Friends School of Portland Parents' Blog

Yippee Outing Club

2012-02-19T19:51:00.000-05:00

Maine Huts and Trails makes the New York Times!

Also, one last eventbrite link http://outingclubspring2012b.eventbrite.com

to use for April, May and June!

Fun in the Sun

2012-02-17T08:11:00.005-05:00

Looking for a great, healthy, fun, exciting, FREE outdoor family activity tomorrow? It's the state middle school Nordic ski meet in Fryeburg, with teams from about a dozen schools giving it their all for the glory of the sport. Two or three teams will dominate the standings, and the rest of us will strive for personal goals, the funnest time, and the best food. It's a heck of a day, and it's always gloriously sunny.

Come cheer for Violet, Sinéad, and Cecilia as they pour it on for Portland Nordic. Please stop by our area - we are the sea of lime green hats and we share food with our supporters (feel free to bring a plate of sandwiches or something healthy to share). John Marble is guaranteed to be somewhere in the woods banging a bucket with a stick - bring your own noisemakers (cowbells traditional) or share his. At Nordic ski meets, everybody cheers for everybody, and it's a very good example of healthy competition for younger kids to see. Depending on conditions, you can also bring skis or snowshoes and head off on the non-racecourse trails.

Directions: Rte. 302 into Fryeburg, turn left onto the main drag at the academy. After the traffic light, turn left at the Norway Savings Bank onto Oxford Street. Follow it to the end. There will be lots of cars - park anywhere you can. The trailhead is off to the right, over the railroad tracks and past all the cars, school buses, and oil tanks.

Prep School Negro - March 1st - 3 reasons to come

2012-02-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

We were recently asked, "Why would I want to come to Prep School Negro?" and our thinking about the answered generated some queries:

1) What are the implications of economic segregation for ourselves and our children, and how does school shape our likelihood of integration or segregation in terms of race and class?

2) What does it mean to encourage "diversity" and "inclusion" in our schools? Are there ways we could become more fully inclusive?

3) What role does education play in creating access to the middle and upper middle class? What role do we, as citizens, play in shaping education policy that best serves democracy?

4) How do we maintain curiosity about experiences that are different from our own? What might we learn about ourselves or our children through listening to Andre's story? In what ways does his story reflect a more universal experience and in what way is it specific to him, to race, to class?

What other queries do people bring to this program?

Below is a clip from the film People Like Us : Social Class in America that describe the possibility and challenges of class mobility via education for families - although the film is getting old, it is really interesting!

Tammy's Story : Rural Poverty

This time, a chance to think about sexism and boys (tomorrow!)

2012-02-14T16:21:00.000-05:00

Michael Kimmel
SUNY Distinguished Professor
Department of Sociology
SUNY at Stony Brook, NY

Thursday, February 16th
1:00 to 2:30 pm, Talbot Auditorium
Luther Bonney, Portland
NOTE LOCATION CHANGE

Presenting on his book: Guyland; a study of young men, ages 16-26, and the new stage of development between adolescence and adulthood.

Sponsored by:
USM Campus Safety Project, School of Social Work, Department of Sociology, Women and Gender Studies, and Family Crisis Services.

This presentation is free and open to all.

Cinderella, Dressed in --- PINK!

2012-02-14T06:51:00.000-05:00

So many people have mentioned Cinderella Ate My Daughter to me, I'm hoping others might be willing to write guest posts or use the comments to provide some thinking for our FSP parents -- what can WE do about it? What should we especially KNOW? What did you find most interesting?

Dance moment

2012-02-12T08:06:00.000-05:00

Students in the Monday dance class are offering a peek to parents at the end of class...

"Anyone is welcome. So for parents: At 4:20pm, come watch an informal, lively, 3-minute dance performed in Carter Hall."

And don't forget to check out the footage of the Arts Intensive for some serious dance inspiration!

Top 10 Tips for Ethical Parenting

2012-02-10T06:42:00.002-05:00

Curious what people think of these ideas from Rushworth Kidder:

http://ethical-literacy.org/professional-development/ethics-parenting/top-ten-tips-for-ethical-parenting/

Top Ten Tips for Ethical Parenting

By Rushworth Kidder,

Excerpted from, Good Kids, Tough Choices, by Rushworth M. Kidder.

These tips, distilled by my colleague Paula Mirk and Institute for Global Ethics staff through years of working with parents, children, teachers, address two questions parents raise most frequently: “Why does ethical parenting matter?” and “What can I do to make a difference?”

Children learn self-steerage from watching us. Provide frequent opportunities for your children to see you as an independent thinker. Do the right thing, especially when no one’s around to give you credit for it.
The language of ethics helps shape thinking and behavior. Integrate core values into your vocabulary. Instead of encouraging kids simply to”be nice” get specific. Urge them to “be compassionate,” “be respectful,” “be fair.”
When you think out loud, your children learn your ethics.Let your children hear your thought monologues as evidence of how your mind works in the realm of ethics.
Your ethical reasoning elevates their critical-thinking skills. Connect thought to action. Articulate the ethical “why” behind your behavior. Make it clear that your choices and actions are based on sound ethical reasoning.
When you stretch to do the right thing, your children grow more ethically fit. Rather than saying, “I’m right, he’s wrong,” get in the habit of explaining why you and someone else disagree: “Here’s how I’m thinking, and here’s how he’s thinking.” Then be sure to ground both sides in ethics.
When you admit your own imperfections, you take the pressure off your children. Rather than trying to seem perfect, let your children know that we all make mistakes–and take responsibility for yours.
If you keep your ethical aspirations high, children are likely to do the same. Be consistent and conscientious about your ethics, and your children will more readily follow suit.
You’re their number one role model. Your behavior matters. Be conscious that your children are watching. The little things can make the biggest difference.
Your promote moral courage by modeling it. Let your children see you choose to take the tough stand over the easy way out. Talk about the challenges as you’re going through them.
You make them believe in the future. Be enthusiastic and upbeat about applying ethics in your daily life and in the future. Children look to us to paint “adulthood.” What do you want them to see?

