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Sunday - April 30, 2017


Principal's Letter


MESSAGE FROM MAMADOU


Announcements


2017 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
US FACULTY AND STAFF APPRECIATION BREAKFAST


Events


INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT TODAY: APRIL 30
GAMETIME! BASEBALL: MAY 5
PAS FAMILY POTLUCK: MAY 7
EJC BOOK DISCUSSION, "WE GON' BE ALRIGHT": MAY 9
LAST WEEK TO REGISTER! GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS DAY: MAY 12


Other


QUAKER QUOTES AND QUESTIONS


News Around the School


Principal's Letter


MESSAGE FROM MAMADOU
Dear Friends,

For Collection this past week, the Quaker Life Committee and its student leaders cosponsored an interfaith panel discussion on the topic of religious solidarity. The speakers included Imam Talib Shareef of the Nation’s Mosque, Rabbi Aaron Miller of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, and Reverend Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, who is the canon theologian at the Washington Cathedral. They responded to various questions posed by our students on the topics of interfaith collaboration, the role of religion in human conflict, and misconceptions about faith traditions. Our speakers were incredibly thoughtful and implored us to collaborate across faith traditions and work toward mutual understanding and respect.

On Monday, students participated in grade-wide elections for positions in student government and the Honor Committee. Each of the candidates delivered compelling speeches in front of their classmates. I’m proud of all the students who put themselves out there to run for one of these positions. Elections for next year’s 9th grade representatives will take place in September at the start of the new school year.

This past Friday was the last day of senior classes. I wish all the seniors a happy senior project period!

Here’s another reminder about the special grade-level activities for May 3:

* Ninth graders will spend the day at the National Zoo as part of their biology curriculum. Ninth Grade Dean Diane Scattergood will send home permission forms and additional information. Students should arrive at Sidwell Friends at the normal start time, 8:00 a.m. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Diane Scattergood.

* Tenth graders will spend the morning taking a practice ACT. They should plan to arrive on campus promptly at 7:45 a.m. so that they can be in their seats for an 8:00 exam start time. These practice exams will be marked by partner organization Academic Approach, and scores will be sent home in early June. Scores are unofficial and will not be reported to colleges. Sophomores should use the practice exam as an opportunity to get a sense of what the ACT entails so they can choose between the ACT and the SAT next year. Any questions may be directed toward Emily Thigpen.

* Many of our 11th graders will be taking the English literature AP exam on the morning of May 3. Juniors who are not taking the exam are allowed to stay home, as all 11th grade classes will be canceled. Classes will also be canceled on May 5, which is the day of the AP US History exam. Questions regarding AP testing may be sent to Cory Zimmerman.

Warmly,
Mamadou Guèye
Upper School Principal


Announcements


2017 COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

We are pleased to announce that Michael Govan ’81 has accepted an invitation to address the Class of 2017 at this year’s Commencement ceremony on June 9. A graduate of Williams College and the University of California, San Diego, Michael has been hailed for dramatically expanding and enriching the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, where he is currently director. He previously served as the president and director of New York’s Dia Art Foundation and the deputy director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. We are very excited to have Michael Govan return home to Sidwell Friends.

US FACULTY AND STAFF APPRECIATION BREAKFAST
The Upper School's Parents Association is sponsoring an appreciation breakfast for our dedicated faculty and staff on Friday, May 12. All families are invited to participate. Our teachers, coaches, and administrative staff members welcome this special tradition!

We are looking for volunteers to donate baked goods, other breakfast treats, fresh fruit, ground coffee, tea, and juice, as well as plates and utensils. Contributions should be dropped off at the Upper School faculty lounge no later than 7:45 a.m. on Friday, May 12. If possible, please send your donation on an attractive platter or tray. Please also label any non-disposable dishes with your name, and have your student pick them up in the faculty lounge by the end of the day. Sign up to bring food and/or volunteer at this link.
We will also need three volunteers to help us set up the breakfast at 7:30 a.m., two volunteers to accept donations from drivers in the carpool lane from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m., and three volunteers to help clean up at 12:00 p.m.
Please contact Robyn Alexander at robynalexchef@gmail.com if you have any questions.


Events


INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT TODAY: APRIL 30
Join us today at 2:30 p.m. for the Upper School Instrumental Music Concert in the Arts Center courtyard. (Our rain location will be in the Robert L. Smith Meeting Room.) The Rocklands BBQ truck will be there, too! For more information about the program, check out www.sidwell.edu/arts.

GAMETIME! BASEBALL: MAY 5
Our last GAMETIME! will be a baseball game on Friday, May 5, at 4:30 p.m. against St. Andrews School. It's also an opportunity to meet some alumni! Members of the 1977 team who won the IAC baseball title, along with their coach, will be around for their 40th high school reunion. Fan treats will be available at each event, and we’ll try to organize an opportunity to meet the athletes as well. Don't forget to check the calendar for league tournament games!

