Friday, October 27, 2017 | Volume IV • Issue 9

All-School News

Ordering Your Child's School Portraits 

Click here for instructions on ordering your child(ren)'s School Portraits. If you have any questions, please follow the instructions in the email or contact Mark directly by email.

 

New FCS Website Launches Next Week!
Stand by for details on our exciting new website launch next week!

 

Don't Miss the Upper School Production of Our Town Tonight and Tomorrow!

"No curtain. No scenery." A minimalist theatrical style sets apart the 1938 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Wilder's greatest and best-known work as a playwright, Our Town, opens with the Stage Manager's introduction to Grover's Corners. The Stage Manager assumes control over the onstage action through such unconventional, metatheatrical devices as prompting actors and cueing scene changes. Once the actors have been set in motion by the Stage Manager, the allegorical world of Grover's Corners unfolds. The audience is introduced to the Gibbs and Webb families who symbolize "ordinary people who make the human race seem worth preserving and represent the universality of human existence" (Thornton Wilder website). Please join us as we present this American classic to FCS audiences tonight, Friday, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm. Check out a trailer for the play, created by Miles Meline '18, here

 

MANNA Pie Sales Officially Open!
The student-run Upper School Service Committee is working with MANNA to help support their Pie in the Sky fundraiser. MANNA is a Philadelphia non-profit organization that nourishes seriously ill patients and their families. Each pie sold for this initiative is enough money to support a family meal. Please help us work together with MANNA and buy a pie or two by clicking here. Online orders are due by Thursday, Nov. 16, and pies will be ready for pick-up after school on Tuesday, Nov. 21 on both campuses. If you have any questions, please contact Annie Roberts '18 or Ben Miller '20. Thank you so much!

 

Wondering Where the School Store is?
The School Store is temporarily located in the basement of the Middle School Building in Room M3. On Wednesday, Nov 1, it will be open from 8 am-4 pm. There are lots of new items: a long sleeve tee, a sleeveless tee, shorts, sweatpants, beanie, water bottle, canvas gym bag, etc. Student accounts are not active, so bring cash, credit, or check. If you can't make it that day, please contact Chris Ozbun to schedule another time to meet at the Store. There are no regular Store hours during the Shallcross renovation. See you on the Nov. 1!

 

Thank You to Everyone Who Helped at the Pumpkin Fair!
It was a great success on a beautiful day. Thank you so much to our fantastic co-chairs Eva Greenberg and Elisha Snedeker, whose leadership made the day run so smoothly. Thanks to Allison Liebman, who organized all our wonderful volunteers. Thank you to all our booth chairs: Deb Hoppy, Willa DeSouza, Greg Klein, Karla Recalde, Robin Riess, Mignon Groch, Catherine Hayton, Sarah Greenstein, Emma Staton, Vanita Treat, Traci Kiss, and Catherine Abrams - you made the day happen for us all! And thanks to US Student Council, US Jazz Band, US International Students, and MS Students of Culture for lending us a helping hand!

 

FCS at the Philadelphia Craft Show on Nov. 9!
Join FCS parents and alumni/ae at the PMA Craft Show for a special event featuring artist and FCS Alum Liz Wells Oppenheim '98. Find out more by downloading our flyer. The show also features artists from across the country and around the globe, including a special exhibit by guest artists from South Korea. Space still available! Click here to register and pay. Click here for a list of featured artists.

 

Asian American Affinity Group Family Dinner - Sunday, Nov. 12, 6-8 pm

If you or your family members are Asian American by heritage, marriage, or adoption, or if you are simply interested in learning more about being Asian American, please come and join us as we hold a casual family dinner at Pho Street in Bryn Mawr. Hosted by Catherine Chiang and Kavitha Goyal. Click here for the Evite.


Sad News of a Beloved Community Member

It is with sadness that we share that Jean Taranta, much beloved former Friends' Central Librarian, passed away peacefully on October 4, surrounded by her family. She had just celebrated her 95th birthday. A memorial service celebrating Jean's life will be held at Unitarian Universalist Church of Delaware County (145 W Rose Tree Rd, Media, PA) on Saturday, December 2 at 11 am. Please click here to view her obituary, a fitting tribute to an incredible woman.

