Week of March 31

Welcome back from spring break! I just had to include at least one picture from our trip to Mexico. Willy and I are seen here enjoying a boat excursion in spectacular Cabo San Lucas. In the background are my daughter-in-law Jeanine and granddaughter Eden. I realize this is an interesting combination of photos, but I just had to include this second picture. On the last day of school before break, Dave cleaned out the cubbies outside his room. All of the food in this picture is packaged and uneaten--some great homemade sandwiches, lots of apples and other packaged snacks. This is a common occurrence on many afternoons--finding complete and uneaten lunches. I thought this photograph might encourage some discussions between parents and students about what students actually do with their lunches. We throw a lot of good food away.

The week ahead will be quite full, as will each week in April. This week, we will welcome two math/science candidates who will spend the day in the Upper School, interviewing, teaching and observing classes. We have a 10-member student interviewing committee that is being clerked by sophomore, Evan McGilvary. We hope to interview a third candidate next week, and are very excited about all of them.

Wednesday night, we will welcome 20 French students and their teachers for a 10-day visit. Nineteen US families have generously volunteered to host a visitor. Visiting students will attend classes in the US and do some sight-seeing with their host families. One day next week, visitors and their hosts will travel to the zoo. French teacher, Ken Mitchell, has organized this wonderful opportunity.

On Thursday, our entire freshman class will travel to downtown Durham to attend the Full Frame Film Festival. Each year, the Festival offers a special free screening for students. This year, we will see Blindsight, which documents the amazing adventure of six blind students from Tibet. Parents are also welcome to attend this screening, but would need to call for a ticket. We are also hoping to take our French visitors and may need some help with transportation. Please let me know if you are available on Thursday, from 10:30-1:30. If you drive students, we can probably provide a ticket for you.

On Friday night, seniors Krista Nordgren and Virginia Thomas are planning an all-girl overnight. All US girls are invited to spend the night. They should arrive at 7pm with sleeping bags, pillows, and pj's. Snacks will be provided. Selected female staff members will be spending the night and will try to remain as invisible as possible. This evening is for the girls to talk, play, and bond.

Just a reminder about the Woodcrest Farm School Family Days this Saturday and Sunday. Learn heritage farm skills in the beautiful setting of a turn-of-the-century working family farm. This is a family event: no unattended children, no pets, and please, appropriate footwear. Lots of fun activities will be available. Woodcrest Farm School is located at 5604 Dairyland Rd. in Hillsborough, at the intersection of Orange Grove and Dairyland Roads. Hope to see you there.

We have three away soccer games this week. Some of our freshmen are beginning driver's ed class, which lasts for three weeks. It takes a few days to get back in the swing of things after spring break, but we are on our way. The trees are budding; the azaleas are about to pop open, and spring is definitely in the air. Have a great week!

They surprised me!

I am still a baby at learning tech skills. Who knows what these pictures will look like? I have learned that, on some computers, they look like I think they look and on others, they get all messed up. Hopefully, you will get some idea of the wonderful surprise that the US staff and students planned for me. How in the world did 175 people keep a secret for over a week? How in the world did I fall for the story that part of the Meeting Hall roof had caved in?! I walked in, expecting to see a big mess and instead found lots of smiling, laughing people yelling "Surprise!", balloons, 2 huge cakes, and the Quaker N'Oats poised to sing a wonderful Carrie song to the tune of "Lollipop." It is now 24 hours later, and I am still recovering. I received a gift of a box filled with cards from students and staff members. I am having so much fun reading through them. Some are heartfelt...and some are very funny. At the risk of being self-indulgent, I just had to share this wonderful surprise with all of you. I am overwhelmed and so very grateful. How lucky I am to be surrounded by such love. I feel like I just received a huge, warm, and hearty hug.

Have a great vacation! I'll be in touch...

Week of March 17

We have just completed an amazing week in the Upper School! First of all, the photos above include Frances with students in her advanced biology class. On the right, you can see Annie Dwyer hanging out with students on the steps during lunch on a beautiful day. The picture I am not showing you is that of approximately 50-60 students jammed into Jon's room at noon on Friday...you may have guessed it...watching the UNC game.

As you know, last week was our student teach-in. Amazing! Does any other school in the country do this? Our students were in charge for the entire day. They taught all the classes, answered Willy's phone, sold pizza and played in the band on the patio during lunch, got to 5th period (after lunch) on time (!), led silent meeting, and took their jobs as teachers and students very seriously. As the staff members were off campus at an all-day staff retreat, we were like anxious parents having left their children without a babysitter for the first time. We needn't have worried. Sarah Yanuck has given me permission to let you see the email message she sent to me...

