The Cooperative Church School

A cooperative church school is one where parents share the responsibility of teaching: we do not hire professional staff. We have designed our program this way because we believe that parents who are actively and enthusiastically involved provide a good model for children and youth, and feel more connected to the community. Over the course of a year, nearly 100 people act as teachers, rehearsal leaders, and project leaders of all sorts in our program. The UUSWH Church School currently has about 150 students enrolled. Our program of religious education for preschool through grade 12 is outlined in much greater detail in a booklet, which we would be happy to send to you. Briefly, here are the goals of our cooperative church school, which were established and have been reviewed yearly by parents and staff:

- To help each child develop a sense of personal worth so s/he can affirm the worth of others.
- To foster a sense of community within our church by providing a variety of activites which will bring children and adults together.
- To develop an approach to life which includes changing and growing.
-To promote the belief that there is a connection between our faith and our actions.
- To know the liberal tradition of Unitarian Universalism and the individuals who were and are responsible for the growth of the denomination.
- To learn about the Bible and our Jewish and Christian heritage.
- To find out about religions which have contributed to other world views.
- To explore ways of becoming involved in and committed to social justice as well as participating in individual and group service projects.

For more information about the program, please contact our Director of Religious Education, Pat Ellenwood, through the church office.