lcds student-parent handbook

Student Parent

Handbook2009-2010 5770 g"a, School Year

As of Monday, August 17, 2009

NOTICEThis Handbook provides information relevant to the academic and extracurricu-lar lives of our students. The material contained within this Handbook is descrip-tive as of the publication date. This Handbook, however, is not intended to and cannot anticipate every situation. Moreover, all policies, procedures, and other information in this Handbook are subject to change at any time by action of the faculty, administration, board of trustees or CAJE, without prior notification. The latest version of this Handbook, including any changes made during the school year, is available on our web site lehrmanschool.org

Admissions PolicyLCDS admits mission appropriate students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities made available to students at the school. LCDS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs.Parents or the guardian of a student entering LCDS as a lateral transfer in Grades 1 or above may be expected to engage a tutor in either General or Jewish studies, as a condition of admission, at their expense.

Lehrman Community Day School727 Lehrman Drive / 77th Street

Miami Beach FL 33141305.866.2771 • Fax 305.865.6575

[email protected] • lehrmanschool.org

Copyright ©2009 LCDS. All rights reserved.

LCDS Student Parent Handbook 09-10

Student Parent

Handbook2009-2010 5770 g"a, School Year


Mission

Lehrman Community Day School is a Jewish academic community formed around a pluralistic, covenantal, coeducational, college-preparatory day school. We prepare motivated young men and women to live heroically, as reflective Jews and responsible American citizens in a global economy. Our ideal graduate lives a life of purpose and heartfelt dreams, animated by moral character and intellectual discovery. Within a family ambience, we celebrate each student’s whole uniqueness and embrace critical thinking, faith and discipline as essential elements of an educated conscience.

Each student becomes steeped in the intelligences, skills and values relevant to the following signature commitments that inform the daily learning environment:

mastering the arts and sciences through inquiry, experience and collaboration ◆ vacfu .rtv ,t utknu

engaging in a relationship with God ◆ vsucg

participating in prayer ◆ vkhp,

studying Torah and applying a pluralistic spirit to the great issues of Jewish life and thought ◆ vru, sunk,

identifying with and respecting Jews of all movements and being involved in the life of the Jewish community ◆ ktrah kkf

demonstrating love for all humans ◆ ,uhrcv ,cvt

doing mitzvot and social action ◆ okug iue,

advancing Israel’s central role for the Jewish people ◆ ktrah ,cvt

and creating a sustainable spiritual and physical environment for our children’s children ◆ vrnaku vscgk.


Accreditations and Affiliations Lehrman Community Day School is accredited by the Association of Independent Schools of Florida (AISF) and the Southern Associa-tion of Colleges and Schools (SACS)We are a pluralistic day school. To advance that aspect of our mis-sion, we support the following entities and encourage our profes-sionals, volunteers and families to participate actively in the edu-cational, governance, development and other worthy activities of these associations:AMODS (Association of Modern Orthodox Day Schools and Yeshiva High Schools); CAJE (Center for the Advancement of Jewish Educa-tion); JESNA (Jewish Education Service of North America); PARDES (Progressive Association of Reform Day Schools); PEJE (Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education); RAVSAK, the Jewish Commu-nity Day School Network; SSDSA (Solomon Schechter Day School Association); Torah Umesorah, the National Society for Hebrew Day Schools, and the YU Institute for University-School Partnership.We encourage you to be involved in the organization(s) of your election.


LCDS Board of Directors2009-2010

ChairmanRoger Miller

Immediate Past ChairRichard Lehrman

Chair ElectRobert Finvarb

SecretaryRosalind Lanes

TreasurerElizabeth Allocco

Board MembersDeborah Bienstock

Diane BreslowRobert Finvarb

Joi FiskeJoel Hoppenstein

Dennis KainenOren Lieber

Niki MarkofskyDana Brooke Martorella

Jana MillerRichard Rozencwaig

Laura TauberAarti TaubmanNikki Weisburd


Student Parent Handbook 2009-2010 / 5770

Lehrman Community Day School

Table of ContentsSchool Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Attendance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Tardiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Late Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Late Sign Ins . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Chronic Tardiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Absences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Early Departures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Carpool, Drop-off and Dismissal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Arrival Carpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Dismissal Carpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Carpool Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Early Dismissal Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Religious and Ethical Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Food and Mealtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Kosher Food and Kashrut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What does “Kosher” mean? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Which foods are kosher? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Lunch Program and Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Nutrition at LCDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7


Birthday Parties and Other Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Party Favors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Siblings and Parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

LCDS Birthday Cake Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Invitations to Parties Outside of School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Siblings and Performances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Alumni and Other Guests at LCDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Religious Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Kippot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Shabbat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Blessings and Mealtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Parent Association (PA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Annual Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Homework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Students and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Teachers and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Parents and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Student Evaluation and Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Parent-Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Friday Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Progress Reports (Report Cards) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Additional Means of Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

K–5 Grading System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Conduct and Effort Grades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Derekh Eretz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

MS Grading System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14


Standardized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Class Placement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Birth Date Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Ability Groupings and Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

LCDS Teachers and Tutoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Uniform Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Physical Education Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Field Trip Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Cold Weather Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Spirit Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Attire in Early Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Lost and Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Personal Property and Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Field Trips and Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bus Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Transportation and LCDS Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

After School Program (ASP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Study Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Fees for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

School Closings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Health and Medication Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Illness at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Health Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Emergency Medical and Release Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22


Cooperative Working Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Financial Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Student Affairs and Philosophy of Discipline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Who Can Help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Biting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Consequences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Internet/Computer Acceptable Use Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28


School Hours The Early Childhood Department (ECD) is open for arrivals between 8:05 – 9:00 am. All ECD students are expected to be in their classrooms by 9:00 am. Children who participate in half-day programs in the Toddler and Nursery levels conclude their day at 1:00 pm. The K-5 school day begins at 8:10 am and ends at 3:30 pm, Monday –Thursday. All K - 5 students are expected to be in the building and seated in their designated area by 8:05 am. The 6–8 school day begins at 8:00 am and ends at 3:45 pm Monday– Thursday. All Middle School students are expected to be in the building and seated in their first period classroom by 7:55 am.On Fridays dismissal for all divisions is at 2:40 pm. The school can assume no responsibility for the supervision of students who arrive before 7:45 am, accordingly, please do not drop off students prior to 7:45 am. Students arriving after 7:45 am should report directly to the front lobby and sit in their designated areas. At 8:10 am a staff member will dismiss all students, at which time they are to go directly to their classrooms or the cafeteria.Children remaining beyond 3:45 pm will, for their own welfare and safety, be entered into the After School Program. Families will be billed for any time spent in the After School Program. (See: After School Program)

Attendance PolicyRegular attendance and punctuality are traits to be developed by every person. Consistent attendance contributes to academic success. A child develops socially, emotionally and academically by following a regular schedule. If a student is not in school, the student cannot learn effectively and the opportunity for a student o reach her/his potential may be compromised. Consequently, chronic absences may jeopardize a students’ promotion to the next grade. When your child returns to school, please use the Note to School (provided each year in pad form for your convenience) to indicate the reason for your child’s absence.

