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Sunday - October 26, 2014


Principal's Letter


MESSAGE FROM MAMADOU


Announcements


NEXT-TO-NEW SALE RESULTS
GAMETIME!
SIDWELL FRIENDS SNOW CLUB


Events


EVENING WITH NPR SCIENCE REPORTER, AUTHOR OF "THE HIDDEN BRAIN"
COUNSELOR'S CORNER
APOLLO ORCHESTRA, SFS CHORUS PERFORMANCE
LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR COMING SOON
SIDWELL FRIENDS IS GOING TO THE OPERA!
EVENING LECTURE FEATURING AUTHOR TONY WAGNER
AUCTION BRAINSTORM PARTY


Other


QUAKER QUOTES
"DANCING SHOES": HELP THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE!
DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS


News Around the School


US NEWS


MS NEWS


LS NEWS


Principal's Letter


MESSAGE FROM MAMADOU
Friends,
This past Thursday, when students and faculty gathered for silent reflection during our regular Meeting for Worship, we sat in peaceful silence, broken only by one message: a reminder for all of us in the community to appreciate and value all of the diverse cultures and languages in the world. The meeting was truly restorative, giving us a chance to catch our breath in the midst of the fast-paced environment of school life to reflect on the things that are most important to each of us. Our weekly meetings offer us an anchor and a haven from the pressing demands of life. As we approach the end of the first quarter, students have been feeling the pressures of schoolwork, with paper deadlines and tests. Seniors are feeling the added burdens of the college process. Everyone will get a breather on October 31, a report-writing day for teachers and a day off for students. I hope students will catch up on their sleep and have time to relax over the long weekend.
On Monday, October 27, at 7:00 p.m, the Parents Association and Parents of Black Students have invited NPR Science Reporter Shankar Vedantam to speak to our community in the Robert L. Smith Meeting Room. Mr. Vedantam is the author of The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars and Save Our Lives. Light refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m. A limited number of spaces for child care for 3rd through 8th graders will be available. If you are interested in this option, please let Kathi Webb know (webbk@sidwell.edu).
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful fall weekend.
With warm regards,
Mamadou Guèye
Interim Upper School Principal
October 30: Fall P.E. ends, first quarter ends
October 31: US Faculty Report Writing, no US classes
November 3, 7:45-8:45 a.m.: 12th Grade Parent Conversation with College Counseling, Choral Room
November 3: Winter athletic teams begin practice
November 10: Winter P.E. classes begin
November 14: First quarter report cards posted through Educator Online
November 17: Early dismissal, 12:10 (Half-day professional day for faculty)
November 21-23: Fall Play, Theater
November 21: 9th Grade Parent Conference Day
November 21: Senior College Visit Day, Special program for 9th grade, field trips for grades 10 and 11
November 23, 12:00-2:00 p.m.: 9th Grade Thanksgiving Pie Bake, Dining Room
November 26-28: Thanksgiving Holiday


Announcements


NEXT-TO-NEW SALE RESULTS
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Next-to-New Sale, which was a record-breaking success, raising more than $92,000 for student financial aid! This is $27,000 more than what was raised at last year’s Sale.

In addition to net proceeds benefiting student scholarships, all items unfit for Sale were recycled, and unsold items were donated to charity.
Approximately half a ton of textiles was sent to local recycling centers, and a metal recycling program was introduced, which will help bring in additional revenue to the Sale. Nearly one ton of clothing and more than 400 boxes of unsold items were given to 15 local charities.
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the many donors, sponsors, volunteers, students, local charities, and shoppers for making this fundraiser a resounding success. Without your support, this event would not have been possible.
To learn more about volunteering at next year’s Sale, please contact Jessie Jacobson, director of special events, at jacobsonj@sidwell.edu.
See you next year!

Melanie Jacobsen and Felice Roggen
2014/15 Co-Chairs

GAMETIME!
Although we are finished with our special events for the fall season, most teams are in league tournaments and races over the next few weeks. Check the athletics calendar for remaining games, get your Sidwell Friends colors on, and go cheer.
If you have suggestions about GAMETIME! (timing of events, locations, ideas for involving MS and LS students), please send them to the PA Athletics Committee clerks Andrew Aurbach (andrew.aurbach@gmail.com) and Estee Portnoy (Estee.Portnoy@jumpdc.com) or to Kathi Webb (webbk@sidwell.edu). Thanks to those of you who have already provided thoughtful feedback.

