As families in the Charlotte area pack backpacks and lunchboxes once again, the Jewish Federation Community Relations Council (JCRC) wishes all of our students a meaningful, safe and healthy year of learning.

While we prepare for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, we look forward to a time of great unity as a Jewish people coming together to celebrate and worship over the next several weeks. However, as a Jewish minority in a non-Jewish community, many of our families encounter challenges navigating public and private schools.

Please be advised that this year the first day of Rosh Hashanah, Monday, September 26 is a teacher workday, and Tuesday, September 27, is a regularly scheduled day for both Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) and Union County Public Schools (UCPS). On Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 5th, CMS and UCPS have a scheduled teacher workday.

The JCRC builds relationships throughout the greater Charlotte community and advocates on issues of concern to the Jewish community. Over the years, we have worked diligently with both CMS and UCPS to promote diversity in the public school system and sensitize them to our unique needs. Both school systems have been responsive and we are grateful for their support. We recommend you communicate as early as possible with your child’s teacher about your religious holidays and how observances of these holidays can affect your child in the classroom.

The following may prove helpful in your family's communication with your school:

A Jewish holiday calendar that can be shared with teachers and administrators to explain absences or advocate for religious accommodation and sensitivity in scheduling exams and school events.

For Families in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools:

• Letter from CMS Superintendent
• Policy on Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Religion in Schools
• CMS Calendars
• CMS Religious Obligation Request Form for Excused Absence

For families in Union County Public Schools:

• Letter from Union County Superintendent
• Board of Education Policies
• UCPS Calendars

As you embark on another year of learning, please reach out to Douglas Greene, Federation's Government and Public Affairs Associate, when you need assistance. We are here to support you and your child’s educational experience in public or private schools in our region.