TardinessAny Middle School student arriving after 7:55 am, and any K-5 student arriving after 8:05 am is considered tardy (9:00 am in the case of children in Early Childhood.) Tardiness is detrimental to

LCDS Student Parent Handbook 09-10 Page 1


your child’s education and is disruptive to the rest of the class and their routine.

Late PolicyAll K-8 students who arrive after 8:45 am, or ECD students who arrive after 9:00 am, should be dropped off with the security professional in the reception area and a school staff member will escort your child to his or her class. Parents will not be allowed beyond the main office after those times until 4:15 pm, unless (i) invited by the school, e.g., ECD Shabbat celebrations in the classrooms; or (ii) pre-approved in writing by the Dean of Education or the Executive Administrator, for special purposes, e.g., an in-class birthday party. What is considered an excused tardy?• A doctor/dental appointment or illness • Unavoidable and random transportation problems • Family emergency• School-sponsored event or another education enrichment activity,

as determined and approved by the Dean. The student must receive advance written permission from the Dean.

• Subpoena by law enforcement agency or mandatory court appearance. • Other individual student absences beyond the control of the parent/

guardian or student, as determined and approved by the Dean. The Dean may require documentation related to the condition.

All other late arrivals, such as oversleeping or running late, will be considered unexcused, even if the parent notifies the school or signs the student in. A third unexcused tardy and each unexcused tardy after that, shall be deemed an unexcused absence.

Late Sign InsStudents in the K-5 program who arrive after 8:10 am will be signed in at the security desk and a tardy will be entered into the attendance roll. In the event of a very late arrival (after 9:00 am), an accompanying adult must come directly to the office to sign the child in. Please do not bring your child directly to her/his classroom or teacher. Between 7:55 and 8:45 am, Middle School students should report directly to class, where their tardiness will be recorded. When your child comes to school late, please use the Note to School (provided each year in pad form for your convenience) to indicate the reason for your child’s tardiness.

Chronic TardinessIf a student is chronically tardy, a notice will be sent home and/or a meeting will be scheduled to discuss the problem, assess alternatives and determine a plan to resolve the issue. Attendance records are maintained by the school attendance officer.

Absences Excused absence:• Illness: The parent must call the school on the day of the absence

by 9:00 am. Whenever possible, medical appointments should be arranged before or after school. If absent a student is expected to make up work. Parents should check with the teacher regarding their child’s make-up work.

• Approved Planned absence: Parents should make every effort to arrange vacations during school vacation time. If a student must miss school, the parent will notify the school in writing two weeks ahead of the planned absence and request approval. Such approval is within the discretion of the Dean of Education. Any academic work missed must be made up under the direction of a private tutor at the family’s expense.

Unexcused absence:Any absence that is not excused is considered unexcused. State law requires the school to contact students’ homes to verify absences. Attendance and tardiness are monitored on a regular basis and maintained in the student’s file. The School will notify parents when their child’s tardies or attendance becomes problematic. A student accumulating ten (10) or more unexcused absences in a school year or five (5) or more unexcused absences in a designated semester will be subject to discipline to be imposed by the classroom teacher or the Dean of Education, in his or her discretion, including but not limited to additional assignments, required make-up time spent at school or at home with a private tutor, parent conferences, detention after/before school, reduction in an academic grade, a truancy referral or grade retention.

Early DeparturesIn an effort to keep class disruptions to a minimum in order to maximize teaching and learning for your child and everyone else the following is the policy for necessary early departures:



Scheduled Appointments: If it is necessary for a student to leave school early for a scheduled doctor or dentist appoint-ment, s/he must come to school with a note indicating when s/he will be picked up. For your convenience, you can use the Note to School pad distributed at the beginning of the school year. Please direct your child to give the note to the homeroom teacher first thing in the morning. The teacher will notify the se-curity desk of the early pick-up. The teacher will send your child down in time for his/her dismissal. No child will be dismissed early without a note.Emergency early dismissal: If an emergency occurs at home that entails an early dismissal, we will bring your child down.Illness: If a child is ill, we will call home and ask you to pick up the child.All children who leave school early must be signed out at the school office.

SecurityLCDS maintains a secure environment and safe learning experience. Suspicious persons or activity in or outside of the building should be reported to the Chief of Security immediately. For reasons of security, all doors are locked at all times from outside entry. Please use the front lobby entrance to gain access to the building, except during drop-off hours, 8:00-9:00 am. All visitors, including parents, are required to check in at the security desk in the main lobby. Please refer to the section entitled “Early Departures” if you plan to take your child out of school early. Parents and visitors are not permitted to walk around the school without a Visitor Pass. The school regularly conducts fire and other security drills. Visitors to LCDS are asked to cooperate with us as we practice safety procedures.

Carpool, Drop-off and DismissalThe safety of your children and the LCDS staff is of utmost concern at all times, and especially during carpool arrival and dismissal times when accidents are most likely to happen. Please cooperate with the school administration and security team at all times.

Arrival CarpoolK-5 drop-off takes place between 7:45 - 8:05 am daily in the west parking lot (enter frm 77th Street, just past the school building).


ECD drop-off takes place from 7:50 – 8:45 am daily, also in the west parking lot closest to the playground. Only Middle School students and students participating in before-school programming who arrive before 7:45 am are admitted through the front lobby.

Dismissal CarpoolECD pick-up for half-day students takes place at 1:00 pm, in the lobby. Monday through Thursday, K-5 dismissal pick-up, together with pick-up for full-day ECD students, takes place beginning at 3:30 to 3:45 pm, in front of the school building and beginning at 2:40 to 3:00 pm on Friday. Middle School students are dismissed at 3:45 pm (M–Th) from the front lobby.

