celebrating our return

This spring, we were back in person for treasured Friends events and traditions.

It’s hard to believe, but nearly twoand-a-half years ago, SFFS first sent students, faculty, and staff home for what we at first believed would be a two-week period of remote learning while the coronavirus began its first sweep through the Bay Area. All this time later, as we continue to weather surges, quarantines, and boosters, we were able to—thankfully—enjoy the entire 2021–2022 school year at Valencia Street together. And for the first time in a long time, we were also able to bring back many of our year-end celebrations and traditions, which we hadn’t commemorated since 2019. Here’s a quick look back at what we shared this past June… __________ PORTFOLIOS AND PRESENTATIONS: On June 2, we welcomed parents and guardians back into the school for in-person looks at stunning student portfolios in Lower School and presentations in Middle School. These events give our Friends the opportunity to reflect on their work, discuss their growth, and—in Middle School—practice their public

“I don’t know what will come next, what choices you will make, to what challenges and opportunities you will feel called, but I know this: You will take San Francisco Friends School with you, within you... and whatever challenges you and we face next, the world we share will be a better place for the fact that you are part of the response team.”

– Mike Hanas to the Class of 2022

speaking skills (which they’ve polished over the course of the school year) to a supportive, encouraging audience. It also gives families a special window into the classrooms of Friends and the experiences of a range of the students here, from academics to arts to community engagement. __________

RETURN TO LINDLEY MEADOW: Perhaps the most beloved of our Friends traditions is the End-of-Year Celebration at Lindley Meadow in Golden Gate Park, which is always hard to explain to those new to our community (How in the world does everyone arrive at the same time? How far do the kids walk?! We have Meeting for Worship outside??), but it remains the most feel-good way imaginable to start our summer break.

And just as in past years, it all came together, with all of our classes finding their way to to the park by 2:00(ish); a huge contingent of families with blankets, sunhats, and pups; the Kindergarten/8th Grade bagpipe procession; and oh yes, the popsicles.

TOGETHER FOR GRADUATION: It all built up to the 8th Grade Graduation on June 8, in which our Class of 2022 graduated on the stage, in the gym, in front of their loved ones and a cheering faculty Story continued on page 11...