See related video clips:

“Ethics and Parenting: Carly’s Story – Part 1,” a clip of Rushworth M. Kidder, President and Founder, Institute for Global Ethics during an Ethics and Parenting talk. Click here.
“Ethics and Parenting: Daughter’s Email Dilemma,” a clip of Rushworth M. Kidder, President and Founder, Institute for Global Ethics during an Ethics and Parenting talk. Click here.
“Ethics and Parenting: Eating Disorder Dilemma,” a clip of Rushworth M. Kidder, President and Founder, Institute for Global Ethics during an Ethics and Parenting talk. Click here.

Sleep - from Race to Nowhere

2012-02-07T17:20:00.002-05:00

Dear Kimberly,

Quick: How much sleep did you get last night?

If you’re like most Americans, you didn’t get enough. And if you’re a student, you’re probably among the 92% of teens who don’t get the recommended 9 hours of sleep each night.

This month, in anticipation of National Sleep Awareness Week, March 5-11, we’re urging parents, students and school leaders to launch—and learn from—innovative practices that will restore balance to student schedules and encourage healthy sleep.

Join us by taking the Sleep Challenge. Visit our website for ideas on how you can make sleep a priority.

Why should getting a good night’s sleep be a priority?

Studies show that losing just one hour of sleep per night can set students back two grade levels. Sleep deprivation is also linked to:

Teen car accidents
Lower grades
Decreased attention and memory skills
Depression and anxiety

Take the Sleep Challenge and experiment with making sleep a priority:

http://www.endtherace.org/sleep-challenge
Best,

Vicki Abeles & the End the Race Campaign Team

P.S. With a continued focus on inspiring dialogue and igniting change in local communities nationwide, we're also announcing release of the "Race to Nowhere" Educational Tool Kit and DVD in our new online store! This product is available to schools and institutions who wish to either acquire the DVD for use in institutional and library collections or host one or more "Race to Nowhere" screenings in their communities!

Girls, Legos and STEM For All

2012-02-03T11:13:00.000-05:00

If you haven't heard about the controversy with Lego's new product aimed at girls, watch this short video then check out HGHW's push-back!

And, to encourage girls and all kids in pursuing STEM activities, check out these upcoming events :

3/3 : Greta told me about this upcoming engineering expo event for kids/families - she said it was really great last year.

3/10 : For older kids (7th grade - 12th grade), Maya shared that MIT offers SPARK - a Saturday of workshops and events

3/10: For younger & older kids, Habitat for Humanity hosts Youth Build - a lego building contest for all sexes, in Falmouth this year.

Miss Representation

2012-01-25T10:44:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I posted the trailer for Miss Representation -- here it is again (at the bottom of this post) with multiple opportunities to see the whole thing:

MISS REPRESENTATION

Premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, Miss Representationis written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom and exposes how mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America. The film challenges the media's limited and often disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself. The film had its broadcast premiere on OWN Oprah Winfrey Network in October 2011.

For more information about the film and the national campaign to influence media which has arisen out if it, visit www.missrepresentation.org.

PORTLAND INFO:

Smith College Club of Maine hosts screening of

Miss Representation

Sunday, January 29, 2:00 PM

Catherine McAuley High School

631 Stevens Ave., Portland

Though the screening is being offered to students free of charge, a suggested donation of $5 is being collected. (see poster here)For more information about the screening, please contact Rebecca Rundquist at rebquist@hotmail.com or at (207) 712-6430.

FREEPORT INFO : 1/30 @ 6:30PM

Freeport Performing Arts Center http://www.maineboystomen.org/event/miss-representation/

Outing Club Link

2012-01-25T10:40:00.000-05:00

The eventbrite registration link has been fixed on the outing club page -- if you want to bookmark it, it is http://www.outingclubspring2012.eventbrite.com

Also, please remember to distribute Clynk Bags to support OC (and buy snowshoes for the school!) -- Bags are in Jessica's office and can be given to friends and relations, placed conveniently at work, etc. etc. The tag is already on the bag - once full, it gets dropped off at a Hannaford Clynk site and money is magically sent to FSP!

Links and More Links

2012-01-25T09:01:00.000-05:00

I had a few tech problems last week and some links have built up :

From Helen - a wonderful NYT article about the importance of solitude for problem solving and the bleed from "collaboration" to "group think." The author has a book coming out about introverts - I'm looking forward to reading it.

From Audra : Disney Princesses vs. Miyazaki -- Kiki's Delivery Service is one of my favorite movies, but GeekDad lays out even more reasons to vote Miyazaki... Maybe we can have a FSP trip to see his newest movie, a take on the Borrowers, the February.

From Leisa : In Smaller Voices, I Have A Dream - despite MLK-day behind us, the message is so powerful and worth listening to more than once!

From Kim : An interesting article about how some STEM programs designed to pull girls in are having an opposite effect.

