The calendar information below is for all-school, cross-divisional events and activities in the coming weeks. Please see the Lower School, Middle School, or Upper School sections for division-specific "must-know" info.

• Mon, Sept. 4: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• Fri, Sept. 8: PA Meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. Topic: All-School Communications. All parents and caregivers of SSFS students are encouraged to join in this meeting of the Parent Association.
• Sat, Sept. 16: PA Friends Day, 4:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community with live music, meet and greet new and returning families from all divisions, enjoy dinner on us and finish up with Baskin Robbins ice cream treats, visit Farmer Joe's market booth, participate in fun community games, learn about PA events, and more!
• Tues, Sept. 19: PA Auction 2018 Committee Meeting, 8:00 am, Middle School Conference Room. Hope you can join us as we begin plans for this year's event! All are welcome. Can't be there in person? Call in on the conference line: Dial-in number 866-894-8254; Participant passcode: 7545542.
• Thurs, Sept. 21: PA Winterfest meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room
• Tues, Sept. 26: Families New to Quaker Education, 7:15 pm, On-Campus Meeting House. All families are welcome to join Head of School Tom Gibian for an evening to learn more about the history and 360-year tradition of Quaker education and how Quaker principles and practices inform our program at SSFS.
• Thurs, Sept. 28: Movie Night Under the Stars, 6:30-9:30 pm. Bring a picnic dinner at 6:30 pm, and stay for an outdoor screening (weather-permitting!) of the movie Loving, the story of Richard and Mildred Loving (rated PG-13). Rain location: PAC. This event is sponsored by the SSFS librarians and inspired by our all-school summer read, Loving v. Virginia.
• Fri, Sept. 29: PA Fundraiser - Jersey Mike's Subs: Show flyer between 10:00 am - 9:00 pm and 15% of all proceeds will be donated to SSFS!
• Sat, Sept. 30: Laps for Lexi, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Each year on the last Saturday of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we come together under the banner of Laps for Lexi to stand with families facing childhood cancer today, remember the young lives like Lexi Speight who were taken too soon, and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. Find out more, register, and/or volunteer to help here.

The Learning Resource Collaborative (comprised of the SSFS Learning Specialists) is proud to announce the start of the FLEX program! Mission: The Flex Program at Sandy Spring Friends School is an after-school student support program that aims to elevate the efficacy of learners via small group homework help, executive function support, organization and time management strategies, and more.

Sessions will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:45 pm – 5:45 pm (take the late bus home) or 6:45 pm – 8:45 pm (perfect for our student athletes). Dinner is included (but not required).

First quarter sessions begin Tuesday, September 5th. Register now by clicking here.
Fees are as follows: Trimester 1 $725; Trimester 2 $995; Trimester 3 $995

Stone Photography will be on campus taking yearbook photos for Lower, Middle, and Upper School students over the course of the next two weeks. Here's what you need to know:

• Lower School Students (PK3-Grade 5): On Monday, September 11th, PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders will be photographed, and on Tuesday, September 13th, all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be photographed. Individual, as well as class photos, will be taken. No photo forms are necessary, as all LS students receive the same package. The packet includes one 5" x 7" class picture, two 4" x 5" individual photos, and four individual wallet-sized photos. The cost of the packet is $35.00, payable to Stone Photography. If you have more than one child in the Lower School, you may combine their payments on one check. Checks are to be turned into the Lower School office. Sibling photographs may be arranged, by appointment only, through Stone Photography at 301-654-3185. These appointments are being offered on Wednesday, Sept. 13th from 2:30 – 6:00pm. See more information in the LS section of the newsletter.
• Upper School Students (Grades 9-11): Yearbook photos will be taken on Thursday, Sept. 7. Photo forms were sent home in the back-to-school mailing folder in mid-August. If you have misplaced yours or need another copy, it is also available online here. Please be sure that your student bring their photo form and check (payable to Stone Photography) with them to school! Note: Senior portraits are taken separately. If your senior did NOT sign up for a session for today or tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 1), please do so online here. More info was sent to seniors and parents prior to the start of school (click here to view).
• Middle School Students (Grades 6-8): Yearbook photos will be taken on Thursday, Sept. 14. Photo forms were sent home in the back-to-school mailing folder in mid-August. If you have misplaced yours or need another copy, it is also available online here. Please be sure that your student bring their photo form and check (payable to Stone Photography) with them to school!

