October 18, 2026

What a lovely, cooler weekend we've been having, Friends! Hard to believe that we are already halfway through October; this time really does fly. 

Did you know that we're having our first Open House of the school year this Tuesday at 3:15PM? If you have people in your external community who you want to bring into the FSW family, now is a perfect time to invite them down here to check out our campus!
You know you want to 😉

Share this registration link with your peeps and then keep on reading for this week's updates! 

These Friends are looking at the waterfall the same way we're looking at this $690 we raised at Jungle Rapids on Wednesday! Wow!! Thank you to all 115 of you who really showed up and showed out. 

Over the past two days, I gathered with Friends school heads from across the country for meetings at firstly Moorestown Friends School and then at the Friends Center in Philadelphia. Time with colleagues who share a commitment to Friends education offered an important opportunity for honest conversation about the challenges facing our schools, and the responsibility we carry to lead with clarity and conviction.

Alongside rising operating costs, we discussed the pressure of government actions and proposals that challenge how we live our values. The prospect of losing nonprofit status for supporting diversity initiatives is deeply concerning, as are efforts to characterize work toward racial equity as discrimination against white people. As a Quaker school, our commitment to dignity, equity, and belonging is not something separate from our mission. It is an expression of it.

. . . 

The breakfast buffet of our dreams!! 😍
Sincerest thank you to each and every parent who helped with this past week's Teacher Appreciation event. The faculty and staff were exceedingly pleased with the display, and ever-so grateful. Our community rocks!

Sign up to be part of the parent forum to assist in the accreditation of our school!

Ticket sales are live! Act now for early bird pricing.
This is an event that you won't want to miss!

Come one, come all to a favorite FSW tradition, the Book Character Parade! 

On Wednesday, October 28th, all students get to come to school dressed as their most beloved book character, and you can witness the creativity as we proudly gallivant our costumes through campus. 

The parade will start at 8:30 AM. 
In order to prevent traffic through the parade route, Camellia Gate will close at 8:15 AM. 

Parents coming on campus to watch the parade are advised to enter and exit through the Peiffer Gate, and park on the soccer field. 

Later that afternoon, is Fall Festival!
Parent volunteers are essential for making Fall Festival a success, so follow the link below if you want to sign up.

Please note: We kindly ask that parents refrain from attending Fall Fest unless they are volunteering with a station. 

Earlier this week, our 3rd, 4th, & 7th graders took a trip to the 54th annual Waccamaw Siouan Powwow! This has become a tradition for our Friends and is such a special opportunity to learn about the indigenous culture in our area. 

We're always looking for volunteers to help with our monthly dinner shifts at Good ShepherdCenter! Follow the link HERE to sign up for any of the upcoming shifts, now through February!
We serve on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4:30-7:00 PM at 811 Martin Street.
Come lend a hand and be part of this meaningful community effort!

This past Thursday, volunteers from Friends School served 65 people and made: 

12lbs pasta

92 slices of bread

4 gallons of tea

60 dessert plates

15lbs ground beef