- Why MWJDS
- Hebrew Language
- Transportation
- After School/Extended Day
- Class Size & Dress Code
- Dietary Laws/Kashrut & Food Allergies
- Competitions & Performances
- Days Off From School
- Getting Involved
- Cell Phone Policy
- Homework
Why MWJDS?
Q: What does MetroWest Jewish Day School (MWJDS) offer my family?
A: MWJDS is a community school that respects families with diverse backgrounds. MWJDS provides a warm, welcoming environment in which students receive an intensive general and Jewish education in grades K – 8. We exceed the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks to ensure student success. We give children a foundation in Jewish values so they know who they are and can go out in the world with a strong sense of self. With this background our students will be able to find the Jewish path that is appropriate for them.
Q: What makes MWJDS an excellent academic institution?
A: Our teachers emphasize strong skill development in math, science and writing. They personalize the curriculum to meet students’ individual needs and ensure the success of each child. Students learn Hebrew as well as Jewish texts and culture. Through creative arts, students learn about themselves and the world around them.
Hebrew Language
Q: What is the MWJDS approach to learning Hebrew?
A: We immerse children in Hebrew, where our teachers speak Hebrew throughout the class. Our experience indicates that children learn languages very quickly with this approach, and it is fun for the students. For older students new to Hebrew, we will create an appropriate program, but we may recommend additional outside tutoring.
Transportation
Q: Is transportation available?
A: We make every effort to support families with their transportation needs. Residents of Framingham may receive bus transportation according to the public school system’s policy. There is a nominal fee for subsidized transportation available from the Natick and Worcester areas. Families from nearby towns often form carpools.
After School/Extended Day
Q: Is there an after school Extended Day program?
A: MWJDS school hours are 8:15 am – 3:15 pm Monday through Thursday, and 8:15 am – 2:00 pm on Friday. Supervision begins at 8:00 am daily. We offer a very popular, in-house after school/Extended Day program as well as various after-school enrichment programs.
Class Size & Dress Code
Q: How many students are there in each class?
A: We are committed to keeping classes limited to 16 students per grade to maximize the individual attention and child-centered educational approach. In small classes, students best succeed in a dynamic community.
Q: Is there a dress code or uniform at MWJDS?
MetroWest Jewish Day School is a special community that strives to develop self-esteem in its students and observes the Jewish ethic of modesty, cleanliness and neatness in dress. Although there is no formal uniform, in order to provide a nurturing learning environment, and to create a sense of community, we ask all students and parents to dress appropriately. More information may be found in the Family Handbook.
Dietary Laws/Kashrut & Food Allergies
Q: How does MWJDS adhere to Jewish dietary laws?
A: In order to create a community where all families and children can feel comfortable, we maintain a kosher kitchen and ask students to bring dairy, kosher, nut-free lunches.
Q: How does MWJDS support families with food allergies?
A: We do not allow children to share food at MWJDS, and all food served and brought into the school must be nut-free. To accommodate other food allergies, any food that is served at MWJDS is cleared with parents of children with known food allergies. Being a small institution, there is great ability to control many factors.
Competitions & Performances
Q: Does MWJDS have opportunity for children to show off their skills in competitions?
A: Yes. MWJDS students are able to participate in a variety of competitions throughout the year. See some of the competitions that the school has been a part of.
In addition, our students perform in many venues. Check out our most recent postings on You Tube.
Days Off From School
Q: How do I know if school is canceled or delayed due to snow?
A: MWJDS follows the Framingham schedule. MWJDS is closed or delayed on the same schedule when Framingham Public schools are impacted by the weather. Please be sure to tune in to one of the following radio or television stations or their corresponding websites for school closings:
- WBUR (90.9FM)
- WBZ (1030AM)
- WHDH (local NBC-TV)
- WBZ (local CBS-TV)
- WCVB (local ABC-TV)
- WFXT (local FOX-TV)
You can also contact 508-626-9118 or visit www.framingham.com for school cancellation information. Early dismissal announcements will also be listed on these venues. In the event of an early dismissal, we will contact all families.
Q: Does MWJDS ever cancel or delay school even if Framingham is open?
A: If MWJDS decides to cancel or delay school independently from Framingham, then each room parent initiates the phone chain by 7am.
Q: Which Jewish holidays are observed as days off from school?
A: The school calendar will follow traditional holiday observances. Work (and therefore school) is not permitted on Rosh Hashanah, on Yom Kippur, on the first and second days of Sukkot, on Shemini Atzeret, on Simchat Torah, on Shavu’ot, and the first, second, seventh and eighth days of Passover. At MWJDS, spring vacation is usually scheduled for the entire Passover holiday.
Getting Involved
Q: How can I get involved and volunteer at MWJDS?
A: As a parent, you can become active in our Family Connection group where there is opportunity to participate and lead various fund raising or enrichment activities. Other ways to volunteer can be found at here.
Cell Phone Policy
Q: Are students permitted to have cell phones or other personal electronic devices in school?
A: Electronic devices have become a common means of communication and information access in today’s society. However, these devices have the potential of disrupting the orderly operation of the School. MWJDS policy relates to the possession and use of electronic devices on school premises, during school hours, at school sponsored activities and on school transportation. Electronic devices, such as iPods, Cell Phones, or hand-held gaming devices, may be used on the bus/van transportation to/from school, prior to school, following school and at other times outside the school hours of 8:15 – 3:15 and outside of the Extended Day program hours. Students must place these items in their backpacks during school hours. The school is not responsible for loss or breakage of any electronic devices.
Homework
Q: How much homework should my child expect?
A: We regard homework as an extension of the learning process. Children will get homework that reviews curriculum they learned in class. As a Day School with several teachers for each student, we try to coordinate homework assignments. We do not assign homework on Jewish holidays or Shabbat. Families are encouraged to read together nightly and there will be occasional family assignments. We encourage MWJDS students to do their assignments on their own. We ask our teachers to follow these daily guidelines:
- Kindergarten: read daily and play
- Grade One: 15 minutes written, 15 minutes reading
- Grade Two: 20 minutes written, 20 minutes reading
- Grade Three: 30 minutes written, 20 minutes reading
- Grade Four: 30 – 60 minutes written, 20 minutes reading
- Grade Five: 45 – 75 minutes written, 30 minutes reading
- Grade Six: 45 – 75 minutes written, 30 minutes reading