J+January+2010

Minutes from January 5, 2010 regrets: Dick, Melissa __ Sharing from units and other school groups __ __ Upper School __ Clara, Kathryn, and Willie described some of the events during the Upper School’s two service days in December. Projects included gleaning for the area food banks, caroling at nursing homes, weeding at Duke Gardens, building sets for //Ariel’s Way//, working on school trails, and more. Dancers and drummers are working with Chuck Davis in preparation for our Martin Luther King Celebration. Visits from rising Middle School students begin this week. __ Middle School __ Anna, Alex, Leon, and Mary Deborah outlined some of the upcoming events in Middle School, including the annual Adolescent Issues Forum, a stove-side chat, and a dance. MS students are also working with Chuck Davis to prepare for MLK Day – a valued connection. __ Lower School __ Charlie and Kathy related that Lower School staff are working on the science and math curriculum. It is challenging to try to codify what we do without being too restrictive. Also, teachers in Sky and River had a chance to meet with K teachers from the Early Schools to discuss language arts and transition issues. At the same time, teachers from Mountain and Forest met with teachers of first-year MS students to have a similar discussion. It was extremely valuable to have the staff development time to have these meetings. __ Early Schools __ Dawn and Barbara talked about various cross-ES ventures. Teachers of the younger students are outlining expectations for what they want students to leave with – using the tenets of the CFS philosophy as a guide. Hallie, Dawn, Tim, and Sarah are making time to visit each other’s classrooms, observe, and then meet for discussion. They are recognizing ways in which the three ES units are connected and enjoying learning from each other. They are grateful for the time and support (subs) to make this possible. __ Parent Staff Association __ Viviann shared that the PSA will meet January 6. They are planning a service activity for the afternoon of MLK Day. The PSA would like to support the couples’ retreat to be offered by Mike and Marsha Green. Some questions arose: How will the workshop be advertised so as to give all a fair chance to enroll? Ideas: //Update//, flyers to hand out, link on //News from CFS//, unit newsletters Childcare: provide link to US babysitters? Charlie says that the Greens recommend a maximum of 8-10 couples. He will check with them about a minimum number needed to have the workshop happen. __ Afghan Sister School Project __ Viviann announced that the ASSP committee will be presenting to the Durham Meeting on Sunday, March 21. On January 24, the ASSP will sponsor a screening of the documentary //Afghan Star// – Upper School Meeting Room, 4 pm. Mary brought up the proposal (mentioned in November) to have the ASSP present to the Board over “pizza supper” (a la Middle School) beginning at 6 pm before the regular Board meeting. Possible dates: March 16 or April 20. Mary, Viviann, and Charlie will determine which is best for both the Board and the ASSP. __ Committee Business __ Inclement weather: Use your own judgment as to road conditions. If school has been closed that day, the meeting is cancelled. Attempts will be made to send email notification of last minute cancellation. If in doubt, call Mary’s cell: 919-357-4697 or Charlie’s: 919-619-2652. Community Meetings for Worship: January 27 (Feb. 24 is a teacher workday.) March 31 April 28 May 26 School Life Committee meetings: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm  February 9 (NB – second Tuesday) March 2 April – no meeting (Spring Break) May 4 – pot luck supper at 6:30 Focus for Unit Sharings Kathy proposed that we consider a “theme” to help focus our noticing of out unit events through the next month. It was decided to use //Silence// as a theme for this month. The theme is not meant to be limiting, and spontaneous sharing of any kind will be welcome. 1/8/10  kss