final call! 2016-17 Family Directory Directory ... - Friends Academy

Friends Academy Monthly E-Letter May/June 2016 >> www.fa.org

Among final call! 2016-17 Family Directory

Make sure your information is correct in next year’s Family Directory. There are 2 ways to make check and changes. 1) Log onto MyBackpack (accessible through your Parent Portal) to make changes. 2) Notify your divisional administrative assistant as soon as possible with any changes.

Directory Changes If you have a change to your Directory listing, it is important that you notify the appropriate divisional adminstrative assistant as soon as possible. In addition, it is important to notify your local school district of an address change. Any changes will appear monthly in Among Friends.

Pix Pick

Founded 1876

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Friends

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AMANDA FISK | FRIENDS ACADEMY

Students of all ages gather to watch US performances at the inaugural “Poechella” festival of poetry and music.

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From the Head – Reflecting on this year’s theme, have you made more of an effort this year to listen and share? How has this helped you grow? page 2 (By Bill Morris) Lower School – Feeling lonely? Take a seat on the LS buddy bench. page 4 (By Debby McLean) Middle School – Arts education matters! page 6 (By Deborah Schoman) Upper School – “Look, here comes a walking fire.” page 8 (By Mark Schoeffel) >>Visit each divisional section to preview "Don't Miss" May/June calendar highlights

Parent Council – We want to appreciate YOU on May 4th. page 4 Sustainability – Reduce, Recycle and Reuse Paper: Complete the cycle. page 5 Diversity & Multicultural Affairs – “We are more alike... than we are unalike”. page 7 (By Shanelle Robinson) Think.Laugh.Learn. – “If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see.” page 12 (By John Scardina) The Arts at Friends – Reflections on Meeting for Drawing and the upcoming Spring Concert & Art Show Series. pages 14 & 16

Visit www.fa.org and catch our weekly slideshows, updated news & more!

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Among Friends An informational e-newsletter published monthly for Friends Academy parents, grandparents, faculty/staff, trustees, former trustees, and the Alumni Board.

NEXT MONTH'S DEADLINE To include information in the September 2016 electronic issue of Among Friends please submit information to the Communications Office by Friday, August 26, 2016. EDITOR: Andrea Miller – Director of Communications and Marketing Phone: (516) 393-4295 E-mail: [email protected]

Friends Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs and activities available to students at the school. Friends does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial assistance program, athletic and other school-administered programs.

ON THE WEB

 Join. Connect. Engage. Stay ahead and get the inside look at FA on our Facebook pages and through our Instagram posts.

Join the conversation today. facebook.com/ friendsacademyNY instagram.com/ FriendsAcademy

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May/June Query FRIENDS, Quartets, “At the still point, there is the dance.” My last Among Friends meditation and Eliot suggests that if we can cultivate a way what to say? Spending this April break in our of looking at the world that transports us to a beloved Adirondacks, where Sue and I will calm center, to a still point, to a simple place soon settle as our home base, has offered space of appreciation, then our lives will be full of and time to reflect on energy, focus, joy, and meaning. In keeping our future, celebrate the with our simplicity testimony, be thankful for present (well, maybe not a little and we will have a lot. Let our gratithe 5” of snow that fell tude for the gifts of life translate into blessTuesday morning and ings that flow from us to others. In this way, left no opportunity to we establish enduring connections, the most call a snow day!), and powerful thing we do as humans. Sustaining give thanks for our 13 those connections will also require patience Bill Morris years at Friends and in listening and speaking and forgiveness of Head of School our 40 years in schools. our and other’s flaws. I know that this is easier Our blessings are as infinite as the stars that said than done with all the preoccupations in emblazon the skies above the mountains on our hurried lives, but is there a better alternaa clear, cool night. In addition to our family tive to living each moment with thankfulness whom you will meet on May 15, you all are and connecting to others? I think not. gift givers to us. You have woven your goodIn our Quaker community, we are fortunate ness into the fabric of our lives, and words to have Meeting for Worship as a place and cannot do justice to time where we can slow our appreciation for down in gathered silence your presence there. to nurture gratefulness We only hope that, in “Reflecting on this year's theme, and connection through some small way, Sue Where do have you made more of an reflection. and I have been able to you go for your “meeteffort this year to listen return your generosity ing,” to feed your soul? and perhaps become Perhaps you go to other and share? How has this threads in your life places of worship or find helped you grow?” fabric. I think of the stillness in meditation, words of William music, art, a walk on the – MS TASQUE Penn, “Let us see what beach or in the woods, love can do,” and understand that together at literature or poetry, friendship and family, Friends we have sought to create a community cultural celebrations – from the traditional where children and adults can make their love to the non-traditional, the paths to peaceful manifest each day. Is there any more worthy reflection are many indeed. All that we can pursuit? I think not. ask of ourselves is to seek quiet, reflect with We were reminded of our good fortune to openness and honesty, listen authentically, share our journey with so many extraordinary and then heed the voice of truth that will lead students, colleagues, and parents at a recent us to live in the Light. Is there a better way to gathering to honor three of our close personal bring meaning, wholeness, and balance into and professional friends from Taft, where we our lives? I think not. lived and worked for 27 years. Together, these Sue and I wish you and your families a three teachers served for 125 years – a stunrestful summer. In the words of a Loving ning number. As each of them spoke about Kindness Meditation that Sue uses in yoga, the calling to do well and for others, I heard may you be safe; may you be happy; may you echoed the voice of Amy Willets, a Friends be healthy; may you live with ease. As we Academy graduate, who wrote in 1914 about conclude our thirteenth year in this giving how Quaker education imparts a determinaand caring community, we are honored to tion to “owe the world a life rather than ask serve all of you. We will miss the unique the world for a living.” What allowed my col- sense of community at Friends Academy. May leagues, in the words of our Query and theme peace and love envelop you, your children, for the year, to “listen, share, and grow” over so your families, and your friends. Know that many years, to owe the world a life? you will always reside in our hearts and souls. The starting place for me is and always will Yes, we think so. be gratitude. As T.S. Eliot writes in the Four In Peace, Bill and Sue

