract.

4.

Prior to entering into an employment contract with an employee of another AIMS school, the school head will notify the head of the employee’s present school and will also direct the employee to do so.

5.

A school head will not stand in the way of an employee who wished to move to another school after the employee has fulfilled all contractual obligations.

PUBLIC INTRGRITY 1.

A school should honor all promises made to its various constituencies and to the general public.

2.

A school will carefully avoid misleading statements about its programs, situation, or status.

   

*From Principles of Good Practice, by the National Association of Independent Schools Board Approved January, 2010

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Lower School Parent Handbook

AIMS Statement of Confidentiality As an AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland Schools) member school we agree to abide by the procedures and statement expressed below.  The Family Rights and Privacy Act (Buckley Amendment) does not apply to Admission Folders.  All information provided on a recommendation form will be held in strictest confidence and will not be shared with students, parents or guardians.  If a student is rejected for admission, the recommendation will be destroyed.  If a student is admitted and if the school wishes to retain the recommendation, it will be filed separately and not added to the student's permanent record folder.

Child Abuse Law A copy of the Child Abuse Law of the State of Maryland has been distributed to and discussed with all members of the staff of Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School. This is in accordance with Maryland State Department of Education (Article 27, Section 35A, Annotated Code of Maryland).

Right of Privacy Access to and release of pupil's records must be with the written permission of student's parent or legal guardian or a student of l8 years of age and over. No records will be transferred without written permission of the student's parent or legal guardian or student l8 years of age and over. Only parents, legal guardian, or students l8 years of age and over will have access to the student records. This takes place only in the presence of a School Official. A log will be maintained concerning the name of the viewer, date accessed, and a description of the records viewed.

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Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School Contact Information OLD COURT CAMPUS - MAIN PHONE NUMBER: 410-486-1900 Rabbi Mitchell Wohlberg ....................... Dean ........................................................ Ext. 215 Mrs. Zipora Schorr .................................. Director of Education ............................. Ext. 305 Mrs. Cherie Brownstein .......................... Youth Director ........................................ Ext. 220 Mrs. Laurie Kott...................................... Director of Admissions ........................... Ext. 308 Mrs. Harriet H. Rosen ............................. School Administrator .............................. Ext. 310 LOWER SCHOOL DIRECT NUMBER: 410-526-9995 Mrs. Nina Wand ...................................... Lower School Principal .......................... Ext. 508 Mrs. Susan Yurow .................................. Assistant Principal/Learning Specialist .. Ext. 506 Mrs. Elana Weissman………………....Lower School Student Services ................ Ext. 514 Mrs. Regina Jacobs ................................. Administrative Assistant ......................... Ext. 502 Mrs. Melissa Klawans Cohen ………..Administrative Assistant ............................ Ext. 500 Mrs. Sheri Seaman .................................. Administrative Assistant ......................... Ext. 501 Mrs. Wendy Quartner……………..….School Nurses ............................................ Ext. 512 Mrs. Stacy Schwartz………………….School Nurses ............................................ Ext. 512

Hotlines Weather/Announcement (410) 413-2345 / www.bethtfiloh.com/hotline Transportation Information (410) 486-1900, Menu Option 6, Then 5 Trip Information (410) 486-1900, Menu Option 6, Then 3

____________________________________________________________________________________________

LOWER SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE: 410-526-9995 FAX: 410-526-6753 ________________________________________________________________________ ALL FACULTY EMAILS are assigned as follows: First Initial, Last Name (for example: zschorr@btfiloh.org) ALL FACULTY EXTENSIONS can be located in a dial by name directory at our main phone # or via the BT Website

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