At San Francisco Friends School, students learn in a community grounded in the Quaker values of reflection, integrity, peaceful problem-solving and stewardship.
Our teachers challenge students with a dynamic curriculum that inspires curiosity, cooperation and hard work. We teach children to listen to all voices and to trust their own.
We engage with the world around us with kindness and conviction, working toward the Quaker ideal of a caring and just society.
Message from the Head of School . . . 2
Pankti Sevak
Campus News 3
Savannah and Sapelo Island: A Field Study . . . 6 Perspectives from 8th Graders
Winning the Quaker Way 8
A Trip Back in Time 9 SFFS teachers travel to England for a Quaker pilgrimage
A Closer Look 10 Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Friends
Commencement . . . 12
Celebrating the Class of 2024
Lights, Camera, Action! 14
Rolling Out the Red Carpet for Blue Party 2024
Class of 2020 Reunion 15
Annual Fund . . . 16
Peace Testimony . . . 17 This Year’s Testimony of Focus
Among Friends Magazine is produced by San Francisco Friends School’s Communications Office and Development Office
Kim House Director of Communications khouse@sffriendsschool.org
Deborah Rockwood
Interim Director of Development drockwood@sffriendsschool.org
Stephanie Kastner Associate Director of Development skastner@sffriendsschool.org
Colleen Curran
Development & Communications Associate ccurran@sffriendsschool.org
Front cover: Sixth graders explored the redwoods at Westminster Woods Camp on the Sonoma Coast as part of a field study focused on the science of plants and sustainability, one of our Quaker values.
A Message from the Head of School, Pankti Sevak
Hello Friends,
When one enters our historic building at 250 Valencia Street, there is an old and wonderful poster right in the entryway that highlights one of George Fox’s more famous quotations:
“Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them. Then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”
At San Francisco Friends School, we apply the principle of “the inner light within” to guide growth and learning for our students, in service to both knowing one’s self and to building a strong, resilient community. Our school is built on a Quaker framework of connection, curiosity, deep listening and learning and we are in continual awe of our students as they develop into independent thinkers, exercising their imagination to be thoughtful and engaged community members from their time at SFFS to high school, college and beyond.
As we considered our theme for this year, Lead with Light, we were inspired by our students who embody the spirit of “the inner light within” and ethos of San Francisco Friends School, leading by example with integrity and joy.
These first few months of school have left me feeling inspired and deeply engaged in the work of creating meaningful opportunities for community connection and strengthening our collective circle of belonging. From our Lead with Light event series, to the daily glimmers of light I see all around our school, I’m grateful for the opportunities to illuminate the special work of our school.
In friendship,
Pankti
ON MY BOOKSHELF:
Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain • Roman Stories, Jhumpa Lahiri
The Chinese Groove, Kathryn Ma • Cool Gray City of Love, Gary Kamiya
The Book of Delights, Ross Gay • We Need to Build, Eboo Patel
Bob, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass • Big, Vashti Harrison
Campus
NEWS
THE SCIENCE OF BABY CHICKS
In the spring, our kindergartners embarked on a multifaceted study of the life cycle of chickens. The idea for the study was sparked by a curiosity from students about how animals take care of their young and how baby animals change as they get older. There was also a lot of interest in learning about how baby animals eat and how baby animals stay safe. Over the course of a month, kindergartners learned about how eggs form in hens, how chicken embryos develop, and how chicks hatch. After exercising their patience for 21 days, students watched with great excitement as the chicks hatched. The project offered kindergartners an opportunity to practice their scientific observation skills by noticing how the chicks grew and changed after hatching. Students also practiced math skills by keeping track of the days of incubation and determining the days remaining until the hatch. They explored the concept of equivalency by combining brown and white eggs in different combinations, then noticing patterns that emerged. After the study, students bade a fond farewell to the baby chicks as they moved up north to live with a family in Marin.
Math is a Family Affair in Lower School
Research shows that parents’ attitudes and beliefs about math and parental involvement have a direct impact on a child’s self-concept and ability in math. In December, the Lower School hosted grade level Family Math Mornings during which parents had a chance to hear from Lower School Head Amabelle Sze about our mathematical pedagogy. Then, they got to join their children in the classroom for math talks, games and hands-on activities, seeing first hand how play and the experience of constructing understanding can help our youngest learners develop a stronger and more durable grasp of key math concepts that are the foundation of their child’s math journey.
