Welcome Friends and Friends of Friends.

As the Clerk of and on behalf of Harford Friends School’s Home and School Association (HSA) I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all of you and to tell you a little about us.  But first I’d like to share with you some of my reflections on what makes Harford Friends different from most of the other schools I know.

Here, students are encouraged to be themselves, the best selves they can be, and valued for their unique perspectives and their contributions to the community.  Ridicule, bullying, and power struggles are simply alien and nonexistent in our culture.  This is a safe and nurturing environment where children feel comfortable expressing their ideas and are treated with respect.  And due to the unique nature of Quaker business meetings all children can contribute without anyone dominating discussions or decision-making.  Everyone is needed and valued.

Here, students are encouraged to do their best and they encourage and support each other to do their best, too. Being best doesn’t mean beating someone else or getting the best grade on a test.  It means working together.  There is room at the top for everyone.

Besides being a nurturing environment, I think HFS’s biggest attraction is the challenging academics.  Through the Connected Mathematics Program students truly understand how math works and how to apply their knowledge.  They learn to think like mathematicians rather than learning to plug numbers into formulas.  In Humanities, they learn to think critically about the human condition, analyze what they read and write critical interpretations clearly, concisely, and coherently.  In Science, they learn how their world works experientially.  In all areas they are learning to seek out the truth around them and to think critically.

Now, I’ll briefly tell you about us, the HSA.  Our purpose is to promote communication and cooperation among the school community for the benefit of our kids.  We are the reasoned voice of the parents to the administration with the aim to contribute our time and energy to support our school in every way we possibly can.  All parents are welcome and valued at our monthly meetings.  It is my sincere hope that all of you will find a home with us in the HSA.  We have volunteer opportunities with our special events, community outreach, community service projects, parent led activities, and fundraising.

As we are a new school, we are learning and growing together.  Join us and have lots of fun accomplishing great things for our community.

Welcome and thank you for coming.

Carmella Fifty
Clerk, HFS Home & School Association