Ramaz ECC Parent Guide 2025-26

Early Childhood Center

Parent Guide

2025-2026/5785-5786

TABLE OF CONTENTS Individual Appointment & Transition Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Orientation/Phase-In Period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Arrival & Dismissal Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 What to Bring on the First Day of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 School Attire (Nursery And Pre-K). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Dress Code (Kindergarten). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Drop-Off/Pick-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 After Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 General Security and ID Badges. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Ramaz Parent Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Medical Forms and Magnus Health Portal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Our Daily Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-11 Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 Responsive Classroom and Morning Meeting Second Step Character Strong . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Center Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Daily Tefillah Tzedakah and Chesed Music and Movement Indoor Investigation Outdoor Investigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Literacy Circle Brain Builders Learning Spaces Mealtime and Snack. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Rest and Recharge After-School Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Peanut, Tree Nut and Sesame Awareness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Toilet Training (Nursery) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Positive Guidance and Modeling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Home-School Collaboration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 Learning Reflections Weekly Parasha Corner Parent-Teacher Conferences Progress Reports Changes in Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community Building and Birthdays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 In-School Birthday Celebrations Kashrut Observance Weekly Shabbat Celebrations Parent-School Partnership Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Ramaz Parents Council . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 School Resources. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-19 Leadership Team. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Office Staff. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Faculty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17-19 Tips to Prepare for a Positive Start to the School Year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Additional Resources

ON THE COVER:

Students discover the natural world through Torah values in our outdoor classroom.

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2025-2026 / 5785-5786 SCHOOL CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENT & TRANSITION DAYS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 & WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 Orientation/Phase-In Period The transition from home to school and adjusting to new routines and new people can be a challenging period for both children and adults. To help make this transition as smooth and joyful as possible, please complete this Getting to Know You Form prior to the start of school and share it with the ECC office. This will provide your child’s classroom teachers with important information that will assist in supporting a smooth adjustment and transition to school.

During the orientation phase-in period, you will have an opportunity to visit the classroom together with your child; meet with your child’s teachers one-on-one, and receive general information about the program. These individual appointments will take place on 9/2. Details on setting up a time will be shared with you at a later date.

First Days of School Hours and ECC Transition Period Schedule ECC TRANSITION PERIOD SCHEDULE 2025-2026 Monday 9/1

Nursery

Wednesday 9/3

Thursday 9/4

Friday 9/5

No School Labor Day

Individual Appointments 15-minute 1:1 appointment in the classroom, with teachers, parent/caregiver, and child (Sign-up will open when class lists are released)

Transition Day 10:00-1:00 Dropoff: In the classroom Pickup: From the LS Lobby

First Full Day of School 8:30-2:30 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Lobby

Friday Schedule 8:30-1:00 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Lobby

No School Labor Day

Individual Appointments 15-minute 1:1 appointment in the classroom, with teachers, parent/caregiver, and child (Sign-up will open when class lists are released)

Transition Day 9:30-1:30 Dropoff: In the classroom Pickup: From the LS Lobby

First Full Day of School 8:30-3:00 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Social Hall

Friday Schedule 8:30-1:10 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Social Hall

No School Labor Day

Group Appointments 30-minute group classroom appointment with teachers, parent/caregiver, and child (Sign-up will open when class lists are released)

Transition Day 9:00-3:00 Dropoff: In the classroom Pickup: From the LS Social Hall

First Full Day of School 8:10-3:15 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Social Hall

Friday Schedule 8:10-1:20 Dropoff: LS entrance Pickup: From LS Social Hall

Pre-K

Kindergarten

Tuesday 9/2

FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (Grades 2-4) - TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (Grade 1) - WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3 FIRST FULL DAY OF SCHOOL (N, Pre-K & K) - THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4

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ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Drop-off and dismissal are particularly busy times at our school, making the need for cooperation an imperative for our parents, staff, and visitors. Please make sure to follow security instructions and cooperate with security, our educational leaders and faculty members during these and all other times. Please Note: If you or your caregiver arrives with your child past regular arrival time, please remain with your child until a teacher can accompany them to their classroom.

Arrival

Dismissal M-Th

Dismissal Friday

Nursery

8:30

2:30

1:00

Pre-K

8:30

3:00

1:10

Kindergarten

8:10

3:15

1:20

Lower School

8:10

3:30

1:30

**Nursery and Pre-K students who are younger siblings of Lower School (LS) students only, may enter the classroom starting after 8 AM only for those who sign up here. All students must be dismissed at their designated time.

