Elementary FAQ
What is The Wild?
The Wild is a new Sunday morning elementary program that will allow kids to experience the benefits of creative large group worship and teaching in addition to the personal connections and interactive lessons only possible in a small group setting. Each Sunday, no matter which hour a child chooses to participate, they’ll have the same opportunity to be a part of what the entire elementary ministry is learning.
What happens at The Wild?
Kids begin in their small group classrooms where they will connect with the same caring adult leaders each week. The adventure will begin with a short introduction to get kids thinking about that morning’s theme. Then, every small group will transition into the large group room where our best teachers and leaders will provide a high energy time of worship and teaching, presenting a Biblical truth in a memorable way. Small groups will then return to their classrooms where they will be able to unpack the day’s theme with their small group leaders through fun activities and Bible study as they begin to apply God’s Word to their lives.
When will The Wild be offered?
Each Sunday, three identical sessions of The Wild will be offered at 9:00AM, 10:15AM and 11:30AM.
Note: Elementary programming will not be offered during 1st service. Families with elementary children are encouraged to attend 2nd, 3rd or 4th service. Elementary students who attend the 7:45 session are welcome to join their families in adult worship.
What room will my child meet in?
Signs will be throughout the education wing to point you to the right rooms. In general, you can plan to drop off your children at the following classrooms:
- K – E50
- 1st – E111
- 2nd – E116
- 3rd – E115
- 4th – E60
- 5th – E206
Click here view a map of the Education Wing. Also, we ask for your flexibility during West Side’s construction period this summer. Small groups may temporarily relocate to accommodate construction needs. We’ll communicate any changes in advance.
What will my kids learn?
Our lesson themes will be based on a Bible curriculum called 252 Basics. Visit their website (www.252Basics.com) to discover more. Our children’s ministry team intends to enhance the curriculum each week to make it an even better fit for our kids at West Side.
How can my family take advantage of this new programming?
One of the best parts of our new programming strategy is our increased ability to partner with parents to teach kids the same concepts at home that we’re presenting at church. We will have a number of take-home resources to help you know exactly what we’re teaching each week. In addition, we’ll be offering a tool called Family Times Virtue Packs. You’ll be hearing a lot more about this opportunity in the future but if you’d like to see a preview now, you can check out a video from another church taking advantage of this powerful opportunity by viewing the video below
How early can I drop off my child?
Classrooms will open 15 minutes prior to the start of each session of The Wild. Students cannot be admitted more than 15 minutes before start time.
What happens if my family is running late?
At 10 minutes after the start of The Wild, small groups will transition into their large group worship/teaching time. If you arrive after they’ve transitioned, you’ll see a sign on the door that directs you to accompany your child to the large group worship room in Room E205. If you arrive more than 30 minutes late, your child will no longer be able to check-in and participate in that hour of programming. Your child will need to remain with you until check-in opens for the next session of The Wild.
Where and how do I pick up my kids?
- Pick up from The Wild: Children can be retrieved immediately following the conclusion of the adult worship service in the pick up room right next to the room where kids were dropped off (look for the class pick up banner). Parents must present a receipt to pick up a child.
- Pick up from The Dive: If your child participates for multiple hours, they will be escorted to The Dive by an adult leader. Children can be picked up just outside of room E202.
What is The Dive?
The Dive is a second-hour program only available to children who have already attended The Wild on a given Sunday. It’s ideal for children whose parents or caregivers attend an ABF or volunteer an hour beyond adult worship. The Dive is an extension of The Wild, where kids will dive even deeper into that Sunday’s theme from The Wild. We’ll use additional Bible study, scripture memorization and hands-on activities to help God’s Word come alive.
When does The Dive meet?
The Dive will meet at 10:15AM and 11:30AM each Sunday in E202 & the SCS Library.
If my child comes multiple hours, how will they get to The Dive?
Immediately following the conclusion of The Wild, small group leaders will escort students staying multiple hours upstairs to Room E202 for The Dive.
Can my child attend The Dive without attending The Wild first?
Because The Dive is designed to be an extension of The Wild, children will not be allowed to attend The Dive without first participating in The Wild.
What if my child is present for three hours on a Sunday morning?
Kids will be allowed to attend The Dive at both 10:15AM and 11:30AM, if desired, assuming they’ve first attended the 9:00AM hour of The Wild.
GENERAL INFORMATION
How will I electronically check-in my child?
Children will be checked-in using the same system and format as has been used for the past year in children’s ministry. Simply stop by a check in kiosk, follow the instructions on the screen and make sure you take the printed receipt for your child. For a tutorial, visit the check-in training page: (http://westsidekids.org/new-check-in/).
What happens if I lose my receipt?
The Lost Receipt Policy has not changed. To maintain safety and security, we require anyone without a receipt to visit the Elementary Help Desk in the blue hallway to present a photo I.D. and complete a form before picking up a child.
How are volunteers chosen?
All volunteers must complete a thorough volunteer application and a formal background check before serving as a volunteer in West Side’s children’s and student ministries. Interested in volunteering? Contact ChrisS@wschurch.org and we’ll help you get plugged in. We always need more volunteers who are willing to make a difference in the lives of kids. No experience necessary! We’ll provide all the training you need.
What happens if I bring a guest?
We love guests! Keep bringing them! Nothing will change in the guest process. New children will check- in at the Children’s Guest Center located just inside the East Entrance.
How will construction affect my child’s programming?
Construction is scheduled to continue through the spring and summer. While we currently believe all of our drop-off and pick-up rooms will be unaffected, we will remain flexible if any of our rooms need to be relocated. We’ll keep you updated on any changes. We’re excited our kids will have new worship facilities soon!
What will the new construction look like?
Click on the image below to get an overview of the exciting new facilities that should be completed this fall. The big blue area on the right hand side is where our concourse currently connects with the education wing.
If you have any additional questions please contact Chris at ChrisS@wschurch.org.