Dude, omg, student-teach day was SO GREAT. Like, SUPER GREAT. I mean, it rocked! (Actually, almost all of my classes were better than usual.) I just loved it...
I don't know what else to say. The teachers who I had were totally devoted and on-top of things and they were very open and approachable... they just did an absolutely fantastic job. We need more student teach days! (Hopefully that wouldn't take away its sparkle).

Here is another comment by Susan Kincaid:

Reactions to students about the Student Teaching day included exclamations of "Cool. Fun." One said, "It made me excited to come to school." Others were impressed with how professional the student teachers were and "really enthusiastic." Some felt that they learned more than on a regular day!
They wanted to pay attention so as to not disrespect their friends. "No one let me out early," a student noted. "We had pizza at lunch and we got to class on time," another commented.

In a recent posting in an online course I am
taking I wrote, "One of the best ways to teach students about leadership is to give them the opportunity to lead. Of course, these are teenagers. They are kids. They need our continuing support and help. They can be selfish and self-centered and very apathetic. So, too are many adults. We just have to keep setting the bar high, give them the opportunity to take charge, and be there to support their efforts."
The Upper School really set the bar high yesterday,
and students easily lived up to our high expectations!

This is a youtube video that Jasmine Berry showed during silent meeting on the student teach-in day. We wanted to mark the life of Eve Carson, UNC student who was brutally murdered last week. As the students were settling in to silence, Jasmine read a piece about Eve and the type of person she was...the type of person perhaps we all hope to be. She then showed this brief video.

OK, I have included lots of info about the teach-in. That's all about that for now. I want to remind all of you go please complete the brief parent survey that Nancy McGilvary sent to you in Friday's CFS News. It won't take long, and it will be very helpful to the school.

THIS WEEK: Freshman parents have a meeting with Susan and Tim on Tuesday at 7:00 in the Meeting Hall. Thursday is Grandparents Day, and we are expecting some grandparents to join us. Our visiting grandparents will attend classes Thursday morning with their grandchildren. At 11:30, they are invited to join Mike for lunch in the gym. Also on Thursday, we have a group of students attending an anti-war march in Raleigh. This rally is being organized by sophomore, Larkin Coffey.

***If you want to subscribe to this blog, please do so in the box at the top right of this page. Write your email address and click on "Subscribe." You will then receive notification by email each time I publish a new post. After this week, I will no longer send out reminders to parents.***

SPRING BREAK BEGINS AT NOON ON FRIDAY. WILLY AND I ARE HEADED TO MEXICO WITH MY FAMILY TO CELEBRATE MY 60th BIRTHDAY. HAVE A GREAT ONE!

week of March 10

The photos above hit some of the highlights of the past few weeks. On the top left, Susan bids good-bye to Father Tony and Lucia after their 2-day visit. We had such a wonderful time showing them around the school. They enjoyed visiting classes and meeting the new freshman group. We look forward to many happy years in partnership with the Episcopal Farmworker's Ministry in Newton Grove.

At top right, you can see a certain mother and son duo (Carrie and Sam) performing at the Cabaret. This year, the Cabaret raised $1800 for our End-of-Year (EOY) service projects for which we are very grateful. As we move through the spring term, EOY groups are actively preparing for their amazing experiences that will occur in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Trinidad, western US, and Appalachia.

Top center is the entire Upper School community. I included this picture because I wanted to tell you about our pancake breakfast, last week. Members of Clerks Committee (our form of student government--all are welcome) planned a surprise pancake breakfast and a few games for everybody. They wanted to build community and lift spirits. They reached their goal! Students were surprised; they ate many pancakes and played some silly games. I hope you heard about this event at your house.

An important double reminder to freshman parents: This Wednesday at 7pm in the Meeting Hall is the freshman parent potluck. It's a time to get to know folks and continue the "Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll" discussion. On Tuesday, March 18, there is a meeting of freshman parents from 7-8pm in the meeting hall. This meeting with Susan and Tim is about the freshman trip to Newton Grove in May.

STUDENT TEACH-IN AND US STAFF RETREAT: We are very excited about our student teach-in on Wednesday. Juniors and seniors have signed up to teach all classes for that day. John McGovern and two other adults will be on hand in the Upper School, but they will not be in charge. Our students will run school for this day. A student will be sitting at Willy's dest, taking phone messages. Another student will take my place in leading Silent Meeting. On Tuesday, the teachers will meet with their student replacements to discuss their plans for each class. In the past, the student teach-in has been a very positive event. I hope you get some good feedback at home.

