The church school is for young people from toddlers through Grade 12. The program for youth and teens is divided into three age levels: THE NURTURING CIRCLE (Toddlers-Grade 1), THE CHOOSING CIRCLE (Grades 2-6) and THE INTEGRATING CIRCLE (Grades 7-12). 

The year's curriculum is divided into three units:
Unit I -- September to November
Unit I I -- December to February
Unit III -- March to May

THE NURTURING CIRCLE (Toddlers-Grade 1)
The first level of Church School seeks to provide a warm, nurturing environment in which younger children can begin to grow religiously. Each group is led by a team of caring group leaders and offers a wide variety of activities and experiences.

 

Toddlers-3 years -- "BEGINNINGS"

Loving care and creative play will be provided for our very young children who will be taking their first steps into our church family. Toddlers should be picked up at the conclusion of the worship service.

 

3-5 year-olds -- "CELEBRATING ME AND MY WORLD"

This UUA Curriculum, developed by Debra Chandler Pratt, provides pre-schoolers with experiences and opportunities to grow in their sense of trust and caring and to develop their self-identity and a sense of connectedness with all life. There will be lots of songs, activities, stories and games.

Kindergarten/First Grade -- "A DISCOVERING YEAR"

This course gives youngsters an age-appropriate introduction to Unitarian Universalism and to the philosophy and goals reflected by the UU principles.

THE CHOOSING CIRCLE (Grades 2-6)
The middle level of our young people's program offers a safe environment for learning about UU identity, the Judeo-Christian heritage, religions of the world, peace and justice, and interdependence with nature. We also hope to foster at this age both a true sense of self worth and a discovery of friendship and community within the church and beyond.

UNIT I (September-November):

Grade 2 -- “RAINBOW CHILDREN”
This engaging curriculum by Norma Poinsett and Vivian Burns helps to open children's eyes to the differences in people around them and to develop respect for these differences. There are lots of activities and stories.

Grades 3-4 -- “PARTNERS WITH NATURE”
In our natural world there are many partnerships to explore: plants and animals, insects and plants, birds and beasts etc. What about us? Who are our partners? How do we fit into this web of life? How can we help maintain the balance of nature?

 Grades 5-6 -- “SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE”
The spirit of adventure leads 5-6 graders on a fantastic, hands-on journey that is not your usual arts and crafts. These classes are especially active and playful. There is lots of opportunity for the children to move physically. In this unit, children will explore:

Sports — How good sportsmanship and teamwork offer important parallels to out UU Principles. We'll also get to know each other by playing games together.

Food — How we can use science to prepare food — food that nurtures. We'll Learn about famous people associated with food, such as Fannie Farmer, and make some food.  There are lessons involving stone soup, popcorn and doggy treats.

Web of Life — How can we learn about and gain respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. We'll explore concepts related to this topic, including living simply and loving animals. We'll delve into the biographies of P.T. Barnum, Beatrix Potter and Henry David Thoreau. Bring your sense of humor and get ready for active participation! You might want to dress for mess!

UNIT II (December-February):
Over the years we have developed a style of producing original plays and programs based on a wide variety of themes. Grades 2-6 explore a theme together for several weeks and then present a play or program on the theme to the congregation.
This year Grades 2-6 will be presenting a program entitled “It's Easy Being Green.” This church school play will focus on the UU Green Sanctuary program.

    To build awareness of societal environmental issues
    To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes
    To motivate community action on environmental issues
    To build connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness
    To build awareness of environmental injustices

UNIT III (March-May):

Grade 2 — “FREE TO BELIEVE”
This the second component of "Sheltering Spirit: The Shelter Rock Faith Curriculum." It is an experiential program designed to nurture the emotional, social and spiritual life of children. The program examines some "big questions" through the perspective of our Unitarian Universalist sources.   

Grades 3-4 — “SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE”
The spirit of adventure leads children on a fantastic, hands-on journey that teaches UU identity without the usual arts and crafts. These classes will have fun exploring science, reason, inventions and philosophies of famous (some UU) master artists and scientists.
    Science:  Using reason, includes a take-it-apart party; a study of constellations and exploration of inventions such as the telephone.
    Building: Being creative. Learning something about architecture and sculpture.
    Exploring: Trying out new things. Learning about treasure maps and pirates; learning about present-day explorers.

Grades 3-4 — Home study
Using the UUA "Love and Help" program, you can learn a lot at home about the history of Unitarian Universalism and about our beliefs and values. Participants will receive a special UU medal on completing this program.

Grades 5-6 — “THE QUESTING YEAR”
We'll make our own time machine and travel back through Unitarian Universalism. We'll meet some interesting people and learn about some special events in our history.

THE INTEGRATING CIRCLE (Grades 7-12)
To assist our youth in their transition years, our third level of church school offers year-long programs to two age groups, Grades 7-8 and 9-12.
During these years of rapid growth and change, peer group support is very important. We offer each group a warm, safe environment, a flexible program attendant to the needs and interests of the groups; and a team of caring adults. Integrating Circle groups have special openings/closings and occasional candlelight chapel services planned and presented by our high school group.

UNIT I & II:

Grades 7-8 -- “FAITHS ACROSS THE STREET”
Let's take a good look at the religions around us, e.g., Catholic, Methodist, Quaker, Judaism etc. We'll take lots of field trips to other places of worship.

UNIT III:
In this unit, the 7^th and 8^th graders plan a district conference.

Grades 9-12 -- H. I. P. (Happy Interesting People)
Our high school group meets Sunday evenings with adult advisors. The group is responsible for planning its own program including activities in the following areas:
    Worship, discussion, service, fun and leadership development

Possibilities for this year include:

1. On the Path/Exploring Our Spirituality

2. Social Service Projects/Social Action

3. First Parish Church projects

4. Planning/leading a variety of worship experiences for ourselves, Grades 7-8 and the congregation

5. District YRUU events

6. Planning/preparing for a group trip, including money raising projects

7. Social activities

8. Attendance at the adult Sunday morning worship service

9. An informal Sunday morning discussion group

 All high schoolers are invited to attend Sunday morning services, to be involved in the Sunday morning Church School program as group leaders and to participate in the adult choir. High schoolers are also welcome to serve on church committees and to attend adult religious education programs.