The school year is now officially underway, and we look forward to giving all parents and caregivers of SSFS a window into their child's academic day at our upcoming Back-to-School Nights. Mark your calendars, and please remember that these are parent-only events.

• Thursday, September 7: Middle School Back-to-School Night, 6:30 pm: All MS parents/guardians are invited to gather in the Middle School Collection Space for some introductory words at 6:30 pm, and then you will get a chance to visit each of your student's classes and meet their teachers.
• Tuesday, September 12: Upper School Back-to-School Night, 6:30 pm: All US parents/guardians are invited to gather in the PAC theater for some introductory words at 6:30 pm, and then you will get a chance to visit each of your student's classes and meet their teachers. Please note that this is a parent-only event.
• Thursday, September 14: Lower School Back-to-School Night, 6:30 pm: LS parents/guardians are invited to come to the campus Meetinghouse at 6:30 pm for opening remarks by Brenda Crawley, LS Head. Parents will then move on to their child's classroom for an overview by the classroom teacher(s). This adult-only evening will conclude by 8:30 pm. Remember to bring your calendar as there will be opportunities to sign up to volunteer to chaperone field trips and other activities throughout the year.

The Parent Association is made up of ALL school parents and guardians, so we look forward to seeing you at many upcoming events as the year unfolds. Thanks to all who stopped by the tent on Orientation Day to share brunch and a welcome to the new school year! It was great to see so many returning and new families.

Our first meeting of the year will be Friday, September 8, at 8:15 am in the Athletic Center Multipurpose Room, and everyone is welcome! Also, please visit the PA Website to see the 2017-18 PA reps and sign up to volunteer at one of our many fun events throughout the year.

Upcoming Events (Click here to see other PA Events scheduled for 2017-18)

• Fri, Sept. 8: PA Meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. Topic: All-School Communications. All parents and caregivers of SSFS students are encouraged to join in this meeting of the Parent Association. Communications staff Margaret Rosser and Julie Mendez will be on hand to talk about ways to stay connected at SSFS, and answer questions.
• Sat, Sept. 16: PA Friends Day, 4:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community with live music, meet and greet new and returning families from all divisions, enjoy dinner on us, enjoy Baskin Robbins ice cream treats, visit Farmer Joe's market booth, participate in fun community games, learn about PA events, and more!
• Tues, Sept. 19: PA Auction Committee 2018 Meeting, 8:00 am, Middle School Conference Room. Hope you can join us as we begin plans for this year's event! All are welcome.Can't be there in person? Call in on the conference line: Dial-in number 866-894-8254; Participant passcode: 7545542.
• Thurs, Sept. 21: PA Winterfest meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room.
• Fri, Sept. 29: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs in Olney - Eat out and support SSFS! Show this flyer at Jersey Mike's subs, 3494 Olney-Laytonsville Rd, Olney, MD 20832, anytime between 10:00 am and 9:00 pm and 15% of the proceeds will be donated back to SSFS.
• Sat, Sept. 30: Laps for Lexi, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon. Each year on the last Saturday of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we come together under the banner of Laps for Lexi to stand with families facing childhood cancer today, remember the young lives like Lexi Speight who were taken too soon and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. Find out more, register, and/or volunteer to help here.
• Saturday, November 18, Winterfest! Although it's still hot out, we are already thinking about WINTERFEST! We have a new date for the coming year: Winterfest 2017 will be held before Thanksgiving, Saturday, Nov. 18--before the holiday rush. If you would like to help with planning of this fun community event (find out more about Winterfest here), please email pa.clerk@ssfs.org. Also, watch for donation bins for the Secret Shop at Back to School Nights, Friends Day... The secret shop can use your gently loved items such as scarves, gloves, jewelry, mugs. Be creative, the kids love having a variety of things they can choose from when shopping for you.
• With the new date, we need your help to rename this community event. Click here to submit your suggestion for a new name. After suggestions are submitted, the community will vote on the new name.

When: Thursday, Oct. 5, from 7:00-9:00 pm
How: Sign up for tickets here
Cost: Free!
Contact: Ilene Lees, US Counselor
What: See below!

