A Religious Education Survey

To the Editor:

In light of the recent time changes in the school schedule in Newtown, which were published in The Bee on July 4, St Rose Religious Education Office mailed a survey this week to the parents of children who are enrolled in the program. The responses will determine if the majority of families would prefer a change in the times of Religious Education classes.

On the whole, the community of Newtown, even during times of conflict and change, has tried to maintain a healthy attitude that everyone is doing their best to meet the educational, physical, and spiritual needs of the children. We are grateful to live and work in a community that strives to work together for this common goal.

It is increasingly apparent that the hours of a day in a child’s life are filled with activities –– and all of them are good! It is our hope that leaders of the various wonderful programs that offer opportunities for athletics, cultural arts, and spiritual growth will work together so that schedules are complementary. Perhaps the people who are involved in setting up times and days of educational, athletic, cultural, and spiritual programs could meet and work together help to accommodate the needs of those we serve (i.e., scheduling of sports practices and games, school activities, and other extracurricular activities). At the very least, perhaps we can share information while in the planning stages of scheduling.

We have asked that parents kindly return the surveys by Friday, July 18, to the Religious Education mailbox at 38 Church Hill Road. During the last week of July, parents will be notified by mail about class times based on the information received from the surveys.

We understand and share your concerns for the children of our community, and we look forward to working with you.

Yours sincerely,

Pam Arsenault

St Rose Religious Education

38 Church Hill Road, Newtown                                       July 7, 2003