Headlines, April 23, 2010

Gracious Students and Some Goodbyes

I was a little under the weather this week and found myself at home for a few days. However, in my brief time at school I was able to witness some wonderful happenings. This morning, as I was making coffee in the kitchen, I saw Christopher Fletcher and Jane Biddle open the door and greet everyone as they entered the building. At the end of the day, I saw Kaliey, Maya, Beebs, and other older students intently sharing books with their reading buddies. Open doors and the sound of a whole school reading is good for what ails you.

When I first became head of school, one of the most pressing issues was the development office. We were six months without a development director and the cracks were beginning to show. Beth Giles, who was a member of the board and development committee, took on the additional role of helping with the search. Through our numerous conversations on the position and its responsibilities, it became obvious to me that we did not have to look too far for our new director. We both saw areas where she could make a difference. And she has made a wonderful difference. We are very grateful for her efforts to bring our development focus back to life. However, she never intended to make a long-term commitment and after having focused her work on specific areas in the last year and a half, she now feels it is a good time for the development office to be turned over to someone new while she returns to her former area of expertise in information systems. Fortunately, Beth will be here through the school year and will remain a local advisor and supporter of Friends education. When you see her, please take a moment to say thank you for all of her hard work.

We also say goodbye today to Nicole and Skye, two PSU students who did their classroom placement in Teachers Dorothy’s and Teacher Tim’s classrooms. It was a great experience for them and for our students. We wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Reminders

Fun Fair – Our annual Fun Fair is almost here. Now is the time to be visualizing warm sunny weather. Please contact Diane at the front desk to sign up. Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Field Trips – Several field trips are scheduled during the remaining weeks of school. Almost every class has a destination this month. The younger grades will be more local while the 5/6 class is scheduled for a trip to Ithaca for science and nature next week. During the week of May 9^th, our 7^th and 8^th graders will be on a service trip to New Orleans. Look for email updates from them during their adventure.

Camping Trip – The annual all-school camping trip is scheduled for May 27 and 28^. Please look for the letter from Mary with all the details soon.

May School Lunches – Due to the large number of field trips that are occurring on Fridays in April and May, we will have to do some juggling of the school lunch schedule. Please consult your teacher’s classroom newsletter for details.

Please enjoy your weekend

Dan

Headlines, April 16, 2010

Weights, FUN FAIR, and Broadway!

This past week, I had the pleasure of observing the third grade math class with Teachers Kelly and Rebecca. The students are studying measurement and today they were getting familiar with units of weight. An introductory problem was written on the board and the teachers used it to engage the students in a discussion about which units of weight they were familiar with. Terms like ton, pound, ounces, grams and stones were brought up and the students shared their ideas on when those units might be used. Later they split into small groups of 5 – 7 students and Kelly and Rebecca led each group through a lesson in their Everyday Math book. Using small groups ensured that every student participated in the discussion. I especially like the amount of discussion that the groups engaged in as they came to a good understanding of solving the day’s problems dealing with weight.

The annual meeting of the Board of Trustees was held last Tuesday and over 20 parents attended. After introductions and questions, we all got right to work. Parents were divided into groups and asked to think about the school and its future. We received many helpful comments and suggestions regarding our educational program, staffing, school culture, and community relations. The input supplied by our parents will be used by the Board of Trustees and administration when we take on strategic planning in the coming school year. Thanks to all the parents who attended for your work and insights. For those of you who still wish to participate, we will schedule another session early next year.

Reminders

Open House – Our next Open House is this Friday, April 23^rd from 9:30 to 12 noon. Please help spread the word. If you can volunteer some time as a tour guide, let Mary know.

Fun Fair – Our annual Fun Fair is almost here. Now is the time to be visualizing warm sunny weather. There are still some volunteer time slots that need to be filled, so please contact Diane at the school to sign up. Silent Auction items can be dropped of at the front desk any time now, and don’t forget to start thinking about your contribution to the Bake Sale! The Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Broadway at Friends – As many of you are aware, May is theater month at Friends. Here is a listing of performances for May. All show times are at 1 P.M.