Query

BACK TO COVER  AMONG FRIENDS ~ May 2016 [ 2 ]

From the Lower School

Debby McLean, Lower School Principal | Divisional Assistant: Gail Lucidi, 393-4230

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Feeling lonely? Take a seat on the LS buddy bench

Click Here: Up-to-date Web calendar

May Highlights 

have come to realize that sometimes amazing ideas are shared through social media. For example, a friend of mine shared this article and brief video on Facebook about a month ago. The buddy bench struck such a chord with me that I sent it to the LS faculty to ask of their thoughts. I received incredibly positive responses and many offers to help bring the buddy bench to our Lower School. The next Monday morning, I talked to Chris Semlies and we identified the perfect bench. At Gathering I read an excerpt from a story where Debby McLean a girl (who was actually an elephant) was feeling lonely on the playground. I asked the children to show me a thumbs up if they had ever felt that way. Almost all of the thumbs in the room, including adult thumbs, went up. I then asked the children what we can do to help everyone feel comfortable and find playmates. Ava Ward raised her hand and said, “We could have a buddy bench.” I had said nothing to her ahead of time but it was as if I had planted her there! I asked her to explain a buddy bench which she did beautifully. When Elya Rak was Head of School for a day we took a walk around the playground and identified the perfect spot for the buddy bench – visible, but not obstructing any play. The following week at Gathering we discussed guidelines including if you are on the bench and someone asks you to play, you must play with them. Mary Jo Allegra helped us to decorate our buddy bench and it was officially unveiled today when we returned from vacation. I believe the buddy bench is an example

Wed.

11

Lower School Parents Meeting – 8:15 a.m. (Jackson House)

Thurs. 12

Lower School Art Exhibit – 6:30 p.m. (Art Gallery) Lower School Concert – 7 p.m. (Theater)

Wed.

18

Grade 5 Overnight Trip (Returns Thursday)

Fri.

20

Lower School Community Service Day – Info to be emailed

Fri.

27

Early Childhood Spring Sing – 11 a.m. (Early Childhood Courtyard)

Mon.

30

Memorial Day – School and Offices Closed

Ahead in June Fri.

3

Grades 2 - 5 Field Day – 10:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Mon.

6

Early Childhood - Grade 1 Field Day – 8:45 a.m.

Tues.

7

Grade 5 Moving Up – 9 a.m. (Meeting House)

AMANDA FISK | FRIENDS ACADEMY

Fifth graders decorate the Lower School's new buddy bench. The bench debuted Monday, May 2 on the Lower School playground. Come check it out!

of the students and faculty at FA Lower School living the Quaker Testimonies. In this case we are building community by connecting with others and creating a safe and nurturing atmosphere where

people can be their authentic selves to let others know they are lonely. Please feel free to check it out the next time you are on the playground.


Parent Council We want to appreciate YOU on May 4th!

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s this will be our last Among Friends article for the school year, we would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the many Parent Volunteers that have dedicated their time and endless energy to the various Parent Council events throughout the 2015-2016 school year. Your participation is appreciated by all. To honor our Parent Volunteers, the Development Office will be hosting their Annual Parent Appreciation Reception, to be held at the Nassau Country Club on Wednesday, May 4th at 6:00 pm. Please plan on attending this important event as we will be honoring outgoing Senior Parents that have generously given their time and energy to the school over the years. The end of April was eventful with the Book Fair & Wind in the Willows Cafe, along with the Junior Prom. The Book Fair was once again a tremendous success Chaired by the following, Mary Emlock, Lori Kaminsky, Barri Savasta, Janeen Stellato and Michelle Bhasin, this event would not have been possible without the organization and dedication of this amazing team of parents. In addition, a huge thank you to Michelle Cagner for chairing the Wind in the Willows Cafe, assisted by Natalia Good and Julie Kalimian. The students absolutely indulged in sweet treats that were offered for sale. All proceeds are given back to the FA libraries to support their various needs. Michelle, Natalia and Julie appreciate all the amazing treats donated by our community in support of the libraries. Parent Council would like to recognize all of the parents that supported the Annual Auction, “Celebrating with Friends,” which was held on April 7 at the Garden City Hotel. Hats off to the amazing Auction Chairs: Amy Schamroth, Carolyn Mott and Irene Pappas. This year’s Auction reached another all-time high. Thank you to the many volunteers and to Diane Biolsi, Assistant Director of Development for her continued support and hard work in managing this very important event. With May comes spring flowers and Juliana Riviezzo has once again agreed to

