Headlines  -                                             April 5, 2013

The Good, the Not Good, and the Ugly

The Good - “Put your books away, get out a pencil and clear your desks,” I barked on Monday. My math students looked back in astonishment. “But you said the test wasn’t until Tuesday,” they squeaked.  My reply of, “Don’t argue with me or I will lower your grade,” produced many severe looks and grumbling as they began to comply.  I went on for a few minutes about the test and my expectations for them.  Just as I had them lulled into acceptance, I yelled, “April’s Fool!”  Surprise turned to relief.   We all enjoyed a good laugh and had a great day of review for the real test on Tuesday.  Teachers like to have fun, too! 

The Not Good - It started at 6:30 in the morning on Thursday.  Mary received two phone calls.  Both Tr. Dorothy and Tr. Joanne could not make it in to school due to a stomach virus.  That soon became the phrase of the day.  I got calls from three parents before 7:30 am and by the time school started, Tr. Dorothy’s class was only half full.  The K/1 classrooms seemed to be the epicenter of the virus, but that did not mean the rest of the school received a pass.  Throughout the day our couch was frequented by several little people.  Cecilia, who is normally a ray of sunshine, looked like rain.  I could only get Ragga to smile instead of  laugh.  Rustam was tired?  In all, we had about a dozen visitors to the couch and sent about five students home.  It is hard to see children who are not feeling well.  It’s an image that counters expectations and brings out even more of a caring instinct in us.  I hope this virus passes quickly without claiming more victims.  For some reason, I also feel an unexplainable urge to open all the windows the first chance I get.

The Ugly – I don’t usually have need to use this word.  However, anyone who has cleaned up vomit will probably agree with me on this one.

Announcements

 

Meeting for Worship at Friends – On Sunday, April 14^th 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 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.

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.

Soccer – Spring soccer is back! Students in grades 3 through 8 are invited to join Tr. Nick for free clinics on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:45. Please check your child’s Friday Folder for more information and a permission form. Permission forms should be completed and returned to the school on Monday.

After School Tennis – After School tennis will also start soon! Tennis will be available for children in Kindergarten through 3^rd grade. A flyer and registration information is in your child’s Friday Folder.

Fun Fair­ – We held our Fun Fair planning meeting on Wednesday evening, with lots of great energy and ideas. You will be hearing from us soon with information regarding volunteering (we ask every family to contribute 4 hours), helping us get out the word throughout the community, the silent auction, the bake sale and more. The Fun Fair is scheduled for Saturday, May 4^th, and we hope to see everyone there!