Monday, May 10 Tr. Rebecca’s 2/3

Wednesday, May 12 Tr. Dorothy’s K/1

Monday, May 17 Tr. Tim’s 4^th grade

Wednesday, May 19 Tr. Kelly’s 2/3

Thursday, May 20 Tr. Lisa’s K/1

Friday, May 21 Tr. Christy and Bailey’s Upper School

May School Lunches – Due to the large number of field trips that are occurring on Fridays in April and May, we will have to do some juggling of the school lunch schedule. Please consult your teacher’s classroom newsletter or the web site for details.

Enjoy the blooms at the school.

Dan

Headlines, April 9, 2010

What a week! For some reason, spring is always accompanied by an increase in activity at school and this year is no different. We started this week with Grandparents, Friends, and Family Day and ended with the upper school’s creative costume elective class providing a show in the hallways. In between those events were several class field trips, a hot lunch, and our annual Curriculum Night. Thanks to everyone who made this week a special one at the school.

We send special thanks this week to everyone who helped us with a most successful Grandparents, Friends, and Family day. Thanks to the Farahani family for the donation of our Subway lunch, to the parents who helped with set-up and clean-up, to the upper school students who folded and unfolded every table and chair that we own, and to those of you who donated your spring flowers for our table arrangements. We had a wonderful day and we loved hosting such gracious visitors.

Two events that involve some of our staff are on the horizon. Tr. Lisa’s husband, Chris, is performing in Hair this weekend at Schwab Auditorium and Lu Ann Shaffer, our K-4 music instructor, will be directing the Nittany Valley Children’s Choir in a performance on Monday, April 12^th, at the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center at 7:30 p.m.

Reminders

Please come to the Annual Meeting – The Board of Directors will be hosting its annual meeting on Tuesday, April 13^th at 7pm. This year’s meeting will focus on developing a vision and strategic plan for the school. Input from the school community is vital to this process and all are encouraged to attend. There will also be an opportunity to meet the board and ask questions about the state of the school. Child care will be available at no charge. Please let us know if your children will be attending.

Open House – Our next Open House is Friday, April 23^rd from 9:30 to 12 noon. Please help spread the word. We’ll also be looking for a few volunteers to help with the tours.

Fun Fair – Our annual Fun Fair is approaching quickly! Now is the time to be visualizing warm, sunny weather. Please contact Diane to sign up for your volunteer slot. We can find a job just for you, one that suits both your talents and your schedule. The Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It’s a great day for kids and families, but we need the help of all parents to make it work. If you will be unavailable on the day of the fair, check in with Diane, as there are several pre-fair jobs available as well! Please be part of this year’s fun!

Inservice Day and Child Care – Friday, April is an inservice day for our teachers. There is no school that day, but there will be child care available from 8am to 5:30pm. Please let us know by Wednesday, April 14 if you would like your child to participate in child care for all or part of the day.

Diane would like to attend part of the inservice training that day, and is looking for a volunteer to answer phones from 9am to noon. If needed, child care would be available at no charge.

“Dine In” at Harrisons – Don’t forget about this delicious fundraiser! “Dine In” with Friends School at Harrison’s Wine Grill during the weeks of April 5-17. Bring along friends and family, and enjoy a meal that benefits our school. Harrison’s Wine Grill, which is owned by former school parents and long time Friends School supporters Harrison Schailey and Kit Henshaw, will donate 20% of your check before taxes and tip back to the school. There is no limit to the number of times you can go or the number of people who can join you! Simply mention the Friends School, and you can enjoy your meal even more knowing that you are also helping our school!

May School Lunches – Due to the large number of field trips that are scheduled for Fridays in April and May, we will have to do some juggling of the school lunch schedule. Please check our web site or consult your teacher’s classroom newsletter for details.

Have a safe and enjoyable weekend

Dan