Dear Parents and Students in the Jewish Community of Asheville/Buncombe County,
Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) of Asheville’s School Committee developed this packet to help Jewish students communicate with their teachers about the Jewish holidays that might interfere with school attendance or with the timely completion of homework assignments or other requirements. This year’s packet includes:
1. Cover Letter
2. Excused Absence Policy
3. Jewish Calendars – this year and two years ahead
4. Dear Faculty Letter
5. Dear Principal Letter
It is important to give all teachers and principals a copy of the letters and a copy of the enclosed Jewish calendar as far ahead of the holidays as possible. Teachers need time to prepare lessons, assignments, and exams well in advance. While it is our hope that teachers will consider the Jewish holidays when scheduling exams, it is always your responsibility to communicate with the teacher and make up missed work/exams that are given when you are absent from school. Letting the teachers know about a holiday the day before obviously does not give them adequate time to consider and make alterations in their lesson plans.
Be sure to read carefully the teacher letter so you know its contents. Please note that in consideration of students who may observe additional holidays requiring school absence, we included an explanation of these observances in our letter to the principals and teachers. As issues arise during the year, the web site for the Anti-Defamation League at www.adl.org has helpful guidelines.
L’Shana Tova,
The Jewish Community Relations Council
Jewish Community Relations Council of Asheville/Buncombe County.........
