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Thursday - January 27, 2011


From the School

QUERY
“Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. had a dream. Even today his dream has not been entirely fulfilled. Can we accomplish his dream by being equally fair to both children and adults in our world, no matter where they are from, what religion they follow or what race they are?”

Grade 4
January 2011NEXT MATH CLASS FOR PARENTS -- FEBRUARY 4
The next Math Class for Parents will be on Friday, February 4 at 7:45 AM in the Math Lab (upstairs in the Manor House). The focus this time will be on division. This class is relevant to parents of students in all grades. During the class, we will discuss how division is taught from PK through 6th grade and what parents can do at home to help their child better understand this important topic.
Also, please stay tuned -- we will likely expand the Math Class for parents series beyond this next class. An announcement will be in an upcoming Thursday letter.
First Graders and Wednesday Morning Math
Don't forget -- first graders are now invited to start participating in the Wednesday Morning Math program. We would like a parent or other adult to accompany the first grader for their first time at WMM. After that, parents are free to come or to send the student on his or her own.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Raina and Merry


PA Announcements

PARENTS FROM GRADES 2-4: BREAKFAST WITH RICH
On Thursday, February 10, from 8:15-9:00 AM, parents from grades 2-4 are invited to the Meeting House for a casual light breakfast with Rich Lodish. This is your chance to ask Rich questions or share insights, thoughts, or feedback at the midpoint of the school year.SUPPORT SFS WHILE YOU SHOP AT GIANT AND SAFEWAY
Register your Giant Bonus card and Safeway Club card and Sidwell Friends Parents Association will earn revenue as a result of your purchases. Enroll online at www.giantfood.com/aplus. Enroll for the Safeway eScrip program at www.escrip.com. Thank you for your continued support of the Sidwell Friends community. Questions? Contact Donna Grell at dgrellbv@yahoo.com.COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE -- A DISCUSSION WITH TOM FARQUHAR
PARENT POP QUIZ

Do Sidwell Friends Students:
A) work very hard and constantly feel too much stress?
B) coast compared to students in China and India
C) find the perfect balance between academic rigor and downtime, or
D) I have no idea and/or my kids are still young, and I don’t know what the future will hold

Whether you picked A, B, C or D, the Community Health Initiative Committee invites you to a discussion with Head of School, Tom Farquhar on finding balance in student life. All parents are welcome to join us for this important conversation to be held in the Upper School Dining Room on Monday, February 7, 7-9 PM. Please note the change of venue for this meeting!

LOWER SCHOOL FAMILY SWIM PARTY
Save the Date: February 26, 5:30-7:30 PM

Calling all Lower School students, siblings, and parents! The annual swim party is where your kids can play, exercise, eat pizza, and return home clean and ready for bed! The Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool has play areas for all ages and swimming abilities. The facility boasts heated pools with water slides, a lily pad, fountains, and an area with a beach grade entry for toddlers.

The Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool is at 6122 Sargent Road, Chillum, MD. Facility opens at 5:15 PM for changing, everyone can start swimming at 5:30 PM. Pizza, snacks, and beverages provided. Volunteers needed for setup/refreshments/cleanup. Contact Anjali Prakash (anjali.prakash@comcast.net)or Simon Steel (ssteel@harkinscunningham.com) to volunteer or if you have questions.REFLECTIONS FROM THE PA DIVERSITY COMITTEE
Preconceptions can lead to deceptions.