CHANGEMAKERS UNITE
How can you be a changemaker in your school, in your community, and in your world? This is one of the questions our second graders explored throughout the year, culminating in their Changemakers unit. Connecting the concept of changemaking to our literacy program, students read autobiographies that allowed them to delve into the lives of historical and current leaders who have made a significant impact on fighting injustice in the world. Through these books, they explored concepts of justice and injustice, connecting it to the ideal of creating a more caring and just society. By studying both history and current events, students learned the value of putting their education into action, learning to use their voices—and actions—to create positive change. Second-graders then connected the practice of changemaking to the Quaker SPICES to consider how they might develop plans for change that embody each of the testimonies. For second graders, change begins locally. They asked themselves questions such as, “How might we make our school even better?” and “If there is one thing we could change, what would it be?” From there, students worked individually and in groups to dream up solutions that they tested, revised, and shared with the community through speeches and posters. Students also participated in a service project as part of Changemakers with Adopt a Drain, San Francisco. Second-graders adopted three drains near school and worked as a class to keep the drains clear of debris, helping reduce the risk of flooding and minimize trash and debris that go down the drain, while keeping the neighborhood clean and beautiful.
First Graders Give Peas a Chance
How do you get first graders interested in salad? Let them create it! This spring, first graders partnered with Kitava, a local restaurant in the Mission focused on plant-based foods, to create the “Give Peas a Chance” Salad. The project was part of an environmental stewardship study that explored the science of seeds, gardening and how plants are grown for food. Students planted seeds in our campus garden and tended to the plants as they grew. They then harvested peas from the garden which were incorporated into a special salad that Kitava served the first weekend in June. Proceeds from the “Give Peas a Chance” salad were generously donated to Garden for the Environment, a community garden the first graders visited earlier in the year. This hands-on science unit helped students learn about sustainability, climate and stewardship in a meaningful way, building knowledge through inquiry and experience.
Helping Mission Preschoolers Get a Head Start
Community engagement and service learning are essential to the mission at San Francisco Friends School. This commitment inspired our Spanish department to forge a partnership with Mission Head Start at Valencia Gardens, a dual language Spanish/English preschool. On Fridays, fourth grade students visited the preschool and were paired with a “reading buddy” as a way to practice their Spanish speaking skills while making meaningful connections in the community and supporting a culture of literacy in the preschoolers’ classrooms. ¡Leer es más divertido con amigos!
A TALE OF DENIM, RIVETS AND TWO HORSES
As part of a study of immigration and San Francisco history, the third graders hosted a very special guest, Tracey Panek—the Levi’s historian. Tracey shared the story of Levi Strauss, the founder of Levi’s, and how he immigrated to New York and then to San Francisco where he opened a dry goods store and eventually created his signature blue jeans, complete with rivets and strong golden thread for durability. Students got to see a few pairs of blue jeans from the archive and learned about the origin of the “two horse” logo that depicts two horses pulling on a pair of jeans in two different directions, trying in vain to pull them apart, to demonstrate how strong the jeans were. Strauss intentionally designed a logo with a memorable image because he understood that many of the company’s early customers didn’t speak English as their first language and not everyone in the western United States was literate at the time. By creating a memorable image, customers could simply ask for “those pants with the two horses” and they would get a pair of Levi’s.
Bringing Ancient Civilizations to Life
The Middle School Humanities department brought the history of ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia to life for fifth grade students through hands-on, inquiry-based learning. In March, students visited the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum in San Jose for a field study where they deciphered hieroglyphics, encountered mummies and immersed themselves in artifacts from these ancient cultures. Then in April, students transformed the Learning Commons to celebrate Opet, an ancient Egyptian festival celebrated every year in Thebes during Akhet, the season of the flooding of the Nile. Students used their knowledge of religion, geography, and the social structures of ancient Egyptian culture to create activities reflecting the different aspects of ancient Egyptian life for their classmates and first grade buddies.
HAVE YOUR PI AND EAT IT TOO
Sixth graders celebrated Pi Day with a plethora of pi-themed activities. Students created a colorful pi chain of paper rings representing each digit of pi and adorned the Learning Commons with a vibrant—and numerically accurate—pi garland. Students competed in a contest where they recited the digits of pi, with the winner reciting 210 digits. There was also a“Piem Slam” where students read aloud pi-themed poems, and as is tradition, students brought in pies to measure the pi of pie…and ate some too!