chair the Parent Council Plant Sale. This event will take place this Thursday and Friday, May 5th & 6th in the Dolan Center parking lot. Thank you to all of the parents that will roll up their sleeves and help out as it’s very much appreciated. This Friday, May 6th is a busy day with the Upper School Spring Sports Day & Barbecue. Students and visiting teams will be treated to a wonderful barbecue while attending the various games, or after they finish their own games. Please plan on stopping by to support the teams and enjoy some time together. Mark your calendars for the end-of-theyear Parent Council General Meeting, to be held on Thursday, May 19th at 8:15 a.m. in the Jackson House. During this important meeting we will be recognizing outgoing members, as well as announcing next year’s Parent Council Slate of Class Representatives, and Executive Parent Council posts. A special thank you to Phaedra Kazanas, Nominating Chair and her committee for working so hard to manage this very important activity. I would like to thank the following outgoing members of this year’s Executive Parent Council for their support and dedication to Parent Council. Deborah Shalam, VP Lower School, Juliana Riviezzo, VP Middle School, Elizabeth Wootten, VP Upper School, Allison Heaney, Treasurer and Nancy Hickerson, Secretary. Thank you all for your support. On a closing note, I would like to extend my thanks to the community for allowing me the opportunity to be the President of Executive Parent Council for the 20152016 school year. It has been a tremendous opportunity to be involved and help out, and I've enjoyed all aspects of the position. A special shout out to Rita Afzelius, as the President of Executive Parent Council for the 2016-2017 school year and her Executive Parent Council committee. Jennifer Williams President, Executive Parent Council Rita Afzelius Vice President, Executive Parent Council


Join the conversation online and see how Friends Academy students, faculty and staff are bringing our school theme, “Our Inward Journey... Listen, Share, Grow.” Find us on: Facebook

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Instagram Twitter

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Or head directly to www.fa.org and check our news/calendar/social media flyout that brings everything FA to you.

Sustainability Committee Dan Kriesberg, MS Science teacher

Reduce, Recycle and Reuse Paper: Complete the cycle

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ere are some more ideas for creating a more sustainable household. Of course recycling paper is an important step in living a more sustainable lifestyle, but it is not the only one. To complete the cycle we need to also use and purchase recycled paper. Buying recycled paper helps to create a market for the used paper. Recycled paper is just as good as paper made from virgin materials. It works just as well in printers and copiers. It is easily available. While the cost may be slightly higher, it is a small price to pay for doing the right thing. You will have the most impact if you buy the paper with the highest percentage of post-consumer recycled content. When we conserve paper we are doing more than reducing the

number of trees that are cut down we are also conserving water, soil, using less chemicals, fuel, and preserving habitats Besides using recycled paper there are other actions we can take to use less paper.

Here are some questions to ask yourself:

An Invitation to the Inaugural Global Perspectives Symposium Wednesday, May 25th

Please join us for an illuminating evening of student presentations and discussions, exploring a range of diverse global topics.

DO I REALLY NEED TO USE THIS PAPER? Tip: Measure how many print copies you are personally responsible for each month.

CAN I DOUBLE SIDE MY COPIES?

Program schedule 5:30 Reception

Tip: Set defaults to double-sided.

6:10 Welcome and introductions

IS THERE A WAY TO USE EMAIL?

6:30 - 7:15 Session A

Tip: Use for directories, forms, bulletins, manuals, reports and storage.

CAN I USE SCRAP PAPER INSTEAD OF A NEW SHEET OF PAPER? Tip: Use outdated letterhead for in-house memos.

7:30 - 8:15 Session B 8:20 Closing notes

WHAT CAN I DO AT MY PLACE OF BUSINESS TO REDUCE

The evening begins in the Kumar Wang Learning Commons with musical accompaniment and light refreshments.

OUR PAPER CONSUMPTION?

It will be a pleasure to see you!

CAN I USE HALF A SHEET INSTEAD OF A WHOLE SHEET? Tip: Check out paper-saving features in Exel and PowerPoint (i.e. Fit to Page and Print Handouts).

Challenge! Conduct paper-less meetings and use thinner paper.

Want more tips? Head to wwf.panda.org for more. SOURCE: WWF.PANDA.ORG


Sponsored by the Global Studies Scholar Initiative

From the Middle School

Deborah Schoman, Middle School Principal | Divisional Assistant: Marian Tobia, 393-4239

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Art Education matters!

May Highlights 

Thurs.

12

MS Parent Council Parents Meeting – 8:15 a.m. (Jackson House)

Fri. 13

MS Walk-a-thon – 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. ISE 7th Grade Dance – 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. (Green Vale)

Tues.

17

9th Grade Orientation – 6:00 p.m. (Quad)

Thurs.

19

MS Concert – 7:00 p.m. (Theater)

Wed.

25

Welcome to the MS Parent Coffee – 8:15 a.m. (Jackson House)

Ahead in June Wed. 8

Middle School Field Day Last Day for Middle School classes ***Dismissal at 1 p.m.***

Thurs.

8th Grade Meeting for Worship/Reception – 10:30 a.m. (Meeting House)

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SONGWRITING

WIRE SCULPTURES

GARAGEBAND

THE MS PLAY

confidence. Arts education has been shown to help stimulate brain development, build memory and reasoning skills, creativity and imagination. This, in turn, supports learning in the classroom, reinforcing reading, writing, math and science and providing the students with the skills to work collaboratively to creatively solve problems.

