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, Jan. 22: NO CLASSES for LS and MS - Professional Day; US Exams
• Tues, Jan. 23: First Day of 2nd Semester (Make-up exams for US, 8:00-10:15 am)
• Thurs, Jan. 25: State of the School Presentation (weather make-up date Feb. 1), 6:00 pm, PAC (see more here)
• Thurs, Jan. 25: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs (get flyer here)
• Fri, Jan. 26: Lyle Denniston Assembly for Middle and Upper School (see more info here)
• Wed, Jan. 31: Evening Panel on Interracial Marriage moderated by NPR's Korva Coleman, 7:15 pm, Yarnall Library (see more info here)
• Fri, Feb. 2: Re-Enrollment Contracts Available for Current Families After 7:00 pm
• Sat, Feb. 3: Middle School Play, 7:15 pm, PAC
• Tues, Feb. 6: Continued discussion (from MLK Day of Service) of "Why Race Still Matters in Our World," 8:15 am, Scott House
• Wed, Feb. 7: Middle and Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm
• Wed, Feb. 7: PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Event: Managing Stress and Pressure, 7:15 pm, Scott House Living Room
• Sun, Feb. 11: Empty Bowl Dinner, 4:00-7:00 pm
• 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

Thank you to everyone who came out and participated in the MLK Day of Service. We made blankets for children's hospitals, dog treats for animal shelters, packed food and made casseroles for hunger organizations, all to benefit our local community. This year's event also offered grade-specific breakout discussion sessions that enabled small group, age-appropriate conversations around Dr. King's legacy. A special thanks to parent and faculty volunteers who led projects and discussion groups, as well as the SSFS staff who helped with the event's logistics. See photos online here, and view/download more photos from the day on Vidigami here.

Let's keep these important conversations going. Join us for a continued discussion of "Why Race Still Matters in Our World" on February 6, 2018 at 8:15 am in Scott House.

SSFS State of the School
Buffet dinner in Yarnall Lobby at 6:00 pm
Presentation by Tom Gibian in the Performing Arts Center at 7:00 pm

We hope that parents will take the opportunity at the Jan. 25 event to review questions often asked about SSFS, including its long-range plan, budgeting and the endowment, and—most often asked of all!—the status of the campaign for the new Upper School building and the project itself. Questions? Contact Lauren Mossman, Director of Advancement, at lauren.mossman@ssfs.org. We look forward to seeing you there!

Please note that since we are launching our first annual State of the School evening on Thursday, Jan. 25, we will NOT hold the Head of School Forum that was previously scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 27, at 7:15 pm in Yarnall Library. The PA Meeting that was previously scheduled to be held just before the Open Forum with the Head of School will still be held on Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Yarnall Library, but the time has changed from 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm.

Click here to see the most recent blog post by SSFS Head of School Tom Gibian, "The One About Being Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King." The remarks were delivered at the SSFS MLK, Jr., Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 15. Thanks to all the families who came out to SSFS for this special annual event where we gather in community to enjoy breakfast and do service projects. This year, we were also very pleased to welcome parent Dr. Joanna Scott, a nationally-recognized expert on race in organizations, to lead discussions centered around our theme, "Why Race Still Matters In Our World."

A huge thanks to the entire SSFS and greater community for two years of making and glazing bowls for the Empty Bowl dinner. During our final two glazing sessions this past weekend, another 50-plus of you arrived in the art barn, grey cold days notwithstanding, and the last of the carefully made bowls are now glazed and awaiting their turn in the kilns.

The bowl making was a true community effort as all 3 divisions had hands in making and glazing bowls, as well as a huge gathering of willing folk from everywhere: Friends House, BYM, Adelphi Meeting, NIOTOBSS, the Journey School, and friends and family from afar--Norway, Germany, Morocco, France, Mexico, Guatemala, India, and England, to only name a few--as well as from all over the states. Just this weekend the age of glazers ranged from 4 to 70, from 5-6 different schools, and we even had a visiting alumni from the 70's!

The colorful bowls range from cavorting lions and polka dotted octopi, delicate lace and fern imbedded pieces, and carved and altered shapes made into fascinating true pieces of art. Now some 600+ bowls await soup and new homes, so we wish you good luck choosing just one favorite! Hope to see you at the dinner!

NPR newscaster Korva Coleman will be moderating our Evening Panel Discussion on Interracial Marriage since Loving vs Virginia on Wednesday, January 31 at 7:15 pm in Yarnall Library. Students, faculty, parents, alumni, and friends are all welcome to join us for community, snacks, and conversation!