Arts Fest Extraordinaire

2012-01-24T06:30:00.000-05:00

While Maya captured my happiness on film, the arts festival has prompted a longer and deeper sense of wonder in me. Watching kids engage so deeply in a collaborative process that yielded such profound pieces in such a short time was just incredible. The queries that arose from their work were really sophisticated:

What is it to capture someone's image - what does it mean to represent someone else?
What is it to "have come from different boats, but all be in the same boat now?"
What is it to honor and celebrate individual differences, and unique individual gifts, but still maintain equal opportunity (and how do we decide which gifts are most valuable in a community?)
What are our deepest questions for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr? What are our questions for each other about maintaining his vision for equality and peace and nonviolence?
What does "Equality" really mean to us?

The use of the arts to explore these questions was so fabulous and I hope the conversation goes on for a long time.

For me, it was followed up by listening to Bill McKibbon on Friday night. I am hoping I can convince Bethany to write a guest post - she could summarize much better than I can - but the take away for me is that we (adults) need to try some art activism ourselves, and really commit to creating political change by influencing others about our deepest commitment to equality and a healthy planet.

Kim in Wonderland...

2012-01-23T15:44:00.002-05:00

MLK week + visiting artists + conga line = 1 happy Kim!

Cracking Teenagers' Online Codes

2012-01-21T20:47:00.004-05:00

As follow-up to our forum about our kids' technology use, and as a precursor to our spring kid/parent forum on technology, here's an article that Mary sent me about Danah Boyd, a GenX Micorsoft researcher with a different perspective.

Portland Performing Arts Festival

2012-01-18T06:18:00.000-05:00

A brand new Performing Arts Festival is being planned for this summer :

June 28 - July 1, 2012

Four days, nine performances.
Artists from Maine and around the nation.
Portland's newest reason to shine.

JOIN US

Portland Performing Arts Festival
Public Announcement and Open House
Friday, Jan. 20, 5pm - 7pm
Rines Auditorium, Portland Public Library

Writing Contests

2012-01-16T13:03:00.000-05:00

There are 3 kids writing contests swirling about right now:

Telling Room Maine Magazine : Searching for Maine, Searching for ME (due March 7th / Middle School)

Flower Show : Use Your Imagination to Describe In Detail A Celebration You Would Plan Outdoors -- all ages due Feb 16

Cornerstones for Science Read Write Win : http://cornerstonesofscience.org/readwritewin-teens.aspx#rww2012 Grades 3 & up Due March

Event tomorrow @ PPL

2012-01-10T15:52:00.000-05:00

Come hear McKay Jenkins!
This Wednesday, January 11th, 12:00 PM
Part of the Brown Bag Lunch Series at the
Portland Public Library, Rines Auditorium

It's very appropriate that Jenkins is making this presentation in Maine. He focused some of his research here, where 16 Mainers had participated in our Body of Evidence study to determine the levels of toxic chemicals in their own bodies - with startling results.

We also think January is a great month for Jenkins to visit Maine. This is the first month that the ban on the toxic chemical BPA goes into effect for any baby bottles, sippy cups, and reusable containers sold statewide.

Jenkins' work is a great call to action for us to build on our progress and continue working to remove harmful toxic chemicals from our every day products. So get involved!

2012 resolution : Try A New Food

2012-01-09T12:11:00.000-05:00

Community Read?

2012-01-06T10:44:00.000-05:00

I'm still chewing on our conversation about living-digital. Although I don't really like the term "digital natives," the book Born Digital was just recommended to me by a Media Studies prof. and I'm wondering if it would be a good FSP community read?

One of my biggest concerns about the internet has to do with the sexualization of girls and the corporate interests (including pornography) that underpin the digital economy. At the same time, I'm persuaded that the internet provides opportunities for agency and direct democracy that is so important at this time in our history.

I'm dying to see Miss Representation - it will be shown on January 30th in Freeport at 6:30 pm and hopefully more often around Portland this spring. The film connects media representations of girls and women to sexism in society...

And older kids should check out the project Powered By Girl which allows kids to talk back to sexism in their media!

Amtrak Deal

2012-01-05T11:50:00.000-05:00

http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com/10-years

In January only, the Amtrak Downeaster is celebrating its 10th anniversary by offering $10 one-way fares on select trains. Discover the endless variety of things to eat, see, and do during your day trip, weekend getaway, or week-long vacation. Book your ticket from December 14, 2011 through January 28, 2012 to escape on the Downeaster and take advantage of this limited time offer.

http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com/schedule/full

Terms and Conditions
This offer is valid for sale between December 14, 2011-January 28, 2012 and valid for travel between January 1, 2012-January 31, 2012.

This offer is exclusively available at www.amtrak.com or www.amtrakdowneaster.com. Advance reservations are required a mimimum of three (3) days prior to travel.

This offer is valid for a special $10.00 One way rail fare on the following Downeaster trains only: #681, #682, #683, #684, #687, #688, #689, #690, #691, #693, #694, #697, #698, and #699.

(See below for these trains' Boston/Portland times.)

This offer is valid for travel between all city pairs with a rail fare of $10.00 Or more. Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times.

The $10.00 Fare is valid for all passengers; no additional discounts allowed.

This offer is valid for coach seats only.