MICHAEL DAMM | FRIENDS ACADEMY

fter a week that offered a wide range of Arts workshops including the presentation of the original, In Dreams, I am Invincible, there is no doubt in my mind that the work our Middle schoolers engaged in during the 16th annual Arts Week supports our mission to provide an exemplary middle school education. We believe that all students should engage in a wide range of exploratory Deborah Schoman opportunities during their three years in Middle School, including participation in athletics, as well as the visual and performing arts. Rick Wormeli, a teacher, consultant, author and leader in middle level education, speaks to the importance of exposing middle schoolers to a curriculum that will provide students a range of high interest experiences. In an article for the Association of Middle Level Education, Rick writes, “Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and relevant. Curriculum embraces every planned aspect of a school’s educational program. An effective middle level curriculum is distinguished by learning activities that appeal to young adolescents, is exploratory and challenging, and incorporates student-generated questions and concerns.” Exposure to the Arts is one critical element in providing a child a well-rounded education. Similar to athletics and outdoor education, students are encouraged to step outside of their comfort zone and try something they have never done before. The middle school years are perfect for this time of exploration and opportunity to potentially find something of interest that they will want to pursue more extensively. Experiences like this allow students to find personal fulfillment and build their self-

Art also helps our students to become more aware of their global community by allowing them to appreciate and build respect and understanding for the other cultures in our society. As stated in an article in Education Week, “Arts experiences boost critical thinking, teaching students to take the time to be more careful and thorough in how they observe the world.”


Diversity & Multicultural Affairs Shanelle Robinson, Director of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs | (516) 393-4284

“In minor ways we differ, in major ways we’re the same. I note the obvious differences between each sort and type, but we are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike.”

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– Dr. Maya Angelou, poet/author

esponding to the needs of an increasingly diverse student population is both a great opportunity and a great challenge. Our students come to school with an array of life experiences, which have been lived within the context of their unique cultural settings. Yet, many schools encourage students to focus primarily on shared experiences amongst their peers (comfort zone), with less regard for cultural differences (deemed Shanelle Robinson risky and uncomfortable). For educators, this underscores the importance of culturally responsive teaching (CRT). ‘CRT’ employs a pedagogy which “accommodates the dynamic mix of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion and family that contribute to every student’s cultural identity” (Wlodkowski & Ginsberg, 1995). CRT’s aim is to offer students both “mirrors” and “windows;” the ability for students see themselves, their lives, and that of others, reflected across lines of race, religion, socioeconomic class, gender and sexuality and other ways in which the world is diverse. We know mirrors as objects that, when looked at, reflect back to us an image of ourselves. Similarly, when looking at a particular experience, information or curriculum, if it is something similar or familiar to what you have also understood or experienced, it serves as a personal mirror for you. Likewise, a window in the traditional sense is an object that you look through in order to see something that is distant from yourself, something outside of yourself. Theoretical windows provide a new perspective on the world, presenting

an opportunity to see something outside of yourself (for example: a viewpoint, culture, experience or lifestyle that is different than yours). Windows allow us to see the lives of others. Although some feel that the windows and mirrors theory is simply a dichotomy that polarizes our viewpoints, it is actually a way of truly helping us explore the middle areas of that spectrum. We are not just the same or different from another human being — it is the ‘how’ and the ‘why’ that this theory makes us address. My work as a diversity practitioner is to provide “mirrors” and “windows” to our school community and aid us in addressing them (students and adults alike). This task is not always an easy one, but personal stories can offer unique insights in understanding individuals from different cultures. Personal stories can break down barriers and help build bridges of understanding across differences and can mirror one’s own culture, as well as provide a window to other cultures. Personal storytelling can present unfamiliar groups and individuals to the audience in ways that show them to be natural and understandable, thus reducing prejudices toward that culture. Utilizing personal stories are important to develop attitudes of open-mindedness about diversity. In the spirit of this year’s school theme, “Your Inward Journey: Listen. Share. Grow,” we connected with a variety of guest speakers who shared their personal story and asked our students to consider how race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, social class, religion, family structure and so forth work to make them who they are. Our discussions centered on how unique we are in the ways that these aspects of our

culture intersect to shape our identities. Adichie (2009) believes only by disrupting single stories (stereotypes) with narratives told from other perspectives can we form a more nuanced picture of the people, issues, or ideas at hand. While we certainly share some basic commonalities in just being human, we are also all different and have our own worldview shaped by our personal experiences, values and beliefs. The diversity program at Friends Academy is designed to foster engagement, discussion, tolerance, civility, respect, and a willingness to listen to others and to challenge our own assumptions. Our FA college counselors state, “We are preparing students for college, but, more importantly, we underscore the aim of an education that has consistently prepared them for the place they will take in society as citizens who will make a difference in the world.” Colleges take into account more than just a students’ GPA and test scores; character and personal qualities are equally important. They are interested in students who are willing to go against the grain for what’s right and are conscious about the people and the world around them. For example, Harvard asks its’ applicants, “How open are you to new ideas and people?” Most colleges seek students who will evaluate their own beliefs, enabling them to be better prepared for life experiences and interactions after college. Hopefully this year’s programs have prepared our graduates for life beyond our campus. To be cliché and quote the late Dr. Suess, I say to our graduates: “You’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, So... get on your way!” BEST WISHES TO THE CLASS OF 2016!


From the Upper School

Mark Schoeffel, Upper School Principal | Divisional Assistant: Cathy Philipakos, 393-4215

"Look, here comes a walking fire."

