Weekly e-Newsletter - Old Version

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.

• Fri, Feb. 16: Re-Enrollment Contracts for Current Families Due
• Fri, Feb. 16: PA Community Connections Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Sat-Sun, Feb. 17-18: Community Play Tech-In (10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday and 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday)
• Mon, Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
• Tues, Feb. 20: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Wed, Feb. 21: Middle and Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm
• Thurs, Feb. 22: Admissions "Discover SSFS" Event, 8:15-11:00 am (RSVP here)
• Thurs, Feb. 22: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's - Show this flyer when you order, and 15% of proceeds are donated to SSFS
• Thurs-Sat, Feb. 22-24: Community Play, "The Sound of Music," 7:00 pm (NOTE: All performances are now sold out! Please contact Lauren Mossman if you would like to be added to a waitlist, or if you are unable to attend and can release your tickets. If attending, make sure to bring a printout of your confirmation or show )
• Fri, Feb. 23: PA Post-Prom Planning Committee Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Fri, Feb. 23: Packing Smart Sacks, 8:15-9:00 am, Westview Dining Hall
• Sun, Feb. 25: Community Play Matinee, 2:00 pm, PAC - NOTE: Sold Out!
• Tues, Feb. 27: PA Meeting, 7:15-8:30 pm, Yarnall Library
• Sat, Mar. 3: US Quiz Bowl Team - It's Academic Playoffs, NBC4 Studios, 1:30-3:30 pm
• Fri, Mar. 9: PA Meeting for Worship, 8:00-9:00 am, Meeting House
• Fri, Mar. 16: PA Community Connections Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00 am
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 19-23: MS Immersion Week; US Intersession Week
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 26-30: NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

Re-Enrollment Contracts were sent out to families on Friday, Feb 2, and are due tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 16. Please take a minute to login to your MyBackPack account and select the "Enrollment/Re-Enrollment" link. Contracts are due by Friday, Feb. 16th. The process only takes a few minutes! If you have questions, please contact your division head or Dawn Griffith in the Admission Office at dawn.griffith@ssfs.org or ext. 231. Thank you!

In light of the recent school shooting tragedy in Florida, the Counseling Department at SSFS wants to remind all students and parents that we are here to support you. It is normal to feel unsure, scared, sad, and angry about this most recent school shooting. Each family will handle this in different ways; this "Talking to Children about Violence" handout from The National Association of School Psychologists can help provide some guidance. Your division's counselor can help provide a safe place to talk and process these events. Please don't hesitate to reach out. We are holding the victim's families in the light.

This Spring, the PA is holding a school-wide search to design the logo for the newly-named FriendsFest. The search will be to the entire SSFS community, and the four finalists will be voted on via an online poll. Look for updates in upcoming newsletters, and get ready to get creative! Submissions can be made HERE.

A huge thanks to the entire SSFS community for years and many hours of generosity, creativity, and assistance to make this year's Empty Bowl event finally come together. Early estimates put our gross intake at around $9,000. All net funds will be forwarded to Feeding America and will help many many hungry children. Thank you! We hope you had fun and may your bowls never be empty! See photos from the event online here, and on Vidigami here.

The Parents Association is still seeking nominations for next year's PA. The best way to ensure a great, productive PA is with suggestions from the entire community, not merely a select few. Please take a moment to think of fellow parents who would be a good fit--we must emphasize that it can be anyone -- feel free to nominate yourself! Specifically, we are looking for individuals who excel at collaboration and participation, and who truly value the SSFS community. Nominations are completely anonymous and can be submitted HERE (we promise, it will only take a minute!)

"We can do small things with great love" – Mother Theresa
Thank you (and Happy Valentine's Day) to everyone who has supported the 2017 Annual Fund at SSFS. Your support – no matter the size – can make an impact. Make your donation today!

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. 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, Feb. 16: PA Community Connections Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Thurs, Feb. 22: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's - Show this flyer when you order, and 15% of proceeds are donated to SSFS
• Fri, Feb. 23: PA Post-Prom Planning Committee Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Tues, Feb. 27: PA Meeting, 7:15-8:30 pm, Yarnall Library. Jonathan Oglesbee and Ilene Lees will be joining us in a continuing conversation about SSFS policies and philosophy regarding drugs, tobacco, and alcohol. This will also include a discussion about the recent increase in vaping and e-cigarettes on and off campus. If you would like to submit a specific question for discussion, please use this link. Families from all divisions are encouraged to come join this discussion.
• Fri, Mar. 9: PA Meeting for Worship, 8:00-9:00 am, Meeting House
• Fri, Mar. 16: PA Community Connections Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00 am, Scott House Conference Room

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.