WHAT TO BRING ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL Full labeled set of a change of clothes

Twin-sized bedsheet, Nursery and Pre-K only

Smock

Knapsack

Quiet time blanket and/or cuddle toy

Boys: kippah, clips, and tzizit

(Nursery & Pre-K only)

SCHOOL ATTIRE For Nursery and Pre-K children, Kippot and Tzitzit for boys are an ongoing requirement.

It is important that you send your child to school in comfortable play clothes and shoes so that your child can participate in all arts and crafts, play, and gross-motor activities.

Please select clothing that encourages your child to be as self-sufficient as possible.

Zippers and buttons that are easily managed teach important skills, build self-esteem and encourage a positive attitude. On Fridays, Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten students should wear a white top in honor of Erev Shabbat.

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DRESS CODE (KINDERGARTEN) Kindergartners will be required to follow the Ramaz dress code.

Monday - Thursday

Boys:

Girls:

Kippah and tzitzit are required

Light blue polo or collared blouse

Any solid, navy-blue pants – no jeans, jogging pants, or sweats, and no logos or writing

Any solid navy-blue skirt or jumper – no denim and no shorter than knee-length

Light blue polo or collared shirt (no logos or writing)

Any solid sweatshirt/sweater without any writing or logos. RamazWear is permitted

Any solid sweatshirt/sweater without any writing or logos.

RamazWear is permitted

Girls can wear solid color tights or leggings under their skirt or jumper

Erev Shabbat (Friday) Boys and Girls

Dress code is the same as MondayThursday but all tops needs to be white.

Ordering School Dress Code Clothing, Tzitzit and Kippot Kosher Casual, www.koshercasual.com, when ordering from this Israeli company, please name “Ramaz” as your referral in the “Purchase Information” section of the “Checkout” page.

Land’s End, www.landsend.com/school or 1-800-469-2222, when ordering, please use our school number 900043431.

Judaica Classics by Doina, 1248 Lexington Avenue – you may purchase tzitzit by emailing Doina@judaicaclassics.com.

Get in the Spirit with RamazWear Watch for sales at different points of the year. Should you need something in between, please email PC@ramaz.org.

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TRANSPORTATION SchoolPass

N-4 families will continue to utilize the SchoolPass application, a widely used, cloud-based application. New families will receive an email at the end of August with setup and login instructions.

DROP-OFF & PICK-UP Nursery, Pre-K, and Kindergarten parents may drop off children in their classrooms on transition days only, Wednesday, September 3.

PROCESS BEGINNING THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 4 AND ONWARD: Arrival:

When dropping off children, ECC parents, caregivers, and drivers should line up alongside the LS building. Our ECC teachers will welcome and escort your children to their classrooms.

Dismissal:

ECC pickup will take place in the first floor of the Lower School. Parents/caregivers should pick up their child/children from their designated dismissal locations. To maintain a safe and orderly dismissal procedure, after collecting your child/children, please proceed directly to the exit in a prompt manner.

• Nursery: Lobby • Pre-K: Lunchroom • Kindergarten: Lunchroom

AFTER-CARE Ramaz continues to provide after-care for Nursery and Pre-K students with siblings in K-4. This program begins Monday, September 8. Please register HERE. After-care dismissal will take place in the social hall.

Busing Busing (Kindergarten only) for the fall will again be provided through the New York City Office of Pupil Transportation.

Early Pickup To arrange for your child to be picked up early, please contact the main office by emailing us at LSoffice@ramaz.org or by calling us at 212-774-8010 no later than 2 pm MondayThursday and 12:30 pm Friday and inform of the pickup time-please do not leave a message as we may not be able to check it before your early pick up. In order to expedite your early pick up, you must inform the main office at least one hour prior to your desired pick up time. Your child’s teacher will then be given a pass to present to security and your child will be escorted out with their teacher.

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GENERAL SECURITY & ID BADGES Security is of utmost importance at Ramaz, making it an essential element of being able to function as a dynamic, happy, and safe haven of learning. It also requires the partnership and support of our faculty, staff, parents, and visitors, and we appreciate your assistance in helping keep our school safe.

With this in mind, each family will be issued NEW ID badges.

