SFS LS Thursday Letter 12-2-10

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PRI: NORMAL

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thursday@listserv.sidwell.edu

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2010-12-02 08:00:00

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R. Hunter Biden <hbiden@senecaga.com>

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PROCESSED

Thursday - December 2, 2010

From the School

QUERY
“How can we listen to others with an open heart,
respect others and include others in play and
in games?”
-- Grade 2IMPORTANT - ERB TESTING
All students in 2nd, 3rd, and 4th grade will be taking the ERB tests in December. We ask that you make sure your child attends school during this time (trying to find suitable dates for make-up tests in incredibly difficult) and is well rested and has eaten breakfast. Your teachers will let you know the dates they plan to give the tests. Rich Lodish will host an ERB workshop for parents at Lower School in early March 2011 (details to follow).ALERTNOW EMERGENCY MESSAGING TEST
We will run a test of our new ALERTNOW emergency messaging system, which will replace Equake, on Friday, December 3. You will receive voice mails, e-mails and text messages (if you have signed up) with a Caller ID of “411.” (If you wish to opt-in for text messages please go to www.alertnowsms.com and enter the PIN code: 4quake. Next click “Opt-In” and follow the instructions.) If you have any questions, or if you don’t receive messages that you think you should have, contact Patt Moser at moserp@sidwell.edu or 202-537-8120.

Thanks so much and Happy Thanksgiving,

LydiaIMPORTANT HOLIDAY PROGRAM INFORMATION!!!
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The Grade 2 - 4 Holiday program is presented twice to accommodate all the parents.

Thursday, Dec. 9th, 9:15 a.m.: The parents of the following classes are invited: 2, 3, 3x, and 3y

Friday, Dec. 10th, 9:15 a.m.: The parents of the following classes are invited: 2x, 4, 4x, and 4y

Please come only on your assigned date.

Tuesday, Dec. 14th, 9:15 a.m.: The Holiday program is presented by
PK, K, Kx, 1 and 1x. Their parents and siblings are invited.
GRADE 2-4 HOLIDAY PROGRAM ATTIRE
Grade 2 – 4 Holiday Program attire:
(Thursday, Dec. 9th and Friday, Dec. 10th 9:15 a.m.)

All wear white tops (e.g., turtleneck, sweater, polo shirt, blouse or shirt.) Boys wear nice pants – any color. No sweatpants or blue jeans. Girls can wear a comfortable skirt with tights or nice pants.

Please remember to have your children wear these outfits both days. Same program – different audience. Thank you.MATH CLASS FOR PARENTS CONTINUES THIS WEEK
Our series of math classes for parents continues this Friday morning, December 3, at 7:45 AM in the Math Lab (upstairs in the Manor House). This week we will examine subtraction, from PK through 6th grade. Subtraction is not just relevant for our younger students! Come learn about how subtraction is taught at Sidwell Friends School, as we progress from simple single digit subtraction problems, developing an understanding of the relationship between addition and subtraction, multi digit subtraction of whole numbers, the relationship between subtraction and division, and ultimately subtraction with fractions, decimals, negative numbers, variables, and beyond. We will also show the most effective ways to help your children with their math homework and more importantly, with their math understanding of these very important topics.

The next classes in the series after this week will be held on January 14 (please note that this class will be on the second Friday of January) and February 4. We may then add one or two additional classes on later.

We hope to have the library open on Friday for childcare.

Please feel free to come to any or all of the classes and no RSVP is needed.

Let us know if you have any questions, and we look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow.

Raina and MerryNEEDED FOR SCIENCE
Small glass jars with tight fitting lids. Unfortunately, baby food jars don’t work because the lids cannot be put back on tightly. However, that is the size of jar that I’m looking for. So, if you have any empty glass spice jars, jam jars, mustard jars, bouillon cube jars, etc. that would hold 6 ounces or less, please send them to the science room! Plastic jars that are absolutely clear, not cloudy, would work as well. Thanks! – Sam Francis

PA Announcements

A MESSAGE FROM THE PARENTS ASSOCIATION
On behalf of the entire Sidwell Friends Parents Association, Lynn and I wish you a happy, healthy holiday season. Please take a moment to read the gift giving opportunities from each division. This year, we have made all drop-off dates the same, November 29th through December 10th. You can drop off unwrapped gifts at the Lower School Manor House, outside the Middle School front offices, or in the Upper School Library or Mr. Connell’s office – Room 222. Please see the individual division notices on the many different types of gifts needed. We hope you take this opportunity to enjoy the best the season has to offer including a gift to those less fortunate.
Happy Holidays!
Polly Bomstein & Lynn Sachs, Co-presidents, Sidwell Friends School Parents Association

SFS ADMISSIONS DEADLINE APPROACHING
In keeping with the school’s spirit to increase diversity in its student body, the Sidwell Parents of Latino Students (PLAS) would like to encourage Latino families in the Washington area to consider Sidwell Friends School for their children.

More information is available at Sidwell’s website: www.sidwell.edu, along with information regarding financial assistance. Accepted students are eligible for financial aid, awarded on financial needs basis. Please use the financial aid calculator on the school site to determine potential eligibility/award. http://www.sidwell.edu/broadcast/action/clickthru.aspx?id=366.1181.615132.25157.7520.

Families and their prospective students are welcome to contact the Admission’s office.