Savannah to Sapelo Island: A Field Study
Perspectives from 8th Graders
Field studies are an integral part of the educational experience at San Francisco Friends School, enhancing classroom learning through first-hand experiences and challenging students to stretch themselves in new and profound ways. In May, our 8th graders traveled to Georgia where they explored African-American history and culture in Savannah and Sapelo, a barrier island on the coast that is home to the Gullah-Geechee people. This was our school’s second journey to the area where students had the opportunity to try their hand at fishing and indigo dyeing using traditional techniques, and deepened their understanding of how geography, environment and diaspora impact the development of community values and culture of AfricanAmericans in this region. We asked students to share their personal perspectives on their experiences.
Isidra Johnson
During our 8th-grade trip to Savannah, we visited a barrier island called Sapelo Island that is only accessible by boat. Sapelo Island is the last islandbased Gullah-Geechee community in America, it was founded by freed enslaved people who were taken here from West Africa because of their experience in rice farming. We took a tour of the places with historical significance as well as the beautiful nature that surrounds Sapelo Island. Our tour guide RJ informed us that to this day the local government is rezoning Sapelo Island to build houses twice the size of the existing houses in the community. When I learned about this I was surprised and disappointed that even after many generations of people living and thriving on Sapelo the government is still trying to displace this small island community. But fighting for their rights and land is not something new to the Gullah-Geechee community; they’ve endured tax hikes and advocated for basic emergency responders on the island. It’s important now more than ever to preserve places like Sapelo Island because it holds an important history of the untold stories of America and a heritage that shouldn’t be forgotten.
Sofia Bourgon-Trujillo
Here at San Francisco Friends School, stewardship is a big part of our community. The stewardship of a community involves responsibility, accountability, and authority. To be a steward, you need to take responsibility for the environment around you and the effects of your actions. You need to take care of your community by supporting and looking out for it. A steward would preserve their community to make sure it doesn’t disappear. On our trip to Savannah, Georgia, we saw many examples of people being stewards of their community. When we visited Pin Point Island, we got a tour of their factory. This factory had been there since the time of enslavement. These buildings were very important and had a lot of history. We got to learn about it from someone who was raised on this island, Gayle. Gayle got to experience working here; she started at 6 years old. When she was older, she left to go to college, but now she has returned to spread the history of her home. I believe that everyone is responsible for this stewardship. Everyone needs to work together to keep their history and pass it down to future generations. Without this, we could lose so much of our past.
Aiden Gettys
Given how focused the trip was on preservation of culture and community, it’s not difficult to jump to the conclusion that community was the most present in our experience. In reality, lying beneath the surface of our entire experience was stewardship. How were places like the historic King-Tisdell Cottage and Pin Point oyster factory preserved so well over almost one hundred years? The answer is found in stewardship. Of course, there is an extremely tight-woven community dedicated to keeping these places in presentable condition, to educate the future. But if it weren’t for the stewardship required to keep places like the Tabby walls on Sapelo Island from crumbling, these places would have long since lost their attractive and educational value. Seeing places like the historic art gallery, housed in a building of equally historic value, can really raise one’s appreciation for the works of the past. Being in the former minority schoolhouse turned artistic epicenter known as the Beach Institute, home to the beautiful works of Ulysses Davis, was a true eyeopener for many students in the 8th grade, as they got to appreciate not only the art, but the quality in which it was preserved.
Jailyn Paquin-Askew
Heather’s dad’s job in the military meant a childhood filled with constant change and adaptation. Heather’s family moved from place to place, giving her a unique perspective that comes from experiencing different cultures and environments. “Everywhere we went,” Heather says, “I encountered new people with different customs and ways of speaking.” Heather always found a way to connect with people. She was a keen observer, and before long, she’d pick up on the local dialects and accents. Now, she can do amazing impressions of the different places she’s called home. Imani shared the fascinating story of the King-Tisdell Cottage. This beautifully restored Victorian house, built in 1896, has a rich history. Today, it stands as a museum that educates visitors about the important contributions of African Americans to our country’s story. The intricate decorative trim on the porch and skylights is a remarkable example of Victorian architecture. The cottage is named for the African-Americans who lived there: Eugene and Sarah King and Robert Tisdell. Their story, and the story of the cottage, is a testament to the history and resilience of the African American community in Savannah.
