FCS Middle School New Parent Guide 2019-2020

From the Home and School Association

FCS MIDDLE SCHOOL New Parent Guide 2019-2020

UPCOMING EVENTS - MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

FAST FACTS

New Student Orientation Tuesday, September 3, 1-3 pm Parents are welcome to stay for an orientation program at the same time.

w School ends at 3:10 pm

First Day of School - All Students Wednesday, September 4, 8:25 am Thursday, September 5 All-School New Parent Welcome, 7 pm

Curriculum Night Thursday, September 12, 7 pm Sunday, September 22 Welcome Cookout - Parents of Students of Color (PSOC), 1 pm Middle School Principal’s Coffee Tuesday, October 15, 8:30 am Parent - Teacher Conferences Friday, November 8 (no classes)

We’ve listed these fall dates to give you a head start, but don’t let the rest of the year sneak up on you! Once the school year begins, please look through the School Calendar, friendscentral.org/calendar, and mark down important dates through the year (web calendar will be updated prior to start of the year).

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w Homeroom begins at 8:25 am

wB us pick-up is from 3:10-3:25 pm

Parent pick-up (PPU) begins at 3:25 pm

w Homework posted by 3:30 pm on Veracross w Snow closing number 345 wW eekly School Newsletter - Just the FaCtS

E-newsletter emailed on Fridays

wC all the Middle School Attendance Line

at 610.645.5137 if your child will be staying home

wB ack-to-School Info:

friendscentral.org/backtoschool2019

DEAR FAMILIES NEW TO MIDDLE SCHOOL, We are so happy to welcome you to the Friends’ Central Middle School community. This guide includes information that will be useful to you in preparing for the school year and once school begins. You will also want to refer to the Back-to-School page on the Friends’ Central website, where you will find important information: friendscentral.org/backtoschool2019. It includes links to health forms, which we ask parents to have completed by the beginning of the school year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out! We would be happy to talk with you about any questions - whether they be general or more specific to your child and family.

Best,

Alexa Quinn Middle School Principal

HELPFUL CONTACTS

NEW PARENT CHECKLIST

Alexa Quinn Middle School Principal aquinn@friendscentral.org

q Submit Health Forms q Summer Reading (Books & Assignments) q Check Supply List & Prepare School Supplies q Download Calendars & Mark Important Dates q Transportation Plans q Lunch Plan q Review Contact Information in Veracross q C omplete PA State Clearances for

Keino Terrell Middle School Assistant Principal kterrell@friendscentral.org Marian Petrarca Middle School Administrative Assistant mpetrarca@friendscentral.org

chaperoning and volunteering

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CONTENTS Upcoming Events & Fast Facts.........................................1 Letter From the Principal, Helpful Contacts, & New Parent Checklist......................................................2 Orientation Day, Information, & Communication.............4 Arrival & Departure Procedures......................................5 Dining Services, Recess, & Lunch....................................5 City Avenue Campus Map.................................................6 Health Services...............................................................7 Academic Schedule & Classes.........................................7 Grades & Report Cards....................................................8 Student Support Services................................................9 Technology.......................................................................9 Our Quaker Culture........................................................10 Extracurricular Activities..............................................10 Athletics........................................................................12 How to Get Involved.......................................................13 Other Helpful Information.............................................13 Helpful Links & Resources.............................................14 3

ORIENTATION DAY Tuesday, September 3 (1:00-3:00 pm) is Orientation Day! Orientation Day is designed for the entire sixth grade and seventh and eighth grade students new to Friends’ Central.

Students will meet teachers, learn the locations of classes, learn how the schedule works, and more! Parents are also encouraged to stay for an orientation during this same time.

Please check the Back-to-School page, friendscentral.org/ backtoschool2019, for more details about Orientation Day. In addition, there is a Middle School Curriculum Night for all Middle School parents on Thursday, September 12 at 7 pm.

We hope you will attend to meet your child’s teachers, to learn more about the curriculum, and to meet other parents.

INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION Please spend some time exploring the School’s website, friendscentral.org, and the Veracross portal, myfcs.org.

Both are extremely helpful sources of information. You can continue to use the Veracross credentials you used to sign into the Admission and Enrollment portals. If you are not new to the School, the credentials you used in Lower School will continue to work. If you have forgotten your password, go to the Veracross portal, myfcs.org, and click on the “forgot username or password?” link to receive an email with your username and a link to reset your password.

