October 31, 2024 

The perfect Halloween poem to punctuate this fine fall day 👻🐦‍⬛

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door—
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
               Only this and nothing more.”
--Edgar Allan Poe, "The Raven"

Our 8th grade students just wrapped up an extra sweet election debate between Hershey’s and Twix! For the past few weeks, they’ve taken on campaign roles like candidates, campaign managers, operations managers, and communications managers. They’ve created eye-catching signs, stumped for their candidates, and on Tuesday faced off in a lively debate in front of their 3rd-7th grade peers. The topics? Everything from labor practices and environmental impacts of cocoa harvesting to nutrition deficits of traditional candy bars (and yes, we did fact-check!). Tremendous congratulations to Social Studies teacher Glen and this amazing 8th grade class for bringing real-world issues to the table in such a hands-on, engaging way!

Halloween is a highlight of the year for children, offering a unique mix of imagination, creativity, and fun. It’s a day when kids can dress up as their favorite characters, embrace a little spookiness, and fill plastic cauldrons with candy while sharing in the excitement with friends and family. While Halloween’s origins are rooted in ancient traditions, like the Christian All Hallows’ Eve, today’s celebrations are much more about fun than tradition. Modern Halloween is centered on community and joy, with costumes, decorations, and candy taking center stage, making it a special time for children to make lasting memories without needing to understand the historical roots behind it.

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Our Stargazer through 4th grade students had a blast yesterday, proudly showing off their creative costumes and celebrating their favorite stories during the Book Character Parade. Afterwards, our Middle Schoolers took over, running the annual Fall Festival with spooktacular stations for each class and their buddies. From face painting and field games to spooky stories and campus hayrides, they made sure everyone had an unforgettable time. It was a day full of joy, community, and the magic of autumn!

5th grade and Kindergarten buddies play keepy uppy 🎈

4th grade Tilley rocks an art-tastic Frida Kahlo costume 🎨

Middle Schoolers Andy and Harper lead a spooky story time station 🦇

Pirates Ivy, Katie, and Eiver arrrgh captains of the Stargazers 🏴‍☠️ 

Trail leaders Live, Max, Lola, and Ari braved the Longleaf forests 🕷️

Farmer Mike returned to his annual station as hayride driver 👨🏼‍🌾

7th grade artist Molly paints 5th grader Brody's banana face 🍌

In Stepping Stones, Audriana and Lucy enjoy a leaf sensory bin 🍁

Middle School celebrates a job well done leading this year's Fall Fest 🧡

Parents, please remember that next Monday, November 4th, the Wilmington Lions Club will be on campus to offer free vision screenings to all students! Screenings will provide a digital reading of your child’s eyes with results indicating a "pass" or a "refer" (meaning a vision concern was noticed and there is a suggestion to visit an eye care professional). 

If you would like to participate, please REGISTER HERE. Interested parents must also fill out a consent form for their child(ren) and return it to their child(ren)'s teacher/advisor.

What's scarier than a goblin in a graveyard?! Missing our new financial aid and re-enrollment deadlines! Several changes have been made to align these two timelines, so please keep the below dates in mind and watch the Re-Enrollment Info Session video linked HERE. Questions? Reach out to Admissions Director David or Business Manager Marla.

Friends, if you feel so inclined, we invite you to join the larger Cape Fear community on Thursday, November 14th, at 7PM for a powerful evening of unity and reflection. “Common Ground: A Night of Reflections on Hope and Peace” will bring together diverse voices from across Wilmington to inspire connection, healing, and shared purpose. In a time when division seems ever-present, this interfaith service offers a sacred space to reflect on what unites us—our shared hope for a better world and the pursuit of lasting peace. We invite all members of the community—regardless of background or belief—to join us in this evening of peace-filled reflection and renewal. Let us kindle hope and find the peace that comes when we gather as one. 

Hosted by Wilmington Faith Leaders United, this event also serves as a community-driven fundraiser to support Western NC recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene.

Standard Response Protocol (SRP) provides consistent, clear, shared language and actions among all students, staff and first responders in the event of an emergency. As part of our commitment to 360-degree student wellbeing, we will be conducting more frequent safety drills aligned with the I Love U Guys SRP. Our goal is to ensure students and staff are well-prepared for any situation while also keeping families informed every step of the way. We’ll be communicating regularly and intentionally about these drills to keep everyone aware and engaged in our school’s safety efforts. Thank you for your continued support and trust!

Bittersweet Farewell to Anastasia Christopoulos

Middle School Spanish teacher Anastasia Christopoulos—a passionate educator and a bright presence on campus this year—will be stepping down from her position at the end of November. This was a heartfelt and difficult decision for her, and she has shared her deep gratitude for the kindness and support she has experienced here at Friends School.

We are incredibly thankful for Anastasia’s dedication and the strong, meaningful relationships she has built with our students. Her positive influence will be remembered, and we wish her all the best as she embarks on the next chapter of her journey.

A search for a new Middle School Spanish teacher is already underway, and we are committed to finding a talented and enthusiastic replacement to join us at the start of Trimester 2. Thank you for your understanding and support as we make this transition smoothly for our students.

Trivia Night

Time to dust off those encyclopedias, open up your Wikipedia browsers, and binge-watch Jeopardy reruns! Our 2nd Annual Trivia Night is just around the corner on Friday, November 15th, from 6-8PM at Longleaf Cottage! Join us for this adults-only gathering, complete with beer, wine, hors d'oeuvres, door prizes, giveaways, and--of course--ultimate bragging rights! Register HERE.

Annual Fund Gratitudes

A tremendous thank you to Stephanie Byrd, Cara Stretch, Kelly Franklin, Chris Kresge, Tony McCudden, Jenni Boyd & Chaya Bender for your generous contributions to the Annual Fund! Did you know 100% of our Board of Trustees and 100% of our administrative team have already donated this year?!

Last Week's FriendsMail (10/16/24)

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Technology Guide & All-School Technology Policy

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