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Wednesday - February 9, 2011


From the School

Message from Lee
Upper School Parent Coffee. Please join the Upper School Administration for a Parent Coffee (Grades 9 through 12) this Thursday, February 10th, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. in the Dining Room. This is a good opportunity for us to check in with each other midyear so we can continue to work together to support our students.
Quaker Youth Leadership Conference. Along with five Upper School students, I attended the Quaker Youth Leadership Conference last week at Friends Central School and am so grateful to have had the opportunity to make connections with faculty and students from twenty-two other Quaker Schools from Vermont to Virginia Beach. Below is from the conference description:
“I was sent of God to stand a witness against all violence, and against the works of darkness; to turn people from darkness to light – George Fox
Witness is active…seeking to engage the world to improve human society – M. Birkel
The theme of this year’s QYLC was “Welcoming Witness”. This expression conveys the connection between two ideals that we are committed to pursuing both during the conference and in our school. The first is one of claiming a community that is open and welcoming to all, one that provides a safe space for individuals to be themselves and to be totally present in the interests of exploring, learning, and growing. The second ideal focuses our attention on members of our community who may feel marginalized, unsupported or unsafe. Something that we feel strongly about is the need to move from being a bystander to an ally, to “stand a witness,” as George Fox encourages us, against the obstacles that divide us. We expect that conference participants will return to their schools dedicated to spreading the spirit of our time together, to broadening and enlivening their own communities by “welcoming witness” in them.”
Student Global Leadership Institute. Sidwell Friends School will provide full scholarships to three current junior students to participate in the Student Global Leadership Institute (SGLI) to be held in Punahou, Hawaii, July 24 – August 6, 2011.
The SGLI mission is to bring together students from schools in different parts of the world to develop a year-round virtual community that implements local service projects in each school to promote positive action toward social change at the local and/or global community level. The intensive two-week summer program in Hawaii consists of workshops and presentations on a wide range of themes, with the goal of building leadership and collaborative work skills. This year SGLI focuses on the topic of energy, and convenes students from the U.S. and China to collaborate on service projects addressing the social and environmental issues surrounding energy.
Students who are selected to participate in SGLI will be required to implement a local service project in the Washington D.C. area related to the SGLI theme. That local service project is a serious commitment, and will require sustained effort over the whole course of the senior year.
The Sidwell team will be led by me, and will join with groups from the Punahou School (Hawaii), Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire) Cary Academy (North Carolina), Lakeside School (Seattle), and other U.S. schools, and with student teams from schools in China, including our sister schools in Beijing and Shanghai, and from schools in Japan, Jordan, and New Zealand.
The scholarship program is open to all current juniors. To apply, students must fill out the application form sent to them by email and provide the name of one SFS faculty member who could serve as a reference. The deadline for applications is February 25. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Flower or me.
Lee Palmer, US Principal
All Parents invited to a Coffee with Tom Farquhar
Tom Farquhar would like to have an open dialogue with parents on Thursday, February 17th, from 7:30 – 9 a.m. in the Upper School Dining Room. Please join him for all or part of the morning. Tom will share some of his thoughts and perceptions and welcomes the chance to take your questions and comments.Sophomore Service Project: Casserole Bake for the Homeless
10th graders and their families will be assembling casseroles for two homeless shelters on Sunday, February 27th, at noon in the Upper School Dining Room. Please sign up to donate ingredients and to come and help at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/sfssophomore. Questions? Email Susan Hammond at SHfour@aol.com.From the College Counseling Office -- May AP Exams
Registration for May 2011 AP Exams has begun.
Students interested in taking an AP test this May should pick up a registration form in the College Counseling office. Forms as well as payment for tests are to be turned into Ms. Morillas in the College Counseling office once completed. If you have questions about the AP Program or individual exams, please refer to the College Board website - http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1267.706463.25157.7969. There is also information about AP tests on the College Counseling website. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact Robyn Nichols, Testing Coordinator @ Sidwell Friends at nicholsr@sidwell.edu.
The registration period will close on Friday, March 11.Health News
Winter is the season where intestinal viruses (“stomach flu”) are spread. Stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, fever/chills, and muscle aches are among the common symptoms. Most symptoms begin 24 to 48 hours after ingestion of the virus, but can appear as early as 12 hours after exposure.
Most people recover within 1 to 2 days. However, persons who have difficulty ingesting enough fluids that they have lost either through vomiting or diarrhea may become dehydrated and could require medical attention. The virus continues to be present up to 2 to 3 weeks after the person is feeling better.
Avoid contact with individuals who are ill. Do not share food, water, or eating utensils; this assists with the spread of the virus. Take special care to thoroughly wash fruits and salads before eating. Strict hand washing after using the bathroom and before handling food is extremely important in controlling the spread of contagious illnesses.
For additional information, please see the CDC website at: http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1267.706463.25157.7970
Hand Washing Saves Lives: watch this video to learn more about the importance of good hand washing: http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1267.706463.25157.7971.
Jasmin Whitfield RN, MSN, MPH, DNP
Middle/Upper School NurseEvents for Student Scholarships
CALLING ALL TENNIS PLAYERS!
Do you play tennis? Do you like to socialize with other parents? Then this is the event for you! Join the 6th Annual Events for Student Scholarships Tennis Round Robin. Have fun hitting the tennis ball, all while raising money for financial aid. New this year -- we are inviting students to join in on the fun! While you participate in the round robin tournament, your children can practice their swings with local tennis pros. The tournament is Saturday, March 12 from 6-10 p.m. at the Tennis Center at College Park. This has been a sell-out tournament the past two years. Please click here to register!


