September 4, 2024

A start of September haiku: Crisp morning air here / Moonlit beach, soccer field cheers / School year finds its groove.

Photo of the Week

Middle School Language Arts teacher, Kaylie Saidin, was recently published in the Fall 2024 issue of Oxford American--a quarterly magazine that focuses on the American South. Through the lens of a shared living space and the presence of a mysterious toad, Kaylie's short story, "The Frogs," explores the transition from college life to adulthood and the search for meaning in mundane moments. Congratulations, Kaylie! What an incredible achievement and testament to your craft as a teacher and writer. Yet another publication to add to your ever-growing CV! (Please note: Some of the language and themes discussed in this story are not appropriate for young children).

Time with Tony

A special Labor Day Weekend video message from Tony:

Take care when driving on campus. Slow down and check your surroundings for students.
Shop the online school store and rep your FSW spirit around Wilmington!
First PA meeting of the year (and first Moonick) is on September 17th.
After-school CARE and clubs are open for registration!

Parent Association

Let's Stock the Staffroom for Our Teachers

Our teachers work tirelessly all year long, so we want to show them some love each month, starting with September's "Stock the Staffroom." Whether it's a cup of their favorite coffee, some healthy snacks, or a treat to brighten their day, every contribution counts! We will be accepting donations during morning drop-off on September 16th and 17th. Thank you for helping us show our teachers how much we appreciate them!

Stock the Staffroom Sign-Ups

September 17th: A Big Day for the PA

Make sure to save the date for Tuesday, September 17th and join us for two exciting community events: our first official PA meeting of the year, taking place from 8-9AM in Longleaf Cottage. Later that evening, we'll meet at Wrightsville Beach Public Access #4 from 5-7PM for our first moonick of the year. Look for parent Kara Johnson near the FSW flag in the sand!

Applications Open for 2025 Dominican Republic Trip

For several years (2014-2019, 2024), our Middle School students have enjoyed a week-long trip to the Dominican Republic where they participate in service learning, language exchange, and cultural exploration with a local social-educational nonprofit. Preschool & Lower School Spanish teacher Martina shared details of the 2025 trip in classrooms today, highlighting the importance of student responsibility, emotional readiness, and academic standing. If you or your student is interested in learning more, please reach out to Martina, or grab an application from the Ethan Hall hallway.

(Check out last year's blog to see all the amazing work our students did)!

Call for Science Olympiad Coaches

Friends, we are on the lookout for parent coaches to join us for the 2024-2025 Science Olympiad season. Last year was, in a word, incredible, with tremendous outcomes for the school, students, parents, and coaches alike. Our success depends on the enthusiasm, team work, creativity, and hard work that our students bring, but it also takes a large team of coaches to guide, resource, support, and teach!

The commitment for coaches will be most Thursdays from 3:15-4:30PM beginning in late October and running through late February, with competition days in early March. No prior Science Olympiad knowledge or STEM background is needed!

If you're interested in learning more about the team or what it means to volunteer as a coach, connect with Middle School Science teacher Rob or touch base with one of our amazing faculty coaches from last year (Corrie, Karen, Kendra, and Mike).

And students--don't worry! Rob will be chatting with y'all soon to talk about the team and different ways to participate. Stay tuned!

Announcements

Smartphones, Social Media & Youth Mental Health: Consider "Wait Until 8th!"

As parents, we all want what’s best for our kids, and with new research showing the mental health risks of early smartphone and social media use, it’s clear that waiting to introduce these technologies is an advantageous choice. Initiatives like the Wait Until 8th campaign encourages families to delay giving children smartphones until at least 8th grade. Wu8 can be a helpful resource to learn more about delaying technology usage and offer insight into forming and connecting with local Wu8 cohorts. If you’re interested in learning more, reach out to Lower School Student Coordinator Martina Jonsson.

Brenda Esch Joins New Garden Friends as Pastoral Minister

Brenda Esch, a lifelong Quaker, Guilford College graduate, and most recently previous Head of School at FSW, became pastoral minister at New Garden Friends Meeting in September. “I am truly honored and humbled to have been invited to step into the role of settled pastoral minister at New Garden Friends Meeting,” Esch wrote in a note to the Meeting, “and I am thrilled to say yes to this Spirit-led call. Our mutual discernment process was marked with energy, authenticity, and careful intention to listen deeply to each other. Together, we found clarity toward this way forward. What a joy!" Read more >>>

Stepping Stones

What's better than one group of Stepping Stones sweethearts? TWO groups of Stepping Stones sweethearts! Music with Anna and Spanish with Martina are now meeting as a large cohort to foster even great classroom connection between our littlest learners. Don't y'all worry, I'll be stopping by for pictures and videos very soon!

Annual Fund Thanks

A tremendous thank you to Amy McGlinn, Cara Stretch, Beth Jaskolka, Karen Linehan, Marilyn Sheerer, Mike Cook, Jen Cook, David Hoolahan, Crystal Walton, Teri Butler, and Jennifer Barfield for your generous contributions to the Annual Fund. We're on our way to this year's $100,000 goal!