Upper School
Friends Select School

September 2, 2021



(This letter was originally sent home on August 27 -- we added a few details, please read)
 
Dear families, friends, and students, 
 
A warm welcome back to school. I wanted to write to you to share some projects for the year and to remind you of some upcoming events. In aiming to live our mission as a school most fully, we will be leaning into "respect for all" and "learning should be placed at the service of society" as guiding lights for us for this year. In finding ways to embody "respect for all" we will continue much of the work that we started last year related to racial and gender equity, as well as combatting anti-Semitism. Also, for a few years we have been thinking through how to enhance our service learning in the upper school. You will hear more about these two areas as the year goes on, but know that they will be front and center in much of our programming throughout the year. 
 
Additionally, we are looking forward to a more normal school year, with full time in-person learning. Teachers are geared up with some great classes and lessons, and families can expect the same strong academic program that we provide each and every year. We are also enhancing our support systems by formalizing a learning support center where students can access peer tutors, teacher help, and counseling and guidance. Finally, we are looking forward to using our new learning management system, Blackbaud, for all scheduling, gradebook, and assignments -- the integrated system should not only make internal processes more efficient, but students, faculty, and families should find information easier to access. 

A few reminders about what is coming up in September:
  • Feel free to watch the  recording of the August 31 Town Hall meeting  about COVID policies, protocols and the reopening of school this year. 
     
  • September 8: First day of school. Arrive to school by 8:15 a.m. Our regular school schedule is 8:15 a.m. - 3:10 p.m. Students can begin to enter (entrance at 17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway) building at 7:45 a.m.
     
  • September 9: Please join me and members of the upper school administration for a welcome back to school coffee on Zoom from 8:15 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. This session will be recorded, in the event that you cannot attend. We especially invite families new to the upper school to come and get your questions answered. 
     
  • September 10: Trip Days for all grades. See the following letters for more information. (9th grade trip, 10th grade trip, 11th grade trip, and 12th grade trip)
     
  • September 13: 9th Grade Convocation on Zoom from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. All 9th Grade Families should attend this ceremony to formally welcome the class of 2025 to upper school. 
     
  • September 16: School Closed for Yom Kippur. 
     
  • September 22-24: 9th Grade Trip to Echo Hill. See this letter  for more information. 
     
  • September 30: Back to School Night from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. On Zoom
     
  • As a reminder, please read this letter about Building Leave for the year and fill out the form.
We are so pleased that you will be joining us for the 21-22 school year. 
 
Please reach out with any questions. 

In partnership and peace, 

Chris Singler
Upper School Director
215-561-5900, ext. 3119

CS/dy
Chris Kottcamp
MS Office
215.561.5900, ext. 3162
Friends Select School
17th & Benjamin Franklin Parkway / Philadelphia, PA 19103-1284 / 215.561.5900 phone / 215.864.2979 fax