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Germantown Friends School

explore our CAMPUS

What's cool about our campus is that it's spread out over seven acres in Philadelphia's historic neighborhood of Germantown. The buildings are an eclectic mix of old and new, a unique look and feel more consistent with a college campus. With three gyms, three auditoriums, a student center, numerous open, green spaces and nine classroom buildings, it's a place worthy of adoration and exploration. The Meetinghouse, at the center of it all, provides a beautiful and spiritual focal point.

1. Main Building 2. Meetinghouse 3. Sharpless 4. Hargroves 5. Wade Science Center 6. Alumni Building 7. Admissions 8. Living Graveyard 9. Dead Graveyard 10. Loeb Performing Arts Center 11. Smith Gym 12. Cary Building 13. Friends Free Library 14. Field House 15. Scattergood Gym

we have deep roots in this place

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Germantown Friends School

The Pillars of A

Quaker Education

At GFS, students and teachers gather in Meeting for Worship once each week. This is a time for shared, silent contemplation. Anyone who feels moved to speak may rise and do so. It is a simple formula, and can be a remarkably powerful experience.In these days of constant connectivity, the ability and opportunity to sit in silence have special value. Meeting for Worship is a cornerstone of the GFS culture that many come to cherish throughout their lives.

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speak the truth

We strive to deal fairly, equally and honestly with everyone. We aim to do as we say, reflecting our beliefs in our actions. even when it is inconvenient or challenging, we stand by our convictions, striving to lead lives of integrity.

Shine Together

We are all blessed with remarkable gifts. We are equally qualified to seek truth and to hear the voice of God. Every person deserves equal respect. For these reasons, we work against prejudice and discrimination and for equality.

stay connected

"Alone we can do little; together we can do so much."* We know there is strength in cooperation and wisdom to be found when many perspectives come together. We believe in the power of community.*
The words of Helen Keller.

keep it simple

In every way we can, we try to minimize the distractions that can draw our attention from the important things in life. This means not becoming overwhelmed by the busyness of daily routine. It means seeking balance. It means embracing simplicity.

care for all

This planet we inhabit, the talents we've been given, the community of which we are a part- all hold remarkable value. We must be responsible, imaginative and proactive in protecting these gifts and caring for the world and people around us. We must exercise good stewardship.

promote peace

We believe each life is precious and unique. We stand against war and violence and work to eliminate their root causes, including ignorance, racism, hatred and oppression. We are committed to creating peace.

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Equity Planning Update, Today's Forum, Upcoming GFS Conversations
Equity Planning Update, Today's Forum, Upcoming GFS Conversations
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July 18, 2020

Dear Friends,

Today we mourn the loss of two great leaders and activists who lifted their voices and acted their conscience in the name of Civil Rights, equity, and anti-racism: John Lewis and Reverend C.T. Vivian. We are called to honor their work through our own.

It is in this spirit that I thank the 500 alumni, parents, faculty, and staff for joining our Actions for Equity Community Conversations over the past two weeks. This is a clear indicator of our unity in moving this work forward and creating significant change. The reflections and ideas shared by our community are critical as we update and prioritize our working plan.

Our conversations continue in the coming week, and we are pleased to share that there will be an additional session for alumni who were unable to attend last week's conversations. As well, additional opportunities for our community to gather (online or in-person if permitted) will be scheduled later this summer or early fall, at various times and with various groups. The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion will also hold continual dialogues throughout the year.

We will share themes and input from the sessions soon via email and on our Actions for Equity webpage, as well as additional steps to bring a comprehensive plan to life, including a timeline, metrics, accountability tools - just to name a few.

For those of you who are planning to join this afternoon's forum organized by BlackatGFS, I send you love and Light. I hope that the session allows voices to be heard and that we can use those discussions to guide our plans for a more inclusive and welcoming GFS. I have reached out to the organizers and have extended an open invitation to talk about how we can work together.

I look forward to continued momentum and am buoyed by the spirit of unity demonstrated by the GFS community in the past month. I remain committed to moving forward with openness, care, and urgency.

 

Warmly,
Dana Weeks
Head of School

 

Upcoming sessions:

· Upper School Students and Class of 2020, Tuesday, July 21, 5-6 p.m.

· Parents of Color (open to all who self-identify as parents of color or who parent children of color), July 30, 8-9 a.m.

· Alumni (any graduation year), August 3, 5:30-6:30 p.m.


Other sessions scheduled include:

· Multicultural Parents Alliance Executive Committee (for group leadership at this time), July 20, 4-5:15 p.m.

Alumni of Color Host Committee (for group leadership at this time), August 3, 4-5 p.m.

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