Please join us to learn more about recognizing the signs of adolescent anxiety, and start an important dialogue about reducing the stigma around asking for help. Parents, students and siblings in 5th -12th grades are welcome. This film is a tool for empathy-building and a means to deepen self-awareness. The prevalence of anxiety is high in our culture but can be easily misunderstood. This movie is not for everyone, and for individuals in treatment for anxiety, it is recommended that the viewing of the movie be shared and discussed with any treating professionals. This film is designed for showings in school settings for adolescents, and the film-makers have taken care to ensure the content is appropriate for 11-18 year olds. Parents are welcome to discuss questions about the movie in advance with their division level counselor. Upper School - Ilene Lees, Dorm- Meghan Cassidy, Middle School - Erin Rose, and Lower School - Tim Croft.

After viewing the 60 minute documentary, we will be joined by a panel of experts from The Center for Anxiety and Behavioral Change. We will have a question and answer session with these professionals. The SSFS Counselors and the Parent Association are excited to collaborate on this important topic. Please click here to RSVP for your free tickets.

When: Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1:00-4:00 pm - RSVP here for Sept. 10 and
Saturday, Sept. 23 from 1:00-4:00 pm - RSVP here for Sept. 23
Where: The Art Barn at SSFS
Contact: Kate Santorineos, LS Art Teacher
What: Glad you asked! See below!

Every other year, our wonderful community joins together to help fight hunger, and this is the year! Please mark down February 11, 2018, on your calendar as that is when two years of effort will come to fruition. If you are unsure of what this is, please click here to find out more about this special effort.

Over the course of the last 6 dinners, we have sent more than $24,000 to Feeding America and S.O.M.E., mainly targeting the Backpack and Kids Cafe programs around the Metro region. It is appalling to think that 1 in 4 local Maryland children will go to bed tonight without dinner, and as a community interested in education, we so know how you really cannot learn if hungry. In past years, we've also sent assistance to New Orleans after Katrina, and to earthquake-stricken Haiti. The tragedy of Houston of course comes to mind today and the committee will investigate the best way to fight hunger there if needed.

In preparation for this, last year and over the summer, families came to the barn and made and glazed many bowls for the dinner, and now that school is underway, It is again time to make more bowls for use at the dinner. There will be many additional dates to come this fall to make or glaze bowls, but we are starting on September 10th and September 23rd.

Everyone is welcome, and all ages can make or glaze a bowl as no experience is needed. All materials are supplied, it's super fun, and very satisfying as we help others through art. Please sign up on the RSVP links above, one person per line, as we do have limited space and we fill quickly. All children must be accompanied by an adult, but family, friends, and neighbors are welcome to sign up.

School supplies? Check! Health forms? Submitted! Now that everyone is gearing up and getting excited for the coming school year, here are few things you can do to make sure you stay connected throughout the year. (Hint: by reading this newsletter, you are already doing one of them!) Director of Communications Margaret Rosser and Associate Director of Communications Julie Mendez will be going over some of this information at the first PA Meeting of the school year on Friday, Sept. 8 at 8:15 am in the Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. See Top 10 Ways to Stay Connected at SSFS...

Registration is still open for Aftercare and Bus Transportation for the 2017-2018 school year.

AFTERCARE:

• Lower School Aftercare registration is available via the Kids After Hours program.
• Middle School Aftercare registration is available via MyBackPack (under My Forms/Documents > Program Registration) here.

BUS INFORMATION (from Cathryn Carnevale):
There is still time to sign up for the bus! Please take a look at our website for bus route and fee information and register via MyBackPack (under My Forms/Documents > Program Registration)

If your US or MS student will be involved in sports and needs a ride after practice, don't forget that we also provide a free after school sports shuttle bus. It departs SSFS at 5:45 pm from the Middle School circle. This bus first travels to Glenmont Metro and then on to the Shady Grove Metro (stops at the bottom Kiss & Ride). This service runs from Tuesday, August 29th through Friday, May 25, 2018.

There are two more bits of transportation information. Bus billing occurs in October and January, which gives you time to determine if your child's bus schedule and/or location is, or is not working for you. Then you have time to communicate any necessary changes. Families should make changes to their busing plan BEFORE December 1, to receive prorated credits.

Finally, please remember, every Wednesday school dismisses one hour early. This means the afternoon buses will arrive one hour earlier than the published times.

Save the date! The Parents Association Friends Day is Saturday, Sept. 16 from 4:00-7:00 pm! We hope to see you there to...