Carpool ProceduresPlease adhere to these procedures so we can make carpool as safe and efficient as possible:• Cell phone use is absolutely prohibited during carpool. • Pull your car in as near to the curb as possible, and as close to the

car in front of you as possible. • Stay in your car at all times. A security guard or a staff member

will bring your child to the car for you.• Do not engage any staff member in conversation during carpool.• When traveling north on Dickens Avenue, do not turn left onto

Lehrman Drive (77th Street) and then enter the carpool lane. You must enter the carpool lane when traveling south on Dickens Avenue only.

• Please be certain to provide a car seat for your child(ren), as dictated by local and state ordinances.

• For safety reasons, doors should be opened from curbside only.

Early Dismissal DaysSchool ends at either 1:00 or 2:00 pm on early dismissal days (refer to school calendar). Dismissal procedures are the same for early dismissal days. Please note that there is no After School Program on early dismissal days. (See After School Program)

ParkingYou may park in front of the school only at those times designated on the city’s curbside signs. Please do not park in restricted areas or at times designated as prohibited by street signs. Cars illegally


parked may be ticketed by the Miami Beach Police Department. You are permitted to park anywhere on neighborhood streets where there are no restrictions. The parking lot near the ECD Department is for faculty and staff members only, unless otherwise specified.

Religious and Ethical Guidelines As a Jewish community school, the educational experience at LCDS is informed by Jewish tradition and learning. Just as we strive for academic excellence in both General and Jewish studies, we endeavor to transmit the Jewish value of derekh eretz—appropriate behavior, which includes mannered conduct, preparedness, respect and kindness, throughout the school day. LCDS students learn to respect one another, their teachers, and other adults. Considerable effort is invested in ensuring that every child is exposed to the virtues of Jewish wisdom and its emphasis on tolerance, kindness and thoughtfulness. Kind and considerate behavior is so valued by our community that all students in the K-5 program are given a grade in derekh eretz (See: Student Evaluation). Parents and teachers are likewise expected to be exemplars of appropriate conduct in the spirit of this important Jewish value.

Food and MealtimesThe Jewish tradition teaches us to sanctify each meal. We raise the level of each mealtime from mundane to sacred by invoking blessings before and after meals, and by adhering to the Jewish dietary laws. We teach all students respect and appreciation for food, both as a gift from God, and a sign of their own good fortune and privilege. Please adhere to all LCDS policies with regard to food and mealtimes, especially when, in the rare instance, you need to bring food into our school.

Kosher Food and KashrutLCDS is a Jewish community day school committed to pluralism. As a pluralistic school, we seek to admit children from all walks of Jewish life. LCDS is also associated with the Center for the Advancement of Jewish Education (CAJE). In light of our associations and our standing as a Jewish community day school, we abide by Jewish dietary laws, known collectively as kashrut. Kashrut requires that we eat only kosher foods and abstain from prohibited food mixtures.


What Does “Kosher” Mean?Kosher foods are classified as dairy, meat, or parve (neither meat nor dairy, e.g. fruit or pasta); prepared foods bear markings indicating that they are indeed kosher. The laws of kashrut also require that we do not mix meat and dairy foods, and that a meaningful amount of time lapses before we consume one after the other. The laws of kashrut apply to all school activities and trips, including birthday parties. (See: Lunches and Snacks, and Birthday Parties and Other Celebrations)

Which Foods are Kosher?As lunch and most snacks are coordinated by LCDS, it is a rare occasion that food from outside of the school comes into the building. Foods from the outside must be either dairy or parve (i.e., no meat products) and must bear kosher markings. Typical markings of kashrut include: Kosher: K, OU ; Kosher Dairy OU D, KD; Kosher Parve (neither meat nor dairy): Pareve or ParevKosher bakeries and restuarants should have a certified letter of kashrut displayed in their store window. If your bakery item is in a plain box, please request a store sticker be placed on the box. The following local establishments are all kosher: Pastry Lane, Kosher Korner, Rolling Pin, Abraham’s Bakery, Kastner’s, New York Bakeries, Sara’s, and Entenmann’s Outlet stores.

Lunch Program and SnacksOn Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meat lunches are served at LCDS. Dairy meals are served on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On “meat” days kosher treats must bear an indication that they are “parve” or “pareve.” “Parve” denotes that an item is free from both meat and dairy ingredients. On “dairy” days, kosher treats or snacks may be marked with an indication that they are either “dairy” or “parve.”

Nutrition at LCDSWe strive to provide our children and staff with healthy meals and snacks. We ask that you share in our commitment to do the same. Should you be providing a cake or cupcakes for your child’s birthday, please limit the sweets and treats to just that dessert. Too much sugar-laden food is tempting to our students and will interfere with their concentration later in the day; we are teaching the children to “Eat Healthy and Stay Fit” and cake and candy won’t help a bit!


Please consult with any of the Administrative Team for additional information and recommendations with regard to treats and other snacks.Below is a list of snacks recommended by our nutrition advisor that we feel are appropriate and healthy to serve to young children. We realize that there are additional healthy snacks; please use your judgment. Thank you for your understanding. Also, please keep in mind that all prepared foods need to be certified Kosher.

Celery Cheese and Crackers Crackers:Fresh Vegetables Cereal: Flatbread CrackersApple Sauce Cups Cheerios Melba Toast

Cookies: Corn Flakes Fresh Fruit/Fruit SaladAnimal Crackers Crisps Granola BarsGraham Crackers Raisin Bran PretzelsVanilla Wafers Yogurt

Birthday Parties and Other CelebrationsMany of you may choose to celebrate your child’s birthday during the school day in lieu of, or in addition to, a party outside of school. Please coordinate with your child’s teacher a time that is mutually convenient for your in-school party, and abide by the following LCDS policies:• Grades K – 2: Parties are held during the last half hour before

dismissal time.• Grades 3 – 5: Parties are held during lunch time.• Food should be limited to a kosher birthday cake or cupcakes, and

a beverage only.• On Monday, Wednesday and Friday (“meat days”), cakes and other

treats must be parve (dairy free) in addition to being kosher.• Parties held in the ECD with characters or other live performances

need to include all of the classes at the specific grade level.• Lollipops and chewing gum are not permitted in school.

