The WFS community spent time over the last week reflecting and recognizing the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lower school students sat in silent reflection as they watched our annual kindergarten peace march. Some of the kindergarteners' inspirational messages included, "Help Ech Uther (Help Each Other)," "Kar For Ech Uvor (Care for Each Other)," and "Giv a Complumient (Give a Compliment)," and "Upolougiz (Apologize)." The lower school community then gathered for Meeting for Worship.
"Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.” Middle school students used this MLK quote as the basis of their discussion after watching a video about change makers in their midst––from peers to faculty members––who have made a positive difference in the lives of others.
Upper school students listened to the inspirational words of Dr. Aaron Bass, CEO of Eastside Charter School in Wilmington. They then engaged in small group discussions focused on various social justice topics, including anti-semitism, gun violence, and racial justice. Students gathered information about their social justice topic and then took action, brainstorming ways that we can work toward change as a school community.
Beth McClelland Lutostansky '88 recently presented to a packed house of upper schoolers––including those in the Environmental Science class and the STEMinist Club––on her career in the energy industry.
Lower school music teacher Katie Martinenza and nine students from fifth grade participated in the 2023 Delaware ACDA Children’s Honor Choir Festival at Newark High School.
Reverend Karla Fleshman and her colleague, Finn, presented to seventh graders a long-awaited and much-requested workshop on gender identity, gender expression, and creating “affirming and safer space for LGBTQIA+ students.”
The upper school World Affairs Club welcomed New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer '90, who spoke to students about the role of the state/county legislature, with a focus on the HOPE Center in Wilmington, whose mission is to house and support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, and the GreeNCC initiative, a county-wide program aimed at improving the environment and enhancing the quality of life in New Castle County.
International Baccalaureate art majors and higher level visual arts students traveled to Washington, D.C. to view artwork at the Hirshhorn Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the National Museum of African Art, the National Museum of the American Indian, and the National Museum of Asian Art.
Last week, our preschool Kangas explored the Delaware Art Museum. Students spent time in the children's area and went on a special color scavenger hunt throughout the galleries!
Happy Panda Day is such a great send off to Spring Break--lower school students met with Ivy the therapy dog, made friendship bracelets, hunted for leprechauns, and practiced yoga, all in the comfort of their pajamas!
As part of their unit on the constitution, eighth grade students recently met with WFS parent Eliza Hirst, an Assistant Public Defender in Delaware's Office of Defense Services.
Last week, the Class of 2025 visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture as part of their continuing study of American history.
Last week, middle and upper school students participated in a happiness challenge organized by the Quaker Cares Committee, which focused on positive relationships with family and friends.
Fourth and fifth grade students enjoyed their visit with Adam Perry, author of The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books, The Magicians of Elephant County, Ghost Come Rising, and more!
To highlight Black historical figures that lower schoolers learn about throughout the year, students created posters based on biographies to present what information they learned.
Thank you to all who came out and supported the Home & School Used Book Sale! Over 55 volunteers - adults and students alike - moved, sorted, and sold books, games, CDs and DVDs, and had a great time in the process. Shoppers found new books to add to their libraries, with one staff member saying it was her favorite day of the year!
Fifth grade students have been enjoying "Girls Who Code," a national program for students that serves as a sisterhood of supportive peers and role models using computer science to change the world.