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Tuesday - November 30, 2010


From the School

This Week's Query
How can you balance your school life and your personal life successfully?Notes from Sally
A reminder to all parents that this Friday is a work day for Middle School teachers. There is no school for students that day. First trimester reports will be posted in about two weeks.
The Lost and Found box is overflowing! Items will be donated during the winter break; please remind your children to stop by to look at what is there.
Many thanks to all of the Trick or Treaters who collected for UNICEF! We collected $1200 this year. Great job, everyone!
A reminder to 6th grade parents: Conversations with Jack for your grade will be held next Tuesday morning, December 7th at 7:45 in the Dining Room.
Thanks so much to the fifth grade Green Gardeners and the dedicated parents who have been helping out on the roof! See the fruits of their labors on the front page of the SFS website this week.
I have had a few volunteers, but I’m still looking for families to host 8th graders from San Francisco Friends School during their visit to Washington. This falls during the weekend of April 8-10 (spending Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night with your family.) Note that Monday, April 12 is a Professional Day, so there is no school, but they will be taken care of for that day and the rest of the week. If you can help, please let me know.
Please remember the party guidelines from the Parent/Student Handbook: It is suggested that parties given by students include either all or not more than half of any given group: the homeroom, the advisory, or the grade level. Remembering these guidelines will help all of our students.
Flu season is upon us and it is an important time of year to make sure we our keeping our Sidwell community as healthy as possible. Please join me in this effort by reminding your child about the importance of handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and not sharing drinking glasses and eating utensils with others.
The Sidwell Friends snow emergency policy may be found on page 1 of the Student Directory as well as in the Handbook for Parents and Students. Please familiarize yourselves with the procedures so that you know what to expect if the weather is bad. As we near the holidays, a few reminders: holiday gifts for Middle School faculty are not expected. Sometimes the very best gift is a note of appreciation! If you are sharing those thoughts during this holiday, please send me a copy for the teacher’s file – I would love to have them. We ask that student gift-giving take place outside of school so that there is not a sense of exclusion.Chorus Rehearsals This Week
Tuesday, November 30th
Girls Ensemble 2:30-4:30 (note times!)
Wednesday, December 1st
Boys Ensemble 7:25am
Girls Ensemble Rehearsal Period
Thursday, December 2nd
NO AM Girls Ensemble!!!!Instrumental Music Notes
5/6 Orchestra – String Ensemble and Guitar Ensemble
Wednesday December 1st Rehearsal Period RM 101
7/8 Orchestra – String Ensemble
Wednesday December 1st Rehearsal Period RM 101
7/8 Orchestra – FULL ORCHESTRA
Mandatory Tech Rehearsal Monday December 6th 3:30-5:30 (refreshments provided)Addresses Needed for Grandparents Day
All Middle School grandparents are invited to spend the day with their grandchildren for Grandparents Day held at the Middle School campus on May 6, 2011. Grandparents will have the opportunity to explore campus, meet their grandchildren’s teachers and friends, and enjoy lunch. If your MS students’ grandparents do not currently receive mail from us, please send their full mailing address to grandparentsday@sidwell.edu. We are expecting another large turnout so it is very important that grandparents RSVP for the event and that parents plan to drop them off (parking will be very limited). Thank you!7th annual Anindya Dehejia '78 Fellows Program Memorial Lecture
Sidwell Friends invites the school community to attend the 7th annual Anindya Dehejia ’78 Fellows Program Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 3:45 pm in The Robert and Arlene Kogod Center for the Arts. A reception will follow.
This year’s speaker is Dr. Eric Chivian, Founder and Director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment, and an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Chivian is the senior editor and author, with Dr. Aaron Bernstein, of Sustaining Life: How Human Health Depends on Biodiversity, published in June 2008 by Oxford University Press. He also runs Pairidaeza Farm, an orchard in central Massachusetts.
Please RSVP to DehejiaLecture@sidwell.edu or 202-537-8439 by Friday November 19. Read More


