Over the last six weeks, the School Committee, administration, faculty, and staff have been engaged in planning for the 2020-21 school year. A task force of many minds has formed to focus on the operational, financial, programmatic, and communication needs for a reopening of school in September. The task force is consulting with professionals in each of these areas and is aligning decisions with guidelines provided by the CDC, state and local government agencies, and the NJ Department of Education. We are planning for the possibility of three different scenarios next school year: on-campus, off-campus, and a hybrid model (combination of distance and on-campus learning).
Although information is constantly evolving, I want to share it as it becomes available. This will be the first of many messages you will receive between now and September.
My heart is tender as I share the deep and collective pain that many within our cities, towns, nation and world have been experiencing these past days. The senseless murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor are a reminder of the racism and inequity that plague our communities. As an African American mother, who has raised four sons and a daughter, and has dedicated my professional life to educating young people, I am acutely aware of the impact of racial bias on people of all cultures. While children of color experience this bias in unique and different ways, I’ve seen the negative impact on all children.
In times of challenge, I ask myself, “What is the lesson I am to learn?” For me, the quest to discover and name the lesson leads me from the despair of hopelessness to the light of wisdom, and ultimately to love. It adds clarity to the steps I must take and the “call to action” I intend for community members, friends and loved ones.
Due to the ongoing health crisis, Princeton Friends Summer Camp will not operate on the campus of Princeton Friends School, but will instead offer a virtual camp and enrichment program. Camp Director John Zimmerman describes these new programs and our decision regarding this summer, in this letter to the camp community.
We are delighted to announce the hiring of two new members to the Princeton Friends Community.
Dr. Robbin Washington-Smart will be serving as the Director of Strategic Enrollment Management and Financial Aid. Sherika Campbell has been hired as our new Director of Advancement. It is with sincere gratitude that we thank Corinna Bisgaier who has served as the Interim Coordinator of Admissions.
It has been affirming to have the voices of many as we seek to fulfill the mission and uphold the values of Princeton Friends School throughout our hiring process.
The times we’re in present us with great challenges and great opportunities. One of the challenges we face is adapting to a new normal in every facet of our lives. At PFS, we are ramping up to adjust to virtual learning as our primary mode of teaching and learning.
We realize the tremendous opportunity to continue to be a consistent presence in our students’ lives. The wellbeing of our students and their continued vigorous learning are our foremost concerns. We understand that maintaining a school connection, even virtually, will be an important factor in helping students find balance in these unprecedented circumstances.
