“My vocation (to use the poet’s term) is the spiritual life, the quest for God, which relies on the eye of the heart. My avocation is education, the quest for knowledge, which relies on the eye of the mind. I have seen life through both these eyes as long as I can remember – but the two images have not always coincided… I have been forced to find ways for my eyes to work together, to find a common focus for my spirit-seeking heart and my knowledge-seeking mind that embraces reality in all its amazing dimensions.”
— Parker J. Palmer, 1983
Quaker author, educator, and activist
While cheering on children playing Gaga, Pre-K student Henry shared with me that he didn't like Wednesday Meeting for Worship. When I asked him why, he explained that he has "to think himself"—and added, "it's just hard to do."
Meeting for Worship may be the most distinctive aspect of Friends schools and Quaker pedagogy. Consider: when was the last time you sat quietly for 25 minutes without anything to read, watch, listen to, or do?
Over the past several weeks, we have taught our students practices for quieting their bodies and minds as they participate in "Listening Worship." Even our Preschool Two and Three friends are building these foundational skills in circle time, practicing quiet reflection in smaller, developmentally appropriate moments. Over the coming months, we will guide them in the subtle art of discernment—learning to listen inward and recognize when they have a message to share with the gathered Meeting. We also use Meeting as a time to introduce children to the many faiths within our community; today Reverend Emily Mellot from Trinity Episcopal shared the origins of All Hallow's Eve/Halloween and All Saints Day. In a few weeks, Rabbi Gottfried of Congregation Beth Tikvah will worship with us. I encourage you to join us and experience this quintessentially Quaker practice alongside your children at least once this year.
This intentional nurturing of reflection and community creates the foundation for how our students learn and grow as they move through the grades:
- In Kindergarten, Learning Begins Locally: Our youngest learners start by exploring their immediate world to understand their place in the community. On a recent trip to the Cinnaminson Library, they felt the pedestrian bridge over Route 130 vibrate beneath their feet before entering the quiet, welcoming space inside, learning firsthand why libraries are essential community sanctuaries. Trips to Taylor’s Farm, Indian Acres Farm, and Johnson’s Farm expanded their understanding of how we connect to the Delaware River watershed and where our food originates. Guided by daily campus walks with Mrs. Olsen, this place-based sense of wonder grounds their developing sense of self.
- In Middle School, Growth Expands to Complex Experiential Application: As students mature, this early grounding expands into sophisticated, collaborative problem-solving. Beyond mastering core algebraic and mathematical concepts—linear equations, inequalities, ratios, absolute value, and scientific notation—middle schoolers are putting math into action through an applied Zoo Design project. Working in teams on a 50-acre plot with a $5,000,000 budget, students navigate real-world constraints: animal care and square footage needs, habitat shelter, tree cover, guest parking, water access, and geometric realities. I am looking forward to serving as the "chair" of the planning commission and hearing their proposals.
- By Eighth Grade, Grounding Turns Inward & Global: The strong local foundation built in early childhood enables our 8th graders to approach broad, complex global themes with deep empathy. As they analyze the historical pushes and pulls of immigration while reading A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America by Rebecca Stefoff, that early "place-based sense of self" gives them the confidence and perspective to examine diverse human experiences thoughtfully and ethically. Most recently, they are exploring the experience of Irish immigrants fleeing the potato famine in Ireland and experiencing nativist prejudice in the United States as they help to build out the early industrial economy.
Upcoming Gatherings & Community Connections
I will soon be hosting a series of morning coffee conversations, with topics shaped by your interests. A few ideas on my mind include:
- How Humans Learn vs. How AI Learns: Exploring the contrast between human connection and artificial intelligence.
- Milestones of Mind & Spirit: What do we most hope our children know and feel before they reach age 14?
- Your Thoughts: What questions or topics are top of mind for your family?
Please send me any ideas you'd love to explore together. I will share confirmed dates and topics soon.
Holding you in the Light,
Margaret
Our October Queries focus on the Quaker Testimony on Peace:
- How do we build peace and friendship within our school community?
- What does Peace feel like in your body? In your spirit?
Announcements:
- Friday, October 30 ~ Preschool Two and Three Halloween Parade - 9:00 AM
- Friday, October 30 ~ Prek-8th Grades Halloween Guessing
- Monday, November 2 ~ 10th Annual Golf Outing - browse the auction catalog and start bidding. Auction closes Monday at 7:00pm. Tickets still available for golfing and for the Cocktail Reception (5:00-7:00pm).
- Wednesday, November 3 ~ Meeting for Worship at 8:30 AM, family members invited
- Friday, November 13, 9:00am ~ Admissions Open House. Bring a friend to see this school you love.
We Are a Reading Community
