It is so exciting to announce the start of our new 2021-2022 program year here at St. Michael’s. When we came back in person after being remote and over the summer, we had a hybrid of in person and Zoom in a one room classroom. I was very grateful to keep the program thriving using Zoom. Now the Sunday school will resume our regular levels for the classrooms in person only. Some of the rooms have not been used for some time and have gotten a good cleaning right down to even the carpets! We are ready and have safety for all on our minds as we bring all the children back to Sunday school. We will require adults and children to wear masks for the protection of all.

The publishing company for Living the Good News curriculum has decided not to renew the program. We have used this valuable resource for the last 4 years but have found a beauty of a replacement. Through research and discussion among myself, several colleagues, Father Jesse and Kay Lewis we have chosen Mini Revolutions curriculum based on the Revised Common Lectionary.

It is meaningful for today’s changing world; with many components Living the Good News did not offer. What I love about this NEW curriculum is the imaging and open-ended questions that connect the children deeply with the scriptures. It is not the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd or Godly Play, however, it certainly shares similar aspects. The program offers hands on activities to look up scriptures, opportunities to act out, and highlight a moment in history to relate scripture to life.

These activities allow the children to think creatively about the scripture through building & design, earth core, social justice, self-care, compassion, social/emotional learning, science, technology, and art expression. The lesson is formatted to end with a prayer and simple mirco practice ritual to help form healthy spiritual and mindful habits. The scope and richness of the methods used jumped out as this is the one St. Michael’s needed.

This year we have decided to eliminate snack time which gives us more teaching time and structure. New to the schedule this year is Children’s music time at 9:40am – 10:00am in the undercroft. Again, we will have nursery available at 9:15am. As a reminder, all children attending SS must be potty trained.

Our classrooms will be divided into 3 levels with age appropriate lessons. Level 1 is Pre-school and Kindergarten, Level 2 is 1st and 2nd grade, and our Bridge group is 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Please look in the mail for a parent letter sent with more detail.

I would like to invite parents to visit the classrooms with their child at a Sunday school open house on 9/12 Kick-off Sunday at 9:45am. Please join us to explore and ask any questions you may have about the program.

Blessings for a fantastic new year!! Ms. Kim