Nearing the end of the fall term...10.28.12

 A wonderful surprise for our dear Frances! Frances applied for a grant from Piedmont Electric Membership Corporation and was awarded $1500 to be used in her classroom. Rachel Phelps Hawkins, Community Relations Specialist from Piedmont EMC, personally surprised Frances with this news. Frances was in her classroom, surrounded by a group of very proud students and staff members. Our intrepid Biology teacher already has a long list of equipment that she hopes to purchase with this money. As always, our students are the real winners. THANK YOU, FRANCES!

 We have recently been highlighting our fall athletes, for good reason. I thought it was time to recognize our faithful and energetic fans who traveled to Westchester on Friday and again on Saturday to support our soccer team.

 You can see the concern on their faces as they watch the boys put their hearts and souls into playing against Fayetteville Academy.

 Our starters are introduced at the State Final.

 Our Cross Country team ran in the state meet on Friday. Every single runner ran his/her personal best in that meet. Amazing! Although I haven't included a picture here, our Girls' Tennis Team came in 3rd in the state! Once again, congratulations to all of our athletes and coaches.

 Our soccer boys played with focus and intensity in the state final game. Taking second place in the state was disappointing for the players...and a very proud moment for parents and the many fans!

 Three student-directed one-act plays will be presented on Thursday and Saturday, November 1&3. I thought I would include photos of our student directors: Crispin (above), Erin (below) and George (below Erin). Please see below for more specific information about this upcoming production.

 LOOKING AHEAD TO NOVEMBER...

FALL PRODUCTION
The Upper School is proud to present three student-directed one-act plays on Thursday, November 1 and Saturday, November 3 at 8pm in the Meeting Hall. There is also an open dress rehearsal at 8pm on Tuesday, October 30. The plays are appropriate for middle school age and older and include the following:

I'm Herbert by Robert Anderson directed by senior, Erin Boyle, is a comedy sketch involving an old married couple.  They have each been married before, and as we listen to their hysterical conversation, we realize they are both a bit hazy on the details of their life together.

The Still Alarm by George S. Kauffman, directed by senior, Crispin Whittier, is a British farce set in a hotel that we learn is on fire.  Everyone involved, from the gentlemen staying in the hotel to the fire fighters to the bellboy remain proper and polite, and unfazed throughout.

Aria Da Capo by Edna St. Vincent Millay, directed by sophomore, George Gildehaus, juxtaposes humorous characters from the Comedia tradition with simple shepherd characters manipulated by a central figure to create a unique piece often referred to as a statement against war. 

BOOK FAIR: UPPER SCHOOL EXTRAVAGANZA

As you know, the CFS Book Fair at the Regulator Book Shop is November 2-4. On the evening of Friday, November 2, the Upper School will entertain you with readings, individual musical performances, the Quaker N'Oats (our a cappella group) and our Jazz Improv group. Come on out to the Regulator on Friday night, buy some books and baked goods, and enjoy the talent!

FALL SYMPOSIUM

At the end of each trimester, the Upper School hosts a symposium that is focused on a specific theme. On Monday, November 12, our Fall Symposium will focus on International Relations. During the morning, students will participate in an Ambassador's Roundtable discussion and Ambassador's regional workshops. We will all join in a delicious international potluck lunch. Jonathan Henderson's Senegalese band, Kairuba, will play during lunch and share information about the history and music of Senegal. Our afternoon workshop sessions will include topics, such as Terrorism and Democracy; China, India, and Brazil: The New Global Economy; What is a Multi-Cultural Society? (in English and Spanish). Our Director of Cultural Mindfulness, Philip Gary, is leading the planning and organization for this exciting symposium for our Upper School students.

FALL SERVICE DAYS

On Monday and Tuesday, November 19 and 20, the Upper School will participate in our annual Fall Service Days. In light of the school's mission and its call to service, we send our students out into the community in the service of others. Students will be working with the following organizations: Urban Ministries, SEEDS, Food Bank of NC, the Lemur Center, NC Land Trustees, Tiger Rescue, Bountiful Backyards, and Caring House.