The application deadline is December 15, 2010; supporting documents are due by January 15, 2011.A THOUGHT FOR THE HOLIDAYS FROM LS DIVERSITY COMMITTEE
As we approach the holiday season, and in the manner of Friends, here is a well-timed story submitted by a Lower School parent:

Click on the link below... Read MoreMEETING FOR WORSHIP
You are always welcome to join your child at Meeting for Worship on Tuesdays at 1:30 PM in the classrooms. Please arrive a few minutes early to walk with your child if the class is hosted by another. On December 7 the following classes will be in the Meeting House: KX, 1, 3X.ANNUAL AUCTION ON APRIL 16
EVENTS FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 16, 2011 for the All Hands on Deck themed benefit auction at the Andrew Mellon Auditorium. All auction proceeds go directly to student financial aid. This will be a fabulous event you won’t want to miss!

In the meantime, please consider making a tax-deductible donation. The Co-Chairs Mimi Reisner, Elissa Rubin, and Beth Wilkinson are asking each of you for your help. Do you have any special ideas, talents or connections that you could donate or help us to arrange? If so, please contact events@sidwell.edu. We’re especially looking for:

** Gift certificates to dine at your favorite restaurant
** Vacation homes or other special getaways
** Tickets to sporting or cultural events
** Special wines and spirits
** Pampering connections for spas and beauty/health services
** Your culinary expertise
** Toys and electronics
** Any extra American Express points, Thank You rewards or airline frequent flier miles that we can use to buy items or plane tickets.

Donation deadline is January 31, 2011. Donate today!!

We still need volunteers to help solicit donations. This is much easier than it sounds. It entails following-up with about ten parents or businesses to make sure they get their donations in by the deadline. It only takes a couple hours, yet makes a huge different. To volunteer please contact events@sidwell.edu.SALLY FOSTER GIFT WRAPS AND GIFTS
STOCK UP NOW FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
Sally Foster is a school-wide sale that includes quality gift-wrap and delicious gourmet chocolates among many other great gift items available through a convenient online catalogue. 50% of all sales go directly to student financial aid. All orders may be placed now through January 31, 2011 at www.sallyfoster.com. When prompted at check-out, enter the SFS account code 505552 so that 50% of the proceeds are properly recorded to our school.

COMMUNITY SERVICE CORNER
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In the spirit of holiday gift giving, the LS Community Service Committee invites the Sidwell Friends families to share with our neighbors in need. As in past years, Lower, Middle, and Upper School families are welcome to donate gifts during the first two weeks of December. Donations will be delivered by parent volunteers to children at local agencies with whom we have long-term partnerships: A Wider Circle, Martha’s Table, and Brightwood Elementary School. Please drop off unwrapped gifts in the collection boxes located in Manor House between Monday, November 29 and Friday, December 10. If you have any questions or are interested in lending a hand, please contact Beth Zeugin at bczeugin@comcast.net, LS Community Service co-clerk. Thank you for your generosity!
GIFT SUGGESTIONS:
· Toys, board games, puzzles, African American and Latina dolls, picture books, dramatic play costumes & props, and craft kits for children (please no action figures that carry weapons). Also, rolls of wrapping paper are appreciated. Gift cards to Target or Old Navy for teenagers (shops within walking distance of recipients) and personal care items for moms are greatly appreciated. .A Wider Circle and Martha’s Table.
· High quality books for very young children such as board books about ABC's, 123's, shapes and colors (please no cartoon books). Brightwood Elementary School.
For information about our service partner organizations, please click the read more link below.
Read MoreWEEKEND VOLUNTEERING FOR FAMILIES IN DECEMBER
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Join SFS families at A Wider Circle in Silver Spring on Sunday, December 5th from 1 to 2:30 PM. Volunteers will help sort children’s clothing, household items, pantry foods and furniture. Your time will greatly benefit AWC’s Neighbor to Neighbor as they help families who are just leaving shelters to make a warm, safe, and comfortable home. All families welcome (ages 4 and up), Second Grade families encouraged. Please RSVP to Sara Jane Harris, sjrharris@comcast.net. Read More

Other News

ARTRAGEOUS WANTS YOU!
Put on your dancing shoes, exercise your fingers, warm up those voices, plug in the guitars, and rise up to this CALL for all performing musicians to participate in the fun event known as ArtRageous! This happening takes place in the beautiful spaces of the Middle School this year on Sunday, January 30, 1:00-4:00 PM. Write it down now, and reserve your chance to participate by sending a note to maude.fish@comcast.net. Please include your name, and/or your parent's name, and contact information, how you wish to perform, what you wish to perform, i.e. the title of the piece and its author, composer, or choreographer. If you have a specific time preference for your performance, you can include this in your email and we will TRY to accommodate. We seek performers of all ages and skill levels! Due to the high volume of talent at Sidwell, we suggest that you limit the duration of your performance to 2-3 minutes. Do you want to rock out with your band? Play the piano as a solo or in a chamber ensemble? Sing a folk tune with a fiddler or two? Perform a dance? or act out a skit? PLAN AHEAD, start preparing now, and send an email to Maude Fish. You will receive an acknowledgment via email in return.

An additional performance opportunity this year for LS students ONLY is Sidwell's Got Talent - a revue being organized by lower school parents to guarantee one and all a chance to show their ART to an enthusiastic audience! See accompanying article and if interested, please contact Ola Cole-Laryea at ocole6@verizon.net.LS THURSDAY LETTER INFORMATION
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Calendar

Thu, Dec 2nd