PAS FAMILY POTLUCK: MAY 7
The Parents of Asian Students (PAS) affinity group invites all Sidwell Friends families and friends to the Second Annual PAS Family Potluck. The PAS seeks to create an environment that will increase awareness of Asian cultures, languages, and heritages within our School community. All interested parents are welcome, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.

This year's event will take place on Sunday, May 7, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. in a tent behind the Upper School's Zartman House. It is open to all three divisions and is a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and welcome new families into our community.

Please RSVP by May 3 at this link. We hope to see you on May 7!

EJC BOOK DISCUSSION, "WE GON' BE ALRIGHT": MAY 9
Please join us as we continue to discuss the issues and challenges raised in Jeff Chang's book We Gon' Be Alright: Notes on Race and Resegregation. We will meet in the Upper School library on Tuesday, May 9, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. Our yearlong theme is identity, and we seek a rich diversity of opinions and experiences on the topics we cover at EJC gatherings.

RSVP at this link. Please remember to indicate whether or not you will need childcare. A light supper will be offered at 6:30 p.m. Feel free to contact Kathi Webb for more information.

LAST WEEK TO REGISTER! GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS DAY: MAY 12
Please take a moment to check in with grandparents and special friends who plan to attend Grandparents and Friends Day on Friday, May 12, and make sure they have registered online at this link. This is the last week in which families can register.

Please also note that the contact phone number on the paper invitations mailed to grandparents is incorrect. The correct number is 202-537-8109. Feel free to call if you have any questions.
The Lower School Grandparents and Friends Day will be on Thursday, May 11.


Other


QUAKER QUOTES AND QUESTIONS
I want to attend Meeting for Worship, but I have a couple of questions that keep me from participating more often. For example, what do I do when I need to cough or sneeze or blow my nose? It seems so disruptive.
I used to feel that way when I was younger and was convinced that even when I swallowed, it bothered the people near me, so I would try not to—which, of course, made everything worse! Eventually, I learned to not worry about it and relaxed. And over time, as I became better able to focus on meditating, I found that my body kind of sinks into stillness all by itself.
More to the point, though: We are all human, and we each come with the respiratory issues and stomach rumblings and wriggliness that humans naturally have. Meeting is a coming together of human beings, not statues, and that means there is always a susurrus of gentle sound that is the music of worship. It’s up to us whether we grumble and use it as an excuse for feeling distracted, or if we appreciate it.
I have attended meetings for worship held beside babbling brooks, around energetic children playing in a sand pile, and beneath trees and birds. Quakers have worshipped in the midst of war, during noisy protests and police actions, and many similar situations.
Still, cough drops in the pocket are handy, as are tissues. If a Friend has a true coughing fit, she may step outside for a bit. And if your Great-Aunt Lobelia starts snoring like a chainsaw right beside you, it’s okay to give her a poke!
Quaker quotes alternate with questions about Quakerism in this newsletter feature. To ask a question about Quaker history or practices, email our Sidwell Friends Quaker Life Committee's authors at quakerquestions@sidwell.edu.


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


Sun, Apr 30th

US Instrumental Music Concert & BBQ

US Courtyard & RLS Meeting Room
2:30pm - 5:30pm


Wed, May 3rd

10th Grade Practice ACT Test

US Classrooms
8:00am - 12:00pm


US PA Steering Committee Meeting

Rusch Team Room
8:05am - 9:35am


Japanese Lessons

US Room 130
6:00pm - 8:00pm


Thu, May 4th

PA Executive Committee

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


Fri, May 5th

SFS Reunion Weekend

Sidwell Friends School

5/6/2017


GAMETIME! Baseball v. St. Andrews

Baseball Field
4:30pm - 6:30pm


Sat, May 6th

Reunion Activities

Campus
10:00am - 4:00pm


Sun, May 7th

PA-Parents of Asian Students Pot Luck

Zartman Garden & Tent
4:30pm - 6:30pm


Tue, May 9th

PA-Sponsored EJC Book Discussion

Upper School Library
7:00pm - 8:30pm


Wed, May 10th

Japanese Lessons

US Room 130
6:00pm - 8:00pm


Thu, May 11th

Lower School Grandparents & Friends Day

Sidwell Friends School
1:00pm - 3:15pm


Fri, May 12th

MS And US Grandparents Day


Upper School Grandparents & Friends Day

Sidwell Friends School
9:00am - 1:00pm


Middle School Grandparents & Friends Day

Sidwell Friends School
12:30pm - 3:30pm


US Arts Guild

RLS Meeting Room
7:00pm - 9:00pm


Mon, May 15th

PA Transition Meeting

Robert L. Smith Meeting Room & Lobby, Upper School
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Wed, May 17th

Japan Trip Orientation Dinner

Upper School Library
5:00pm - 7:00pm


Japanese Lessons

US Room 130
6:00pm - 8:00pm


Fri, May 19th

PA-10th Grade Parent Coffee

Off Campus - Le Pain Quotidien
8:00am - 9:00am


US Art Show and Reception

Daryl Reich Rubenstein Gallery, Arts center
5:30pm - 7:30pm


US Play Performance: "MUSEUM"