Party FavorsBirthday party favors, goodie bags, and excessive amounts of candy are not to be distributed at school parties. Your teachers have been instructed that distribution of party favors is prohibited, as per the policy. Please do not put your child’s teacher in the awkward position of having to police you.


Siblings and PartiesDo not remove siblings or friends from their classes to attend the party. This causes a disturbance to their classes and imposes on their teachers to create opportunities to make up work and tutor your child.

LCDS Birthday Cake BakeryThe LCDS “Birthday Cake Bakery” can provide you with any number of delicious, freshly baked items for your classroom or home celebrations, at a very reasonable fee. Your order will be delivered right to the classrooms. Birthday cake order forms are available in the front office.

Invitations to Parties Outside of SchoolWe will be happy to give out party invitations for you, provided that you comply with the following policies that adhere to the value of derekh eretz:1. When inviting children, you must either invite all the children

in the class, or if the party is gender specific, all of the girls or boys. This practice has been established for obvious reasons:it is blatantly insensitive to invite most of the children, leaving out only one or two.

2. We request that birthday parties not be scheduled on Shabbat or any major Jewish Holiday. (See: Religious Practices – Shabbat)

Siblings and PerformancesSiblings may attend “Showtime School Performances.” Showtime Performances will be determined by the administration.

Alumni and Other Guests at LCDSLCDS student alumni and other student guests are welcome to visit LCDS, provided their parents arrange to do so in advance. The Executive Administrator will provide a release to be signed in advance of the alumnus’ arrival. Alumni and guests who arrive without arrangements will not be permitted to remain in school.

Religious PracticesFamiliarity with the Jewish life and holiday cycles, and fluency in Jewish prayer, are all objectives of our program. Our students’ learning is therefore informed by instruction in Modern Hebrew and Jewish Studies, but also by Jewish living. If we are to take pride in our school, then each of us is responsible for adhering to


these guidelines both on LCDS grounds and also at other school-sponsored activities and field trips. Expressions of Judaism are present throughout the school day and include, but are not limited, to the following:

KippotA kippah (plural: kippot), also known as a yarmulke or skullcap, is to be worn by every male student at all times (optional for girls) and is considered part of the LCDS dress code. A kippah is not merely a head covering; a kippah is worn to remind oneself that there is something greater than a physical existence in this world. Students should be aware of this concept particularly when they study and when they eat. In the event that a child does not bring a kippah to school, the school will provide the student with one, for a nominal fee of $1.00 (proceeds are contributed to a library fund). Kippot can be purchased at Judaica stores and many synagogue gift shops.

ShabbatShabbat is observed in accordance with the fourth of the Ten Commandments: “Observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.” LCDS encourages students to view Shabbat as a day of rest from weekday activities. We similarly teach that the Sabbath is an opportunity to share with family and reflect upon the blessings of life. While each family may interpret holiness and rest in a different manner, we request that all parties and special events be held prior to Shabbat (which begins at sundown on Friday) or following its end. Scheduling an event during Shabbat will preclude many members of the LCDS community from participating in your celebration.

Blessings and MealtimesBlessings are recited prior to meals and snacks. Birkat Hamazon (grace after meals) is recited subsequent to all full meals. (Copies of these and other blessings are available in Hebrew, English and transliteration at lehrmanschool.org).

Parent Association (PA)The Parent Association at LCDS is the school’s collaborative partner. The members of our Parent Association serve as ambassadors to new members of our school community, as well as to the greater Miami community. The PA also supports the school in a variety of important ways, including the underwriting of specific projects for


the school each year. The PA sets annual fundraising goals in an attempt to help the school enrich the educational experience of our children. Room Parents serve as liaisons to the PA, helping to organize events and coordinate activities. The PA meets regularly and all LCDS parents and guardians are invited and encouraged to participate in its activities.

Annual FundLCDS’ annual campaign is the cornerstone of our fundraising efforts. We expect 100% parent participation. Your support will make it possible for LCDS to continue to provide our children with the finest faculty and modern learning technologies. In addition, we are able to offer Tuition Assistance to deserving children; this creates a more diverse student body, enhancing the education and life experiences for all of our students.

HomeworkAt LCDS we believe that homework is a necessary means of reinforcement of the day’s learning. In our Elementary Division, homework is assigned Monday through Thursday evenings and, in addition, occasional long-term projects may be assigned. Homework is the responsibility of each elementary student, but will involve three separate constituencies:

Students and HomeworkThe completion of homework assignments is essential to the full development of a child. Homework gives students the opportunity to review material learned that day and prepare for the following day’s lesson. Research has shown that, unless a child reviews and practices information taught each day, s/he will retain only 10% of that information. Additionally, homework gives every child the opportunity to learn independent study habits and develop as a responsible person. The following is an approximate amount of time that a student should spend each night on homework:Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 minutes – 1 hour 1st – 3rd Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 – 1 ½ hours4th Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 ½-2 hours5th Grade and above . . . . . 1 ½ -2 ½ hours


Failure to complete three (3) homework assignments during a single nine week period may, at the discretion of the teacher, result in indoor suspension and/or mandatory homework lab after school.

Teachers and HomeworkHomework assignments provide the opportunity to practice skills and apply concepts. As such, teachers will assign homework when it is necessary, and those assignments will be fair and reasonable. Students and parents are encouraged to contact teachers during school hours if a child does not understand an assignment. Homework, when prepared by the student independently, provides an additional opportunity for teachers to assess what the student has and has not yet mastered.

Parents and HomeworkWe encourage parents to take an interest in their children’s school work. Children may need encouragement from time to time to do their work. Here are several helpful hints to manage homework and related issues: • Refrain from correcting your child’s work. Your child’s teachers

need to know what s/he has and has not mastered. Your corrections at home may misinform your child’s teachers concerning her/his progress.

• Share any concerns you may have regarding the amount or type of homework assigned with your child's teacher.

• Encourage your child to take notes concerning the directions for homework assignments in case questions arise later at home.

• Provide for a well-lit and quiet study area, with all the materials necessary to complete homework assignments.

• Monitor television viewing and establish a specific homework time.• Plan a homework schedule with your child. Allow for free time

when assignments are completed.• Praise your child's efforts. If questions arise about the

assignments, or if your child asks for help, guide him/her with questions and work through an example rather than simply providing the answer.

