Headlines  -                                                                  April 19, 2013 

As many of you know, Diane is back at work and is recovering quite well from her surgery.  While I know we are all very glad to see her, I suspect Teacher Mary and Teacher Lori may be the gladdest of all.  While Diane was busy donating a piece of herself, Mary and Lori gamely took on many of her responsibilities at school.  Mary could be seen compiling end-of-day plans for all the students, supervising pick-up and tending to an unusually high number of sick children these past two weeks.   Lori was busy helping to coordinate Fun Fair tasks and working the “late shift” at the school.  She was also pulled into service tending to the sick and coordinating communications.  Both Mary and Lori did all this while also performing their regular duties.  Never once did I hear a complaint from either of them (as long as I was available to do vomit clean-up).  Diane’s absence reconfirmed what I already knew.  Diane, Lori and Mary accomplish a tremendous amount of work for you and our school.  They truly reflect the compassion and energy of this school and community.  I am in awe of all that they can accomplish on any single day.  If you feel as grateful as I do for this amazing administrative team, please let them know.

Please enjoy your weekend  -  Dan

Announcements

Earth Day -  We have a big day planned for this Monday, April 22nd.  Our plan includes stream study field trips around the local area, service projects around the school and a sing along with Molly Countermine and Rene Witzke in the afternoon.  Please dress your child in layers (coats, long sleeves, etc.) and send them with stream study shoes (rain boots, old sneakers, Crocs with back-straps, etc.).  *It is important that the stream study shoes are different than the shoes your child wears to school that day. 

Fun Fair–  Please be sure to check your child's Friday Folder for a FUN IN THE SUN Fun Fair update...Silent Auction, Prizes, Egg Drop, Flyers and Posters, Volunteer Form, Bakes Sale and more!  Please take the time to read through the info and reminders.  Fun Fair is a community event and it takes a whole community to pitch in and help.  Proceeds support the scholarship fund at the school.  Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th, and we hope to see everyone there!

 Peace Choir Performance – The 2013 Annual Nittany Knights Barbershop Show, featuring guests, The Reen Family Singers and our very own State College Friends School Peace Choir, will be held on Saturday, April 27^th.  The show will be held at the State College High School North Auditorium at 7:30 pm.  All are encouraged to attend this very entertaining performance and to support our Peace Choir.  For more information about the performance and tickets, please go to www.nittanyknights.org/tickets2013.htm.  If your child is in Peace Choir, you will receive another email with more details about rehearsals, dress, tickets, etc. 

 

Headlines  -                                   April 12, 2013

I love this school.  Yesterday, I looked out my window to see a small pen in the courtyard with a pony inside!  Amelia was using the pony as living prop for her 3^rd grade “Going Beyond” project about horses.  Spumoni the pony was accompanied by a small canine making it a true “dog and pony show”.  Today, student teacher John came in with about 5 drums from a marching band.  Apparently, he is using them (outside) to demonstrate points and shapes on a coordinate plane.  I am trying to locate my earplugs.  Finally, as I write this I am hearing the excitement from Teacher Dorothy’s K/1 class as they get ready for their field trip to Bald Eagle State Park.  The kids are excited and as I watch the line of small raincoats board the bus, I know they will have a great time and make many memories today.

Our office manager and do-everything person, Teacher Diane, had elective surgery this week.  Diane is donating a kidney to a member of her extended family.  The operation went smoothly and she is comfortable and recovering at home. As many of you know, Diane has always been a volunteer.  In addition to her regular full-time position here, Diane donates many hours to our school.  She also donates her time to other causes and events in the local community.  Just this year, I have found her manning the check-out station at the Foxdale Yard Sale and providing information and water at Arts Fest.  However, the donation of a kidney is truly stunning.  She has taken service to others to another level. It is my sincere hope that she experiences all the good karma she deserves for her selfless acts.

Announcements

Meeting for Worship at Friends – This  Sunday, at 11:15 am, our school will host Meeting for Worship of the State College Friends Meeting.  This is an opportunity for you to experience Meeting  in a familiar setting.  There will also be religious education for children at the school running concurrently with meeting.  Please come early or stay later for socializing and refreshments.  If you are curious about Meeting for Worship and the Quaker faith, this is an ideal opportunity for you to come to experience Quaker worship, meet members of Friends Meeting, ask questions and learn more.

Earth Day -  We have a big day planned for Monday, April 22nd.  Our plan includes stream study field trips around the local area, service projects around the school, and a sing- along with Molly Countermine and Rene Witzke in the afternoon.  Please dress your child in layers (coats, long sleeves, etc.) and send them with stream study shoes (rain boots, old sneakers, Crocs with back-straps, etc.).  *It is important that the stream study shoes are different than the shoes your child wears to school that day.  Please send back your orange volunteer form that came home last Friday ASAP.

Fun Fair–  There is a Fun Fair information packet and volunteer sign-up sheet in Friday Folders today.  Please take the time to read through the material, decide where you can help and sign-up (we ask every family to contribute 4 hours).  You’ll also find two posters included. Please post yours in perfect spots to help us spread the word about this great family event. Fun Fair is a community event and it takes a whole community to pitch in and help.  Proceeds support the scholarship fund at the school.  Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th, and we hope to see everyone there!

Peace Choir Performance – The 2013 Annual Nittany Knights Barbershop Show, featuring guests, The Reen Family Singers and our very own State College Friends School Peace Choir, will be held on Saturday, April 27^th.  The show will be held at the State College High School North Auditorium at 7:30 pm.  All are encouraged to attend this very entertaining performance and to support our Peace Choir.  For more information about the performance and tickets, please go to www.nittanyknights.org/tickets2013.htm.  If your child is in Peace Choir, you will receive another email with more details about rehearsals, dress, tickets, etc.