EMAIL DETAILS

Tuesday - March 20, 2012


From the School

This Week's Query

There is no query this week.
Notes from Sally

Minimester continues through Thursday, and spring break begins on Friday.

In last week’s Tuesday Letter, we called attention to a parent diversity meeting right after break, but we neglected to include the date! Here is the announcement again, with the critical information included:

A Parent Discussion on Socioeconomic Diversity: Honoring Your Child While Appreciating Others." Please join the Middle School Parent Association Diversity Committee, Michelle Parker and Kimberly Clarkson for an evening discussion regarding socioeconomic diversity, one of the issues parents identified for discussion during the recent diversity climate study. This event will take place on Tuesday evening, April 3rd. Food will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the discussion will be 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. in the Robert Smith Meeting Room. Childcare is available. Please contact Margaret Johnson at margaret_e_johnson@yahoo.com if you have any questions or wish to make childcare arrangements.

Attention 8th grade parents: a reminder that there will be tours of the Upper School with 9th grade Dean Diana Lazarus on Tuesday, April 3rd and Thursday, April 5th. Meet Diana outside the Upper School office (south end of the building, nearest the Arts Center) at 8 AM either day.

CTP scores are back and will be mailed our first week back from break.

7/8 parents, there has been some confusion about the time of dismissal from PE on Tuesdays. Here’s the answer: students will be dismissed from PE on Tuesdays at 2:00. Allow time following that for them to change clothes.

Please note the announcement about the casserole bake weekend elsewhere in the newsletter. We hope to have great participation in this new Middle School venture! And thanks so much to everyone who contributed so generously to our winter food drive. Along with our friends at Hearst we collected 1736 items of food! About 2/3 of that was delivered today to the Capital Area Food Bank; the rest will go to A Wider Circle later this week. We heard today at the Food Bank that 1 in 2 children in DC struggles with food security. Thank you for your generous help.

Congratulations to sixth graders Claire Hodges, Rebecca Barker, Ananya Kapur, and Joey Romansky who have all advanced to the final round in the Letters About Literature writing contest.

Sidwell Friends again hosted the Middle School tournament for the DC Urban Debate League on March 17, 2012. The Sidwell Friends Middle School Debate team fielded six teams of seventh graders (eighth graders were away on minimester)in a tournament that featured 158 debaters and 54 teams from fourteen different middle schools. The Sidwell Friends team continues to clutter my office with more trophies as there was excellent success in a very competitive tournament. At the top of the list was the fact that out of the 158 debaters Amal Matoo received the first place trophy for speaker points with Alan Zhang grabbing second place award. Nipping at their heels, Luke Oh came in 19th and Zach Mazlish grabbed the 20th place spot. However, all teams did very well as Sidwell Friends received the second place trophy overall for winning 15 of the matches they competed in (each Sidwell Friends team won at least 2 of their four matches). Additional congratulations must also go to the two Sidwell teams that scored in the top ten of teams competing. The team of Amal Matoo, Alan Zhang and Luke Oh came in fifth overall, thus automatically qualifying them for the National middle school tournament to be held April 21-23 at The Claremont Colleges in Los Angeles. The team of Casey Dorfman, Zach Mazlish and Miles Zhang came in ninth and they also qualify to attend the National tournament in Los Angeles (by being in the top ten) if any of the top seven automatic qualifiers for the tournament opt out. This tournament was a true team effort. Congratulations to all of the debaters!
"No Idling" Policy

Please remember that Sidwell has a “No-Idling” policy on both campuses. Please turn off your vehicle while waiting at ANY time in the garage and in the drop-off and pick-up lines.

Some facts:

-- Children's lungs continue to develop as they grow, and they are most susceptible to harmful toxins released from vehicles during their school years.
-- Children breathe, on average, 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults.
-- Children are closer to the ground and, therefore, closer to tailpipes.
-- The World Health Organization found that particle pollution and ground-level ozone aggravated asthma in children and contributed to an increased risk of respiratory tract infection.
-- An EPA study revealed that one hour of idling can burn a whole gallon of fuel and release almost 20 pounds of carbon into the atmosphere.
-- Idling for 30 seconds uses more fuel than restarting your engine, and idling for 10 minutes a day wastes an average of 24.6 gallons of gas per year.

Many thanks for doing your part to reduce harmful emissions and promote the healthy lung development of our students. Questions or Comments, please contact Jeanne Gemmell at gemmellj@sidwell.edu.
Important Message Regarding Student Medical Records

Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, Sidwell Friends will be shifting the storage of all student medical information to an online database managed by Magnus Health of Raleigh, NC, the leading provider of medical record services for independent schools, colleges and universities throughout the United States. Magnus Health SMR (Student Medical Record) is a web-based system that provides continuous access to your child’s health record and allows you to make updates whenever needed. There are many benefits to this new service including less paperwork for you each year and greater security for our authorized personnel in collecting and accessing student health and emergency information.