PA Announcements

Note from the Parent Association Presidents
On behalf of the entire Sidwell Friends Parents Association, Lynn and I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season.
Please take a moment to read the gift giving opportunities from each division. This year, we have made all drop-off dates the same, November 29th through December 10th. You can drop off unwrapped gifts at the Lower School Manor House, outside the Middle School front offices, or in the Upper School Library or Mr. Connell’s office – Room 222. Please see the individual division notices on the many different types of gifts needed.
We hope you take this opportunity to enjoy the best the season has to offer including a gift to those less fortunate. Happy Holidays!
Polly Bomstein & Lynn SachsHoliday Gift Giving
In the spirit of holiday gift giving, the MS Community Service Committee invites the Sidwell Friends families to share with our neighbors in need. As in past years, Lower, Middle, and Upper School families are welcome to donate gifts during the first two weeks of December. Donations will be delivered by parent volunteers to children and families in organizations with whom we have long-term partnerships: Martha’s Table and Brightwood Elementary School.
GIFT SUGGESTIONS
Martha's Table: Toys, board games, puzzles, African American and Latina dolls, picture books, dramatic play costumes & props, craft kits for children (please no action figures that carry weapons), clothing for cold weather for the whole family (hats, scarfs, gloves, mittens, long underwear), rolls of gift wrap
Brightwood Elementary School: High quality books for very young children such as board books about ABC's, 123's, shapes and colors (please no cartoon books).
All gifts will be greatly appreciated. Please drop off unwrapped gifts in the collection boxes located in the Middle School Office between Monday, November 29 and Friday, December 10.
If you have any questions or are interested in lending a hand, please contact Sherri Cafritz (sldcafritz@aol.com), MS Community Service clerk. Thank you for your generosity!Parents of Latino Students (PALS) Admissions Message
In keeping with the school’s spirit to increase diversity in its student body, the Sidwell Parents of Latino Students (PLAS) would like to encourage Latino families in the Washington area to consider Sidwell Friends School for their children. More information is available at Sidwell’s website: www.sidwell.edu, along with information regarding financial assistance. Accepted students are eligible for financial aid, awarded on financial needs basis. Please use the financial aid calculator on the school site to determine potential eligibility/award. www.sidwell.edu/admissions/financialaid.aspx. Families and their prospective students are welcome to contact the Admission’s office. The application deadline is December 15, 2010; supporting documents are due by January 15, 2011.


Other News

From the Financial Aid Office
Financial aid information will be mailed on December 1 to families currently receiving aid. If you are not currently receiving financial aid, but want to apply for the 2011-2012 school year, please call 202-537-2402 to be added to the financial aid mailing list. Sally Foster Gift Wraps and Gifts
STOCK UP NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Sally Foster is a school-wide sale that includes quality gift-wrap and delicious gourmet chocolates among many other great gift items available through a convenient online catalogue. 50% of all sales go directly to student financial aid. All orders may be placed now through January 31, 2011 at www.sallyfoster.com. When prompted at check-out, enter the SFS account code 505552 so that 50% of the proceeds are properly recorded to our school.

Winter Break Camp 2010
Please join us over winter break – we are offering programs by the day for students in PK – Grade 10! Whip up delicious dishes with Chef Kevin, create adorable gifts and fashionable outfits and accessories with Handwork Studios, kick around with travel soccer coaches from Stoddert, and burn off excess holiday spirit our Sports & Games camp for the young ones! Click here for more information, or apply online at www.sidwell.edu/summer. Sign up by the day with half, full and extended day options. Contact us with any questions – 202-537-8133 or summer@sidwell.edu.Annual Auction on April 16th
EVENTS FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 16, 2011 for the All Hands on Deck themed benefit auction at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. All auction proceeds go directly to student financial aid.This will be a fabulous event you won’t want to miss!
In the meantime, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The Co-Chairs Mimi Reisner, Elissa Rubin, and Beth Wilkinson are asking each of you for your help. Do you have any special ideas, talents or connections that you could donate or help us to arrange? If so, please contact events@sidwell.edu.
We’re especially looking for:
** Gift certificates to dine at your favorite restaurant
** Vacation homes or other special getaways
** Tickets to sporting or cultural events
** Special wines and spirits
** Pampering connections for spas and beauty/health services
** Your culinary expertise
** Toys and electronics
** Any extra American Express points, Thank You rewards, or airline frequent flier miles that we can use to buy items or plane tickets.
Donation deadline is January 31, 2011. Donate today!!
We still need volunteers to help solicit donations. This is much easier than it sounds. It entails following-up with about ten parents or businesses to make sure they get their donations in by the deadline. It only takes a couple hours, yet makes a huge different. To volunteer please contact events@sidwell.edu.Host Families Needed for International Students
SFS is seeking families to host the 11th grade boy from Shanghai, Yifei Zhao, and the 10th grade boy from Ramallah, Aziz Shehadeh, for the second semester beginning in January. We hope to find two families from the Upper School who could each host for the whole second semester, but we welcome interest from families with students in Middle School, and from families who would prefer to host for shorter periods, whether two-three months or just an occasional weekend.
Please contact John Flower, Director of Chinese Studies and Global Programs, flowerj@sidwell.edu (202) 537-8181 for more information if your family is interested in hosting one of these students.

The Parents Association newsletters are a forum for communication among parents and provide announcements concerning School or PA events or information related to a School or PA event.
MS newsletter submissions should be sent to PA.MSnewsletter@sidwell.edu.


