The first two weeks are “the most important time in the school year for all children,” says University of Kentucky professor Thomas Guskey. “What happens during this critical period pretty much determines how the rest of the year will go.” Students return from summer vacation to find new classes, new teachers, new books, and new […]
… although leaving BFS has always been a part of the plan… Graduation 2019
The rains subsided, the class photo was taken, and we gathered as a community in the Buckingham Monthly Meeting’s Meetinghouse – at the conclusion of Buckingham Friends School’s 224th year – to celebrate and recognize the graduating Eighth Grade class of 2019. Beautiful preludes and songs punctuated the overall spirit and meaning of the event, […]
…she has that rare ability
As the school year nears completion, I would like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of Fran Cagle. She greets all of us each day with a ready smile, eager to process requests and answer many questions, and always willing to support the children. She helps coordinate and plan events, produce mailings, track attendance, […]
9 things that work to limit screen time during the summer
9 things that work to limit screen time and keep your child (and you!) happy and healthy, by Dr. Nate Chomilo Set the example. Kids are very perceptive. “Do as I say, not as I do” does not pass the sniff test with most. Parents must also follow house screen rules. Research shows that the […]
expressions of gratitude and the final results from Giving Day 2019!
I write to thank everyone in the BFS community – from near and far – for the incredible outpouring of support during Giving Day last week. Each and every gift helped us reach our goal: to receive 148 donations in one day and secure $10,000 from an anonymous alumna. The final results are in, and […]
Stereotype Threat
A few years ago, I attended a conference at which Dr. Claude Steele presented an inspiring, informative, and thought-provoking keynote talk, “Stereotype Threat: How it affects us and what we can do about it.” Dr. Steele is an internationally renowned social scientist and university executive, and his theory of stereotype threat has been the focus […]
How to Raise Successful People: Simple Lessons for Radical Results
By Esther Wojcicki (brief excerpts, full article here) Parents constantly ask me for advice. Through my decades of experience as a mother, grandmother and educator, I’ve identified several fundamental values that help our kids achieve success. One of these values is kindness, and it’s one that some parents fail to teach their kids. Teach your kids […]
BFS’s New Diversity Statement (and How Diversity Makes Us Smarter)
Our newly formed Diversity Committee drafted the following statement over the course of this year. Reviewed, revised, and approved by the full faculty in April, it was presented to the Board of Trustees last week. The statement is built upon the foundation of our mission as a school and the core beliefs which we stand […]
It’s “HOW” our community shows up that amazes me!
I send a heartfelt thanks to the many parents, former parents, students, teachers, staff members, trustees, Buckingham Meeting members, and friends of BFS who donated their time and energy this past Saturday at Spring Frolic 2019. The sky was grey, the weather damp, and it was how many people that showed up, and “how” our […]
Remembering Pete Seeger
Today is Peter Seeger’s birthday, and he would have turned 100. Pete Seeger is one of my heroes, and it is with sadness that I recall that he passed away six years ago at the age of 94. An inspiring folk singer and daring activist with a deep love and concern for our world, he […]