Each family may request up to three free ID badges provided they sign up by September 30.

Following that date, the free ID request form will close. Parents can still request ID badges using the ID order form with a $25 fee per badge.

Click HERE to request up to three free ID badges for the 2025-2026 school year. Please refer to the email you received with your unique family code. Please call the LS office if you have not received a unique family ID. Click HERE to pay for additional IDs (should you need more than three). This form can also be used (at any date) to pay for additional IDs or request a replacement for a lost ID. IDs from previous years will not be considered valid, please return them to the security desk.

Your ID badges can be picked up at the Lower School security desk when the school year begins.

Also, please note: anyone who has not previously been issued a Ramaz ID badge must stop by the Lower School security desk to have their photo taken before their ID can be printed.

Parents can help ensure a safe school environment by following the security guidelines: Please respect the job of the security guards following established safety protocols as they ask to check your bag and ID even though they recognize you.

Secure an ID badge for yourself, family members, or caregivers who may be dropping off or picking up your child(ren).

Show your ID for pick up. (Without ID, our security team has been instructed to question the person who is picking up a student.)

Parents are required to enter the name of the person picking up your child (other than those listed in the Ramaz security system) who may not be identified in our system.

Only individuals with appointments will be allowed to enter the building.

Please refrain from congregating outside the building. This is especially important during arrival and dismissal times when so many people are entering or leaving the building.

(Please reinforce this with your caregiver.)

Do not double-park in front of the school building.

Notify the school office and security if your caregiver has changed.

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RAMAZ PARENT PORTAL The Ramaz Parent Portal is a great resource for parents. Here you will find school directories, calendar subscriptions, academic reports, school emails and more. To log into your personalized portal visit www.ramaz.org/parentportal and enter your Ramaz parent login.

MEDICAL FORMS AND MAGNUS HEALTH PORTAL In accordance with the New York State Health Code, school policy requires all children to submit a Health Examination Report. All students are required to be up to date on their vaccines. Nursery and Pre-K students only are also required to have a flu shot. All students must have all medical records completed and uploaded to our electronic medical system, Magnus Health Portal, on the parent portal before the first day of school each year.

Magnus Login Instructions

To access your Magnus account, please go to www.ramaz.org/magnus and enter your Ramaz parent login, or click the orange Magnus button in the Ramaz Parent Portal.

OUR DAILY PROGRAM The daily schedule for the children is a guide. It provides a framework for planning and organizing the daily routine and play activities for the children. The daily routines for children will vary based on the age of your child.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

We encourage the children to continuously compromise with their peers, find solutions to their problems, ask for help when needed, use appropriate language to express themselves, manage feelings, and form positive relationships. Children will be challenged to learn to express their wants and needs as well as learn to use social and linguistic clues to understand language. This includes their ability to listen to their peers and respond appropriately, and express their own needs.

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Morning Meeting

Our ECC and Lower School faculty regularly use skills acquired in Responsive Classroom. As part of our continuing effort to integrate this studentcentered social-emotional approach to learning, each day will begin with a morning meeting and end with a reflection. The goal is to build classroom community and close connections between students and teachers, nurturing the well being of all. The class uses this time to connect with and greet one another as a classroom community, discuss news and events and make plans for the day ahead.

Second Step

To help Nursery and Pre-K children grow as learners, build relationships, and feel more successful in the classroom and in their daily lives, we utilize Second Step in our Early Childhood curriculum. This research-based program teaches preschoolers to harness their energy and potential to achieve improved learning and behavior. The curriculum teaches children to listen, pay attention, and get along with others.

Character Strong (Kindergarten)

In grades K-4, students are introduced to Character Strong, a K-8 character development program, to complement the student-centered approach of Responsive Classroom.

This initiative focuses on cultivating essential life skills and virtues/‫ מידות‬in your child. This meaningful work is based on research-based practices, engaging activities, and socialemotional learning, aiming to foster empathy, resilience, compassion, integrity, and responsibility. Each lesson includes explicit, direct skills instruction with 3 main goals: Be Kind (Social Skills), Be Strong (Executive Function), and Be Well (Emotional Regulation). The program includes character building challenges, curriculum lessons, community service projects, and school-wide events to promote positive behavior and character growth.

Through their learning, students will gain confidence to tackle challenges inside and outside of school and develop the necessary competencies to thrive – individually and as members of the Ramaz community.

