In Memoriam

LOWERLOWER SCHOOLSCHOOL PLAYSCAPEPLAYSCAPE

COMING SUMMER 2021

At Moorestown Friends School, we believe that outdoor play should be a natural extension of the learning that happens in our classrooms. Rooted in Quaker values, we support children to play collaboratively, resolve conflicts peacefully, and connect to the simplicity of nature and their responsibility as environmental stewards. Outdoor play nurtures and develops these qualities, sparking creativity and the inner light in each child, all while allowing kids to be kids.

The current Lower School playground was constructed 23 years ago, and is in need of a major refresh. Thanks to a successful fundraising campaign led by the School Committee, MFS has partnered with Studio Ludo and Metcalfe Architecture & Design to dream up a natural play environment that promotes solitary and collaborative activities for children to encourage complex thinking and problem-solving. The result is a one-of-a-kind natural environment that invites adventure, tactile experiences with nature, and exploration of play structures, hidden spaces, and social areas.

Features:

Multiple play zones with wheelchair accessible pathways

Hammock and benches to invite conversation and connection

Rain garden with steppers to explore nature up close

Sandbox and adventure paths nestled in meadow grasses

Open field space for groupbased games and activities

Custom-built “onion pod” that invites a hidden treehouse experience

Native plantings that invite pollinators and change in the seasons, dropping berries, pods, and leaves to prompt creative play for all ages

VIRTUAL ALUMNI WEEKEND MAY 7-8, 2021

Friday, May 7

4 p.m. Former Faculty and Staff Gathering via Zoom

Hosted by Lynne Brick and Marge Dawson

7 p.m. Alumni Weekend Kickoff and Awards Presentations via Zoom

Hosted by Alumni Association Clerk Meg Hollingworth ’97, this event will highlight the 2020 and 2021 Alumni Association Award winners

Saturday, May 8

12 p.m. Meeting for Worship via Zoom

Hosted by Chester Reagan Chair Melissa McCourt

12:30 p.m. Faculty and Student Panel via Zoom Learn about the challenges and opportunities of teaching and learning during 2020-21 at MFS. Head of School Julia de la Torre will moderate this panel featuring English Department Chair Debra Auspitz Galler, Director of Diversity and Inclusion Dot López, Social Studies & Economics teacher Jake Greenberg, and members of the Class of 2021.

4 p.m. Alumni Gathering and MFS Trivia Contest via Zoom

Alumni Association Executive Committee members Chris Tegley ’88 and Meg Hollingworth ’97 will host this gathering that will feature breakout groups for alumni with a Quizzostyle trivia contest.

Reunion Zooms for 0’s, 5’s, 1’s and 6’s

Reunion Committees have been working on fun plans for class gatherings via Zoom, most on Saturday, May 8, featuring breakout rooms, reflections, trivia,and more.

Individual Explorations

Available on the Alumni Weekend website starting on the afternoon of May 7:

• Welcome Video with Head of School Julia de la Torre and friends • Campus Tour – Enjoy this special recorded walk through campus on a busy school day • “All Hail the Red and Blue” – Listen to the Upper School Choir sing the school song • Send a special message of support and cheer to the

Class of 2021 • Check out music from various decades and eras • Explore the senior class Capstone Projects • Download an MFS virtual background • And more!

The Alumni Association Awards will be presented on May 7 at 7 p.m.

2021 Alice Stokes Paul 1901 Merit Award Mark Mitchell ’86

Vice President of the National Association of Independent Schools, Mark has been a career-long advocate for opening the doors of access and opportunity at schools, helping to shape best practices on tuition pricing, affordability and school financial aid policy.

2021 Young Alumni Award Ryan A. Flynn, M.D., Ph.D. ’06

Ryan is being recognized for his amazing work in the field of RNA biology and stem cell research. Ryan is the newest Principal Investigator in the Stem Cell Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and an Assistant Professor at Harvard University in the Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology.

2021 Service Award Meridee Duddleston

Alumni Parent Meridee Duddleston is being honored for her nine years of leadership volunteer service as an MFS Trustee, including: involvement with strategic planning, governance, property, and development; her current service on the Head’s Council; as well as for her generous philanthropic support of the school.

2020 Alumni Award Recipients:

Alice Stokes Paul 1901 Merit Award – S. Merrill Weiss ’65 Service Award – Frank Beideman and Mindy Holman Young Alumni Award – Cornell Verdeja-Woodson ’05

110 East Main Street Moorestown, NJ 08057-2949

VIRTUAL ALUMNI WEEKEND MAY 7 & 8, 2021

This spring, your visit to MFS is only a click away!

Virtual Alumni Weekend features several all-alumni Zoom gatherings, Class Reunions, plus lots of opportunities for you to explore MFS on your own. Visit mfriends.org/AW21 for all Alumni Weekend information and event registrations.