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)

• Thurs, Jan. 24: Post-Prom Committee Meeting, 8:00-9:00 am, Scott House Conference Room
• Fri, Jan. 25: SSFS PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs - show this flyer when you place your order and 15% of the proceeds will be donated back to SSFS!
• Wed, Feb. 7: PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Event: Managing Stress and Pressure, 7:15 pm, Scott House Living Room

Nominating for the PA Executive Committee has started

It is that time of year again to start thinking about next year's PA Executive Committee. This process takes a lot of consideration and an entire team of people to make it happen. Nominations are anonymous and will be shared only with the Nominating Committee. All SSFS Community members should feel free to nominate anyone (even yourself) you feel would be a good fit for SSFS's PA executive committee. Please make nominations through this nominating form.

Friday, January 26th US/MS Assembly - Lyle Denniston, grandfather of Irene '21 and Vivian '28 will be speaking about his 58 years covering the Supreme Court without missing a case. His talk, highlighting the impact of precedence in the law will include discussion of Loving v. Virginia (1967), Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), and the so-called Wedding Cake Case before the court now. NYT article, National Constitution Center blog articles

Wednesday, January 31st 7:15 in the library- Evening Panel on Interracial Marriage since Loving v Virginia.

NPR's Korva Coleman moderates our panel of couples including Chandlee Offerman of Sandy Spring. Anti-miscegenation laws made it illegal for Chandlee and her husband Andy to marry in 1960s Maryland. Together the panel's experience of "mixed" marriage spans the 50 years since the United States Supreme Court struck down anti-miscegenation laws across the country.

Students, parents, and faculty in the SSFS Community, as well as those from the larger community, are invited to come and participate.

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, Jan. 19: 4th Grade Class Play, "Tunji and the Giant," 8:30 am, Clifton
• Fri, Jan. 19: Deadline to register for Winter Clubs (see more info below)
• Mon, Jan. 22: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Thurs, Jan. 25: State of the School Presentation (weather make-up date Feb. 1), 6:00 pm, PAC - See more info here
• Thurs, Jan. 25: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs (get flyer here)
• Mon, Jan. 29: 1st Grade to National Building Museum, 8:30 am - 1:30 pm
• Fri, Feb. 2: Re-Enrollment Contracts Available for Current Families After 7:00 pm
• Sat, Feb. 3: Middle School Play, 7:15 pm, PAC (4th and 5th grade families: please RSVP online for the pre-play dinner at SSFS)
• Wed, Feb. 7: Middle and Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm
• Wed, Feb. 7: PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Event: Managing Stress and Pressure, 7:15 pm, Scott House Living Room
• Thurs-Wed, Feb. 8-14: Lower School Wee Mail (more info to come!)
• Sun, Feb. 11: Empty Bowl Dinner, 4:00-7:00 pm
• 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
• Mon, Feb. 19: Girl's Basketball Clinic, 9:00-12:00, SSFS Gym (more info here)
• Tues, Feb. 20: NO CLASSES - Professional Day

Registration for Winter Clubs continues through Friday, 1/19. Please look below for details regarding the status of specific clubs:

• The Art Cafe is now full – not accepting any more students.
• Storybook Cooking is now full – not accepting any more students.
• Excite Soccer for 3rd-5th graders is in danger of not running due to low enrollment.
• Beest Basketball for 3rd – 5th graders is in danger of not running due to low enrollment.
• Chess Wizards is in danger of not running due to low enrollment. We need at least 5 more students!
• Math Acts and Science Snacks for 3rd – 5th graders has room for 2 more students.
• Debate Club for 4th and 5th graders has room for 7 more students.
• Minecraft for 3rd – 5th graders has room for 4 more students.
• Excite Soccer for PK4 – 2nd graders has room for 5 more students.

Enrollment confirmation/cancellation notices will be sent home before clubs begin on Tuesday, January 23.

Save the date and pre-register now for the Girl's Basketball Clinic on Monday, Feb. 19 (President's Day - no school), from 9 am - 12 pm. More details below or in downloadable flyer/registration form. Please feel free to contact Amanda Hill with any additional questions. Thanks, and I hope your daughter can join in on the fun on the basketball court!

• What: President's Day Girl's Basketball Clinic, hosted by the US Women's Varsity Basketball Team
• Where: SSFS Athletic Center Gym
• When: Monday, Feb. 19 (President's Day), from 9 am - 12 pm
• Who: LS and MS Girls (grades PK4-Grade 8)
• Cost: $35/per person (t-shirt included!)
• What to Bring: Sneakers, a water bottle, and an attitude ready for basketball FUNdamentals!
• Registration: Click here for the registration form. Walk-ins accepted, but an email RSVP is appreciated.
• Questions: Contact Amanda Hill, amanda.hill@ssfs.org

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.

