Headlines, February 5, 2010

200 Pounds, Posters, and Poetry

It has been relatively quiet in our halls these past two days. The school never feels quite right without the constant murmur of the classrooms seeping into the halls. It does make time for the administrators and teachers to discuss, plan, write, think, and breathe. Still, we miss the rhythm of the school day.

Poetry Slam – Think of a smoke filled, dimly lit coffee house with bearded philosophers - a perfect atmosphere for a Poetry Reading. The Upper School’s Poetry Slam had all this except for the smoke, low lights, coffee, and bearded philosophers. The Poetry Slam was great fun. The whole school attended and got to hear our budding poets recite verse and rhymes that made you laugh and think. Congratulations go out to Devlin Moose for the individual cheese award and to Lulu Yarber, Dagny Felker and Aria Sakona for the group poetry prize.

Food Drive – We donated over 200 pounds of food to the State College Food Bank this week. They were very grateful to accept our donation and I want to thank everyone who has participated in this drive at the school. We are still collecting donations. Bring your non-perishable items to the front lobby and place them in the green box.

Reminders

Financial Aid – This is a reminder to parents that your financial aid forms are due on Monday, February 8. You have the option of completing the application by hand or on the web. Please see Mary for details and questions.

Two of a Kind Concert - An award-winning husband-wife duo will perform a free concert for families and children of all ages on Saturday, February 13th at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room. Two of Kind (www.twoofakind.com) performances feature songs, puppets, movement, and stories. All are welcome; please help spread the work and bring some friends! Donations of food or funds for the State College Food Bank will be accepted.

Open House and Winter Play Day - The Friends School is hosting a Saturday Play Day and Open House for children and parents on Saturday, February 20th, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The school’s community room and k/1 classroom will be open for supervised active and imaginative play, and staff will be available to provide tours and answer questions. The event is free and all are welcome. We would welcome a few volunteers to hang posters around town this week.

Newsletters –In addition to your classroom’s newsletter, parents with students in the first, third, and fourth grade classrooms will soon be receiving an email newsletter from the next grade’s classroom. This is an opportunity for parents to learn about the activities and programs taking place in the next grade level.

Enjoy the snow this weekend! Go Saints!

Dan

Headlines January 29, 2010

Tea Party, February 20, and C-Net

Tea Party – I have just returned from a very enjoyable event. Tr. Sunna’s 2/3 classroom hosted a tea and poetry-reading party. When I entered the classroom, I was escorted to my seat and made to feel at home by my host, Claudia. After all of the guests arrived, the students assembled and read a selection of poems they’d written on frogs, horses, the seasons and jumbled creatures. The readings were performed with energy and emotion. Later, we were all served cookies and tea and each family received a book of poetry. What a great way to culminate a unit of study. It was so civilized. Thanks to all of the students for their creative efforts and to the parents who helped.

Move- Up Night – Several parents attended Move- Up Night on Thursday and took advantage of the opportunity to find out what goes on in the next classroom. They were able to meet teachers, ask questions and learn about the curriculum. Thanks to all for attending. As always, parents are also welcome to stop in anytime to find out more.

Reminders

In-service Days – Next Thursday and Friday, February 4th and 5th are teacher in-service days at the school. There will be no school on either of these two days. Please contact the school if you want to register your student for the child care program.


Open House and Winter Play Day - Friends School is hosting a Saturday Play Day and Open House for children and parents on Saturday, February 20th, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. The school’s community room and k/1 classrooms will be open for supervised active and imaginative play, and staff will be available to provide tours and answer questions. The event is free and all are welcome. Your assistance in spreading the word is invaluable. Please help if you can.

Two of a Kind Concert - An award-winning husband-wife duo will perform a free concert for families and children of all ages on Saturday, February 13th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Community Room. Two of Kind (www.twoofakind.com) performances feature songs, puppets, movement, and stories. All are welcome. Donations of food or funds for the State College Food Bank will be accepted.

Financial Aid – This is a reminder to parents that your financial aid application should be submitted by Monday, February 8. You have the option of completing the application by hand or online. Please see Mary for details and questions.

See us on C-Net - The Friends School Performance of King in Montgomery will be broadcast by C-Net at the following dates and times (Comcast Channel 7):
Jan 29 - 9:00 p.m. and Jan 30 - 11:00 a.m.

Have a safe and healthy weekend.
Dan