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May Highlights

ecently, we were privileged to hear Nadia Pervez ’95 invited by Mr. Lape to speak in the Meeting House about her Muslim faith. Once a high school studies teacher, she is now an employment lawyer. Nadia spoke about what it means to her to be an American, as well as about the difficulties practicing Muslims face in light of the decades of terrorism and fear that have gripped her country. She also spoke movingly about being a mother, a citizen, and most of all someone who yearns for us to understand that her faith is based upon peace. The language of angry discrimination, hatred, and the violence in the name Mark Schoeffel of or addressing her beliefs has given her cause to despair, but also has reinforced in her the need for deeper understanding of our differences, so as to affirm our commonly held human values, especially the protecting of the rights and dignity of each human person. The Meeting House was rapt. Indeed, after some silence, both Richard Sullivan, an esteemed Friends educator and senior faculty member, and also a younger student in grade eleven, each rose to thank her for her example and her words. In my time in schools, I have certainly witnessed people hurt by language, behavior and even actions that feel like – and sometimes are – discriminatory and demeaning. In some cases, people are caught in a cycle of hurtful exchange; in others, there is one person doing the harm while the other, who is being hurt, feels silenced and powerless to stop it. I feel strongly that schools are places where children and adults must all feel safe in the deepest sense of that word in order to feel truly free to learn and grow to be their truest best selves.

Mon.

2

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AP Exams – Week 1

Thurs. 5

Plant Sale – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Dolan Center) Upper School Concert – 7:30 p.m. (Theater)

Fri. 6

Last Day of Classes for SENIORS ONLY Plant Sale – 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Dolan Center parking lot) Spring Varsity Sports Day & Barbecue – 4:30 p.m.

Sat.

SAT & Subject Tests (Local Test Centers)

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Mon. 9 AP Exams – Week 2 Seniors ONLY Math Final Exam – 1 p.m. (Main Gym) Tues. 10

Last US Parents Meeting – 8:15 a.m. (Jackson House) Seniors ONLY Language Final Exam – 1 p.m. (Main Gym)

Mon.

Senior ISPs Begin (until June 6th)

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Tues. 17

9th Grade Orientation for all rising 9th Graders and all new to FA Students – 6 p.m. (Quad, KW Learning Commons if raining)

Thurs. 19

Parent Council General Meeting – 8:15 a.m. (Jackson House) AP Art Exhibit Reception – 6:30 p.m. (Gallery)

Mon.

Memorial Day – School and Offices Closed

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Lives of truth require a deep safety that ported to talk about the struggles and posdoes not keep the challenges of life out but sibilities for identity and humanity. Good in the midst of them, allows for the freedom high schools are places where students to flourish; this freedom to “be” is dynamic, deepen their understandings of justice and allowing for discovery in the respectful human nature; they are not places where exchange of ideas, attitudes, prejudices become more beliefs and identities. High deeply entrenched and Good high schools schools must be places confirmed. For this to are places where that help each and all to work, we need to have trust students deepen their examine our assumptions in complexity. and, in developmentally understanding of justice We cannot seek to make appropriate ways, begin to our high schools into and human nature. discover ways of seeing and vehicles to mirror convebeing that help us find our best selves, what nient assumptions. As they experience and Lincoln termed “the better angels of our witness forms of injustice and disparity nature.” that are part of growing up in a complex, For each student to find a secure unsometimes unjust world, students need to derstanding and a “lived meaning” of this find new ways to navigate and determine truth, we want our schools to be places their own beliefs. Sometimes, this is not where students feel encouraged and supeasy work, and there are perils when we



Ahead in June Wed. 1

Upper School Final Exams Begin Math Final – 8:30 a.m.

Thurs.

Science Final – 8:30 a.m.

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Fri. 3

English Final – 8:15 a.m. Senior ISP Presentations – 10:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Senior Luncheon – 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Senior Graduation Rehearsal – 1:45 p.m. (Theater)

Sat.

SAT & Subject Tests (Local Test Centers)

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Sun. 5

Baccalaureate Meeting For Worship – 10 a.m. (Meeting House) Senior Brunch – 11 a.m. (Commons)

Mon. 6 US Language Final Exam – 8:30 a.m. Senior ISP Highlights – 11:30 a.m. (Theater) Yearbook Dedication & MANDATORY Final Senior Class Meeting – Noon (Theater) Tues. 7

US History Final Exam – 8:30 a.m. All School Convocation – 10:45 a.m. (Fieldhouse) Upper School Ices on the Quad – Noon

Wed. 8 Fourth Day Honors – 11 a.m. (Theater) Last Day of Upper School Classes – 1 p.m. Dismissal Pre-Prom Party – 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Varsity Soccer Field) Senior Prom – 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. (The Carltun, East Meadow) Seniors Return to FA – 1:30 a.m. Sat.

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Commencement – 10 a.m. (Varsity Soccer Field)

don’t do it together. When I was eighteen, I clung to certainties and often did not have or navigate good ways forward when I met with someone who questioned my approach to something or if I did not have an answer to a big question. I wanted solutions, and was uncomfortable with uncertainty. Sometimes, literature was my best ally in these moments; it could show me the truths I could not see or name myself. One stormy October Saturday when I was eighteen, I sat up in the bedroom of my family’s cabin, looking out the window at the birch trees as they swayed and shook

in the cold winds. A grey day, and I had to write a paper on King Lear. For those of you who have not read the play, its pale outline is based on an ancient fairy tale Shakespeare rewrote. In the original tale, an old king demands demonstrations of love from his three daughters before he decides on how to give away his kingdom; after the two elder daughters lie about their love to persuade their father to give them more riches, the youngest, who loves him truly, refuses to participate or top their flowery and flattering language to him, telling her father when he asks for words to prove her love that she can