In addition to the discount restrictions; this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts, and refund rules that apply to the type off are purchased. Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice. This offer is not combinable with any other discount offer. Once travel has begun; no changes to the itinerary are permitted. Other restrictions may apply. Amtrak and Downeaster are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation.

http://www.amtrakdowneaster.com/schedule/full
Northbound Trains:
681    9:05a - 11:35a, M - F
683    11:05a - 1:30p, M - F
687    5;40p - 8:10p, M - F
689    11:00p - 1:25a, M - F
691    8:50a - 11:15a, Sat & Sun
693    11:10a - 1:35p, Sat & Sun
697    6:45p - 9:10p, Sat & Sun
699    11:00p - 1:25a, Sat & Sun

Southbound Trains:
682    8:00 - 10:30a, M - F
684    12:50p - 3:20p, M - F
688    7:55p - 10:25p, M - F
690    6:00a - 8:25a, Sat & Sun
694    12:25a - 2:50p, Sat & Sun
698    8:00p - 10;25p, Sat & Sun

Media Literacy / Digital Citizenship

2012-01-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

The conversation last night was so great - here are some links to keep us going:

Howard Garder, et. al new curriculum - I think it is more sophisticated and interesting than a straightforward media literacy approach: http://newmedialiteracies.org/our-space-being-a-responsible.php but might be hard to implement at home... (Wondering what folks think about this as a P4P topic?)

Frontline - Digital Nation - could be fun to watch together - lots of resources on their web page.

CommonSense Media has a frightening explanation of how corporations track kids via cookies (and why it should be illegal) - they also have ratings of various social networking sites - perhaps we'd want to encourage our kids to all participate on a safer one than buzz?

One strategy we discussed was "channeling" - at least trying to make screen time as high quality as possible - to that effect, the American Library Association compiles "Best Web Sites for Teaching and Learning"

For adults curious about the effects of the internet on our brains, Nicholas Carr's 'The Shallows" is probably the best known; books about Kids include "The Dumbest Generation" (mean title, interesting book) and an academic anthology Hanging Out, Messing Around and Geeking Out

I don't have anything for kids to read themselves - anyone else?

Fours Links to Articles RE : Technology

2012-01-03T18:06:00.000-05:00

NYT, December 29th, 2011
The Joy of Quiet
By PICO IYER
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/01/opinion/sunday/the-joy-of-quiet.html

Young Thespians... auditions for Children's Theater

2012-01-03T18:00:00.000-05:00

http://www.kitetails.org/theatre/auditions/

THERE IS SCHOOL MONDAY

2012-01-01T20:30:00.000-05:00

FSP opens up Monday morning (despite being a formal holiday)!

Outing Club & Winter Fun

2011-12-30T06:57:00.000-05:00

The Outing Club registration site is up and running -... A great way to introduce younger kids to the fun of OC and get some outdoor time is to join in for skating on Wednesdays January 4th & February 15th : Skating at Falmouth Family Ice after school (non OC families just need to make their own transportation arrangements / pay for skating if you're not a Falmouth resident).

Please also consider supporting the OC by getting Clynk bags/tags from Nicole and returning them (full) to any Hannaford near you...

Finally, check out the Winter Kids page for outside fun on a grander scale -- there are printable passes for younger children and you can order the winter kids passport for grades 5 - 7 for huge deals and access to organized winter sports.

Maine's Budget - a polemic from Kim

2011-12-15T06:13:00.000-05:00

Kate's class (Katie's class) proudly decorated cookies and cupcakes and made homemade fudge for the Preble St. Teen Center. Katie has introduced them to the idea of homelessness and hunger through picture books and they have the righteous sensitivity of young children -- they know that it is wrong that teens should be without a safe place to live or without enough food. These themes were amplified in a powerful speech by Jill Saxby yesterday at Maine Can Do Better's rally protesting proposed cuts to Maine's safety net.

Hear Jill Saxby's entire address

I am haunted by the idea that 1 in 2 Americans is considered low-income (USA Today story), that our elderly are struggling with hunger and cold, that children's basic needs are not being met and that Maine might continue to balance our budget by cutting services to our most vulnerable. Kate's class seems to hear the message in such a simple and straightforward way - safe housing and food are basic human rights. Why can't that message be heard by our Government?

If you're so moved, contact your legislators NOW or consider making a donation to Maine Equal Justice Project who takes leadership on advocacy for low-income Mainers, to the Maine People's Alliance who does community organizing work or to the Maine Hunger Initiative as a direct response to childhood and elderly hunger.

Improv for Kids & Adults

2011-12-13T11:46:00.000-05:00

The kids have had a great time with David, after school -- a new session begins in Jan (Tuesdays). .. but parents have the chance to play, too!

Winter Kids & Fast & Female - holiday gift ideas

2011-12-13T10:07:00.000-05:00

The WinterKids FunPass is now available online!

The FunPass gives kids in preschool through 4th grade the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing (for free!) at 20 winter recreation areas all over Maine.

--------------

Fast and Female Kicks Off 2012 with Third Annual XC Ski Event in Maine on January 7
REGISTER NOW!

Bethel, Maine / Calgary, Alberta (December 8, 2011) - The countdown is on and in less than a month, 125 young female athletes between the ages of 9 to 19 years old will spend an afternoon of inspiration with cross-country skiing Olympian Holly Brooks and National Team member Jessie Diggins at Gould Academy in Bethel, Maine.

Brooks and Diggins, who will already be in the area to compete in the 2012 National XC Ski Championships, have generously volunteered to lead the Fast and Female XC Ski Event on Saturday January 7. The highly unique event aimed at specifically motivating girls to stick to cross-country skiing will feature team building activities, a healthy snack, an inspirational presentation, dancing as well as an autograph signing session. The registration fee for the event is only $7 and includes a Fast and Female Buff, a snack, and access to the activities. Participants can secure a spot by visiting: http://ffjan7bethel.eventbrite.com The deadline to register online is January 5, 2012.

For more information concerning the event, please contact the local event coordinator: Abby Weissman at abby@nensa.net or (207) 944-4720.