Center Time

Upon entering the classroom each morning, the children will have time to greet their peers, and play and interact with open-ended materials available on tables. Children’s play, supported by caring, reflective and responsive adults will enhance a child’s natural curiosity, allowing for experiences that will contribute to and advance knowledge and understanding of the world. By providing a child with periods of uninterrupted play, with supportive interactive adults, we create the opportunity for a child to develop an understanding of the steps involved in critical thinking and to hone in on the ability to become a creative thinker and problem solver. This fosters a lifelong commitment to discovery and continued learning.

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Daily Tefillah

Tefillah helps children, at an early age, develop an appreciation for the world around them. Daily prayer builds their sense of community, deepens their sense of gratitude, and strengthens their relationship with Torah and Mitzvot.

Tzedakah and Acts of Chesed

Part of your child’s program is to develop an awareness and commitment of beautiful Jewish values of giving of charity and performing acts of chesed. Each Friday, we encourage you to send in with your child a small amount of change to put in the tzedakah (charity) box.

Music and Movement

The children will engage in whole-group music and movement activities. The activities range from playing various instruments, dancing, and listening to diverse forms of music. The children will also become familiar with the various Israeli and Jewish songs.

Indoor Investigations

Indoor investigations give the children the opportunity to explore, observe, hypothesize, question, and discuss to clarify their understanding through an activity of their choice.

The various areas within the classroom offer open-ended materials for the children to investigate. The areas include writing, blocks, science and discovery, dramatic play, math manipulatives, library and listening, and music. Throughout various projects and interests of the children, the materials may be changed to encourage exploration and the development of new ideas. Children are encouraged to extend their exploration and knowledge of a specific topic as well as encourage child-initiated learning.

Outdoor Investigations

Outdoor investigations provide the children the opportunity to explore and investigate the outdoor classroom on the roof, weather permitting. The children are offered activities that physically challenge their bodies in natural ways while enhancing their gross motor abilities. Activities include but are not limited to climbing, balancing, and hanging as well as opportunities to work as a team through building or carrying activities. They also have access to tricycles, scooters, slides, and climbers and are offered many gross-motor opportunities. In the outdoor classroom, children also have the ability to connect with nature through water play, gardening, and natural materials.

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Literacy Circle

The children engage in whole group or small group discussions regarding a presented storybook. The storybook is typically related to an activity or theme occurring within the classroom. During this time, the children are encouraged to comment, ask questions, and discuss topics related to the book.

Brain Builders

We encourage the children to be critical thinkers and think of themselves as researchers. We allow them to find solutions to their problems through scaffolding, to think symbolically through creations or pretend play, and to connect personal life experiences to classroom discussions and activities.

Through play and day to day classroom experiences, the children gain skills in the areas of math, science and technology. The children use number concepts, show knowledge of patterns, and compare and measure objects they interact with. In our environment, the children are encouraged to use principles of scientific inquiry skills in various forms in an effort to solve problems. They are encouraged to use multiple types of technology to express themselves and think critically.

Learning Spaces

Your children’s teachers intentionally and thoughtfully select classroom materials and design spaces based on an array of interests and to promote growth and development. By altering the environment and intentionally selecting manipulatives and materials, teachers provide new explorations for children to better support their learning. Each item in the learning space has a purpose and potential in engaging a learner. Our classrooms offer a myriad of opportunities for self-expression, creative thinking, problem solving and deeper learning.

Mealtime and Snack

We offer a full lunch and snack service throughout the school year. Our ECC students eat in their classrooms. As eating is a sensory experience, the children are encouraged to try different foods, engage in conversation with their peers, and use appropriate table manners. Children, as toranim with designated jobs, help set up lunch - it’s an excellent way to enhance early literacy, math skills and develop responsibility. Teachers are role models and join children at a table during lunch to develop a family style atmosphere and facilitate language experiences through casual conversation and enriching social connections. Children learn to recite the proper brachot, blessings, before and after meals.

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Rest and Recharge Due to the elongated hours of the school day, we have embedded a time for rest, quiet play and recharging. Children’s brains are working overtime to absorb and process social situations, information, observations, and their own assessments of each event! Children are still learning to listen to their own unique body cues and benefit from thirty minutes of quiet time reading, listening to mellow music, or quietly playing with toys.