• LCDS offers a “Study Hall” option as part of our After School Program. Many students complete their homework at school before their parents arrive to pick them up.


Student Evaluation and CommunicationsIt is in everyone’s best interest for the school and the home to maintain close communication with regard to the student’s progress. Communication is essential for achieving a cooperative relationship between the parent and the school, which in turn benefits the child. For this reason, one parent-teacher conference will be scheduled (two in the Early Childhood Department), which is a universal practice for all students at all levels in our school. Parent-teacher conferences in grades K-8 will be scheduled on a rolling bases. Parents and/or guardians are expected to attend conferences. LCDS has also established three additional means of communication via Friday Folders, Interim Reports and the Lehrman Link which is available on-line.

Parent-Teacher ConferencesIn addition to scheduled conferences, parents and their children may request additional conferences. Please refrain from conferencing with your child’s teacher in an impromptu manner. If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call the school office and your child’s teacher will arrange a private time to meet with you.

Friday FoldersFriday Folders will be sent home weekly in Grades K-5. The Friday Folder must be signed by the student’s parent or guardian and returned to the classroom teacher on the following Monday.

Progress Reports (Report Cards) As a means of evaluation and assessment, a Progress Report will be sent home at the end of each nine week period for students in Grades K – 8. Progress Reports document student progress and development, with respect to all academic subjects, specialties, and conduct.

Additional Means of CommunicationEach teacher will send home a weekly newsletter (and in the K - 5 Program, an assignment sheet) informing parents about the happenings in class, as well as reminders about any assignments that might be due. Teachers in the Early Childhood Department will send home a “curricular map” for the coming week. Students in Grades K–8 will occasionally bring home papers for parents


to sign. Please return these signed papers to the teacher so the records may be retained in the student’s classroom file and/or portfolio.

K-5 Grading SystemES: Exceeds Standards – Consistently grasps, applies and extends key concepts, processes and skills. Works beyond stated goals.MS: Meets Standards – Grasps and applies key concepts, pro-cesses and skills. Meets stated goals.AS: Approaching Standards – Beginning to grasp and apply key concepts, processes and skills. Making less than expected progress.NS: Needs Support – Not grasping key concepts, processes and essential skills. Area of concern that requires support.NA - Not assessed at this time.

Conduct and Effort GradesChildren in Grades 1 – 5 are also evaluated on conduct and effort for each subject, according to the following measures:1 Excellent; 2 Satisfactory; 3 Unsatisfactory; N/A Not Applicable

Derekh EretzDerekh Eretz (“appropriate behavior”) incorporates attitude, behavior, cooperation, preparedness, and effort and includes classroom conduct, lunchroom manners, service decorum and general school behavior. Respect, cooperation, and attitude are expressions of how we view ourselves and those around us. Derekh Eretz extends to all aspects of school life. To qualify for a Derekh Eretz certificate, the student must earn all 1’s in citizenship.

MS Grading SystemProgress Reports (Report Cards)

As a means of evaluation and assessment, a Progress Report will be sent home at the end of each nine week period for MS students. Students will be evaluated on each group of skills that make up mastery of the academic subjects they are studying. In each subject, the teacher will list data for skill areas evaluated during the nine-week marking period. Next to these are also listed a corresponding earned letter or numerical grade for the relevant area. The report also offers a paragraph describing in some detail


the student’s performance in the teacher’s subject. There is no cumulative grade for the class.Though there is a natural tendency to average these objective data, we feel that at this developmental stage, it is best to examine relative strengths and weaknesses. Does a “B” in science really give as an accurate picture of a student’s performance in science? Does it mean she did excellent work in labs, but failed to hand in homework and failed one quiz, or does it mean her observations in lab work showed that she really did not understand the scientific process, but she was so well-organized in doing homework and is very good at studying for quizzes and tests that she could overcome that handicap?We want to offer to you a more precise take on where your student is, when learning how to learn is so vital. We feel that should form the basis of the dialogue between the teacher and the learner, as well as between the school and the parent.

Standardized Testing LCDS administers the Children’s Progress to students in grades Pre-K – 2, three times a year. The Children’s Progress is a computer-based interactive assessment of achievement in literacy, language arts and mathematics. For more information about the assessment, please visit www.childrensprogress.com. All students in grades 3-8 take the Comprehensive Testing Program (CTP-4) assessments in the spring. Both assessments are published by the Educational Research Bureau. You can learn more on the ERB website at www.erbtest.org The results of these tests are included in a student’s permanent record and shared with the child’s parents. This information is kept confidential and secured. A parent may be requested to have a child further evaluated. For purposes of confidentially, all information and forms are submitted directly to the individual who is conducting the evaluation.

Class PlacementRequests for class placement will not be considered.Class placement of students will be based on grade level, chronological age, developmental age, social growth, emotional maturity, and equitable distribution of gender population and individual needs. These guidelines consider the welfare of the


child and the academic, social and developmental needs of each student.Class placement is in the school’s discretion and is not appealable.

Birth Date ConsiderationLCDS deems the cutoff date for student grade level placement to be September 1st of the school year. For example:Transitional Toddlers. . 18 Months old on or before September 1Toddlers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Two (2) years old on or before September 1Nursery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Three (3) years old on or before September 1Pre-Kindergarten . . . . . Four (4) years old on or before September 1Kindergarten . . . . . . . . . Five (5) years old on or before September 11st Grade . . . . . . . . . . . . . Six (6) years old on or before September 1A valid birth certificate must be presented upon enrollment.

Ability Groupings and PlacementOn occasion, the school will sort students according to their abilities, for specific and limited learning experiences. Placement in ability groupings is in the school’s discretion.

LCDS Teachers and TutoringLCDS teachers are, by contract, prohibited from tutoring any student for whose academic studies they are in any way responsible. If you require the assistance of a tutor, kindly consult with any school administrator. We will be happy to recommend another teacher on staff or a qualified instructor outside of the school. Please do not put our teachers in the awkward position of having to decline your request.