• Enjoy live music
• Meet and greet new and returning families from all divisions
• Experience the thrill of fun inflatables
• Bring a picnic blanket and enjoy dinner on us
• Enjoy Baskin Robbins ice cream treats
• Visit Farmer Joe at his farmer's market booth
• Paint your face
• Get your game on in fun community games
• Learn about PA events & sign up to volunteer

Do you ever wish you had a way to "connect" to the SSFS community of families about topics not part of the traditional school day or school related events? Maybe you've wondered if any of those nice high school students babysit, or if any parents know of a good violin teacher. Maybe you are looking for a plumber, a travel agent, or someone to work out with? Want to start a hiking group, a meditation group, or need help moving furniture??

Online communities abound these days, so the SSFS PA has created one (via Shutterfly) for our wonderful community of families. This is an opt-in choice open to current and alumni families for all divisions, home stay and boarding parents. The site is moderated by parent volunteers to ensure we don't misuse the tool for problems an online community can't address, and don't duplicate or replace what is official school business that belongs on other communication sites.

We hope this tool will be an additional way to support connections across this diverse community of families who share the choice of SSFS for their children. Please fill out this quick online form to opt-in. Questions? Please contact Nikol Jackson or Kathleen Landers.

Each Thursday from 2:30-5:00 pm throughout the fall (weather permitting), Farmer Joe's SSFS Farm Stand will be open so that all families can enjoy our organic produce, grown here on campus. Seasonal local fruit from nearby farms are also available. Produce for sale next week will include sweet and hot peppers, heirloom tomatoes, rainbow chard, red yard long beans, basil, purple potatoes, cut flowers, and honey from our campus farm. See you there!

Below is information about upcoming LS events. For questions or more information about an event, please contact Pam Gilmer, LS Administrative Assistant, at ext. 112 or pam.gilmer@ssfs.org.

• Mon, Sept. 4: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• Fri, Sept. 8: 4th Grade Retreat
• Fri, Sept. 8: PA Meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. Topic: All-School Communications. All parents and caregivers of SSFS students are encouraged to join in this meeting of the Parent Association.
• Mon, Sept. 11: Lower School Yearbook Photos (for PK3-Grade 2) - See article below for more info
• Wed, Sept. 13: Lower School Yearbook Photos (for Grades 3-5) - See article below for more info
• Thurs, Sept. 14: Lower School Back-to-School Night, 6:30-8:30 pm. LS parents/guardians are invited to come to the campus Meeting House at 6:30 pm for opening remarks by Brenda Crawley, LS Head. Parents will then move on to their child's classroom for an overview by the classroom teacher(s). Remember to bring your calendar as there will be opportunities to sign up to volunteer to chaperone field trips and other activities throughout the year.
• Sat, Sept. 16: PA Friends Day, 4:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community with live music, meet and greet new and returning families from all divisions, enjoy dinner on us, enjoy Baskin Robbins ice cream treats, visit Farmer Joe's market booth, participate in fun community games, learn about PA events, and more!
• Mon-Fri, Sept. 25-29: Spirit Week, More information to come!
• Tues, Sept. 26: Families New to Quaker Education, 7:15 pm, On-Campus Meeting House. All families are welcome to join Head of School Tom Gibian for an evening to learn more about the history and 360-year-old tradition of Quaker education, and how Quaker principles and practices inform our program at SSFS.
• Thurs, Sept. 28: Movie night under the stars, 6:30-9:30 pm. Bring a picnic dinner at 6:30 pm, and stay for an outdoor screening (weather-permitting!) of the movie Loving, the story of Richard and Mildred Loving (rated PG-13). Rain location: PAC. This event is sponsored by the SSFS librarians and inspired by our all-school summer read, Loving v. Virginia.
• Sat, Sept. 30: Laps for Lexi, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.Each year on the last Saturday of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we come together under the banner of Laps for Lexi to stand with families facing childhood cancer today, remember the young lives like Lexi Speight who were taken too soon and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. Find out more, register, and/or volunteer to help here.

Dear Lower School Friends,

Welcome! Our 2017-2018 year is officially underway. It was wonderful to see both new and returning families at our Family Orientation and Classroom Visits on Monday, August 28. Though our first official day of school proved to be a super soggy Tuesday, the PK3- Grade 5 students were undaunted! We greeted new and returning families and jumped right into our class communities. Then we put our raincoats and boots to work and championed through as only Sandy Springers can!