• Fri, Feb. 16: Re-Enrollment Contracts for Current Families Due
• Fri, Feb. 16: PA Community Connections Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Fri, Feb. 16: 2nd Grade Play, 8:30 am, Clifton
• Sat-Sun, Feb. 17-18: Community Play Tech-In (10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday and 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday)
• Mon, Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
• Mon, Feb. 19: Girl's Basketball Clinic, 9:00-12:00, SSFS Gym (more info here)
• Tues, Feb. 20: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Thurs, Feb. 22: Admissions "Discover SSFS" Event, 8:15-11:00 am (RSVP here)
• Thurs-Sat, Feb. 22-24: Community Play, "The Sound of Music," 7:00 pm (NOTE: All performances are now sold out! Please contact Lauren Mossman if you would like to be added to a waitlist, or if you are unable to attend and can release your tickets. If attending, make sure to bring a printout of your confirmation or show the email confirmation.)
• Fri, Feb. 23: Packing Smart Sacks with 4A/1A, 8:15-9:00 am, Westview Dining Hall
• Sun, Feb. 25: Community Play Matinee, 2:00 pm, PAC - NOTE: Sold Out!
• Tues, Feb. 27: PA Meeting, 7:15 pm, Yarnall Library
• Mon, Mar. 5: Talent Show Rehearsal Group A, 3:15-4:30 pm, Clifton
• Thurs, Mar. 8: Talent Show Rehearsal Group B, 3:15-4:30 pm, Clifton
• Thurs, Mar. 8: 5th Grade Night at the Egyptian Marketplace, 6:30-8:00 pm, Tanglewood
• Mon, Mar. 12: Talent Show Rehearsal Group A, 3:15-4:30 pm, Clifton
• Tues, Mar. 13: 3rd Grade to Annapolis
• Thurs, Mar. 15: LS Coffee & Conversation with Brenda Crawley, 8:30 am, Scott House
• Thurs, Mar. 15: Talent Show Rehearsal Group B, 3:15-4:30 pm, Clifton
• Fri, Mar. 16: 1st Grade Class Play, 8:30-9:30 am, Clifton
• Wed, Mar. 21: LS Talent Show Dress Rehearsal Group A, 8:30 am, Clifton
• Wed, Mar. 21; LS Talent Show Dress Rehearsal Group B, 12:00 pm, Clifton
• Thurs, Mar. 22: LS Talent Show, Group A, 8:30-9:30 am, Clifton
• Fri, Mar. 23: LS Talent Show, Group B, 8:30-9:30 am, Clifton
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 26-30: NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

Save the dates for the following Smart Sack Packing opportunities this winter and spring. Packing for all dates begins at 8:15 am, right after drop-off, in Westview Dining Hall.

• Feb 23rd- packing with 4A/1A
• March 9th- packing with 5A/PK4
• April 6th- packing with 4B/1B
• April 20th- packing with 1st Grade
• May 18th -packing with 5B/PK4

Smart Sacks is a county-wide program started by MANNA food center to help combat children's weekend hunger in Montgomery County. Twice monthly during the MCPS school year, volunteers pack donated food and deliver it to county elementary schools. Children who usually receive free meals at school take a bag of food home every Friday to ensure that they have adequate nutrition throughout the weekend. SSFS lower school students and volunteers support two local elementary schools in this initiative. This is a fun and easy way to do something meaningful with the lower school kids and provide a very worthwhile service to the community. If you are interested in helping out with this ongoing service project please contact KERRY-ANN FARMER at kerryann.farmer@yahoo.com

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.

• Fri, Feb. 16: Re-Enrollment Contracts for Current Families Due
• Fri, Feb. 16: PA Community Connections Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Fri, Feb. 16: MS Winter Sports and Electives End
• Sat-Sun, Feb. 17-18: Community Play Tech-In (10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday and 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday)
• Mon, Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
• Mon, Feb. 19: Basketball Clinic for Lower and Middle School Girls, 9:00 am -12:00 noon, SSFS Gym (more info here)
• Tues, Feb. 20: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Wed, Feb. 21: Middle and Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm (Sign up here)
• Thurs, Feb. 22: Admissions "Discover SSFS" Event, 8:15-11:00 am (RSVP here)
• Thurs-Sat, Feb. 22-24: Community Play, "The Sound of Music," 7:00 pm (NOTE: All performances are now sold out! Please contact Lauren Mossman if you would like to be added to a waitlist, or if you are unable to attend and can release your tickets. If attending, make sure to bring a printout of your confirmation or show )
• Sun, Feb. 25: Community Play Matinee, 2:00 pm, PAC - NOTE: Sold Out!
• Tues, Feb. 27: PA Meeting, 7:15 pm, Yarnall Library
• Mon, Mar. 5: Middle School Spring Sports Begin
• Fri, Mar. 9: 7th & 8th Grade Dance, 7:30-9:30 pm, Yarnall Lobby (more info below!)
• Fri, Mar. 16: 6th Grade Social, 4:05-5:00 pm, Middle School
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 19-23: MS Immersion Week
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 26-30: NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

