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4x Parents,
Hope you had a nice weekend, and Happy Valentine's Day to everyone!

We know that all of our kids are looking forward to a fun Valentine's Day celebration tomorrow in the classroom. Please remember to make sure that your kids bring in their card(s) for the Valentine card exchange, and also to have your child bring in their own lunch and a drink for lunch tomorrow. As a reminder, SFS has a school wide policy that asks that we refrain from bringing in food containing peanuts, tree nuts and or products containing nut oils. Please be respectful of this policy when you send in your child's lunch.

Other school announcements:

DIVERSITY DISCUSSION WITH TOM FARQUHAR:

The Parents Association invites you to participate in an important All School Diversity meeting with Tom Farquhar. This is part of the strategic planning process in order to formulate the right balance of instruction for our children. We would like to hear every voice speak. Please join us on Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 7 pm in the Lower School Quaker Meetinghouse.

Update: Babysitting for the diversity discussion will be offered by the US Outing Club, and is available at $10/hr/kid (arrangements can be made for a family rate) but reservations are required by Monday, February 14th. Please email Pamela Kurland (pamela.kurland@hhs.gov<mailto:pamela.kurland@hhs.gov>) or Rebecca Rippey (rippey@rcn.com<mailto:rippey@rcn.com>) to make reservations.

The following is an excerpt from a letter from Ola Cole Laryea, LSPA Diversity Clerk:

"I am not only the Clerk of the LS Diversity Committee, but also a LS parent. My personal view is that Diversity in a school is not a nice to have but a true need to have. Tomorrow's world will be a manifestation of the internet world; diverse, multi-lingual and integrated, whether we choose to embrace that impending reality or not.

Let's as a community consider the ingredients for the Diversity pathway menu. Please join in this important and instructive conversation with our Head of School, Tom Farquhar, on Wed. Feb. 16 at 7pm in the Lower School Quaker Meetinghouse." Please open the attachment to read the entire letter from Ola Cole Laryea.


FOOD, TOILETRIES, AND BABY ITEMS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS

Reach into your pantry to help a neighbor in need. We are collecting food, toiletries, and this year baby items to benefit Martha's Table, Bethesda Cares and A Wider Circle. All unopened food is welcome, even individual packets of oatmeal. Please drop off items in Manor House through Wednesday, March 2nd..

* canned foods (e.g., soup, beans, tuna, fruits and veggies)
* pantry items (e.g., oatmeal, hot cocoa, pasta, peanut butter, pasta, rice)
* toiletries (hotel-travel size or full size; did you know that food stamps don't cover essentials like soap and shampoo?)
* baby items (including gently used clothes up to size 3)
*paper grocery and shopping bags for food distribution

The Kindergarten, First and Second Grades are dedicating their upcoming Service Days to helping Bethesda Cares, Martha's Table, and A Wider Circle. Students will sort and package all items collected. There are so many people in need in our community. Every donation will make a difference. Thank you!
-- LS Community Service Committee