Headlines - December 2, 2011

Headlines - December 2, 2011

As I turn the page of the calendar, I realize that the winter holidays are fast approaching. Along with colder weather, the season brings a marketing and shopping frenzy that seems in conflict with the school’s value of simplicity. Consumerism and simplicity were the topics of discussion at a school workshop on Wednesday evening. The workshop was the first in a series of parent workshops sponsored by the school’s Quaker Life committee. After sharing a community meal, over 20 participants settled in to watch the short film call the Story of Stuff. This film outlined the growth of commercialism in the United States and argued that this pattern of resource use is ultimately unsustainable. A discussion after the film was a time for sharing our ideas on simplicity, keeping the hubbub to a minimum, and how to stay focused on the positive human aspects of the holidays.

Speaking of positive aspects, on Wednesday I received a letter from a student who is starting a society with her cousins that will try to help the world. In this letter she asked me to write to other schools telling them to try and stop wasting “water, food, drink, electricity etc.” I wish she’d been at the workshop on Wednesday night. She would have added a good perspective (and a measure of hope) to our conversation. I will share her letter with several other heads of schools during our next gathering in Philadelphia. Whatever your faith or belief, I hope you find the upcoming holiday season filled with good will and the simple joys of family and friends.

Announcements

Snow Days, Delayed Openings, and Early Dismissals –On days when snow, ice or other conditions might make for hazardous travel, parents should check local TV and radio stations for news of school closings or delays. We try to make a determination by 6:30 AM and post information on WPSU, WJAC-TV, most local radio stations, and on our voice mail message (237-8386). Look and listen for the announcement specifically mentioning “State College Friends School” and “Friends Schoolhouse”. Since we ride the same buses, we will usually follow the lead of the State College Area School District. In the case of early dismissal, the school will contact parents with a phone call or email. Parents who drop off their students are responsible for arranging transportation home at the time of the early dismissal..

Peace Choir Sings – The Peace Choir will be performing at the following dates and time this season. We hope that everyone gets the opportunity to enjoy a performance this year.

Foxdale/Friends School Winter Concert Foxdale Village Saturday, Dec. 3 1:30 pm

Toys for Tots Ramada Inn Saturday, Dec. 10 8:10-9:45 am

School Holiday Sing School Wednesday, Dec. 21 1:45 pm



Free Winter Play Days – On Saturdays Jan 20th, February 18th and March 23rd, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friends School will host Saturday Play Days for children from 3-7 years old. The school‘s Community Room and a K/1 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 will be served and all are welcome. If you have questions, please contact the school at (814) 237-8386.


Give Us Your Tired – Cleaning the dishes after Wednesday night’s workshop gave me an idea. Over time, our supply of silverware and dish towels has been slowly disappearing from the kitchen. I was wondering if parents had extra sets of silver ware (especially teaspoons and forks) or gently used kitchen towels that they would like to find a nice home for? The school is in need of these items and could certainly put them to good use.


Holiday Gathering – Please plan to join us for our annual Holiday Gathering on Tuesday, December 21 at 1:45 p.m. in the Community Room. We’ll gather for some group caroling, a brief performance by our Peace Choir, and some social time before we all scatter for the winter break. Parents are asked to bring along a plate of cookies, or other easy-to-eat snack, to share.