G+October+2010

October 26, 2010 The meeting convened at 7 pm, following a delicious pot luck meal. Marsha asked about the committee’s work in the past, what we valued, and what lead us to this committee work. Barbara shared that she values the make-up of the committee, including all aspects of the school. Early Schools sometimes feel isolated; this committee brings together the pieces of the community. Mary Deborah affirmed her appreciation for the strata of the group. She expressed frustration that we have all these voices – what do we do with them? She would like to see clarity in the role and responsibilities of and to the student representatives. Aliza and George (both members of Durham Meeting) had heard of the committee. Although unsure what was involved, when asked by Mary Deborah, they were willing to serve. Marybeth explained how ASSP was able to link with the Upper School to provide support and information for a symposium on war. Kathryn Diamant, last year’s US rep, was the liaison. Kathryn’s being on this committee with folks from ASSP provided the connection. Other highlights from last year were mentioned: - ASSP presentation at First Day Forums at both Durham and Chapel Hill Meetings - ASSP presentation to the Board (the first since the inception of the ASSP) - PSA day of service (seeking new leadership this year) - Monthly Meetings for Worship on last Wednesdays This year, CFS will begin the process of being accredited by the Friends Council on Education. In the past, we have been automatic members of FCE because half of our Board consisted of members of local Meetings. With the change last year in the CFS By-Laws, this is no longer the case. CFS will be following the Membership Assessment Pathway (MAP), which will involve some self-study, some gathering of documents, and a site visit. The groundwork will be laid this academic year, with an official start to the process likely in late spring 2011. Marsha provided the committee with an outline of the FCE process, asking that we give particular attention to queries 3 – 6. One of the requirements of the process is that CFS have a group whose function is to nurture the Quaker dimension of the school. The site visit team will expect to meet with us when they are here. Marsha asks that we think about what is Quaker about CFS. How can this committee help to   answer that question? How can we share our perspectives with the Board and the community? Jamie notes that this process may give us a framework to look at ourselves. How do we    nurture and demonstrate that which is Quaker about us? This committee has a new name this year, also due to the changes in the CFS By-Laws. Marsha indicates that the new name could, if we wish, allow a restructuring of the committee and how it works. Kathy asked that the Board indicate how they would like to reword our mandate to reflect the name change. Charlie expressed that he values this committee as a place where concerns may be brought, as did a parent last year regarding advisee trips to play paint ball. We can be a starting place for broader discussions. Cheryl wondered how we might be more open to parents, letting them know that they may share community concerns with us. __ Brainstorming session __ – Ideas and Queries - How to nurture and demonstrate the Quaker dimension of CFS? - Continue to provide Meeting info in // Update // - Better Quaker education of staff - “subversive” Quakerism throughout school - true or taken for granted? - Parents want to learn what their kids are learning about Quakerism - CHES – SPICES at back to school night - MS orientation class for new students: “// Where’s the you in CFS?” // Now includes all ages – but used to be only first years - Klopfers at retreat – we need to know our history - MS Stoveside Chat topic: Mindfulness - LS students writing queries for Meeting for Worship - Mike does Quakerism class for US frosh – what about those who enter later? - We have lots of silence – do we teach kids how to use it? - Get reprints of articles from Friends Journal to hand out - Use // Update // to share our mission - Repeat our 2008 Quaker Education presentation to PSA - Read something together - Where’s the Quaker history? Link Quakers to world/US history. - Explore First Day School resources as outlines for class, Exploratorium - What’s out common experience as we move through the school? Meeting for Worship, Service, Integrity - Name what we do – articulation heightens awareness Next meeting, Tuesday, November 23, 7:00 – 8:30 pm in Lower School. kss 10/31/10