Headlines -
November 16, 2012
Library Time
I was tired this week. On Sunday I ran (?) a 5K and
then went on to our SPICES Gala. I had a great time and really enjoyed
myself right to the end. On Monday, however, I woke up tired. For
some reason, Monday night’s sleep was uneasy and on Tuesday I was still
tired. That afternoon, I felt the need to get out of the office to wake
up. Teacher Dorothy’s K/1 class was having library time and I decided to
visit. As it turned out, Dorothy was introducing the class to the
non-fiction section of our library. She and Teacher Joanne were animated
and excited as they introduced the books on history, animals, art, science and
famous people to their students. The kids were jazzed when they were told
that they were could pick books from this area to explore.
I sat at the table and was soon greeted by Avery. He
began to show me his book on Ancient Egypt. I asked him what he knew
about Egypt and he explained that they had mummies and then asked me if they
used toilet paper to wrap them up. I explained about strips of cloth, but
I am not sure he believed me. We were soon joined by his brother Griffin
who could barely carry his copy of The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.
He was enamored with all the pictures and drawings. I asked for a full
report later. Soon, most students were checking in at my table to show me
their new books. I had a wonderful time listening and looking at all the
books with the kids. They energized me and I felt much more awake.
Reading is cool at Friends School and this week, as I watch my sixth grader
whip through a 500-page book, I know that these early library experiences are
critical to enjoying a lifetime of reading.
SPICES - Our SPICES Celebration this past Sunday was
a huge success. Besides having a large crowd and enjoying the company of
the Friends School community, we were able to raise $12,000 for the
school. We want to extend our thanks to all the parents, volunteers, and
donors who contributed their time, talent, and treasures for this event.
Special thanks to Pam Adams, Megan McDaniel, Glynn Hornberger, Anne Stevens,
Marianne Stevens and Cami Wible for their help in pulling it all
together. Also thanks to everyone who joined us at the Atherton for this
event in support of the school. You can enjoy photos of the event online
at www.scfriends.org.
Announcements
Thankful Tuesday:
We hope you’ll join us next Tuesday, November 20, for our annual
Thankful Tuesday gathering. This pre-Thanksgiving event is a school favorite
and one of our longest-running traditions. Here’s the schedule:
11:15 a.m.: Families
are invited to join children in classrooms for lunch. (Children should bring a
regular lunch, and family members should bring their own as well.)
12 Noon: All-school
Gathering in the Community Room. The highlight will be brief presentations from
each classroom group.
1:00 p.m. Weather
permitting; we’ll all go out for recess.
We will have
school for students on Tuesday afternoon, and our After School Program will
operate as usual. However, if you’d like to get a jump on your holiday travels,
you’re welcome to take your children with you when you depart at the end of the
Gathering. Just let us know so we don’t worry that they were eaten by annoyed
and vengeful turkeys.
Friends School will be
closed November 21, 22, and 23.
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 get the information
to WPSU, WJAC-TV, most local radio stations, and on our answering machine
(237-8386). Since most of our children 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 then responsible for
arranging transportation home.
Blood Drive: Our November 9th
Blood Drive was very successful! 25 people came to donate and the Red
Cross was appreciative and very happy with the addition to the blood supply.
Many thanks to those of you who donated, volunteered your time during the
event, and baked cookies for the blood donors. Thanks to your participation, we
hope to make this an annual school event.
Parent Lunch and Chat: On Wednesday,
November 28th at noon, parents of students in 3rd,
4th, and 5th grade are invited to bring a lunch and
participate in an informative presentation about the middle school years.
Learn about some of the challenges of early adolescence; the middle school’s
“Origins” program; curriculum, field experiences, service opportunities in the
middle school years; and the latest research on middle school options.
Presented by Dan Hendey, Head of School and other school staff, this brief
program is open to all families although may be most relevant to families of
children quickly approaching the “tween” and early teen years.
"Human history becomes more and more a race between
education and catastrophe"
H. G. Wells
Dan Hendey
Head of School
H. G. Wells
Dan Hendey
Head of School