SIDWELL FRIENDS SNOW CLUB
Snow Club is the perfect way to counteract end-of-the-week blahs. Students in grades 6 and above jump on the Calleva Snow Bus and hit the slopes EVERY Friday night in January and February. The bus picks up at 3:30 p.m. in the D.C. campus bus area by the tennis courts and returns to the garage between 11:30 p.m. and midnight. Students can sign up for four, six, or all eight Friday nights to ski under the lights at Whitetail! Snow Club members receive a Night Club card and Friday night transportation to the slopes.
Whitetail is our home mountain, but the Night Club card is also good for the sister resorts, Liberty and Roundtop. Your Night Club card is a night skiing season pass good for any of these three resorts on any night of their season (beginning January 9). If you like to ride the slopes with your friends, want to avoid the daytime lift lines, and are a night owl, this is a sweet program!
An information session will be held Tuesday, November 4, 6:30-7:30 p.m. in Upper School room 104/106. For more information, contact Quinn McClean at qmcclean@hotmail.com.


Events


EVENING WITH NPR SCIENCE REPORTER, AUTHOR OF "THE HIDDEN BRAIN"
Shankar Vedantam is the National Public Radio (NPR) science reporter and the author of The Hidden Brain: How Our Unconscious Minds Elect Presidents, Control Markets, Wage Wars, and Save Our Lives. He will address the Sidwell Friends community and answer questions about his work on Monday, October 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. in the Robert L. Smith Meeting Room.
Light refreshments will be available at 6:30 p.m. Upper School students: The library will be open until 7:00 p.m. After that, students not attending the talk are welcome to study in the Arts Center. Child care is available for children in grades 3-8; we have a limited number of slots, so please sign up in advance with Kathi Webb (webbk@sidwell.edu).
Shankar's book explores how unconscious biases influence people. The fascinating topics that he studies and reports on touch many of the values and principles embraced by the students, parents, and faculty who make up SFS’ wonderful community. Shankar is an ideal person to lead a discussion and open dialog, as he studies human behavior from a scientific point of view. His reports are always eye-opening and fascinating. He is a thoughtful and experienced speaker, having lectured at Harvard and Columbia Universities.
Shankar was a fellow with the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University and served a two-year term as a senior scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, D.C. This event is sponsored by the Parents of Black Students and is open to the entire Sidwell Community.
You do not need to RSVP to attend.

COUNSELOR'S CORNER
Several important presentations for parents:
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is launching a new program to raise awareness around the increasing use of prescription drugs among adolescents. An event will be taking place on Wednesday, October 29, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the National Geographic Headquarters (Grosvenor Auditorium, 1145 17th St., NW) with a panel discussion on teen stress and prescription drug abuse. Speakers will include representatives from the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a clinical psychologist, a parent advocate, and a young adult in recovery.
Please RSVP to communications@drugfree.org by October 24. For more information, contact Gaby Grebski, US counselor, at grebskig@sidwell.edu.
On Tuesday, November 11, and Wednesday, November 12, at Georgetown Day School and Georgetown Visitation respectively, Vicki Hoefle will be talking about her new book, Duct Tape Parenting, a hands-off approach to parenting with a focus on developing and deepening the relationship between parents and kids without anyone feeling like a doormat or a dictator. In this upbeat, informational presentation, Vicki shares the key ideas behind her popular book. She touches on five key “trip-ups” most parents face in their journey toward raising responsible, resilient children. Then, she offers five key solutions that will help parents get unstuck, no matter what their children’s ages or stages. A book signing will follow the presentation.
For more information, please contact Gaby Grebski at grebskig@sidwell.edu.

APOLLO ORCHESTRA, SFS CHORUS PERFORMANCE
Sunday, November 2, 3:00 p.m.
Robert L. Smith Meeting Room
The Apollo Orchestra features young musicians from around the globe. Most are graduates of conservatories but haven’t yet had the opportunity to join a major orchestra or opera company. Performing with the Apollo Orchestra is the Sidwell Friends School Chorus and vocalists from Washington Opera’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists program. The event features choral works and verismo opera including Puccini’s La Rondine, Madame Butterfly and La bohème, which is playing at the Kennedy Center this fall.

