October Newsletter 2007

This month at Friends School:
• Reflections from the Head of School >>
• Learning Update >>
• October Calendar >>
• Monthly Assembly Themes >>

Reflections from the Head of School

It was with considerable trepidation that I considered leaving a Friends school community in which I had lived and raised a family for 29 years. The attraction of joining Friends School of Portland in its formative years and on beautiful Mackworth Island was convincing, so I followed as the way unexpectedly opened. Among the many pleasant surprises is the strong sense of community that has already developed in this still new school. I have to remind myself that nearly half of us are new to the school, and yet, we have found a place of belonging, even as the school re-invents itself as a larger community. It has brought me to a new appreciation of that particular Quaker value. We honor the light within each individual, but also realize the leavening that occurs when we listen to and care for one another. No doubt the parents who made efforts to connect over the summer at ball games and picnics contributed to maintaining community. Jonathan’t work project brought new and returning families together. Meeting and singing together every week has given us common experiences, too. And, for me personally, the hugs that I get from the preschoolers when I go down to the field to help walk them up to school in the morning have been my warmest embrace. I can hardly remember why I hesitated to move to this wonderful school. There is so much promise for our future together.

~ James Grumbach, Head of School

Learning Update

to Top

What makes a vital learning community? This September we have some new responses to that. We open and close each week in the sunny space of Carter Hall. Monday morning we greet the week with silent meeting, some announcements and a song. Nothing is more beautiful than a circle of children, parents, teachers and guests singing and signing “This Little Light of Mine.” Friday afternoons we congregate again for songs, games, activities or special events from the week. This week Hayes Porterfield, father of Eileen in Katie’t class, will share his love of drumming and Nicole’t class will show pictures of their lobster boat adventure. Back in our classrooms we have all been getting to know our students in as many different ways as we can. The preK class is learning the rhythm of their day and is often outside, fascinated with leaves and seeds. The K-7 faculty has been busy introducing new math and writing programs and formalizing some essential assessments. The exciting new laptops and projector have been put to immediate use in a variety of ways. Spanish and American Sign language are alive and well, art adorns the walls, music drifts down the hall and Frisbee Golf in PE class gets everyone out and active. Learning is alive and well!

~ Mary Tracy, Curriculum Coordinator

October Calendar

to Top

• 2008 Sunrise Guides will be on sale Oct. 4 to Oct 23. The cost of the Sunrise Guide is $20, with half of the proceeds going to the school. This fundraiser, sponsored by the Parents Association provides a book full of great coupons (worth over $4500 at local businesses in southern and midcoast Maine) that you will really use, as well as learn ways to do more for the planet. Last year, FSP was the top selling organization. Contact Maya Howard, Jeanne Paterak, or Moriah Coughlin for more information.
• Thursday, Oct. 11, 6:30-7:30, FSP Parent Night. This is an opportunity for parents (without their children) to receive an overview of their class. Teachers will speak about curriculum, classroom practices, plans for the year and the nature of the group of children that they have experienced so far. There will be time for questions, though not for individual conferences, which can be scheduled at a mutually convenient time. We hope that you will join us!
• Saturday, Oct. 13, 9 am — 4 pm, Therapeutic Massage Fundraiser. Are you in need of some pampering, but don’t want to feel guilty about spending time and money on yourself? We have a rare opportunity for you. Aon Center for Innovative Bodywork has generously offered a day of therapeutic massage, shiatsu, ashiatsu, reike, and mini-facials with all proceeds benefiting Friends School of Portland. All you need to do is call them at 781-2370 to make an appointment, keep the appointment, and pay by cash or check. One hour massages typically cost $70 and 30 minute mini-facials, $35 (Cash or check, no credit cards.) Located at 4 Fundy Rd, Suite 102, Falmouth, ME Heading north on Rt 1, the first right before the Saab dealer.  Heading south on Rt 1, the first left after the Saab dealer. If we can book all seven therapists all day the school could receive over $4000!! For more information, visit their website at www.aonspa4balance.com. Invite your friends!
• Friday, October 26, 5:30 — 7:30, Community Potluck in Carter Hall. Students, staff, board members and all their families join for an informal and delicious get-together.

Themes for weekly assemblies, Fridays at 1 pm in Carter Hall

• Oct — peace
• Nov — giving
• Dec — light & solstice
• Jan — winter survival and celebration
• Feb — warmth & love
• Mar- service & change
• April — spring, rebirth & Earth Day
• May — peace & Mother’t Day
• June — endings & beginnings, Father’t Day

Nondiscrimination Policy

FRIENDS SCHOOL of PORTLAND
An independent Quaker day school for grades Pre-K - 8
1 Mackworth Island Falmouth, ME 04105
207-781-6321, information@friendsschoolofportland.org
Copyright © 2007 FRIENDS SCHOOL of PORTLAND