Parent involvement is essential to the spirit and sense of community that is fostered at Hebrew Day School. Parents have, over the years, been an important resource in both curricular and program areas.

Under the school’s “Parents as Partners” program, each HDS parent, on an annual basis, raises funds in the amount of $150 or donates that amount to the school. Many different opportunities are provided to meet this requirement, including purchase of grocery store certificates or certificates from a wide variety of other merchants including amazon.com, giftwrap sales, Purim basket sales, etc. Details as to these opportunities are provided during the course of the year. Parents also have the option of donating these funds to the school outright, a donation that is tax-deductible.

In addition, each parent is responsible for 10 hours of approved support services to the school over the course of the school year. These hours can be fulfilled in many different ways, including work in a child’s class, assisting with holiday events at school, working on art projects, providing educational programs, reading to children in the library, or helping in the office. There are also many projects that can be worked on entirely at home. One spouse can fulfill the requirement for the other. While virtually all parents find productive work during the year, this commitment can also be fulfilled by paying $30 per work hour. Each parent fills out a Helping Hands Information Sheet which lists the school committees and other volunteer opportunities. This information is used by the Helping Hands coordinator, teachers and Head of School to match parents’ interests and skills with school needs.

For questions about the two programs, call the office at 734-971-4633.

Please click here for a sample “Helping Hands: Parents as Partners Agreement”