The first day of a new school year always includes exploration of the SSFS campus and the important places in the life of lower schoolers. Using Guided Discovery, part of the Responsive Classroom approach, we explored some of the many places that lower schoolers visit each week. As mentioned during Orientation Day, this process exposes the students to our expectations for using supplies and spaces, executing academic tasks, and demonstrating appropriate and cooperative behavior, in order to meet those expectations in the days to come. When visiting places like the Dining Hall, Playground, Library and Gym in advance, we preview the transitions to those locations, and share our expectations for students' behavior in each setting.

At the end of our first day together, we gathered in Clifton for a "welcome back" assembly. New and old students and faculty members were introduced. We also looked at pictures of the many places that PK3-Grade 5 students go during the course of a school week and pictures of the people who we would find in those spaces. Finally, concerned third, fourth and fifth grade students offered suggestions and advice for taking care of our outdoor play equipment to assure that our supplies last as long as possible.

I look forward to a terrific 2017-2018 school year. Every year in the life of a Lower School child is exciting, eventful, and somewhat unpredictable. There is so much that we encounter that was not clearly noted in the "parenting manuals." These are the adventures of early childhood and early elementary school that are part of every child's learning journey. During the upcoming weeks, the PK3-Grade 5 students will embark on that journey, settle into their classroom communities, engage in collaborative rule-writing, and grow more comfortable with transitioning happily from one class to the next. Though it takes everyone a little while to build up their "back to school stamina" (parents and teachers included), the students are already excited about being at school with friends. Each day, we hope to send them home happy, tired and ready to rest and reboot for the next day!

Here is some of the important information shared at our Lower School Parent Orientation this past Monday morning:

• Morning drop-off for all PK3 - Grade 5 students is in front of the Lower School. Students are expected to arrive by 8:10 am. Late arrivals must be signed in by a parent at the front desk of Walbrooke.
• Parents and other drivers are asked to stay in the car during morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Please allow the teachers on duty to assist your child with getting out of or into the car. (This keeps the carpool line moving in a timely manner.)
• Please notify the LS Office & classroom teacher when there is a change in your child's afternoon transportation plans. Parents are encouraged to send a note or email to the teacher in the morning or call the office at extension 112. Please send changes in PM transportation plans by 1:00 pm to allow us time to have your child ready! (Early notification is best.)
• Remember: our first priority is maintaining the safety of the children. Pedestrians always have the right of way on campus. Use the crosswalks and avoid walking across the open "carpool circle." Help us model safety for the children. Please obey "no parking" signs and mind the safe zone marked by the yellow line in front of Lower School. Remember: teachers on afternoon carpool duty must secure students in their seatbelts.
• SSFS is a dog-friendly campus; however Lower School families are asked to leave all dogs in the car during our morning arrival time and afternoon dismissal time to help us proceed with these important routines without distraction and disruption.
• Please remember that "Tanglewood Lane" is closed to all traffic and parking. The gate to this fire lane will remain closed at all times. This is solely a pedestrian area.
• All PK3 - Grade 5 students need a raincoat and boots that will remain at school. If you have not already done so, please send these items in to school so your child will be prepared for transitions across campus in inclement weather. We still have boots left over from our Boot Exchange that are up for grabs on the fence near Lower School.
• Label EVERY clothing item, backpack and lunchbox that is sent to school with your child's first and last initial with permanent marker. This simple step will help us reunite the PK3 - Grade 5 students with their "lost" items.
• Lower School families receive news from SSFS in three ways: classroom blogs, via My Backpack, and the SSFS All-school Newsletter. (Please make sure that your contact information is accurate and up to date in My Backpack.) The All-school Newsletter is distributed to families electronically on Thursdays. Read the all-school information, AND the Lower School specific information.
• Mark your family calendar for our Lower School Back-to-School Night on Thursday, September 14 at 6:30 pm. The evening is an adult-only event. (We will begin in the campus Meetinghouse.)

It is great to have the laughter and energy of the PK3-Grade 5 Wildebeests back in the halls of Walbrooke and Tanglewood. That's the best part of coming back to school!

In peace,
Brenda

All Lower School students will have their school pictures taken the week of September 11th when professional photographers from Stone Photography will be on campus. On Monday, September 11th, PK3, PK4, Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders will be photographed, and on Tuesday, September 13th, all 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will be photographed. Individual, as well as class photos, will be taken. It is a Lower School tradition that these photos are taken outside (weather permitting) and that all students are automatically photographed on their picture day.