VERACROSS - ONLINE PORTAL FOR ACADEMIC INFORMATION As an FCS parent, you can access the Veracross Parent Portal to view your child(ren)’s schedule, attendance records, conference sign-ups, and report cards. Veracross is where all Middle School teachers post students’ homework assignments, so you can use your Veracross Parent Portal to view your child’s current and upcoming assignments and, if necessary, there will be assignment notifications from teachers on Veracross about any outstanding homework. Veracross also contains the School directory and allows you to search for families that live nearby.

JUST THE FACTS (JTF) Every Friday, Just the FaCtS (JTF), our electronic newsletter about events and news, is sent to all parents. It is critical that you read JTF every week since it has the most current information and upcoming events posted a least a few weeks in advance.

WEBSITE - CAMPUS LIFE INFORMATION The Friends’ Central website, friendscentral.org, is a constant and current source of information on the life of the School. There you will find School news and events, the academic calendar, photo galleries, athletics updates and schedules, lunch menus, and information on what is happening at FCS. For the information you need before school starts, visit the Back-to-School page, friendscentral.org/backtoschool2019.

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ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE PROCEDURES

School districts then contact families with the routes, including pick-up and drop-off times. If you do not receive route information by the third week of August, please contact your school district and FCS so that we may assist you.

ARRIVAL wS chool begins at 8:25 am. Students should arrive at school between 8 am and 8:25 am so they can prepare for the day.

Homeroom begins promptly at 8:25 am and ends at 8:30 am.

wP rivate Buses: To arrange for your child to take a

w If you plan to drive your child to school, the car line travels

please contact our Director of Transportation JB Bowie at jbbowie@friendscentral.org.

around the curve of the City Avenue driveway. Parents/ guardians should pull over to let students out and then continue along the driveway.

LATE ARRIVAL If students need to arrive late, a parent/guardian should notify the Middle School Office by calling or emailing Marian Petrarca, MS Administrative Assistant. Students must sign in at the MS Office upon arrival.

DEPARTURE wS chool ends at 3:10 pm, unless a student is involved with an athletic event or play practice. If students are awaiting pick-up, they are expected to be in front of Shallcross Hall or in the library. wA t the end of the day, the parking lot driveways are reserved

for buses from 2:45 pm until 3:25 pm. We realize that parents want to pick up their children, but we ask that you wait until at least 3:25 pm to arrive in your car. This is both safer and more efficient, since it eliminates the need for students to cross through bus traffic to get to parked cars.

w I f you do arrive before 3:25 pm, a staff member will direct

you to form lines in the parking lot until the buses are clear.

wT here is no cell phone use during drop-off or pick-up.

Please follow the directives of staff members.

EARLY DISMISSAL A parent must call, write a note, or email the MS Office with any details regarding an early dismissal. When it is time to leave, the child must go to the MS Office to sign out.

EXTENDED DAY If students need to remain on campus after school and they are not involved in an activity, they can go to the library Monday-Thursday until 5:00 pm and until 4:00 pm on Fridays.

They will be supervised by a teacher or librarian.

TRANSPORTATION wP ublic School District Bus Transportation: FCS is responsible for notifying all school districts of eligible FCS students.

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Friends’ Central bus, please visit: friendscentral.org/transportation.

If you need assistance with transportation questions,

DINING SERVICES, RECESS, & LUNCH DINING SERVICES Students may bring a lunch from home or purchase lunch items Ă la carte or through a meal plan contract. Allergen information about the food will be on displayed on an allergen board located at the entrance of the Dining Hall.

This board is updated 30 minutes prior to service to assure accuracy. No peanuts or tree nuts will be used in any of the foods produced. Prepackaged Kind Bars and prepackaged peanut butter sandwiches are available, and sunbutter (sunflower) will be offered as a replacement for peanut butter.

All students will receive a student ID card allowing them to purchase food with the debit system that can be replenished with cash, check, or via a credit card, online or in the Dining Hall. Please visit friendscentral.org/aux_programs for more information about dining services. Our new dining services partner, Flik, will continue to expand our commitment to local sourcing and organic produce in the upcoming school year.

