Elementary

What is The Wild?
The Wild is the Sunday morning elementary program that allows 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?
The Wild is design specifically to both help our kids connect with connect with a caring adult leaders in an interactive small group time AND allow them to experience exciting worship and teaching in a high energy, large group environment. For our K-2^nd grade students, the adventure will begin in their small groups where they’ll complete several group activities to get kids thinking about that morning’s theme. Then small groups will transition into a large group where our teachers and leaders will provide a high energy time of worship and teaching, presenting a Biblical truth in a memorable way. Our older, 3-5^th grade kids will begin in large group worship and then they’ll move into their small group rooms where they will be able to unpack the day’s theme with their small group leaders through fun activities and Bible study.

When will The Wild be offered?
Each Sunday,  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.

Where do I drop off my child?
Signs will be posted throughout the education wing to point you to the right rooms.However, you can plan ahead to take your children to the following rooms prior to the 9:00 and 10:15AM services:

• K – E50
• 1^st – E111
• 2^nd – E117
• 3^rd – Drop off in Studio 2
• 4^th – Drop off in Studio 2
• 5^th – Drop off in Studio 2

For the 11:30 service, all K-5^th children can be dropped off in Studio 2.

Click here toview a larger version of the Elementary Wing.

Where and how do I pick up my kids?

• Pick up from The Wild:Parents must present a receipt to pick up a child. The pick-up rooms are:
  • K – E113
  • 1^st – E109
  • 2^nd – E115
  • 3^rd – E114
  • 4^th – E118
  • 5^th – E112

After 11:30 service, all K-5^th graders can be picked up at Studio 2.

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 best take advantage of this 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. Parents will receive a take-home resource called a Fridge Door Card each week when they pick up their child. This resource is designed to help you know exactly what we’re teaching each week. Your child will also have an opportunity to take advantage of The WILD Take Home Edition.  This is a great resource that allows you and your child to work on memorizing scripture and various other Biblical facts together.  In addition, we’ll be offering a tool just for families called the CueBox. The CueBox is a creative opportunity for families to connect their everyday schedules with the lessons learned each Sunday at West Side. Be sure to stop by the Elementary Help Desk each month to purchase a copy for your family.  The cost is only $5.00.

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 Studio 2. 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.

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 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 MissyF@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.

If you have any additional questions please contact Missy at MissyF@wschurch.org.