Uniform Dress CodeIn an effort to teach responsibility and help each student learn the importance of a neat and clean appearance, LCDS has a uniform dress code for children in Grades K - 8. Students are expected to accept the responsibility of coming to school in proper attire. Only students wearing the appropriate uniform in the elementary program will be allowed to attend classes. Otherwise, students will be detained from class and their parents will be called to bring an appropriate change of clothing to school. The following uniform dress code applies to students in Grades K - 8:


• All tops, bottoms and outerwear must have LCDS logo• All students Gr. 2–8 must have the appropriate PE uniform• All students must have the appropriate Shabbat uniform:

Shabbat top & Shabbat bottom (navy only)• Students may only wear closed shoes or sneakers, with socks• No hats are to be worn in the building• No tank tops or bare midriffs on dress down days• No monogram clothing, other than the school uniform logo,

may be worn• No “heelies” or other inappropriate types of shoes may be wornOur current uniform company is In Unison School Apparel. You may contact them at www.inunisonkids.com or at 1-866-299-9501.Uniform styles include, short sleeve polos, long sleeve polos, boys Shabbat LS oxford, girls snap shirts, girls Shabbat ribbed polo, jacket, zip up sweat, L.E. classic pant, L.E. classic short, gym crewneck, longsleeve gym surf crewneck, mesh gym short, sweatshirt, regular sweatpant, flare sweatpant, rhinestone sweatshirt, girls Capri pant, girls flare pant, front buckle skort, princess skort, Shabbat pleated skirt, and leather belts.Shirts should be tucked in at all times.

Physical Education AttireStudents in Grades 2 – 5 should bring a change of clothes for PE, including LCDS gym shorts and an LCDS athletic department tee. Students should wear athletic shoes on PE days. On warm sunny days, students may wear a baseball cap for PE only.

Field Trip AttireStudents are to wear a Lehrman insignia shirt for all field trips, unless they are specifically instructed otherwise. For reasons of security, children may wear a baseball cap over or in lieu of their kippah.

Cold Weather AttireOn cold or inclement days, students may wear the following (with or without school logo) over or in lieu of their regular uniforms:• Sweatshirt (Navy/Light Blue)• Sweatpants (Navy/Light Blue)• Jacket with Hood (Navy)• Fleece Pullover (Navy)


Spirit DaysOn occasion, the LCDS Administration will sponsor spirit days. “Spirit Day” does not mean “free dress.” Typically observed on Thursdays, students come to school on spirit days wearing the identified thematic clothing rather than coming to school in uniform. All clothing, however, must still adhere to the rules stated above, and must be in good taste.

Attire in Early ChildhoodEarly Childhood students should dress in clothing appropriate for indoor and outdoor play, unless otherwise specified. On Fridays, girls and boys are expected to wear blue and white and/or dress clothes. Boys should be sent to school wearing a kippah.

Lost and FoundPlease label all of your child’s clothing for easy identification in the event that s/he misplaces it.LCDS maintains a “lost and found” box for misplaced articles of clothing. LCDS cannot, however, be responsible for misplaced clothing.

Personal Property and LockersAll personal property and articles of clothing should be marked with the student’s name. Students are not to tamper with the personal property, desks, or lockers of other students, the faculty or school. Failure to respect school or personal property will result in serious disciplinary action. Students should remember to remove their books and other personal belongings from their classroom when they leave. No student shall enter a classroom without the teacher being present.Students in middle school are provided with lockers for the safe keeping of their property, and as a means of learning responsibility, organization, and punctuality. Students must secure their lockers with combination locks. Students are responsible for any damage to their locker. If necessary, LCDS has authority to inspect any locker or backpack on campus.

Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic DevicesStudents may bring cellular telephones to school provided they are turned off during the school day. Cellular telephones that are


turned on will be confiscated. Students may not bring to school or to school-sponsored events and trips ball bats, hard balls, skate boards, electronic games, i-Pods, CD players, tape recorders, radios (or other electrical equipment requiring headphones), beepers, excessive jewelry or toys.

Field Trips and TransportationField trips are a part of the educational experience in Grades PK - 8. Permission slips are sent home one week in advance. Permission slips must be signed and returned to the classroom teacher in advance of the trip. Children can participate only if the permission slip is returned. In advance of each trip, your child’s teacher may assign up to three adult chaperones.

Bus TravelTravel for field trips is frequently provided by an outside service. LCDS shall determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, whether parents may accompany their children on day, overnight or other field trips, including out-of-town trips. To the extent LCDS permits such accompaniments:1. All of the accompanying parents and students shall be obligated

to comply with all the rules and regulations established by the school for that trip and otherwise in effect;

2. As LCDS has selected an event or attraction for the children to attend, parents shall not make alternate arrangements for their own or any other children during the trip;

3. LCDS shall have the absolute right to determine whether the accompanying parents may attend any particular event(s) or attraction(s) with their children;

4. The Jewish dietary laws of kashrut apply to all school-sponsored trips.

Transportation and LCDS EmployeesLCDS employees may not provide transportation, gratuitously or for a fee, for the purpose of attending school and/or participating in, observing or attending any school activity, field trip, sporting event or any other event, to and/or from school or any other location, for any students attending LCDS, other than their own child.


After School ProgramThe After School Program (ASP) provides students, from Early Childhood to Grade Eight, the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities that might not be offered during the normal school day. Students may participate in sports, computers, musical theater, art, karate, etc. (Offerings vary annually.) Hours for ASP enrichment activities will be announced in separate bulletins. There is no ASP on Fridays.

Study Hall Following ASP enrichment activities, students may also participate in ASP Study Hall, which is supervised by a regular classroom teacher or assistant. Students have the opportunity to work on their homework and get extra help as needed. Study Hall is held from 4:45 pm – 5:30 pm, Monday through Thursdays.

Fees for ServiceFees associated with ASP vary depending on the type of activity (e.g. drop in versus pre-paid). Unless otherwise noted, general pricing for all activities is $10 for the first hour and $8 for the second hour. Pricing on pre-paid classes will vary.Late Pick Up Penalty: We discourage late pick ups after 5:30 pm. Starting at 5:30 pm, a fee of $10 will be charged for every 15 minute period (or part of such period) your child is not picked up.All ASP accounts are expected to be cleared upon billing in order for your child to be allowed to remain in ASP. Children of parents arriving for pick-up late three times or more may be precluded from participating in ASP.

School ClosingsLCDS will generally, but not always follow Miami-Dade Public Schools with regard to unexpected school closings for reasons of serious inclement weather. Check with local media and at lehrmanschool.org when the public schools close unexpectedly, but also on those days when LCDS is scheduled to be in session and the public schools are scheduled to be closed. It is important that we have your e-mails and phone numbers in the school office so that you can be included in our Alert Now System, allowing you to receive the most up to date information by phone.


