Program Scope and Policy

AMHSI CAMPUS

The AMHSI campus is home to four dormitories that house up to 240 students. The dorms— Friedman, Muss, Rappaport, and Wohl—all have a moadon(common room) for hanging out, with kitchenette facilities including a microwave and refrigerator. Your madrichim(counselors) live in the dorms with you. The specific dorm room you are assigned to will typically have between three to eight students depending on the size of the room. Bathrooms and showers are on each floor and are communal. In addition to classrooms, library, multipurpose room, and synagogue, the campus has a dining room, health clinic, basketball court, gym, running track, and a music room.

Communication With Campus

A weekly newsletter of JLA ץראב will be emailed to parents sharing the students’ activities, study topics and field trips, which have occurred over the previous days.

AMHSI Offices can be reached by calling (800) 327-5980. In case of emergency, parents will be contacted by the Director of Jewish Life by phone and or by email. In case of an emergency at home, if parents need to be in touch with their child after lights out parents may contact the Director of Jewish Life by phone and or email.

Room Assignments

Students will have the option of requesting their preferred roommates using the Roommate Request Form . Roommate requests will be taken into consideration as much as possible. Students are not required to make any requests, and are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. Students may also request to be assigned by our staff.

Rooms and roommates will be assigned by JLA staff and will be designated upon arrival. Significant concerns and issues that warrant a room change should be communicated directly to the Program Director. Boys and Girls will be in separate floors and will have designated counselors living on each floor. Boys are not allowed in the hallways or rooms of the girls dorms and girls are not allowed in the hallways or rooms of the boys dorms. Boys and girls are allowed to socialize in the common lounge and kitchenette area.

Laundry Services

Once a week, laundry service is provided on campus. Specific laundry bags are required and provided by AMHSI and labeled by each student. Laundry will be returned to you within 24 hours. It is not advisable to bring delicate/ fancy/sentimental/expensive or one-of-a-kind clothes nor should you turn them into the laundry. Laundry will be returned unfolded in the same laundry bag. Students are responsible for folding and returning their clothes.

Chores

Each student will be required to perform a variety of community chores such as helping in the chadarochel(dining hall), cleaning up common areas in the dormitory, helping out on tiyulim (field trips), etc. A chore schedule will be assigned weekly.

Celebrating Birthdays

The Madrichim will organize modest celebrations for all student birthdays. If parents would like to order something additional, please contact the Dean of Students for approval and to make arrangements.

Packages

We do not recommend sending packages. If you are considering sending one, please be advised that it may be a significant cost to you. Packages may be held at a customs center, which is a far distance from our campus. Students may not be allowed to leave the program to pick it up.

When shipping something please include the following information:

Student’s Name, Dormitory, Name of Session c/o AMHSI

9 Aliyat Hanoar Street

Hod HaSharon, Israel 4534706

SCHOOL CAFETERIA & KASHRUT

Students will be provided with a catered Kosher breakfast, lunch and supper daily. To maintain the highest level of kosher standards in our food services, outside food even with kosher labels is not permitted in the school Dining Hall. Food deliveries to the school campus are not permitted. Students may bring sealed packaged food with a Kosher symbol and fresh fruit or vegetables which may be eaten in other areas of the campus. During off-campus privileges, off-weekends, and trips students will have the opportunity to purchase food.

FOOD ALLERGIES

Please be aware that there are several individuals in the school community that have significant allergic reactions to nuts and other ingredients. Please be sure to check with others prior to eating and sharing, that those around your food are not allergic to their contents. Students with allergies are encouraged to discuss with the on campus nurse their dietary restrictions and create a meal plan that considers their allergies. The cafeteria offers a large selection of food at each meal and should have plenty of available options. The nurse will coordinate with the Dean of Students in the event that special requests are necessary.

