Handbook & Supply List

The mission of our Yeshiva is to provide a customized, quality mesivta/high-school education, encompassing the whole individual’s development.  The words of our mission have been chosen very carefully to reflect the educational principles and policies under which we will operate.  Some unique aspects of our programs are listed below.

Punctuality

Your son is a partner with the Hanhala in insuring that the school day runs smoothly.  He is expected to be at all tefillos, meals, sedorim, classes, and other activities on time.  Punctuality is an important sign of maturity.   Parents are requested to support our efforts to run a punctual operation by making sure, when driving carpool or participating in any school activity, to be on time.

Presentations

The yeshiva places heavy emphasis on oral communications in both Hebrew and English.  Proper public speaking skills give a bochur the ability and confidence so critical for his success.  In this vein, talmidim, on a rotating basis, give daily Divrei Halacha and Divrei Torah at Minyanim or in front of the class.  There are two multi-disciplinary presentations throughout the school-year where talmidim must prepare a short speech or chaburah to be delivered in front of parents and faculty.  Talmidim may also be called upon on many occasions to give Divrei Torah in public outside the yeshiva setting.  Each presentation will be critiqued by a member of the faculty so the talmid receives positive feedback and encouragement, as well as suggestions for continuous improvement.  The basics of good presentation involve the constant practice of simple but important rules of communication.  Our talmidim will spend much time practicing their presentation skills.  Parents are encouraged to attend all major student presentation events.  Your attendance will support the emphasis that the yeshiva places on public speaking and its many advantages.

Personal Appearance

Talmidim must look like Bnai Torah.  Consequently, each bachur  must be clean, dressed neatly, and present one’s self with dignity.  Proper dress for a Ben Torah consists of dark dress slacks, white or solid pale blue dress shirts, dark sport jacket, hat, and shoes.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times and second button must be buttoned.  Some companies make shirts that place the second button higher than usual.  It is the talmid’s responsibility to purchase shirts that will not discourage him from buttoning the second button. During school hours, each talmid must wear dress shoes (not canvas, corduroy or other casual shoes). Please see to it that your son is fully compliant. Each talmid should keep a pair of sneakers at yeshiva to be used for sport activities.  Questions about the yeshiva’s dress code should be addressed to the Hanhala.

Cleanliness of the Surroundings

The mesivta building is a Makom Torah.  It deserves respect.  There will be a clean-up rotation following each meal, as well as rotations for maintaining the orderly appearance of the classrooms and the Beis Medrash, i.e. returning seforim and other loose items to their proper places.  The yeshiva does have a cleaning service for major clean-up.

 Absences

The Yeshiva’s entire curriculum has been organized so that each talmid can acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for his growth. Please see to it that all doctor’s appointments, dentist appointments and family vacations be scheduled for Bein Hazmanim, off-Shabbosim or times when Yeshiva is not in session.  In the event that it becomes necessary to take time off from yeshiva, special permission must be received at least one day in advance from the Menahel.

Unexcused absences will lower the student’s grade by half a point each.  Excessive absences, even if permission was granted, may result in the talmid retaking certain classes.  (Strict adherence to this policy is required to insure that the proper attitude towards the education offered at our Yeshiva is maintained.)

On the other hand, the yeshiva recognizes the need for the talmidim to have time off when necessary for participation in family simchas.  Parents should consult with the Hanhala, so that time off can be provided with minimal interruption to the talmid’s learning and development.

Snow Days

Being that our mesivta is a Makom Torah and the chiyuv of Talmud Torah is not postponed due to inclement weather, all shiurim and tefillos will continue at the yeshiva, albeit on a modified schedule. For those of you who are unable to attend Shacharis at Yeshiva on days that the School District cancels bus service, other davening arrangements should be made which will enable your son to be at Yeshiva no later than 10:00am.  Shacharis will take place at the regular time for all those that are able to be there.  For further information and early dismissals, please contact the yeshiva office. The Yeshiva has an information call system that will be used should there be a variation of the above policy.

Shabbos Retreats

Twice during the year we have a Shabbos retreat.  These events give our talmidim an opportunity to bond with their Rebbeim and the Hanhala.  The programs for these retreats are stimulating and enjoyable, with ample time for recreation.  These retreats are integral parts of the curriculum.  Attendance is mandatory.  Parents should treat weekend retreats as regular school activities for which student participation is required.

Driving

No talmid at any time is allowed to drive himself or others to or from yeshiva.  Parents, please ensure that this policy is fully complied with!

Computers

Talmidim might be required to use computers throughout the school year.  The student is responsible for any damage he causes to the computer.  Flashdrives and other memory media are prohibited.  The use of such devices without prior authorization on yeshiva equipment will result in a $300 fine. Any tampering with the computer settings, fire wall, security or filtering will result in a $300 fine.

