Internships and returning groups 6.6.10

We begin planning for End-of-Year experiences a year in advance. Next week, at our June staff meetings, we will start to plan for next year. Students make their choices in December, and groups work throughout the winter and spring in preparation for their amazing experiences. After we conclude the spring term, and staff and students depart for their individual and group adventures, it seems to me that 11 school days (the length of our EOY program) is a long time. The reality is that this time goes by so quickly, I barely have time to keep up with everything that is going on in France, Nicaragua, Trinidad, the Adirondacks, out West, Newton Grove, and Durham...even with high speed internet! As you can see by these photos, the Adirondacks group has already returned. With Dave at the wheel, the CFS bus with trailer in tow pulled into school late Friday afternoon. The group seemed hot, tired, dusty...and very happy. When they left, they were a bus full of individuals. They returned very much a group.
Benny and Max look happy to step off that bus and onto CFS land!

Nobody goes anywhere until all the food, equipment, and trash have been removed from the bus and trailer.

Welcome home!

Our Internship Program offers students the opportunity to explore an area of study or a career opportunity that interests them. This year, over 30 of our students are participating in internships. Here you can see Jessye interviewing the director of Clean Energy Durham for an article about the group's program to help people make their homes more energy efficient. Interning with the Durham Herald Sun, Jess had an article in Saturday's paper in which she wrote about DA's graduation ceremony. According to Nancy Wikle, the Herald Sun's Managing Editor, Jess and two other interns were "self-possessed, curious, and couageous in navigating a new field of interest and working with colleagues old enough to be their parents and grandparents." She recieved the Durham Grit Award for her work.

Here are Reut and Kate working at Arbor ridge Studios. They wanted to learn more about the music and recording industry.

Madeline chose to intern Vert & Vogue, a small clothing boutique at Brightleaf Square. She was most interested about the fact that everything in the store is completely sustainable and eco-friendly.

Tasha has spent her time at the Carrboro Arts Center where they have been most appreciative of her help. As Tasha said in her proposal, she has a passion for the arts and hopes to work in an arts-related job someday. This internship might give her a glimpse into some of the possibilities that are available.

More to come about other internships and returning trips...

THIS WEEK'S SCHEDULE

The official last day of our End-of-Year Program is Wednesday. I say "official" because each group has its own travel schedule with some groups leaving and returning earlier than others. The last groups to return are France, Nicaragua and West on Tuesday. They will need Wednesday to rest and recover. THURSDAY is a full day of school. We have a full schedule of meetings throughout the day and will be distributing yearbooks. The ONLY BURGER TRUCK will be on hand at noon on Thursday to provide a unique lunch opportunity for our students. Students wanting to order burgers (including veggie), fries, and/or drinks from Only Burger should bring money to cover this cost. (Only Burger has a website. Cost ranges from $4.25-$6.75 for a burger, $1.50 for fries, $1.25 for drinks) FRIDAY is a very important halfday. We will meet in advisee groups for the last time, have class meetings and our own tradition of a final meeting for worship with attention to our graduating seniors.

SENIOR BANQUET AND SLIDE SHOW

Our annual banquet to honor our seniors is Wednesday at 6:30pm at the Meeting Hall. This dinner is for staff and seniors only. The Senior Slide Show will follow the banquet at 8pm and is open to the community. All are invited to come to the Center to celebrate our wonderful seniors at this family-friendly event.

GRADUATION SUNDAY, JUNE 13 at 10:30am in the CENTER See you there!