August 8, 2025

It’s hard to believe summer is winding down. Teachers are back next week, with students following soon after, and we’re already feeling that familiar mix of excitement and butterflies. Whether you’re coming back or just getting started, we’re so glad you’re here!

We are growing a Learning & Giving Garden! During the summer, we've been busy at Longleaf Center preparing a new garden area for fall cultivation. Several parent volunteers braved the heat and humidity on multiple days to lay down a thick layer of cardboard across 1600 square feet and cover this with several inches of compost. After about eight weeks, we'll add more compost on top and prepare to plant our first crop of veggies! Thanks to Sarah McIntosh, Beverly Ward and Maria McHale for their help with this project. We also thank Wilmington Compost Company for the beautiful compost and Two-Wheeler Dealer for the steady supply of large cardboard boxes. Our Learning and Giving Gardens are a long-term initiative to grow fresh food for local organizations that support the food insecure in southeastern NC. Funding for Phase 1 has been generously bestowed by an anonymous community member. To learn more about this project, please contact Karen Linehan at karenl@fsow.org

Dear Friends,

As the 2025-2026 school year commences, and I enter my third year in this amazing community, I am excited by the future and the opportunities that lay before us.

While summer may seem like a break for schools, it is a time of deep work and strategic pause for administrators. At FSW we have spent the past few months reflecting on the year behind us, processing feedback from the parent and faculty surveys, and aligning our vision with the hopes and expectations of our students and families. In the coming weeks and months I will continue to communicate our plans for the future, including actionable steps that will deepen relationships, strengthen our programs, and promote an environment where all community members feel they belong.

Read more >>>

We’re so excited to welcome Lexi King and Tim McGlinn as this year’s PA Co-Clerks! They’re already jumping in with their first order of business: class parent nominations.

Take a look at the link below to see what the role involves and nominate yourself or a fellow parent to serve. It’s a great way to stay connected and support your child’s class community.

You’ll also find this year’s full schedule of PA meetings, so mark your calendars and join us when you can!

Your one-stop shop for all things back-to-school is here! In the hub, you’ll find everything you need to get the year off to a smooth start: school supply lists, important dates, and contact info for key staff.

Be sure to update your child’s approved pick-up list, review immunization requirements, and mark your calendar for upcoming events. We’re excited to kick off another great year together—let’s make it a good one!

We’re excited to kick off another great year of after-school fun! Registration is now open, and you can view the full schedule for the year at the link below. This trimester’s lineup includes Soccer Shots for every grade level, co-ed Middle School Soccer, Kindermusik, Instrument Makers, Clay Creations, and Dungeons & Dragons!

No need to pay at sign-up. Club fees will be billed on the first day of the session, and CARE will be billed monthly. We can’t wait to see what your children discover, create, and enjoy this year!

We're absolutely thrilled to welcome several new employees to FSW this year, including a few familiar faces!

MLK Apparel

Each year, one of our most cherished traditions is our Martin Luther King Jr. Day Community Program. On this day of reflection, unity, and service, our entire school comes together wearing matching t-shirts as a visible sign of solidarity. We invite you to order your shirt today and join us in honoring Dr. King's legacy together.

Whistleblower Policy

As an annual reminder, our Whistleblower Policy is designed to encourage and protect individuals who report concerns about misconduct, unethical behavior, or violations of policy or law. Reports can be made confidentially and without fear of retaliation. Please see the linked document for full details on the policy, including reporting procedures and protections in place.

Back-to-School Supplies

As the excitement of a new school year begins, now is a great time to pause and think about how we can care for both our community and the planet. Instead of buying everything brand new, try giving gently used backpacks, lunchboxes, and supplies a second life. A little creativity, like decorating last year’s folders or swapping clothes with a friend, can go a long way! 🎒✏️📓

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