 
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Former FCS staff member and current FCS grandparent Dr. Maria Siskin stopped by the Lower School this week to help Clay Club members learn how to throw on the potter's wheel!

Lower School News

Message Kelly Pierre
We're looking forward to seeing many of you on Tuesday, Oct. 31 for our Annual Lower School Halloween Parade, which takes place at 9 am. Families are invited to line the car loop and join in the fun. Please click here to see the letter I sent last week with all the details about the Halloween parade. Please click here to read the notes from my talk the Lower School Parent Coffee that took place yesterday.

 

LS Halloween Parade Next Week!

The Lower School Halloween Parade takes place on Tuesday! The parade begins promptly at 9 am on the car loop (in front of the LS gym and Light Lab) and will finish by 9:30 am. Students should arrive to school in costume.

 

Phoenix Press First Issue of the 2017-2018 Year is Out!
Click here to read this year's first issue of Phoenix Press, the Lower School newspaper produced by grade 4 students. Great job by all!

 

Parent Gatherings

Join us for our annual grade level gatherings!

Grade 4 - Saturday, Nov. 18

 

Grade 5 - Friday, Nov. 3 hosted by the Esposito's, 112 Walnut Lane, Philadelphia. Please RSVP to Willa DeSouza with what you will be contributing by October 30.

 

LETTUCE FEED YOU 

Menu for October 30-November 2

 

Monday - Vegetable soup & focaccia bread sticks

Tuesday - Turkey tacos & fresh cut raw veggies

Wednesday - Pasta Primavera & tossed salad w/ homemade dressing

Thursday - Chef's Choice Steak burgers, house-made french fries, & fresh cut raw veggies

Friday - Pizza Day!

 

 
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Construction began on the makernook today!

Middle School News

Message Alexa Quinn

During assembly this past Monday, students in our Students of Culture service group presented to the entire Middle School about Halloween costumes. The students talked about avoiding wearing costumes that may utilize or promote stereotypes and also those that may appropriate symbols and dress from cultures other than their own. They also talked about how many costumes that are sold in stores objectify girls and women. We have been doing this lesson for several years now, and I'm grateful to these student leaders for taking this on to help the Middle School have a fun-filled and celebratory Halloween that maintains the values and expectations of our community. As I reminded students, they should also avoid bringing in costume weapons of any kind. Eighth graders will be attending the Halloween parade at Lower School in the morning, and we have asked them not to wear any masks or scary costumes for the parade. They are welcome to do so when they are back on the City Avenue campus later in the day.


Today, we began the process of turning an unused office on the second floor of the Middle School building into a "makernook." The idea of a makernook arose from the need for greater access to shared resources that students could use to make things, like they do in the Makerspace, in the Middle School, and around campus. Michael Darfler, director of the Makerspace and computer science teacher, applied for and secured a grant from PlusUs, an educational design company. The big picture of the grant proposal is to create an ecosystem of Makerspaces throughout the School so that students can be empowered leaders of their own learning process. Accordingly, students have been part of the design process for our makernook from day one, and several of those same students helped with some of the initial demolition of the office today. We are excited to see this idea turned into a reality, and the goal is for the makernook to be open in January. It will have a 3-D printer, digital cutting machine, computer, crafting supplies, and whiteboard countertops. I look forward to sharing more information about the makernook's construction and use.


Warmly,

Alexa


Parent Wellness Event with Michael Blanche 
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7 pm, Middle School Room 10

A reminder that clinical social worker Michael Blanche will be speaking at an evening for parents and guardians on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7 pm in Room 10 of the Middle School. Michael will speak about wellness, substance abuse, and prevention. He will be meeting with Middle School students during the year to talk about these topics, so I strongly encourage you to come meet him and learn from his expertise in these areas. Click here for more information.