ABOUT FAST AND FEMALE
Fast and Female is a not-for-profit society started in 2005 by Chandra Crawford - 2006 Olympic gold medalist in cross-country skiing. The organization's mission is to support, motivate, inspire, and empower girls to stick to sports and the healthy lifestyle. Fast and Female fulfills its mission of "Empowerment Through Sport" by hosting fun-filled, non-competitive initiatives all across North-America aimed at exposing young female athletes to inspiring female Olympians and elite level athletes. The young girls who attend Fast and Female events today will lead it in the future, may it be as athletes, coaches, volunteers, parents, and community leaders. For more information about Fast and Female, visit /

Guest post from FOUR

2011-12-09T08:53:00.002-05:00

Danah Boyd has a great critique of social software networks, Autistic
Social Software, blasting the current generation of this software for
forcing people to behave autistically:

Consider, for a moment, the recent surge of interest in articulated social
networks such as Friendster, Tribe, LinkedIn, Orkut and the like. These
technologies attempt to formalize how people should construct and manage
their relationships. They assume that you can rate your friends. In some
cases, they procedurally direct how people can engage with new people by
giving you an absolute process through which you can contact others.

While this approach certainly has its merits because it is computationally
possible, I'm terrified when people think that this models social life.
It's so simplistic that people are forced to engage as though they have
autism, as though they must interact procedurally. This approach certainly
aids people who need that kind of systematization, but it is not a model
that universally makes sense. Furthermore, what are the implications of
having technology prescribe mechanistic engagement? Do we really want a
social life that encourages autistic interactions?

Autistic Social Software, Danah Boyd
http://www.danah.org/papers/Supernova2004.html

7 Foods Never to Eat

2011-12-07T11:20:00.000-05:00

AHHHHHH - I love canned tomatoes in the winter...

http://www.prevention.com/tips/nutrition/7-foods-should-never-cross-your-lips

Holiday Resources

2011-12-06T10:43:00.000-05:00

'Tis the season... We are without a school holiday fundraiser this year, but I'm asking my family to consider a Donation to Friends School in lieu of plastic-crap for the girls and for me. I am so grateful to FSP and know a strong school is the best gift we're giving our children at this time of their lives. I also continue to hope and believe that values-based education will help our whole community, by developing new conversations and queries about childhood needs, in general, and by graduating kids who will take citizenship and problem solving on in a big way! It won't replace a shiny bauble under the tree for them, but as I get older I do find donations are more fun to give and receive than anything from a big-box anything!

For some alternative holiday ideas, consistent with FSP values, check out these links (and the Consuming Kids DVD which is on the parents book shelf and a great conversation starter this time of year -should be a forum event next year!)

Center for New American Dream : http://www.newdream.org/ -- the simplify the holidays booklet has some useful strategies for resisting too much shopping.

Story of Electronics - somehow, we need a way to keep a little Annie Leonard in our head as we make sugar plums dance in the heads of our older kids : http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-electronics/ -- the old Story of Stuff might be worth watching as a whole family, just to talk a little about reducing consumption even at x-mas.

For those buying for younger kids, the TRUCE guide is now available : http://www.truceteachers.org/ and the Campaign for a Commercial Free Childhood released their "toadies" of worst toys : http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/actions/toady2011winner.html

Finally, the Maine Association of NonProfits has their gifts that give twice program featuring places to make donations and get a little something -- I'd love other people's ideas for good donations in honor of grandparents, etc!

Finally, Dan contributed his list of 5 best toys ever

New Kindergarten Blog

2011-12-06T10:29:00.003-05:00

Check out the new Kindergarten Blog -- a permanent link can be found above!

BPA & Canned Food

2011-12-01T06:55:00.000-05:00

Did everyone see this awful report about BPA & canned food -- something to watch out for this winter!
Tonight there is a celebration for the Environmental Health Strategy Center, the organization working to make policy change around toxins in our food and personal care prodcuts and other stuff..

This Thursday we are so glad you will be joining us as a host for our 9th Anniversary Organic Wine and Chocolate Party!

Thursday December 1st 5:30-7:30pm
Rose Contemporary Gallery, Portland

We will be recognizing former executive director of the Maine Women's Policy Center Sarah Standiford with the Second Annual Frank Hatch Environmental Health Leadership Award. As well as honoring one of our founding board members Lael Stegall, and four grassroots leaders who helped win the campaign to phase out the toxic chemical BPA from reusable food and beverage containers in Maine, Jessica Graham, Dana Hernandez, Mary Beth Luce, and Megan Rice.

The event will include a silent auction with a wide variety of fun items, from restaurant gift cards to children's books, that can be great holiday gifts.

Please contact Rachelle with any questions, rcurran@preventharm.org, 699-5789.

Change Your Kids' Attitude With Gratitude

2011-11-24T06:00:00.000-05:00

It seems like a cliche to say we should be "cultivating gratitude" -- an overly Oprah-esque prescription for complicated times. Often, I think my children should be more grateful when I'm perceiving them as selfish, which makes gratitude a virtue rather than a practice. Also, telling someone to be more grateful rarely yields that particular result. I am also sometimes embarrassed by gratitude; as a political thinker, there is so much to be worried about and something in my ethic makes it easy for me to emphasize "that which should be different" over "that which is already just fine." Grace recently pointed out, "Mom, you're mad about too much" -- that isn't how I want her to think about my activism! I have no problem waxing enthusiastic about FSP, though -- truly, I am so grateful for the school, the teachers, the community - all of us together working to create a space where children can engage in "joyful learning"and adults, too, can use our gifts to benefit the whole. I am grateful that my kids have recess, twice a day, even my 7th grader. I am grateful that they have male teachers who model nurturing, interesting, authentic masculinities - with a commitment to nonviolence. I am grateful that they have teachers who love the outdoors and share that love freely. I am grateful for all the singing. Mostly, I am grateful that both of my children (and all of our children) are held in community and as individuals and in the light. Thank you FSP!

