Thanks for reading the May 24, 2018, newsletter, emailed to all SSFS families each Thursday afternoon during the school year with news, photos, upcoming events, and "must-know" info. 

View This Week's Newsletter on our Website

Wednesday's 2nd Annual "Our People, Our Planet" day has continued to build on the SSFS tradition of Earth Stewardship Day, providing a dual focus of not just environmental literacy, but also greater understanding of the unique social, global, and cultural composition of all SSFS community members. As part of the day's offerings, Upper School students visited LS classrooms to share information about their cultural heritage (click here to see other countries our LS students learned more about). Students from all divisions also had the opportunity to learn about environmental issues and help out around the campus and on the community farm. Read more about the day here, and see photos online and in Vidigami.     

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

• Thurs, May 24: Middle School Arts Night, 7:15 pm, PAC - All are welcome to come see the MS students showcase their artistic talents in drama, movement, music, and digital arts!
• Fri, May 25: Last day for the 5:45 pm afternoon shuttle service
• Mon, May 28: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• Thurs, May 31: 2018 Friends Day Planning Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm, Scott House Collection Space
• Thurs-Fri, May 31-June 1: US Dance and Music Informal Concert - All are welcome to come! Weather permitting, the dance informal portion of the evening with be in the Yarnall Amphitheater @7:15pm. The music portion of the evening will take place after intermission in the PAC theater.
• Fri-Sun, Jun. 1-3: Alumni Weekend
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Last Day of Classes - Early Dismissal at 1:00 pm (All parents are invited to stop by Scott House anytime between 10:30 am - 1:00 pm for light refreshments!)
• Sat, Jun. 9: Class of 2018 Graduation, SSFS campus, 10:00 am (Note: SSFS community members are welcome to attend this outdoor event, but in the event of rain, graduation will be held in the PAC, where seating is limited, and seniors are limited to 6 tickets each.)

On Wednesday, May 23, our whole school came together for a day dedicated to a dual focus of environmental literacy and greater understanding of the unique social, global, and cultural composition of all SSFS community members. Once again, many Upper School students took the lead in continuing the vision of Victoria Lyu '17, which expanded upon our traditional Earth Stewardship Day to highlight the many different cultures of students here on campus. The day included Upper School student presenters on topics including current events, diversity, and international awareness, as well as education on environmental issues. Each class or advisory participated in service, education, and reflection sessions. See a photo gallery with events from the day here. Many more photos from the day are available for download on Vidigami, as well. (Parents, faculty, and students: to access Vidigami, login to the website with your usual username/password, and click the "Photo Galleries - Vidigami link at the top of your portal page. The "Our People, Our Planet" folder is under Special Events.) 

This year SSFS hosted 4 parent educational programs presented by the local organization "PEP," or The Parent Encouragement Program. Research-based and presented by trained parent facilitators, these were on subjects related to the social, emotional and developmental lives of children and their parents. Each program incorporated the latest research on child and adolescent brain development (cognitive and emotional) and current cultural pressures and expectations. Common issues faced by families were addressed clearly by offering specific tips, tools and strategies. Designed with a positive psychology focus, each program emphasizes the crucial relationships between parent and child, promoting the best in children and in parents.

Each of these programs was about 1 hour in length, and as getting on campus for a speaker is very challenging, each was videotaped for the SSFS community to watch over the next several months. The links to these programs are on the SSFS parent portal, and can be also accessed below, using the password "SSFS". So put the kids to bed, or leave your teen to their homework, put up your feet and learn parenting tips from the pros!

• Problem Solving With Teens
• Taming Morning Mayhem
• Tackling Technology
• Managing Stress and Pressure

The SSFS PA would like to thank the SSFS parents for all they do to make our community so special! We hope you’ll come by and enjoy conversation, light lunch refreshments (sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, and other goodies) to celebrate of the start of summer in Scott House between 10:30 am and 1:00 pm (especially convenient for Lower School parents who want to fill that awkward time between the end of the Moving On Day assembly and the 1:00 pm dismissal!). Even if you can't stay, please stop by and grab some food to take with you. We hope to see you there!

Friends Day is a perfect opportunity for the whole SSFS community come together after the summer break to reconnect with old friends and get to know newcomers to SSFS! Next fall, Friends Day 2018 will be on Saturday, September 15, from 4:00-7:00 pm. We will be meeting on Thurs, May 31, at 7:00 pm in the Scott House Collection Space to start the planning, so that we can make Friends Day 2018 the best one ever! Interested in getting involved? Please contact Tiffany Jones. Find out more here.

