School Issues
Meetings with School Administrators
These meetings are similar to those the JCRC has with elected officials. The Executive and Education Committees identify school districts that would benefit from enhanced relations with the Jewish community. Meetings with superintendents and curriculum directors in those districts are organized, and members of the Jewish community provide information on a wide range of subjects, including curriculum, Holocaust education, diversity programming, anti-Semitism in the schools and calendar conflicts. These meetings help establish the JCRC as a key resource for administrators to learn more about the Jewish community, Israel and holiday observances.
Parent Education Task Force
JCRC meets with parent groups who voice interest and concern about Jewish holiday observance, curriculum issues and discrimination in the public schools. In response to parent feedback, JCRC developed its flyer “10 Ways to Advocate on Behalf of Your Child In School” to provide a checklist/resource to empower parents when communicating with school administrators and teachers.
Jewish Holiday Calendar and Guide
Expanding on the assets of our existing JCRC Calendar of Holiday Observances, the East Bay JCRC Education Committee and East Bay Federation Marketing Department has recently produced a colorful 5-Year Holiday Calendar and Guide. This includes explanations of Jewish holidays that can be used an educational tool for teachers. It will also increase awareness of when students are most likely to be absent from school and help avoid situations where tests and special events are scheduled on the day of a religious holiday.