Electronics

Talmidim are not allowed to bring radios, tape or CD players, laptops, DVD players, cell phones, palm pilots or any other PDA, MP3/4 players, Ipods, smart watches etc. in yeshiva at anytime despite any inconveniences this may cause. Any of the above items found will be confiscated and not returned. There is a zero tolerance policy. If you’re not sure whether something is allowed, please ask Rabbi Rosenman before you bring it.

We wish to provide each student with the necessary skills to become a successful individual in any field that he chooses to pursue.

Our curriculum follows NYS Common Core Standards in Math, Science, History and English Language Arts. In addition to our mainstream NYS Regents track, we have fully integrated high school curriculum geared to those boys that require individualized path to graduation.

At Shaarei Arazim, we treat general studies as an integral part of the development of a Ben Torah.  Our Limudei Kodesh faculty is committed to your son’s success in secular studies.

We take a particularly strong stand with respect to general studies.  We are fortunate to have a group of dedicated, knowledgeable and seasoned teachers who will give of themselves every day to bring out the best in each student.  They are deserving of the respect of each and every talmid, as well as the support of the parents.  The Hanhala will be actively involved in maintaining the decorum in the secular department. Rabbi Freundlich will supervise the afternoon discipline. Parents are strongly encouraged to add their support to our efforts in this area.  As in the past, talmidim who are not able to keep up with their classes may be required, at their own expense, to attend summer classes which will insure that they don’t start the next school year behind their peers.

There will be a heavy emphasis on practical writing skills.  Throughout the life of each Talmid, it will be necessary for him to express himself in writing.  Clarity and conciseness are an integral part of this process.  It is our goal that upon completion of high school each Talmid will have the skills and confidence that will enable him to succeed in all situations.

We encourage all parents to be in contact with Mr. Juricek, the Principal or with Mr. Rosenblum, the Deputy Principal, about your son’s progress.  Please call the office to get in touch with them.

Regents

Mesivta Shaarei Arazim is accredited by the State of New York Education Department and by Torah U’mesorah. A New York State Regents diploma is the standard of achievement for our talmidim. State requirement regulations vary based on graduation year. This year the NYS Ed approved new alternative paths to graduations, but the requirement to take and pass the Regent exams is still in place. Extra time is allotted during the school year for Regents preparation. Parents should monitor progress carefully. Should you have further questions about graduation requirements, please contact Mr. Juricek.

Electives – Yeshiva Around The Clock

The joint goal of the yeshiva and the parent body, aside from imparting knowledge and proper values to our talmidim, is to insure that their time is filled with productive activities throughout their waking hours.  With that in mind, the yeshiva has spent much time and financial resources in preparing electives for our talmidim to participate in and learn from.  Thus Sunday afternoon is important in the development of the talmid.  Participation in the yeshiva’s Sunday programs is mandatory.  Should one need to miss a Sunday program, permission must be obtained in advance from the Menahel.

• No unauthorized entry into the workshop area.
  (Do not go in if you should not be in!)
• Use or handling of any power tool must be pre-authorized.
  (Do not touch anything!)
• You must obey all instructions at all times from the staff member in charge. (Listen!)
• It is prohibited to use power tools, materials or supplies for any purpose other than its intended use. This applies to all the tools, materials and supplies. (Always use the right tool for the right job)
• It is prohibited to make use of any materials or supplies not specifically assigned for your project. (Do not take anything, unless you were told you can)
• All safety procedures must be followed at all times, no exceptions.
  (Be safe!)
• Always read, understand and follow the signage. Read the nameplate information and follow the warning labels on the tool itself.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses. Use a dust mask for dusty operations, and wear hearing protection if you’ll be using the tool for an extended period of time.
• Never use power tools if you are tired, sick, distracted, or under the influence of medications.
• Before you plug in any power tool, make sure the power switch is off.
• Always turn off and unplug the tool before you make any adjustments or change accessories. Never use any accessory except those specifically supplied.
• Never overreach when using a power tool. Never rush what you are doing. Always pay close attention. Don’t let anything distract you.
• When using hand-held power tools, always keep a firm grip with both hands. Do not use any tool that is too heavy for you to control.
  When finished, always unplug, clean and return the tool into its storage. (Clean up after yourself!)
• Do not attempt to fix any power tools. Do not make any alterations into mechanical, electric or electronic components. Report any problem to the instructor or Hanhala.
• Any accident, no matter how small or any damage to any tool must be reported to the instructor or Hanhala
• Any infraction to the above rules might result, at the sole discretion of the Hanhala, in fines and/or loss of participation privileges and/or detention and /or school suspension.  

Every participant (and their parents) agree to compensate the yeshiva in full for any damage caused by unauthorized, negligent or abusive use of any tools, materials or supplies.