Please note that one photo package (the Memory Mate) is offered to all Lower School families so we don't use order envelopes in this division of the School. The packet includes one 5" x 7" class picture, two 4" x 5" individual photos, and four individual wallet-sized photos. The cost of the packet is $35.00, payable to Stone Photography. If you have more than one child in the Lower School, you may combine their payments on one check. Checks are to be turned into the Lower School office.

The packets will arrive about four weeks after photo day and will be sent home with your child. If you like your child's picture and wish to order more copies or enlargements, you may do so then, and the photography studio will get them to you well before the holidays. Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you do not care for your child's picture, you may return the entire unopened package to the Lower School office and we will return your check.

Sibling photographs may be arranged, by appointment only, through Stone Photography at 301-654-3185. These appointments are being offered on Wednesday, Sept. 13th from 2:30 – 6:00 pm. A parent must accompany their children for the sibling photograph. Contact Stone Photography directly to schedule an after school appointment for your sibling photograph.

If you have any questions about LS class pictures, please contact Pam Gilmer, x112.

LS parents/guardians are invited to come to the campus Meetinghouse at 6:30 pm for opening remarks by Brenda Crawley, LS Head. Parents will then move on to their child's classroom for an overview by the classroom teacher(s). This adult-only evening will conclude by 8:30 pm. Remember to bring your calendar as there will be opportunities to sign up to volunteer to chaperone field trips and other activities throughout the year. We look forward to seeing you there!

Below is information about upcoming MS and all-school activities and events in the coming weeks. For questions or more information about an event, please contact Erin Ryan, MS Administrative Assistant, at ext. 160 or erin.ryan@ssfs.org.

• Mon, Sept. 4: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• Thurs, Sept. 7: Middle School Back-to-School Night, 6:30-8:00 pm. All MS parents/guardians are invited to gather in the Middle School Collection Space for some introductory words at 6:30 pm, and then you will get a chance to visit each of your student's classes and meet their teachers. Please note that this is a parent/guardian-only event (no students).
• Fri, Sept. 8: PA Meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. Topic: All-School Communications. All parents and caregivers of SSFS students are encouraged to join in this meeting of the Parent Association.
• Wed, Sept. 13: MS Parent-Advisor Conferences, 2:45-5:30 pm, Middle School. Sign up for your conference time here.
• Thurs, Sept. 14: School Photos for grades 6, 7, and 8 - Remember to bring your photo form and checks made payable to Stone Photography
• Fri, Sept. 15: MS 6th Grade Coffee & Conversation, 8:15-9:30 am, Scott House. Sixth grade parents/guardians are invited to come to share coffee, conversation, and Q&A with MS Head David Blake to talk about class trips and other 6th grade information.
• Sat, Sept. 16: Friends Day, 4:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community with live music, inflatables, face painting, popcorn, fun sports, and more!
• Tues, Sept. 19: MS 7th Grade Coffee & Conversation, 8:15-9:30 am, Scott House. Seventh grade parents/guardians are invited to come to share coffee,conversation, and Q&A with MS Head David Blake to talk about class trips and other 7th grade information.
• Tues, Sept. 19: Information Night for Rising 9th Grade Student and Parents, 7:15-8:30 pm, PAC-Studio B. Current 8th grade students and parents/guardians are invited to come learn about the Upper School program at SSFS. Meet with US Head Jonathan Oglesbee and other Upper School faculty and staff, ask questions, and find out about academics, arts, athletics, and student life in grades 9-12.
• Fri, Sept. 22: MS 8th Grade Coffee & Conversation, 8:15-9:30 am, Scott House. Eighth grade parents/guardians are invited to come to share coffee, conversation, and Q&A with MS Head David Blake to talk about class trips and other 8th grade information.
• Mon-Fri, Sept. 25-29: Spirit Week - more info to come!
• Tues, Sept. 26: Families New to Quaker Education, 7:15 pm, On-Campus Meeting House. All families are welcome to join Head of School Tom Gibian for an evening to learn more about the history and 360-year tradition of Quaker education and how Quaker principles and practices inform our program at SSFS.
• Thurs, Sept. 28: Movie night under the stars, 6:30-9:30 pm. Bring a picnic dinner at 6:30 pm, and stay for an outdoor screening (weather-permitting!) of the movie Loving, the story of Richard and Mildred Loving (rated PG-13). Rain location: PAC. This event is sponsored by the SSFS librarians and inspired by our all-school summer read, Loving v. Virginia.
• Fri, Sept. 29: PA Fundraiser - Jersey Mike's Subs: Show flyer between 10:00 am - 9:00 pm and 15% of all proceeds will be donated to SSFS!
• Sat, Sept. 30: Laps for Lexi, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.Each year on the last Saturday of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we come together under the banner of Laps for Lexi to stand with families facing childhood cancer today, remember the young lives like Lexi Speight who were taken too soon and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. Find out more, register, and/or volunteer to help here.