AFTER-SCHOOL CLUBS (PRE-K & KINDERGARTEN) Our fall after-school clubs program is scheduled to begin on Monday, October 20, 2025, following the chagim, concluding on Thursday, January 29, 2026, and will be available for Pre-K through Fourth Grade students. View our club brochure Registration link and closing date will be shared via email. Please note that there will be a second semester of clubs for the winter-spring season.

PEANUT, TREE NUT AND SESAME AWARENESS With a number of ECC and LS students navigating severe, potentially life threatening food allergies, we need your partnership in helping ensure a safe learning environment for all. The Ramaz ECC/LS building is peanut, tree nut (including coconut), and sesame aware; including items that contain labels that state “may contain”, “processed with”, and “shared machinery.” Students are not allowed to bring in any food or snacks to school. Parents should not be sending in any outside food with their children for any reason whether it be a special occasion or a medical reason. If you have a medical concern you should reach out to your health office.

TOILET TRAINING (NURSERY) Children beginning our Nursery program are expected to use the toilet independently.

We recognize that toilet training is often a daunting, overwhelming task for some children and parents. Here are some tips and suggestions for you here should you need some advice or guidance. Please know that we are also here to help you. Feel free to reach out for support in this area. A family/school partnership that supports the child is the most important factor in making this experience successful and as low-stress as possible.

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POSITIVE GUIDANCE AND MODELING Ramaz consistently emphasizes respect for each individual child as they strive for understanding, independence, and self-control. They learn by exploring, experimenting, and testing the limits of their environment and experiencing the consequences of their behavior. In this way, they begin to understand how the world works, their own limits, appropriate assertiveness, and self-control.

Our program helps children learn these lessons by offering a positive atmosphere of support and understanding that recognizes each child’s unique profile. Development is viewed as a process of growing, with each age and stage having its own characteristics, challenges, and needs. Positive guidance is viewed by adults as an important aspect of teaching and learning. Through positive guidance and modeling, Ramaz educators help children feel good about themselves and behave in responsible ways. With an emphasis on social emotional learning we follow these guiding strategies to promote a positive environment for children: Expectations are limited to what is realistic for the developmental level of the child and clarified so children understand what is expected.

A “yes” environment enhances and encourages children’s positive behavior.

Teachers model appropriate behavior and encourage children’s efforts to build feelings of self-confidence.

We make it possible for each child to feel that he/she has some positive impact on the world around them.

We “catch” the child doing the right thing and reinforce and respond to positive behaviors.

We provide individualized attention to help the child deal with a particular situation.

Children are given alternatives that enable them to turn destructive situations into constructive ones.

We use intentional language while modeling conflict resolution and problem solving skills.

Natural and logical consequences motivate and empower children to make responsible decisions.

Cooperation, helping, negotiation, and problem solving are always encouraged.

When a child behaves in a manner considered unsafe at school, or should their actions become a pattern of behavior, a member of our ECC team will contact the child’s parents. The teacher, parent, and director will meet and discuss a plan that is agreeable to all. If the behavior becomes a chronic problem, dangerous to the child, or to others, outside intervention may be suggested to the parents. If the behavior continues, or worsens, the child will be removed from the environment and a plan will be established that will help the child develop the self-control necessary to return to school.

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HOME-SCHOOL COLLABORATION Learning Reflections

Your children’s teachers will share via email three learning reflections each week highlighting various aspects of the children’s day. A learning reflection is accompanied with photographs and documentation depicting children engaged in learning. Teachers are encouraged to include conversation prompts and suggestions for how parents can extend the learning concepts at home.

Reflections also give our parents the opportunity to peek into their child’s classroom on an ongoing basis and enhance our home-school collaboration and connection. It also provides parents with a conversation starter and promotes involvement in their child’s school day. It also allows our children to reflect on their day with their family and process what they have learned.

Parasha Corner

The weekly parasha is often a focus of Shabbat table conversations. It’s important that our ECC students feel empowered to demonstrate their knowledge and be an active participant in thoughtful discussion around the parashah. Each week, you will receive a Parasha Corner document in your inbox and may include a summary of the weekly parasha, a thought provoking question, or a concrete connection to their everyday lives, all presented in an age-appropriate manner.

Contacting Teachers During the School Day

In order to place our focus on the needs of our students, during the school day teachers will check their e-mail before and after school. In the case of an emergency, please call the school office at 212-774-8010.