Winning the Quaker Way
By Kelley Still
Last February both the seventh and eighth grade boys basketball teams rounded out their seasons with triumphant wins. Throughout the course of their respective seasons, each member of the team embodied the Quaker spirit, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation, making decisions at every turn that were for the good of the team, and placing individual needs aside.
A truly collaborative approach made last February’s SFAL Basketball Finals, hosted by the Chinese American International School, an event to remember.
Eighth Grade Varsity
With a roster of 17 boys, the eighth grade varsity team had to give every last ounce of themselves to the game, making full use of their deep bench, in order to emerge victorious against their opponents, Children’s Day School.
“We were up against a really good team and coach I’ve known for a long time,” said Mick Colburn, Director of Athletics and Middle School PE Teacher. “The word compete isn’t just about being adversarial. It’s also about striving to be your best in the moment, as part of a team.”
“It was a gift to be on the sidelines all season, and the final game was an exciting and suspenseful way to end a victorious season!” said Chrysty Esperenza, who’s son Tayo Jones, was a member of the team. “While it was wonderful to see the boys win the championship, I was most proud of the way they played together as a team — the boys supported and lifted each other up on and off the court. It showed in the way they shared the ball so that all players,
regardless of whether they had experience playing competitive basketball, made an impact on the game. They all played with grit, heart, and with a strong sense of community.”
Seventh Grade JV
Although the seventh grade JV team had boasted a strong season throughout, at the finals game their opponent, San Francisco School, was a tough one. Up until that point, the team hadn’t faced any real adversity to help them prepare for such a strong team. The game was evenly matched and close the whole way through. The team had to work together to execute plays in a way that was different from what they had done throughout the season. Thinking on their feet and getting into sync with each other was what made the difference.
Seventh grader Benjamin Kennedy remarked on the championship game with warmth and candor. “The one thing I remember most is that this championship was a team effort. We came together in the final moments and shared a moment of peacefulness. The coaches gave us a pep talk, and we went on the court with some confidence and energy. We truly became a team when Bram hit those threes. I feel we embodied the Quaker spirit with our teamwork, when thanking the referees and the other team for playing with us, and when we all lifted the trophy together.”
Colburn remarked on how the game was such an incredible experience for all who participated and were present. “They weren’t just athletes out there,” he said. “They really understood that the how matters more to me than the what.”
A TRIP BACK IN TIME
SFFS teachers travel to England for a Quaker pilgrimage
By Kim House
Last summer, San Francisco Friends School teachers Luz Andino and Lisa McEachron traveled to northwestern England on a Quaker pilgrimage with the Friends Council on Education (FCE). Joined by 12 fellow Friends and Quaker educators, Andino and McEachron explored Quakerism’s past—and how it connects to the present.
The purpose of the trip was to give participants a broader sense of the Quaker faith through visiting historical sites in Lancashire and the Lake District and through “developing friendships and shared discussions with fellow travelers.” A literal walk through history, the trip painted a “vivid and exciting” picture of the historical and spiritual aspects of the Quaker faith.
Often called “1652 Country”, a reference to the year Quakerism founder George Fox had his vision on Pendle Hill, the region has a sense of timelessness to it. Visiting 17th century meeting houses “can feel like stepping back in time,” remarked McEachron who had one of her most memorable experiences of the trip at the Briggflats Quaker Meeting, a meeting house dating back to 1674 where George Fox once worshiped. It’s notable for its simple, yet beautiful, lime-washed stone walls and interior woodwork. “Sitting there was very powerful,” observed McEachron. “I felt very present and in community with the people that were there that day.”
The group also climbed the original Pendle Hill, tracing George Fox’s footsteps in an inspirational hike through rolling green hills under the warmth of the summer sun. Other notable sites included Swarthmoor Hall, home to Margaret Fell, an early Quaker leader, and Lancaster Jail and Castle. “Quakers are very brave people,” noted McEachron. Having different beliefs wasn’t tolerated in 17th century England, and Quakers faced opposition, threats and sometimes jail for their beliefs.
Beyond the experience of visiting the historical sites, Andino was deeply moved by the “honesty and authenticity” of the people she met on the trip, including members of the group and the practicing British Quakers they met and worshiped alongside. Some of her most meaningful moments of the trip occurred at the retreat center when the group gathered to share meals and reflect on the day.
