March 1, 2026

The warm sun is returning, Spring Break is drawing closer, The EarthQuakers had a super successful Science Olympiad competition yesterday, and did I hear something about all the planets being aligned last night? 🧐
With all those things considered, it seems like this might just be a wonderful week. 

Enjoy this short newsletter, and then get outside and soak up today's beautiful weather! 

That pep rally sure did pay off because our Science Olympians CRUSHED IT in the Division A portion of their tournament this weekend. Read about it below!

As we approach the end of our second trimester, it’s remarkable to think how far we’ve come this year. We’ve weathered the cold mornings, braved a snowstorm, and pushed through the challenges of winter together. Along the way, our community has been anything but quiet, filled with service projects, field trips, MLK Day celebrations, and the inevitable battle against a stubborn winter virus.

With Spring Break just around the corner, there’s a sense of renewal in the air. When we return on Monday, March 8, we’ll step into the final stretch of the year, one overflowing with learning, adventure, and connection. Before we gather once more to celebrate our 8th grade graduates on May 29, there’s so much to look forward to. Our signature middle school trips to Raleigh, Washington, D.C., and the mountains of West Virginia, overnight adventures for 3rd through 5th grades, spirited soccer matches for our upper campus girls’ team, and the much anticipated 5th through 8th grade play.

We’ll also come together for some of our most beloved traditions. GrandFriends Day on Thursday, April 2, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., and our Parent Auction and Evening with Friends at Shell Island Resort on Saturday, May 16, an evening sure to be full of laughter, stories, and a bit of friendly trivia. These gatherings remind us that our community is built not only on shared goals, but on shared joy.

A friendly reminder that this Thursday, March 5th will be a half-day of school in culmination of Trimester #2. 

Stepping Stones should be picked up by 11:15 AM

Stargazer students by 11:30 AM

Lower and Middle School dismissal beginning at 11:50 AM

Additionally, campus will be closed to students on Friday, March 6th as it is a designated Teacher Workday for report writing. Then the following week is Spring Break, so campus will be closed to all from March 7th - 15th.

We are so grateful for our amazing community, and hope you all have a wonderful and restorative break! 

A splendid Saturday of science, teamwork, and community spirit unfolded as our EarthQuakers squared off against twenty-three other county teams at the 2026 Division A Tournament at Ashley High School. Goggles were adjusted, rockets were launched, and brains were very thoroughly exercised.

After a full day of friendly but determined competition across fifteen science and engineering events, our Varsity team proudly carried home a well-earned 3rd place trophy.

Huge congratulations to head coach Corrie and to the marvelous band of faculty and parents who have guided this five month adventure in curiosity, perseverance and learning.

We are incredibly proud of our twenty-six 2nd - 6th graders who represented the school with steady teamwork, and excellent sportsmanship.

Next week the lab coats pass to the middle school team as they head to UNCW for their own day of competition!

Collaborating with area organizations is an important part of our environmental education program. For the past five years, we have enjoyed several partnerships with professors in UNCW's department of environmental sciences. This week we kicked off our 5th annual collaboration with graduate students in Dr. Troy Frensley's Environmental Education spring seminar.

Seven grad students visited campus and met with teachers in grade K-8. After brainstorming possible lesson topics, grad students will now develop environmental education lessons to present to FSW students around the time of Earth Week (April 20-24). We are excited to continue this meaningful partnership that benefits teachers and students at UNCW and FSW!  

Pictured are this year's grad students: Rachel Bentley, Summer Spencer, Abby Overby, Abby Lamoutte, Maddie Lake, Macie Musselwhite, and Emily Shamis.

For more information about this program, please contact karenl@fsow.org

Click on the image to be taken to the registration page

We're always looking for volunteers to help with our monthly dinner shifts at Good Shepherd Center! Follow the link HERE to sign up for any of the upcoming shifts, now through August!
We serve on the 3rd Thursday of each month from 4:30-7:00 PM at 811 Martin Street.
Come lend a hand and be part of this meaningful community effort! 

Click on the image-link above or scan the QR code.
Use your current login or create an account to enroll in our auxiliary programs