Note: This time with working hyperlinks. Geez Louise. TGIF! 

Happy Friday!

Speaking with a mentor last night, I realized that I could not inform them of what a typical week at FSW looks like. What with tropical storms, illness, and long weekends, I don’t think we’ve truly been able to get into the swing of the year just yet.

I can’t say enough how incredible the faculty and staff are here. I’m sure it has reached a point where anytime they see an email from me they ask, “How does he want us to pivot this time?” In truth they have done so without complaint. I thought the Lower School and Middle School Curriculum Nights last evening were just fabulous. I know we made the switch to an online format quite late so a very large thank you to teachers who put together presentations and engaged so many of you in a virtual world. Read more >>

As we embark on another exciting academic year at Friends School of Wilmington, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our Annual Fund Campaign. The Annual Fund is FSW's largest yearly fundraiser and gives the entire FSW community an opportunity to partner with us as we seek to inspire and equip the next generation of lifelong leaners, leaders, and friends.

Funds raised directly and immediately support teaching and learning at FSW by providing unrestricted, strategic allotments to cover costs for classroom materials and equipment, enrichment programs, financial aid, and professional development opportunities.

Your commitment to our school and its mission is truly inspiring, and we are grateful for your partnership. In just 1 day, we're already at 1% of our total goal! Thank you! Together, we can ensure that FSW continues to provide a nurturing, values-driven education for generations to come.

Coinciding with the independence days of several Latin American countries, National Hispanic Heritage Month is held between September 15th and October 15th every year and is a celebration of the rich and diverse cultural contributions of our country’s Latin@ and Hispanic communities. This year, we are thrilled to serve as a sponsor for the 2nd Annual Cape Fear Latinos Festival taking place on Saturday, September 23rd, from 2-8PM at Live Oak Bank Pavilion! 

We will have a staffed booth on-site with literature, crafts, and activities surrounding the monarch butterfly’s migration to Mexico. If your middle school student is interested in volunteering as a booth ambassador, please sign up HERE and be on the lookout for additional information from our all-school Spanish teacher, Martina Jonsson-Boykin. We are so looking forward to participating in this city-wide event and uplifting an important opportunity for us to appreciate and learn from the vibrant tapestry of Hispanic traditions. 

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is a cornerstone of our curriculum and one of the many ways in which we seek to educate the whole child. In recognizing that student well-being is essential for their growth and success both within and beyond the classroom, we rely on the brilliant expertise of our dedicated school counselor, Landis Holman.

This week, Landis introduced SEL concepts from our MindUP curriculum, like self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, relationship building, and responsible decision-making to many of our Lower School classrooms and discussed the ways in which our brains and nervous systems can impact our emotions. By shaking a glitter jar, Landis guided students in deep breathing exercises to demonstrate how we may regulate our breath and bodies to settle our feelings.

Did you know that EVERY parent is automatically part of the Parent Association?! Learn more about the work of the PA and opportunities for involvement at the first meeting of the year on Wednesday, September 13th, from 8:15-9AM at Longleaf Center (coffee and socializing starting at 7:45).

Please fill out the pre-work survey IN ADVANCE to help Co-Clerks Sarah McIntosh & Chelsea Bradshaw shape the agenda and see how each PA member's unique strengths and talents can best be utilized. 

We are thrilled to add this new community series to our calendar which allows different sets of families to spend time with one another at Longleaf Cottage and talk with Tony and other faculty/staff.

We warmly invite NEW-TO-FSW-FAMILIES to join us on Wednesday, September 20th to meet, mingle, ask questions, and get the scoop on all things FSW. It's sure to be a latte fun!

"Tracy Tertzagian always brings her best self. She inspires, builds confidence, and is genuine. Plus, she’s raising two amazing young men. I am so grateful to have her as a colleague and friend."

- Anonymous Friend