RECESS AND LUNCH wS tudents have a 15-minute recess each day (around 10:30 am) that allows them to play outside or in the gyms, eat a snack, or socialize.

CONTACTS & RESOURCES wM iddle School Office: 610.645.5063 wA bsentee Line: 610.645.5137 wT ransportation: JB Bowie, jbbowie@friendscentral.org wM S Administrative Assistant:

Marian Petrarca, mpetrarca@friendscentral.org

wA uxiliary Programs: friendscentral.org/aux_programs

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CITY AVENUE CAMPUS MAP

6. B lackburn Library

13. Track, Boys’ & Girls’ Soccer Field

7. Rex Gym

14. Additional Playing Fields

8. Linton Gym

15. Girls’ Field Hockey & Lacrosse Field

1. M ain Building

9. Shimada Athletic Center

16. Varsity Softball Field

2. L anguage Building

10. Tennis Center

17. Felsen Common

3. F annie Cox Center (FCC)

11. Swimming Pool

18. Visitor Parking

4. S hallcross Hall

12. JV & Middle School Softball & JV Soccer Field

19. Bus Pick-up & Drop-off (Buses only between 2:45 & 3:25 pm)

5. M iddle School

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wL unch is a 40-minute period, and all Middle School students

and teachers eat lunch together in the Dining Hall or at our picnic tables. When students are finished eating, they are welcome to play outside or in the gyms.

wP arents will be asked to provide “special snacks” to keep

in the classroom for celebratory events when their student cannot eat what is provided - birthday treats, for example.

HEALTH SERVICES Our campus has a full-time nurse overseeing the health of our student body. The City Avenue campus also has a certified athletic trainer. Students and parents are encouraged to contact the nurse with questions about managing illnesses, allergies, or medications at school. All health forms can be found in the top navigation bar of our website under Quick Links.

All students must present documentation of having met PA Department of School Health immunization requirements by the first day of school. Visit the Health Services section of the website, friendscentral.org/health_services, to read the full Immunization Policy. An easy-to-read immunization chart can be found there.

An electronic Emergency Consent Form is required annually for all students. It is due on or before June 7. Please complete and submit this online Informed K12 form, which will be emailed directly to parents/guardians. If you have not received the form in an email, please contact Middle & Upper School Nurse Peggy Rosenblum at prosenblum@friendscentral.org.

A Physician’s Report of Physical Examination Form is required for every student every year. It is due on the month of your child’s birthday or on the anniversary of your child’s last physical examination. Participation in 6th through 12th grade athletic activities will be denied if a current Physical Examination form is not on file.

A Medication Request Form and a physician’s order for prescription medication is required for any student who needs to have prescription medication (daily medication, EpiPen, inhaler, insulin, etc.) kept at school. The original Pharmacy labeled container is acceptable in lieu of a written prescription.

A Dental Examination form is required for all students in kindergarten, grade 3, and grade 7.

If there is information you would like to share or if you have questions, please contact Middle & Upper School Nurse Penny Rosenblum, prosenblum@friendscentral.org or 610.645.5084. Open communication will help us give your child the best care possible.

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SCHOOL ABSENCES Parents are expected to keep sick children at home. Children who have experienced fevers or vomiting should not return to school until 24 healthy hours have passed. If you are keeping your child at home, please call the Middle School Attendance Line at 610.645.5137 by 9 am. School assignments missed during the child’s absence may be obtained by notifying the Middle School Office. Students are encouraged to consult their Veracross Student Portal for information about assignments.

ACADEMIC SCHEDULE & CLASSES SCHEDULE & CLASSES One of the biggest changes for students as they move to Middle School is the rotating class schedule. The students have a six-day rotating class schedule - A Day through F Day - that rotates across the days of the week with Wednesday - W Day - always staying the same. It is helpful for students to know what letter day it is prior to coming to school in the morning. The letter days appear on the School’s printed calendar, the Veracross calendar, and are also posted in the Middle School building and classrooms. Students do not travel from class to class as a group but are mixed up in each of their classes, so it is important that they consult their individual schedules.