Gratitude Sites

Greater Good Parenting (where the above video is from)

Thanksgiving Specific post from imagination soup - replacing stereotypes of history with new traditions & narratives

Learning to Give has lesson plans and book recs

2011-11-18T11:18:00.000-05:00

Working with Boys: Resistance, Relationships and Getting Real

Where: Enter Webinar from your personal computer
When: Monday November 21, 2011 from 3:00 to 4:30PM

Working with Boys: Resistance, Relationships and Getting Real

Presented by: Mark Tappan, Professor of Education and Human Development, Colby College

Date: Monday, November 21, 2011, 3:00-4:30PM

Recent research suggests that boys who resist conventional masculine stereotypes have closer relationships with mothers and friends, better mental health, and are more engaged in school than boys who conform to those stereotypes. This presentation offers insight and information about how to help boys resist the narrow and artificial version of boyhood that is packaged and sold to them by media marketers, and how to build positive relationships with boys in schools and beyond.

Please call Katherine Doughty of Boys to Men at 774-9994 or email katherineb2m@maine.rr.com with any questions.

Funding for these webinars generously provided by the
Lincoln and Therese Filene Foundation
Register Now!

Audobon programs

2011-11-18T10:47:00.002-05:00

Beaver Moon
Families ages 4 and up with parent or guardian (adults are welcome at no charge).

Bring your family during Thanksgiving week to a program based on early Native American’s celebration of the land.

Register by calling Maine Audubon, 781-2330, ext. 209
Tuesday, November 22, 3:30 – 5:00 pm $12 Member, $20 Nonmember

Eyes on Owls

Join naturalist Marcia Wilson and photographer Mark Wilson for Maine Audubon’s annual Eyes on Owls event. Includes a hooting lesson, slideshow for older audiences, and a close hand look at up to seven fascinating (and awake!) live owls.

Register online at www.maineaudubon.org

Saturday, December 10, 2011 Members: $5 Child/$10 Adult, Nonmember $10 Child/$15 Adult
10:30-11:15 am (shorter program for families with young children) 1:00 - 2:15 pm; 3:00 - 4:15 pm
--
Cathy Stivers
Environmental Educator and Family Programs Coordinator
Maine Audubon
20 Gilsland Farm Road
Falmouth, Maine 04105

Phone: (207) 781-6180 x223
Fax: (207) 781-0974
Email:cstivers@...
Website: www.maineaudubon.org

Horny Toad / NAU discount code

2011-11-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

Kim Wogan, a wonderful friend and volunteer for our community partner Boys to Men , has generously chosen Boys to Men as her charity to sponsor for the store’s Annual Friends and Family discount program!!!

If you’re new to this program – or if you’ve forgotten how it works – here’s the scoop:
Get 50% off Horny Toad & 40% off Nau from 11/14 - 12/15.
To access the Horny Toad deal, simply go to:
www.hornytoad.com
Enter the promo code kwogan at checkout to receive the discount.

To access the Nau deal, simply go to:

http://www.nau.com
Enter the code kwogan at checkout to receive the discount.
(Excluded from the Nau offer due to limited availability: Men's M M1 Rib Crew, Men's Supple L/S Tee, Women's Splendor Trench, Women's M1 Rib Crew, Ringleader Belt, Down Scarf, M2 Wool Knit Beanie, All Klean Kanteen Products, All Snow Peak Products)

The top three folks that generate the most amount of business get to direct $750, $500 and $250 respectively to the charity or non-profit organization of their choice. Kim's charity is BOYS TO MEN.(www.maineboystomen.org)

It's been a long time...

2011-11-18T05:47:00.000-05:00

My blogging time has decreased lately - anyone out there interested in helping to keep it a vibrant spot? News about events potentially of interest to FSP families, of research or books or media bits that seem interesting, or musings on Quaker Values are all great to read and share! Please consider FSP parent blogging !!

Looking for Leadership Opportunity?

2011-11-10T10:19:00.000-05:00

From Peace Action Maine SOS TO ALL PAM MEMBERS:

We are experiencing a serious drought of both board members and volunteers to carry on the work of PAM. We cannot continue unless we can recruit more board members to guide PAM and volunteers to fill our fund-raising and program development committees. The demise of PAM would mean the end of our annual dinner, which has seen inspiring speakers like Noam Chomsky and Medea Benjamin, and an end to our peace soup booth at The Common Grounds Fair. It’s up to you to help us continue!

To join our working board or to volunteer for a committee, contact: Jacqui 772-1071
------------------------
The scent of revolution is in the air. At Peace Action Maine we are using some of Gene Sharps theories to direct the change we wish to see. We are currently working on a full campaign which volunteers can get involved in on many different levels. The main place we need them in this is to use their bodies and voice. A direct action is being planned and will need a chorus of support to make it successful, we are targeting war-profiteers, which is a pillar of support for war. If you wish to help plan or get involved please send an email to Dorr0515@gmail.com.

