Headlines -
March 29, 2013
Our
Decision Making Process
Every
year the school asks both its families and teachers about their intentions for
next year. We do this every year because life often throws us curves;
challenges, and opportunities, which may dictate changes. This year, we asked
our families to commit by mid-March and our teachers by March 29th. As a
school, we respect a person’s right to keep their decisions private until they
are ready or until the end of the decision period. I hope that members of
the community can support these guidelines and understand that choosing not to
comment on individual decisions is a matter of privacy and protocol and not an
attempt to misguide or withhold information. That said, I am happy to
report that, with the exception of dear Teacher Dorothy, all of our lead
teachers will be returning next year.
I
am also happy to announce that next year we will have two teachers enrolled in
extensive professional development programs. Teacher Lisa Gamble has been
accepted into the Friends Council of Education’s Leadership Institute.
Lisa will participate in this two year program with a small
cohort of Friends school teachers and administrators to develop their capacity
and skills for leadership in Friends schools. While most of the work will
be done at home and in the school she will also participate in several weekend
and summer training sessions. Additionally, Teacher Nick Jackson has been
accepted into Columbia University’s Summer Principals Academy. This graduate
program is committed to promoting excellence in future educational
leaders. It is an intensive 13 month program that includes two summer
sessions and a year at a school site. Nick will begin this summer
and continue teaching at Friends while he completes his school year
assignments. Congratulations to both Lisa and Nick!
Announcements
Grandparents and Special Friends Day
– On Monday April 1st the school will be hosting our annual
Grandparents and Special Friends Day. This is an opportunity for special
adult guests to visit the classrooms and participate in activities with the
students. We start in the morning with coffee and visits to the classroom
and then all special friends are invited to join their student for a lunch
provided by the school. (Students should bring their own packed lunch). If you
did not RSVP earlier this week, please do so before Monday.
Meeting for Worship at Friends School
– On Sunday, April 14th at 11:15 am, our school will host Meeting
for Worship of the State College Friends Meeting. If you are curious
about Meeting for Worship and the Quaker Faith this is an opportunity for you
to experience a meeting for worship in a familiar setting – your school.
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. I would like to encourage all families to
come, experience Quaker worship, meet members of Friends Meeting, ask questions
and learn more about this remarkable faith.
Fun Fair Planning –
We will hold an organizational meeting for the 2013 Fun Fair on Wednesday,
April 3, from 6:30 – 7:30 pm. Our annual fair needs all of our parents to
participate in order to be successful. Please come if you can. Free
pizza and child care is available. Please call or email to RSVP.
Happy Easter…Happy Spring!!!
