September 25, 2024 

The theme of this week's FriendsMail is...soccer! Between the faculty vs. student match on Friday, yesterday's first home game, and tomorrow's 8th grade student-athlete celebration, we are feeling some serious EarthQuaker pride!  

P.S. Don't forget that Friday is a professional development day for faculty/staff. No school for students! 

We welcomed St. Mark to Francisco Field for our first home game yesterday afternoon! We have a record number of players on this year's team and another home game scheduled for tomorrow, September 26th, at 4PM against Myrtle Grove Christian. Be sure to come out and support this star-studded squad!  

As we are now a month into this school year, it is essential to pause and reflect on the incredible dedication of our teachers, who are at the heart of this community. Every day they show up, bringing with them not just lessons, but patience, creativity, and a deep commitment to nurturing the minds and spirits of our students.

Teaching is often described as a calling, and it’s easy to see why. Our teachers go beyond the classroom; they inspire, support, and shape the future of every child they encounter. This work requires passion, but also sacrifice—long hours spent planning lessons, grading assignments, and creating engaging and supportive environments. Many of these hours extend far beyond the end of the school day.

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How to Take Eco-Action with the PA Green Team

Look, we get it. Sometimes taking action on a big issue feels overwhelming when you're plagued with analysis paralysis. "I want to compost, but where do I start?" "I want to eliminate single-use plastics in my home, but what do I use instead?" "Wait, is this plastic recyclable?" Thanks to FSW parent Meghan Sweeney and the incredible work of the PA Green Team, we're excited to offer a number of resources to help streamline some concrete steps you can take that make a big difference to our ecosystem! Check out Meghan's Eco-Action list here, as well as a green event checklist to follow both at school and at home!    

All terrible puns aside, environmental education is a central part of our school's mission and we are so proud to uplift the amazing work that our students, teachers, and families do as stewards to the earth.

Next Monday, 3 student representatives, along with 5th Grade Lead Teacher Corrie, will present at North Carolina Composting Council's (NCCC) "Building School Composting Infrastructure" panel discussion where they'll highlight the evolution of our all-school recycling and compost initiatives. Stay tuned for next week's FM where we'll report back on Hazel Guendner, Mikey Cook, Abby McIntosh, and Corrie Slay's great work!

Then, on Thursday, October 3rd, join NCCC's Sustainable Spirits gathering at Waterman's Brewing from 5:30-8PM for a family-friendly networking event to learn about local composting efforts. Enjoy live acoustic rock/bluegrass music and free appetizers! RSVP here. A special thank you to FSW parent Kat Polk, NCCC's Executive Director, for organizing these amazing events as part of North Carolina's Climate Week!

Soccer Spotlight

It may be 6th through 8th graders out on the field, but our soccer frenzy is school-wide! We couldn't resist showing off some of these awesome shots captured over the last week!

Welcome Coles/Gadsby-Fay Family 

A warm welcome to our newest family to join the FSW community, the Coles/Gadsby-Fays! Lennon joins Eileen and Julie's 2nd grade Seahorses, and Elliot joins Meghann and Liz's 4th grade Pelicans. Welcome, friends! We're excited to have you with us!

In Search of Iron Man Volunteers

Middle School Science teacher Rob is putting together a crack team of volunteers to run Transition 2 (bike to run) at this year's Ironman race on Saturday, October 19th, and he needs your help! If you have time to spare (or maybe know some high school students who are in need of service hours), please follow the link HERE to sign up. All volunteers receive a parking pass, t-shirt, lunch, and a whole heap of thanks! Please contact Rob with any questions.

1) Transition 2 Volunteers (8:30AM-1PM): man all entrance and exits to T2, assisting and cheering athletes through their transition from bike to run.

2) Transition 2 Volunteers (1-5:30PM): facilitate bike check-out as athletes collect their bikes after the event.

Annual Fund Gratitudes

A tremendous thank you to David Hoolahan for your generous contribution to the Annual Fund. $100,000, here we come!

Last Week's FriendsMail (09/18/24)

Lower School Handbook

Middle School Handbook

Technology Guide & All-School Technology Policy

School News

Calendar

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