Prologue to JCDS-RI Policies
We are an inclusive Jewish community school committed to meeting the
diverse needs of our students, their families, and the larger school
community. We seek not only to impart to our students an excellent
secular and Judaic education, but also to respect each family’s
expression of Jewish identity.
We recognize that unanticipated issues may arise in the
implementation of these policies. We thus welcome your input, and
anticipate that policies will evolve to continue to meet the diverse
needs of our school community.
School faculty and administration are responsible for teaching,
encouraging, and implementing the school policies.
JCDS-RI Admissions Policy
One of our core principles is Klal Yisrael (the community of all
Jews). As a community-wide school, we open our doors to students, from
across the spectrum of Jewish practice, whose parents/guardians seek to
strengthen their family’s and children’s Jewish identity, deepen their
humanity, and support the mission of the school. JCDS-RI is not
affiliated with a particular denomination or movement within Judaism.
JCDS-RI accepts applications from families of 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 (www.jcdsri.org) and in the Parent
Handbook.
The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color,
national and ethnic origin, or handicapped status in the administration
of its admissions policies, educational policies, and scholarship
programs.
(The educational admissions policy appears in a separate document.)
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JCDS-RI Kashrut Policy
Kashrut (from the Hebrew word kasher, meaning “fit” or “proper”) is
the name given to the Jewish dietary laws. The JCDS-RI is committed to a
kashrut policy that unites our entire school community. Since there are
members of our community who carefully observe kashrut, it is important
that all food served by the school and at school functions be kosher,
under the supervision of the R.I Vaad Hakashrut*. Families seeking more
information about the school policy on kashrut are encouraged to contact
the school for further information.
Student lunches and snacks: All student lunches and snacks must be
either dairy or pareve (i.e., neither dairy nor meat). Due to differing
levels and understandings of kashrut, as well as the possibility of
allergens, students are not permitted to share food that they bring to
school. We encourage parents to send nutritious foods for snacks and
lunches.
Communal meals: Food served by the school in class, lunch, or at any
school function will follow the current standards of the R.I Vaad
Hakashrut.
Food brought into the school: Packaged or baked goods brought to
school for an entire class (e.g., for a birthday or celebration) must
bear one of the commonly accepted kashrut symbols, a list of which may
be obtained in the school office or on the school web-site. No
home-prepared foods are permitted to be served at school activities. In
planning celebrations for the class, parents should consult with the
teacher in advance for details about scheduling and dietary needs.
School functions outside of school: Official school trips, meetings and
programs, even when off campus, are part of school life. As such, we
observe the school’s kashrut policy on these occasions as well.
Students, staff, and parent chaperones are expected to adhere to this
policy on all school trips and overnights.
Private events: We encourage JCDS-RI families to reflect the shared
mission of the school by remaining sensitive to the needs of all. When
inviting school friends to meals or parties outside of the school,
please be aware that there may be children in your child’s class who
keep kosher or have other dietary needs. We encourage you to check with
the families regarding ways to accommodate children with such needs.
*The Vaad HaKashruth of RI/RI Kashrut Commission is RI's only kashrut
supervisory agency. It is a Federation supported organization, with the
mission to set a community-wide standard of kashrut. Although the Vaad’s
kashrut policies adhere strictly to "Orthodox standards" of kashrut, its
lay board is comprised of representatives of all synagogues in the
RI/Southeastern Massachusetts community.
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JCDS-RI Shabbat Policy
Our school teaches its students the customs, laws, and beauty of
Shabbat and the Jewish holidays, as well as respect for differences in
belief and observance. All school activities and events are scheduled in
conformance with the laws of Shabbat and Jewish holidays. Members of our
school community are expected to behave with sensitivity to the
religious needs of others. Events outside of school that involve
families from the school should not be held at a time or place on
Shabbat, holidays, or other times that might exclude some students.
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JCDS-RI Dress Code Policy
Clothes send a message. They transmit a sense of our values, our
identity, and our self-respect. Children are expected to come to school
dressed in a manner consonant with a respectful attitude toward school
and their peers. Designs may not contain profanity, or promote alcohol,
drugs, suicide, sex, nudity, ethnic hatred, or other offensive or
disruptive messages.
Clothes should be neat, clean, comfortable, and not ostentatious or
distracting. Hems and seams should be finished, and clothes should not
be ripped or tattered. Sleeveless, low-cut, and midriff shirts, short
shorts, and short skirts are not appropriate school dress. For safety
reasons, students should not wear "flip-flops" or other backless
sandals.
If there are any questions about what is appropriate, please consult
the administration. The head of school has the final word on what is
acceptable under these guidelines.
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JCDS-RI Kippah Policy
School policy on 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.
While some students may choose to wear kippot throughout the day,
boys will be required, and girls are welcome, to wear a kippah during
times set aside for prayer, study of religious texts, and meals. A
family may decide, in consultation with the head of school, to opt out
of this requirement.
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