Headlines, May 14, 2010

Cook-Out, Class Plays, Camping and More!

Today our K/1 students are spending the day at Bald Eagle State Park. The 2^nd and 3^rd graders are at the Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh. And, our 7^th and 8^th grade kids won’t return from New Orleans until tomorrow evening. The 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th graders who remain here have taken advantage of the day and all the empty space. They joined forces for a wonderfully wild Capture the Flag game at recess, using every inch of the building and grounds. But I think we all look forward to Monday when we’ll have everyone back in one place…until Tuesday when the 4^th graders leave for DC. ‘Tis the season, I suppose.

REMINDERS:

Cook-Out: We’ll be providing lunch for the kids on Monday, so pack a snack as usual, but there’s no need to send lunch. We’ll be doing an all-school cook-out, rain or shine. (We’ll have a cook-in if necessary.)

Class Plays: We have four class plays scheduled for next week, and you’re invited to any or all:

Monday, May 17 Teacher Tim’s 4^th Grade Class

Wednesday, May 19 Teacher Kelly’s 2^nd/3^rd Grade Class

Thursday, May 20 Teacher Lisa’s K/1 Class

Friday, May 21 Upper School

All performances begin at 1:00 p.m. and will take place in the Community Room.

Graduation: All parents are invited to attend our graduation ceremony on Thursday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m. Please come and help us send off this special group of graduates with the best wishes of their entire school community. They would appreciate your presence.

Camping Trip: Your camping trip letter is probably in your mailbox today, or it will be there tomorrow. It would be great if you’d take the time to read it this weekend and then get your forms back to us next week. I apologize for the short turn-around time, but Camp Blue Diamond is requesting our head count early this year.

After School Activities: Please remember that MOST of the After School activities ended this week. There will still be one more cooking class on Friday, May 21 due to the cancellation during Fun Fair week, and there is one final Rocket Club session on Monday, May 17.

The weekend weather looks perfect. Enjoy yourselves!

Mary

Headlines, May 7, 2010

Bravado, New Orleans and Summer Cleaning Crew

Let’s talk about confidence at Friends School. I am always pleased and amazed about the way many of our students handle their interactions with adults and their peers. For example, this morning first grade student, Noah Gehman, sauntered up to Mary and me at the front desk and, without a hint of shyness, announced in a very casual tone, “I got a check for you guys” and handed over an envelope. Yesterday in the library, I watched many of our 2nd and 3^rd grade students recite poems they’d written themselves to their classmates, teachers and parents. They all spoke clearly and with a certain amount of bravado that let you know they were enjoying the experience. Later in the day, the middle school students and I spoke openly about the day’s physical education class and, using Quaker principles, came up with activities that could be enjoyed by all. I believe that it is the school’s emphasis on listening to all voices that helps our students to speak their minds.

The 7/8 class leaves tomorrow morning on our week-long service trip to New Orleans. While current plans are to help with the revitalization of the city, we are prepared to help wherever we can. Look for posts and pictures from the trip next week.

Reminders

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 next week.

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

Positions Available

As Beth completes her time as the school’s Director of Development, we have begun the search for her replacement. I have attached the job description to this email. It is a demanding and rewarding position. Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to me at the school

We are also seeking help for the school’s annual summer cleaning crew. There is much to do and these positions are perfect for those who enjoy cleaning, gardening, painting and minor repairs. Please contact Diane with your interest. Positions run June through August.

Please enjoy the weekend

Dan