Temple Shir Shalom of Oviedo will begin its 12th year of religious school with a “Meet the Teacher Oneg,” Friday evening, Aug. 16, immediately following Shabbat services at University Carillon United Methodist Church. Registration is underway for classes, which will begin at Double R Private School on Aug. 25. School hours are 9 a.m. to noon, and will run for 25 sessions during the school year. Temple membership is required for religious school enrollment.

Shir Shalom, the largest Reform synagogue in Seminole County, enrolls students from Kindergarten through b’nei mitzvah age.

This year the “TSSRS Library on Wheels” will open and be available during religious school sessions to students as well as congregants. The religious school will also introduce a new Hebrew program from the URJ. Titled Mitkadem, this program will allow each student the flexibility to work at their own pace, enabling them to learn and embrace the Hebrew language in a way that works best for them. Learning will be enriched with educational films and speakers, including a member of the active military, and a Holocaust survivor.

Temple Shir Shalom’s dedicated teaching staff, many of whom have been here since its inception, is headed by Religious School Director Robyn Schulman. Her dedication to an ever-expanding curriculum and improving resources, as well as her love of working with children, truly makes Shir Shalom’s religious school shine. The school also benefits from a never-ending line of madrachim who volunteer each week. These post b’nei mitzvah students assist teachers, assist in Hebrew tutoring and help with T’filah and special events.

Temple Shir Shalom’s cantorial leader, Beth Schafer, also plays an active role in enriching the curriculum. Schafer’s influence sets the tone for much of the children’s religious school experience, through her parent participation programs, Kindergarten consecration, leadership of upperclassmen in Shabbat services, commemoration service on Yom Ha’Shoa, and musical leadership once a month during T’filah.

For unaffiliated families interested in a warm and enriching religious school environment, please contact Temple Shir Shalom at 407-366-3556 or visit http://www.templeshirshalom.org for membership and Religious School registration information.