Health and Medication PoliciesLCDS strives to teach and reinforce good health habits. It is important that your child work at his/her full capacity. When your child is not feeling well, please keep your child home until s/he has recovered. Please cooperate in preventing the spread of contagious diseases by notifying the school immediately if your child has been exposed to, or has contracted, a contagious illness. Your child should stay home if s/he exhibits any of the following:

Fever Red or swollen joints Skin rash or soresChills Diarrhea Eyes, inflamed or swollenNasal discharge Nausea or vomiting Sore throatPersistent cough Earache Head lice

Students will not be allowed to return to school until the presentation of a doctor’s note indicating that they are fully recovered and able to return to school. The school administration may, in its discretion, require a doctor’s note in order for a child to return to school following other illnesses. Children who have had a fever higher than 100 degrees should not attend school for a minimum of twenty-four hours following the return to normal body temperature. Information about companies specializing in ridding children of head lice can be obtained in the school office.

Illness at SchoolIf your child becomes ill at school, we will contact you to take him/her home. While we recognize that it can sometimes be an inconvenience, please cooperate with LCDS personnel by immediately coming to school to take your sick child home.

MedicationsIf your child needs to take medication during school hours, please send a written doctor’s note and your authorization along with the medication. Please make sure the bottle is clearly marked with your child’s name on it. All instructions should be stated in the note. If for any reason your child requests an analgesic (e.g. Tylenol or Motrin), verbal parent permission will be required before any medicine is administered. No medication will be administered to Early Childhood students for any reasons.


Health FormsAccording to Florida Statute 232.032, students enrolling in Florida schools for the first time must present tangible documentation that immunization and health requirements have been satisfied, including:1. Health examination2. Tuberculin skin test, reading of the test and appropriate follow-up3. Certificate of Immunization (HRS Form 680), permanent medical

exemption, or religious objection (HRS Form 681) on file LCDS requires that both forms 3040 (yellow) and 680 (blue) be submitted annually, if available, for all students, without exception. No student will be allowed in school without these health documents. All copies of birth certificates and original, up-to-date HRS forms 3040 and 680 must be on file in order for a child to attend school.

Emergency Medical and Release InformationEmergency Medical and Release forms must be completed and returned to the school prior to the first day of classes. Failure to complete these forms may delay medical treatment. Please make sure the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date, and advise the school of any changes in your child’s medical history or to your telephone and address. The contacts listed on the Emergency Release Form should be persons who are usually available and can leave their place of employment should your child need to be picked up from school due to illness or injury. Please advise the school office in writing if you plan to be out of town and someone else will be responsible for your children.

Cooperative Working RelationshipA positive and constructive working relationship between the student’s parent(s) or guardian and the school is essential to the fulfillment of the school’s mission and to the progress of the student. Thus, the school reserves the right not to continue enrollment or not to re-enroll the student if the school concludes, in its sole and absolute discretion, that the actions of the parent(s) or guardian(s) make such a positive and constructive relationship impossible or seriously interfere with the school’s accomplishment of its educational purposes.The school reserves the right to remove the student at any time if,


in the sole discretion of the school, the student’s industry, progress, conduct, or influence on- or off-campus is not in keeping with the school’s accepted standards, in accordance with this handbook and all other now existing or later enacted rules, regulations, requirements and other provisions. There will be no refund of the fees where such enforced withdrawal occurs, and any unpaid balance is payable in full in accordance with the payment schedule.

Financial ObligationsLCDS expects prompt payment for services. On-time payment is critical to maintaining the variety and quality of special programs that are offered at LCDS. Please be sure you are up to date with any financial obligations. A family with an outstanding balance should be aware of the following:1. The student(s) will not be allowed to participate in the After

School Program;2. The school will not be able to release a child’s report card or any

school records;3. In accordance with CAJE policies, a family owing outstanding

bills to any Jewish Day School may not enroll in another Jewish day school;

4. If there is a question or a concern about a statement you have received, please contact our accounting department.

Student Affairs and Philosophy of Discipline LCDS views discipline as a means to an end rather than an end in itself. We use discipline to help students learn to accept responsibility for their own actions and behavior. The ability to accept such responsibility is one mark of a mature person. Every day we are given the opportunity to teach children how to express the ideals and standards set forth in the teachings of the Torah. Each of us has a responsibility to do so in an effective and caring manner. All members of our community are expected to join us as we strive toward the highest standards of educational and personal excellence at LCDS.

Who Can Help?There are many people at LCDS who can and want to help you if you are experiencing a problem. First turn to your homeroom teacher, whom you should contact immediately if you are having


a problem or find yourself in trouble. Faculty members will make most decisions concerning problems and issues of discipline. If, after having consulted your homeroom teacher, the problem is still not resolved, you should contact the School Counselor or the appropriate Dean. Only discipline resulting in a suspension of three days or greater, or expulsion, may be appealed to the Head of School.

InfractionsAll students represent LCDS at all times, both on and off campus, including vacations and weekends. Any behavior during vacations or on a weekend which, in the opinion of the administration, is viewed as detrimental to the school or its reputation may jeopardize the student’s position at LCDS.The following are considered serious offenses and, although each situation will be considered individually, a breach of the rules below can lead to any number of consequences. We expect our students to adhere to the following rules:1. Be honest with others in what you do and say.2. Always show respect for your teachers, school staff, peers, parents,

and visiting guests. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. 3. Take credit for your work, and only your work. Any student found

cheating on daily homework or other work may receive a zero for that assignment or test. Plagiarism is another form of cheating in which an individual copies ideas or quotes from any source, e.g., book, encyclopedia or magazine for a paper or a report without citing the source. Students are required to state clearly where ideas other than their own came from. Cheating and plagiarism will be treated as a serious offense and may lead to suspension and/or expulsion.

4. Have self-respect and consideration for the personal and material rights of others. Destruction of property and stealing are unacceptable behaviors. All such acts of anti-social behavior will be dealt with severely, requiring in every case the cost of replacing or repairing damaged property.

5. Be fair to others: bullying is unacceptable and will be dealt with in a swift and severe manner.

6. Use appropriate language. Swearing and obscene language and gestures are forbidden at all times in school and at school-sponsored activities.