• Thurs, Jan. 18: MS Performing Arts Evening, 7:15-9:00 pm, PAC (see more info below)
• Mon, Jan. 22: NO CLASSES - Professional Day
• Tues, Jan. 23: First Day of 2nd Semester
• Thurs, Jan. 25: State of the School Presentation (weather make-up date Feb. 1), 6:00 pm, PAC - See more info here
• Thurs, Jan. 25: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs (get flyer here)
• Fri, Feb. 2: MS Sportsplex Day
• Fri, Feb. 2: Re-Enrollment Contracts Available for Current Families After 7:00 pm
• Sat, Feb. 3: Middle School Play, 7:15 pm, PAC
• Wed, Feb. 7: Middle School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm
• Wed, Feb. 7: PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Event: Managing Stress and Pressure, 7:15 pm, Scott House Living Room
• Sun, Feb. 11: Empty Bowl Dinner, 4:00-7:00 pm
• 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
• 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

The Middle School Winter Arts Evening is TONIGHT, Thursday, January 18, at 7:15 pm in the SSFS Performing Arts Center. This event is the culmination of a semester's worth of work and study, and the majority of Middle School students will be performing. The Visual Art, Digital Media Arts, and Weaving classes will have their work on display in the Performing Arts Center Lobby. For Music, Movement, and Drama students, attendance and participation is essential and required. Students in those classes must arrive by 6:30 pm. Full details were sent in an e-mail communication to all Middle School parents, and parents may e-mail Michelle Puhl-Price with any questions.

We wanted to express our gratitude for all the efforts that went into making last Friday's International Potluck Lunch a HUGE success! Thank you to everyone who made delicious dishes, and to all the parent volunteers who helped with set-up, clean-up, organizing and serving. Many hands were needed and appreciated!

See photos from the MS International Potluck Lunch online here, and download/view more photos on Vidigami here.

Again, gracias and merci from the MS Global Languages Department - Kristin, Liz, Kexin and James.

Sandy Spring Friends Middle School is presenting 67 Cinderellas in the PAC Theater on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at 7:15 pm. The play is a very funny twist on the famous Cinderella story. Admission is free and appropriate for all ages. Donations are welcome at the door. Fourth and fifth grade families: don't forget to RSVP here if you'd like to attend the pre-play dinner at 6:00 pm in Westview before the show!

Save the date and pre-register now for the Girl's Basketball Clinic on Monday, Feb. 19 (President's Day - no school), from 9 am - 12 pm. More details below or in downloadable flyer/registration form. Please feel free to contact Amanda Hill with any additional questions. Thanks, and I hope your daughter can join in on the fun on the basketball court!

• What: President's Day Girl's Basketball Clinic, hosted by the US Women's Varsity Basketball Team
• Where: SSFS Athletic Center Gym
• When: Monday, Feb. 19 (President's Day), from 9 am - 12 pm
• Who: LS and MS Girls (grades PK4-Grade 8)
• Cost: $35/per person (t-shirt included!)
• What to Bring: Sneakers, a water bottle, and an attitude ready for basketball FUNdamentals!
• Registration: Click here for the registration form. Walk-ins accepted, but an email RSVP is appreciated.
• Questions: Contact Amanda Hill, amanda.hill@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.

• Tues-Mon, Jan. 16-22: US Exams (modified schedule: see info below and refer to email sent by Jonathan Oglesbee on 1/17)
• Mon, Jan. 22: US Exams - Friday's exams are now scheduled for Monday, Jan. 22 due to Wednesday's snow day; see email sent by Jonathan Oglesbee on Jan. 17 with updated schedule
• Tues, Jan. 23: First Day of 2nd Semester; Make-Up exams scheduled for Tuesday morning from 8:00-10:15 am; 2nd semester classes begin at 10:20.
• Thurs, Jan. 25: State of the School Presentation, 6:00 pm, PAC- See more info here. (Weather make-up date is Feb. 1 if needed)
• Thurs, Jan. 25: PA Fundraiser at Jersey Mike's Subs (get flyer here)
• Fri, Feb. 2: Re-Enrollment Contracts Available for Current Families After 7:00 pm
• Sat, Feb. 3: Middle School Play, 7:15 pm, PAC
• Tues, Feb. 6: Dorm Black History Month Celebration, 6:00-8:00 pm, Westview
• Wed, Feb. 7: Upper School Parent-Teacher Conferences, 2:45-5:00 pm
• Wed, Feb. 7: PEP (Parent Encouragement Program) Event: Managing Stress and Pressure, 7:15 pm, Scott House Living Room
• Sat, Feb. 10: ACT Test Date
• Sun, Feb. 11: Empty Bowl Dinner, 4:00-7:00 pm
• 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

