Happy Friday, VBFS Community,
February is Black History Month, and as such, Friends School teachers at all levels have been and will be celebrating the accomplishments of Black Americans, famous and not so famous, all month long. Inevitably, some students ask, “Why do we celebrate Black History Month?”
The Googled answer is…
“Black History Month was created to focus attention on the contributions of African Americans to the United States. It honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century to African Americans living in the United States today.” (https://kids.
Yes, this is the answer to why the nation celebrates Black History Month. But, why do we, Virginia Beach Friends School, celebrate Black History Month?
At Friends School, Black History Month means teaching our students about and celebrating the accomplishments of African American leaders, innovators, activists, and pioneers who paved the way for their generation and generations to come. It means talking about diversity deeper, understanding equity greater, and helping all students feel included through the stories of individuals who faced and continue to face a world that doesn’t always embrace Quaker testimonies of Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship as openly or freely the way their school does. A world where too many people are considered less than and inequality is regularly seen on the nightly news cycle. We celebrate Black History Month at Friends School to inspire our students through the stories and legacies of courageous African Americans. We celebrate Black History Month to recognize the actions and sacrifices of African Americans, past and present, that are making our world a better place. We celebrate Black History Month so our students can help in creating a better world too.
At pick-up today, I encourage parents to ask their children on the car ride home, “What did you learn about Black History Month this week?” The answers may surprise you!
Have a great weekend,
Mike
Head of School
Need-to-Knows
Important Deadlines:
- Financial aid deadline Monday, February 14.
- Summer Camp Registration March 1.
Upcoming Days Off in February and March:
- No School on Monday, February 21 – Presidents’ Day
- No School March 7 through March 11 – Spring Break
- No School March 25 – Faculty Professional Development Day
Read-A-Thon
The school is hosting a Read-A-Thon starting on Tuesday February 15th and will run until March 1st. This is an incredible way to encourage your children to develop stronger reading skills as they earn rewards throughout the read-a-thon. We HIGHLY encourage you to sign your child up! We already have 67 students registered! WAY TO GO FRIENDS SCHOOL!
REGISTER: https://www.read-a-
“WHY DO YOU LOVE TO READ?” VIDEO: https://youtu.be/