PA Announcements

Faculty/Staff Appreciation Valentine's Cookie Bake: February 11th, 7:45 a.m.
Reminder: the US Parents Association is sponsoring a Valentine’s Day Appreciation Cookie Bake for our wonderful faculty and staff this Friday, February 11th. Please bring your homemade cookie contributions (2-3 dozen suggested) to the Upper School Dining Room no later than 7:45 a.m. on Friday morning.
Additional contributions are still welcome - please email Maria Gomez, mgomez@maryscenter.org to let her know. In addition, the 11th Grade typically takes the lead on this event, and a few additional 11th grade parent volunteers are still needed to help assemble these treats. Let Maria know if you can volunteer.
Thank you for your support!Conversation with Head of School on Diversity
Mark your calendars – Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lower School Quaker Meeting Room. This conversation with Tom is part of the ongoing strategic planning process which will help to inform and shape how the school will implement infrastructure and programming support to grow and sustain its commitment to the broad applications of diversity in a learning community. Possible queries: how might we use cutting-edge technology and diversity to enrich student learning; what is the appropriate mix and balance? Join us in this cutting edge conversation and be part of the exploration of the various diversity pathways to learning.

Childcare offered by the US Outing Club is available at $10/hr/child (arrangements can be made for a family rate), but reservations are required. Please email Pamela Kurland (pamela.kurland@hhs.gov) or Rebecca Rippey (rippey@rcn.com) to make reservations.
Thank you,
Edith Michel, Co-Clerk, Diversity PA Committee


Other News

Parents Council of Washington Events
Webinar RegistrationThe Parents Council of Washington, representing the independent schools in the greater Washington area, sponsored a webinar in February titled The Spectrum of Disordered Eating. You can access the PCW website for the recording (http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1267.706463.25157.7935). Experts detail eating habits, the continuum of disordered eating, and preparation for living away from home. PCW sponsored Webinar registration information is attached. Our PCW validation code is 8P98S110. Keep in mind that previous PCW Webinars are available for viewing through our PCW Website Webinar Archives. When you have a moment, check them out.