Parent-Advisor conferences will be held on Wednesday, September 13th from 2:45-5:30 pm in the Middle School. (Note: Devon's Advisory conferences will be offered on September 11th). This conference is designed to be quick check-in with your child's advisor as the school year gets underway. Please click here to register for a conference time with your child's advisor.

The sixth graders spent a busy 2.5 hours Monday at Orientation. They learned a little bit about our Advisory program, got their locker and combination (big excitement!), went on a scavenger hunt to familiarize themselves with places around the Middle School and campus, and had time to ask their new teachers any questions they had about the first day and school in general. Needless to say, they had lots of questions! We were glad, because that is exactly why we have Orientation. We hope it helped them to feel more relaxed and ready for school to start!

The first day of Middle School was a whirlwind of classes, recess, lunch, and sports/electives starting. Students will be eating lunch with their advisories for the rest of the week, which helps us all to get to know each other. Beginning next week, they will be able to choose a table, and teachers will help facilitate when needed.

It seems that all students are now able to open their locker (no small feat - they can be tricky), and are getting the hang of the rotating schedule. Teachers are definitely sure to be in the hallways between classes to point kids in the right direction. Parents will get the chance to follow their child's schedule next Thursday, 9/7, at Back to School Night.

They are a great bunch of kids and we are having fun so far! If you have questions about sixth grade, I am just an email away at liz.donelson@ssfs.org.

Below is information about upcoming Upper School and all-school activities and events. For questions or more information about an event, please contact Meredith Shankle, US Administrative Assistant, at ext. 109 or meredith.shankle@ssfs.org.

• Fri, Sept 1: Senior Photo Day - Group 1 (Sign up for photo session time online here) Note: Rain date for Sept. 1 sessions is Sept. 8
• Mon, Sept. 4: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day
• Wed, Sept. 6: US Parent-Advisor Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm. Note: these meetings will be held in the advisor's home room. More info below.
• Thurs, Sept. 7: School Photos for grades 9-11 - Remember to bring your photo form and checks made payable to Stone Photography
• Fri, Sept. 8: PA Meeting, 8:15 am, Athletic Center Multipurpose Room. Topic: All-School Communications. All parents and caregivers of SSFS students are encouraged to join in this meeting of the Parent Association.
• Sat, Sept. 9: ACT Test date
• Tues, Sept. 12: Upper School Back-to-School Night, 6:0-9:00 pm. All US parents/guardians are invited to gather in the PAC theater for some introductory words at 6:30 pm, and then you will get a chance to visit each of your student's classes and meet their teachers. Please note that this is a parent/guardian-only event (no students).
• Sat, Sept. 16: Friends Day, 4:00-7:00 pm. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and community with live music, inflatables, face painting, popcorn, fun sports, and more!
• Mon-Fri, Sept. 25-29: Spirit Week, more info to come!
• Tues, Sept. 26: Families New to Quaker Education, 7:15 pm, On-Campus Meeting House. All families are welcome to join Head of School Tom Gibian for an evening to learn more about the history and 360-year tradition of Quaker education and how Quaker principles and practices inform our program at SSFS.
• Thurs, Sept. 28: Movie night under the stars, 6:30-9:30 pm. Bring a picnic dinner at 6:30 pm, and stay for an outdoor screening (weather-permitting!) of the movie Loving, the story of Richard and Mildred Loving (rated PG-13). Rain location: PAC. This event is sponsored by the SSFS librarians and inspired by our all-school summer read, Loving v. Virginia.
• Fri, Sept. 29: PA Fundraiser - Jersey Mike's Subs: Show flyer between 10:00 am - 9:00 pm and 15% of all proceeds will be donated to SSFS!
• Sat, Sept. 30: Laps for Lexi, 8:00 am - 12:00 noon.Each year on the last Saturday of September, which is National Childhood Cancer Awareness month, we come together under the banner of Laps for Lexi to stand with families facing childhood cancer today, remember the young lives like Lexi Speight who were taken too soon and rededicate ourselves to combating this terrible illness. Find out more, register, and/or volunteer to help here.
• Sat, Sept. 30: Spirit Day Dance, 8:00-11:00 pm - more info to come

