Headlines  -                              January 24, 2013

Let’s talk about our teachers.

This month I have been having my mid-year meetings with the school’s lead and assistant teachers.  While our discussions can focus on any subject area, they almost always focus on our students.  Our teachers are compassionate about meeting the needs of every student in their classroom and relentless in their pursuit of that goal.  During our talks, I could feel their joy when sharing their accomplishments, and their determination when they talk about their challenges and plans for the rest of the year.  What I don’t hear a lot about is the long hours they spend preparing lessons, researching subjects and writing reports.  Although they have every right to discuss those extra responsibilities, I don’t hear about how little compensation they receive for their labors.  They love to teach and they love the freedom that that the school gives them to do it.  I have come to the conclusion that it takes a special kind of person to teach here; someone who is caring, compassionate, flexible, attentive, and innovative.  Most importantly, it is their focus on the individual student that defines a Friends School teacher.  We are lucky to have them.

Dan

Announcements

Pajama Day – Our annual student- initiated Pajama Day is scheduled for this Wednesday, January 30^th.  All students are encouraged to wear their PJ’s, slippers, and robes to school.

Quaker Friends Day – On Friday February 1^st, members of the State College Friends Meeting will be visiting our classrooms.  Each Quaker will meet the class, share lessons and discuss what being a Quaker means to them.  We look forward to bringing our school and meeting together. 

Inservice Days – School will be closed on Thursday and Friday February 7^th and 8^th for teacher in-service.  We will have child care on both days for families who need it.  Please call or email the school to claim your space.

Financial Aid:  Financial aid applications for the 2013-14 school year are due to be submitted by February 16. You can apply online at sss.nais.org/parents. You’ll want to complete the Parents Financial Statement (PFS). If you’d like a hard copy of the application, please see Mary.

Open House and Winter Play Day. – On Saturday, February 16^th, the Friends School will be hosting a winter play day and Open House.  Parents are invited to bring themselves and their children to the school.  There will be open play time for children between the ages of 3 and 7.  Parents will have the opportunity to tour the facility, ask questions and learn about our program.  Time is from 9:30 to 12:00 noon. 

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 answering machine (237-8386).  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. 

"Human history becomes more and more a race between education and catastrophe"
H. G. Wells

Dan Hendey
Head of School