Sidwell Friends School

As 8th graders rounded out their final year in Middle School, they took the slogan “think globally, act locally” and ran with it.

For the first-ever 8th grade science capstone project, students applied their studies in energy, chemistry, earth systems, and climate change to take on an issue of environmental concern directly impacting their community. ♻️

Choosing a “test and build” or “research and advocate” project, projects included coding for tracking solar panels, manufacturing water filtering pipes, and fabricating protective footwear for dogs. Others hosted sewing workshops and community cooling stations while some chose to engage members of the School community on issues such as car idling, effective green spaces, composting, and building design.

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Becoming Proactive Agents of Change Students apply their Middle School knowledge of energy, chemistry, earth systems, and climate change in the first-ever 8th grade science capstone project.

For more than 30 years, Upper School students have been studying tiny creatures in a stream in Rock Creek Park and compiling data on the health of the ecosystem. Sidwell Friends is responsible for the Reservation 630 stream site and is the only school group to serve as a volunteer cohort.

“Especially after the field trip to Reservation 630, my students better understand the importance of being stewards for our local environment. I believe that if we give kids opportunities like this, they will be inspired to be citizen scientists long after the class is over,” says Emily Boyer, the Fields Faculty Chair in Environmental and Life Sciences.

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Field Studies for Budding Biologists For more than 30 years, Sidwell Friends’ students have been studying tiny creatures in a stream in Rock Creek Park and compiling data on the health of the ecosystem.

For one month this spring, a Sidwell kindergarten class experienced the presence of a unique work by the acclaimed artist On Kawara. The work, called “Pure Consciousness,” has graced the walls of 30 elementary schools around the world since 1998; Sidwell Friends is the second US school to host it.

A requirement of the installation is that teachers and other adults not draw attention to the paintings or ask the students about their reactions to them. If students ask for an explanation, adults are directed to encourage the children’s own, unfiltered impressions. It’s the experience with the work Kawara cared about most.

“We often talk to the kids about silence and how silence is not simply a break between sentences but an important space in and of itself. Living with the paintings without explanation for a month was like a silence between sentences—an opportunity for kids to prepare their minds and open their hearts in an organic way,” said Denise Coffin, kindergarten teacher.

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The Paintings on the Wall For one month this spring, a Sidwell kindergarten class experienced the presence of a unique work by the acclaimed artist On Kawara. What did they see?

The buzz in Middle School drama seems to be contagious—bringing the Sidwell community together to celebrate the “art of the imagination.” 🎭

“Theater stretches the creative brain, which helps students develop crucial life skills like dedication, team work, responsibility, problem solving, and a work ethic. If you don’t encourage kids to embrace challenges and opportunities, you’ll never know what they’re capable of,” says Quentin Madia, Middle School drama teacher.

Read the full story about Madia and Middle School theater ➡️

Keeping It Cool in Middle School Theater The buzz in Middle School drama seems to be contagious—bringing the Sidwell community together to celebrate the “art of the imagination.” ​​​​​​​

Happy June! ✨ As we wrap up another school year, reflect on this query: How can I take the lessons I learned from my teachers and peers this year with me into the summer and beyond?

Rule #1: Have fun! ☀️ This year’s Lower School Field Day brought students together for a day full of movement, teamwork, and school spirit.

This year’s spring choral and instrumental concerts celebrated the artistry of our Upper School musicians and honored the seniors who will leave a lasting note on our community. 🎶

📣 Big wins for the Quakers this week! The Sidwell Friends boys and girls tennis squads both won District of Columbia State Athletic Association team titles, and the Sidwell Friends boys lacrosse team were champions of the inaugural DC Lacrosse Classic. Congratulations!