HOMEWORK Homework for each day is posted on Veracross before 3:30 pm. Each Middle School student has a Friends’ Central email address, Veracross account, and Google Drive/Google Classroom account. w F CS Email: Students should check email regularly for

any timely messages from teachers. Each student’s email account will be through Gmail, but the address itself will be an @friendscentral.org address that is managed by our Technology department.

w V eracross: Veracross is where teachers post homework

assignments and often attach relevant resources that students will need to complete or review at home. Students can use Veracross to see different views (weekly vs. monthly) for assignments that are approaching. Parents can also see assignments in their Veracross portal.

w G oogle Drive: Google Drive is the place where students

produce much of their work. It allows students to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more.

Students can easily share their work with teachers.

This work is stored in the cloud, so students can access it from any device connected to the internet. Our Technology department sets up convenient folders on Google Drive at the beginning of each year, so that the students will have folders corresponding to their classes. w G oogle Classroom: Google Classroom is what we use for

work flow. If a teacher wants a student to complete something (a worksheet, a set of math problems, etc.), the teacher will push it out to students’ Google accounts. The student then completes the work and submits it, similar to how you would turn in the homework. Teachers also use Google Classroom to give feedback to students on their completed work.

GRADES & REPORT CARDS We provide narrative comments, grades, and a developmental scale on our report card in the Middle School. The narrative

ACADEMICS OVERVIEW

CORE CLASSES

Every fall, we have face-to-face parent-teacher conferences to enable advisors to share observations about the beginning of the school year and to allow parents to help us know their child better. Conference Day for 2019 will take place on Friday, November 8. You will be able to sign up electronically, via Veracross, for your conference time a few weeks before the Conference Day.

GRADE 6

GRADE 7

GRADE 8

Math 6 or Advanced Pre-Algebra*

Pre-Algebra or Advanced Algebra I*

Algebra I or Advanced Geometry*

English

English

English

Science

Science

Science

History

History

History

(World History)

(American History 1600-1865)

(American History 1865-2015)

Prima Lingua

Spanish, French, or Latin**

Spanish, French, or Latin**

Art

ROTATIONS

comments articulate a student’s strengths, progress, and areas for improvement. The letter grade, an A-F scale, is calculated for things like homework, projects, and tests/ quizzes. Teachers use a developmental checklist - secure, developing, or beginning - for skills like participation, work habits, and citizenship. We are on a semester schedule, so families receive report cards in late January and at the end of the school year in June. Between the report cards, teachers complete mid-semester reports (mid-November and mid-April) that include narrative comments and the same developmental scale used for the report cards. Report cards reflect final grades.

Drama Music Quakerism

*Math levels are determined by placement tests, grades, performance in the previous class, and teacher recommendation. The majority of our students progress from Math 6 to Pre-Algebra to Algebra I. Students then take either Geometry or Advanced Geometry in ninth grade.

Art Drama Music Health Computer Science

Art Drama Music Computer Science

**Students and parents choose from Spanish, French, and Latin for seventh grade. Students take this same language in eighth grade; level I of that language is taught over the course of two years. Students can then continue in the next level of that language for ninth grade or take a different language.

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STUDENT SUPPORT ADVISORY We find that most students have a very smooth transition, one that is supported by caring teachers, small classes, and welcoming students. The advisory system is an important component of the transition to Middle School. w Y our child’s advisor is their homeroom teacher. Advisors

are charged with being an advocate for your child at school and for overseeing a student’s overall progress, including each child’s social-emotional well-being. The advisor is also meant to be a point person for parents to answer questions and to connect you to the School.

w There is an advisory period for 40 minutes each Monday,

Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday. This gives your child time to work on homework, to seek help from teachers, or to work on group projects.

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w During their advisory period, students may also participate

in Chorus, Orchestra, or Jazz Band.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES There are a variety of support systems in place for students’ learning, social, and emotional needs. The Director of Support Services and Middle School Counselor is Frederick Pratt (fpratt@friendscentral.org), and the Middle School Learning Specialist is Jill MacDougall (jmacdougall@ friendscentral.org). Teachers and advisors also offer a great deal of support to students in all aspects of their school life.

TECHNOLOGY Each student in the Middle School will receive a Schoolissued and owned Chromebook, the leasing cost of which will be spread across FACTS tuition payments. This Chromebook will be used in classes and for schoolwork.

TECHNOLOGY USE Students will be asked to use their Chromebooks for a range of assignments and schoolwork-related activities.