The PCW Webinar for March is titled Marijuana, Myths and Motivation and is scheduled for Monday, March 7, 2011 from 8:00-9:00 p.m. Marijuana remains the most common illicit drug used by young adults in the United States, yet misperceptions about its use abound among adolescents and adults alike. Our panel will unravel the myths associated with marijuana using the latest research and explore teen motivations that contribute to its use, abuse and cessation. Read MorePennies for Patients
During the month of February, Ms. Brownlee’s advisory is leading its third annual “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser, a Leukemia and Lymphoma Society program that helps collect important funds for blood cancer patients. Simply by collecting and donating pennies, the research on and patient services for blood cancers increases, and more patients are able to have effective treatment. Last year, students in the DC metropolitan area raised $450,000 to fight blood cancer and provide services for patients and their families. There are collection boxes in the main offices of the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools, as well as in Zartman House and the Fox Den. Donations can also be made online at http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1267.706463.25157.7905. Any and all support is appreciated. If you have any questions, contact Lauren Brownlee at brownleel@sidwell.edu or 202-537-8180.Alaska Wildlife Odyssey -- open to 13-17 year olds
Once again Sidwell Summer Programs heads off to explore Alaska! This two-week trip, July 5-July 17, 2011, will explore some of the finest WILD places and see some of the finest WILDLIFE in the world! Alaska is known as the Serengeti of North America for good reason. Our past trips have provided wonderful views of grizzly bears, black bears, moose, wolves, dall sheep, humpback whales, killer whales, Steller’s sea lions, and seabirds galore. We have even seen lynx, mountain goats, and wolverine. Unequaled hiking, camping, and a day-long boat trip are included. You’ll see dramatic mountain scenery (including the highest peak in North America), glaciers, vast forests and Arctic tundra, pristine lakes and streams filled with trout and salmon. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Sidwell and non-Sidwell students alike. Visit the Sidwell Summer Programs web site or feel free to contact Dave Wood (x8421) or Margaret Pennock (x2447) at the Middle School.Newsletter Basics
How to Submit An Article
Send submissions to PA.USNewsletter@sidwell.edu by 2 pm on Tuesday. Please reference "Newsletter Submission" and the publish date(s) in the subject line. Items should be submitted as text in the body of the email. PLEASE do not include any formatting such as indents, bullets, boldface or all caps, and keep submissions succinct. If you have a form or flyer to include with your submission, please send it as a PDF attachment to your email. Receipt of your submission will be confirmed as soon as possible. If you have not received a confirmation of receipt by the deadline for submissions, please contact the editors at PA.USNewsletter@sidwell.edu.
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 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.
US newsletter submissions should be sent to PA.USnewsletter@sidwell.edu.


Calendar


Tue, Feb 8th

AMC Math Competition

US Dining Room
8:00am - 9:35am


Senior Lunch with Alumni Office

US Library Board Room
11:45am - 1:45pm


US Dance Ensemble Rehearsal (tech)

AC Theater
3:30pm - 6:30pm


9th Grade Parent Peer Group Meeting

US Crane Room
7:30pm - 9:30pm


Wed, Feb 9th

US Dance Ensemble Rehearsal (tech)

AC Theater
3:30pm - 9:30pm


Thu, Feb 10th

9th - 12th Grade Parent Coffee with US Administration

US Dining Room
7:30am - 8:30am


Senior Lunch with Alumni Office

US Library Board Room
11:45am - 1:45pm


US Dance Ensemble Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm


Fri, Feb 11th

Valentine's Teacher/Staff Appreciation

US Dining Room
7:30am - 9:00am


Senior Lunch with Alumni Office

US Library Board Room
11:45am - 1:45pm


US Dance Ensemble Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm


Sat, Feb 12th

ACT

Off Campus


NEMNET Diversity Career Fair

US Dining Room
9:00am - 4:00pm


BSU Rehearsal

AC Theater
12:00pm - 4:00pm


US GDS Jazz Festival

Off Campus
12:00pm - 6:00pm


AC in DC a cappella concert

AC Theater
5:00pm - 10:00pm


Sun, Feb 13th

Cooks with a Cause

MS Kitchen
11:00am - 1:00pm


US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
1:00pm - 5:00pm


BSU Rehearsal

AC Theater
5:00pm - 9:00pm


Mon, Feb 14th

US PA Steering Committee Meeting

US Room 102
4:30pm - 6:00pm


BSU Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Tue, Feb 15th

Senior Lunch with Alumni Office

US Library Board Room
11:45am - 1:45pm


BSU Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Special College Meeting for Junior Parents

MS Drama Studio
7:00pm - 8:30pm


Wed, Feb 16th

Collection / BSU Show

AC Theater
2:30pm - 3:20pm


US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Diversity Discussion with Tom Farquhar

