I+February+2010

Minutes from February 9, 2010 regrets: Mary, Cheryl, Dawn, Mary-Deborah, Kathryn, Martha

Upcoming events  __ Main Campus Meeting for Worship __ – 10:30, February 10, in the gym __ Couples Enrichment Workshop __ – led by Mike and Marsha Green – weekend of April 23-25 Charlie has reserved space in the Middle School and will coordinate advertisement and set-up. An FGC fee of $10 has been suggested – perhaps $15 since a meal will be included.

Sharing from units and other school groups   __ Upper School  __ Registration for spring term classes is underway. Seniors will be honored at Wednesday (2/10/10) night’s basketball games. Clara shared that the spring play will be a production of 5 student-authored plays; casting is occurring now. Willy observed the interesting unit differences in dealing with our recent snowfall. Lower School had no snowball throwing allowed, Middle Schoolers could throw snowballs at objects, Upper School seemed like all out war – anybody fair game. (except Carrie, I hear - kss)

__Middle School __ The Middle School production of //Charlie and the Chocolate Factory// opens this weekend. Anna and Alex shared their roles: tech manager and set design, respectively. Alex said that Jamie’s surgery had delayed the set design crew a bit, but things felt on track now. Anna and Leon told of the Adolescent Issues Forum taking its theme from the MLK “masks” motif. Leon said the screening of the video //Fat City// by Rick Lavoie has led to thoughtful discussions about learning differences and a marked change in kids’ comfort level in speaking about their learning issues.

__Lower School __ Charlie told of practicing centering with the younger Lower School students. Using techniques he’s learned at FCE workshops, Charlie guides the children through breathing and body awareness practices. A parent shared with Charlie that when she expressed being stressed (at home), her son (age 6) recommended that she center herself, and talked her through the process. [Dick asks whether there is a Quaker position on martial arts, as centering is key to akido.]

__Early Schools __ Barbara shared Sarah’s thoughts about the DES students finding their own special “settling in places” in Duke Gardens. Student will spontaneously fall into silence in those places. The DES teachers are glad of the opportunity to deepen students’ connection with nature. At CHES, Barbara described the hard transition from active play (just before lunch) to eating time. When asked for ideas, the students suggested lighting the candle (as they do at settling in) and having some quite time at the beginning of lunch. This has worked beautifully. [Expressions of envy from folks on the Main Campus, where candles are now forbidden.]

__Parent Staff Association __   Viviann shared the success of the MLK service afternoon. Around 130 folks participated in projects both on and off campus. More than 2000 books were donated to Read Seed; the food drive also gathered more donations than expected. The community dance has been postponed until March 5. On March 10, the community is invited to a discussion of this year’s community read – //A Home on the Field//, featuring a panel, and possibly the author. This gathering will begin at 6:45 pm in the US Meeting Hall.

__Afghan Sister School Partnership __   The screening of the documentary //Afghan Star// on January 24 was attended by about 50 folk. The ASSP committee has bought a copy of the DVD, which may end up in the US Library. Viviann announced upcoming presentations by the ASSP group: Sunday, March 21, Forum, Durham Meeting Tuesday, April 20, Board, US Meeting Hall (see invitation below) Sunday, May 2, Forum, Chapel Hill Meeting [Charlie shared that LS has renamed Pizza Day “Tob Chi Day”.]

__Board __ <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Dick related activities from various Board committees. The Governance Committee has been reviewing and updating the By-Laws and will be presenting their work next week. The budget for next year, which includes a salary freeze for staff and a 1.4% tuition increase, was approved in January. The Diversity Committee has compiled an extensive report on the demographics of our area. This data will be useful in planning for the future. The Facilities Committee continues to look at land use. One current dilemma is funding for the feasibility studies necessary to get the long permitting process started.

__<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 14pt;">Committee Business __ <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"> Community Meetings for Worship: March 31, April 28, May 26 School Life Committee meetings: Tuesdays, 7:00 – 8:30 pm March 2, April – no meeting, May 4 – pot luck supper at 6:30 2/9/10 kss

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 36pt;">Supporting a School – <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 36pt;">One Slice at a Time! **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">The Afghan Sister Schools Partnership ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">invites all CFS Board members ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">to share in ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">pizza supper ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">a slide show ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">& ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;"> discussion of the ASSP ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">past, present, and future ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">Tuesday, April 20, US Meeting Hall ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">6 -7 pm (preceding Board meeting) ** **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 24pt;">Suggested donation : $3.50 – 1 slice; $4.50 – 2 slices ** <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">.