The US exam schedule has been modified due to Wednesday's snow day. The schedule for the remainder of this week and early next week is below. Please also refer to the email from Jonathan Oglesbee sent Wed, Jan. 17 for more information about requirements for rescheduling exams. Please note that there will be regular bus service for Upper School students on Monday, January 22nd. However, if your student usually rides the bus and will NOT be riding the bus on Monday, please contact Cathyrn Carnevale.

Friday, Jan. 19

• 8:45-11:00 am – Period D Exams
• 11:00-12:30 – Help Sessions
• 12:40-1:10 – Lunch
• 1:15-3:30 – Period E Exams

Monday, Jan. 22

• 8:45-11:00 am – Period F Exams
• 11:00-12:30 – Help Sessions
• 12:40-1:10 – Lunch
• 1:15-3:30 – Period G Exams

Tuesday, Jan 23

• 8:00-10:15 am – Makeup Exams (Note: students with extended time will be permitted to finish their exams.)
• Begin Semester II (Day 4 missing E and F Blocks)
• 10:20 – 11:10 – G Block
• 11:15 – 11:55 – A Block
• 12:00 – 12:40 – Meeting for Worship
• 12:40 – 1:20 – Lunch
• 1:20 – 2:10 – B Block
• 2:15 – 3:05 – C Block
• 3:05 – 3:30 – Academic Help

SSFS continues to distinguish itself as "an ideal setting for intellectual contemplation, diverse extracurricular pursuits, and personal growth." The SSFS Quiz Bowl Team – represented by Captain Asa Kienitz-Kincade ('18), Assistant Captain Justis Dixon ('19), Michelle Tobin ('19), Alan Burd ('19), Bella Vignola ('19), and Moira McCudden ('21) – recently qualified for the playoffs of this year's very competitive MABL (Montgomery Academic Beltway League) as the #2 seed. By virtue of their current overall record of 37-12-0 (15-1-0 in the MABL), Sandy Spring Friends School continues to demonstrate academic excellence by advancing to the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year.

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! Upper School students interested in academic competition are welcome to see firsthand what the buzz is all about on Tuesday and Friday afternoons during Academic Help (3:00pm-3:25pm) in Quiz Bowl Coordinator Eduardo Polón's classroom (Moore Hall 105). For more information contact Eduardo at eduardo.polon@ssfs.org and to learn more about It's Academic visit http://www.itsacademicquizshow.com/.

The Upper School is very excited to announce a summer 2018 service opportunity in rural China. The trip will focus on running a summer camp for kids in an isolated and mountainous area of FengShan County, Guangxi province. In addition to the work in Guangxi, the trip will include travel to major sites in Southeast China, and will involve a homestay period in ShenZhen (next to Hong Kong) with SSFS alumni and current international students. The trip will be held from mid-July to early August, with a total cost of around $2800. Scholarships are also available via the Ari and Nancy Preuss Global Citizens Fund - contact Bim Shauffler for details. A student application is available at this link, to be submitted to either Brian Brubaker or Takisha Reece by Friday, February 9. Please see either Brian or Takisha with any questions.

As a student athlete, do you find it harder to manage homework once your sport season begins? Would you like to gain insight on ways to better develop your time management and organizational skills? Consider the Flex Program! Your Flex session can be used to

• get homework done;
• create a schedule for the upcoming week/month;
• learn how to prioritize assignments;
• find resources/tools to remind you of work that needs to be completed, and more!

It's all up to you! "Reclaim your time" by registering for a drop in Flex session today!

You are invited to the Sandy Spring Museum's "Wellspring Visions" exhibit , which runs from Saturday, Jan. 13 through Saturday, Feb. 10. The museum hours are Wed. - Sat. from 10 am - 5 pm. This exhibit by Wellspring Artists, who are residents of Friends House, is mixed media, including paintings, prints, drawings, pastels, photography, ceramics and textiles. The Artists' Reception on Saturday, January 13, from 3-5 pm was a big success. Wellspring Artists issue a special invitation to this exhibition to SSFS students and their parents.

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.