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


Thu, Feb 17th

All School Parents Coffee with Tom Farquhar

US Dining Room
7:30am - 9:00am


US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


PA Arts Committee Meeting

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


Fri, Feb 18th

BSU- Black History Month Show

AC Theater
7:00pm - 10:00pm


Sun, Feb 20th

US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
1:00pm - 5:00pm


Mon, Feb 21st

Presidents Day - No School


US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
1:00pm - 5:00pm


Tue, Feb 22nd

US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Wed, Feb 23rd

US Musical Rehearsal

AC Music Room
6:00pm - 9:00pm


US Parents Curriculum Night

AC Theater
7:00pm


Thu, Feb 24th

US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


Fri, Feb 25th

Arts Guild

AC Theater
6:00pm - 10:00pm


Sat, Feb 26th

Gap Year Fair

Wannan Gym
10:00am - 1:00pm


Sun, Feb 27th

Sophomore Casserole Bake

US Dining Room
12:00pm - 2:00pm


US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
1:00pm - 5:00pm


Parents of Latino Students Potluck Dinner

US Dining Room
5:00pm - 10:00pm


Mon, Feb 28th

US Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
6:00pm - 9:00pm


More


Athletics


Wed, Feb 9th

Basketball - Girls 7/8 A vs. National Cathedral School


2:45pm


Basketball - Girls 7/8 B at National Cathedral School


2:45pm


Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at Stone Ridge School


4:30pm


Wrestling - Varsity vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


5:00pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity at Stone Ridge School


6:00pm


Thu, Feb 10th

Swimming - Boys 7/8 at St. Albans


2:30pm


Swimming - Girls 7/8 vs. National Cathedral School


2:30pm


Wrestling - 7/8 vs. Maret School


2:45pm


Fri, Feb 11th

Wrestling - Varsity - St. Albans Tournament


10:00am


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity at Flint Hill


4:00pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman vs. Flint Hill


4:15pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity at St. Andrew's School


4:15pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity at Flint Hill


5:45pm


Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at St. Andrew's School


5:45pm


Sat, Feb 12th

Wrestling - Varsity - St. Albans Tournament


10:00am


Mon, Feb 14th

Wrestling - 7/8 vs. St. Albans


2:30pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 C at St. Albans


2:30pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 A at St. Albans


2:30pm


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


2:30pm


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


2:45pm


Basketball - Girls 7/8 B vs. St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity at Georgetown Day


4:30pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity at Georgetown Day


6:00pm


Tue, Feb 15th

Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity vs. Potomac School


4:15pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. Potomac School


6:00pm


Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity vs. Bullis


7:30pm


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity vs. Bullis


7:30pm


Wed, Feb 16th

Basketball - Girls 7/8 A at Holy Child


2:45pm


Thu, Feb 17th

Wrestling - 7/8 at Georgetown Day


2:30pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 B vs. Washington Latin


2:30pm


Basketball - Girls 7/8 C at St. Andrew's School


2:45pm


Basketball - Boys Junior Varsity at St. Andrew's School


4:15pm


Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity vs. Holy Child


4:15pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman vs. Landon


4:15pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. Holy Child


5:45pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity at St. Andrew's School


6:00pm


Fri, Feb 18th

Basketball - Boys Varsity vs. St. James School


4:30pm


Sat, Feb 19th

Wrestling - Varsity - DC Classic


Basketball - Boys 7/8 A - SFS Middle School Showcase Tournament


9:30am


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


1:00pm


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


3:00pm


Tue, Feb 22nd

Basketball - Girls Junior Varsity at Madeira


4:00pm


Basketball - Girls Varsity at Madeira


5:45pm


Basketball - Boys Freshman - Yeshiva


6:30pm


Wed, Feb 23rd

Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity - Metros


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity - Metros


Basketball - Girls 7/8 A vs. Bullis


2:45pm


Basketball - Girls 7/8 B at Bullis


2:45pm


Wrestling - 7/8 at Bullis


2:45pm


Thu, Feb 24th

Basketball - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity - Metros


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity - Metros


Basketball - Girls 7/8 C vs. Bullis


2:45pm


Basketball - Boys 7/8 C vs. St. Andrew's School


2:45pm


Fri, Feb 25th

Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity - Metros


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity - Metros


Wrestling - Varsity vs. National Preps


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Tournament


5:00pm


Basketball - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


5:00pm


Sat, Feb 26th

Swimming & Diving - Boys Varsity - Metros


Swimming & Diving - Girls Varsity - Metros


Wrestling - Varsity vs. National Preps


Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Tournament


11:00am


Basketball - Boys Varsity - MAC Tournament


5:00pm


Sun, Feb 27th

Basketball - Girls Varsity vs. ISL Tournament


1:00pm


More


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