Headlines - April 8, 2011

Write On – Part 2
Following on the heels of our visiting author, we celebrated Everybody Writes Day on Monday of this week. Upon their arrival, students found the school askew with threads, webs, strange signs, and toppled furniture. At the morning assembly, students were asked to play the part of detectives to solve the mystery. They scoured the school for clues, interrogated teachers and staff, decoded signs, watched security film and used selected clues to crack the case. After the appearance of a large and very energetic butterfly that had a strong resemblance to a certain teacher, most students decided that our teachers set it up to encourage and teach them about investigative writing. Thanks to Teachers Christy and Nick for their efforts on this special day.

The High School Honor Roll for the second marking period is now posted on the State College School District’s web site and I am happy to report that nineteen of our twenty two (86%) Middle School graduates earned a place on the Honor Roll. Seventeen (77%) earned high honors! Additionally, 46 out of 56 (82%) of our former long-term students (4+years) are on the honor roll with 41 (73%) earning high honors. Congratulations to all of our students and thanks to all of our teachers for helping them to compile that wonderful record.

Announcements

Poetry Slam – On April 14th, the middle school students will be presenting their annual poetry slam for the school community. Student-created poems and raps will be presented in a faux coffee house atmosphere.

Earth Day – This national event will be held on Friday, April 22. We are planning a day focused on becoming aware of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed (our watershed) and the impact we all have on it as well as the earth in general. We are planning water testing field trips, service projects around the school grounds, and a musical celebration at the end, including a snack of "dirt". We need some extra help in the form of field trip chaperones, service project helpers, tool lenders, and "dirt" preparers for the snack. Next week we will be sending home an e-mail with a sign-up sheet (no paper for Earth Day), so please keep an eye out for it and consider lending a hand (or tool) for this event. Thank you. The Earth Day Committee

Quaker Parenting Workshops – Parents, please plan to attend and help spread the word about the upcoming parenting workshop: Integrating Quaker Values into Family Life. Facilitated by Harriet Heath of the Quaker Parenting Initiative, it will be held at the school from 7 to 9 PM on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, April 20th and 21st. These workshops are free and open to the public with childcare available. Please call the school to reserve your spot. If you are able to distribute flyers around town, please let Lori know. lorip@scfriends.org

Open House – The school will be hosting an Open House for grades K-8 on Friday, April 29th from 10am till 1 pm. This is for anyone who may be interested in finding out more about Friends education and the program we offer. Please share this date.
Fun Fair –It’s time to sign up. The Fun Fair is one of our main community events and a Friends School tradition. The Fair generates community interest and support, unites families and is fun for families. We hope every family shares in this community-wide event. Look for emails from Diane and other parent organizers.

Enjoy the weekend.
Dan