We welcome your comments and feedback, as well as your experiences. Email arringtonlp@hotmail.com.
QUAKER LIFE COMMITTEE--MEETING FOR WORSHIP
You are always welcome to join your child in the classroom for Meeting for Worship at 1:30 every Tuesday. Please arrive a few minutes early to get situated. On Tuesday,
February 1, the following classes will be meeting in the Meeting House instead of the classroom: K, 4, 4Y.
GOING SOON ... TIME TO CHECK THE LOST AND FOUND
On Thursday, February 3, volunteers will clean out the lost and found bin and donate unclaimed items to Martha's Table. Thanks to our second grade helpers, labeled clothing will be returned to its owner if possible. Please check the bin before February 3, and remember to label your child’s clothing.COMMUNITY SERVICE CORNER
WEEKEND VOLUNTEERING FOR FAMILIES IN JANUARY
Weekend slots fill quickly.
A Wider Circle
Join SFS families at A Wider Circle in Silver Spring on Sunday, February 6 from 1-3 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), Third and Fourth Grade families encouraged. Please RSVP to Sara Jane Harris, sjrharris@comcast.net.
Wondering when your grade is slated to volunteer? Click "Read More" below.
COMMUNITY SERVICE DAYS ARE COMING
In the coming weeks, the Community Service Committee will be looking for parent volunteers to help with the community service projects on the parent-teacher conference days, March 1 (K and 1st grade) and March 3 (2nd, 3rd, and 4th grades). If you are interested in volunteering, please mark your calendar.
FOOD, TOILETRIES, AND BABY ITEMS FOR OUR NEIGHBORS
The Kindergarten, First and Second Grades are dedicating their upcoming Service Days to helping Bethesda Cares, Martha's Table, and A Wider Circle. This year, in addition to collecting food and toiletries, we will be collecting baby items including gently used clothing up to size 3. If you have any out grown baby clothes, we would love to use them for the children to make “baby bags” as one of the service projects. We will be collecting items between Monday, February 14 and Wednesday, March 2. Read More


Other News

THE VARIETY SHOW IS THIS SATURDAY -- DON'T MISS IT

It looks like it'll be a sell-out again this year, so click here to get your tickets before it's too late!
This gala showcase of talented alumni who have become professional performing artists is always a fun-filled evening of fabulous entertainment. The wide-ranging talent on display will inspire your children, as they see that dreams of a future on the stage, in the recording studio, in the concert hall can come true for SFS graduates. And you'll spend a relaxing evening enjoying the show and the reception with the performers that follows it. To top it off, all proceeds go to student financial aid.
The Ninth Annual Variety Show is Saturday, January 29, 2011, at 8 PM in the Kogod Arts Center. SFS student tickets are just $10. Adults are $35 (2 for $60); teachers and young alums ('00-'10) are $25. Purchase an extra ticket and donate it for a teacher! Be a sponsor!
Hosted by NBC 4 News Anchor and SFS parent Eun Yang, the show features: New additions to the Cast -- Classical Singer Rebekah Eden (Edminster) ’82; Actor/singer Charlotte Graham ’03; Playwright Jake Jeppson ’01; along with Jazz and Blues Singer/Songwriter Alison Crockett ’89; Musician John Daise ’05; Musician/songwriter Jason Edwards ’04; Contemporary Composer and Pianist Michael Gallant ’99; Actor Jason Gray ’05; Physical Artist Emma Jaster ’03; Dancer/Choreographer Brandye Lee ’96; Actor/Singer Matt Pearson ’01; Cellist Kenneth Peterson ’08; Pianist Adrienne Sirken ’76; Pianist/Saxophonist and Songwriter Ramzy Suleiman ’05; Nashville Singer/Songwriter Erik Thorson ’62; Comedian/Political Satirist Baratunde Thurston ’95.
THIS IS IT! DRUMROLL FOR ARTRAGEOUS 2011
THIS Sunday, January 30 from 1-4 PM in the MIDDLE SCHOOL! Join our SFS community to revel in our students' performances, in a school-wide visual art slide show, in creating your own art, and in previewing a new SFS 6th grade art show, inspired by science! Want to know what's happening when and where? Pick up your BLUE PRINT at the door which celebrates the STARLIGHT in everyone. VOLUNTEERS still wanted! Please contact Sarah Blake ( Sblakie@aol.com). FINAL CLUE for the SURPRISE GRAND FINALE: It's 3:30 PM on 1.30.11. Out of the ArtRageous rockin' and rollin' comes a mysterious, well-known Voice inviting YOU to harmony, rhythm, and eatin' - ah, Sweet! Read More2011 BLACK HISTORY MONTH SHOW PRESENTED BY THE BLACK STUDENT UNION

We would like to invite any interested LS and MS students to participate in this year’s Black Student Union show! No previous performance experience is necessary. Participation is open to all interested and available students. However, students with special skills, such as playing an instrument or dance, are welcome to submit ideas to the director. This year’s show is titled, “Scratching the Surface: What’s Underneath?” and will be directed by Holly Bass, who directed last year’s show.
If you are interested, please let Karen O’Neill at oneillk@sidwell.edu (LS fourth grade teacher), and your child’s classroom teacher. For a schedule of rehearsals and to learn more about plans for this year show, please click on the "Read More" link below.
Read MoreSIDWELL'S GOT TALENT: SPOTLIGHT ON LOWER SCHOOL