Both Andino and McEachron have woven their pilgrimage experience into their work as educators at San Francisco Friends School. “I see myself as an advocate for supporting Quaker values at our school,” said McEachron. For Andino, she realized during the trip “that I’ve always been a Quaker” and the experience served to deepen her belief in Quaker values: “I am more committed than ever to our school and Quaker education.”
A CLOSER LOOK: Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging at Friends
At the start of the 2023-24 school year, Patrice Wakeley joined San Francisco Friends School as the inaugural Director of Institutional Equity and Belonging. Wakeley spent much of the first year listening, learning and building relationships with faculty, staff, students and families, and laying the groundwork for the strategic priorities her office will focus on this year.
Last year’s work focused on a few key areas including broadening the scope of student and family affinity groups, hosting our first multi-school diversity conference, aligning our institutional DEI work across committees and constituent groups, updating policies for respectful academic discourse, creating community guidelines for religious and cultural celebrations at school, and strengthening recruiting and hiring practices with an eye towards equity.
This year, the Office of Institutional Equity & Belonging is focused on three strategic priorities:
• Curriculum Audit: In collaboration with the Director of Teaching and Learning, Division Heads and teachers, we will lay the groundwork for auditing curriculum with a focus on equity, inclusion and our Quaker values.
• Evolving Our Affinity Program: With the goal of creating a robust program that is responsive to the needs of students, faculty, staff and families, we will review the current program to enhance areas that are working well and change aspects of the program so that it better serves the needs of our community.
• Enhancing Systems & Processes: We will continue building and enhancing systems and processes across the school to ensure our institutional work cultivates belonging for all members of our community.
Our Commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Last year, the school convened a committee that included members of our faculty and staff, the Parent Guardian Association (PGA) and the Board of Trustees’s Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EI&B) Committee to update the school’s Equity, Inclusion and Belonging commitment to better reflect the active and ongoing work of building an equitable, inclusive community.
SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS SCHOOL COMMITMENT TO EQUITY, INCLUSION, & BELONGING
In service of our mission, we commit to nurturing a diverse, inclusive, and equitable community. Our Quaker testimonies and practices guide us to reflect and deepen our understanding and appreciation for one another’s differences while acknowledging we each possess distinct power, privilege, and responsibility to advance equity. SFFS commits to fostering belonging and connection among its members within and beyond our school community. This ongoing, essential work is furthered and sustained through dialogue, reciprocal learning, and engagement.
Affinity Groups at SFFS
In alignment with our mission and Quaker identity, we intentionally work to create a diverse and inclusive environment where all members experience a deep sense of belonging.
One way we work to foster that belonging is through affinity, alliance and justice groups. These groups provide an opportunity for students to celebrate and explore issues of shared identity as well as to affirm each of their experiences as part of a distinct group amidst the larger SFFS community.
In addition to student affinity groups, SFFS currently offers many family affinity-alliance groups which are run through the Equity, Inclusion and Belonging PGA committee. Facilitated by parent and guardian
volunteers, they provide a space for families who share a common identifier to come together in community.
Culture of Belonging Conference
In October 2023, San Francisco Friends School hosted a multi-school conference for Bay Area independent schools that examined the importance of centering belonging in school culture. Entitled Creating a Culture of Belonging, the conference provided an opportunity for participants from various Bay Area school communities to come together in shared learning and community.
Attendees engaged in a full day of meaningful conversations within their school groups and with peers at other schools who have similar roles, which created opportunities for powerful learning and growth. A highlight of the conference was the student panel where adults had the opportunity to hear first hand from students about their own experiences of belonging—and times they didn’t feel they belonged —and how adults can help foster inclusive, equitable communities that honor and support all aspects of students’ identities.
The keynote speaker was Jamil Zaki, a San Francisco Friends School parent, professor of psychology at Stanford University and acclaimed author. Jamil spoke about the power of kindness and empathy in healing a fractured world.
“Bring people together, and they’ll awaken to their common humanity.”
—Jamil Zaki
CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2024
We bade farewell to the Class of 2024 on June 11 with a joyful graduation ceremony on the San Francisco Friends School campus. It was a beautiful summer day, with warm sunshine and bright blue skies marking both the beginning of summer and the next chapter for our SFFS graduates as they began on their high school journey.
The ceremony featured an original spoken word performance written and performed by our 8th graders, musical performances from our 8th grade graduation band, and remarks from Pankti Sevak, Head of School, and Lizzie Rogal, Middle School Head. In SFFS tradition, students awarded the diplomas to each other, sharing thoughtful and heartfelt words about their fellow classmates.
