For Parents

Our Religious Education Program is a cooperative effort. As parents, you play a significant role in the religious education of our young people. Your active participation is encouraged as we in our community of faith share this important responsibility. Your filled-in application is an important start in helping us to get to know you, and allows you to receive information and support to help your child get the most from his or her participation. Below are some other ways you can help.

What Parents Need to Do

1. Arrive on time and come regularly

A sense of belonging develops by attending regularly. Feelings of connection and friendship take time. These feelings of friendship and connection nurtured here help sustain children in their search for meaning. Let the teacher know when the child will be absent. Please be on time to pick up younger children. Our religious education sessions are one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minutes long, which we hope gives parents an opportunity to socialize with other community members.

2. Dress children in play clothes

Our children paint, run, jump, walk in the woods, plant seeds, play games, and enjoy our playground. Comfortable school or play clothes are appropriate.

3. Introduce yourself to your child's teacher

Please take the opportunity to get to know the teachers. If you bring a visitor to attend with your child, please introduce the newcomer to the teacher before the class begins.

4. Parents will be asked to help

We ask that you set aside time to periodically teach and volunteer in our program. All teachers are volunteers. If no teacher is available, parents may be asked to co-op for the year. Parents may also be asked to help out when an extra pair of hands are needed in the class.

5. After class is over

Children in second grade of younger must be picked up from class by a parent or adult designate. Please make arrangements for older children to meet you after class. After class children are under your supervision.

6. Share with your children

Talk with your children about what they did in their class. Reinforce with them our desire to provide a "safe classroom" where ideas and information are welcomed, but unkindness and anti-social behavior are not. Share with them why you come and what needs of yours are met in our faith community. Let your children know your thoughts, opinions, and values. Be patient with them and with yourself as you struggle to understand one another.

Child Safety Policy:

A safety policy was adopted by the congregation to underline the seriousness with which we believe in protecting our young and ensuring that they are in an environment that is the safest possible. A copy of this policy is available in the Church Office or from the Director of Religious Education. Among other things, the Safety Policy requires that each volunteer completes a confidential volunteer screening form, and that there are always two or more adults present in Sunday School classes and other activities for children and youth.