SHABBAT

During our time in Israel you will experience two weekends on campus, one open-Shabbat and one off campus destination Shabbat. Although we know and respect the fact that our students come from diverse backgrounds and very different levels of religious observance, experiencing Shabbat together in accordance with traditional Orthodox guidelines and ritual, is part of the JLA Ba'aretz educational experience.Therefore we expect our students to respect the environment of Shabbat as per Orthodox traditions both in public and private. No electronic devices are permitted to be used even in the dorm rooms for the duration of Shabbat. Students are expected to attend prayer services and communal meals on Friday night, Shabbat morning, and afternoon. Please refer to our dress code policy for our Shabbat attire.

We included an “open” weekend into our program, during which you can visit family or friends. Students who choose to stay on campus must notify the Director of Jewish Life and Dean of Students by filling out the Hospitality Form provided in the AMHSI parent portal. If you do not have family or friends in Israel, and would prefer not to stay on campus, parents can request to have a host family arranged on your behalf.

To ensure an enjoyable experience, as well as a safe one, we require the following:

● Parents who are planning on having their child visit with family or friends must contact the host families prior to their child’s departure to Israel to make arrangements for home hospitality.

● While making the arrangements, please explain to the host family that the student must follow the school’s rules with regards to safety as outlined below. Please make sure that the host family is aware of your personal restrictions and expectations.

● Please obtain the correct name, address and phone number of the host family. Students who violate these rules will face severe consequences. Students may only visit their host families if they have permission and validation from both the student’s parents and the host family.

A student who chooses to accompany a fellow student to his/her host family must have written permission from his/her parents and administration approval. The approved arrangement must be indicated on the hospitality forms. Parents’ letter of permission will need to include the host family’s name, full address (including city) and phone number. Parents will need to obtain this information from their students directly. Students will be limited to taking three friends to their hosts.

The following safety guidelines must be followed over the course of the Open Weekend:

● Students will be allowed to visit assigned families only.

● Students will only be allowed to stay with families and must be supervised by an adult.

● Students will not be allowed to make arrangements for themselves to stay at a hotel or Airbnb even with their parents permission.

● Although we encourage students to take a friend with them, we will only allow students to take 3 of their friends with them to families so the Israeli family can properly transport and supervise the guests.

● Students must have explicit written permission to stay with families who live beyond the“Green Line.” Parents wishing to allow their children to travel beyond the Green Line when visiting host families must email the Program Director directly granting explicit permission and assuming responsibility.

● Students must have written permission to use public transportation (buses and trains). Parents wishing to allow their children to use public transportation when visiting host families must fill out the form, which can be found online in our application portal.

● The open weekends start at 1:00 pm on Friday. Sign-in back on campus is on Saturday night at 10:00 pm in the dorm.

● We encourage host families to pick up and drop off the students on campus. There will also be transportation available to central Jerusalem and central Tel Aviv where the students can either be picked up by their host families, or the students can use public transportation with parental permission as noted above. When requested, private transportation can be arranged by the school at the student’s expense.

Phone Policy

Students are required to turn off their phones during class, programs, and activities. Phones must be turned in every night no later than 10:40 pm to their dorm madrichim/ madrichot Students will be allowed to pick up their phones in the morning before the commencement of the school day. Students will not be allowed, however, to use their phones during tefillah and during academic class time. In the case of emergency students can always be reached by contacting the Director of Jewish Life. Students who have an urgent matter can get assistance from their dorm counselors.

In order to ensure that all of our students are fully engaged in the experience of a Shabbat “unplugged” from their devices and “plugged in” to each other, during the Shabbatot we spend together, both on and off campus, students will be required to give in their phones before Shabbat which will be returned after Shabbat. Phones will be placed in a secure place. In the case of an emergency, we will always be reachable via the Program Director’s cell phone which will remain on throughout Shabbat.

Respectful Student Conduct

Each of our students is expected to follow school rules at all times. Good behavior and respect for everyone are prerequisites for learning. These expectations should govern student behavior at all times during the school day and are applicable even while riding school transportation, during all curricular and/or extracurricular activities in any location, and at all times during school related trips. All the rules of conduct that are included in the student handbook apply while in Israel.

