Headlines -
February 7, 2013
Sometimes our work at a school is hard. Not because of
the task but because the nature of the task is very difficult. Over the
past three weeks, we have been focusing on our “What if” scenarios. I
have asked for and received inspections from the police and our insurance
company to assess our readiness for an emergency. In the coming weeks we
will be receiving recommendations from these professionals and will use these
to revise and update the school’s emergency plans.
This past month, we have used two of our teacher in-service
sessions to contemplate and discuss difficult events. In January, our
staff met with Officers Kelly Ashton and Terry Stac of the State College Police
Department. Their talk focused on what to do when an armed intruder
enters the school. They discussed how to determine the situation quickly,
where to go, and what we could do to frustrate and slow him (I used this
pronoun purposefully) down. We were told to evacuate whenever possible,
evade and barricade if we cannot exit, and engage when there are no other
options. We are fortunate that, when designed, our school’s concern for
outdoor access gave us numerous escape options. Also, our in-class bathrooms
are good for hiding and barricading if escape is not an option.
Yesterday, Theresa Kieffer from the Youth Services Bureau
provided our staff with training in the Stewards of Children program.
This program is a collaboration among several local youth service agencies and
it is designed for parents and adults who work with children to raise awareness
about sexual abuse and recognize the signs. As educators, we are all
mandatory reporters and that carries a corresponding responsibility to stay
informed and know what to do if we suspect abuse is occurring. It was an
instructive and somber seminar. Much of the material was supplemented
with video interviews of victims that highlighted the immense personal damage
that can result from child abuse.
It has been hard learning and talking about these
issues. However, our teachers are committed to providing every student
with a vigorous education in a safe and nurturing environment. To do that
we must not only think about how we will teach, what books we provide, what
activities we choose, and how to arrange the classroom, but also about what we
must do in various emergency situations. After all, you trust us with
your children and that trust must never be taken lightly.
Announcements
Open House and Winter
Play Day – On Saturday, February
16th, 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. During this time, 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. Refreshments will be served. There will also
be an open house at the Friends Schoolhouse on this day from 9:30 to noon.
Middle School Open
House - The Friends middle school
program will be hosting an open house for all interested parents on Thursday
evening February 21st from 7 to 8pm. Parents will have the
opportunity to talk with teachers and administrators, tour the classrooms,
leran about the curriculum and hear a short presentation about the program from
teachers Bailey and Christy. This open to the public and we encourage any
parent who is interested to attend.
African Library Project - The 2/3 classrooms and the Middle School are teaming
up for a community service project, the African Library Project. Our goal
is to collect 1,000 used books (K-8th grade level) as well as
$500.00 to build a library in Ghana. If you have any used books at home
or spare change that you are willing to give, our collection starts February 20th.
The Middle School plans to host a Bake Sale February 27th and all
funds benefit the African Library Project. Find out more about this incredible
community service project at http://www.africanlibraryproject.org/.
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 busses, 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.
Summer Camp – Be sure to check your child’s Friday Folder for our
summer camp brochure. New themes for Kids Camp and Wee Friends Camp promise
weeks of summer time fun, and Theater Camp will now be available for children
in 4th through 7th grade! Register early, as camps fill
quickly.
Dan Hendey,
Head of School
