October 2018
Mutual Caring Relationships
What great movies did you see this summer? My favorite film by far was “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” This documentary chronicles the life and work of Fred Rogers, an incredibly gentle and passionate human being, Mr. Rogers worked tirelessly on behalf of young children and their families.
As we watched Mr. Rogers on our televisions, we saw the ultimate champion of relationships. In his book “The World According to Mister Rogers: Important Things to Remember,” he is quoted as saying:
“Mutual caring relationships require kindness and patience, tolerance, optimism, joy in the other’s achievements, confidence in oneself, and the ability to give without undue thought of gain.”
In the Early Childhood Center we work hard to establish the foundation of life at Agudath Israel by creating deep relationships — with our children, our families, and our teachers.
When families first register for school, they are immediately connected with a “buddy.” The buddy family is available to answer questions, help navigate the waters, and become a familiar face when starting school.
Before the new school year began, all the new families and their buddies gathered for Pizza in the Playroom. Everyone had a great time playing together and getting to meet new friends. It was a warm, lovely evening and a great time for showing the “kindness and patience” Mr. Rogers described as necessary for caring relationships.
This year we also launched a new digital communication app to streamline the connection between school and home. Teachers post photos and videos and comments about the children’s day that parents can easily access from a phone or computer. The Israeli-based software Remini has already proven to be a great new tool in strengthening our relationships.
All of the classes received new iPods to take the pictures and access the app. Teachers also use the school iPods for email communication with parents. The iPods were purchased with funds collected to our Educational Enhancement Fund. The new devices will free up the teachers and thereby give them more time with the children.
Once again this year, all children who were new to the school had home visits. Teachers had the chance to meet their students in their own homes, where they are most comfortable. Students returning to our school had one-on-one visits to the classrooms. All of these visits helped strengthen the deep relationships for the children.
We look forward to strengthening and growing these relationships throughout a wonderful school year together.