Sexual Harassment and School

2011-11-09T08:40:00.000-05:00

The AAUW Report on Sexual Harassment in school was released yesterday and includes devastating data about the prevalence and serious consequences of sexual harassment for kids in Middle and High School. Although boys face significant harassment when they don't conform to norms of masculinity, overall girls encounter a higher rate of frequency and find the harassment more disturbing than boys do. It is essential that we find language to talk with kids about their experiences and name sexual and gender based harassment as sexism rather than as bullying - the report found that very few kids reported their experience to adults while it was happening, leaving them to make meaning and cope alone.

I would LOVE a study group / soiree / night at the bar to really talk through what this means for us as a community, our kids, ourselves... Download it or see the executive summary on the AAUW site.

Connected (I suspect) is more analysis about how much violence, sexualization and gender stereotyping occurs in mass media - A documentary out of the Women's Media Center titled Miss Representation is being screened tonight at USM (7pm, Wishcamper Center, $10) - I hope maybe we could have an FSP forum or evening screening after the holidays? (Let me know if there is interest)

Miss Representation 8 min. Trailer 8/23/11 from Miss Representation on Vimeo.

Winterkids

2011-11-07T11:51:00.001-05:00

Winter Kids Passport sign up is now open... fun passes for younger kids beginning 12/1.

http://winterkids.org/

Yet another P4P speaker?

2011-11-04T20:28:00.002-04:00

"Developmental psychologist Susan Engel offers an antidote to the anxiety that seems to pervade parenting today." Thus begins an article in the September edition of the Williams College alumni magazine. I have no recollection of why, exactly, I found myself on the Williams website (Wouldn't it be fascinating to track someone's internet wanderings over the course of a week? What leads to what?), but the tease, of course, intrigued me and so I plunged in.

Engel's theories, on the surface, do seem to countermand the parent-induced stress we see in kids every day. I'd like to read the book to see how much sense they make with a little thought invested. In any case, it's yet another stop on the Waiting for Superman/Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother/Race to Nowhere continuum. In our spare time, it might be fun to have a community read every couple of months. Thoughts?

Wild and Scenic Film Festival

2011-11-04T15:24:00.002-04:00

The Wild & Scenic Film Festival is in town at USM this Saturday. You can buy tickets online, but do it soon because they do sell out with last-minute purchases. You will also want to show up early to snag a seat in the main auditorium (they also have a smaller room going at the same time, but the main auditorium is where the action (and big screen) is. There is free swag and a raffle of great stuff, and the parking is free in the USM garage.

The kids and I went last year - some of the messages were a bit doom-and-gloom, which left us a bit to process (ocean acidification, agrochemistry, and the Great Pacific Gyre), but overall it was a great, expansionary experience that got them thinking about positive solutions to some of life's big issues.

Cosmetic Saftey

2011-11-03T21:24:00.001-04:00

On Tuesday I attended a presentation by Jenna Vendil from Planned Parenthood and Emma Halas-O'Connor of the Environmental Health Strategy Center about the dangers of chemicals in cosmetics.

They opened by showing The Story of Cosmetics by Annie Leonard.

The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics and the Environmental Working Group both provide some resources for consumers, help deciding what the safest choices are... In the end, though, we need more protection so that we can feel safe buying everyday products without hours of research. The Safe Chemicals Act is one piece of federal legislation to support.

I'd love to see us get our middle schoolers informed & mad, insisting on their right to safe products - anyone up for a cosmetics safety party - it includes recipes for homemade personal care products?

from Lee & Low

2011-11-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

Diversity 101: Five Things to Look for Before You Read
When it comes to diversity, all books are not created equal. Before you add a new book to your library, here are five things to look out for:

1.General Accuracy: Books should contain current, correct information. How old are the photos and pictures? If the book is about a past event, does it include backmatter about how things ultimately played out?

2. Stereotypes: Beware of reinforcing stereotypes. Books should reflect individual people's lives, rather than assigning general personality traits or behaviors to an entire group.

3. Language: Be careful of books that separate characters into two groups: those who speak standard English and those who don't. This division can reinforce stereotypes that all people in a group speak in a particular way. No matter the dialect, language should sound natural and the intent should be clear.

4. Illustrations: Illustrations should convey the reality that members of any ethnic group look different from one another.

5. Author's Perspective: Does the author come from the culture that he or she is writing about? If not, what kind of research did he or she do to insure cultural authenticity?

Read the full article here.

Save 29% + free shipping on orders over $10
Thanksgiving sale for E-News subscribers only! Use source code Thanks11 at checkout and save on leeandlow.com.
Offer Expires: 11/18/11

Lee & Low Books is an independent children's book publisher specializing diversity. It is our goal to meet the need for stories that all children can identify with and enjoy.

More arts...

2011-11-03T11:34:00.002-04:00

8pm is late for us on a school night, but this free program at the art museum could be worth it:

Tuesday, November 15, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Free
Bernard Osher Foundation Auditorium
This dynamic conversation between dancers Pandit Chitresh Das and Jason Samuels Smith explores how the unique collaboration of these exceptional artists transcends continents, generations, cultures, and communities. Together they create a new and distinct kind of dance. Individually in their home communities of India and the United States, each dancer works to preserve their individual dance traditions. Alicia Anstead, editor-in-chief of the national magazine Inside Arts will moderate the discussion.

This program is presented by the Portland Museum of Art in collaboration with Portland Ovations.

