Special events and school traditions are part of the rich social culture of Friends School. Through a

variety of events and activities offered throughout the year, we come together as a welcoming,

supportive school community reflecting the Quaker values of

Simplicity - Peace - Integrity - Community - Equality - Stewardship

Grandparents, Family, and Special Friends Day at Friends School

The 2012-2013 Science Fair For All Grade Levels at State College Friends School

WOLVES Annual Blue & White Game

Fast action and fun at the season finale of Friends School basketball program. Go Wolves! Coaches:

Dan Hendey (Head of School), Teacher Nick Jackson (4th Grade)  Click on the coaches for more photos.

Affirmations - A Friends School Tradition

A few days before Valentine's Day, little paper hearts with written sentiments begin appearing on the doors of administrative offices and around the perimeter of Teacher Diane's desk at the front of the school.  Early in the week, oversized paper hearts are hung throughout classrooms, waiting to be filled with thoughtful notes from classmates and other friends, teachers, and reading buddies. (On the background of this page you can get an idea.)  This Friends School tradition of writing and sharing affirmations is a reminder of the power of a kind word and the beauty of a simple hand-made paper card.  


The SPICES of LIFE GALA


THANK YOU
!  Through the generosity of many, we raised $12,000

for students of State College Friends School

The SPICES of Life Gala is one of State College Friends School's signature friend- and fund-raising events.  This adult social features a delightful array of locally produced foods and brews, a silent auction, music, and time for relaxed conversation. 

Proceeds from ticket and auction sales benefit the school's Annual Fund and signal the start of the Annual Fund Campaign.  Our fundraising goal for this year is $65,000 in direct contributions to the Annual Fund.  For more information about the many ways to give to State College Friends School, contact Lori Pacchioli, Director of Development at lorip@scfriends.org or call 814-237-8386.  Thank you.

The Atherton Hotel Ballroom (made possible through the generosity of a former Friends School family) provides a lovely backdrop for the early evening event.  Thank you to the many community-minded businesses and individuals who donate time, goods, and services for this event.  And thank you to the volunteers who plan the event, gather donations, decorate, set up, and clean up.

Photo:Tinka Berger Photo:Tinka Berger Photo:Tinka Berger
Photo:Tinka Berger Photo: Tinka Berger Photo: Tinka Berger
Photo:Elizabeth Pennock Photo:Elizabeth Pennock Photo: Elizabeth Pennock
Photo:Elizabeth Pennock Photo: Elizabeth Pennock Photo: Elizabeth Pennock
Photo: Benjamin Willis Photo: Benjamin Willis Photo: Benjamin Willis

The school year is marked by celebrations and events with their beginnings in the founding of the school.

The S.P.I.C.E.S. event and the Fun Fair are annual fundraising activities that support our Annual Fund and contribute to our strong sense of community.

Individual classes also Making bubbles

take initiative and to raise money for field trips and for charitable causes as part of a core service-learning curriculum. 

Theme Week: Walk in the Light, Dance in the DarkOur Thankful Tuesday and Winter Holiday Gatherings bring our community together to celebrate the holidays with class presentations, community singing, and performances by our Peace Choir.

Our Valentines Daytradition is to offer each other written affirmations of respect and appreciation. Class parents help to make the day special by preparing yummy treats!

 

During the colder months of the school year, our students wear slippers and line their winter boots up along the classroom entrances. Pajama Day and Crazy Hair Day provide light-hearted fun for students in all grades.

 

A strong tradition in Friend's education is community service. Our older students work weekly at the State College Food Bank and Friends Schoolhouse.  In addition students help with chores inside and outside our school. Classes take on projects that support organizations such as Heifer International and American Friends Service Committee, and P.A.W.S.

 

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Friends School features singing and dramatic presentations, reflecting on the life and work of Dr. King, the civil rights movement, and peacemaking.  

Our K-8 Science Fair features student-created projects that are on display throughout the day for all classes to visit and explore.  Parents and friends come to the school in the evening to see the work.

Throughout the year, the school hosts Workshops and Programs discussing topics of interest to parents.  Past programs have included discussions on using Quaker principles in parenting, consumerism, simplicity, and our school's practice of Friends's values.

Grandparents, Friends, and Families Day brings together our extended community with visits to classrooms, lunch together, and musical performances.

April and May are exciting months for young writers, singers, painters, and performers as each class prepares and performs its own Class Play. Classroom parents prepare snacks and refreshments for the performers in a post-production "Cast Party."

Every Friday the school gathers for Meeting for Worship, a time of collective silence, inclusive of all faiths and without religious instruction, in which each person has time for reflection, thought, composure, and if so led, a vocal sharing. When our community and world experience profound tragedy or blessing, we often come together for Meeting for Worship to create an opportunity for us to seek understanding and comfort from each other. It is common for classroom teachers to start their day with a centering, quiet time and check-ins.

The Camping Trip is an all-school overnight at the end of May. This time spent together enjoying nature's beauty is a culmination of a year of hard work.  It is a memorable experience for students of all ages. 

 

 

Eighth Grade Graduation honors our students and families and brings our school community together one last time to celebrate the year before summer vacation.

 

Photos from our delightfully frightful Halloween parade to Foxdale Village