Summer 2007

Dear Parents,

Greetings in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

It’s “Back to School Time” once again at St. John of Damascus Church School! We are eager to work with you towards the spiritual education of your children. Classes begin on September 9th for grades Preschool 2 through Grade 10.

We also offer a Preschool 1 class for children who will be three years old by September 1, 2007. This class is organized as a “Parent Cooperative” – all parents of Preschool 1 students help out on a rotating basis. There will be a brief parent meeting on Sunday, October 14th (during Church School time) to explain how this class operates, set up the parent volunteer schedule, and distribute the curriculum. The first class will be held on October 21st.

Classes begin immediately after Holy Communion. Children will be dismissed from their pews into the Communion line, and then will proceed directly to their classrooms. Adults will be ushered into the Communion line after all children and Church School staff have gone, so that we may start our program as quickly and smoothly as possible. School will be in session until noon each Sunday, at which time children will be sent into the hall area where you can meet them.

In order for children to benefit from our Church School program, regular attendance at the Divine Liturgy and in class is essential. The continuity provided by weekly attendance makes it possible for students to understand, appreciate and embrace our Orthodox faith. All students who have attained at least 50% attendance during the school year will be awarded a certificate of completion and will be eligible for other awards at graduation on June 8, 2008. If you have any questions concerning our attendance policy, please contact me at any time.

We offer an excellent program through which it is possible for your children to come to know the faith, and to know God Himself. This program cannot be carried out without your support, however. We rely on you to reinforce and enhance what your children learn in class. If you need any help with expressing your faith to your children, please contact Fr. John or me, and we would be more than happy to assist you.

We have a busy, productive year planned – make sure your kids are part of it! Even if it has been awhile since you have brought your children to Church School, it’s never too late to come back!! We look forward to welcoming you!

In Christ,
 

Nancy Close
Church School Director
school@stjohnd.org