Message from the OIEJB: March 2026

Spring is a busy and exciting time for SSFS. In addition to Immersion Week, Intersession, and Spring Break, community members from many faiths and a variety of identities celebrate major holidays, religious observances, and more. 

Ramadan Community Potluck Iftar & Eid al-Fitr Recognition

In March 2026, Sandy Spring Friends School community members gathered for a meaningful Ramadan Community Potluck Iftar on March 12, creating space for connection, learning, and shared reflection as students, families, and faculty came together to break the fast at sunset. The gathering highlighted the values of generosity, gratitude, and community that define the month of Ramadan and reflected SSFS’s commitment to honoring the lived experiences and traditions of Muslim members of our community.

Later in the month, the school also recognized Eid al-Fitr (observed March 19–20, 2026), the holiday marking the conclusion of Ramadan. This acknowledgment offered an opportunity to celebrate a time traditionally centered on prayer, joy, generosity, and gathering with loved ones, while reinforcing our shared commitment to belonging and respect across the SSFS community. We extend warm wishes of Eid Mubarak to all who celebrated.

Women’s History Month Programming

In recognition of Women’s History Month, Sandy Spring Friends School students engaged in learning opportunities that highlighted both the historical and ongoing contributions of women across society. A read-aloud in Yarnall centered on the experiences of women in sports, exploring the longstanding challenges women and girls have faced in gaining access to athletic opportunities, being recognized as athletes, and navigating expectations around uniforms and participation. Students also reflected on how these issues continue to shape the experiences of athletes today.

In addition, Upper School students supported peer learning by researching and sharing information across campus about less widely recognized accomplishments by women, helping to elevate stories that are often overlooked. Through these student-led displays and shared resources, the community engaged with themes of equity, perseverance, advocacy, and representation.

Together, these efforts reflected SSFS’s ongoing commitment to fostering belonging by celebrating the impact of women and encouraging thoughtful reflection on both progress made and opportunities that remain ahead.

We’ve celebrated Women’s History Month across divisions with a variety of engagements for students and adults on campus. Third graders presented short biographies about various women who have made an impact in our culture, politics, athletics, arts, and sciences during the Lower School Community Assembly on March 20. Displays in the Middle and Upper Schools offered education about both contemporary and historical women who gained acclaim for their work in various fields.

Some members of the community participated in Ash Wednesday, which begins Lent. Click for more information on Ash Wednesday, Lent, and Easter.

Passover Begins Wed., Apr. 1

Passover begins the evening of Wed., April 1. Throughout the entire week of Passover, students at Sandy Spring Friends School may be keeping Kosher for Passover, which involves eating Matzah (or unleavened bread) throughout the holiday. There is a spectrum of practices surrounding dietary laws on Passover, which include avoiding chametz (or foods containing leavened wheat, rye, barley, oats, or spelt), using only special silverware and dishes for the duration of the holiday that have not been in contact with chametz year round, and the prohibition of eating Kitniyot which encompasses legumes (such as peanuts, beans and peas), rice, and corn. Individual students and families may engage with dietary laws and practices in a variety of nuanced ways, so teachers in each division should maintain open communication with families as needed and remain sensitive to individual needs. Find out more about Passover here.

Holi

As part of the March 20 Lower School Community Assembly, a student shared the background and traditions associated with Holi:

We hope that you are enjoying the arrival of Spring–stay tuned for more from the Office of Institutional Equity, Justice, and Belonging as we approach the end of the school year!