As the spring sports season wraps up, a reminder that the last day of the 5:45 shuttle will be on Friday, May 25th. Thank you!

Upcoming Events 

• Thurs, May 31: 2018 Friends Day Planning Committee Meeting, 7:00 pm, Scott House Collection Space - see more here.
• Thurs, Jun. 7: All SSFS parents are invited to stop by Scott House from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm for light refreshments as we kick off summer on the last day of school!
• Tues, Jun. 12: PA Faculty/Staff Appreciation Lunch -Sign up to volunteer  or Sign up for food donations online here.

On Tuesday, June 12, the PA will be hosting an appreciation lunch for our wonderful faculty and staff. Please take a moment to sign up to volunteer and show your gratitude! May 10 update: Sign up for food donations online here. We appreciate your help!

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, or visit the Calendar web page to see full calendar.

• Mon, May 28: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• Wed, May 30: LS Field Day (see more info below)
• Thurs, May 31: 4th Grade Wax Museum
• Fri, Jun. 1: 2nd Grade "All-About" Museum
• Sun, Jun. 3: Lower School Fun Day, 1:00-3:00 pm, LS Sport Court
• Mon, Jun. 4: Moving on Day Rehearsal, 8:30-10:00 am, PAC
• Tues, Jun. 5: 5th Grade Recognition Night, 6:30 pm, Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting House (17715 Meeting House Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860)
• Wed, Jun. 6: Moving on Day Rehearsal, 8:30-10:00 am, PAC
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Lower School Moving On Day Assembly, 8:30-10:00 am, PAC
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Strawberry Shortcake and snacks at Scott House, 10:30 am -1:00 pm
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Last Day of Classes, Early Dismissal at 1:00 pm

The roller-coaster ride of our 2017-2018 year will soon end; the time of passages and moving on is fast approaching. As we prepare for the many year-end events and traditions, soon we will wonder, “How did it get to be June?” These upcoming weeks will be action-packed and quick. Click here to see Brenda's full letter detailing recent and upcoming events for May and June.

Due to the soggy weather, the Lower School Field Day has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, May 30th! 

In preparation for the day’s events we remind parents to please have their child come ready for a full morning outside with the following items:  

1. SNEAKERS 
2. WATER BOTTLE (with name clearly labeled) 
3. HAT 
4. SUNSCREEN (please apply before school) 
5. SNACK

To create some spirit and excitement, each grade has been assigned a team color, which is for Field Day purposes only. We’d like each child to try and wear this color on Field Day; however, please do not go out and buy a new t-shirt for your child should they not have this color. Anything with that color on it is perfectly suitable, but should they want to really get into it, they can wear as much of this color as they’d like! The more creative and fun, the better! 

• PK3-PK4-K:    Green 
• 1st Grade:       Yellow 
• 2nd Grade:      Purple 
• 3rd Grade:       Blue 
• 4th Grade:       Red 
• 5th Grade:       Orange 

Lastly, parent volunteers are welcome to come to take some video of each station. Should you be interested in assisting with this, please contact Amanda at amanda.hill@ssfs.org. We are truly looking forward to a wonderful day of activity, team spirit and cross divisional fun with the Middle School! Bring on the sunshine!

All Lower School families are invited to close out the school year with food, friends, and FUN! Join us on Sunday, June 3rd from 1-3 PM by the Lower School sport court (in the event of rain, the event will be moved to the Athletic Center). There will be inflatables, Italian ice, and activities for all ages and stages. We’ll also be welcoming our newly-admitted Lower School families to the community, so be sure to come out and meet some new friends!

Each class is being asked to bring a small snack. May 9th update: Please visit the SignUp Genius link here to RSVP and sign up. Questions can be directed to Desiree Polyak at depolyak@yahoo.com.

The end of a school year is filled with many amazing SSFS traditions, and the last day of school involves many of those traditions. The last day of our 2017-2018 school year is Thursday, June 7. All PK3 – Grade 5 students are expected to arrive at the usual time and stay until dismissal at 1:00 pm. This will allow their full participation in year-end activities with their classmates and give us ample time for closure and goodbyes. 