Grade 7 Echo Hill Parent Dinner - Nov. 7, 7 pm in Room 10

Parents and guardians are invited to join us for dinner and a viewing of the Echo Hill video. Please stay tuned for a formal invitation, which you will receive by email in the next several days.


Shrek Jr.
Join us for the Middle School production of Shrek Jr. on Friday, Nov. 17 at 7 pm and Sunday, Nov. 19 at 2 pm in Shallcross Hall.


Mid-Semester Reports

Mid-semester reports will be sent on Wednesday, Nov. 1, so you will have this information prior to Conference Day. Advisors will also send a very brief questionnaire prior to conferences so that you can tell your child's advisor what you'd like to focus on during the conference.

 

MS Parent-Child Game Day - Join your Middle Schooler on Nov. 2!

Middle School parents - join your Middle School child for Parent-Child Game Day on Thursday, Nov. 2 from 2-3 pm. We had a very successful event last year and look forward to another successful (and fun!) day this year. Please fill out this form and send it to the appropriate coach by way of your child by Oct. 30.


Grade 8 Parent Gathering - Nov. 11

The Grade 8 Parent Gathering takes place on Saturday, Nov. 11, 7-8:30 pm in the OPA Room. RSVP to Val Riesenfeld at mushman@comcast.net, and please include 2-3 interesting facts about you or your family. If you are able to attend, please click here for the SignUp Genius, and tell us what you'd like to bring. 

 
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Don't miss the Upper School production of Our Town tonight and tomorrow!

Upper School News

Message from the Upper School Office

Fall took its time getting here, but it was nice to experience a few days this week, at least, that felt like the end of October. Congratulations to Terry Guerin, C.J. Keller, and the dozens of students in the cast and crew of Thornton Wilder's Our Town, which played to enthusiastic crowds beginning with the preview on Thursday night. Classics like this one can be especially tough to get right for high school performers, especially as many audience members already have a sense of how it "should be" performed. The FCS ensemble rose to that challenge! Speaking of which, congratulations to the FCS girls' cross-country team for winning the Friends Schools League championship! Many of our other fall teams are still in the midst of the playoffs, so please come out to cheer them on. Therapist Michael Blanche, who is working with our students on making healthy choices, had a busy week. After talking with a group of engaged parents on Tuesday night, Michael met with all of the 12th graders during their English class blocks on Wednesday, following up on the presentation they had seen previously during assembly. The 12th graders appreciated Michael's informed and reasonable approach. Michael will be in next week on Nov. 1 to meet with our 11th graders in class-size groups. Our French exchange visitors were busy earlier in the week attending classes, touring Philadelphia -- what a city! -- and Longwood Gardens. We wish them a hearty bon voyage as they head home to Lyon, where our exchange participants will be reunited with their new friends in March. Thanks to teachers Clémence Attard and Cristina Perez for organizing the exchange, and to the many other teachers, parents and students who helped with tours, hosting and logistics. Health screenings were conducted this week for most Upper School students. Thanks to Penny Rosenblum, our wonderful nurse, for making it happen. In addition to lots of Halloween-related stuff going on here, the big calendar item for next week is the All-School Conference Day on Friday, Nov. 3. We look forward to seeing those of you who have signed up for a time to meet with your child's advisor or, in the case of some 12th grade parents, have arranged an appointment with a college counselor. Students will be delighted to hear there are no classes on November 3!

 

Don't Miss US Play Our Town Tonight and Tomorrow!

"No curtain. No scenery." A minimalist theatrical style sets apart the 1938 recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama: Thornton Wilder's Our Town. Please join us as we present this American classic to FCS audiences tonight, Oct. 27, and Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 pm. Check out a trailer for the play, created by Miles Meline '18, here.

 

US Yearbook 2018
Buy now to get your lowest price of the year! To order yearbooks at a discounted price, please click here. The low price will only be available until Oct. 27. After that date, the price of the yearbook will go up to $65. No need to sign in, click on yearbook, then add to cart, and it will automatically bring you to the page where you designate recipient name, etc. The yearbook will be delivered to Friends' Central's campus.