• No unauthorized entry into the gym area.
  (Do not go in if you should not be in!)
• Use or handling of any equipment must be pre-authorized.
  (Do not use anything!)
• You must obey all instructions at all times from the staff member in charge. (Listen!)
• Street shoes are not allowed on the gym floor.  Gym shoes only.
• Food and/or beverages are not allowed in the gym.
• All equipment must be used only as intended
• Do not use equipment that you have not been instructed to use.
• No horseplay.
• Any accident, no matter how small , or any damage to any equipment must be reported to the instructor or Hanhala immediately.
• Any infraction to the above rules might result, at the sole discretion of the Hanhala, in fines and/or loss of participation privileges and/or detention and /or school suspension. 
• Every participant (and their parents) agree to compensate the yeshiva in full for any damage caused by unauthorized, negligent or abusive use of any sport equipment.

The Mesivta’s success is dependent on a successful partnership involving the Hanhala, faculty, parents, and of course, the talmidim.  As a result, parents are welcome, and indeed encouraged to participate in enhancing the quality of the yeshiva’s programs.  Like all Mosdos Hatorah, we need help with the Mesivta’s finances, as well as giving our talmidim visible role models to emulate.  While we provide our talmidim with a very low student/faculty ratio to enhance the classroom experience, we believe additional support is vital to giving our students the best educational experience.  Seeing active and involved parents is the most powerful message about the importance of avodah on behalf of the Klal and how parents will do whatever it takes to insure a child’s success.

The yeshiva must have an active fund-raising campaign to keep itself solvent and insure its long-term success.  The participation of the entire parent body in our endeavors is essential.  We have an annual raffle, building campaign as well as other activities.

Successful fundraising is a function of effort and organization as well as people just writing checks.  We welcome ideas, commitment, and help.  We have a compelling story that needs to be told and our parents are the people most qualified to tell it.  Your support is vital to our success. Please contact Rabbi Pelberg with any suggestions you might have.

Bochurim need to pack everything that they would for a summer camp.  This includes: Bedding, Toiletries, Bathing Suits, in addition to regular clothing and school supplies.

On מוצ’ש all bochurim must return to the dorm by 10:30. If this is not possible, they must return Sunday morning in time for shacharis. Sunday Shacharis is at 9am.

ALL DORM BOYS MUST DAVEN SUNDAY SHACHARIS IN THE YESHIVA.

Please arrange Sunday morning transportation/carpool with this in mind.

Any bochur who needs a place for Shabbos must speak to Rabbi Rosenman by Wednesday night.

Devices with a video screen are not permitted in the dormitory.  This includes, but is not limited to:  Ipods, computers, handheld games, and game systems. Devices with radio are not permitted in the dormitory.  This includes, but is not limited to: radio alarm clocks, CD players, and mp3 players.

No cell phones will be allowed in the dorm, neither in the bochur’s possession, nor turned in to the dorm counselor or Rebbe. All cell phones must be given in to Rabbi Rosenman for storage during the week. If you have any questions regarding this policy, please call Rabbi Rosenman at 845-641-8601.

Off Shabbosim begin Thursday at 4:30 PM for all grades.  All students are expected to return for Night Seder, Sunday at 7:00 PM.

All correspondence (including any payments) should be sent to:

POB 523, Monsey, NY 10952

Up-to-date School Calendar is available online at:

www.ShaareiArazim.org/Calendar

(Also available as google calendar. Ical link: https://calendar.google.com/calendar/ical/msadesk%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics

Yeshiva has emergency/information phone system and email system. If there are any changes to the calendar less than 48 hrs before they take effect, we will send an email or call out. Our system will be updated and tested the first week of school. If you do not receive an email or call at your preferred number, please contact the office.

• 9^th grade will learn Mesechtas Tomid, all other grades will learn Gitin.
• 10^th  – 12^th Grade should bring their own חמשה חומשי תורה with Rashi.

ALL GRADES. The yeshiva will provide גמרא seforim and workbooks. The fees are:

• 9^th Grade  –  $50
• 10^th, 11^th and 12^th Grades  –  $30

All new talmidim to the Yeshiva must bring a #2 Philips head heavy duty screw driver.

General Studies Supplies – All students should bring:

1. Two spiral notebooks. *
2. A three-ring binder with plenty of loose leaf paper.
3. Several pens/pencils
4. Scientific Calculator (Preferably Casio FX-260) *

Phys Ed Supplies – All students should bring:

1. Sneakers for Phys Ed (cross trainers or running shoes, in addition to cross trainers, optional basketball shoes)
2. Gym clothes (long track pants, shirt and a hat (or kippa that does not fall off)
3. Small towel
4. Deodorant

*The following are available to purchase from the Yeshiva:

• Spiral notebooks and writing instruments will be available for purchase through the canteen.
• Casio FX-260 – $10.00.
• The yeshiva has graphic calculator for the boys that will be taking the Algebra and Geometry Regents. They can, but do not have to, have their own graphic calculator. We recommend TI-81, TI-83 or TI-84 and any of their derivative or follow-up models.