Core Values | Derekh Eretz

The Day School Derekh Eretz Covenant

(Derekh eretz is a Jewish value concept that is often translated as “respectful behavior.” The way that we treat one another holds such a prominent place in Jewish tradition that it precedes the study of Torah. As the Talmud says, "Derekh Eretz precedes learning.”)

At the 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.

Students will:

• respect and treat other students as they would want to be treated.
• preserve the self-worth of others by not shaming, embarrassing, or teasing.
• work and play cooperatively guided by the spirit of teamwork. 
• do their part in assuring that everyone feels physically and emotionally safe.
• embrace both the similarities and differences of other students.
• withhold judgment rather than be quick to blame other students.
• have compassion and empathy for other students.
• help other students in need of assistance.
• be positive influences on their peers and role models within the classroom, school, and community.

Students will:

• conduct themselves in accordance with school standards and guidelines.
• find an appropriate time and respectful manner to express their own feelings.
• respect the learning, experience, and judgment of their teachers, school administrators, and other adults.
• be truthful and accept responsibility for their own behavior.
• accept responsibility and work hard within the classroom community.
• ask for help when needed.
• understand that adults make mistakes.
• conduct themselves with derekh eretz as ambassadors of the Day School at synagogue and within the larger community.

Reasonable Expectations of Students in Interactions with Students

Rabbi Elazar son of Shamu’ah said: Let the honor of your student be as
precious to you as your own.  (Pirkei Avot 4:12)

Adults will:

• utilize their learning, experience and best judgment in their interactions and decision-making.
• be positive role models.
• provide a caring and nurturing environment where everyone feels physically and emotionally safe.
• treat students with fairness and respect.
• respond in a consistent manner.
• understand that students make mistakes.
• be trustworthy and honest.
• respect the rights of students to choose any adult confidante.
• conduct themselves professionally, recognizing appropriate boundaries.
• have age-appropriate expectations of students.
• be attuned to the different learning styles and individual needs of students.
• facilitate problem solving.
• put the students’ well-being first.

Students who experience consistent, logical, and realistic consequences learn that they themselves have positive control over their lives.

Problems usually handled by teachers and/or other staff members may include:

• Excluding people.
• Running, pushing, and/or screaming in the hallways.
• Occasionally disruptive behavior in class, i.e., talking excessively.
• Violating playground/recess rules.
• Use of inappropriate language.
• Leaving an assigned area without permission.