Parent-Teacher Conferences

These meetings allow us to keep you informed and involved in your child’s progress . Each conference involves an oral report by the teachers in which they discuss their observations about your child and seek your insights about your child’s performance and progress. For the coming school year, Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place in November and March, however parents should feel free to contact the teacher or a member of our ECC leadership team at any time with any questions or concerns about your child’s school work or social development . We are always available to meet in person, by phone, and be of assistance as we share the same goal: to help ensure each student’s overall success.

Progress Reports

Progress reports allow us to share your child’s progress with you, and include an overview of the class goals and those for your specific child. Progress reports are shared during the winter and late Spring.

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Changes in Environment

It is very important that you let the School know about any changes taking place in your child’s environment. The birth of a baby, separation from a caregiver, or family crisis can greatly affect your child’s social and emotional well-being in school. The more informed we are, the more we can do to offer extra support and understanding to your child and family during unusually stressful times. Please feel free to share confidential information with either your child’s classroom teacher, our school psychologist, Lillian Amar, nurse Paula Edell (ext.

5963), or a member of our leadership team.

COMMUNITY-BUILDING, SHABBAT, AND BIRTHDAYS Inclusiveness

We place a strong emphasis on kehillah and modeling respectful interactions. Our school strives to create an inclusive, considerate and respectful environment as a reflection of our values and in the spirit of yechudiyot, sensitivity and awareness, with the policies outlined below.

When hosting an out-of-school birthday party or larger special event, parties should either include all children from a class (or all the girls or all the boys).

Excluding a small number of children can adversely affect the entire class and overall social and emotional well-being of the children.

Kashrut Observance

Upholding the religious values of our school and having sensitivity to the personal observance of others is paramount when planning celebrations. It is the school’s expectation that all Ramaz families adhere to the school’s standards of kashrut and only serve food, including candy and treats, which have certification from a nationally or locally recognized kashrut organization such as OU, OK, Star-K, Kof-K or the Vaad.

View KJ’s list of approved kosher NYC restaurants.

In-School Birthday Celebrations

We are excited to welcome families into the classroom for birthday party celebrations. In-school birthday celebrations are planned with teachers in advance with a selected date for a celebration. As a reminder, please do not send in goodie bags, favors, balloons, party hats, or blowers. No food may be brought to school at any time.

Weekly Shabbat Celebrations

We look forward to engaging families for our Friday Shabbat celebrations. Each week a different student will be designated a “Shabbat Star” and will have the opportunity to lead the class in their Shabbat party with their special Shabbat family guests.

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PARENT-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP EVENTS Back-to-School Nights

Parent Liaison Meetings

Family Fun Day

ECC Open House

ECC - Tuesday, September 9 LS - Wednesday, September 10 Sponsored by Ramaz Parents Council Sunday, September 14 Randall’s Island Registration link will be shared shortly via email.

Late October, late January, late May (not yet scheduled) Wednesday, October 29

ECC/LS Coffee Talks

October 28, December 2, January 13, April 28 (Subject to schedule changes)

Parent-Teacher Conferences ECC/LS - Monday, November 17 (no sessions) LS - Wednesday, November 19* (evening only) ECC/LS - Monday, March 23 (no sessions) LS - Wednesday, March 25* (evening only) *There will be early dismissal on these dates.

RAMAZ PARENTS COUNCIL The Parents Council fosters the “student and parent experience” in all four divisions of our school. Parent representatives act as liaisons between parents and administration on school programming, help celebrate the Jewish holidays that punctuate our school year and raise funds for important events. Whether gathering volunteers to bake for teacher appreciation gifts; displaying school spirit through branded RamazWear; creating enjoyable Chol HaMoed activities for Lower and Middle School students; or organizing social gatherings for parent to connect, Ramaz Parents Council continues to explore new avenues to foster kinship and menschlichkeit. Every Ramaz parent is encouraged to become an active member of Parents Council. Want to get involved? Email any one of this year’s leaders: Gabby Fridman, President Gabriella.Fridman@gmail.com PC@Ramaz.org

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Shira Arcus, ECC Vice President