Since 2009, the SSFS Writing Center has been living its dual mission to help writers at any stage of the writing process and to foster a culture of writing within the community. Throughout that time, over 40 Writing Tutors have worked with hundreds of upper-school students on any piece of writing that might benefit from another set of eyes. After student-leaders complete a ten-hour training in non-directive tutoring methods and composition theory, they are available to meet in writing conferences during their free periods. Working with a Writing Tutor is optional for 10-12th graders but may be required for 9th graders as part of a class assignment. Conferences usually take place in the Student Lounge, the Library, or the Dorm. The duty schedule will be available once all tutors have finalized their classes. Your child can use the bulletin boards and posted schedule to find out which tutor is available during their free period!

The 2017-2018 Writing Tutors are:

• Alan Burd
• Justis Dixon
• Kate Gearon
• Bella Juzenas
• Alexandra Polón
• Tomar Serota
• Yiwen (Evelyn) Song
• Chengzi (June) Tian
• Haoran (Breezy) Zhu

In order to fulfill the second mission, to foster a culture of writing within the community, the Writing Center staff also sponsors events that celebrate writing throughout the year. These include the annual Halloween Costume Contest, in which the best literary or cinematic costumes are showered with prizes and glory, and the Scrabble-Boggle Tournament, in which we identify the best wordsmith in each division on campus. Another favorite annual event is a series that gives a special focus on writing within a career path, including "Journalism in the Twenty-First Century," "Writing for a Cause: a Workshop on Writing for Political and Social Change," "Writing with Gusto: A Food and Wine Writing Panel," an author talk with Todd Moss, a Sports Writing Panel, and a Foreign-Relations Journalism event. The Writing Center welcomes any ideas and personal connections to writing within a career path; to suggest this year's topic or speaker, please contact Writing Center Director Ariel Voorhees at ariel.voorhees@ssfs.org.

A friendly reminder that Parent/Advisor Conferences will be held on Wednesday, September 6th from 2:45-5:00 pm. Your child's individual advisor will be in contact with you this week to schedule specific times and locations. Please note that the 9th grade team is finalizing advisor assignments and will reach out to families to schedule meetings on Wednesday (or at another mutually convenient time). Questions? Please contact Meredith Shankle.

Friends House Retirement Community will be sponsoring Ligon's 5K Trail Run/Walk on Saturday October 7th. Your entry fee includes a t-shirt, snack and entry to a wellness fair. Cash prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place male and female winners. Proceeds benefit Aging Well With Friends, to help connect seniors with resources.

The race is open to any and all who would like to participate. We are also having a Walk and Roll to include people with wheelchairs, strollers and walkers.

If anyone would like to volunteer for the event please contact Erin Mitchell at emitchell@friendshouse.com or 301-924-7523.See the attached flier for information.

There are some great events coming up at your Sandy Spring Museum. Here is just a sampling. Ask about special introductory museum membership pricing for SSFS families!

• Sept. 2: Resident Artist Open House, 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
• Sept. 9: Gardening for Butterflies, Brookside Gardens speaker and also an artist presentation/reception, 2-5 pm
• Film Series: Documentaries and other engaging films not typically found in mainstream theaters, about monthly though the winter, starting October 6th. Find out more here.

Do you ever wish you had a way to "connect" to the SSFS community of families about topics not part of the traditional school day or school related events? Maybe you've wondered if any of those nice high school students babysit, or if any parents know of a good violin teacher. Maybe you are looking for a plumber, a travel agent, or someone to work out with? Want to start a hiking group, a meditation group, or need help moving furniture??

Online communities abound these days, so the SSFS PA has created one (via Shutterfly) for our wonderful community of families. This is an opt-in choice open to current and alumni families for all divisions, home stay and boarding parents. The site is moderated by parent volunteers to ensure we don't misuse the tool for problems an online community can't address, and don't duplicate or replace what is official school business that belongs on other communication sites.

We hope this tool will be an additional way to support connections across this diverse community of families who share the choice of SSFS for their children. Please fill out this quick online form to opt-in. Questions? Please contact Nikol Jackson or Kathleen Landers.