January 15, 2025
It may be 30-degree temperatures outside, but we're dreaming of those hot summer days! We're thrilled to announce that our camp schedule is set and we're ready to extend early registration to current FSW families! With nearly 400 campers in attendance last year, we're sure to sell out again, so please don't wait. Registration open to current families NOW; to last year's participants on Saturday, January 25th; and to the public on Saturday, February 1st. Use passcode SummerwithFriends to register!
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It may be 30-degrees outside, but we're dreaming of those hot summer days! We're thrilled to announce that our camp schedule is set and we're ready to extend early registration to current FSW families! With nearly 400 campers in attendance last year, we're sure to sell out again, so don't wait. Registration open to current families NOW; to last year's participants on Saturday, January 25th; and to the public on Saturday, February 1st. Use passcode SummerwithFriends to register!
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On Monday we will gather at the Brooklyn Arts Center for our annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As we prepare, we reflect on the deep connections between Quaker values and the ongoing struggle for justice, peace, and equality. While Quakers have made significant contributions to history, listing the “most famous” Quakers is somewhat contradictory to our core beliefs.
However, some Quakers--by living out their values with extraordinary dedication--have left a lasting impact. Bayard Rustin, a lifelong Quaker, embodied these principles through his tireless activism, especially in his work alongside Dr. King in the Civil Rights Movement. Read more >>>
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Parent Association Updates |
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| So many exciting things in the works for our PA after a wonderfully energizing meeting this morning. Check out the list of events below and sign up or reach out to get involved!
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- Our January PA Teacher Appreciation event will be a hot oatmeal toppings bar for all faculty and staff on Thursday, January 23rd. We're looking for donations as well as day-of volunteers. Click the button below to sign up!
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We're still in search of one more parent to volunteer with tomorrow's Good Shepherd dinner shift from 4:30-7PM. Sign up HERE!
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Save the date for our next Anxious Generation book discussion, happening at luna caffe on Sunday, February 23rd at 5:30PM. Thank you to FSW parent and psychiatrist Julie Adams for leading!
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Since our founding 30 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. Day has been a cornerstone of the FSW community. While our physical campus is closed, this is an official school day where students and families gather for a meaningful program honoring Dr. King.
This year's MLK Day Program will take place on Monday, January 20th, from 10:00–11:00AM at the Brooklyn Arts Center (516 N 4th Street). Every grade will perform songs, poems, and essays celebrating Dr. King’s life and legacy.
Afterward, we invite you to visit the City of Wilmington's Family and Multi-Cultural Celebration Event at the Wilmington Convention Center (10 Convention Center Drive), featuring live entertainment, vendors, short films, podcasts, Greek fraternity and sorority demonstrations, and more.
Visit the link below for all event information and answers to important questions like where to park, when to arrive, and what other happenings are taking place throughout the week.
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Growing Our Native Tree Nursery |
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Remember last fall when we asked for tree seeds? Thanks to your generosity—and the amazing leadership of FSW parent Jen Biringer—our Native Tree Nursery has officially taken off! Over the next two weeks, every grade level across campus will have a chance to plant seeds for oak, cypress, hickory, and longleaf pine trees. That’s right—HUNDREDS of seeds!
These seeds are going into air pruning boxes (generously built by volunteers with the NHC Arboretum) that encourage the roots to branch out and become super fibrous. (Did you know that when a root hits air, it stops growing and signals the plant to sprout even more roots? Nature is amazing!) The result is stronger, healthier saplings, perfectly prepped for their future homes.
Next year, these young trees will be transplanted around Wilmington as part of a citywide “micro forest” project. Just imagine: the tiny seeds we’re planting today growing into a beautiful, thriving canopy for our community tomorrow.
We’re so grateful to Friends of the Arboretum, the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees, and the NC Cooperative Extension for making this pilot project possible. It’s a true team effort, and we couldn’t be more excited to watch these little seeds—and our students—grow. 🌱
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Artist Retreat Applications Due Soon |
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We're excited to share information about the upcoming Artist Retreat to Bald Head Island on February 26th-27th. This is an opt-in trip requiring an application that's open to all Middle School students (though space is limited to 15). Middle School art teacher Amy had a lovely interest meeting yesterday with an energized group of artists.
Similar to last year's trip (and those held pre-COVID), we'll work closely with Bald Head Island Conservancy to blend environmental lessons with art projects and recreational time.
Important dates to keep in mind:
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Wednesday, January 22nd: Application due to Amy
- Wednesday, February 5th: Artists notified of acceptance status
- February 26th-27th: Artist Retreat
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A friendly reminder from the Admissions and Business Offices: re-enrollment packets for the 2025-2026 school year are going out this week! Families receiving financial aid will also receive details about their awards at this time. With many classes at full capacity, please be sure to return your materials by the February 5th deadline to secure your spot for next year!
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Welcome New Family Burkhart
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A warm welcome to our newest family to the FSW community, the Burkharts! Zoren, mom Heidi, and fur sibling Duke joined Angie and Mariya's Stepping Stone's Reef class earlier this week!
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A tremendous thank you to Karen Cumberbatch, Asa Janey, and Rebecca Joh for your generous contributions to the Annual Fund. We're almost to 50% of our year's goal!
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Sustainability Spotlight ♻️ |
Carpool (and Maybe Karaoke, Too?)
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Welcome to Sustainability Spotlight--our standing section in FriendsMail where we connect with the PA's Green Team to share eco-friendly tips and tricks each week.
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We're gauging interest in organizing carpools throughout different areas of town. Interested in participating or want to share feedback? Take the survey HERE.
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Our Green Team is working to provide reusable bowls for our upcoming Teacher Appreciation oatmeal bar so we'll have more eco-friendly serving options at future events!
- Lastly, our next Green Team meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 30th from 8-9AM in Longleaf Cottage. We hope you'll join us to learn more environmental stewardship here at Friends!
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5814 Camellia Lane | Wilmington, NC 28409 US
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