The First Day School’s Corner of the World: March 2023
RE Coordinator Charlotta Koppanyi
Spring forward! On Sunday, March 12 we are setting our clocks one hour ahead – while some say we are losing one hour of sleep, others say we are gaining one hour of daytime. Some odd years ago, I had totally missed it and came one hour later to work. Luckily for me, I was still in time for class…
Creativity is more than art. Creativity is also about the ability to find, see, and create new opportunities and solutions; being constructive when circumstances or plans have changed; recognizing people’s gifts and resources; and the ability to be flexible and open without losing sight of the vision and what you seek to obtain.
I wanted to follow up on last month’s article regarding seeking guest teachers for our Intermediate class. I am thrilled to share the amazingly supportive interest and commitment I received – plus a few more speakers! We are starting off this coming Sunday with Carolyn A. who will speak about – as requested by the students – how Quakers are perceived by others – and the peace testimony. The last Sunday of the month, Carol M. will talk about the history of the Quaker symbol, the Light. As requested by the students, Clayton D. is back in April as a guest teacher to talk about philosophy. May and June guests will be shared in the April newsletter.
What a great way of creating intergenerational, educational, friendly programs where we have the opportunity to get to know each other, share and learn from each other, and building a stronger Friends community. A big “Thank You” to all our guest teachers – past, present and future!
We also have a few programs for all our students… We have a call in for the Easter Bunny for Sunday, April 9 with our Annual Easter Egg Hunt in our yard, preceded by An Easter Story for Friends for all students, except for Middle School students who will prepare for the Annual Easter Egg Hunt under the guidance of the Easter Bunny. We conclude the day with a potluck hosted by the House & Ground Committee.
First Day School is doing well. We have some young friends in the Nursery/Preschool, our story and work time in Primary is going well with Liz and Steve stepping in when Liz is not available. In Intermediate we have adjusted the schedule so it works better for the students, giving them the time needed for each class. On my end, I am excited to spend some time with the Intermediate students whenever Steve is with the Primary students and the Middle Schoolers will have guest teachers. It is wonderful to see we have students in each and every one of our classrooms!
It is also wonderful to see how Quaker schools from other states visit and stay at the Evanston Friends Meeting House, as they visit Chicago and the Chicago Friends School https://chicagofriendsschool.org/ that Karen C. runs and EFM supports. Last month I had the opportunity to meet staff and Middle School students from Scattergood Friends School https://scattergood.org/ . They have stayed with us before and each time I have met with them I have been inspired and impressed by what they offer their students and the impact the experience must have on them. In addition to the Quaker environment and values in an everyday setting, the residential school campus also offers an organic farm, livestock, prairies, a pond as well as personal growth and service trips. And guests are welcome! Maybe one day we will arrange for a site visit!