Calendar


Tue, Nov 30th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


8th Grade Conservations with Jack

US Dining Room
7:45am


Wed, Dec 1st

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


Thu, Dec 2nd

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


Hanukkah


Fri, Dec 3rd

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


Middle School Faculty In Service Day, No School for MS


Mon, Dec 6th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


MS Instrumental Rehearsals

AC Theater
3:30pm - 5:30pm


Tue, Dec 7th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


6th Grade Conversations with Jack

US Dining Room
7:45am


MS Holiday Concert Rehearsal

AC Theater
2:30pm - 5:30pm


The Mountain Music Project: A Musical Odyssey from Appalachia to Himalaya

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:30pm


Wed, Dec 8th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


MS Holiday Concert Rehearsal (Dress)

AC Theater
12:50pm - 3:30pm


7/8 Choral and Instrumental Holiday Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm


Thu, Dec 9th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


Fri, Dec 10th

All School Community Service Holiday Gift Drive


7th & 8th Choral and Instrumental Holiday Concert

AC Theater
1:45pm - 3:20pm


Sun, Dec 12th

US Winter Choral Concert

AC Theater
2:30pm


Tue, Dec 14th

PA Executive Committee Meeting

Athletic Center Meeting Room
8:00am - 9:00am


Wed, Dec 15th

6th Grade Poetry Alive Rehearsal

MS Drama Studio
4:00pm - 6:00pm


6th Grade Poetry Alive

MS Drama Studio
6:00pm - 8:00pm


US Instrumental Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm - 10:00pm


Thu, Dec 16th

PA Arts Committee Meeting

US Library Board Room
7:45pm - 9:30pm


Sat, Dec 18th

Winter Vacation Begins


More


Athletics


Tue, Nov 30th

Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity vs. Potomac School


7:30pm


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity vs. Holy Child


7:30pm


Wed, Dec 1st

Wrestling - Varsity vs. Landon


4:30pm


Fri, Dec 3rd

Basketball - Girls Varsity - SFS Invitational


5:00pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity - SFS Invitational


6:45pm


Sat, Dec 4th

Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity vs. MAC Jamboree


9:00am


Wrestling - Varsity vs. Model, St. Anselms & Hyde


10:00am


Basketball - Boys Varsity - SFS Invitational


2:30pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity - SFS Invitational


2:30pm


Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity vs. WMPSSDL Relays


4:00pm


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity vs. WMPSSDL Relays


4:00pm


Sun, Dec 5th

Basketball - Boys Varsity - SFS Invitational


1:00pm


Tue, Dec 7th

Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity vs. Bullis


4:15pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman - Canberra Grammer School (Australia)


4:30pm


Wrestling - Varsity vs. St. Albans


5:00pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. Bullis


6:00pm


Wed, Dec 8th

Swimming - Boys 7/8 at Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Swimming - Girls 7/8 at Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Thu, Dec 9th

Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at Holton-Arms


4:15pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman at Flint Hill


4:30pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity at Holton-Arms


5:45pm


Fri, Dec 10th

Basketball - Boys Freshman vs. Field School


4:00pm


Wrestling - Varsity at St. Andrew's School


4:30pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity vs. St. James School


5:00pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity vs. St. James School


6:30pm


Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


7:30pm


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


7:30pm


Sat, Dec 11th

Wrestling - Varsity - Mercersburg Dual


Basketball - Girls Varsity at National Cathedral School


12:00pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity - McKinley


1:30pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity - McKinley


3:00pm


Mon, Dec 13th

Basketball - Boys 7/8 A at Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 B vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Tue, Dec 14th

Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity vs. George Mason


4:00pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity at Potomac School


4:15pm


Wrestling - Varsity vs. Georgetown Day


4:30pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. George Mason


5:15pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity at Potomac School


6:00pm


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity vs. Georgetown Visitation


7:15pm


Wed, Dec 15th

Basketball - Boys 7/8 B at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman at St. Albans


4:15pm


Thu, Dec 16th

Basketball - Girls 7/8 A vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Basketball - Girls 7/8 B vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 A vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Wrestling - 7/8 vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Swimming - Boys 7/8 at Holton-Arms


3:00pm


Swimming - Girls 7/8 at Holton-Arms


3:00pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity at Georgetown Day


4:15pm


Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


4:15pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity at Georgetown Day


5:45pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


5:45pm


Fri, Dec 17th

Basketball - Girls Varsity - Bullis Tournament


Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at Episcopal High School


4:15pm


Sat, Dec 18th

Basketball - Girls Varsity - Bullis Tournament


Wrestling - Varsity - SFS Tournament


9:00am


Basketball - Boys Varsity at Georgetown Prep


3:00pm


Sun, Dec 19th

Basketball - Girls Varsity - Bullis Tournament


More


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