October 2, 2006

MFS TO HOST FRIENDS COUNCIL ON EDUCATION
ANNUAL GATHERING OF HEADS OF FRIENDS SCHOOLS—OCTOBER 5 - 6

 

Nearly 50 Heads of School from elementary and secondary Friends schools across the United States will visit Moorestown Friends School (MFS) October 5 - 6 for The Friends Council on Education (FCE) Annual Gathering of Heads. School leaders will discuss current issues and explore concerns in contemporary Quaker education.

“It is an honor to host the Gathering of Heads for the first time in our school’s history,” said Head of School Larry Van Meter (MFS Class of 1968). “This is an event I personally look forward to every year as it provides an opportunity for school leaders to share information and ideas as we strive to make our schools great places for academic, ethical, and spiritual growth.”

The Friends Council on Education is a Philadelphia-based national association of 81 Friends schools from nursery through 12th grade. Quaker schools range in size from a few students to more than 1,000, and are among the oldest schools in the United States.

The Friends Council on Education serves its member schools through consultations, professional development, and publications related to strengthening and exploring the Quaker philosophy of education. Stemming from a religious belief in “that of God in all people,” Friends schools encourage critical thinking and train students to resolve conflicts and to respect themselves and others. Students learn to know the various ways truth can be found — through scientific investigation, creative expression, dialogue, worship, and service within the school community and beyond.

In addition to hosting the Annual Gathering, MFS will welcome back an alumnus as a featured speaker.

Mark Mitchell (MFS Class of 1986), Vice President for School Information Services for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) in Washington D.C., will lead a program titled “Financing Sustainable Schools” on Thursday, October 5 from 2 – 4 p.m.

The Camden native was part of the MFS Camden Scholars Program, which for over 30 years has been providing financial assistance to residents of Camden who demonstrate academic promise and financial need.  He went on to Northwestern University and has been with NAIS since 1998.

“Mark is one of the many successful alumni of the Camden Scholars program,” said Camden Scholars Director Tina Corsey, also an MFS science teacher. “It is a wonderful testament to the program to see a graduate address the Quaker school leadership at this gathering.”