 

It's Not to Late to Order "A Boo for Boo"
Today, getting into the Halloween Spirit, members of "the scary" Prom Committee were running around campus giving unsuspecting students and faculty A Boo and A Boo Bag filled with candy. It's happening again on Monday Oct. 30 during classes, breaks, community block, and lunches! Don't miss out on the opportunity to give your child and their class a Boo! Prices: 1 Boo for $3 and 2 Boos for $5. Choose which "spooky" character you want to order, depending on which block the Boo is for. When you order a Boo, your child will be given a Boo in their class or at their location along with a bag of candy. A Boo for Boo is still on sale over this weekend - order one for Monday! To order, email Evan Paszamant, Taylor Williams, or Heather Tomes with the following info: 

  • Child's name 
  • Which block (class) the Boo will happen in
  • Who teaches that block/class
  • Who the Boo is from

 

MANNA Pie Sales Officially Open!
The student-run Upper School Service Committee is working with MANNA to help support their Pie in the Sky fundraiser. MANNA is a Philadelphia non-profit organization that nourishes seriously ill patients and their families. Each pie sold for this initiative is enough money to support a family meal. Please help us work together with MANNA and buy a pie or two by clicking here. Online orders are due by Thursday, Nov. 16, and pies will be ready for pick-up after school on Tuesday, Nov. 21 on both campuses. If you have any questions, please contact Annie Roberts '18 or Ben Miller '20. Thank you so much!

 

Senior Parent Social

Thursday, Nov. 2, 6-8 pm at Iron Hill Brewery Ardmore

Join us for a fun social evening. Light nibbles/cash bar.  

 

US Blood Drive - Nov. 10
The Upper School Red Cross blood drive is coming up – Friday, Nov 10, from 9 am-2 pm in Linton Gym! Click here to pre-register!

 

SAVE THE DATE

 

US Play - Our Town

Oct. 27 & 28 • 7 pm

 

LS Halloween Parade

Oct. 31 • 9 am

 

MS Parent Wellness Evening
Nov. 1 • 7 pm

 

MS Parent-Child Game Day
Nov. 2 • 2 pm

All-School Parent-Teacher Conference Day
Nov. 3 (No Classes)

US Music Fest
Nov. 4 • 7 pm

Daylight Saving Time Ends
Nov. 5

Gr. 7 Parent Echo Hill Dinner
Nov. 7 • 7 pm

Gr. 11 Parent/Student College "Nuts and Bolts"
Nov. 8 • 7 pm

 

Blood Drive

Nov. 10 • 9 am-2 pm

 

Fall Varsity Athletic Awards Evening
Nov. 10 • 7 pm

FCS Diversity Conference
Nov. 11

Grade 5 to 6 Parent Dinner
Nov. 14 • 7 pm

MS Play Shrek Jr.
Nov. 17 • 7 pm & Nov. 19 • 2 pm

News

Friends' Central Honored with Lower Merion Historic Preservation Award
This fall, Friends' Central and architect Barba + Wheelock were selected for a Lower Merion Township Historic Preservation Award for the School's newly renovated Ulmer Family Light Lab on the Lower School campus. Read more.


Leading the Maker Movement – Friends' Central Students Shine at World Maker Faire

Friends' Central continues to remain at the forefront of cutting-edge Maker Education. At the World Maker Faire in NY last month, FCS voices and projects were felt in multiple arenas. Lower & Middle School students and faculty gave a riveting demonstration of their State Fair project and their If the World Were a Village projects, and two Upper School students presented their show-stopping project – the RFiClimb, a wireless rock climbing wall with a scoring system that used RFiD and Bluetooth to show the climber's progress – winning Best in Class and multiple Editors' Awards. Read more.

 

Just the FaCtS is published each Friday by the Friends' Central Communications Office.
If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to email us at jtf@friendscentral.org.

 
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FRIENDS' CENTRAL SCHOOL

Lower School Campus | 228 Old Gulph Road | Wynnewood, PA 19096 | 610.642.7575

Middle/Upper School Campus | 1101 City Ave. | Wynnewood, PA 19096 | 610.649.7440

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