Students who sign-up for this course will be contacted by the teacher for a brief interview to ensure fit and enroll. Interview questions will include the following:
1) Why do you want to be part of the team that puts together the Community Gatherings for the student body? What inspired you to sign up for Spiritual Community?
2) What deeper needs of the student body are most important to address in Community Gatherings?
3) How do you see yourself involved in the planning of Community Gatherings? (e.g. program design, video production, behind-the-scenes, public speaking, etc.)
4) How do you hope to grow through your experience being part of the Spiritual Community team?
5) How would you define "spirituality"? What makes a Community Gathering a spiritual event instead of just a spirit event?
Note: As of 2024-2025 school year there will no longer be a religion credit given with this course.
The Spiritual Community class will be engaged in nurturing the spiritual life of our high school community through a strengths-based approach to servant leadership and event planning. Our class will work to enrich and enliven school culture, design spiritually-focused Community Gatherings, and support student life and other events to build a sense of belonging and purpose in our school. Grounded in Christian faith and respecting the spiritual lives of all, these events must be accessible for students of any or no religious tradition, while maintaining a strong connection with the values of our foundational Christian tradition.
Note: The course is taught through a faith-based Christian lens.
Students who express interest in this course must complete a brief interview with the teacher to ensure fit.
Students will:
- Understand why mission-driven organizations engage in community practices.
- Use their strengths to lead by serving others.
- Nurture a connected community and shared culture in an individualistic and pluralistic society.
- Plan Community Gatherings that are grounded in the Christian faith and respecting the spiritual lives of all.
- Celebrate the school’s Christian heritage in Christian holiday gatherings.
- Celebrate the diversity in our community with inclusive themes and practices.
- Work under the mentorship of a Spiritual Community teacher who embodies the Christian faith in action and respects the spiritual lives of all.
“This is simultaneously one of my most chill classes, most busy and stressful, and most rewarding classes. [Teacher] is a great teacher who has a genuine passion for service and you will definitely feel that in his class. It's in this class that I think you will develop skills that are practically useful for life after high school including management, brainstorming, and organization. I really loved my experience in this class and I would recommend this to anybody, no matter how extroverted or introverted you are.“
- Brennan Lee (Class of 2023)
“Spiritual Community is one of the most rewarding classes I have ever taken, although it is sometimes stressful, you will feel so accomplished after organizing and putting together a whole Community Gathering with your class. [Teacher] is one of the most dedicated teachers in our community and the skills you learn from him and his class will stay with you beyond the class and high school.”
- Yuan Tseng (Class of 2023)
“This class is a whirlwind, at times extremely busy and productive, and other times (most times) extremely laid-back and fun. However, the constant throughout the whole year is that we form a small family of people working to make the school bond stronger. You will learn how to lead and take charge, sometimes take a step back and be a resource of support when needed, and work with so many different types of people. I recommend this class to anyone and everyone looking to have a good time, make some friends, and help out our school community!”
- Nayla Hifri (Class of 2023)