ShiraKapitoArcus@gmail.com

SCHOOL RESOURCES N-4 LEADERSHIP TEAM Ruth Gafni

Hedva Ofek-Shai

Head of N-8 gafnir@ramaz.org

Director of Hebrew Language Curriculum, N-4 ofek-shaih@ramaz.org

Danielle Taxerman-Smith

Lauren Gould

Director of General Studies, K-4 smithd@ramaz.org

K-4 Instructional Coach *Interim Director of General Studies *(Leave replacement) gouldl@ramaz.org

Shira Huberman

Rabbi Dr. Steven Eisenberg

Director of the Early Childhood Center hubermans@ramaz.org

Director of Judaic Studies eisenbergs@ramaz.org

Lillian Amar, MSEd, NCSP, LCSW Director of Guidance, N-4 and School Psychologist amarl@ramaz.org

Nani Mintz Director of Special Services, The Learning Center mintzn@ramaz.org The Learning Center offers additional academic support in consultation with our classroom teachers, Lower School Directors of General and Judaic Studies.

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ECC Office Staff (212) 774-8010 Julie Thwaites

Paula Edell

Office Manager and Lower School Administrative Assistant ThwaitesJ@ramaz.org x5958

School Nurse N-4 EdellP@ramaz.org 212-774-8010

OUR ECC & LOWER SCHOOL FACULTY

(Asterisk indicates a new member of the team) ECC Nursery Teachers and Assistants Angela Book - JS BookA@ramaz.org Riley Greenspan - GS GreenspanR@ramaz.org Elise Kasell - GS KasellE@ramaz.org Marcia Heimbinder - GS HeimbinderM@ramaz.org Jordy Levin - GS LevinJ@ramaz.org Sarah Resnick - GS ResnickS@ramaz.org Ortal Revivo - JS RevivoO@ramaz.org Gabrielle Weinreich - GS WeinreichG@ramaz.org

Pre-K Teachers and Assistants Samantha Brenner - GS BrennerS@ramaz.org Maya Granot - JS GranotM@ramaz.org Lauren Grosz - GS GroszL@ramaz.org Lynda Korn - GS KornL@ramaz.org Rachel Minkin - GS MinkinR@ramaz.org Jenny Nemrodov - JS NemrodovJ@ramaz.org Ofira Sharabi - JS SharabiO@ramaz.org Samantha Sugarman - GS SugarmanS@ramaz.org Kindergarten Teachers and Assistants Miranda Adler - GS AdlerMi@ramaz.org

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Sharon Arnold - GS ArnoldS@ramaz.org Sydney Avrick - GS AvrickS@ramaz.org Sarit Bitton-Nesher - JS BittonNesherS@ramaz.org Alexis Blatt - GS BlattA@ramaz.org Jennifer Gaitan - GS GaitanJ@ramaz.org Sahar Greenberg - JS GreenbergS@ramaz.org Natalie Krispin - GS Asst.

KrispinN@ramaz.org Lizzie Zakaim - GS ZakaimE@ramaz.org Talia Zonenashvili - GS ZonenashviliT@ramaz.org Floaters Jill Silverstein SilversteinJ@ramaz.org

OUR ECC & LOWER SCHOOL FACULTY (Continued) LS General Studies and Judaic Studies (GS=General Studies, JS=Judaic Studies; *Asterisk indicates a new member of the team) Hasya Rakovsky - GS Hannah Litt - GS First Grade LittH@ramaz.org RakovskyH@ramaz.org Yaara Arfy - JS ArfyY@ramaz.org

Nicole Curto - GS CurtoN@ramaz.org Caroline Kramer - GS KramerC@ramaz.org Sapir Nachum - JS Asst.

NachumS@ramaz.org

Tali Seinfeld - JS SeinfelT@ramaz.org

Tali Ramras- GS RamrasT@ramaz.org

*Yael Simpson - GS SimpsonY@ramaz.org

Yaniv Shaul Shay - JS Shaul-ShayY@ramaz.org

Emily Zaken - GS ZakenE@ramaz.org Third Grade

*Rachel Stulberger - GS StulbergerR@ramaz.org Learning Center - GS

Chen Philips - JS Asst.