provide him with “nothing.” Essentially, she wants him to see that true love cannot be demonstrated by words or by appearances; it is beyond words. But when given a paradox, and no tangible “thing” by the one from whom he most needs love, he gets angry, and banishes her, only to regret it later. In the fairy tale, everyone is reunited in the end; love and understanding prevail. Let’s just say in Shakespeare’s rewrite, things work out differently. Looking out the window of my cabin, some thirty years ago, I could see the lake getting darker as a storm approached. What does an 18-year-old write about when the questions seem so vast? I could not even fathom my own little life. By Act 3, Lear is out upon a stormy heath – a parched and barren ground. After enduring the winds and cold, and disrobing in the wildness of the storm, Lear feels powerless and alone on the heath, with only his “fool” is at his side. The fool appealed to me; He seemed like a sardonic teenager no adult would listen to, and I knew about that. His ironic and paradoxical comments to the king’s ravings of pain were not solutions to the perils of betrayal and the king’s own failures, but he did not abandon his friend. Everyone else had abandoned this person. I could see the lake getting darker as a storm approached, and wondered, why did the fool so appeal to me for my senior Shakespeare essay on Lear on this dark and stormy October afternoon, alone in the cabin? Thirty two years later, I have a sense of it: I could relate to the fool. He was stuck. His identity is unclear, and mine was unclear then, too – is he a boy? Is he a man? A boy-man? Why does he “love” the crazy king and mock him, too? Where is his family? Why not run away from the freezing dark night, to the comforts of home, where everyone else is? And why did Lear not hear or even recognize him? Part of the answer is the fool, too, is alone. In a world where to Shakespeare there seems a vacuous dearth of love (Shakespeare’s Lear is an inverted fairy tale, where


Continued on page 10

Continued from page 9 love is often disguised betrayal and justice is very much in doubt), the fool holds on for love, despite no clarity of answers to his own questions. He remains with Lear in the darkness and the storm. And indeed, it is he who, when he sees a lone friend of Lear’s suddenly appear from the dark heath to help the mad King Lear in the torrents of rain, cries: “Look, here comes a walking fire.” One of the great lines of the play, it suggests that those of us in confusion and figuratively on the “heath” need to still believe that the “fire” of human love and friendship still moves. It can come back to

us, and bring us home. That year in high school, I handed in the paper on “The Wisdom of Shakespeare’s Fool.” It was not a wise paper, but I still fondly remember wrestling with the Fool and why he matters. He is not the answer. He fades and dies before the play ends. Lear soon spends time with a poor lonely hermit, who he calls “unaccommodated man,” discovering the truth of the human condition in its perilous exposure to Nature. But the Fool’s loyalty – his sense that it is wrong to join all the others in abandoning his flailing fellow man out on the lonely heath – is praiseworthy. You could

build a school on it. And his desire for a flickering fire to lead us out is, indeed, right. The fire, we later find, is a blazing light, the heart of Cordelia, the heart of the play. The Fool knows that we must not ever leave any person on the heath, and that the fire that walks is the only truth. Today, 452 years after his birthday on April 23rd, Shakespeare’s play stands as a Cri de Coeur for us to remember our common humanity: to hold up our differences and not be divided by them, and to preserve, enhance, and not extinguish, the fire. We would do well to read Lear closely together, again.

All Students!

Textbook Procedures Procedures for 2015-16 returns and 2016-17 orders BOOK LISTS AND TEXTBOOK INFORMATION: Book lists and guidelines for ordering textbooks for the 2015-2016 school year will be available soon on the Parent & Student Info Hub and in divisional offices. Please read the guidelines carefully to be sure that you follow the procedures specific to your district. Please note that the procedure for ordering books for students living in Suffolk Co. has changed. Below is an outline of the procedure: A. For students served by Textbook Central, which includes ALL Nassau County districts EXCEPT Hicksville, Seawanhaka, Farmingdale, and Oceanside, it is not necessary to submit a book order form; your books will be provided through the school. You will receive more information over the summer about how and when these books will be distributed. B. If you live in Suffolk County, it is not necessary to submit a book order form; your books will be distributed at school this fall. New this year, you will need to return borrowed textbooks to Friends Academy at the end of the school year (see dates to the right). C. If you live in Hicksville, Seawanhaka, Farmingdale, and Oceanside school districts, you will need to complete a specific book order form. These districts generally request that forms be submitted to districts offices by May 15th. Given the timing of our scheduling process, we realize that this may not be possible. We do ask, however, that you turn in your forms to your district office as soon as possible. If you wait until August, districts may not be able to fill orders in time for the start of school. D. If you live in a borough of New York City, a few of your books may be provided by the city. Typically, families receive very few books through this system due to budgetary constraints and the process is quite cumbersome. We try to provide some books from our inventory for these students. Please be aware that you are responsible for ensuring that your child has any books not provided by New York City by the start of the year.

TEXTBOOK CENTRAL BOOK RETURNS: We plan to use the following schedule for book returns: Grade 12 May 9-13* *Books can be returned after each AP or final Grade 9-11 June 6-10* *Books can be returned after each final Grades 6-8

June 6-8

Lower School

Before June 7

Students and their families are responsible for the return of all textbooks and non-consumable books at the end of the school year. Students are not permitted to write or highlight in these books. Student accounts will be charged for any missing and damaged books. If you have any questions about textbooks, please contact Laurie Fleming at [email protected] or Carol VanAuken at [email protected].


Commencement: Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 10 a.m.