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, Feb. 16: Re-Enrollment Contracts for Current Families Due
• Fri, Feb. 16: PA Community Connections Meeting, 8:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Sat-Sun, Feb. 17-18: Community Play Tech-In (10:00 am - 4:00 pm Saturday and 1:00-4:00 pm Sunday)
• Mon, Feb. 19: NO SCHOOL - President's Day
• Tues, Feb. 20: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Wed, Feb. 21: Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm (see more info below; sign up for your time slot here)
• Thurs, Feb. 22: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's (show flyer to have a portion of proceeds donated to SSFS)
• Thurs-Sat, Feb. 22-24: Community Play, "The Sound of Music," 7:00 pm (NOTE: All performances are now sold out! Please contact Lauren Mossman if you would like to be added to a waitlist, or if you are unable to attend and can release your tickets. If attending, make sure to bring a printout of your confirmation or show )
• Fri, Feb. 23: Upper School Winter Sports End
• Sun, Feb. 25: Community Play Matinee, 2:00 pm, PAC - NOTE: Sold Out!
• Mon, Feb. 26: Upper School Spring Sports Begin
• Tues, Feb. 27: PA Meeting, 7:15 pm, Yarnall Library
• Sat, Mar. 3: Upper School Quiz Bowl Team: It's Academic Playoffs, NBC4 Studios, 1:30-3:30 pm
• Tues, Mar. 6: Upper School Coffee & Conversation, 8:15-9:30 am, Scott House
• Wed, Mar. 7: College Info Session, Mock Admissions Exercise, 6:30-8:30 pm, Yarnall Library
• Sat, Mar. 10: SAT Test Date
• Mon, Mar. 12: Alumni & Friends Speed Networking Event, 6:30-8:30 pm, Yarnall Library (see details here)
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 19-23: US Intersession Week
• Mon-Fri, Mar. 26-30: NO SCHOOL, Spring Break

This is a call to all Quizards to see what all of the buzz is about! Often referred to as the varsity sport of the mind, Upper School Teacher Eduardo Polón (Spanish) is sponsoring season seven of our intrascholastic SSFS Quiz Bowl Club that will meet on Tuesday afternoon's during Academic Help in Moore Hall, Room 105 (Eduardo's classroom).

A dynamic competition in the spirit of It's Academic, the longest running television quiz show in the world, teams – generally consisting of three to five members – face off to answer academic centered questions posed by a moderator for points. Providing camaraderie for kindred spirits while celebrating academic achievement, Quiz Bowl Club provides a healthy venue to foster friendships inspired by a mutual love of learning. Best of all it's fun!

With space limited to fifteen teams of five (75 participants), students are invited to sign-up outside Eduardo's classroom (Moore Hall 105) on a first come, first serve basis. Quiz Bowl Club kicks off with Round 1 of Regular Season Conference Play on Tuesday, February 27th from 3:05pm to 3:35pm. For more information contact Eduardo (eduardo.polon@ssfs.org).

QUESTION: For 20 points. Guess which college preparatory Quaker school advanced to the Montgomery Academic Beltway League's 2017-2018 Championship Round?
ANSWER: SSFS

With an overall record of 41-13-0 and counting, across all interscholastic formats of play, SSFS ranks fittingly among the top academic programs in the county and continues to distinguish itself, among other things, as "an ideal setting for intellectual contemplation, diverse extracurricular pursuits, and personal growth." Positioned for another run at the MABL Championship (Montgomery Academic Beltway League), this year's SSFS Quiz Bowl Team is poised to break several program records by the time the academic competition season ends.

Led by Captain Asa K ('18), this year's 16-member SSFS Quiz Bowl Team is rounded out by fellow seniors Kate G, Tomar S, and Erin G, juniors Justis D (Assistant Captain), Michelle T, Alan B, Bella V, Thomas P, MacLaren R, and Ruby B, sophomores Alex F and MacKenzie S, and first-year students Moira M, Olivia G, and Esther F. With one eye focused on the current academic season and the other on player development, the future of SSFS Quiz Bowl looks as promising and bright as the present.

Providing camaraderie for kindred spirits while celebrating academic achievement, intrascholastic Quiz Bowl Club (Spring) and interscholastic Quiz Bowl Team (Fall) provide healthy venues to foster friendships inspired by a mutual love of learning. Best of all it's fun! For more information contact Quiz Bowl Coordinator Eduardo Polón at eduardo.polon@ssfs.org

Summer at Sandy Spring is excited to announce that registration for the summer 2018 camp season is now open! Getting a jump on summer fun has never been easier; navigate to our website to check out all the new and amazing options for this season. We pride ourselves on the customization of camp for every family. So whether it's hand picking workshops, extended day, transportation options, or flexible lunch options, we are sure we can create just the right fit for your busy family this summer.

We heard the feedback and added more workshop options for each age group. Check out the website for the brand new workshop section where each workshop has its own page to tell you things like sample lessons, a week at a glance, mini descriptions, videos, and so much more. We are proud to introduce the partnering with Einstein by Design to create an amazing technology experience. We added rock climbing, Theatre, Outdoor Living Skills, Robotics to just name a few. Oh and we brought back our popular high flying, zip lining fun at the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School with our Adventure Challenge workshops and Aftercare in the Trees options. From tots to teens - there is truly something for everyone!

We encourage you to take some time this winter and go through the exciting programming you'll find on our completely revamped website. When you're ready to register, you'll find a link at the top right corner. SSFS families can enter the code BEESTSATCAMP during registration for a 10% discount.

If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance, please e-mail us at camp@ssfs.org or call 301-774-7455 x167.

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.