Core Values | Derekh Eretz

An adjunct or extension of MJDS’s core values is the Derekh Eretz Covenant. (Derekh eretz is a Jewish value-concept that is often translated as “appropriate” behavior.) The way that we treat one another holds such a prominent place in Jewish tradition that it precedes the study of Torah.

At the Minneapolis Jewish Day School we believe in the value of every individual. According to Jewish tradition, every person is created in the image of God and deserves to be treated as such. In order to create the best possible learning environment it is important that both students and adults conduct themselves in ways that reflect and model this and other Jewish values. With this in mind, the following expectations serve as a guide for both students and adults when interacting with each other in the school, whether in the class, on the recess field, in the hallways, or in the larger community.

This document is designed with the intent that all will gain a greater understanding of its words and concepts through learning, practice, and development.

An optimal educational experience for our children requires an interactive partnership among parents, educators and children. Both educators and parents hope that every school day is filled with learning, joy and grace. In acknowledgement of the collaborative relationship between parents and educators, the Minneapolis Jewish Day School recognizes these fundamental principles of communication:

• Mutually respectful approach
  
  Who is wise? The person who learns from everyone.
• Ongoing and effective communication.
• Resolution to gather information/data from appropriate sources prior to forming an opinion and making a judgment.
• Recognition of the power of words, avoidance of lashon harah (harmful speech).
• Effective listening, acknowledging the legitimacy of differing opinions
  
  Do not say anything which cannot be heard, for in the end it will be heard.
• Clearly defined lines of responsibility.
• An agreed-upon process for solving problems.
• Recognition of specific roles in the process.
• Mutual trust that the process is just and fair
  
  The more counsel, the more understanding.
• Well defined, clear boundaries.
• Shared commitment to work together toward a solution
  
  Examine the witnesses with great care and be careful with your words.

In an effort to realize these principles in our daily interactions as a school community, we agree upon the following expectations:

Reasonable Expectations of Parents

Do not serve as a judge by yourself.

• Recognition that:
  Educators are trained professionals.
  Educators and parental perspective may justifiably differ.
  Educators have multiple time commitments.
• Be ready to be heard by educators.
• Be ready to listen to educators.
• Hold discussion with educators at a time and place that permits full and confidential exploration of the issues:

  Direct concerns to educators.
  
  Be prepared to clearly articulate the issues.
  
  Provide an opportunity for educators to work toward a solution.
  Remember that comprehensive solutions may require time.
  
  
  If there is no proper conduct, there is no learning.
  

Reasonable Expectations of Educators

Let the honor of your student be as precious to you as your own.

• Recognition that:
  Parents have a depth of experience with the student.
  Parental and educator perspective may justifiably differ.
  Parents have multiple time commitments.
• Be ready to be heard by parents.
• Be ready to listen to parents.
• Provide appropriate time and place for full and confidential discussion.
• Ensure the concerns are well understood.
• Identify the issue.
• Establish reasonable expectations for solving the problem.
• Construct a written action plan.
• Confer to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan.
• Provide an opportunity for the parent to work toward a solution.
• Provide an opportunity for every student to shine

  
  Be humble before everybody .

MJDS Problem Solving Process

Ben He'He' says: In accord with effort is the reward.