Our day on June 7 begins with the Lower School Moving On Day Assembly in the Performing Arts Center (PAC) from 8:30 – 10:00 am. This is a very special event to which ALL Lower School families and friends are invited.  All PK3 – Grade 5 students are involved in this performance.

After the assembly, families are invited to enjoy strawberry shortcake and light snacks at Scott House while the students return to Lower school for the following activities: 

• Traditional T-shirt signing outdoors (parents welcome)
• Classroom activities (students and teachers only)
• Strawberry Cowbake (lunch outside- weather permitting – students and teachers only)
• Return to classrooms for farewells (students and teachers only)
• Dismissal at 1:00 pm (Carpool and buses per usual at this earlier time!)

Please make every effort to ensure that your child can stay until our 1:00 pm dismissal on June 7. Like structure and routine, closure is important to our young SSFS wildebeests!

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, or visit the Calendar web page to see full calendar.

• Thurs, May 24: MS Arts Evening, 7:15 pm, PAC (Music, Movement, and Drama students must arrive by 6:30 pm; see more info here)
• Mon, May 28: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• Wed, May 30: Incoming 9th Grade Orientation Evening, 7:15-8:30 pm, PAC-Studio B (note date change from May 17!)
• Fri, Jun. 2: 8th Grade Dance, 7:00-10:00 pm, Yarnall Lobby
• Tues, Jun. 5: 8th Grade Evening Activity, 3:30-10:30 pm (see more here)
• Wed, Jun. 6: Middle School Beach Day - See more here
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Last Day of Classes - Early Dismissal at 1:00 pm. Parents: stop by Scott House before dismissal (from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm) for light refreshments! 
• Thurs, Jun. 7: 8th Grade Recognition Night, Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting House (17715 Meeting House Rd, Sandy Spring, MD 20860). Class photo at 4:45 pm. See more here.

The Middle School Spring Arts Evening is tonight, Thursday, May 24th, at 7:15 PM. This event is the culmination of a semester’s worth of work and study, and the majority of Middle School students will be performing or 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 6:30PM. Full details were sent via e-mail, and parents may e-mail Michelle Puhl-Price with any last-minute questions.

Our seventh grade scientists have been working very hard on their solar cars and are excited to compete in the upcoming Junior Solar Sprint races in Washington, DC on Friday, May 25th. Students should bring sun screen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and a water bottle. Bag lunches from the dining hall will be provided.

On Friday, May 18th, the MS Event Planning Committee hosted a fun-filled afternoon for all middle school students.  There was 3-on-3 basketball and face painting. In addition, there was the “Fishing” game and three-legged races, both with prizes! The highlight for students (and faculty…) was the ball tossing game, where the GRAND prize was getting to throw pies in the face of faculty! What fun!!  Thank you Devon, David Blake, and Aimee for being good sports and having multiple pies thrown at you!

Read highlights about the 2018 spring season from the Middle School spring team coaches here! 

As was outlined in a recent letter home, there are several significant events for our eighth graders as we approach the conclusion of their Middle School experience. Be sure your calendar is marked with these important dates:

• Saturday, June 2: 8th GRADE DANCE in Yarnall Lobby from 7:00-10:00 pm. Please refer to communications from Bela Meghani and Meredith Shankle for more specifics about the event.
• Tuesday, June 5: 8th GRADE EVENING ACTIVITY – Students will be in school for the whole day. After school is dismissed for the day, students will have some time to gather and relax before we head out for the evening. We are going to Sky Zone, followed by dinner at the Columbia Mall food court. The evening will wrap up back at SSFS for some class selected games and snacks. Parents are asked to pick their students up at 10:00 pm from the Middle School. Admission to Sky Zone will be covered by SSFS, however, students are asked to bring in $10-12 to cover the cost of their dinner at the food court. Please note students will not be allowed to shop while at the mall.
• Thursday, June 7: 8th GRADE RECOGNITION EVENING – Begins with a class picture at 4:45 pm. Eighth grade students, their parents, guardians, and families are invited to the Sandy Spring Friends Monthly Meeting House in Sandy Spring for a Meeting for Worship in celebration of our students’ Middle School years. A reception with light refreshments in the Community House follows. We ask students to wear appropriate dress for the celebration of the evening, which generally means long pants, collared shirts, closed toe shoes, dresses, skirts, or slacks.  

