Mayim Communication

 

Communication between TBS staff and families is essential to Mayim's success. Over the course of the year, we communicate with Mayim families in a variety of ways.

 

From the TBS Learning Office:

 

Weekly Shavua Tov (“Good Week”) Email Newletter

Every week on Sunday mornings, Rachel Happel (Director of K-12 Learning) sends an email newsletter to all Mayim families. The Shavua Tov email includes upcoming Mayim dates and events, general announcements and information relevant to all Mayim families, upcoming events in the TBS and Greater Boston community, and a “curriculum corner” with information about the Mayim curriculum. The Shavua Tov email is sent through a service called MailChimp. Often, emails coming via MailChimp end up in spam folders or “promotions” tabs in gmail and other email systems. If you are not receiving emails weekly, please make sure you check your spam and promotions folders. If you still don’t see them, let us know!

 

Remind Text Messaging

We have subscribed to a text messaging service called Remind. We will be using this service to send updates about snow cancellations and reminders for special events. You can learn more about Remind here: www.remind.com. Remind is an opt-in service. To subscribe, visit: http://remind.com/join/mayimu. Please note that, if you subscribed last year, you will need to resubscribe as we have changed our group settings.

 

From the Jewish Learning Guides (teachers):

 

Welcome Letters

In early September, the JLGs send welcome letters via US mail to the children in their mifgash groups. These letters welcome the children to Mayim, tell them a little about themselves, and possibly ask the children to bring something to the first day of class or think about a question they will be exploring this year.

 

Weekly Updates

Each JLG sends a weekly email update to parents in each mifgash group to keep you informed about what happened at Mayim during that week’s session. If you haven't been seeing your weekly updates, please email your child's JLG to make sure you're on their email list!

 

Mayim Facebook Page

The JLGs post regular photos and updates to the Mayim Facebook page both during and after class. Please “like” and follow the page so that you will see regular updates!  https://www.facebook.com/tbsmayim

 

Parent/Teacher Phone Conferences

In January/February, we hold parent/teacher conferences by phone. Parent/Teacher Conferences are an opportunity for parents to learn more about the Mayim curriculum and your child's experience, progress, and participation midway through the year.

 

From the Hebrew Educators (for families with children in Small Group Hebrew):

 

Weekly Updates

The Hebrew Educators send weekly email updates to parents of the children in their group’s about the group’s progress and homework.

 

Progress Reports

Hebrew educators also complete mid-year and end-of-year progress reports for each student. These reports are sent to parents in January and June.

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Inclement Weather Procedures

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Winter will soon be upon us, so it is time for a reminder about our inclement weather closing procedures. Will we email all families about any cancellation decisions. Cancellation notifications will also be posted on Channels 5 and 7 (www.wcvb.com and www.whdh.com) and on the Mayim Facebook page. You may also subscribe to text message notifications via Remind.

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On Weekdays:

• If Needham public schools are closed, our TBS K-12 learning programs are cancelled.

• If Needham public schools have early dismissal due to snow, then TBS afternoon and evening programs are cancelled.

• In the case of a snowstorm scheduled to begin in the afternoon, we will make a decision regarding afternoon/evening program cancellation by approximately 12:00 pm.

On Sundays:

• TBS will make a decision late Saturday evening about cancellation for the following morning.