Happy Holidays!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL! I hope you are in the mood for looking at pictures. Our last week of school was filled with exciting activities--many Kodak moments. As we head off to our winter break, I want to share some of them with you. On our last day of school, we presented our annual Senior (and others) Talent Show. This year, "Talent" was the operative word. I finally had to turn on the lights and end the magic at ten minutes after 12:00. (School had ended at 12:00.) The kids were still going! Below, you can see Shane and Spencer of Thunder Schools. I'm sorry that I couldn't also get bass player, Andrew, in this picture.

Here, you can see Afreya and Jazmun in a lively rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas." Very funny and full of surprises. Speaking of surprises, our art teacher Amelia made the happy announcement, through an original song, that her baby (due in May) will be a BOY!

Music teacher Drew and his bass-playing friend wowed the audience with two jazz numbers. As always, Drew was amazing!

Kelsey played a beautiful Bach piece...in addition to MCing with Eric.

Hannah and Haley did a beautiful number by Jackson Brown.

Sarah wrote a skit about being a "Strong Empowered Womyn." Aydin (unseen) played the part of Mr. Darcy. Here, you can see Alex as Edward Cullen. Very funny!

The Bishop siblings joined with friend Emma on an original song by Leah. Very pretty!

The Quaker N'Oats and carolers got us off to a seasonal start with Deck the Halls and Jingle Bells. This group is never lacking in enthusiasm.

On Thursday night, we hosted a CFS Upper School RAVE. CFS grad, Marcus, returned to DJ. Below, you can see head light man, Alexander, looking oh, so ghostly in the magical RAVE lights.

As you know, we spent Wednesday and Thursday in community service activities all around Durham, Chapel Hill, and Franklin County. Here are some of the happy carolers before heading off to a variety of nursing homes. They also took time to sing for the early schoolers and Center staff.

Elise and her little elves prepared over 200 college application packets for mailing.

Max and Xixi collaborated on a logo and flyer for our MLK Jr. celebration. (See below for more information.)

Ken, Frances, and crew drove an hour and a half to a farm in Franklin County where they gleaned vegetables for the NC Food Bank. We were grateful that the weather cooperated.

Lots and lots of collards!

I did want to mention two other activities that also happened last week. On Tuesday, Jamie's Love in the Western World class went to see Phantom of the Opera at the DPAC, thanks to a generous donation by one student's parents. Willy and I were able to join the group for this very exciting evening. On Wednesday, members of the Hitchcock class went to the Carolina Theatre to see Psycho. I was able to share that, since seeing this movie when it first came out, I have never (and I do mean NEVER) had an opaque shower curtain.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION

Once again, we have planned a full week of activities, which will lead up to our annual celebration on Monday, January 18th, at 10:30am. This year's theme is Unmasking Our History. We are focusing on local Civil Rights history in Durham and Chapel Hill. There are many opportunities for involvement. Jonathan Henderson will lead the community drumming ensemble. Nia Patterson Downing will direct the community gospel choir. All ages of students, parents, and friends are welcome to join these groups. African Dance guru, Chuck Davis, will work with two groups of dancers. Middle/Upper School dancers will dance to Michael Jackson's Heal the World, while the elders (Chuck wants MEN and WOMEN!) will perform the welcoming ceremony. During the week of January 11-15, students will be making masks with Carol Blackmore. Many more activies will also be available. As soon as we finalize the calendar with rehearsal times, I will get it out to everybody.

ARIEL'S WAY

I just stopped by the Center to check on the progress of Ariel's Way rehearsals. If you haven't already got your tickets, run--don't walk--to your computer to order them immediately! This show is going to be a professional production with alumni and friends who are so very talented. Information about tickets can be found at the CFS website (http://www.cfsnc.org/). Seriously, get your tickets NOW! I can't wait!

Best wishes for a warm and happy holiday for you and yours. Parents, please accept our deep appreciation for sharing your wonderful children with us. We are honored to know and work with them. See you in 2010!