WJC Family School 2024-25
Registration for the Family School is NOW open!
At the Woodstock Jewish Congregation, our Family School offers a warm, inclusive, and vibrant environment where families can embark on a joyful journey of Jewish exploration together. Here, you’ll discover a nurturing community where you and your children can freely express thoughts, emotions, and questions, knowing you’re among supportive friends. If you have any questions, our Cantor, Raechel, is always here to help. Feel free to reach out to Raechel at Raechel@wjcshul.org.
Program Overview:
Wednesday Family School:
Welcome to our Wednesday Family School! Every Wednesday evening during the academic year, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM, starting September 11, 2024, through May 14, 2025, families gather for enriching experiences in exploring Judaism together. We’re eagerly anticipating the upcoming year and the opportunity to learn and grow as a community alongside you and your children!
What to Expect:
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- Snack and Outdoor Play: Our sessions kick off with a delicious and nutritious snack and outdoor playtime (weather permitting), providing a chance for young learners to bond and burn off energy. We cherish this time each week, understanding the importance of physical activity in nurturing your child’s learning journey. Research shows that engaging in physical play enhances cognitive function, concentration, and memory, all while promoting overall well-being.
- Hebrew Reading and Writing: Each session includes dedicated time for Hebrew reading and writing practice. Our goal is for students to develop proficiency in reading and writing Hebrew, not only for prayer accessibility but also to prepare them for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah. While we prioritize these skills, we infuse basic Hebrew vocabulary throughout our activities to foster familiarity and confidence.
- Jewish Curricular Focus: In the 2024-2025 school year, we’re excited to delve into Tikkun Olam– healing the world. Together, we’ll explore examples of Tikkun Olam throughout the Torah and the causes and issues that face both our local community and the world. Each semester, the students will come together to select one of these causes for a dedicated day of volunteering.
- Tefillah with Cantor Raechel: The students spend time every week singing, moving, and learning the prayers of our Siddur. On the First Friday of every month, students apply their learning by helping to lead Shabbat services.
- Monthly Family Sessions: In addition to our weekly gatherings, families are invited to join us for special monthly sessions, typically held on the second Wednesday of each month, focusing on holiday programming. These sessions offer wonderful opportunities for families to celebrate Jewish holidays together through interactive activities and meaningful discussions, deepening your family’s connection to Jewish traditions and community.
Calendar
Our Wednesday Family School meets weekly on Wednesday evenings, 4–6:30pm, and will begin this year on Wednesday, September 11, 2024. The program will run through May 14, 2025.
Parent/Student Days:
September 11, 2024
October 16, 2024
November 20, 2024
December 18, 2024
January 8, 2025
February 12, 2025
March 12, 2025
April 9, 2025
May 14, 2025
Closures:
October 2, 2025
November 27, 2024
December 25, 2024
January 1, 2025
January 29, 2025
February 19, 2025
April 16, 2025
Tuition
The 2024-2025 tuition for Family School is $700 for the Wednesday program. There is a required deposit of $50 upon registration, and you do need to be a member in good standing to participate in the Family School. The WJC is committed to cost not being a barrier to Jewish engagement and aspires to remove any barriers to accessing reduced tuition. We also are committed to being transparent about the cost connected with running our learning programs.
Tuition covers a portion of what it costs to run our Family School and is subsidized by WJC membership and fundraising. The actual cost to run our program per student is approximately $2,150.00 for the year. In addition to our commitment to transparency, we want to share these costs to encourage families to make a contribution that feels appropriate to their family. When you register, you will be invited to write in what you would like to be charged for tuition and how you would like to be billed. In other words, those who can pay the full requested tuition amount of $700 should enroll at that level. Those who need assistance should request it by indicating the amount you feel you can contribute this year. Any family who feels they can make an additional contribution above the requested amount of $700 is welcome to do so, with gratitude.
Join Us:
We invite families of all backgrounds and ages 6 -13 to join us on a journey of discovery and growth as we explore the rich tapestry of Jewish values together. Through study, reflection, and action, we will deepen our understanding of middot and strive to embody these timeless principles in our lives. Come be a part of our vibrant Family School community, where every voice is valued and every heart is welcomed.