Why the Obamas Chose a Friends School

The Friends school world is abuzz with the news that the next First Family has chosen to enroll their children at Sidwell Friends School.

Take a few minutes to read this article on Time Magazine.com that does an excellent job of presenting the distinct philosophy and history of Friends schools: Why Sasha and Malia Will Go to Sidwell Friends.

Postscript, December 7: And read Obama Boosts Quaker Schools from the Daily Local News, which connects the Obama-Sidwell story to local Friends schools, including WCFS!

It's Book Fair Time

The annual WCFS Book Fair is on, and T. Ruth has once again collected extensive selections in both children's and adult categories that you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Students began visiting the Book Fair today with their classes and filling out their "wish lists" of the books they most wish to purchase. These lists are handy for holiday shopping, but are not meant to be restrictive or definitive in any way.

Parents are welcome to shop at the Book Fair any time that it is open (see below). They may choose from the wish list, make new selections for their children, and should definitely peruse the collection of adult fiction titles. There are a number of books related to this year's All-School Unit theme - "A Healthy Mind, Body and Spirit" - as well as Quakerism, Islam and peace.''

T. Ruth also has a nice selection of books set aside that may be purchased as a donation to the school. This is a very personal and much appreciated way to support our library and grow our wonderful collection of literature.

The Book Fair is held in the Activities Building, and is open on November 20th, 21st, 24th and 25th from 8:30 am to 6 pm, and on November 23rd after Meeting for Worship (noon). On Wednesday, November 26th, the Fair will be open for Grandparents' Day, from 8:30 am to noon.

Our New Building is an Award Winner

Congratulations to Delran Builders for receiving an Award of Excellence from Associated Builders and Contractors, Southeast Pennsylvania Region, for the quality of their workmanship on our new Library and Administration Building. Teacher Kathy Davis (who coordinated the project for the School) and I attended the awards dinner last night along with architect James Bradberry, and were pleased to receive a commemorative framed photograph which now hangs in the foyer of the building.

This award was made as part of an annual competition in which ABC members submit projects for judging in a number of categories. Delran won first place for an institutional project of between $1 million and $5 million.

(Pictured above with Kathy Davis and me are Glenn Lindquist, Project Manager, Jim Bradberry, architect, and Mark McMahon, VP Delran Builders.)

WCFS Election Exclusive

The presidential campaigns have drawn an enormous amount of attention from voters and pundits across the country . . . as well as from students and teachers right here at WCFS . . . and we are ready for Election Day!

National elections always provide a great opportunity for students to learn about and engage in the democratic process, and that has certainly been the case for us this fall. The most unique and exciting experience has been enjoyed by our fifth graders. The class was divided into four political parties. Each party chose a name, created posters and pins, conducted research, and wrote a platform describing their positions in four areas: the economy, education, the environment, and foreign affairs. I had the honor of moderating a debate between the parties (they all stuck to the topic and minded their time limits!). This past Friday afternoon we were treated to a convention during which the parties presented campaign speeches on the issues one more time.

I am very impressed with the performance of every fifth grade candidate, and have heard many compliments from other teachers, parents and grandparents who attended the debate and convention. Many commented that the students exhibited a command of the issues that belie their years. The students were also poised, well-spoken and often persuasive in their arguments. I don't know how many politicians might emerge from this bunch, but I do know that these skills will serve them well throughout their schooling and in whatever field they choose. (Thank you T. Bonnie and T. Kathy M. for your work with the fifth graders.)

Students and teachers will be casting their votes tomorrow for the party that they believe has the best plan for leading us into the future. Will it be the Community Party, the Congregational Party, the Recreate Party, or the Unification Party? Stay tuned for election results.

In other election news . . . students in grades one through five have cast electronic votes for (the real) presidential candidates as part of the nationwide Kids Voting USA project. (Thank you T. Rachel, T. Alice and T. Kathy D.) Results should be available Tuesday morning.

And in the very tight contest of most popular Halloween candy being tallied by T. Connie's first grade, long-time incumbent Peanut Butter Cup looks to be upset by upstart M&M's!