While students may use their devices until 8:15 am, there is no device use during homeroom, recess, or lunch. We consider these times important for social interaction and essential for a break in students’ screen time.

CELL PHONE USE Student are permitted to have cell phones, but they must remain off and in their lockers during the school day. If you wish to communicate a message to your child during the day, please do so by calling the Middle School Office. Students are permitted to use our classroom or office phones at any time should they need to reach a parent or guardian.

OUR QUAKER CULTURE At Friends’ Central, school life and curriculum are steeped in Quaker values. At every level, we promote a commitment to learning through inquiry, reflection, action, and discovery.

The daily impact of this philosophical grounding cannot be overstated. It informs the shape of curriculum, but more importantly, the way curriculum is delivered by faculty and embraced by students. Teachers are respectful and nurturing of students, and students are respectful of each other and their teachers.

MEETING FOR WORSHIP (MFW) Foundational for Friends, or Quakers, is the belief that the Light of the Divine resides in each and every person. Meeting

CONTACTS & RESOURCES w Middle School Office: 610.645.5063 wM iddle School Learning Specialist: Jill MacDougall

jmacdougall@friendscentral.org wD irector of Support Services and Middle School Counselor: Frederick Pratt fpratt@friendscentral.org, 610.645.5134

wQ uakerism Coordinator: Robyn Richmond

rrichmond@friendscentral.org wC oordinator of Equity and Justice Education: Dwight Dunston ’06, ddunston@friendscentral.org

for Worship is a time when we gather together, still our bodies and minds and open our hearts, so that we might connect with the guiding Light within. We make every effort to ensure that students understand why we do Meeting for Worship and how the silence and stillness can help them in other aspects of their lives. The Middle School has Meeting for Worship every Thursday from 9:50 am to 10:25 am. Some Meetings are held with the entire student body, while others are held with smaller groups, such as grades or advisories.

Parents are welcome to attend Meeting for Worship!

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSIVITY Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity is based on Quaker testimonies and practice in which we honor each perspective and life experience. Through an intentional curriculum and differentiated methods of teaching, we seek to empower and engage all traditionally marginalized groups.

Our community as a whole benefits when we listen to and involve a broader range of voices.

Our Coordinator of Equity and Justice Education, Dwight Dunston, ddunston@friendscentral.org, spends time on both campuses to coordinate, collaborate, and support faculty with respect to programming throughout the School; serves on the diversity committees of each division; and supports student clubs centered on equity work. He also provides support for a Parents Education Series and related affinity groups.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Middle School offers a range of extracurricular activities.

The School is committed to supporting and celebrating the diversity of its students, enabling students to develop into strong, confident, and capable young people by pursuing their innate interests and exploring activities that may be new to them. The range of choices may at first seem daunting, but making these choices is an important part of students developing aspects of their identities and engaging in the community.

CLUBS & SERVICE Each Middle School student participates in a weekly service project and club, both of which are part of the school day.

Service takes place from 10:30 am-12 pm on Wednesdays.

Clubs take place from 9:50-10:25 am on Fridays. Students sign up for service projects twice per year, with the exception of some year-long projects. Students also sign up for clubs 10

CONTACTS & RESOURCES wM S Club & Service Options:

friendscentral.org/signatureprogramsMS

w I nstrumental Music: Carl Bradley, cbradley@friendscentral.org wV ocal Music: Michele Zuckman, mzuckman@friendscentral.org wA thletics: Michelle Crowley, mcrowley@friendscentral.org w Athletic Schedules: friendscentral.org/teams_schedules

twice per year. You can see some of our service projects and club options from this year on the Friends’ Central website at friendscentral.org/signatureprogramsMS. AFFINITY GROUPS Middle School students participate in affinity groups based on particular aspects of their identity, such as gender or religion. Affinity groups meet once per month, led by a faculty advisor and two student leaders, to discuss some of the challenges and rewards that come with that particular identity. Each group facilitates an assembly presentation to help educate members of the community.

MINI-COURSE “Mini-Course” is a signature program in the Middle School that occurs the week prior to spring break. Teachers design 11

three-day interdisciplinary courses that cross grade levels and culminate in special field trips related to the subject.

Recent courses have included the History of Medicine, Sports Stadium Architecture, and Filmmaking.

