This week I was delighted to welcome 15 of our new families to Longleaf Center for Coffee & Connection—a social gathering, introductions, and some Q&A. Everyone has their own story as to why they came to Friends. Some, like my family, are new to Wilmington. Others were seeking a different style of education—one where their child is seen and heard.

There are many alternatives to a traditional public education model. I think Quaker schools do a wonderful job in finding the balance between academic endeavors and social-emotional learning, while providing an environment where a child can both find and be themselves. We are stewards of the earth, the greater community, and each other, and we strive to honor the Light in each person through acknowledging that every person is equal. Read More >>

Time to dust off those encyclopedias, open up your Wikipedia browsers, and binge-watch Jeopardy reruns (the OG ones with Alex Trebek of course). 

We're gearing up for an adults-only night out at Longleaf with a not-so-spooky Friday the 13th trivia tournament. Team up for the ultimate knowledge test, complete with door prizes, giveaways, and ultimate bragging rights. 

Follow the link below to register your 4 to 6 person team. No team? No problem! Enter as an individual or as a pair and we'll play matchmaker to assign you with another group.

Please note: Only 1 person per team needs to register!

Did you know that many Quakers were active participants in the Underground Railroad? Or that the peace symbol was designed by a British Quaker for a nuclear disarmament protest? What about that the famous chocolate company, Cadbury, is a Quaker-founded business and that the SPICES greatly influenced the company's approach to employee welfare and social responsibility?

Join Drew Smith, Executive Director of Friends Council on Education, for an interactive parent workshop on Quakerism and learn more about what it means to be part of a Quaker school community—his answers just may surprise you…

(For a sneak peek, check out this Instagram post from Drew’s time with faculty and staff back in August).

Already halfway through the first quarter of the school year and still so much to look forward to this fall season! Thanks to the incredible response rate for the pre-work survey and all of the conversations since, we've been able to hit the ground running with a number of PA-sponsored events, like our first workshop of the school year—Lunch Box Hacks: Easy Ways to Meet Nutritional Needs & Optimize Development—led by Dr. Maddy Day, M.D., Family Physician & Health Coach. 

Don't forget we also have our September moonick party coming up on Friday, 9/29, from 6-8PM, hosted by Candice Horbacz and Kara Johnson; our October PA meeting taking place virtually on Wednesday, 10/4, from 7-8PM; and a number of nature walks for all grade levels happening throughout the autumn months.

We're also a proud sponsor of Drew Smith's Parents New-to-Quakerism workshop on October 19th. We'll be in touch as the date nears with the Zoom link and a chance to submit questions beforehand. Stay dry this rainy weekend!

RESCHEDULED
Saturday, September 30th, 2-8PM
Live Oak Bank Pavilion 

We encourage all families to attend this event as a way to connect and experience the array of Latinx cultures through food, music, dancing, and more! If your family is able to attend, it would be so fun for students to take a picture of something from the event (e.g., a sign in Spanish, a menu, a video of a dance performance, a picture of a food they tasted, etc.) and send to our all-school Spanish teacher Martina Jonsson-Boykin to be used as a conversation starter in class. Visiting this event can be an incredibly impactful opportunity to learn about our diverse Wilmington community. We especially hope to encourage students with a strong motivation for learning Spanish and/or interest in our Dominican Republic service-learning trip to also connect in this way locally. 

October 2 | October 9 | October 16, 9-9:45AM
Longleaf Center for Environmental Learning

As we expand the reach of Longleaf Center to the wider Wilmington community, we are thrilled to partner with FSW teaching alumna and environmental educator, Lyndsay Schubert, to offer a parent/child nature series for walking toddlers 12-24 months. Please share widely with friends, colleagues, and neighbors to spread the word! 

Preschool: Saturday, October 7, 10AM-12PM
K-8: Tuesday, October 10, 3:30-5PM

You know better than anyone what makes FSW truly special. Your unwavering support, unrivaled enthusiasm, and personal experiences are invaluable in showcasing what sets us apart. Please save the dates and share this information with your friends, neighbors, and colleagues who are searching for a vibrant and vigorous learning environment. 

For any questions or for further information about the Open Houses, please reach out to Director of Admissions, David Hoolahan.

"Cooking with Corrie rocks! I wanted to share how Max lovessss Cooking with Corrie. After Thursday we had some steps to do with the No Knead Bread recipe. A couple times on Friday Max to me, “Mom, we have to get home to the bread!” After the soccer game last night we finished the steps and he made the bread! He dipped it in tomato sauce, gave some to his brother, and packed some up for his aunti. I have a joy of cooking and loved doing this with him last night! Big thanks for all you do, Corrie!"

- Tracy Tertzagian, Director of Enrichment