JCDS-RI Open Forum #4 Minutes
Educational Excellence Committee

 
Open Forum 4—February 13, 2006
Discussion of Policy Issues

(Kippah and Admissions Policy)

The fourth Open Forum began with presentations from the Special Needs and Structure Working Groups of the Educational Excellence Committee. This was followed by an exercise in which four sample policies in each area were discussed one-on-one by those present.

Vicky Bharier presented the drafts of a couple of school policies that were prepared by the Policy Committee. Below appear the responses of group members to the actual policies that were presented by Vicky.

She introduced the policies by mentioning some overarching principles, among them that:

1. We are an inclusive, community school which is striving to meet the needs of the whole Jewish community regarding education, practice, and values.

2. We acknowledge the need for respect among the students, the teachers, and the full community.

3. As a multi-denominational school, we need to allow each student to feel that his/her family's viewpoint and value system is legitimate, valued, and an appropriate expression of Jewish identity.

Draft Kippah Policy

School policy with regard to the wearing of kippot is designed to reflect the school's respect for tradition, while recognizing the diversity of practices in our community. Students will learn the history, tradition and evolution of this observance.

Although some students may choose to wear kippot throughout the day, boys will be required, and girls are welcome, to cover their heads during times set aside for prayer, study of religious texts, and meals. A family decision to opt out of this requirement will be respected.

We also agreed that there should be a prologue that precedes the full policy document that will include a statement which catches the intent of the following caveat:

This is a living document and things may change year to year and we are open to input as we strive to achieve a balance between the diversity of our trans-denominational school.

Comments

• Why use the word “welcome” rather than “invite” or “encourage” girls to wear kippot? Dani responded: the Orthodox find “welcome” easier. Many find the egalitarian approach to be a struggle, and not having a school that demands kippot all of the time is a challenge.

• “Although” has a negative connotation. She would prefer a more positive word, such as “while.”

• Believes “invited” should be acceptable to the Orthodox. The word shows more strength and desire.

• In general, she appreciates the draft. It addresses all of the issues.

• Likes the balance. For the “opt out,” she suggests that parents have to send a letter rather than complete a form. The greater effort would make opting out less likely.

• Expressed relief and her feeling of being thrilled. The policy is thoughtfully inclusive.

• Asked for clarification concerning the terms “trans-denominational” and “multi-denominational.” Rabbi Andrea Gouze (a recording secretary of the Policy Committee) responded that a multi-denominational school would teach each of the denominational approaches on a subject, whereas a “trans-denominational” school considers that it is over and beyond such distinctions. She would prefer the use of “multi-denominational” in this context. Rabbi Alvan Kaunfer responded that he has heard other definitions for these words. He suggests that we either just drop “trans-denominational” or we should describe what we mean to say, rather than use a buzz-word that may have different meanings to different people.

• Asked why the last two paragraphs were necessary. It was pointed out that these paragraphs would precede the entire Policy Statement, not just this section.

• Commented that the policy does not deal with staff. She suggests that the policy talk about “males” and “females” rather than “boys” and “girls.” Dani commented that he does not see how the staff can differ from the student body in this area. Vicky said the Policy Committee did not think it should deal with areas that the Personnel Committee would handle.

• Is glad that the policies will be revisited each year. Vicky replied that the policies would be revisited when we finish the drafts of all the policies, not yearly. Dani added that although we won't change policies regularly, we are open to reconsidering them if they are not practical or not working out.
  

Admissions Policy Draft

One of our core principles is Klal Yisrael (the community of all Jews). As a community-wide JCDS, we open our doors to students, from across the spectrum of Jewish practice, whose parents/guardians seek to strengthen their Jewish identity, deepen their humanity, and support the mission of the school. JCDS of RI is not affiliated with a single denomination or movement within Judaism.
JCDS-RI accepts applications from students entering Pre-K through 8th grade. We are committed to a formal admissions process overseen by the school administration. Details of the admissions process can be found on the school web site and Parent Handbook.

The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, national and ethnic origin, or handicapped status in administration of its educational policies and scholarship programs."
(The educational admissions policy will be included at a later date)

Comments

• Some people thought the entire statement was vague and questioned what it means.

• Suggested that a Catholic might want to strengthen his Jewish identity so might attend the school. He asked how many at Moses Brown (a Quaker school) are Jewish. Asked if it really matters if a non-Jewish should decide to attend.

• Later, some else stated that if we want to be a “blue ribbon” school, we should consider accepting non-Jews. They could simply abstain from services. Vicky responded that we do not just want to be a prep-school, but a JEWISH prep-school. Participant mentioned that example of LaSalle, which many Jews attend. Vicky responded that there are only two Jewish schools, whereas there are many Catholic schools. Another participant believes that accepting non-Jews would alienate at least the modern Orthodox, whereas we want to attract as diverse a population of Jews as possible.

• [LK: note from historical perspective. When the Ideology Committee a couple of years ago discussed this issue, the members were concerned that Jews for Jesus might attempt to establish a foothold in the school and proselytize. To prevent that, the Committee said that the school should accept anyone who could become a member of a mainstream Jewish synagogue. The group was aware that the Reform Movement has stated that only children being raised exclusively as Jews (and with one Jewish parent) should become students in Reform schools.]

• Believes that “their” is not clear. Some suggested that the antecedent is the children, but someone else suggested that “their family’s and child’s Jewish identity” would be clearer.

• Suggested that we should write “open our door to students of Jewish households from across the spectrum of Jewish practice.”

• Two participants asked if the wording was meant to pre-define who is Jewish or to distinguish those want a Jewish education from the non-Jews. Vicky said the intention was to keep the school body Jewish.

• Believes that “practice” and “observance” seem weak and without spirituality. She asked if anything might be better. Two others responded that “spectrum of Judaism” and “Jewish living” might be appropriate.

• Questioned whether it was unacceptable to simply say “Jewish students.” She felt the language so far is waltzing around the issue. She asked what we should do about a child raised in a Catholic school until now. She is not comfortable leaving it to the administration to decide on an individual basis who might be acceptable. This is properly a decision of the Board.

• Suggests that we just state “Jewish students,” and let individuals define it as they might.

• Asked why “humanity” is mentioned. Vicky responded that some can relate better to that. Another participant said he believes that the statement appeals to many issues.

• Said we should state our doors are open to “children” and “people.” They are not “students” until they walk through our doors.