SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Safety Patrol
The safety patrol operates in conjunction with other neighborhood
private schools who are also members of the New York City Parents
League in order to create a safety presence around each school.
Monday through Thursday, two parents from kindergarten and each
of the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools patrol a designated route
around their respective school, for one hour at dismissal time.
Parents walk together wearing orange vests and carrying whistles
and two-way radios. A calendar, set up by the Lower, Middle
and Upper School safety patrol committees, is sent to parents
in advance of their scheduled walks. Parent volunteers organize
the patrol schedule. It is mandatory for every kindergarten,
Lower, Middle and Upper School parent to walk patrol on his
or her designated day.
School Calendar
Parent Council volunteers coordinate the printing and publishing
of the school calendar. The calendar is an indispensable source
of school information which includes school holidays, major
events, parent visiting days, days off, candle lighting and
havdalah times, and the names and telephone numbers of
class parents and liaison representatives. A pocket-size version
is also provided.
Shabbatonim
The second and fourth grades each have one annual Shabbaton
at Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. The entire grade and their
families, as well as members of the faculty and administration,
participate. On Shabbat morning students participate
in the services and groups at KJ. A special luncheon follows
the service at which the students give divrei Torah and
lead in zemirot. Parent representatives from the grade
help to organize the event. The Middle School and Upper School
also have Shabbatonim hosted at KJ or in neighboring
communities.
Learn-ins
Early Childhood Center and Lower School parents are invited
to an annual "learn-in" at which teachers discuss a topic that
the children are learning in Judaic studies. The "learn-in"
takes place once a year in the home of one of the students in
the grade. The "learn-ins" provide parents with an opportunity
to learn what their children are studing in their Hebrew curriculum,
and to socialize with other parents in the grade.
Parent Evenings
The administration, in consultation with parent volunteers,
organize one to two evenings each year during which guest speakers
present and discuss important issues with parents. Past topics
have included; substance abuse, setting limits for children,
academic expectations and social pressure. These evenings provide
a source of valuable information as well as an opportunity to
socialize with other parents.
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Liaisons
Parent representatives from fifth grade through seventh grade
work with the Middle School in coordinating Bar/Bat Mitzvah
dates and resolve scheduling conflicts. They are in charge of
collecting money for a class gift that is given to each Bar/Bat
Mizvah child. This committee has produced a special educational
brochure.
Blood Drive
Parent volunteers organize the blood drive in conjunction with
Congregation Kehilath Jeshurun. The blood drive generally takes
place on a Sunday in November or December at KJ.
Sports Liaisons - Middle and Upper Schools
Parent representatives make sure that there is a parent present
at each game and a chaperon for every away game. In addition,
the team coaches can call on them as a helpful resource during
the course of the year.
Parent Social Evenings
On select Saturday
nights in the fall, parents of fifth, ninth and tenth graders
get together either in homes or in school. Parents enjoy this
opportunity to meet one another.
Holiday Gifts
As a way of expressing its appreciation, Parents Council volunteers
put together and distribute to the teachers and staff a variety
of gifts throughout the school year.
