Weekly Newsletter

Although our celebrations this spring didn’t look as they usually do, we did manage to close our time with these students in a way that shined a light on how near and dear we hold the Class of 2024 in our hearts. On Monday, June 8th, members of the Eighth Grade Team hit the roads in pairs (driving separately, of course!) to visit our eighth graders. We delivered a yard sign, a commemorative t-shirt, their yearbook and certificate, and of course, lots of good cheer. Click here to see pictures from the “Drive-Bye" (don't forget to login to your parent portal page first for Vidigami access).

Although Eighth Grade Recognition was held via Zoom, it was still a beautiful tribute to their time in the Middle School. As we would have in person, students, family members and faculty shared very personal and poignant thoughts during Meeting for Worship, and in what just might become a new tradition, students and families viewed a slideshow of Middle School memories from the Class of 2024 as well as a slideshow featuring each of our eighth grade students. We are very proud of their accomplishments and wish them the best as they move on to the next step in their academic journey.  

Now that everyone has fully mastered the capabilities of Zoom, Middle School Faculty organized a host of virtual activities for students to choose from as a fun way to wind down the school year. Students could select from a wide array of options during four special activity blocks. Choices included the Dog Zoom, Kahoot, Boggle, Dance Party, Pictionary, Scavenger Hunt, Silly Pet Tricks, Let’s Play Mafia, Virtual Baking, and Fitness with Friends. 

During the Dog Zoom, our middle schoolers brought along their favorite furry friends to connect with other dogs and dog lovers. They also had a chance to connect with some of their favorite campus dogs. You check out a little bit of the action here.

Virtual Baking had participants making Banana Bread during their  Activity Block, but you can check out all of the group’s projects this spring including step-by-step instructions and how-to videos by viewing our Virtual Baking Cookbook. We hope students will make these treats at home for their families this summer. Bon appetit! 

I just wanted to take a minute to recognize the awesomeness of our 2019-2020 sixth graders. They are funny, smart, hard-working, hilarious, playful, curious, and so much more! Whether it was that wild door-decorating contest during the 12 Days of Winter (the most exhausting part of the year for this advisor!), playing their hearts out in sports, showcasing their talents in the arts, or engaging in lively discussions and activities in class, these kids are special. I believe that the universe has good karma, and that – despite how messed up things are right now in so many ways – amazing things are coming for these kids.I hope everyone has a restful and wonderful summer, recharging however you do it best.

“Reading is a vacation for the mind.” Dave Barry
Looking for a summer getaway? Check out our SSFS Virtual Book Fair! Share what you are reading with friends: Join us on FlipGrid to record and to watch video recommendations; find out more here.

ICYMI: The Class of 2020 had a historic "virtual" graduation via Zoom at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 6. The graduation ceremony (which can be viewed online here) included some amazing student speeches and musical performances; remarks from Upper School Head Jonathan Oglesbee, Head of School Tom Gibian, Clerk of the Board Kip Imlay '71, and faculty member Kwame Darko; and a special address by noted civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis of Georgia. The ceremony ended with the reading of each senior's name to honor their graduation. At 1:00 pm, seniors were invited to campus for a special car parade in their honor. See photos from the car parade on Vidigami here!

Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting invites all SSFS families for Meetings for Worship at SSMM, and other community events and activities throughout the year. Please see the June 7 Silent Announcements for information and details about SSMM goings-on in the coming weeks. Questions? Please contact the SSMM office at ssmm.rsf@gmail.com. Thank you!  

"Olney Together" is a grass roots effort founded by an SSFS parent to help families in the area facing challenges due to the COVID crisis. Olney together: 1. supports existing organizations with people power and 2. Fills in the gaps when other organizations are overwhelmed. Families in need who can usually get food/diapers/formula through other channels (or could pay for it themselves before being laid off) now need support. For more info, to volunteer, or to express need, please visit the website. Contact Joslyne directly with questions.

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.