Friends General Conference

Together we nurture the spiritual vitality of Friends
Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

First Day School

Public ContentAnyone can view this post

First Day School (FDS) is offered by many, although not by any means all, Quaker Meetings as a child-friendly alternative to silent worship. First Day School is also a way of passing on our values and ways of life as Quakers. Madison Monthly Meeting has provided First Day School during most of Second Worship for many years, involving the loving service of many volunteers. Our program is formed on the leadings and inspiration of individual leaders rather than determined from above, and is responsive to needs of the moment. We realize that the word "school", with its implications of pouring knowledge in, does not describe our program, but we continue it out of respect for the term's widespread use in Quakerism.

Contact by email

Registration

Principles that guide our program development

Our program and the community built through it support our young people in meeting the challenges of their unfolding lives.

The First Day Program seeks to nurture young people’s connection to their inner Light and the Meeting community, within a safe and welcoming setting. We invite the active participation of Meeting adults in the program. Exposure to Friends deeply centered in Quaker life is a profound way of passing our tradition along, and offers deep gifts to our children and youth.

The program helps young people build friendships and grow in skills of relationship and responsible community life. As they mature, we offer opportunity for increasing levels of decision-making, commitment, and leadership within the program. We remain awake to inner guidance, and trust that participants are also guided to receive that which nurtures their lives.

Our program engages the inner Light in each participant.

We believe that people learn when curiosity and creativity are engaged. We observe that awareness expands when interpretation is left to the person. Therefore, rather than "pouring in" information or ideas, we prefer to offer the direct experience through story, creating, group discovery, discussion and service that may nurture that of God in each. We show respect for each participant by supporting differing needs, abilities, emotional development, and learning styles.

Our program provides a basis upon which each young person may discover a life path and way of connecting to Spirit.

Our teaching is based in Quaker diversity, respecting both universalist and theistic interpretations of the above principles. We use and teach the Bible, as well as resources from other sacred traditions. Understanding the importance of building a foundation for Quaker identity, we explore Friends' historical and contemporary faith and practice, including worship, service, and testimony. We support each participant's growth in Quaker life: silent worship, decision-making in the Light, discovery and use of gifts, and ministry.

* Friends in Madison Monthly Meeting use various terms to describe the experience that theistic religions refer to as “God”. Friends should understand that they may substitute terms such as the Light and the Divine as they read the word “God” throughout this document.

Teachers, Helpers, and Paid Staff

Leaders of our children's and high school programs, whether paid or volunteer, see First Day School service not as child care, but as sharing and growing in their spiritual gifts. We are grateful to them and respect their leading to serve.

Paid staff: We employ paid staff, responsible for recruitment and oversight of volunteers, communication, and general administration of the program. Staff may also lead classes or gathered sessions. Paid staff also support teachers in carrying out projects and using strategies of teaching and classroom management consistent with our Guiding Principles, seeking assistance when necessary.

Volunteers: Volunteers: The majority of our teachers and helpers are volunteers. We also invite participation from other Friends to lead activities or be a supportive Kindly Adult Presence for classes or other occasions. Meeting volunteers must be screened. See screening policies below (https://www.quakercloud.org/system/files/cloud_attachments/FDS_Screening...)

Parents as Volunteers: Volunteers are always welcome, but we want parents to have sufficient time in Meeting for Worship for their own needs and to become part of our community. With some exceptions, we expect volunteers to have at least six months of attendance at our or another Friends Meeting before applying as a volunteer in the FDS program. (See Madison Monthly Meeting volunteer policy for details of our volunteer application process.)

Child Sexual Abuse Safety: Madison Friends Meeting is committed to implementing practices that protect our youth from child sexual abuse. These practices include screening of volunteers working in the FDS program, ensuring that there are at least two adults with any group of children, and ensuring visibility into spaces being used for FDS programs. The Child and Youth Sexual Abuse Safety Policy below (https://www.quakercloud.org/system/files/cloud_attachments/FDS_Safety_Po...) has been approved by the Meeting.

Share

First Day School Program Offerings

All classes meet from 11:00 to 12:10 and are taught by two teachers. 

Nursery: Children ages 0 - 3 may use the nursery downstairs during 11:15 am Meeting for Worship. 

Littles Class: Children ages 4 - 6 meet in the burgundy classroom. Classes are designed for children who are not yet reading. 

Elementary Class: Children ages 7 - 11 meet in the teal room. Classes are intended for children with elementary age learning skills.  

Teen Class: Youth ages 12-18 meet in the partitioned area at the east end of the large classroom.

Young Friends Program: Teens, age 12-18 meet one Sunday per month for discussion, social time and service projects. Middle School and High School Friends enjoy social or service activities at times outside First Day School Program times. If you are a parent who is interested in organizing, hosting, or being a Kindly Adult Presence for these activities, please contact program leaders.

More information

The First Day School Committee has involved parents and others in the Meeting in creating and approving these documents. Click each link to learn more.