We wish our graduates the best of luck in high school and beyond!
CLASS OF 2024
Abigail Jones
Aiden Costello
Aiden Ahmad Bingham Gettys
Alexander Kyungju Arena
Allison Hana Shimotake
Andrew Sheridan
Annabelle Charnas Grant
Avi Hennessey
Ayan Azad
Ayla Neiman
Ayla Watson
Benjamin Katzman
Benjamin Louis Zimmet
Charles Alfaro-Williams
Chiara Penumarthy
Cypress Jacobson-Wong
Diego Lopez
Eden Hsin
Elias Buckner
Elias Soliman
Elijah-Z Williams-Bratt
Evan Sofia Fowler
Ever Cole-Baker
Gabriel Phan Tighe
Guile Wu
Hannah Schwartz
Isidra Rose Marie Johnson
Jailyn Paquin-Askew
Jasper Lim
J.R. Clark
Josephine Chongo
Josephine Li Chubb
Kalista Li Chubb
Karime Rosales
Kavi Dewan
Keira Ilana Schwartz
Kiran Agrawal
Lynea’h Sledge
Maya Tabas
Milo Chan Mowen
Natalie West
Nathaniel Fitzgibbons
Nikhil Krishnan
Paloma Seligman
Patsy Rose Gonzalez
Rosalie Oliver
Rowan William Foster
Ruah Kurien
Saira Mathil
Shivani Porten
Sofia Bourgon-Trujillo
Summer Hu
Tayo Esperanza Jones
Theodore Hoffner
Willow Stokes
Xol Taylor Safai
Zev Benjamin Goorin
Zoe Orenstein
CLASS OF 2024 HIGH SCHOOL DESTINATIONS
Archbishop Riordan High School
Bay School of San Francisco
Bronxville High School
Cate School
Choate Rosemary Hall
Drew School
Eastside College Preparatory School
Galileo Academy of Science and Technology
Gateway High School
George Washington High School
International High School
Jewish Community High School
Lick-Wilmerding High School
Marin Academy
Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory
San Francisco University High School
St. Ignatius College Preparatory
Stuart Hall High School
Tamalpais High School
The Urban School of San Francisco
Lights, Camera, Action!
ROLLING OUT THE RED CARPET FOR BLUE PARTY 2024
By Caitlin Curran Kavanagh
The San Francisco Friends School community rolled out the red carpet for the highly anticipated Blue Party 2024, raising an incredible $352,500 in a dazzling celebration that brought together families, friends, and supporters for a night of glitz, glamor, and giving. This year’s theme, “Friends of the Silver Screen,” truly captured the magic of the movies, transforming the evening into a blockbuster event that will be remembered for years to come.
As the night began, attendees were greeted with the excitement and anticipation usually reserved for a Hollywood premiere. The venue, Foreign Cinema, was an Oscar-worthy backdrop for the night’s festivities, with its iconic setting adding an extra layer of allure to the event. The energy in the air was palpable as guests arrived, dressed to impress, ready to enjoy an evening filled with joy, connection, and purpose.
The Blue Party is not just a social gathering; it’s an annual tradition that unites the SFFS community in support of the Adjustable Tuition program, which
ensures that every child has the opportunity to thrive in the school’s inclusive and nurturing environment. This year, the event was coupled with “48 Hours for Friends,” an online giving campaign that ran from April 4-6. The dual events had one ambitious goal: to raise more than $250,000 to support the school’s mission.
Throughout the evening, attendees were reminded of the importance of the work being done at SFFS. The Adjustable Tuition program plays a critical role in maintaining the diverse and vibrant community that the school is known for, and the funds raised during the Blue Party will have a direct impact on the lives of our students and families.
The night was also filled with excitement as the much-loved “Count-Me-Ins” returned, offering unique adventures and experiences for adults, families, and children alike. These experiences, inspired by Hollywood’s greatest stories, foster community throughout the year, ranging from grade-level outings to themed parties, all while supporting a good
cause. The raffle and class projects added even more excitement to the evening, with guests eagerly vying for the chance to take home something special.
But perhaps the most memorable aspect of the night was the sense of community that permeated every moment. Whether it was the heartfelt conversations between old friends, the laughter shared over delicious food and drinks, or the collective joy of surpassing the fundraising goal, the spirit of togetherness was undeniable. The SFFS community came together not just to celebrate, but to make a tangible difference in the lives of those around them.