Mary Ellen Caplin Theater
8:00pm - 10:00pm

Visit this Link


Sat, May 20th

US Play Performance: "MUSEUM"

Mary Ellen Caplin Theater
8:00pm - 10:00pm

Visit this Link


More


Athletics


Mon, May 1st

Baseball - 7/8 B at Alice Deal Jr. High


2:30pm


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


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A at Potomac School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls Junior Varsity at Potomac School


4:00pm


Tue, May 2nd

Softball - Varsity at Potomac School


4:15pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity at Potomac School


4:15pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity vs. Potomac School


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity at Sandy Spring


4:30pm


Baseball - Varsity at Potomac School


4:30pm


Lacrosse - Boys Varsity at St. Andrew's School


5:30pm


Wed, May 3rd

Baseball - 7/8 B vs. Flint Hill


2:45pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 A at Bullis


2:45pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 B vs. Bullis


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A at National Cathedral School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 B vs. National Cathedral School


2:45pm


Track & Field - Boys 7/8 - Landon Invitational


2:45pm


Track & Field - Girls 7/8 - Landon Invitational


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity at Maret School


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Girls Junior Varsity at Maret School


5:30pm


Thu, May 4th

Softball - 7/8 A at Potomac School


2:45pm


Baseball - 7/8 B vs. Washington Latin


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A vs. St. Andrew's School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A vs. St. Andrew's School


2:45pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 B vs. Washington Latin - Coed B Team vs. Washington Latin


2:45pm


Softball - Varsity vs. National Cathedral School


4:15pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity at Episcopal High School


4:30pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity vs. St. Albans


4:30pm


Baseball - Varsity vs. Georgetown Day


5:30pm


Fri, May 5th

Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. Draper Invitational


Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. Draper Invitational


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity vs. Bullis


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Boys Varsity at Potomac School


4:15pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity vs. Bullis


4:15pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity at Bullis


4:15pm


Baseball - Varsity vs. St. Andrew's School


4:30pm


Lacrosse - Girls Junior Varsity vs. Bullis


5:30pm


Sat, May 6th

Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. Draper Invitational


Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. Draper Invitational


Crew - Girls vs. VASRA Championships, Day 1


Baseball - Junior Varsity vs. St. James School


12:00pm


Baseball - Junior Varsity vs. Maret School


2:00pm


Mon, May 8th

Track & Field - Girls 7/8 - SFS Home Meet


2:45pm - 2:00pm


Softball - 7/8 A vs. Flint Hill


2:45pm


Baseball - 7/8 B at Potomac School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A vs. Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 B at Potomac School


2:45pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 A vs. Potomac School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A at Bullis


2:45pm


Track & Field - Boys 7/8 - SFS Home Meet


2:45pm


Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. "B" Meet


4:00pm


Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. "B" Meet


4:00pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity at St. Andrew's School


4:30pm


Tue, May 9th

Lacrosse - Boys Varsity at Wilson H.S.


4:00pm


Baseball - Varsity vs. Potomac School


4:30pm


Softball - Varsity at St. James School


4:30pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


5:30pm


Wed, May 10th

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


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A at Bullis


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 B vs. Bullis


2:45pm


Softball - Varsity at Georgetown Visitation


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity vs. Potomac School


4:15pm


Baseball - Junior Varsity at Potomac School


4:30pm


Thu, May 11th

Lacrosse - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


Baseball - 7/8 A vs. St. Albans


2:30pm


Baseball - 7/8 B at St. Albans


2:30pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 A at St. Albans


2:30pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 B vs. St. Albans


2:30pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A at St. Albans


2:30pm


Softball - 7/8 B at Bullis


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 B at Stone Ridge School


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity - ISL Tournament @ Higher Seed


5:30pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


5:30pm


Fri, May 12th

Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Championships


Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. MAC Championships


Sat, May 13th

Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Championships


Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. MAC Championships


Crew - Girls vs. VASRA Championships, Day 2


Tennis - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


10:00am


Baseball - Varsity vs. MAC Tournament


10:00am


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity - ISL Tournament @ Higher Seed


1:00pm


Mon, May 15th

Softball - 7/8 A vs. Norwood School


3:00pm


Baseball - 7/8 A at Norwood School


3:00pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A at Norwood School


3:00pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A vs. Norwood School


3:00pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity - ISL Tournament @ Madeira


4:30pm


Thu, May 18th

Softball - 7/8 A at Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Softball - 7/8 B at Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Baseball - 7/8 A vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 A vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Tennis - Boys 7/8 A vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A vs. Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Baseball - 7/8 B at Bullis


2:45pm


Track & Field - Boys 7/8 vs. Draper Invitational


2:45pm


Track & Field - Girls 7/8 vs. Draper Invitational


2:45pm


Fri, May 19th

Crew - Girls vs. Stotesbury Regatta


Sat, May 20th

Crew - Girls vs. Stotesbury Regatta


More


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