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First Day School program provides religious education for children from
preschool through high school. Over 80 children participated in our
First Day School program last year, either in the Nursery, Pre-K and
Kindergarten, First and Second Grade, Third through Fifth Grade, Middle
School or Young Friends classes. We hold First Day School classes during
the school year (from the 2nd week in September through the 2nd
week in June) starting at 10:30 AM. The children go to their classes
during the first 45 minutes of Meeting for Worship, and then join
their families in the Meetinghouse for the last 15 minutes of Meeting
for Worship. In this way, the children are able to participate in a
gathered Meeting.
Parent volunteers teach these classes, with the curriculum compiled
by a very dedicated volunteer who has organized a three-year rotation of
material and books for each class. This person is available to the
teachers should they need assistance with the curriculum. A paid
coordinator, who oversees the First Day School program, directs new
children to their classes, answers any questions that you or your child
may have, and organizes the teachers. All teachers work with the
children to establish classroom rules and discuss appropriate classroom
behavior. Should a problem arise in which a child displays unsafe or
inappropriate behaviors the teacher will address the problem with the
child and contact you to discuss the situation.
Throughout the First Day School experience children receive handouts
and activities to share with parents and family. You should discuss your
children's activities each Sunday and include the information
throughout the week in family discussions and activities. By doing so,
you can make the First Day School experience a "daily"
experience rather that a "once-a-week" activity. Please feel
free to contact your child's teacher should you have any questions or
need additional information about a topic.
Some of the topics covered in First Day School include The New and
Old Testaments of the Bible, the History of Quakerism, The life
of George Fox, Quaker Process, Jesus, World Religions and
Being a good F/friend.
In the summer months there’s no formal First Day program but we
provide childcare during Meeting for Worship.
Read about Godly Play.
Read our First Day School Curriculum.
Download
our First Day School Guidelines for Teachers.
Lesson
Plan Form for FDS teachers--fill in your lessons here.
