Week of November 19, 2012 (gobble, gobble)

 Here is a great picture (thanks to Brian Whittier) of Jamie and his Ethics Bowl team...actually two teams. Jamie's teams competed in a regional Ethics Bowl competition this past weekend at UNC-CH. Although our students did a great job, they lost in the quarter final match to East Chapel Hill High who went on to win the tournament. Our students had beat ECHH earlier in the day during Round Robin play. Congratulations to Jamie and his students!

 As I hope you have heard, our Fall Symposium was a rousing success! Here, you can see Philip Gary introducing our three visiting ambassadors. Each ambassador gave a 20-minute introduction on Understanding North Korea, The Middle East, and Emerging Africa. Students then split into three Q&A groups with each ambassador.

 Here are a group of our students meeting with Ambassador John Sylvester about North Korea.

 The International Potluck was delicious! Thanks to all who contributed to this great meal.

As you might imagine, Kaira Ba, Jonathan Henderson's Senegalese band, was a big hit. They did manage to get everyone up and dancing.

RISERS NIGHT
On Thursday, November 29, we will welcome Middle School 4th year students and their parents for our Upper School Risers Night. We look forward to an evening full of information sharing. The 4th years will go through an abbreviated class schedule while parents will meet with some staff members in the Meeting Hall. We look forward to welcoming the 4th years and their parents to the Upper School.

OPEN HOUSE
Our CFS Open House is Sunday afternoon, December 2, from 2-4pm. We will make an informational presentation about the Upper School in the Meeting Hall at 2:30. Please encourage any interested folks to attend.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL! HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY WITH FAMILY.

FALL SYMPOSIUM: An International Day 11.12.12

 These pictures were borrowed from previous Fall Symposium days. They are meant to serve as a reminder of our International Day tomorrow (Monday). We have planned an international potluck lunch. If you are contributing an international dish, please note the country of origin so we can properly place it on the table. We are looking forward to eating out on the steps as we are entertained by Jonathan Henderson's Senegalese band, Kaira Ba. You are welcome to join us! (12:15-1:15)

 Our keynote speaker, Mr. Leslie Boney, will begin his talk at 9:30am in the Meeting Hall. Mr. Boney is UNC's Vice President for International, Community, and Economic Engagement. Following Mr. Boney's address, we will split into three Ambassador's Round Table discussions: Emerging Africa, Understanding North Korea, and The Middle East. (10:15-11:15)

 Afternoon workshop sessions will begin at 1:30. Topics include, but are not be limited to, Can the EU Survive?, What is a Multi-Cultural Society? (Taught in Spanish and English), Terrorism and Democracy, and Women's Education in a Global Society.

The first day of our Winter Term is Tuesday, November 13. Upper School Fall Service Days are Monday and Tuesday, November 19 & 20. More to come about that.

I leave you with the message that our CFS community has joined together to hold Lenore Edwards (CFS grad, class of 2011), her family, and the entire Earlham College community in the light. Lenore is a strong and loving young woman who has a long road ahead of her. She needs all of our love and strength at this time.

Election Night Party...and a few other reminders

 All families are invited to attend our 2012 Election Watch Party tonight, from 7:00-10:00. Bryce's Campaign 2012 class is hosting this event. Our very history-minded Director of Advancement, Anthony Clay, has let me know that, if folks are not ready to leave at 10:00, he will stick around and wait for the returns with people. We are asking people to bring drinks and/or snacks to share at the party. We will be streaming in elections returns on the big screen in the Meeting Hall. I have no doubt that this will be an exciting and nail-biting evening!

 Reminder #2: No school on Friday for the students. Staff will be writing End-of-Term reports.

 Reminder #3: If you have not ordered pizza/bagels for the year, it is time to sign up for the Winter Term. I will email a copy of the Pizza/Bagel form before I leave school today. Completed forms and money should be turned in to Willy by Monday, November 12.

Reminder #4: Our Fall Symposium on International Relations is on Monday, November 12. The students have planned an international potluck, which we hope to organize by country. Please identify your contribution to the potluck and its country of origin.

Reminder #5: You still have time to order a yearbook for $40. There are forms in Willy's office. After Thanksgiving, the price will go up to $45. Parents of seniors are invited to buy an ad in the yearbook, which they can personalize for their graduate. Please contact Willy asap, if you want to buy an ad.

PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 16.

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Conferences, classes, and US life...11.2.12

 Last week, CFS hosted the annual Triangle Diversity Conference. We welcomed students from Durham Academy, Ravenscroft, Cary Academy, and St. Mary's. Above, you can see some of our CFS conference participants. Below, Mike is welcoming the entire group and encouraging them to "lean in" to each activity and to engage actively. Members of Jon's Global Issues and the Environment class planned workshops that included topics, such as Post-Racial Politics, The Price of your Politics, and Rhythm in Race. All reports are that the conference was a huge success. Our students planned a thought-provoking and interactive experience for all who came.

 As a culminating activity to her Dance: Shaping an Impulse class, Annie invited her students' parents to join in class on Friday. As you can see, parents were truly joining in!

 Annie and CFS alum Leah Wilks demonstrated a partnering activity. Below, you can see Aaron and Victoria experiencing partnering with their parents.

 On Thursday, students enjoyed an early dismissal so staff members could spend the afternoon in a staff development session. Focusing on Richard Lavoie's book, The Motivational Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child. Staff members had the choice of reading and discussing parts of the book or watching a DVD of Richard Lavoie talking about his views on Motivation. We then processed the information in a variety of ways. Below, you can see a group of staff members participating in a Rehearsal for Life exercise. All in all, this was a great afternoon filled with rich discussions and learning opportunities.

ELECTION WATCH PARTY
Bryce's Campaign 2012 class is sponsoring an Election Watch Party for Tuesday night from 7:00-9:30. We realize that we might not know the results of the presidential election by 9:30, but we think that might be a good time to send folks home. People are welcome to bring snacks and drinks to share. Bryce's class will be decorating the Meeting Hall for this occasion and will have political maps on hand for folks to work with. All ages and political views are welcome!

*LAST DAY OF FALL TERM IS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 
*FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 IS A STAFF WORK DAY. 
*MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 IS OUR FALL SYMPOSIUM ON INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE TO OUR INTERNATIONAL POTLUCK LUNCH.

Halloween...Upper School style!

 Our Center Staff set the stage with their own rendition of the Rainbow Connection.

 Sarah Palin stopped by for a visit.

 Max the penguin, Emma as Day of the Dead, and Cowboy Nick

 Daniel sang We Will Rock You as a member of Queen.

 We Will Rock You...Elisabeth's way!

 Jon the Gender Bender

 Amelia as a fortune teller

 Randall rocked it out as a true rock star

 Senior clowns in action

 Some of our group contestants

 Max and Volver...How adorable!

I came dressed as Hally...and then got to sing Call Me Maybe with the real deal. All in all, Halloween was a fun day in the Upper School.

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!