Orientation letter
Dear Parents, עמו”ש As we begin what may be the most important year in your son’s learning journey, I would like to share some information about our first-grade class. By working together, we can be true partners in teaching our children .תּוֹרָה Class schedule: Until after Yom Tov, we will focus on reviewing קריאה, preparing for ,חומש and learning about the ימים טובים. We will begin כתיבה after בעזרת ה’ – סוכות. Supplies: In first grade, we receive many important papers, such as טייטש sheets, parsha questions and pictures, homework pages, newsletters, and more. Your son should have a two-pocket folder to keep these papers organized. The yeshiva will provide the first folder. A separate folder should be used for Hebrew and English papers. A briefcase should be brought every day—including Friday and Sunday. For classroom projects, we will need crayons (24-count), scissors, and glue sticks. (Please, no liquid glue.) Seforim: The סידור and חומש your son received in Pre-1A were stored away for the summer and will be returned at the start of the school year. These ספרים are kept in the yeshiva and are not brought home. We recommend having the same סידור and חומש at home for davening on שבת and for reviewing the חומש material learned in class. Homework: Please see the separate handout regarding homework. Tzedakah and Mitzvah notes: צדקה is collected every morning. Please help your son strengthen this lifelong habit by sending a few cents each day. Except for צדקה, children should not bring money to Yeshiva unless the office specifically requests it. Any such money should be placed in an envelope, clearly labeled with your son’s name and the intended recipient. Mitzvah Notes: Mitzvah notes are not mandatory, but they can greatly boost a child’s self-esteem. They also allow me to discuss meaningful topics that may not come up in regular classroom conversation. The Mitzvah notes don’t need to be elaborate—simple acts such as making a bracha, sitting nicely at meals, or washing negel vasser are all wonderful examples to share. Birthday and Shabbos Parties: We do not celebrate birthday parties in first grade. However, you are welcome to sponsor a Shabbos party in honor of your son’s special day. All food items must be nut-free, pareve, and pas Yisroel. Please do not send cake or home-baked items. Kindly provide two weeks’ notice so we can plan accordingly. Sleep: For children to learn effectively, a sufficient amount of sleep is essential. Sunday is a regular Yeshiva day; please make sure your son gets enough rest on מוצש”ק so he can come to school refreshed and ready to learn. Clothing: Children often wear the same type of clothing, especially in the winter. To prevent your son’s clothing from being lost or mixed up, please write his full name on all of his clothing—boots, both gloves, scarves, hats, sweaters, etc. Remember: הקב”ה חס על ממונם של ישראל. Lunch and Snacks: If you send home lunch for your son, please make sure it is something he is willing to eat. Important: All dairy products sent to yeshiva for snack or lunch must be חלב ישׂראל. All baked items must be פּת ישׁראל. PLEASE BE AWARE: CHILDREN DO TRADE AND SHARE SNACKS. Drinks: All drinks should be sent in a tightly closed container or thermos. Please do not send glass bottles—they can break easily and pose a safety hazard. While staying hydrated has become fashionable 24/7, there are designated times for drinking: before class and during recess. It is improper to take a swig from a bottle during class time. Please explain this to your son so he understands the classroom expectations. טייטשׁ Papers: Each week, I will be sending home a טייטשׁ (translation) papers for the פּסוּקים we learn. The טייטשׁ papers do not have to be returned to yeshiva. However, please keep them at home for future reference. English teacher: The English department is not a separate entity within the yeshiva. בל”נ, I will be working in close partnership with the English teacher to ensure that each child reaches his full potential. Therapists: We make every effort to accommodate the schedules of therapists who work with students in our class. Please be aware that when a child leaves the classroom to meet with a therapist, he may miss classwork or instructional time. Eye checkups: Until the end of Pre 1a, the children were not required to look at a text for extended periods, nor was the board used much. In first grade, we use texts daily, and the board is used. If you have any concerns about your son’s vision, it is important to discuss this with your pediatrician. Important note: During the year, there may be times when your son may have to miss a few days of yeshiva—e.g., a family simcha. If you would like worksheets to help him stay on track, please feel free to reach out. Phone calls: School policy requests that you call the office if you wish to speak with your son’s Rebbi. I will, בל”נ, do my best to return such calls promptly. However, if something comes up in the evening that you feel I should be aware of before the next school day, please do not hesitate to call me at home. Our first priority is your son’s well-being. Together, we will make this a most productive year בּעז”ה . Please accept my wishes for a כּתיבה וחתימה טוֹבה to you and your family. Sincerely yours Rabbi Tzvi Klitnick |
lemaantinokos 