First Day School Annual Report 2023/2024:
In reading back my notes of our First Day School program for the year, I am amazed at all the different ideas, Quaker testimonies and projects the kids were exposed to. Our grounds supply a rich classroom and many Sunday mornings, the kids learned of Spirit through the natural world, a lot like George Fox and John Woolman. Plus, with varying class size/ages of kids every week, the teachers got creative. Throughout the Fall 2023, we were very blessed to have Miss Cherie Baron as paid staff helping us 2x a month. Some of her ideas included "Ways that children Shine their Light," being "Uniquely You," building waterworks with straws, and outdoor painting with natural quills. Miss Cherie and Miss Kristin Hanlon will also be leading our Summer Mindfulness camp held in late June this year here on the grounds. Also, the First Day School acknowledges the contributions of Beth Mufson and Jon Williams as FDS helpers.
Third Haven counts 12 families with @25 children under its care. Our annual family gatherings include a “Welcome Back” waffle breakfast in Sept, Family Fun night in October, running the bake sale and kids’ art table at the Dec Art show, holding the traditional Easter Egg Hunt and Dye in late March and finally honoring our graduates during the “Moving Up” ceremony in June where FDS along with Hospitality hosted the year end potluck picnic for the Meeting.
Focusing this year on our 6 Quaker testimonies, Susan was able to share the Godly Play story of “The Good Samaritan” and the Faith and Play story entitled “Gifts.” Other teachers this year, Sarah Hildebrand, Sally Claggett, Tom Corl helped kids understand stewardship of nature and Dee Rein read “Who’s My Neighborhood “discussing” acceptance and community.
FDS is pleased to organize and run the annual summer mindfulness camp where both young Quaker families as well as those of the community gather for a weeklong program on our hallowed grounds. As of this date, the morning session attendance is full and the afternoon session is 3/4 full.
Sarah Hildebrand, Lisa Kluepfel and Sarah Claggett helped to make the committee complete. Whenever I call out an SOS, these women continue to step up. But it takes a village, and my heartfelt thanks goes out to all the parents and all the Meeting members who contribute to the lives of our Quaker families. They are our future, and I am blessed to be part of their growing lives.