Our aim is to establish a program in which Judaism comes alive for children, by integrating experiential learning activities with classroom instruction, family programming and intergenerational learning opportunities.
We attempt to blend the Shtetl model of Jewish education (which we like to think of as the original Montessori approach) with the best of modern hands-on learning techniques.
We want our program to encourage children to develop as individuals and to pace their learning according to their developmental needs.
We currently have 60 students in our school. Our Kindergarten class and students in grades 1-5 attend on Sundays from 9:30AM-12PM. Beginning at approximately 3rd grade, students attend classes on Wednesdays from 4:15-6:15 which includes snack with our Rabbi and a learning minyan. Students who are pre/B’nai mitzvah attend classes on Saturday morning for Torah study, participate in Shabbat services beginning at 10AM and attend classes on Wednesdays. In addition to classroom instruction, students participate in music and art classes, engage regularly in activities with our Young Emissaries from Israel, and meet one-on-one with peer mentors for additional Hebrew reading support.
July 2011 Update
Dear Families,We hope you are enjoying these long summer days! Rabbi Andy, Cantor Dorothy and I have been busy planning some wonderful school programs for the upcoming year. We have been working on the calendar and would like some feedback from you regarding Youth services and School dinners.
An invaluable part of the learning experiences planned for our students are derived from the family events and holiday celebrations that we, and many volunteers, plan for. These experiences cannot be duplicated in the classroom or at home. Children who are the most successful in our program have parents who are committed to travel with them on this journey. That being said, we would like to know how to make these experiences work best with your busy schedules.
We are planning several youth services during the school year. Please let us know what times work best for you and your children: 6:30, 7:00 or 7:30? We would like to know if it is more convenient for you to attend a Shabbat Friday night dinner before a service (5:45) or dinner after the service? Please take a few minutes to email your thoughts to Cheryl at cheryl.wolansky@sbcglobal.net so we may take your suggestions into consideration while we are still planning for the year.
Friday, August 26th: Shabbat in the Park
Sunday, Sept. 11th: 1st Day of Sunday School
Wednesday, Sept. 14th: 1st Day of Wed School
Saturday, Sept. 24th: 1st Day of Saturday School
Winter 2010-2011 Update
Dear Families,
As the weather turns (much) colder, we are forced to think about the possibility of having to close school due to bad weather. Here are a few reminders:
When Cheshire Public Schools are closed for the day, or closing early, there will be NO SCHOOL at Kol Ami. On Sundays, Rabbi Andy and I will make a decision about closing school or having a late opening no later than 8am. We will send out an email and the closing will also be announced on WFSB channel 3 and WTNH channel 8.
If there is any question about the weather on a Wednesday, please listen for announcements regarding Cheshire Public Schools, check your email and watch the TV.
On a Saturday morning when the weather is in question and there is or will potentially be hazardous travel conditions, please tune in to local Channel 3 or Channel 8 on your TV. Rabbi Andy and I will make a decision no later than 7:30am. Also, please note that canceling classes does not necessarily mean that services will be canceled! The Ritual Committee and the Board will make a decision about closing Kol Ami for the day--look for this info on the TV as well.
We will make every effort to remain open, however we have to keep in mind our students and staff who are traveling from outside of Cheshire.
Cheryl Wolansky
Sunday Snacks
Dear Families,
We have decided to implement a formal snacktime on Sundays! For the older students, it may be a "working snack". This will allow less wasted classroom time running back and forth to the kitchen in search of juice and snack. We need your help with this new plan. Please plan to bring in snack a few Sundays until the end of the year. This Sunday, you will find a snack sign up at your child's classroom door. Please sign your name next to the day(s) you would like to bring in snack and juice. We will provide cups, napkins and plates (if needed). Please note the number of students in each grade:
Pre-K and Kindergarten: 8
Grades 1 & 2: 15
Grades 4 &5: 12
(grade 3 has their own snack)
Please try to bring healthy snacks: fruit, cheese, crackers, cereal, pretzels, juice. All foods (except whole fruits&veggies) must be in unopened packages with a K or U (kosher) marking. Please see Rabbi Andy if you have any questions about food. Please, only peanut-free and nut-free foods!
Thank you for your help!
Cheryl Wolansky