Graduation Photos ISLAND PHOTOGRAPHY will be the official photographer for Commencement on Saturday, June 11, 2016. They will be taking the full Graduation Class of 2016 group photo, as well as the picture of each student receiving his/her diploma. In addition, Island's photographers will be available before and after the ceremony to take quick, casual family pictures. There is no charge to have any pictures taken and no forms are due on or before Graduation. Instead, all photos will be posted on a password-protected, online gallery on Island Photography's website, IslandPhoto.com, approximately 48 hours after Graduation. A pin number and a link to view your images will be e-mailed to each graduate. In addition, Island Photography will mail a hardy copy order form displaying the graduate’s images as an additional convenience. BEFORE THE CEREMONY 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Individual and Family Photos n Come early and have any combination of family pictures taken – just make your requests upon arrival! Photos are very quick, taking just a few minutes n Location: Outside in the Main Quad area Note: Arriving as early as possible is STRONGLY advised – it will be worth the extra few minutes to guarantee time with a photographer.

OFFICIAL CLASS PHOTO 9:00 a.m. sharp n Location: Outside, on the Kumar Wang Library steps (if rain, inside Main Gym) GRADUATES REPORT TO AUDITORIUM (Holding area) 9:15 a.m. n Photographers will take formal portraits of each graduate. PROCESSIONAL & CEREMONY (Holding area) 10 a.m. n Location: Varsity soccer field

DURING THE CEREMONY Photo of each student receiving his/her diploma n Candid photos during the Procession and Recession (as time and opportunity permit) Note: All pictures taken during the ceremony will be candid shots (unposed) and will be automatically taken. No parent or student requests are needed.

AFTER THE CEREMONY Family photos n Quick, informal pictures of your family will be available on a firstcome, first-serve basis on school grounds immediately after the ceremony. n Location: We'll be roaming in the general location of the Varsity soccer field. Just find one of our photographers and request any pictures you need.

Order Your Graduation Video of the Class of 2016 Commencement This year's commencement will be professionally recorded by Renaissance Studio Ltd. We encourage you to order a copy of this professionally done tape or DVD, and... LEAVE YOUR VIDEO CAMERA HOME. Please fill out the attached order form soon and mail to: American Multimedia Yearbooks 3 Casey Court Newtown, PA. 18940 Price: 1 DVD: $41; 2 DVDs: $79; 3 DVDs: $117 (includes $3 shipping & handling)

Questions? Please contact Jeff at (609) 716-0261 or e-mail him at [email protected].


Think. Laugh. Learn. John Scardina, Quaker-in-Residence, [email protected]

"If I love you, I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see." – James Baldwin

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am just back (with five other FA adults and students) from the White Privilege Conference in Philadelphia – a gathering of almost 3,000 people that explored issues of privilege and oppression, accountability and responsibility, and purpose-driven dialogue and relationship building. It was for me a wonderJohn Scardina ful intersection of diversity educators, LAST BREAKFAST! social justice activJoin Teacher John ists, Quakers dedifor coffee and cated to equality, and breakfast on: people who seek self Thursday, May 26 and social transforat 8:15 am in the mation. Frost Hall My role as Conference Room Quaker-in-Residence is in part intertwined with the above quote from James Baldwin: bringing a Quaker perspective to our community that holds each of us to a standard of faith and practice that exemplifies the Religious Society of Friends. Thus my “risk of an act of love” – to quote Paolo Friere, a Brazilian social activist and literacy campaigner – is to remind us of community norms as a Quaker school that embrace simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, service, and stewardship. So, dear Friends, let me gently remind you as adult members of this Quaker school community that we need to respect and honor one another in word and deed to a degree that exceeds our usual societal norms. Here are some challenges related to Quaker testimonies for you to consider: 1) Is my speech plain, respectful, and straightforward in addressing parents and teachers – what Quakers call “plain speaking”?

Quaker Life at Friends Academy

Calendar of Events Spring 2016

Parent Quaker Life Committee Spring Mindfulness Sessions - Spring Labyrinth Walk Please join us for our next chapter of our Spring Mindfulness Series - a Labyrinth Walk at CW Post. Back by popular demand, Quaker-in-Residence John Scardina will lead the walk. Wednesday, May 4 at 8:30 a.m. (CW Post, meet in parking CW Post parking lot)

For more information, contact co-clerk Lauren Menzin at [email protected].

Quaker-In-Residence John Scardina Parenting Workshops Breakfast with Teacher John Monday, May 26, 8:15 a.m. – Frost Hall Conference Room

2) Can I understand that violence with words is still violence? 3) Do I speak truth and avoid gossip – about staff, parents, and students? 4) Do I consciously choose to be part of a diverse community that embraces others without judgment and seeks true dialogue with people who are different from me? 5) Do I understand how privileged I am and use my privilege to share with and

empower others? 6) Do I believe in service that is active beyond being financially supportive? 7) Do I help FA embrace environmentally sound practices? It remains my privilege to serve this community.


May Programs: Ages 5-15yrs

TENNIS 5-7yrs

(1-2pm) $15/day

TENNIS 8-15yrs

(1-4pm) $60/day

June Programs: Ages 3-15yrs

TENNIS

5-7yrs (11-12pm) 3 Days

TENNIS 8-15yrs GOLF 8-13yrs

(9-12pm) 3 Days

(9-12pm) 3 Days

ACTIVE GAMES 5-12yrs

(1-4pm) 3 Days

May. 7

May 14

May 21

May 28

June 4

$15

$15

$15

$15

$15

$60

$60

$60

$60

$60

June 14-16

June 21-23

$45

$45

$169

$169

$195

$195

$145

$145

FUN WITH DNA Entering 6-7 grade (9:30-2:30pm) TRAVEL-10-15yrs

(3 Day Trip) to Kalahari Resort, PA

MINI-WONDERS SCIENCE-3-5yrs

June 20-24

$475 $695

(9-12pm)

$335

Our Summer Academic Program @ FA makes learning fun by providing interesting, challenging and creative activities which stimulate and motivate students. Supportive teachers will help students gain greater confidence and self-esteem. The program is available to children in K-8th grade. (July 13-Aug. 21) New York State certified teachers with diverse backgrounds offer instruction in reading, mathematics, and the development of writing skills. With information supplied by the parents and the child’s home school, the This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to review and enrich skills from the previous academic year as well as introduce concepts to be learned in the upcoming academic year.       