Within the next few weeks, you will receive your Magnus Health SMR username and password via email along with instructions on how to fill out the online health history form. We ask that you enter the health information required within your Magnus Health SMR account no later than July 1st, 2012 for each child attending SFS. In future years, you will simply return to Magnus Health and update any new information.

You should also be aware that the various health-related forms required by DC and Maryland will no longer be submitted directly to the School as they have in past years. You will now submit them directly to Magnus Health. It is imperative that you begin scheduling your child’s physician appointment as soon as possible in anticipation of the July 1st, 2012 deadline for submitting the results of the annual physical.

Timely submission of health information is critical so that vital information about allergies and medical issues can be shared with appropriate School personnel before the first day of school. After you have received your login information and have an opportunity to explore the Magnus Health SMR website, please feel free to contact Magnus Health or the Sidwell Friends School nurses with any questions you may have. Lower School Health Care Coordinator Barbara Conte can be reached at 202.537.6992 or conteb@sidwell.edu. Middle/Upper School Health Care Coordinator Jasmin Whitfield can be contacted at 202.537.8130 or whitfiedj@sidwell.edu .

Magnus Health SMR customer support is available to you by phone (877-461-6831) 8am-6pm EST, Monday - Friday and email (service@magnushealthportal.com). Barbara and Jasmin encourage you to review the welcome packet provided by Magnus Health SMR at http://magnushealth.com/parents/ . We look forward to the implementation of this service which will further enhance the quality of health services at Sidwell Friends.


PA Announcements

A Parent Discussion on Socioeconomic Diversity: Honoring Your Child While Appreciating Others.

Please join the Middle School Parent Association Diversity Committee, MS Counselor Michelle Parker, and MS Diversity Coordinator Kimberly Clarkson for an evening discussion regarding socioeconomic diversity. This is one of the issues parents identified for discussion during the recent diversity climate study. The gathering is on the Upper School campus on Tuesday, April 3rd. Food will be available beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the discussion will be 7:00 to 8:45 p.m. in the Robert Smith Meeting Room. Childcare is available. Please contact Margaret Johnson at margaret_e_johnson@yahoo.com if you have any questions or wish to make childcare arrangements.


Other News

Community Service Corner

Ask Your Child About Service and Minimester: How many pantry items did the MS collect; what is going on at Red Wiggler Farm; what books were read at Brightwood? Have your kids ask their friends to find out....

Ongoing Toiletry Drive: Don't forget to unload your extra toiletries! Drop them in the collection basket in the Middle School office.

Casserole Bake: Mark your calendars! We will be having a school-wide casserole bake during the week of April 9, through the weekend ending on April 15. This is an opportunity for you and your family to come together in the kitchen and cook for others. You may also want to get together with other families over the weekend and have lots of cooks in the kitchen! The teachers will also have the opportunity to cook with their classes during the school day. We will provide links to recipes in upcoming Tuesday Letters and more details will follow.

Questions? Contact Sara Jane Harris at sjrharris@me.com or Susan Maniatis at susan.maniatis@gmail.com.
SFS MS SPARC Trip

On Monday, April 9th, MS After School Program Director, Travis Greenlee, will be leading another awesome outdoorsy trip to Sycamore Island. Visiting this island is a rare and special occasion and one not to be missed! Participants will spend the day hiking, exploring the island and learning about what is being done to preserve and protect such a secluded environment. Depending on the weather conditions, the group may have the opportunity to canoe. The trip will also include a campfire, games, and a picnic lunch. To learn more and to sign up visit http://www.sidwell.edu/middle_school/after-school-sparc/index.aspx Sign up now as space is very limited. Questions? Call the Auxiliary Programs Office at 202-537-8133.
Featured Speaker: Technology/Child Development, April 18th 7-9 pm SFS Lower School

Please join SFS parent and Washington Post national technology reporter, Cecilia Kang, as she speaks to our parent community on the topic of technology and child development on Wednesday, April 18th from 7-9 pm in the Lower School Meeting House. Cecilia will discuss how the behavioral psychology and biology of children affects their use of technology and what we can do to keep our kids safe. For example, teens are still developing frontal cortex, which causes them to be compulsive and erratic with decisions they make online. She will share with us the latest statistics, suggestions from public interest groups and an overview on recent technology laws. This will be an important discussion for the entire SFS parent community, whether your child is in LS, MS or US. Please join us!


Read MoreSFS 2012 AUCTION: Sparkle, Glitter, and Glow

We hope that you will join us for the 2012 Auction on Saturday, April 21, 2012. Here are our TOP TEN REASONS why you should attend:

#10 It's at our own Athletic Center on the Wisconsin Avenue Campus!
#9 You can wear jeans if you'd like!
#8 A list of Upper School students that will babysit is available by emailing events@sidwell.edu
#7 Stone Soup, a fun cover-band of mostly Sidwell Parents, is playing after dinner!
#6 Free parking is available in the garage or on 37th Street!
#5 You can see old friends and make new ones--choose to sit with your child's grade or organize a table of your own!
#4 Sliders, fish tacos, apple and brie crostini, grilled salmon and medallions of beef, sugar snaps, hot spoon bread and a huge mini dessert buffet!
#3 An array of fabulous items to bid on!
#2 Specialty cocktails!

and the #1 reason why we hope you'll join us (drum roll please....) to support Student Financial Aid!