Middle School Students and Faculty are looking forward to our annual trip to Sandy Point State Park for a full day of fun in the sun on Wednesday, June 6^th. Students should wear bathing suits under their clothes to school, and bring a towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and a change of clothes. Bag lunches from the dining hall will be provided. 

As we move into our third year with an aligned schedule in the Upper and Middle Schools, the Schedule Alignment Committee met earlier this school year to review the schedule and consider potential modifications. As a result, the committee recommended and Division Heads approved a few changes to the Middle and Upper School rotating block schedule.

For the 2018-19 Academic Year, the school day will start at 7:55 am. Middle School will hold a required attendance Advisory during this earlier start. Upper School will hold an optional attendance Academic Help. Classes for both divisions will start at 8:10 am. Please note that the schedule will remain aligned between the two divisions, and the timing of bus transportation will not be impacted. Click the links below to view the 2018-2019 Middle School or Upper School block schedules:

• Midddle School Block Schedule for 2018-19
• Upper School Block Schedule for 2018-19

 8th Grade student Maeve P. is having a bake sale; proceeds will go to the Children’s National hospital in DC. The bake sale will take place on Thursday, May 31 and Friday, June 1, after school from 3: 30-4:00 pm, as well as Friday, June 1, during Middle School lunch.  The bake sale will be held by the Lower School recess field and the brick pillars. Please donate treats. Treats can be dropped off at Erin Ryan’s desk in the Middle School Thursday or Friday morning. Please have all treats individually wrapped. For more information contact Maeve at pericma89@ssfs.org.

Below is information about upcoming US and all-school activities and events in the coming weeks. For questions or more information about an event, please contact Meredith Shankle, US Administrative Assistant, at ext. 109 or meredith.shankle@ssfs.org, or visit the Calendar web page to see full calendar. 

• Mon, May 28: NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
• Thurs-Fri, May 31-Jun. 1: Upper School Music and Dance Informal Concert, 7:15 pm, PAC Theater
• Fri-Sun, Jun. 1-3: Alumni Weekend
• Sat, Jun. 2: SAT Test Date
• Mon-Thurs, Jun. 4-7: Upper School Exams
• Wed, Jun. 6: US Senior-Parent Meeting for Worship, 7:15-9:15 pm, Meeting House (on campus; reception to follow MFW)
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Last Day of Classes - Early Dismissal at 1:00 pm. Parents: stop by Scott House before dismissal (from 10:30 am - 1:00 pm) for light refreshments! 
• Thurs, Jun. 7: Dorm Closes for Grades 9-11 at 6:00 pm
• Fri, Jun. 8: Graduation Rehearsal, Senior-Faculty Luncheon, 12:00-2:30 pm
• Fri, Jun. 8: International Student Senior-Parent Reception, 3:00-4:00 pm, Scott House
• Sat, Jun. 9: Class of 2018 Graduation, SSFS campus, 10:00 am (Note: SSFS community members are welcome to attend this outdoor event, but in the event of rain, graduation will be held in the PAC, where seating is limited, and seniors are limited to 6 tickets each.)

SSFS Quiz Bowl Coordinator Eduardo Polón has been named the tenth recipient of the Sophie Altman Coach of the Year by the producers of It’s Academic. Eduardo was presented with the award on Saturday, May 19, and the announcement will air on NBC4 on June 30 at 10:30 am, during the broadcast of this season’s Final. Between participation on It’s Academic, the Montgomery Academic Beltway League (MABL), and other area tournaments, Eduardo has helped SSFS distinguish itself among the more formidable yet friendly academic teams in the Greater Metropolitan DC area, amassing an overall record of 178-83-4 since 2013. As back-to-back semifinalists on It’s Academic, back-to-back MABL silver medalists, and finalists of Blake High School’s It’s Academic Tournament, this year’s SSFS Quiz Bowl Team set or tied ten program records on route to a remarkable 47-15-0 campaign. Congratulations, Eduardo! Please click here to read the full article...

On Sunday evening, May 20th, Upper School Student-Athletes gathered in the PAC to celebrate the Year in Athletics at SSFS. Coaches from each US athletic team spoke about their seasons and provided highlights, both individual and team. All-League Student-Athletes were recognized and a slideshow was shown.

As an extra special treat, Athletic Director Steve Powers invited Coach Lincoln Philips to come talk to the community about success in Athletics. Coach Philips is a very decorated soccer player as well as coach. Among his many accolades, he was the Trinidad and Tobago National Team goalkeeper, the first black professional soccer coach in U.S. History in 1968, and led the Howard University Bison to two undefeated seasons and NCAA Championships. Read more about this special event here...

