Committed to Public Education

Congregational churches have long been committed to the support, and advocacy for, education.  In the early days of this nation, our congregationalist ancestors established schools of higher education, including Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth (originally to give Native Americans an opportunity for higher education), and Oberlin, (one of the first to offer women's higher education).  Even before the Civil War battles were finished, Congregationalists established schools in the southern states to educate former slaves.  And throughout our history, Congregationalists have supported public education for children and adolescents.

In the spirit of this tradition, Pilgrim urges members of our community to participate in the ISD 709 THINK KIDS discussions.  Now that the district's schools have been consolidated, renovated, or newly built, it's time to engage in a community wide discussion--what do we want for the youth who attend our schools?  Meetings will be held for parents of students in various schools.  There are also meetings for neighbors and members of the community.

Our congregation encourages you to attend a THINK KIDS meeting--if you have children, go to the meeting designated for your child's school.  If you live near a school, go to the meeting designated for neighbors or community members.  Even if you don't have children attending school, your insight and wisdom is important.

Want to know more about what's happening in the schools?  Want to know more about the questions teachers wish you'd ask?  Come to the 2nd hour following worship at Pilgrim on January 13th.  Members of Pilgrim who work in ISD 709 will be available for conversation.  Learn more about the public school in your neighborhood.