Our Quaker Culture

At Friends’ Central, School life is steeped in Quaker values. At every level, we promote a commitment to learning through inquiry, reflection, action, and discovery – an approach that stems from two foundational beliefs of the Religious Society of Friends: that there is that of the Spirit in every one and that Truth is continually revealed. Our foundational beliefs call Quaker educators and students to a life of ongoing, joy-filled, Spirit-led discovery with one another. The daily impact of this philosophical grounding cannot be overstated. It informs the shape of curriculum, but more importantly, the way curriculum is delivered by faculty and embraced by students. We intentionally build an inclusive atmosphere that fosters the development of curiosity, openness, empathy, and respect for ideas and for one another.

MEETING FOR WORSHIP (MFW) Foundational for Friends, or Quakers, is the belief that the Light of the Divine resides in each and every person. Meeting for Worship is a time when we gather together, still our bodies and minds and open our hearts, so that we might connect with the guiding Light within. We make every effort to ensure that students understand why we do Meeting for Worship and how the silence and stillness can help them in other aspects of their lives. The Middle School has Meeting for Worship every Thursday morning during Community Block. Some Meetings are held with the entire student body, while others are held with smaller groups, such as grades or advisories.

CONTACTS & RESOURCES w Middle School Office: 610.645.5063 w Middle School Learning Specialist:

Jill MacDougall, jmacdougall@friendscentral.org w Director of Support Services and

Middle School Counselor: Frederick Pratt fpratt@friendscentral.org, 610.645.5134 w Quakerism Coordinator: Robyn Richmond rrichmond@friendscentral.org w Director of Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion:

Erica Snowden, esnowden@friendscentral.org

CONTACTS & RESOURCES

w MS Club & Service Options: friendscentral.org/signatureprogramsMS w Instrumental Music: Carl Bradley, cbradley@friendscentral.org w Vocal Music: Michele Zuckman, mzuckman@friendscentral.org w Athletics: Michelle Crowley, mcrowley@friendscentral.org w Athletic Schedules: friendscentral.org/teams_schedules