Early Childhood students are extremely excited about the growth of the vegetables they planted in their all season vegetable garden, which has been a new project for them this year. Lettuce, mint, carrots, kale, and Brussels sprouts are just a few of the many vegetables growing in this space. Over the course of the school year, the students and teachers tended to the garden, winterized the garden, and eagerly anticipated the new growth. Currently, students are busy picking vegetables and observing their growth. Just this past week, the students picked the vegetables and created a beautiful salad which they enjoyed at lunch time.

This spring, our Dean of Equity + Inclusion, Camille S. Edwards connected with LS Art Faculty Mary Jo Allegra about commissioning a collection of student art to adorn the walls of our Quaker Student Life Center. Led by Mary Jo Allegra, our LS Art & Community class strives to answer the question: "What role might the visual arts play in strengthening our community?" Students were tasked with designing multiple pieces that would to-scale fit specific wall space within this collaborative student space. Last week, our student artists returned to the QSLC to present their art work to members of our Quaker Practice through Community Engagement Team (responsible for Student Life). Students were empowered by Allegra to speak specifically to the purpose and emotionality of their artwork. Members of our student life team were so moved by this presentation that they have decided to remove all previous wall decor from the space and begin anew with this inspired energy! 

Our 8th grade class has been supporting this wonderful event for over 25 years. Students bring games that have been built by FA students to the games at Mitchell Field. 8th graders guide the children who have a wide range of physical, emotional and mental disabilities to play the games and provide them support, encouragement and love! This is a wonderful service project that allows for the kids have direct involvement with those who have need!

The Varsity Academic Team had a great showing at the National Academic Tournament run by Questions Unlimited in Washington, DC. We surpassed even our own expectations, going 5-3 in tournament matches, losing to the eventual tournament champions by just one question! As they have since they were freshmen, the team of Michael Bellion, Alan and Ben Cooper and Eddie Zuckerbrot played with just the right mix of speed, depth of knowledge, sense of humor, competitive spirit, and sportsmanship. Matt Davison and Jen Newitt were so happy to get to see them play a few more times before they graduated, though they had so many close matches we are still waiting for our heart rates to get back to normal! Congratulations to all!

Last week our 2nd through 5th graders enjoyed their field day with a variety of activities on the field. It is always such a great way for children to work as a team and cheer for each other. And there were many laughs in the process. On Monday Grades K and 1 will have their chance to do the same. On a bittersweet note, we will say goodbye to our 5th graders on Tuesday in our Moving Up Meeting for Worship. We wish them the best of luck.