Headlines - January 27, 2012

A lot has happened in the larger community this week. The passing of Joe Paterno has presented me, and I suspect others, with some trouble in reconciling my thoughts. As significant as his accomplishments were for the university and its students, the current scandal casts an unfortunate cloud.

We live around the corner from the Paternos and we would occasionally see him walking or driving about the neighborhood. A few years ago, after a home football game (a loss) Anna and Liz ran into him on his walk home and he stopped to talk to Anna about a home under construction that held her attention. He was kind and warm and they spoke for awhile about dump trucks and backhoes. It was a conversation we will all remember. To us, it revealed the human side of JoPa. Joe Paterno and my father came from the same generation and were probably cut from the same cloth; hardworking, persistent, and loyal. Knowing my dad helps me to appreciate Coach Paterno’s style and the values he emulated. Like my dad, he was also human and capable of mistakes and I am sure he wrestled with the outcomes of his choices. Everyone’s life is full of accomplishments and a few mistakes. Who among us cannot claim responsibility for a mistake, a poor choice, or an action that has caused others harm? Mistakes, along with the ability to forgive, are what make us human.

I remain angry about what happened and I hope that the upcoming legal process will grant the victims some solace in the end. But this week, I also mourn for a good man who worked hard for what he believed in, accomplished great things, and was a positive influence in the lives of so many people. His lifetime of achievement stands as testimony for a life spent in service to others. Thank you, Joe.

Announcements

Another Special Welcome – Please join us in welcoming another new addition to our Friends School family. Tr. Kelly and her husband, Ken, welcomed their new son, Cooper Myron Corradini to their family on January 14th. Everyone is doing well, and Kelly and Ken are thoroughly enjoying the first steps of this new life adventure.

Bey Blades– Over the past month or so, the Bey Blades toy phenomenon has hit new heights at Friends School. There are many students who spend their entire recess engaged in “jousts”. In addition, the stadiums and toys are becoming a distraction in the classroom. And, as usually happens when a new toy is introduced, teachers are constantly dealing with issues of fair play, and sharing between those who have and those who do not. Finally, the vocabulary of the Jousts; termination, assassination, and kills is hard for us to hear. Therefore, beginning Monday, we ask parents that Bey Blades be given a rest from Friends School. In the future, we will be providing our students with a variety of games and alternative choices to help them enjoy a more healthful and stimulating time during recess.

Cookie Decorating Party – On Thursday, February 2, we will hold our second cookie decorating party during After School. Kids love decorating cookies, and we all love eating them at Friday hot lunch. Please see your youngest student’s Friday Folder for more information!


Free Winter Play Days –On Saturday February 18th we will be hosting a Winter Play Day and Open House at Friends School. From 9:30 to 11:30, the school‘s Community Room and a K/1 classroom will be open for supervised active and imaginative play for children from 3-7 years old. Parents and administrators will also be on hand to give interested families a tour of the school and answer any questions they may have regarding Friends School and the admissions process. This is a great opportunity to bring a friend to the school and enjoy a morning out of the cold. Refreshments and snacks will be served and all are welcome.

An Open House at Friends Schoolhouse will also be held the same morning from 9:30 to 11:30 for those interested in learning more about the enrollment process for 3 – 5 year olds. Another Play Day is scheduled for Saturday, March 17th.


Open Houses – Our Admissions open houses are scheduled for the following dates and times.

Tues., Jan 31st 6:00 – 7:00 pm Middle School Open House – 1900 University Drive

Sat., Feb. 18th 9:30 -11:30 am Friends School (K-8) Open House/ Winter Play Day – 1900 University Drive

Fri., March 23rd 10:00 – 1:00 pm Friends School (K-8) Open House- 1900 University Drive

Please tell your friends and encourage them to take a tour.

Financial Aid - Information about the financial aid application process was sent (in the mail) last week to families who currently receive assistance. Contact Mary if you need that information but didn’t receive it. The deadline for applying for financial aid is February 27.

Have a good weekend.

Dan