The Performing Arts Center Theater served as the venue for cerebral bragging rights on Monday, May 21, as Coordinator Eduardo Polón hosted the spirited 7th Annual Quiz Bowl All-Star Assembly. Welcome to the world of academic competition!

Based on observed output during regular season Quiz Bowl Club competition, All-Star teams were assembled by grade, consisting of four members plus alternates. When the dust settled, bragging rights for 2018 went to the seniors.  Kudos to the audience who answered several questions tossed out to them. In a surprise twist, this year’s grade champion faced off against a secret all-star faculty team. On this day, the students surpassed their teachers.

Ultimately, the Quiz Bowl All-Star Assembly served as a showcase for what the buzz has been all about: 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! Congratulations to this year’s Quiz Bowl All-Stars and stay tuned for next week’s article dedicated to this year’s Quiz Bowl Cup Championship, which took place on Tuesday, May 22.

Read full article with the names of each All Star team members here...

As we move into our third year with an aligned schedule in the Upper and Middle Schools, the Schedule Alignment Committee met earlier this school year to review the schedule and consider potential modifications. As a result, the committee recommended and Division Heads approved a few changes to the Middle and Upper School rotating block schedule.

For the 2018-19 Academic Year, the school day will start at 7:55 am. Middle School will hold a required attendance Advisory during this earlier start. Upper School will hold an optional attendance Academic Help. Classes for both divisions will start at 8:10 am. Please note that the schedule will remain aligned between the two divisions, and the timing of bus transportation will not be impacted. Click the links below to view the 2018-2019 Middle School or Upper School block schedules:

• Middle School Block Schedule for 2018-19
• Upper School Block Schedule for 2018-19

Read highlights about the 2018 spring season from the Upper School spring team coaches here! 
 

Seniors and parents were sent an email outlining information about end-of-year special events and activities, leading up to and including graduation on June 9, 2018. Click here to see the email.  

This section ("In Case You Missed It") provides brief summaries and links to articles that have appeared in previous newsletters, but reference activities or events that are still upcoming and/or may be of interest to families. Original articles are also posted below.
 

• Staffing Positions Available for Young World Leaders (YWL) Program: Click here to apply to be part of our inspiring leadership team. Questions? Please email Dianna Whittle.
   
• SSFS Announces Launch of Summer Social Entrepreneurship Program on Georgetown's Campus: This four-week program offers both day and boarding options. To learn more or to apply, please visit www.youngworldleaders.org or contact nick.boedicker@ssfs.org.

The Spring Sports season has ended! You can read highlights from Upper School spring teams here, or Middle School spring teams here. 

Women's or size 16 Youth Golf Clubs needed for an SSFS student who is 5'3". Please contact Sheri at slsmoreau@gmail.com or call (818) 681-1911.

Coach Parker Basketball Academy is a forward-thinking developmental program, aimed to help young athletes achieve their maximum potential. Designed to deepen commitment to personal success, our program nurtures dedication and fosters discipline to build a foundation of knowledge for a lifetime.
Register here for camp, June 25-29, 2018

Summer at Sandy Spring is in demand! With the start of camp just around the corner on Monday, June 18, limited spots remain. With space limited and camp on the horizon, we encourage you to register today! SSFS families may receive a 10% discount by entering BESTATCAMP when registering. In the meantime, if we can be of any assistance, please email us at camp@ssfs.org or call 301-774.7455 x167. See full article to find out more!

Spacious 3 bed/3.5 bath townhouse for rent in beautiful Hallowell section of Olney, MD. Carpeted and furnished, with updated kitchen and separate dining room. Finished basement. New deck out back with garden and view of lake with ducks. Outdoor pool membership included. Close to restaurants, shopping, and SSFS. No pets or smokers. Price negotiable: the most important thing is to make sure the renter is responsible and will take good care of the home! Short-term rentals also considered. Contact Gloria Oddo at gloriaal10@gmail.com or 301-648-6336. 

This is an optional, opt-in virtual bulletin board for all members of the SSFS community to share resources and announcements about topics not part of the traditional school day or school related events (think: finding babysitters, repair service recommendations, hiking groups, etc.)   Please fill in this quick online form to opt in.