If The Multi-Purpose Room Could Talk
One of the most utilized and versatile rooms at Friends Community School is the Multi-Purpose Room. It serves as a gathering space for several different school events, from theater performances to Back-to-School Night. If the Multi-Purpose Room could talk, it would share stories about who we are as a community, what we do, and how special it is to be a part of it. Just in the past month, the Multi-Purpose Room has hosted Meeting for Worship, All School Meeting, Student Lunch, and Meet the Instruments. Here’s a snapshot of how we use this purposeful space together and how it truly lives up to its name!
All School Meeting
This week, we had our first All School Meeting. Michael’s 3rd and 4th grade class led the school in a gathering with several thoughtfully planned elements. Each part was led by different students, all of whom prepared earlier in the week to create and deliver their content. They helped lead a birthday celebration, shared announcements, and even introduced an original game! One group of students showed a video recognizing Hispanic Heritage month that highlighted the diverse identities within the Hispanic and Latino community. Another group led a conversation about language and the importance of embracing and celebrating different languages in the FCS community.
Meeting for WorshipThis week, we had our first All School Meeting. Michael’s 3rd and 4th grade class led the school in a gathering with several thoughtfully planned elements. Each part was led by different students, all of whom prepared earlier in the week to create and deliver their content. They helped lead a birthday celebration, shared announcements, and even introduced an original game! One group of students showed a video recognizing Hispanic Heritage month that highlighted the diverse identities within the Hispanic and Latino community. Another group led a conversation about language and the importance of embracing and celebrating different languages in the FCS community.
Each Wednesday, our community gathers for Meeting for Worship. During these times, the whole community sits together in silent, personal reflection. At times, students in both the Lower and Middle School feel compelled to share with the community, whether by asking for others to be “held in the light” or by sharing a message, often connected to the Quaker SPICES. All members of the community are welcome to join for Meeting for Worship, including parents, alumni, Adelphi Friends, and others. If you are a new FCS family member who is interested in joining, we eagerly invite you to experience Meeting for Worship.
Our youngest learners, who are still acclimating to campus, will begin joining Meeting for Worship in the next month. To prepare, they have been growing their understanding of this Quaker practice and building stamina in their own classrooms. We look forward to welcoming them very soon!
FCS even had a joint Meeting for Worship with Adelphi Friends Meeting last Sunday! Members of FCS and Adelphi Friends Meeting came together for a community Meeting for Worship and to celebrate the 38th anniversary of FCS. While Adelphi Friends renovates their building, they will use our Multi-Purpose Room to gather. It is particularly special because FCS began in the Adelphi Friends Meeting House 38 years ago. Just as they once shared their space with us, we share our space with them.
Cafeteria
New to the Multi-Purpose Room this year is the cafeteria! During lunchtime, the room divides into two spaces, one of which transforms into a cafeteria for 3rd through 8th graders. This new setup gives students from different grades and classes an opportunity to connect.
New to the Multi-Purpose Room this year is the cafeteria! During lunchtime, the room divides into two spaces, one of which transforms into a cafeteria for 3rd through 8th graders. This new setup gives students from different grades and classes an opportunity to connect.
Meet the Instruments
The Multi-Purpose Room has already hosted one of several musical events planned for this year. During this event, music teachers from FCS and enrichment programs introduced themselves, showcased their craft, and inspired students to pursue an instrument. Other events coming up this year include the Holiday Show, the 6th Grade Musical, and the Spring Showcase.
The Multi-Purpose Room has already hosted one of several musical events planned for this year. During this event, music teachers from FCS and enrichment programs introduced themselves, showcased their craft, and inspired students to pursue an instrument. Other events coming up this year include the Holiday Show, the 6th Grade Musical, and the Spring Showcase.
We will keep you updated on the events in our Multi-Purpose Room throughout the year!
Located in College Park, MD, Friends Community School is a progressive Quaker K-8 day school, founded on the belief that every child is a valued member of our community. We offer a challenging curriculum imbued with strong values of equality, integrity, community, environmental stewardship, simplicity and peaceful conflict resolution, rooted in our Quaker heritage.
Friends Community School
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100