7. Meet your school obligations: a demonstrated unwillingness to complete assignments and live by the spirit of LCDS’s policies, or inability to do so, may lead ultimately to dismissal.

8. Be healthy and safe. Possession of tobacco, matches, lighters or any illegal substance will be considered a violation of no smoking and safety rules and is not allowed on campus, at school events or on school trips.

9. Settle disputes peacefully; fighting is not an acceptable alternative. The penalty for all parties involved in physical violence will be severe. Keep in mind that it takes more self-control to walk away from than to engage in a fight.

10. Secure permission to use a school telephone, including those in the main office.

In Addition, the following are prohibited:11. Possession of weapons or firecrackers of any kind.12. Chewing gum on campus, on any school bus or van, or at any

school-sponsored events.13. Removal of food or drink from the cafeteria, unless permission

is given by a teacher.14. Private monetary or commercial transactions on campus. No

student should have more than $5.00 at school at any time.15. No animals are allowed on school property at any time, other

than those in the science lab. The school will not be held responsible for animals, stray or leashed, on campus.

16. Gambling in any form at any time on campus and at school-sponsored events and functions is strictly prohibited.

BitingYoung children will bite one another on occasion. While biting is not a preferred activity, it is reasonable to assume that biting, as it is a developmental behavior, will occur occasionally between young children. LCDS will try to limit biting among children. While each situation will be reviewed on a case by case basis, incidences of biting may result in consequences including but not limited to: the requirement of a shadow (to be provided at the related family’s expense); time away from school; and/or, permanent removal. LCDS reserves the right to evaluate each scenario and determine consequences as needed.

Sexual HarassmentIt is the policy of LCDS to maintain an educational and working environment that is free from harassment of any kind. In enforcing this policy, we insist on behavior between people of all ages to be characterized as respectful, courteous, mindful of another’s feelings, compassionate, and heeding the Jewish principle of derekh eretz. LCDS maintains a separate Sexual Harassment Policy (available in the school office, upon request), the intent of which is to deal with this specific issue, but also to conform to the broader standards of conduct at LCDS.

Consequences1. All infractions will be documented by the appropriate teacher or

administrator using a Discipline Report; parents are expected to sign the form indicating that they received the notice.

2. Some infractions will result in a detention, which is served after school. A student who does not attend the assigned detention will receive an in school suspension the following day. On the day of the detention, the student reports to the assigned teacher. A detention may be assigned to a student for: chronic failure to complete homework assignments; excessive tardiness; destruction of school property; being out of class without an appropriate pass; disruptive behavior; inappropriate language; inappropriate dress; disrespectful behavior to peers or others; or fighting.

3. Some infractions will result in Probation or Suspension, or both. Once on probation the student will bear the burden of demonstrating to the school that s/he wants to remain at LCDS. Probation is always given a specified duration and it may include a loss of some or all privileges. Probation will remain on a student’s school record and will be a part of her/his permanent school transcript.

4. Some infractions will result in an In School Suspension. In School Suspension requires the student to attend school; however, for the period set by the administration, the student will not be permitted to join his regularly scheduled classes and may be precluded from other school or after school activities. The student will have an assignment sheet listing all work required at the close of the school day. The isolated student will have the opportunity to complete the work during that school day.

Page 26 LCDS Student Parent Handbook 09-10


5. Severe infractions may result in Suspension, which requires a student to leave school and go home for a specific period of time. During this period of time the student, family, and the school evaluate whether he or she should remain at LCDS. If the student returns to school, s/he is usually placed on probation and must show a marked improvement or face possible dismissal. Suspension is recorded as part of a student’s permanent school transcript.

6. Dismissal or expulsion is the ultimate punishment and it is recorded as part of the permanent school transcript. Once dismissed, a student must leave campus immediately. All school property must be returned to the appropriate parties, and a dismissed student may not return to the campus.

A violation of any school rule(s) may lead to any and/or all of the foregoing consequences, and the school shall be under no obligation to elect a particular consequence prior to exercising another consequence (e.g., dismissal for certain violations may result without prior imposition of detention, in-door suspension, suspension, or probation.)

Internet/Computer Acceptable Use PolicyLCDS requires that all students and their parents comply with our Acceptable Use Policy, which contemplates email and Internet usage and web etiquette, both at school and off campus.

This handbook is subject to change. Please check the LCDS website, under the parent portal, for possible updates.


IndexAbility Groupings and Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Absences Due to Illness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Accreditations and Affiliations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inside front coverAdditional Means of Communication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13After School Program (ASP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Alumni and Other Guests at LCDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Annual Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Arrival Carpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Attendance Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Attire in Early Childhood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Birth Date Consideration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Birthday Parties and Other Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Biting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Blessings and Mealtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Bus Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Carpool Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Carpool, Drop-off and Dismissal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Cellular Telephones and Other Electronic Devices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Chronic Tardiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Class Placement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Cold Weather Attire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Conduct and Effort Grades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Consequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Cooperative Working Relationship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Derekh Eretz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Dismissal Carpool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Early Departures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Early Dismissal Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Emergency Medical and Release Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Fees for Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Field Trip Attire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Field Trips and Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Financial Obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Food and Mealtimes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Friday Folders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Health and Medication Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Health Forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Illness at School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Infractions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Internet/Computer Acceptable Use Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Invitations to Parties Outside of School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9K–5 Grading System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Kippot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10


Kosher Food and Kashrut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Late Policy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Late Sign Ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2LCDS Birthday Cake Bakery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9LCDS Teachers and Tutoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Lost and Found. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Lunch Program and Snacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Medications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Nutrition at LCDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Parent Association (PA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Parent-Teacher Conferences . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Parents and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Parking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Party Favors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Personal Property and Lockers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Physical Education Attire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Progress Reports (Report Cards). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Religious and Ethical Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Religious Practices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9School Closings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20School Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Sexual Harassment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Shabbat. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Siblings and Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Siblings and Performances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Spirit Days. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Standardized Testing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Student Affairs and Philosophy of Discipline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Student Evaluation and Communications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Students and Homework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Study Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Tardiness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Teachers and Homework. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Transportation and LCDS Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Uniform Dress Code . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16What does “Kosher” mean?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Which foods are kosher? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Who Can Help? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

lcds student-parent handbook

Documents

student parent handbook2009

noticethis handbook

jewish academic community

school yearas

jewish community ktrah

collegepreparatory day

jewish studies

jewish people ktrah