This was the first meeting of the year of the parents committee. After introductions we all talked a little bit about ourselves and our expectations for the new year. There was some discussion about the number of Sunday sessions. It is just the way the holidays worked out this year, it happens.
Fundraising was discussed at length. It was decided that the Passover candy sales would begin as soon as the material was available from Miss Chocolate. A concerted effort would be made to better solicit the congregations for sales. It was pointed out that last year was quite successful even with a short selling window.
Other fundraising ideas were discussed. The book sale would have had a very low return vs. the amount of work involved. Quite likely, less than $100 for three days of hauling books. SSRS would have been on the hook for return shipping that could have resulted in almost no profit for the school.
A wine tasting fund raiser was suggested. Alan Portman said he would investigate the possibilities.
The Shabbat Initiative was discussed. The parents present thought it was a great idea. Attendance was good at the first two Shabbats.
There was considerable discussion on the number of days per week the 2nd -6th graders should attend. This discussion included: How proficient in Hebrew should our students be by the end of the 6th grade? ; Goal proficiency ranged from able to read for their Bar/Bat Mitzvot to able to read an Israeli newspaper and converse in Hebrew; How to balance Religious school with secular school and after school activates; and the amount of effort placed on parents.
It was agreed that four or five days a week would provide the best education to our children. It was also agreed that parents wishing this level of education were sending their children to religious day schools. It was noted that Shechter students do not graduate being conversationally fluent in Hebrew.
The discussion included evidence of education models from other congregations, including non-Jewish congregations.
It was the consensus of the Parents' Committee that the board should consider the proposal of two longer days a week religious school.
The meeting adjourned at 11:50
Next Meeting: December 18, 2011, 10:15 or after Havdalah, BSKI
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