I’m full of expectation as our new program year begins! I expect great things. I anticipate that we will have classrooms full and bustling with eager teachers and learners of all ages. That we will touch, explore and act on our deep spiritual source. That we will have fun together and laugh together That we will be honest with one another, support, encourage and care for each other. That we will bring our best selves into our church community and forgive each other when we don’t. That’s a lot to expect!
That’s the thing about expectation; some people in 12 step programs say that an expectation is a premeditated resentment. Things could exceed my expectations or do quite the opposite. But then there are those who say that we live up to the expectations that are set for us. So, I’ll keep my high expectations of you and of myself and keep, I hope, a sense of grace and forgiveness when we don’t quite make it. I think we can do great things together!
My first expectation is for RE volunteer teachers to come to Teacher Orientation on Saturday, September 7 from 9:30am-12:30pm in Suite 4. You will meet the members of your teaching team, become familiar with your curriculum, confirm your teaching schedule, and learn what’s expected of you, other members of your team and your children and youth. See you there!
Let me introduce you to the curricula that we will be using this year:
8th-12th Grades: Youth Engaged in Leadership & Learning (YELL). Sunday morning from 10:30am-12:00pm, this program prepares and supports youth, helping them become knowledgeable and active problem solvers and decision makers in all areas of life.
4th-7th Grades: Riddle and Mystery is a Big Questions curriculum; where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going? Children will explore these questions and answer them in a video-making project.
PreK-3rd Grades: Love Surrounds Us. The core of our UU community is our seven Principles. Children will learn them through activities, stories and rituals.
Nursery: We have had great success introducing curriculum in the nursery this summer. Our Nursery staff will continue to offer programming to our youngest children. Chalice Children helps young children gain a sense of belonging to our faith home through stories, activities and projects that have them wondering about stars and moon, rainbows, dreams and imagination.