As the night came to a close, there was a shared sense of accomplishment and gratitude. The Blue Party 2024 was a resounding success, not just because of the funds raised, but because it showcased the power of community. The evening was a shining example of what can be achieved when we come together with a shared purpose and a commitment to the foundational values of our school.
So here’s to the SFFS community: the real stars of the evening. With your generosity and support, you’ve ensured that the magic of the Blue Party will continue to shine brightly, making a difference for years to come. Until next time, keep the spirit of the silver screen alive in all that you do!
A Long-Awaited Reunion for the Class of 2020
By Kim House
The story begins at San Francisco Friends School’s 20th Anniversary celebration in May 2023. The gathering brought together founding Head of School Cathy Hunter, former Head of School Mike Hanas and current Head of School Pankti Sevak, along with founding trustees, families, and alumni to celebrate 20 years of everything that makes SFFS uniquethe spirit of the community, the Quaker values at the heart of the school, and the commitment to helping students honor the teacher within in the pursuit of lifelong learning.
It was during the 20th anniversary celebration that an idea was born—a reunion for the Class of 2020 to bring students back together, on campus, before they headed off to college in the fall. On April 28, 2024 the Class of 2020 gathered once again at 250 Valencia Street. Beloved teachers and staff traveled from near and far to attend the event and celebrate the Class of 2020. As a memento of their time at SFFS, the school created Class of 2020 laundry bags for each graduate. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Class of 2020 students and parents for joining in this celebration, and especially to Seema Krish and Leela de Souza Bransten for their exceptional efforts in conceiving, planning, and executing this wonderful event.
Annual Fund
The Annual Fund is a crucial cornerstone of a Friends education, impacting every student, every day.
Our Quaker testimonies of stewardship and community inspire us to work together in support of our school’s well-being. At Friends, we believe that every gift of time, treasure, and talent is worthy of gratitude, and we honor all gifts as meaningful investments in our school.
As a self-funded school, we rely on donations to the Annual Fund to cover the deficit between tuition revenue and operating costs. These gifts support the current budget and directly impact our thoughtful, curious learners, faculty salaries and professional development, the adjustable tuition program, service learning opportunities in our community, and so much more.
We are grateful for your support and for all the ways you enrich our school. We invite you to make a gift or pledge at sffriendsschool.org/give
This Year’s Testimony: PEACE
One of the traditions we have at San Francisco Friends is to focus on one of our Quaker testimonies (aka: the SPICES) for the year. Our testimony for the 2024 - 2025 year is Peace. We created three queries to help guide us in personal reflection and frame what we wish to explore within ourselves, our school, and our greater community. We post these simple questions in our classrooms, read queries to center reflection at Meeting for Worship, and use them to guide discourse in our discernment of a difficult issue.
PEACE QUERIES
What words and actions create peace within myself? How can I center peace in my relationships with others? How can I nurture peace within my community and the world?
We invited our faculty and staff to share their perspective on what Peace means to them. First grade teacher Nadia Ruiz shared:
“As a first-generation latina educator in my second year at a Quaker school, the Peace testimony holds deep significance for me, both personally and professionally. Coming from a culture where family, community, and mutual respect are valued, the Quaker belief in peace resonates with my own upbringing. It’s about more than just the absence of conflict; it’s about actively creating environments where every individual feels valued and heard.
In the classroom, I teach the Peace testimony by encouraging students to resolve conflicts through empathy and open dialogue. For example, when conflicts arise, I guide students to listen to one another, helping them understand different perspectives before jumping to conclusions. I also create opportunities for students to work together on projects that require collaboration and patience, emphasizing that peace is not just about getting along, but about building relationships that honor diversity and individuality.
I experience the Peace testimony daily here at school through the way our community handles differences. There’s a focus on restorative justice, and I appreciate how we emphasize healing rather than punishment when addressing challenges. It’s a reminder that peace is an active process, one we’re all continually learning to embody in our actions and interactions.”
Nadia also asked a few of her students to share their thoughts as well:
“Peace means love in the world.”
—Owen
“Peace means love.”
— Rubi
“Nature brings me peace.”
— Annie
“Calmness and quiet, in my own thoughts.”
—Rosalind
250 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.565.0400
sffriendsschool.org
CELEBRATING SAN FRANCISCO FRIENDS SCHOOL TRADITIONS