For those with children who are already signed up, this is just a reminder that the Dress Rehearsal is this Saturday from 2-4:30 PM at the Middle School Theatre. (Please note, that due to overwhelming interest, only large acts will perform in the theatre on Sunday (Artrageous), the rest will perform in other terrific spaces. I now have the final schedule for the acts which I can email to you). Please email me if you need specific time slots for the dress rehearsal. Please note that the finish time has been revised ocole6@verizon.net.
Even if your child is not participating, please come this Sunday to support the artist in each of our wonderful performers. Artrageous is from 1-4 PM at the Middle School.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
If you are a golfer this is the perfect volunteer opportunity for you. We are looking for people to serve on the Golf Tournament committee. The chairs, Margaret Krull and Andre Fraser, need your help. There will only be one meeting on February 24 at 1PM. Even if you can’t attend this meeting, you can still volunteer! Please contact the Events for Student Scholarships office at 202-537-8110 or by email at events@sidwell.edu if you are interested or for additional information. Also, save the date for the tournament which will be held at Kenwood Country Club on Monday, June 13.EVENTS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
ANNUAL AUCTION: LAST WEEK TO DONATE!
We need your help to continue supporting the 23% of students receiving financial aid! Every gift is important! Consider donating a bottle of wine, a gift certificate to your favorite restaurant or store, or underwriting money. All donations are tax-deductible!. The co-chairs Mimi Reisner, Elissa Rubin, and Beth Wilkinson and volunteers are working tirelessly to make this event a success but still need 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!!
SIDWELL SUMMER NEWS
Lego® Engineering! 100,000+ pieces of Legos®!
Sidwell Summer has added 3 weeks of incredible Lego® building classes. Led by a Play-Well instructor with Sidwell Summer assistants, this California based program is coming to the DC area for the first time for Summer 2011! Two offerings - Pre-Engineering (Grades K-1) in the morning and Engineering FUNdamentals (Grades 2-5) in the afternoon – June 20-24, June 27-July 1 and August 8-12 on the DC Campus. Space limited, so grab a friend and sign up now at www.sidwell.edu/summer! E-mail summer@sidwell.edu for more information.MOVIE NIGHT OUT WITH SIDWELL SUMMER
Drop off your ‘camper’ for his/her own night out Saturday, February 12 5-9 PM (then you go out for dinner/movie!). Participants (ages 4-12) will enjoy crafts, sports, pizza and a movie. Reserve your spot now by returning the sign up form.
Questions? Call 202-537-8133 or email summer@sidwell.edu.ANNUAL AUCTION ON APRIL 16
Events For Student Scholarships—ONLY TWO WEEKS LEFT TO DONATE! Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 16 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. Donate today!!LS THURSDAY LETTER INFORMATION
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How to Submit an Article to Thursday Letter
Send submissions to PA.LSNewsletter@sidwell.edu by 2 PM Wednesday. 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.
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.
LS newsletter submissions should be sent to PA.LSnewsletter@sidwell.edu.


Calendar


Fri, Jan 28th

3x Play

LS MultiPurpose Room
9:00am - 10:00am


Sat, Jan 29th

Variety Show

AC Theater
8:00pm


Sun, Jan 30th

Artrageous

MS, MS Drama Studio, MS Foyer
1:00pm - 4:00pm


Wed, Feb 2nd

PA Executive Committee Meeting

US Crane Room
8:00am - 9:00am


Fri, Feb 4th

Math Class for Parents

LS Math Lab
7:45am - 8:30am


LS Assembly: Lions of Industry, Mothers of invention

LS Multi-Purpose Room
9:00am - 10:00am


Mon, Feb 7th

All-School PA Community Health Initiative Conversation with Tom Farquhar

Us Dining Room
7:00pm - 9:00pm


Thu, Feb 10th

2nd - 4th Grade Breakfast with Rich

LS Meeting Room
8:15am - 9:00am


US Dance Ensemble Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm


Fri, Feb 11th

Grade 1 Play

LS Multi-Purpose Room
9:00am - 10:00am


US Dance Ensemble Concert

AC Theater
7:30pm


Sat, Feb 12th

NEMNET Diversity Career Fair

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


AC in DC a cappella concert

AC Theater
5:00pm - 10:00pm


More


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