PhilipsC@ramaz.org

Debbie Appell - JS AppellD@ramaz.org

Chandler Rich - GS RichC@ramaz.org

Noa Betesh - JS BeteshN@ramaz.org

*Chelsea Genn GennS@ramaz.org

Tali Seinfeld - JS SeinfelT@ramaz.org

Maria Kakurina - GS KakurinaM@ramaz.org

*Lauren Konopko KonopkoL@ramaz.org

Noa Semo - JS SemoN@ramaz.org

Victoria Regan - GS ReganV@ramaz.org

*Amy Landis LandisA@ramaz.org

Alison Sharon- GS SharonA@ramaz.org

Kimberly Schwartz - GS SchwartzK@ramaz.org

Ashley Polansky - GS PolanskyA@ramaz.org

David Steinberg - JS SteinbergD@ramaz.org

Emma Salesin SalesinE@ramaz.org

*Yael Simpson - GS Asst.

SimpsonY@ramaz.org

Sydnie Winder - GS WinderS@ramaz.org

Learning Center - JS

*Rachel Stulberger - GS Asst.

StulbergerR@ramaz.org

Fourth Grade

Lital Grenfeld GrenfeldL@ramaz.org

Galia Bilbool-Fanish - JS BilboolG@ramaz.org

Iris Leviav LeviavI@ramaz.org

Sami Dunoff - GS DunoffS@ramaz.org

*Caroline Friedman - GS FriedmanC@ramaz.org

Maya Margalit MargalitM@ramaz.org

Edna Ovadia - JS OvadiaE@ramaz.org

Megan Herskowitz - GS HerskowitzMe@ramaz.org

Maya Mosca MoscaM@ramaz.org

Esther Shimkin - GS Asst.

ShimkinE@ramaz.org

Second Grade

Lauren Gammarati GammaratiL@ramaz.org

Hadas Kadosh - JS KadoshH@ramaz.org

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Our Specialty Teachers and Instructional Coaches Innovation Lab/STEAM Andy Greenspan GreenspanA@ramaz.org

Physical Education Joe Cervo CervoJ@ramaz.org

Christy Santorelli SantorelliC@ramaz.org

Justine Clifford-Stack CliffordJ@ramaz.org

Library Jonathan Longo longoj@ramaz.org

Fiorella Sotelo SoteloF@ramaz.org

Naomi Ickovitz IckovitzN@ramaz.org Music *Paige Borden BordenP@ramaz.org

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Guidance Sara Alderman School Social Worker N-4 AldermanS@ramaz.org

Instructional Coaches Math Anna Greenberg GreenbergAn@ramaz.org Literacy/Social Studies *Lauren Gould GouldL@ramaz.org

TIPS TO PREPARE FOR A POSITIVE START TO THE SCHOOL YEAR We recognize that children experience a range of emotions surrounding the start of a new school year. This can evoke a sense of excitement and relief as well as stress and uncertainty. To help with your child’s transition, here are some tips and strategies: Keep a positive mindset. Children look to parents for cues on how to respond to new or stressful situations. It is important to remember that you, as parents, set the tone for your children. One of the most helpful things you can do is model calm, confident behavior about returning to school and use cheerful, positive messages.

Be open and available. Create an environment in which your children can ask questions that matter to them. Validate feelings, whatever they may be, and help identify and label emotions, whether “nervous”, “excited”, or “scared.” Explain to your child that whatever they might be feeling is normal, and give them a safe space to express apprehension and ask for help when needed.

Prepare your child for what to expect. Give your child concrete information, without being overwhelming. Tell them about the different exciting experiences they will have, the kids they will meet, and who will be there to pick him/her up at the end of the day.

Talk about the things they can look forward to as well as what may look different.

For example, some old friends will be coming to school, while others may be in a new class or not returning.

Return to routines. Help your children return to school routines, such as regular bedtimes and meals. When children have predictable daily routines, it reinforces a feeling of safety and gives them a sense of control over their environment. Here are two useful articles to help think about sleep and routines.

Read books. A wonderful way to prepare your child for the first day is to read all about school. Expanding your library to include more books about starting school can help bring up conversation about the unknowns surrounding the new school year.

Below are a few age-appropriate book selections to help get you started: Nursery & Pre-K Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney David Goes to School by David Shannon The Night Before Preschool by Natasha Wing Clifford Goes to Kindergarten by Norman Bridwell Kindergarten Kindergarten Here I Come by D.J. Steinberg If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Harvard University: Back to School Tips to Get Your Child off to a Great Start Tips for Overcoming Separation Anxiety on First Day of Preschool Child Mind Institute: Helping Children with Back to School Back to School Tips: Make the First Day Easier