DRAMA PROGRAM The Middle School performs two plays each year - one in the fall and one in the spring. All students are welcome and encouraged to participate! Before the start of school in September, the Middle School drama director will share information about the fall play, as well as the audition and rehearsal schedule. Students then sign up for the fall play within the first two weeks of school. Middle School play rehearsals are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 3:30-5:00 pm. Participating in the play does not conflict with participation in sports.

MUSIC PROGRAM The Middle School performs two concerts each year to showcase Chorus, Orchestra, and Jazz Band. Chorus and Orchestra are open to all Middle School students, but Jazz Band is formed by audition. The rehearsals for vocal and instrumental groups take place during the advisory period in our schedule, so they are built into the day. Our school also offers private vocal and instrumental lessons that we schedule during the day. If you have inquiries about vocal or instrumental lessons, please contact music teacher Carl Bradley at cbradley@friendscentral.org.

ATHLETICS

athletic program. Middle School athletic practices are built into the school day (2-3 pm on M, T, Th, F; 2:30-3 pm on W). Game days for interscholastic sports are Mondays and Wednesdays. Students ride the bus to and from games, and parents pick up children at FCS after the game. Some of our opponent schools are quite a distance from FCS, so parents will need to plan for their child to be picked up late on game days, Mondays and Wednesdays. Coaches can usually give a good estimate of the arrival time back at school following an away game, and we do encourage students to use cell phones, when possible, to stay in touch with parents about late pick-up. Please check the Athletics section of the website for schedule and location of games. Schedules can be found at friendscentral.org/athletics/teams.

All students participate in our athletic program. Middle School students sign up for fall athletics during the first week of school. There is no preseason for the Middle School

Most sports teams will have tryouts which will determine rosters based on skill level and with the understanding that in some sports the roster size is limited. Students not making

ATHLETICS OVERVIEW

CO-ED

FALL (SEPT-NOV)

WINTER (NOV-MARCH)

Cross Country*

Dance (Intramural)

Intramural Flag Football

Wrestling

Water Polo

Swimming

BOYS

Soccer

GIRLS

Field Hockey

Soccer Tennis

*Interscholastic and Intramural

SPRING (MARCH-JUNE)

Track*

Basketball

Baseball

Squash*

Tennis

Basketball

Lacrosse

Squash*

Softball

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teams are encouraged to try a different sport or participate in the seasonal intramural offering. If numbers dictate, then we will try to offer both “A” and “B” teams, which can vary in skill level. Player development – both skill and character – is emphasized as an essential part of the athletic program. w O n an “A” team, at the coaches’ discretion, playing and

practice time may be limited and not equal; however, coaches will work with players to find opportunities to play everyone during the course of the season.

w On a “B” team, the coach will work intentionally with

players to provide equal playing and practice time.

CONTACTS & RESOURCES wM iddle School Home and School Association Co-Chairs:

Sharlee Casnoff, sharb5@aol.com Jackie Bobrin, jackiebobrin@gmail.com wP arents of Students of Color Co-Clerk: Lisa Solomon, lisasolo2123@yahoo.com wH SA Coordinator: Andrea Nuneviller, anuneviller@friendscentral.org

Any questions, please contact Michelle Crowley, Director of Athletics and Wellness, at mcrowley@friendscentral.org.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED THE HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION (HSA) The Friends’ Central Home & School Association (HSA) is the vibrant and vital FCS parent volunteer organization that works collaboratively with the School to strengthen communication and foster enriching opportunities between parents/guardians and the School. If you are new to FCS or new to the Middle School, please feel free to reach out to your HSA division co-chairs, Sharlee Casnoff or Jackie Bobrin, with any questions you may have. They are helpful parent volunteers who are available to assist you as your family transitions to FCS and the Middle School.

You can play an important role as a volunteer helping in many ways, from being a parent rep or a committee chair to helping at All-School events. HSA believes that parents and guardians are essential for the development and success of our students. We encourage you to find a role or event that’s right for you. Complete our Volunteer Survey on the parent page of the website at friendscentral.org/parents.

If you have any questions, contact Andrea Nuneviller, HSA Coordinator, at anuneviller@friendscentral.org.