LOWER SCHOOL BOOK FAIR COMING SOON
Start making your book lists! The Lower School Book Fair will take place on Saturday and Sunday, November 8 and 9, at Politics and Prose (5015 Connecticut Avenue, NW). All SFS families are invited to participate by buying books and more during these two days. Twenty percent of sales will go to the Lower School Parents Association.

SIDWELL FRIENDS IS GOING TO THE OPERA!
Join us at the Kennedy Center for a performance of La bohème, featuring Alyson Cambridge ’97. Alyson plays the part of Musetta on November 1, 4, 7, 9, 12, and 15. The Sidwell Friends community has a special opportunity to purchase discounted tickets to the Sunday, November 9 show. When booking tickets, use code 187278 for 10% off Orchestra, Tier 1, and Tier 2 seats.

EVENING LECTURE FEATURING AUTHOR TONY WAGNER
Tony Wagner, author of Creating Innovators: The Making of Young People Who Will Change The World, is coming to Sidwell Friends School to kick off the faculty professional development day on Monday, November 17. That evening, the entire community is invited to hear Tony speak about how parents and educators can help nurture innovation in young people in a lecture sponsored by the Christopher Ma Fund for Interdisciplinary Studies. The reception and lecture are from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Please e-mail events@sidwell.edu or call 202-537-8110 to RSVP.

AUCTION BRAINSTORM PARTY
We need your help brainstorming unique donation ideas for this year’s scholarship auction. We want to hear your brilliant ideas! Bring your friends and creativity and we’ll supply the wine, beer, and appetizers. All auction enthusiasts are encouraged to attend---no need to be on the committee!
The Auction Brainstorm Party will be held on Wednesday, November 19, from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the home of Vanessa and Ned Johnson (3530 Tilden Street, NW). Please RSVP by November 12 by e-mailing jacobsonj@sidwell.edu.
Thanks for your support!
Co-Chairs Melvin Cauthen, Vanessa Johnson, and Evelyn Nicholas


Other


QUAKER QUOTES
"True godliness does not turn men out of the world, but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavors to mend it." ---William Penn

"DANCING SHOES": HELP THE ALUMNI MAGAZINE!
The Alumni Magazine is putting together a feature article on the history of school dances at Sidwell Friends (including Homecoming and the Prom) for a future edition. We'd like to incorporate shoes (yes, shoes!) as a design element.
High heels, funky sneakers, boots, loafers--the variety of shoes will represent the style and preferences of today's students, which will contrast in a fun way with archival photos from yesteryear's dances.
We are looking for parents or students willing to take a photograph of the shoes worn that night and e-mail it to alumnimagazine@sidwell.edu. Here's what we need:
---high resolution/large format photos (if using a cell phone, select the largest size when sending it)
---one shot of both shoes, and one shot of a single shoe, shot against a solid background.
That's it! Thanks in advance for helping.

DEADLINE FOR NEWSLETTER SUBMISSIONS
Friendly reminder that the deadline to submit items to the US e-newsletter is Thursday at noon. We will accommodate time-sensitive oversights or last-minute developments when possible. Thanks!


US NewsHomecoming!
Check out pictures from Homecoming!
Read More


MS NewsArtful Thinking
The KX class and 6th grade get started on their Artful Thinking project
Read MoreQuaker educator Arthur Larrabee joins the 7th grade Q&A class
Quaker educator Arthur Larrabee shared four key concepts when making a decision. What didn’t make his list? Taking a vote!
Read More


LS NewsArtful Thinking
The KX class and 6th grade get started on their Artful Thinking project
Read MoreDo you want to be a model or an artist? In the 4th grade art class, students experience both!
Fourth grade student began the physical work to create personal masks, a project that spans two months.
Read More


Upper School Weekly E-Newsletter Submissions

How to Submit an Article to the E-Newsletter. Fill out the form at www.sidwell.edu/submit by 12:00 p.m. Thursday.

