September 21, 2025

There are so many reasons to love Friends School! We can think of at least 20, but 
Do you remember . . . the 21st . . . 🎶

With the gorgeous weather this week, Preschool has been maximizing their time in the sun . . . and the dirt! If you're ever around that side of campus, you'll be sure to find our littlest learners digging for treasures in the dirt, making "fairy dust" from chalk, and chasing each other around in the grass. 

Dr. Maria Montessori believed, "When children come into contact with nature, they reveal their strength."

Dear Friends,

This Sunday, our school community is joining people around the world to recognize the International Day of Peace, which happens every year on September 21. This year, the United Nations has chosen the theme “Cultivating a Culture of Peace.” It’s a reminder of how important it is to build peace in our homes, schools, and communities.

Peace is at the heart of Quaker education and central to our school’s mission. For us, it’s not just a nice idea or a hopeful wish, it’s something we try to live every day. That means listening, showing empathy, and having the courage to engage in honest dialogue and make peace a real part of our lives.

This day is a good reminder that peace isn’t just about avoiding conflict. Both the United Nations and the Quaker tradition teach us that real peace comes from building trust, having hard conversations, and standing up for what's right. Through peace education, we help students become thoughtful, compassionate, and engaged citizens who are ready to make a difference.

Instead of spoiling our amazing faculty and staff for just one week at the end of the year, we celebrate them throughout the school year!

The first Teacher Appreciation event this month is Stock the Staff Room. Sign up to bring items or volunteer to help collect items. 

Item collection will be held during the morning drop-offs on Sept. 24 & 25th from 7:30-8:30AM in front of the preschool building and the middle school building.  

We want to hear from you!
Are you interested in learning more about our different committees or want to participate on a committee? Do you have an idea to contribute, or are you an expert in your field that would be beneficial to FSW? Have a question you would like to ask or a concern to address?
If any of this applies to you, fill out the survey below! 

Missed the recent PA meeting? That’s okay! Click below to review the meeting summary.

Join us this upcoming Thursday, Sept. 25!

Discussion of personal boundaries is of utmost importance for the safety of our children, and for us too!

Led by school counselor, Landis Holman, the Body Safety and Body Boundaries Workshop is being offered for parents of kids of all ages! This will help guide conversations around body boundaries, how to stay safe with people we know, and tools for navigating tricky questions. 

If you have any questions, reach out to Division Coordinators, Ciara, Martina, Corrie, and Amy. 

We hope to see you there! 

This upcoming Friday, September 26, there is no school for students, as faculty and staff will be participating in professional development.
However, that doesn't mean you're on your own!

Our wonderful team of Soccer Shots instructors will be hosting a field-day on campus! All your child needs to bring with them is a water bottle, a snack, and comfortable sneakers. 

Students in all grades are welcome!

Any questions? Contact Auxiliary Coordinator, Kimberly Hodges 
kimberlyh@fsow.org

A familiar face to many, Middle School Social Studies teacher, Cameron Francisco!

Cameron rejoined the Friends School community after three years away working with the National Center for Outdoor and Adventure Education. He originally joined the faculty in 2003 as the Middle School Social Studies teacher, until 2012 when he transitioned into a full-time administrative role as Director of Student and Academic Life and Director of Communications, respectively.
Cameron is a native of east Tennessee and earned both his Bachelor's degree in History and Master's degree in Education from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

He is an avid saltwater angler, and enjoys hiking, camping, and continues to enjoy his passion for soccer by coaching our teams here at school and playing in Wilmington's adult league.

Glad to have you back, Cameron! 

Free, family-friendly, fun!!!
While you're there, remember to stop by the FSW booth! 

Not to be confused with the previously mentioned festival, Friends School is hosting our annual Party in the Pines on Sunday, October 5th, from 2:00 - 4:00 PM! Join us for bubbles, yard games, light refreshments, and good times!

Spread the word to family, friends, and neighbors, our first Open House of the year is near!

There may be families close to you who are considering moving schools, or looking to begin the schooling-journey for their little ones. Encourage them to attend our Fall Open House, where they can see the benefit of a Quaker education, rooted in peace, simplicity, and environmental stewardship. 

It's no secret that our school is a special place, so if you love FSW as much as we do, help our community grow!

Skip the mall, have a Clothing Swap! 

As the end of these 80-degree days draw near, we are all thinking about the shift of our wardrobes that must happen. If you don't have a need for brand-new items, but want to wear some different clothes than last fall season, consider organizing a Clothing Swap with your friends and family! This can give you the look and feel of an updated closet, without contributing to the ever-growing mountains of waste that come from our fast-fashion consumption.