 The Conference Championship soccer team is pictured above. Please come out to cheer our soccer players at Tuesday's quarter final match at 4:15 on our home field. Below, you can see Player of the Year, Dani, going for a ball. (Thanks to Brian Whittier for these photos.)

 The Girls' Tennis team are also the Conference Champs! Clara, Anna Ka, and Ellie were all named to the all-conference team. Ellie was named Player of the Year! Coach John McGovern was named Coach of the Year! Congratulations to this amazing team. They are also on their way to the state tournament.

Our Cross Country team had their Conference Meet last Thursday in Winston-Salem. Anna Ke was named all-conference after placing 5th. Mac (8th) and Dillon (11th) also earned places on the all-conference team, with George missing by less than a second!

WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF ALL OF OUR FINE ATHLETES!

Beautiful fall week ahead...10.19.12

 Congratulations to the Girls' Tennis Team and coach John McGovern! 15-0 in the conference!

 Our senior tennis players: Audrey, Clara, Coleman, and Lydia

 Parents, we can't thank you enough for the amazing lunch that you provided for the staff on Wednesday. We spend the day on this staff work day in a Round Robin activity where every US staff member meets with every advisor to share information on students. Round Robin day is a long, fun-filled day. Staff members have remarked that they so enjoy meeting with colleagues to hear about the academic and social progress of their advisees. You provided the icing on the cake (literally!) by allowing us to join together in this scrumptious meal.

 Two of our students, Lily and Olivia, set the table for a real party, complete with hats, noise makers, and a portrait of each staff member.

 Amelia's portfolio class provided the portraits, some of which looked a lot like the person (See Willy below) and some that were questionable (Jamie above). Special thanks to our Portfolio students.

 Here is Frances (above) and Carrie (below). Hmmm...Is someone making a comment about my height?!

 I just had to share a photo of one of our delicious desserts. We hated to cut into this beautiful meringue delight...but we did!

REMINDERS/UPDATES FOR THE COMING WEEKS

The soccer team will host the quarter final match of the State Tournament on Tuesday, October 23rd at 4:30. Come on out to cheer the soccer team!

1. I wanted to let you know that we are moving forward with our search for a new US Administrative Assistant. We have interviewed two candidates and will interview two more candidates this week. Our plan is to hire someone by early November who will work side-by-side with Willy in December. Willy's last day will be Friday, December 21st. Willy's departure marks a momentous and historic event for CFS and the Upper School. I will do my best to keep you posted.

2. Junior Night: Juniors and their parents are invited to attend Junior Night this Wednesday, October 24 in the Meeting Hall. The formal program will begin at 7pm. Those interested in taking part in the potluck college application exercise need to arrive at 5:30. Please contact Jackie MacLeod about the potluck, if you haven't already done so. Junior Night offers a great opportunity for parents and students to get all of their college-related questions answered. We look forward to seeing you there!

3. CAPSLE: Creating a Peaceful School Learning Environment. The Peaceful Schools Summit is being sponsored by CFS in collaboration with the Duke University Program in Education, the NC Psychoanalytic Foundation, and Peaceful Schools NC. Many CFS colleagues (including me!) will attend Summit events from October 25-27. I am very much looking forward to learning about how programs all over the world have experienced their work with CAPSLE. We will be working together to discuss ways that we can keep our community free from bullying, violence, and aggression.

4. Triangle Diversity Alliance Conference: The Carolina Friends Upper School is hosting this year's annual TDA Conference on Tuesday, October 30th. We will welcome students from Durham Academy, Cary Academy, Ravenscroft, and St. Marys. Upper School students have planned workshops that they will offer at this conference, which include the following: The Danger of Stereotypes; Gender Today-Gender Tomorrow;Post-Racial Politics; A Culture of Stereotypes; Stereotypes Segregate Students; and Rhythm in Race. Don't you wish you could attend this conference?