*************** Practice strategies for New York State Assessments in reading, writing, and mathematics Expand critical thinking skills Perform problem solving activities Promote and develop higher-level thinking skills Complete assigned summer projects Reinforce concepts from the previous year Introduce concepts for the upcoming school year

Summer Driver's Ed program (July 5-August 9th) SAT/ACT Boot Camps (Aug. 8th & Aug. 15th) "Spring into Summer" (June 14-24th) Tennis, Golf & Travel!! or join our staff Girls Lacrosse Camp (July 26-28th) 10-2pm. Directed by FA Coach Kotowski Lifeguard Certfication Course at Friends Academy (June 15-19th, June 21-25th) For more information on any of our programs, visit our website at www.fasummercamp.org under Programs & Activities or please feel free to call us at (516) 393-4207


The Arts at Friends Joy Lai, Visual Arts Department Chair

Welcome to the Visual Arts page, where each month we will be sharing updates and musings from our art studios to keep creativity alive at Friends!

Reflections from Meeting for Drawing

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t the bequest of TASQUE we have been offering Meeting for Drawing as an Alternative Meeting for Worship for the past few months. Students are given the choice to work in various media, in silence and without any judgement. There is some time set aside for sharing at the end of each meeting. So far the Meetings have been very well attended. Here are some selected reflections from attendees of a recent Meeting: How was this experience similar to Meeting for Worship? “I feel that when I draw I am speaking to a part of myself that I can only do through drawing. This allows me to connect with a part of myself that I do not usually connect with since I do not typically draw much during my day.” How was this experience different from Meeting for Worship? “Drawing focuses my mind in a specific way whereas when I reflect during meeting for worship the connection feels different. Both connections feel good.” What did you enjoy the most about this experience? “Bonding with my friend in silence through art.”

A

Artist of the month: Charles Englander

rtist Charles Englander (5th grade) has often been known for his architectural drawings of historical homes and his precise attention to detail. This year, however, he has grown to appreciate a variety of art forms. Charles has become interested in landscape design and has developed his practice by taking on a more organic, gestural style. You can see this influence in the background of his self-portrait (shown above) which utilizes many free-formed organic shapes, bright colors and intricate patterns. This year, the lower school has been involved in three different design challenges. The last challenge of the year will be to re-invent the lower school library space and Charles has been commissioned to create the blueprint for all student designers to work from. You can view his plan in action in the photo above. Extended Studio hours: Tues, Wed and Thurs until the late bus arrives.

“What I enjoyed most about this experience was just being surrounded by people I love, doing something I thoroughly enjoy.”

Gallery News

“The peace to draw without judgement and without necessity. It’s a very free feeling experience.”

All that makes us Human: How Imagination and Expression has Shaped Us Opening Thursday May 12 3rd grade docents tours starting at 5:45 p.m.

What surprised you about this experience? “What I actually ended up drawing was a surprise to me. I didn’t realize some of the things that have been on my mind until I started to draw.”

AP Portfolio Art Show Opening Thursday May 19 at 6:30 p.m. Featuring the work of Chelsea Crane, Olivia Fine, Jessie Friedman, Mairead Gahan, Emily Horne, Dani Katz, Maximo Lipman, and Emily Wachtler.

“That I could be centered and still be doing something fun.”

Call for Artists: All Faculty and Staff Art Show

October 14 to November 22, 2016 An open-themed, non-juried art show, featuring the work of our community. All works must be framed and ready to hang. Limit: Three works of art. Please drop off work in the Dolan Center Art Gallery no later than Friday, September 16.


Development

Note from the Business Department:

School Bills 100% Online

Make your gift to the Annual Fund by June 30th! Participation in annual giving is critical to the success of our school. Your class needs your help to reach 100% participation! Please take this opportunity to impact the lives of 780 Friends Academy children. Your gift matters. Click here to donate today. Contact Diane Biolsi, Director of the Annual Fund at [email protected] or your class representative, if you have any questions. Click here to see the latest class participation results.

Consider Doubling Your Gift to the Annual Fund with a Matching Gift! How do matching gifts work? Many companies match gifts to non-profit organizations. You could double or even triple your gift to Friends by filling out a simple form from your company's human resources office. It's that easy! Use our site to look up your employer's matching gift policies, or check with your company’s human resources or corporate giving department and make sure to send the company’s matching gifts form in with your donation.

Via the Parent Portal In accordance with our mission and sustainability goals we will be distributing monthly statements electronically from this point forward. As such you will no longer be receiving paper statements. How to view your statement: 1) Log on to Parent Portal 2) Click on "My BackPack" and view n Account summary n Account details, including Campus Store n Current/past statements n Online bill payment by eCheck is available through My BackPack Questions?? Please contact Marie Batista at [email protected].

Friends Academy is proud to support our ongoing efforts of sustainability through paperless billing.