Note Concerning the School Calendar: The calendar entries that appear in the right column of each Newsletter are automatically generated by the official school calendar and are not subject to editing by the Newsletter Editors. All changes or additions to the school calendar must be made through the school scheduling office, reachable at: scheduling@sidwell.edu.

The Upper School Weekly E-Newsletter is a forum for communication among parents and is designed to provide announcements concerning school events or information. E-newsletter submissions should be filled out at www.sidwell.edu/submit.


Calendar


Mon, Oct 27th

PA Event - Shankar Vedantam

Robert L. Smith Meeting Room
6:30pm - 9:00pm


Tue, Oct 28th

LS Parent Conferences - Half Day


MS Parent Conferences - Half Day


Wed, Oct 29th

LS Parent Conferences - Half Day


MS Parent Conferences - No School


Thu, Oct 30th

LS Parent Conferences - Half Day


US 1st Quarter Ends, Fall PE Ends


Fri, Oct 31st

US Report Writing - No School


Sun, Nov 2nd

Apollo Orchestra - performance

Robert L. Smith Mtg Rm
3:00pm - 4:30pm


Mon, Nov 3rd

12th Gr. Parent Coffee - College Counseling

Choral Music Rm
7:45am - 8:45am


Thu, Nov 6th

PA Exec. Steering Committee Mtg

Rusch Team Rm
8:30am - 9:30am


Mon, Nov 10th

Senior Celebration Planning Meeting

Zartman Drawing Room
7:00pm - 9:00pm


Thu, Nov 13th

PA Arts Committee Mtg

US Library Board Rm
7:00pm - 9:00pm


Fri, Nov 14th

US Football Banquet

US Dining Rm
6:00pm - 9:00pm


More


Athletics


Mon, Oct 27th

Volleyball - 7/8 at Flint Hill


2:45pm


Football - 7/8 Heavyweight vs. Flint Hill


2:45pm


Field Hockey - 7/8 vs. Brookewood


2:45pm


Soccer - Girls 7/8 A vs. Flint Hill


2:45pm


Soccer - Boys 7/8 A at Flint Hill


2:45pm


Soccer - Boys 7/8 B vs. Flint Hill


2:45pm


Tennis - Girls 7/8 - A Team @ Flint Hill


2:45pm


Tennis - Girls 7/8 - B Team vs. NCS


2:45pm


Field Hockey - Varsity vs. Flint Hill


4:15pm


Tue, Oct 28th

Soccer - Girls Varsity - ISL Championships


Soccer - Boys Varsity - MAC Championships


3:30pm


Wed, Oct 29th

Field Hockey - Varsity - ISL Championships


Soccer - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Championships


3:30pm


Thu, Oct 30th

Volleyball - Varsity - ISL Championships


Cross-Country - Girls 7/8 - Norwood Invitational


Tennis - Girls 7/8 vs. Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Football - 7/8 Heavyweight vs. St. Albans


2:45pm


Soccer - Boys 7/8 A at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Soccer - Girls 7/8 B at Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Soccer - Boys 7/8 B vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Cross-Country - Boys 7/8 - Norwood Invitational


2:45pm


Volleyball - 7/8 - Stone Ridge


2:45pm


Soccer - Boys Varsity - MAC Championships


3:30pm


Fri, Oct 31st

Volleyball - Varsity - ISL Championships


4:30pm


Sat, Nov 1st

Cross-Country - Boys Varsity - DCSAA Championships


Cross-Country - Girls Varsity - DCSAA Championships


Football - Varsity at Flint Hill


2:30pm


Sun, Nov 2nd

Volleyball - Varsity - ISL Championships


Mon, Nov 3rd

Cross-Country - Boys 7/8 - DC Private School Championships


Cross-Country - Girls 7/8 - DC Private School Championships


Tue, Nov 4th

Soccer - Girls Varsity - DCSAA Championships


Soccer - Boys Varsity - DCSAA Championships


Volleyball - Varsity - DCSAA Championships


Sat, Nov 8th

Cross-Country - Boys Varsity vs. DC Private School Championships


Cross-Country - Girls Varsity vs. DC Private School Championships


Fri, Nov 14th

Basketball - Girls Varsity - Scrimmage vs. Georgetown Visitation


4:15pm


More


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