5. Halloween is a big day at CFS! We will celebrate Halloween on Wednesday, October 31st.

UNTIL THEN, I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Fall is in the air! 10.14.12

 Last Friday, Randall and his wife Lisa (MS teacher) celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. Randall surprised Lisa by serenading her in front of the entire Middle School. ("My Girl") His back-up singers were members of his American Literature class. As you can see below, Randall's AmLit students were well choreographed and having a great time. Clearly, everyone enjoyed this romantic and lovely surprise!

 Frances and her freshman Biology students headed out to the garden on Friday to water the vegetables that are just starting to sprout. Frances's classes have worked hard to clean out the garden and do their fall planting.

 

 Our art teacher, Amelia, took full advantage of Friday's beautiful fall weather by moving her Drawing & Mixed Media students outside to sketch.

UPPER SCHOOL SPORTS
We are rockin' it out of the park! CFS sports is going through the roof! The soccer team won the conference championship game on Friday against Caldwell Academy, 3-2. The following seniors were named to the all-conference team: Dani, Esten, Isaac, Knox, and Nick. Dani was named conference player of the year! Congratulations to Jim Mathiewson and this great team. Since they are one of the top 4 teams in the state, CFS will not have to play in the first round of the state tournament. Our next game will be the quarterfinal match at home on Tuesday, October 23rd. Mark your calendars!

Meanwhile, our girls' tennis team is 14-0 in the conference! They play at Hollow Rock on Monday, October 15th, at 3:30. It will be senior night. Word has it that, if they win this game and are 15-0, coach John McGovern will dance a jig! We hope to see lots of fans at Hollow Rock on Monday afternoon.

PSAT
The PSAT will be given this Wednesday, October 17, in the Upper School Meeting Hall. Students are asked to arrive with two #2 pencils and their Social Security Number (if they have one) at 7:45am. The test will be over by noon.

PARENT CONFERENCES
We are looking forward to seeing all of our parents this week for parent conferences. By now, your child's advisor should have contacted you to schedule your conference. Please bring any questions or concerns you may have about any of your child's classes. Our advisors will have the most up-to-date information on your child's academic progress to share with you.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

It's October! Time to catch up. 10.5.12

 We had a great time in Washington, DC! Here is a shot of Shan's Capitol tour group. Other high points included the Newseum, the Holocaust Museum, the Museum of American History, the walk to the Lincoln Memorial, and of course, the ever popular Museum of Natural History.

 Willy with her senior advisees on the steps of the Air and Space Museum.

 Amelia and her advisees in the jail at the Crime Museum.

 Middle and Upper School staff and students marching in the Pride Parade. Below, you can see Upper School students making posters for the parade.

 CFS alum, David Hughes, returned to campus for a lunchtime conversation with Philip's Senior Forum class about energy conservation and the many ways that students can think about saving money while saving the environment. Not surprisingly to those of us who know David, his presentation was entertaining, engaging, and most informative.

 Couldn't resist this bear at the Museum of Natural History.

Thanks so much to all of our parents who came to the Upper School for Back to School Night. We had such a great turn out! Mother nature treated us to spectacular weather for this fun- and information-filled evening. We hope you enjoyed meeting your child's teachers and learning at least a little about their classes. Other reminders:
1. Parent Conferences are 2 weeks away (October 18-19). Parents will meet their child's advisor who will have information on all of his/her classes. Advisors will be contacting parents to schedule conferences, if they haven't already done so.
2. The PSAT is on Wednesday, October 17th, from 8am-12noon. The cost is $15. All juniors are strongly encouraged to sign up for the PSAT. Freshmen and sophomores are welcome to sign up, if they are interested in gaining experience in taking standardized tests.

ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFUL FALL WEEKEND. I'M EXCITED ABOUT ATTENDING A WEDDING THIS WEEKEND OF TWO WONDERFUL CFS ALUMS. ACCORDING TO THEM, THEY FOUND LOVE IN BOB'S CHEMISTRY CLASS!