Dear All,

Week one is in the books! What a week it was. Much fun, laughter, reunions, some tears, new friendships, soccer practices, snapping turtles, closed gates, new routines, heavy rainstorms, plenty of sunshine and humidity, but most importantly, a lot of love.

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to introduce themselves this week, and I ask for patience as I prioritize learning the students’ names first. I’ve been trying to get around to all the grades with a goal of seeing them all for similar periods of time, but I definitely get distracted—and perhaps overstay my welcome—with our littlest Friends. They are so funny and kind, and they let their Lives speak through kindness and empathy for their classmates and teachers. A beautiful thing to interact with.

On Sunday we will host Party in the Pines at Longleaf Center from 2-4pm. I hope you can make it and re-engage with old friends and perhaps make some new ones. There will be a Chocolate & S’more food truck as well as games, an arts & crafts station, and music!

In Peace,

Tony

Last Friday, August 11th, FSW faculty and staff gathered for a truly transformative professional development workshop led by Drew Smith, Executive Director of Friends Council on Education.

Much of what we knew about Quakerism was grounded in our guiding values—what we colloquially call the SPICES (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship). Following our time together, we left campus with a deeper sense of identity and purpose to guide our students as citizens of the community and of the greater world; to listen intently with respect for others and envision—collectively—a more ideal society in which we are all interconnected. Take a look...

We're thrilled to announce a relaunch of our Dominican Republic international service learning trip (previously on pause since 2019), taking place January 20-January 27, 2024.

Open to 7th and 8th grade applicants, the trip offers students an opportunity to partner with DREAM Project for a classroom-focused intercambio (exchange) of teaching and learning between Dominican children and FSW  students. Service time is balanced with cultural excursions such as a hike with cave swimming, cacao farm tour, beach day, and more.

Timeline: 

For questions or additional information, please contact Trip Coordinator & PreK-8th Grade Spanish Teacher, Martina Jonsson-Boykin. 

Harris Teeter’s Together In Education program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. For every purchase, a percentage is donated with no limits to how much we can earn. Follow along with the video tutorial to get started! 

Sunday, August 20th
2:00-4:00PM

We can't wait to welcome everyone to Longleaf Center for our annual back-to-school bash at this year's Party in the Pines, happening on Sunday, August 20th, from 2-4PM.

Sip on frozen hot chocolate from Chocolate & S'more, munch on a Midtown Pop confetti creation, and enjoy a sunny afternoon filled with bubbles, arts & crafts, lawn games, and community fellowship, including a brief welcome by Tony McCudden. Parking will take place on the soccer field. Just head through the big double gate next to the field to access our Longleaf property.  

See you soon, Friends!  

Tuesday, August 29th
5:00-6:00PM

Spend the evening with your child's teacher to learn more about Montessori curricula, timelines, routines, and assessments.

For Stargazers Blue and Stargazers Purple families only; no Stepping Stones program.

Thursday, August 31st
5:00-7:00PM

Spend the evening with your child's teacher to learn more about grade level curricula, timelines, routines, and assessments.

Kindergarten through 5th grade will meet in individual classrooms from 5-6PM; Middle School round robins will take place from 6-7PM.

"I have a Kudos shout-out to Marla and Theresa. They were extremely helpful during my onboarding process. As a new faculty member, they ensured that my onboarding went smoothly. I can't thank them enough. In my professional career, I've dealt with quite a few onboarding teams and this is by far the most pleasant experience I've had."

- Tatyana Brannon, Middle School Math Teacher Assistant