Summary of Religious Education (RE) for Children & Youth (Grades K-8)

Religious education classes for children in grades K-8 is called "First Day School" (FDS)

First Day School (FDS) emphasizes Quaker values & history, Bible stories, and community service activities. It is held each Sunday during the school year (except for holiday Sundays).

• 1st, 3rd & 5th Sundays: Children meet for multi-age activities. Parents are welcome to join their children.
  
• 2nd & 4th Sundays: Classes are held for K-2nd graders and for 3rd-8th graders. Parents are encouraged to help the teachers on a regular rotation.

• Upcoming events are always featured in the BFM Newsletter. 
• During the summer, children K-6th Grade are supervised in the playground or at other informal activities.
  

Sunday Schedule for First Day School (FDS) children

11:00 - Children K-8 attend Meeting for Worship in the Meetinghouse with their parents for the first 15 minutes.
11:15 - Children leave the Meeting and meet their teachers for First Day School classes and activities.
12:00 noon - Children return to Meeting with their teachers. They may wait quietly in the library or rejoin their parents in Meeting.  
12:15 - Refreshments in the Library. [Note: On the second Sunday of the month, potluck is held in the All-Purpose room of the Groome Building.]

• Our First Day School classes are about Quaker Faith and Practice, often with a focus on the life and teachings of Jesus.
• In addition to classes, teachers and guest teachers discuss Quakerism in action and facilitate multi-age community service activities.     
• The children also participate in regular Meeting activities, such as the Walkathon for the Homeless, the annual Christmas Pageant, and Spring Fling for Ramallah Friends School.