The need for the creation of a uniform course of study for the kindergarten classes of the parochial day and afternoon schools has become evident in the last decade as more and more programs for  early childhood education have emerged in parishes across the country.

Based on the developmental needs and the learning abilities of the kindergarten child, the Kindergarten Curriculum places an emphasis on oral communication and, at the same time, aims at instilling in the young learners a sense of pride, love, and respect for the Greek cultural heritage and the Christian Orthodox Faith.

The Kindergarten Curriculum is divided into 13 units, one of which refers to major religious holidays and customs. Each unit consists of the following: the general goal, the objective of each lesson, recommended activities and materials, basic vocabulary, phrases for oral communication practice, and a vast list of resources (songs, poems, stories, and games) to help teachers introduce each unit.

According to Maria Makedon, director of the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education, “The Curriculum is a 'guide' and, therefore, teachers may adapt it to their student needs and abilities. Teachers may use different resources as long as the general goal and the learning objectives of each lesson are achieved.”

The publication of the Kindergarten Curriculum was made possible due to a generous grant from the “Stavros S. Niarchos” Foundation and is offered gratis to all schools. 

For information and copies, please contact the Direct Archdiocesan District Office of Education.  Telephone: (212) 570-3553, or (212) 570-3554 -  Fax:  (212) 774-0248.

One of the students injured, a Greek Orthodox Christian and OCF NIU chapter student, is in stable condition and was released from the hospital Thursday evening.  OCF is deploying its Executive Director, Fr. Kevin Scherer and a team of IOCC Frontline clergy responders to this crisis.  Most of the members of this critical response team responded less than a year ago when tragedy struck Virginia Tech, where 33 students were left dead.

“This is a horrible tragedy, we must assume that this can happen on any campus at anytime; therefore, it is imperative that our ministry be prepared” said Fr. Kevin Scherer who heads the Campus Ministry organization of the Orthodox Christian Churches in North America (under SCOBA). He continued to point out that gunshot wounds are not the extent of the trauma in situations like these; that in fact, the mental and spiritual effects can be just as substantial and in need of acute therapeutic attention.

Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the victims.  OCF is asking its thousands of students to reach out to their brothers and sisters at NIU and keep them in their hearts and prayers.

Orthodox Christian Fellowship (OCF) is the official campus ministry program of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA). OCF works to keep students connected to the life-giving teaching and experience of the Orthodox Church. It supports over 260 local chapters throughout North America and involves thousands of college students through its programming, including the College Conference and Real Break. Additional information on all the OCF programs can be found on the OCF website, www.ocf.net, or by calling toll-free, 800-919-1623.

For additional information:
OCF Director of Communications
Chip Southworth
chip@ocf.net (904) 338-3346