In addition to teaching important leadership skills and responsibility, there is another great reason for the student teach-in. Students will allow the staff to have an important retreat day. During the morning, we will be divided into our self-study subgroups: Multiplicity of Cultures, Stewardship, Technology, and Modern Language. Each group will continue their action research project for this year. These studies include blogs and wikis, ways to better teach the oral aspect of foreign language, a newly designed sophomore curriculum, and an environmental studies curriculum. We will meet for lunch at Saladelia. During the afternoon, each group will report to the staff about their progress. You will be hearing more about this important self-study.

Have a great week!

Week of March 3

Here are some photos of the preparation for Susan's Immigration class's walk-a-thon. Susan's students painted the feet of Campus Early Schoolers and made scarves to wear at the walk-a-thon, which was held this past Saturday.

As many of you know, Father Tony's visit was a huge success. We had a lovely potluck dinner with many parents and students. Father Tony spoke to the group through Rob LaVelle's able translation and touched the hearts of all who were in attendance. Last night, the Cabaret was a rousing, fun-filled evening. So much wonderful talent, from Marley's hooping, to the Quaker N'Oats, to student bands, staff and parent musicians, and many amazing desserts. Thanks to all of you who contributed talent, baked goods, and/or money to this event. Our End of Year service projects will benefit from your thoughtful gifts.

Before moving ahead to this week's upcoming events, I want to be sure to include the following note from school parent, Patsy Saylor:

As an "old timer" parent, as in this is my 16th year as a CFS parent, I didn't think I would learn anything new at last night's Parent Forum about "Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll." Surprise! There are still tips and information I haven't come across yet! Mindy Oshrain came armed with new data, book suggestions, and strategies that sparked great conversation between parents of freshmen through seniors. It was invaluable stuff. The parents who were there were fortunate to be part of it, however, there weren't a lot of us there. It's not the first Parent Forum or program (Parents Go To School, Emmett Till, Keeping Kids Safe on the Internet, for example) I've attended in the last few years that was really, really worthwhile and I left wondering "Where is everybody? This a great stuff!" So I'm writing to ask where are you and what would make it easier to attend? Are you getting the word, is there a better time? Please give us some feedback. Planning, staff time, and, on occasion, school funds are going into these programs. But, beyond that, there is valuable information your children need to have.

If you would like to respond to Patsy's querie, you may add a comment to this blog or write directly to Patsy at plsaylor at yahoo.com.

Compared to last week, which was full of evening meetings, next week looks calm. Of course, I know that life is never exactly calm in the Upper School. The spring weather that we are expecting on Monday and Tuesday will make sure of that. I do want to remind all of you of the upcoming events related to the Community Read (Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle). On Sunday, March 9 at 4pm in the US Meeting Hall, there will be a screening of King Corn, an amusing new documentary about two friends, one acre of corn, and the subsidized crop that drives our fast-food nation. The film will be engaging for ages 10 and up. Refreshments will be served.

Looking ahead to April 5-6, we will have the Woodcrest Farm School Family Days. Learn heritage farm skills in the setting of a turn-of-the-century working family farm. Activities will include farm animals, hayrides, demonstrations, farm chores and more.

FRESHMAN PARENTS: I hope you have heard about the freshman parent potluck on Wednesday, March 12 at 6pm in the Meeting Hall. Lauren Jubelirer has organized this time for parents to get to know one another and to continue the "Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll" discussion. You can also mark your calendars for a freshman parent meeting on Tuesday, March 18, with Susan and Tim about the freshman trip to Newton Grove. (7-8pm)

Only 3 weeks until spring break!

Week of February 25, 2008

I almost put a picture of a palm tree on this week's blog as I am leaving for Florida this afternoon to visit my mother and step father. As I sit here, looking at the rain and knowing the temperature is hovering around 32 degrees, I can't wait to get on that plane. I haven't seen my mom in over a year, so I'm looking forward to a great visit. They will want to feed me, feed me, feed me. They are picking me up at the airport at 8pm tonight and taking me straight to a restaurant! I will return Monday evening and will be back at school on Tuesday, just in time for the onslaught of activities.