Thank you,

Co-Chairs: Meg Hauge, Shallah Jewel, Stacey Lubar, Sarah Wright Meyers
MS TUESDAY NEWSLETTER INFORMATION

How to Subscribe
To receive the Tuesday Letter via e-mail, send an e-mail to Tuesday@listserv.sidwell.edu with only the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.
How to Unsubscribe
If you have wish to have your name removed from the subscription list, send an e-mail to Tuesday@listserv.sidwell.edu with only the word "UNSUBSCRIBE" in the subject line.
How to Submit an Article to Tuesday Letter
Send submissions to PA.MSNewsletter@sidwell.edu by 2 pm Monday. Please reference "Newsletter Submission" and the publish date(s) in the subject line. Items should be submitted as text in the body of the e-mail. 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 submissions will be confirmed as soon as possible. Please be aware that submissions may not run for more than 3 weeks.
How to Modify an existing Submission
If it becomes necessary to modify a submission, please send a redline or otherwise clearly indicate the change to be made.

Note Concerning the School Calendar:
The calendar entries that appear in the right column of each Newsletter are automatically generated by the official school


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, Mar 20th

Minimester


Wed, Mar 21st

Minimester


PA Arts Committee Meeting

Zartman Drawing Room
7:30pm - 9:00pm


Thu, Mar 22nd

Minimester


Fri, Mar 23rd

Spring Vacation - No School


Mon, Apr 2nd

School Reopens


MS PA Steering Committee Meeting

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


MS Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater, MS Drama Studio
3:30pm - 6:00pm


Tue, Apr 3rd

MS Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater, MS Drama Studio
2:30pm - 6:00pm


PA MS Diversity Meeting Reception

Meeting House Foyer
6:30pm - 7:00pm


PA MS Diversity Committee

Robert L. Smith Meeting Room
7:00pm - 9:00pm


Wed, Apr 4th

All-School PA Executive Committee Meeting

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


Small Vocal Ensembles Concert

Robert L. Smith Meeting Room
8:00pm


Fri, Apr 6th

MS Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater, MS Drama Studio
3:30pm - 6:00pm


Mon, Apr 9th

No School - All-School Professional Day


MS Musical Rehearsal

AC Theater
12:00pm - 6:00pm


More


Athletics


Mon, Mar 19th

Baseball - Junior Varsity at Landon


4:15pm


Tue, Mar 20th

Lacrosse - Girls Varsity vs. Field School


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity vs. St. Andrew's School


4:15pm


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


4:15pm


Baseball - Varsity vs. St. Andrew's School


4:15pm


Softball - Varsity at National Cathedral School


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Boys Varsity vs. Roosevelt HS


4:30pm


Wed, Mar 21st

Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. Stone Ridge School


4:00pm


Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. Georgetown Day


5:15pm - 7:00pm


Thu, Mar 22nd

Lacrosse - Girls Varsity - Hutchinson School


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity vs. Wilson H.S.


4:00pm - 5:30pm


Lacrosse - Boys Junior Varsity vs. McLean School


4:30pm


Baseball - Junior Varsity vs. Loyola


4:30pm


Sat, Mar 24th

Lacrosse - Boys Varsity - Baltimore Friends


1:00pm


Sun, Mar 25th

Lacrosse - Boys Varsity - Spring Training Trip - Disney


3/29/2012


Mon, Mar 26th

Baseball - Varsity - Spring Training Trip - Disney


3/31/2012


Sat, Mar 31st

Crew - Club (Girls) vs. Cindy Cole Cup


Tue, Apr 3rd

Baseball - Junior Varsity vs. Maret School


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Junior Varsity at Good Counsel


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity vs. Maret School


4:15pm


Baseball - Varsity vs. Maret School


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity vs. Potomac School


4:30pm


Wed, Apr 4th

Track & Field - Boys 7/8 vs. St. Albans


2:30pm


Track & Field - Girls 7/8 vs. National Cathedral School


2:30pm


Softball - Varsity at Episcopal High School


4:30pm


Thu, Apr 5th

Lacrosse - Boys 7/8 A vs. St. Albans


2:30pm


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


2:45pm


Lacrosse - Girls 7/8 B at St. Stephen's & St. Agnes


2:45pm


Track & Field - Boys Varsity vs. Maret School


4:00pm


Track & Field - Girls Varsity vs. Maret School


4:00pm


Tennis - Boys Varsity vs. Georgetown Day


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Boys Varsity at Sandy Spring


4:15pm


Lacrosse - Girls Varsity vs. Madeira


4:30pm


More


3825 Wisconsin Avenue NW Washington, DC 20016 Tel: (202) 537 8100 Fax: (202) 537 8499