Mary McDowell Friends School

Congratulations to our 8th grade students and their families on Moving Up to high school!

This year 11 MMFS juniors completed Honors Projects, after submitting a proposal last fall for an independent study project to be completed without scaffolding or major academic supports. These projects give students an opportunity to turn a personal passion into academic research and a scholarly paper and presentation. Before their presentations, students discussed their papers with small panels of MMFS teachers, administrators, and some of last year’s Honors Project participants. Congratulations to these 11 students on their outstanding academic achievement.

Last week, the Middle School GSA collaborated with the Faculty/Staff LGBTQIA+ Affinity Group to host a bake sale in honor of SAGE. For over 40 years, SAGE has championed the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ elders. Through advocacy, community, and support, they ensure that every LGBTQ+ person can age with dignity and pride. Together we fundraised over $1000! With the matching campaign that ended on May 31st, that means we raised over $2000! Thank you to everyone who contributed bake goodies, time and/or money for our first ever student-adult affinity group initiative. Happy Pride! 🌈

For AANHPI Heritage Month, the Anderson Room welcomed a very special guest: Paolo Kapunan (aka DJ P Love), Filipino DJ and husband of Anderson Room Head Teacher Paula M.

As a DJ, Paolo is known for starting the Montreal chapter of Table Turns (an open turntable night that began at NYC’s Nuyorican Poets Café). He later toured with artists like Kid Koala, Amon Tobin, Bonobo, and The Slew, and performed with orchestras and music ensembles.

Paolo talked with students about Filipino culture and how central music is to it. Whether it’s playing an instrument, singing, or simply appreciating it, music is a big part of the Filipino home. Paolo explained that when he and his Filipino friends got together to listen to music as teenagers, a DJ would often set up so everyone could listen and dance together. This led to the creation of a vibrant cultural scene in the San Francisco Bay Area during the rise of hip hop in the 70s and 80s. Paolo also talked about the invention of the scratching technique by DJ Grand Wizzard Theodore.

Students also got a hands-on look at the QFO, a special turntable created by DJ QBert that has a built-in mixer and pitch controller, allowing it to serve as a stand-alone instrument for scratching.

The upper school’s annual Sports Banquet recognizes the hard work and dedication of athletes, coaches, and teams throughout the year. All the US athletic teams were acknowledged, and all 21 of our graduating senior athletes were celebrated. In addition, the following awards were given to some of our many outstanding student-athletes: The Stuart Kagel Award; Scholar Athletes Award; ISAL All League Award; 100% Practice Attendance Award; The Challenger Award; Green Verification and Most Valuable Green Award; Managers Award; and 3-Sport Award. Congratulations, Lightning!

MMFS celebrates Pride Month, a vibrant and inclusive celebration that honors the LGBTQIA+ community, their history, achievements, and ongoing struggle for equality.

MMFS celebrates Caribbean American Heritage Month, which recognizes the culture, heritage, and achievements of Caribbean-Americans.

Music Night at the upper school is a joyous showcase of the exceptional talent of MMFS musicians. Directed by upper school music teacher Taylor W, the program gave the spotlight to emerging as well as experienced musicians, performing in a range of styles and genres. The program featured five different bands (Block 7, Block 8, the Jazz Band, Block 2 Advanced Band, and Block 4 Advanced Band) and the musical stylings of vocal soloists, pianists, and guitarists. Congratulations to all the students for a great evening of music.

Once again this year, the 6th and 7th grade ventured to Outdoor Classroom in Connecticut, for their outdoor education program. This highly anticipated trip allows students to unplug from their phones and screens and experience nature. There’s hiking, exploring, community building, and lots of fun.

MMFS held its second annual Cross-divisional BIPOC Affinity Group gathering on May 13. Upper school students walked over to Bergen Street to connect with lower school students for a fantastic afternoon of community, connection, and joy. This year’s event grew to include more than 50 students in three different spaces!

9th and 10th graders spent time with our youngest students playing games and drawing together. Juniors and seniors joined 4th and 5th floor lower school students for a lively game of GaGa, while a third group of sophomores, juniors, and 4th/5th floor LS students enjoyed board and card games. We’re thrilled that our US students can provide important mirrors for our youngest students.

Thank you to the DEI Office and our affinity group facilitators for making this happen!