Tuesday night is our parent forum on Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll. We will begin at 7pm for 30 minutes of social time. At 7:30, we will have a presentation from school parent and psychiatrist, Mindy Oshrain, about drug use and the adolescent brain. This will be followed by plenty of time for questions and discussion. I know that drug use among teens is of great concern to our staff and parents. In the Upper School, we constantly grapple with the quest of finding the best, most successful drug education program. I hope to see you on Tuesday night.

Got dinner plans for Wednesday? FATHER TONY IS COMING! The photo that I am trying to get on this blog post was taken last year in Newton Grove. Father Tony has his hands held high in celebration following a rousing game of soccer between our students and the farmworkers. He will be at CFS on Wednesday and Thursday of this week. We have planned a potluck for US families on Wednesday at 6pm in the Meeting Hall. Freshman parents are especially encouraged to attend. You can meet Father Tony, hear about the Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry, and get a great idea of the work your children will be doing during our End-of-Year Program. Father Tony is one of those unique people that, if we are lucky, we meet once in our lives. All families are welcome to be a part of this potluck dinner and evening.

On Saturday, CFS students and community members will be walking through Chapel Hill and Carrboro to raise money for a school in sudan. Valentino Achek Deng was one of the thousands of Lost Boys who walked across Sudan in the mid-80's to escape Arab militias. Susan's Immigration students have read the account of his life (What is the What by Dave Eggers) and feel inspired by both the story of Valentino's immigration to the United States and his commitment to improving life in his native Sudan. We invite others to join us on Saturday and welcome this opportunity to raise awareness about the immigrant experience. Meet at Whole Foods in Chapel Hill at 10am Saturday. We'll be marching to Weaver Street Market.

CABARET!! SATURDAY NIGHT!! 7-9PM!! DON'T MISS IT!!
The US CABARET is our one community-wide fundraiser of the year. We will have a talent-filled evening showcasing students, staff members and parents. (Watch for a certain mother & son duet!) Proceeds from the Cabaret will directly support community service aspects of this year's End-of-Year Program: building materials for the village of La Isla, El Salvador; assistance to an AIDS orphanage in Trinidad; building materials for Habitat for Humanity in Trinidad; and supplies for an elementary school in Costa Rica. The CABARET is a family-friendly event, and all CFS families, friends, and alum families are welcome to attend. See you in the Center.

We have a lot going on in the life of the US, this week. I hope you will be able to join us for some...or all of it.

Week of February 18, 2008

This will be a very full week for Upper School staff members. They have been busy grading tests, reading papers, evaluating final projects, and writing End-of-Term reports. With a very short amount of time to accomplish this task, Jon Lepofsky provides the perfect photographic example. He sits with his computer in his lap, paper and grade book close by, and stacks of papers waiting to be read.

Our spring symposium is Monday, with the theme of Sex, Drugs, and Rock-n-Roll. The following staff members will be present: Carrie, Bob, Willy, Jon, Elise, Dylan, Sherri, and Liam. Former parent, Duke professor, and author of Buzzed, Cindy Kuhn, and her drug education students will make 2 presentations about the dangers of drug and alcohol use; one to the freshmen and sophomores, and one to the juniors and seniors. During our second hour, we will be divided by grade and by gender to discuss relationships. The boys will write questions for the girls, and visa versa. Each grade will then gather to share questions and answer them. Basically, this is a time for students to talk openly about relationships, expectations, confusions, and concerns. During our third hour of the morning, our tech director, Sharon Guillory, and MS teacher, Matthew Ross, will do a presentation on Internet Safety.

Following an information-filled morning, we will have a cookout lunch and enjoy entertainment provided by our US bands and the Quaker N'Oats. Hamburgers and veggie burgers are $1/each. For the afternoon, students have planned fun, community-building activities. We will begin with an all-US game of capture the flag, which will cover the entire campus. This game will be followed by an interesting rendition of Amoeba, which will be played in advisee groups. We will conclude the day with clean-up!

Tuesday is Advisee Day. During this day, advisors work with their advisees to help them plan for their student-led parent conferences. Students will receive and go over their End-of-Term reports. They will also write mid-year self-evaluations. Each group is planning this day differently, with some groups remaining on campus and others heading off campus for a variety of activities.

Wednesday is a very important staff workday. As you can imagine, staff members have their hands full with ending the term, writing reports, and participating in an advisee day. Wednesday's workday allows staff members to time to focus on their spring term classes, which will begin on Monday, February 25. On Thursday and Friday, we will welcome parents to the US for student-led conferences. Please stop by the old building (log cabin) to see a display of student projects.