Week of April 26--Last week in April!!

Last weekend, Willy, Jim Henderson, and I had the honor of traveling to Chicago for a CFS alum gathering. We had a great time seeing the beautiful city, the Art Institute, Shedd Aquarium, and the Nature Museum. The Hendersons were able to see Austin perform in "JB." Most fun of all, of course, was our alum reception. Below, you can see CFS grads, Ian Kibbe, Sam Huff, Dave Henderson, Austin Campion, Casey Clougherty, Emily Ensminger, and (kneeling) Ellis Anderson. We are pleased to report that this group of alums are happy in Chicago. Dave and Emily are in school in a sustainable urban gardening certification program. Ellis is finishing his college experience at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Ian is working in documentary films, starting his own production company, and singing in a band. Casey is back in school, studying guitar performance. Austin is acting and performing improv. While we were in town, he was chosen to play Romeo in Romeo and Juliet. After majoring in Biology and Spanish at Guilford, Sam is volunteering at the Nature Museum in hopes of landing a museum or aquarium job. He also volunteers as an interpreter with Food Not War. Meanwhile, he supports himself by running (not walking!) dogs and performing with Dave.
Sam and Dave entertained us with their upbeat music.

Jim Henderson, Willy, and Casey Clougherty.

The junior retreat was a huge success. This is one enthusiastic group of students! Their discussions focused on the following general topics: Men/Women's groups, Senior project/gift, Funtivities, Music and art, Senior Service, Stewardship. They also began planning next year's all-school retreat.

Before getting serious, the juniors started with a crazy game. Here, you can see Mie and Mariah participating while Annie and Lenore cheer them on.

One of the small group discussions.

Frances's Biology class can be seen releasing newly hatched butterflies. The painted lady on Sydey's finger ended up on her forehead.

Amelia's Music 101 class went to two different recording studios to learn about recording and try out some of the equipment. Here, you can see Ahkeem at the vibraphone and Anna Lee at the keyboard.

Here is Celeste at the keyboard. Music 101 is open to students with no musical experience. They are able to examine the fundamentals of music including rhythm, harmony, melody, form, and style. They write and record their own music.

FRESHMAN PARENT MEETING
Jamie, Elise, and Dylan have announced a parent information meeting about the Freshman Trip. This meeting will be on Monday, April 26th from 7:30 - 8:30 in the Upper School Meeting Hall. We look forward to seeing you then. In the meantime, permission forms and checks are coming in. Please remember to send these to school.

COMMUNITY READ DISCUSSION

Jon Lepofsky will lead a PSA-sponsored Community Read discussion on Tuesday, April 27 at 6:45pm in the Meeting Hall. Members of the CFS community have been reading Paul Cuadros's book, A Home on the Field. Whether you have completed or even started the book, this discussion promises to be highly engaging and will cover many important issues that relate to immigration.

SENIORS TO UNC

Jon and Jamie will take the senior class to UNC for the day on Wednesday. They will attend one of Eric Downing's classes and generally experience college life for the day.

STUDENT-WRITTEN, STUDENT-DIRECTED PLAYS

Our 6 student-written plays will be presented next weekend, April 30 and May 1, at 7:30pm in the Center. The public is also invited to attend the open dress rehearsal on Thursday.
Mature themes - appropriate for 4th-year Middle Schoolers and up.

As we near the month of May, the speed of life in the Upper School is picking up. The Prom is less than 2 weeks away. Final exams will begin the week after the Prom. I am so grateful for beautiful green leaves and brightly hued azaleas--They do help me to slow things down.