PARENTS OF STUDENTS OF COLOR (PSOC) For parents of students of color, our PSOC group fosters communication within the school community between administration, faculty, staff, parents, and children. PSOC supports efforts to develop greater awareness of the needs and values of children of color and to empower children of color within the FCS community as part of a unified whole.

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Questions about PSOC? Please contact Lisa Solomon at lisasolo2123@yahoo.com. Please save the date for our first meeting on Monday, October 7 at 7 pm.

Don’t forget the Welcome Cookout sponsored by PSOC on Sunday, September 22 at 1 pm. Want to help out? Contact Andrea Nuneviller at anuneviller@friendscentral.org or Dwight Dunston at ddunston@friendscentral.org.

OTHER HELPFUL INFO PERMISSION FORMS All permission forms are completed online using the Informed K12 Document system. Each form will be sent to parents as an email with a link to the online document that requires an electronic signature.

INCLEMENT WEATHER & SCHOOL CLOSINGS In the event of an unplanned closing, a modification of regular school hours, or a school emergency, the School will post a notification on the homepage of our website, friendscentral.org and on the School’s Facebook and Twitter pages. You will also receive an alert by text and email in the event of an unplanned closing. Visit the Veracross portal, myfcs.org, to make sure the contact information we have for you is correct. The School’s snow closing number is 345 on KYW 1060 am radio under Montgomery County. Please check with your local school district regarding weather-related changes in transportation, if your child uses public school bus service.

FRIENDS’ CENTRAL SCHOOL GIVING Annual gifts to the Friends’ Central Fund are an important way for parents, alumni/ae, faculty, and friends to demonstrate their commitment to Friends’ Central School.

Each year, over 1,600 generous community members contribute to the School’s operating budget. This tremendous generosity allows the School to open its doors to talented students with limited financial means, retain outstanding faculty, and maintain two beautiful campuses. Last year, over 75% of parents made a gift to the Friends’ Central Fund. Participation at all levels is welcome and makes a difference in support of the joyful learning experiences and unparalleled opportunities for all our students. Annual Fund volunteers are vital to the success of the Annual Giving Campaign. Tasks may include signing letters and making phone calls to community members or simply helping to stuff mailings. Becoming an Annual Fund volunteer has an immediate impact on the School and our ability to fulfill our mission. To become an Annual Fund volunteer, contact Kim Emmons-Benjet, Director of Annual Giving, at kbenjet@friendscentral.org, or call 610.645.4499.

HELPFUL LINKS w Athletic Schedules

friendscentral.org/teams_schedules w Back-to-School Page

friendscentral.org/backtoschool2019 w FCS Auxiliary Programs - Dining Services, Transportation,

Music Programs, & After-School Options friendscentral.org/aux_programs w Parent Website Page

friendscentral.org/parentupdates w Volunteer Sign-up

friendscentral.org/parentupdates

HELPFUL RESOURCES w Athletics

Michelle Crowley, mcrowley@friendscentral.org w Dining Services

Chris Mazzeo, chris.mazzeo@compass-usa.com w Home & School Coordinator

Andrea Nuneviller, anuneviller@friendscentral.org

w Director of Support Services

Frederick Pratt, fpratt@friendscentral.org, 610.645.5134 w Middle School Learning Specialist

Jill MacDougall, jmacdougall@friendscentral.org w Instrumental Music

Carl Bradley, cbradley@friendscentral.org

w Vocal Music

Michele Zuckman, mzuckman@friendscentral.org

w School Nurse

Penny Rosenblum, prosenblum@friendscentral.org, 610.645.5084 w Transportation Coordinator

JB Bowie, jbbowie@friendscentral.org

w Quakerism Coordinator

Robyn Richmond, rrichmond@friendscentral.org

w Coordinator of Equity and Justice Education

Dwight Dunston ’06, ddunston@friendscentral.org

w Technology - parenthelp@friendscentral.org w Absentee Line - 610.645.5137

FCS LINGO & FUN FACTS w JTF - Just the FaCtS (our weekly newsletter) w PPU - Parent Pick-up at the end of the day w MFW - Meeting for Worship w HSA - Home and School Association, FCS Parent Group w School Mascot - The Phoenix w School Colors - Blue and Gray

Booklet designed by FCS alumnus Josh Weinstein ’18

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