Headlines December 11, 2009

Written in Blood - Teaching science comes with several advantages over other subjects. Depending on the specific topic, there are usually things to grow, change, move, or blow up. However, using these characteristics to teach science well takes skill. On Tuesday, Teacher Bailey was using hydrogen peroxide, salt, magnesium and blood from a calf’s liver to teach about catalysts in chemical reactions. The experiment came first and the students were all actively engaged in the activity of adding blood to the different mixes they made with the other chemicals. Afterwards, she led them in a discussion of their results and why they differed between groups. Her students were then able to define and talk about the function of catalysts for her. Only then did they write in their notebooks. She could have just had them take notes in the beginning of class but where would be the fun in that? Learning occurs when there is engagement and what 7/8 grade student wouldn’t want to watch blood foam and percolate? Tr. Bailey’s lesson plan accomplished the goal of defining a catalyst but also brought students a deeper understanding of what a catalyst can do, how it works and the scientific thinking process. It literally served as a “catalyst” for deeper understanding of science and a great example on how to engage students in learning.

South Pole – Wednesday’s storm ushered in our first cold blast of the year. On Thursday if you looked just the right way over the school field, you would have sworn you were on the South Pole. Snow forts with antenna dotted the barren landscape while groups of heavily bundled “explorers” fought the elements to navigate the icy terrain.

Reminders

Holiday Gathering – On Tuesday, December 22, we’ll gather in the community room at 1:45 p.m. for our annual Holiday Gathering. We’ll do some singing together and nibble cookies before we all depart for our holiday break. All families are invited, and we hope you will plan to join us.

Peace Choir Performance – You’re invited. Tomorrow, December 12, the school’s Peace Choir will perform at the Toys for Tots Pancake Breakfast at the Ramada Inn at ~9:00 a.m. This is one of their first public performances in a while and they are excited. Bring an unwrapped toy for the drive and come out and support our choir and a worthy cause.

Community Offerings -- We hope you will consider giving the gift of a Friends School Community Offering to family or friends (or yourself) this holiday season. Please check out our new Community Offerings page on the web. http://scfscommofferings.blogspot.com/

Open House – Our first Admissions Open House of the season will be held on Friday, January 15 from 9:30 a.m. – noon. We’ll be inviting prospective families to visit that morning to tour the school and see the classrooms in action. We’d appreciate your help in spreading the word, and we hope you’ll let Mary know if you might like to lend a hand as a tour guide.

A Book for Every Child –This is the last week for this program. Help us help this great local cause that seeks to put a book in every child’s hand in Centre County.

Food Drive – Look in the Friday folders for more information on the food drive.

Free Winter Play Days – On Saturdays Jan 16th, February 20th and March 13th, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM the Friends School is hosting Saturday Play Days for children from 3-7 years old. The school‘s Community Room and a classroom will be open for supervised active and imaginative play. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend to the school and enjoy a morning out of the cold. Refreshments and snacks will be served. All are welcome.

Sing with King – I would like to invite all families and friends to participate in the King Chorus for our annual production of King in Montgomery: Ten Years in the Non-Violent Civil Rights Movement. This is an uplifting and moving performance that needs your voice to come alive. Previous choir experience is not necessary, only the desire to sing out in a big group. Contact the school for more information or to sign up.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.
Dan