Friends Council on Education

Friends Council is hosting a
Memorial Service for Irene McHenry on Friday, May 1, 2026
at the Historic Arch Street Meeting House
320 Arch Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106

from 2 pm - 4 pm, ET

For those who can’t be with us in person, we invite you to join us virtually, so we can all hold space together.
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/memorialsrv-irene-mchenry-1777491432910

Radiant Light, Quiet Strength, and Inspired Leadership, Irene McHenry

We are grateful for the life and witness of Irene McHenry. Her quiet strength and deep wisdom radiated warmth and caring with every interaction. She moved through the world attentive to the Light in each of us. Whether she was teaching in a classroom, guiding a young professional, or holding a room full of seasoned colleagues in gentle, steady care, she saw the beauty as well as the opportunity to seek justice. Her way of being invited us to slow down, to listen more deeply, and to meet one another with love.

We are grateful for the ways that Irene touched our lives, both personally and professionally. Many of you met Irene early in your journey, perhaps still finding your footing. She became a mentor whose insights and encouragement endured. When Irene looked at someone, she truly sawthat person—their goodness, their gifts, their potential—even parts that person had not yet recognized in themselves. Through countless small moments of coaching, listening, and calm challenge, she awakened in people a deeper sense of purpose. And in the spaces that she created for groups—cohorts, gatherings, circles of learning—she fostered communities where people both supported and stretched one another.

We are grateful for Irene’s commitment to Friends Council on Education, which she guided for more than 20 years with clarity, intensity, and devotion. Her legacy includes visible milestones such as the founding of the Leadership Institute, as well as less visible relationships and mutual care that she cultivated
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/irene-mchenry-radiant-light-quiet-strength-and-inspired-leadership

In the spirit of continuing revelation, we are lifting up and celebrating Cultural Heritage months, amplifying voices that seem underrepresented in our conversations. The thread of pluralism harkens back to the early days of Quakerism and underscores the Equality and Community testimonies in the daily life of our schools today.

We encourage and support students, teachers, parents, and other members of the school community in:

Affirming all identities, celebrating the Light in each of us.
Learning about people’s experiences that might be similar to or different from our own.
Connecting to our inner voice, seeking empathy, understanding, and paths toward kindness, inclusivity, and social justice.
Making room for young hearts and minds to find their people and their place.

In this message, you will find:

Queries to spark your reflection and discussion within your communities.
Resources and additional information.
A spotlight that illustrates how one of our schools is immersing students into an aspect of cultural heritage.
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/hispanic-heritage-month

As we welcome our students back to school, the world’s tragedies and troubles—violence, war, racism, religious bigotry, climate change, to name just a few—continue to worsen at an alarming pace. In our roles as administrators, teachers, guides, coaches, and mentors, we must meet both our students and the world as they and it present themselves to us. At Friends Council, we imagine the question, “Where to begin?” has crossed your mind more than once as you begin this particular school year.

For Quaker schools, the answer to this question is as it has always been—the faith and practice of Quakers. If there was ever a year during which to rededicate ourselves to the Quaker practices of peace, integrity, equality, community, simplicity, and stewardship, it is this year. These practices look different for students at different developmental stages, but in the end, they will help each student develop a sense of agency and self-worth, and prepare them to connect with the world and the people in it with a sense of optimism, hope, and purpose that contributes to the world’s transformation.
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/a-call-for-equality-community-integrity-and-peace-as-we-begin-a-new-school-year

Join Friends Council in a warm welcome to 12 educators who stepped into new positions as heads of school or co-clerks this summer.
Some of these new heads are longtime champions of Quaker education, bringing a deep history of service across multiple Friends schools. One of the heads is a graduate of Friends Council's Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools. Others are new to the Friends school network, yet bring a strong alignment with Quaker principles and practices along with their wealth of experience in a host of educational settings.

Although their journey to headship varies, all these new heads share a common joy: fostering a learning environment that nurtures individual growth while holding collective responsibility for being in community as well as seeking equity and justice.

We are grateful to each of these new heads for assuming a very public leadership role within what might be characterized as a counter-culture institution. Their courage and vision are especially meaningful during these dynamic and complex times.
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/welcome-new-heads-of-friends-schools-in-2025-2026-1756152001660

Join Friends Council in a warm welcome to 12 educators who stepped into new positions as heads of school or co-clerks this summer.
Some of these new heads are longtime champions of Quaker education, bringing a deep history of service across multiple Friends schools. One of the heads is a graduate of Friends Council's Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools. Others are new to the Friends school network, yet bring a strong alignment with Quaker principles and practices along with their wealth of experience in a host of educational settings.

Although their journey to headship varies, all these new heads share a common joy: fostering a learning environment that nurtures individual growth while holding collective responsibility for being in community as well as seeking equity and justice.

We are grateful to each of these new heads for assuming a very public leadership role within what might be characterized as a counter-culture institution. Their courage and vision are especially meaningful during these dynamic and complex times.
https://www.friendscouncil.org/resources/news-details/~board/migrated-news/post/welcome-new-heads-of-friends-schools-in-2025-2026-1756152001660

The revival gathering of the Librarians Peer Network was today! Close to thirty Friends School librarians gathered at Sidwell Friends School from Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, New Jersey, and California. The discussions centered on what it means to be a Quaker school librarian and the intersections of generative AI, Quaker SPICES, and information literacy. The rainy day did not stop the robust discussions, community, and a general appreciation for simply being together. Thanks to Sidwell Friends School for their hospitality. Thank you, Kristen Thomas Clarke, Media-Providence Friends School & Stephanie Gamble, Sidwell Friends School, for facilitating this gathering, and thanks to Sara Kelley-Mudie, Coordinator of Library Services, Research, and Instruction, Bunker Hill Community College, for your presentation and discussion. A good time was had by all!

Friends Council executive director Drew Smith and Greene Street Friends School Head & Friends Council board member Michelle Holland take a snapshot at the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Annual Gathering in Nashville, TN.