JLA strives to educate our students regarding respectful behavior. In most circumstances, our initial response to improper behavior is to talk to students to ensure that they understand the expectations and rules of the school. If the behavior is not corrected or is repeated, then a member of the administration may decide upon a consequence such as losing privileges, in school suspension, exclusion from trips and detention. In the event that such consequences are ineffective at preventing the behavior from recurring, or the student behaves in a way that egregiously violates the school norms, the student may be asked to leave the Israel program and return home. This is considered a suspension that is reportable to universities and marked on school transcripts. In the most serious cases, dismissal from school may be possible even if it is a first offense.

If the decision has been made by JLA to remove a participant from the program, it will be done as soon as possible. Parents/Guardians agree to accept responsibility for their child from this point forward. The participant may either be signed out immediately by a relative or they will be transferred under the supervision of our faculty to an appropriate location until proper travel arrangements are finalized. Any cost incurred in sending a participant home due to the violation of the Code of Conduct will be at the participant’s and his/her custodial parent or guardian’s own expense.

Respecting Others

At the Jewish Leadership Academy we strive to create a community in which all members feel safe, appreciated, and respected. As such, all students are responsible for their actions and speech. It is likewise expected that students respect all people and property, and act to promote the welfare of the entire school community regardless of gender, race, or socioeconomic status.

Respecting School Atmosphere

At all times, students are expected to conduct themselves with honesty, empathy, respect, and responsibility.

Students should always act in a safe manner and should not engage in aggressive contact of any sort (even play fighting), and should not run through the hallways. Students are not allowed to be in possession of weapons or any object that can be construed as a weapon, such as a knife or any sharp object. In order to cultivate a community of respect, students should refrain from derogatory comments, inappropriate gestures, and profanity.

Part of respecting the school atmosphere is being in the right place at the right time. This includes being present for all class meetings, programs, Tefillah, speakers, or in any other place that students are expected to be.

Respecting School Personnel

Students are expected to speak respectfully to all teachers and staff both in and out of the classroom; this includes AMHSI staff and JLA staff, all support staff, maintenance workers and bus drivers. Teachers determine the standards, expectations and consequences in their classroom. If a student violates these standards, teachers can require students to meet with them to discuss their behavior. Teachers and students will work together to help repair and rebuild a sense of trust and mutual respect.

If violations continue, teachers will involve the administration to assist in guiding student behavior and reestablishing the teacher-student relationship. It is generally best for these meetings to occur after class in an appropriate private setting, but, when possible, prior to the next class meeting.

If a student’s behavior warrants their dismissal from class for the remainder of the period, he or she will be sent to the Dean of Students office and must remain there until the student speaks with an administrator. A meeting will be arranged, typically between the teacher, the student, and an administrator to discuss a plan for future behavior.

Respecting Students

Students must act respectfully towards each other at all times. Students should show kindness and compassion to others at all times and should refrain from mean, unkind language or action. Positive language helps to build an environment of camaraderie and friendship. No physical violence of any kind will be tolerated. Such behavior will result in immediate disciplinary consequences, including the possibility of dismissal from the JLA Israel program at their own expense.

JLA students have the opportunity to be role models on the AMHSI campus. There will be both explicit and implicit leadership opportunities as a result, and the expectation is that students will act in a way that models exemplary behavior.

Students will not be allowed at any point to enter the dorm buildings or rooms of students from other AMHSI programs. Students are not allowed to enter the Mozenson Israeli School building or facilities at any time unless given explicit permission from their teachers or administrators.

Respecting School Property

Instilling respect for the school and school property is part of our educational program. Students should, therefore, honor the physical environment and should clean up after themselves at all times. Vandalism or theft of any kind is not permitted and will result in disciplinary consequences.

