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Taking StockJune 2003From the Desk of Rabbi FreelundWe have reached the end of another school year, and it seems to be a fitting time for a heshbon nefesh, or soul-searching personal inventory as to how the last year of Religious School went. I can honestly say that we made many improvements over the last year. Our faculty was unquestionably better, and through their efforts, several pieces of our program came together for us. The youngest students of our school were truly fortunate. Our Torah Tots program for our very youngest children with their parents, under the able guidance of Devora Brustin, came into its own. The quality of the program and the number of students reached new heights. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes were also greatly improved this year, with a renewed emphasis on early Hebrew learning. I am very pleased that our Kindergarten teacher, Elana Gerowitz, will be returning to teach next year. For those of you who came to our Family Shabbat evenings this year, you know how well the students did on the bima. They had great confidence in their learning and their ability to lead prayer and song in front of the congregation. I expect they will get only better in the next year. Looking back, one of our challenges for the next year is to improve our attendance. While Sunday Religious School and Tuesday Hebrew School are in the lingo of the education business, "Supplementary Education," for us they are primary. As Jews with a history of millennia that has centered on learning, I believe with all of my heart that our religious training and knowledge is as important as anything that is learned in secular schools. The students must be present to engage in learning. Although most of them have excellent attendance, there are those who have been spotty, and I plan on doing a better job of communicating to all of our families just how important this experience is for their children. Together, we will make next year our best ever. |
