December 18, 2024

Happy holidays, Friends! Wishing you all a joyful season and a bright start to the new year. We’re so grateful for all the moments we’ve shared and the joy this community brings.

Congratulations to 5th grade artists Ryan, Ella, Clemmy, and Emery for making waves in the Cape Fear Public Utility Authority “Value of Water” art contest! Their masterpieces will be featured in the 2025 calendar, and the entire class's artwork is headed to the CFPUA office walls! We are so exceptionally proud of all our student artivists!

Yesterday morning, I had one of those heart-stopping moments when my son called me at 6:00 AM. He had driven his girlfriend back to Maryland the day before and was on his way home to Chapel Hill. He just wanted to let me know that he’d woken up early and was sitting in the parking lot of the Sandy Spring Meeting House, a place we lived next door to for 11 years, waiting for our favorite bakery to open. That beautiful Meeting House, built in 1817, has been a spiritual home for generations of Maryland Quakers. Read more >>>

In winding down for winter break, we're celebrating the conclusion of some major events like our annual Toy Swap and already planning ahead to 2025. Check out our December meeting minutes if you weren't able to attend, and mark your calendars for our upcoming sessions and community moonicks!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 10th annual Night of Peace! It was a joy to welcome hundreds of families and friends to campus for this beautiful winter concert, celebrating the Light within each of us. Of course, the students’ performances were a highlight of the evening, from 3rd and 4th grade's "Better Bundle Up" dance to Luna Erichsen's breathtaking rendition of "My Favorite Things." We are so grateful to all who made this event possible, especially our beloved music teacher Anna. Thank you, all,  for being part of this meaningful tradition.

As the calendar year comes to a close, our students have been immersed in such meaningful and joyful learning. Last week our Middle School advisories spread holiday cheer at local assisted living facilities with caroling and handmade holiday cards, while preschoolers explored cultural traditions and holiday artifacts from around the world. Fifth graders took to the Garden House Stage with an educational play about composting, and Kindergarten collaborated with local environmentalists to learn about the new chimney swift tower at Longleaf. 1st grade joined their 6th grade buddies in the science lab to make ice cream, and 4th graders ventured to the Northeast Library to dive into archival research for their American Revolution unit. This season has been filled with connection, curiosity, and creativity, and we can’t wait to see what adventures 2025 will bring!

Today we say goodbye to 1st Grade Lead Teacher Julia Maguire as she and her fiancé, Lyndon, prepare to relocate to Charleston, SC. Julia has been such a meaningful part of our community, bringing her passion and care to every role she’s held. From teaching in multiple grade levels to leading our summer camp program, her dedication to students and colleagues has touched so many lives.

Following winter break, we will welcome Caroline Conolly as the new 1st grade Lead. Caroline has already spent time in the classroom getting to know the students and the rhythm of the day, and we are so excited she is joining our community.

Please join us in thanking Julia for all she has brought to FSW and in wishing her the best as she begins this exciting new chapter. She will be dearly missed.

Tuition Rates for the 2025-2026 School Year

Did you receive Tony's Monday email regarding next year's re-enrollment process and tuition rates? If not, be sure to check out his update and reach out with any questions!

Morning & Extended Stargazer Program

For the 2025-2026 year, parents will enroll their Stargazer student in the Morning Program or the Extended Program when they submit their child’s online enrollment packet. To ensure your family's preferred schedule, please reply to David's earlier email by January 10th. 

Embracing Simplicity & Stewardship This Holiday Season

Welcome to Sustainability Spotlight--a new, standing section in FriendsMail where we connect with the PA's Green Team to share eco-friendly tips and tricks each week. Today's theme? To encourage friends and family to embrace:

Last Week's FriendsMail (12/05/24)

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