All facilities of AMHSI campus should be treated with respect. Students are expected to maintain a clean and organized living environment in their rooms and dorms. Students must clean up after their meals in the dining hall.

A student that damages AMHSI property will be expected to pay for the cost of the damage and may be subject to disciplinary consequences.

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR DURING NON-ACADEMIC SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

As representatives of Jewish Leadership Academy, students exemplify the tone and standards of the school and the values of Judaism.

Students are expected to adhere to the appearance and behavior codes during any JLA sponsored events and trips, including athletic events both on campus or otherwise.

RESPECT FOR SELF: Substance Abuse

The use of alcohol and other harmful substances endangers the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual health of our children and erodes our basic values.

Our goal is to help students maintain their physical, emotional and social well-being, while creating a safe, nurturing environment on campus and at school events. In order to do so, we proactively educate our students and their parents about the dangers of substance use. In recognizing the value of partnership with parents in this endeavor, we strongly urge at least one parent from each family to attend parent education programs that we run or that we recommend.

It is our sincere hope that the policies discussed below encourage our students to see the benefits in a productive, healthy life and to make the right choices when confronted with these challenges.

Jewish Leadership Academy and the Alexander Muss High School in Israel are smoke and drug-free and alcohol-free campuses. We, therefore, do not permit or tolerate any substance use in school, on school property, or while participating in a school trip or event. Any student who is found in possession of or to be using these substances (which include, but are not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vapes, “Juuls,” nicotine products, alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances, or found to be in possession of paraphernalia associated with smoking, drinking, or drugs of any sort) on the JLA campus, at an off-campus school sponsored program or event, or while traveling to or from school or school sponsored programs or events, will be subject to significant consequences that may include suspension or dismissal from school. Any student who is found in possession of or to be using these substances may be asked to leave the JLA Israel program.

When the decision has been made by JLA to remove a participant from the program, it will be done as soon as possible. The participant may either be signed out immediately by a relative or they will be transferred under the supervision of our faculty to an appropriate location until proper travel arrangements are finalized. The student will be expected to return to JLA Miami immediately to serve in academic in-school suspension and to keep up with the credit requirements of the program.

Any cost incurred in sending a participant home due to the violation of the school’s Substance Abuse policy, will be at the participant’s and his/her custodial parent or guardian’s own expense. The possibility of reintegration and being allowed back to school at JLA Miami will be determined by the Associate Heads and will depend on the student following a therapeutic protocol and if the student was honest about his/her actions.

A student who has violated JLA’s substance use policy may face additional interventions, including subsequent testing, throughout the remainder of his or her tenure at school. Students who violate the drug policy on multiple occasions will be required to seek more intensive therapeutic interventions and may be subject to significant disciplinary consequences as well.

Distribution Of Substance

As an extension to our commitment to providing a safe and wholesome environment for our students, a student who is found to be selling or providing drugs, alcohol, e-cigarettes or other substances, whether in school or not, will face disciplinary consequences including being asked to leave the Israel program and the possibility of expulsion. This includes, but is not limited to, bringing an unauthorized substance to school or to an outside function.

Academic Integrity

Honesty and integrity are important components of the development of one’s character, and an essential element of any educational experience. Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as your own. Regardless of whether one intends to plagiarize or not, whenever someone presents the work of another person as their own, it is considered plagiarism. It is crucial that one acknowledge every source accurately and completely. Remember that copying and pasting or paraphrasing without proper citation is plagiarism, even if the research was done independently.

Other forms of academic fraud include:

● Unauthorized collaboration between two or more students who then submit the same assignment

● Similar assignments under their individual names or in a way that suggests that they each did the work independently

● Giving permission to another student to use one’s work for a class without approval from the teacher

● Cheating or misconduct during assessments

● Unauthorized use of A.I.

If a student is found to have plagiarized or cheated, his or her parents will be notified and the student will receive a zero on the assignment. A subsequent offense will result in further disciplinary action.