Masks

2011-11-02T17:11:00.001-04:00

Last nights forum on the arts (more on that later) reminded me that I should seek out more family-level arts activities, and then in today's mail there was a postcard advertising an upcoming Portland Ovations program for kids! There is a mask making workshop at the Portland Public Library on November 12th and a performance at South Portland High School on the 19th -- Kate and I would love company at both / either and maybe even lunch after?

http://portlandovations.org/shows/2011-12/masked_marvels_wondertales/

Michael Cooper
"Masked Marvels & Wondertales"
Saturday, November 19, 2011 11 am

South Portland Auditorium at SPHS, South Portland, Maine
Creating a world where dogs wear hats, wild stallions are tamed, giant noses sneeze and fish bait candy to catch children in a pond, sculptor and virtuoso mime Michael Cooper charms audiences with thrilling adventure, silly antics and outlandish possibilities. A protégé of Celebration Barn’s Tony Montanaro and native of the Maine woods, Cooper’s one-man show Masked Marvels & Wondertales combines his breathtaking handcrafted masks and graceful physicality to spin original tales enlivened by an unusual and colorful cast of characters. A show for all ages, Masked Marvels & Wondertales captures hearts and stimulates imaginations.

Tickets: $10

More Middle School News - Puberty Happens

2011-11-01T09:11:00.000-04:00

Family Planning of Maine announces

Puberty Happens! Webinar
Tuesday, March 6th
2:30 -- 3:30 pm

Puberty Happens! Workshop
Tuesday, March 20th
8:30 -- 3:30
Augusta

Puberty Happens! Workshop
Thursday, March 22nd
8:30 -- 3:30
Portland

Sign up to receive emails for more info

Middle School on This American Life

2011-10-31T10:09:00.000-04:00

Curious how this compares with parents memories, with FSP kids experiences, with the experiences of kids in general... Wonder if we could get Linda Perlstein for P4P?

Middle School : This American Life

Prologue.

Host Ira Glass interviews a 14-year old named Annie, who emailed us asking if we would do a show about middle school. She explains why exactly the middle school years can be so daunting. (4 1/2 minutes)

Act One Life in the Middle Ages.

In an effort to understand the physical and emotional changes middle school kids experience, Ira speaks with reporter Linda Perlstein, who wrote a book called Not Much Just Chillin' about a year she spent following five middle schoolers. Then we hear from producer Alex Blumberg, who was a middle school teacher in Chicago for four years before getting into radio. Alex's takeaway? We shouldn't even try teaching kids at this age. Marion Strok, principal of a successful Chicago school, disagrees. (6 1/2 minutes)

Act Two. Stutter Step. We sent several correspondents straight to the epicenters of middle school awkwardness: School dances. Producers Lisa Pollak and Brian Reed, plus reporters Eric Mennel, Rob Wildeboer and Claire Holman spoke with kids across the country during the nervous moments leading up to the dances. And Lisa even ventured inside, to the dance itself. (9 1/2 minutes)]

Act Three. Mimis in the Middle.

When Domingo Martinez was growing up in a Mexican-American family in Texas, Domingo's two middle school aged sisters found a unique way of coping with feelings of inferiority. This story comes from Martinez's memoir The Boy Kings of Texas, which Lyons Press will publish in July 2012. (11 1/2 minutes)

Play Again- the movie

2011-10-31T10:03:00.000-04:00

What are the consequences of a childhood removed from nature? At a time when children play more behind screens than outside, PLAY AGAIN explores the changing balance between the virtual world and the natural world.

Wednesday November 2nd, 7:00 - 8:30PM, Cumberland Land Trust, Cumberland Congregational Church - dessert served - FMI Call 699-2989

or

Monday, November 7, 2011 7:00 – 8:30 pm Breakwater School, 856 Brighton Avenue, Portland, ME - Presented by Breakwater School in collaboration with Portland Trails and The Nason’s Corner Community Park Project.To attend this FREE event, please email Molly Thompson or call 772-8689, ext. 230. (On 11/7 Producer Meg Merrill and Outreach Coordinator Greg LeMieux will be here to facilitate a discussion and answer questions following the 50-minute film.)

Note: This film is not recommended for children under 12.

What they do not value, they will not protect. And what they do not protect, they will lose. ~ Charles Jordan, PLAY AGAIN

XC into Nordic!

2011-10-29T15:43:00.005-04:00

Wow, what a season it's been! Friends hosted our first XC meet ever on the island yesterday, with extra steps and precautions required by the state. Also participating in the meet were teams from Memorial MS (South Portland), Greely, and Southern Maine Catholic, plus one fifth grader from South Portland.

Huge thanks to XC families, who came to the island for a pre-meet trail clean-up on Saturday and also helped out at the meet itself. Whoever knew that handing kids popsicle sticks could be so stressful? The team celebrated the end of their season with pizza and a movie.

We are all so grateful to John Marble and Pete Curtis for working with the team all season in all kinds of weather. Whatever magic it is they have that gets fifteen middle schoolers out running their hearts out around our beautiful island day after day, I want some!

A reminder that the fun can continue: There is still time to sign up (grades 6 - 8) for Portland Nordic ski team. Formal practices (in a very informal way) start December 1st. There will be informal practices twice a week starting this coming week. That snowstorm is coming just in time... Find Maya, Four, or Moriah for more info about the team.

A big piece of learning from Books to Bridges

2011-10-25T06:13:00.000-04:00

I hope others will take the time to read Annie's blog post "They Don't Get That From Me" where she reviews some of what Professor Krista Aronson presented to us about how kids learn stereotypes and prejudice. The idea of breaking silence and exploring what kids are learning from the world seems so important for all kinds of issues, race included. What do they know about sex/gender that might differ from our "everyone's equal" discourse. What do they know about how we feel about the planet that might differ from our "Protect Mother Earth" bumper stickers. How do we acknowledge the dissonance that children intuit between intention and action in the adult world? How do we shape learning to better engage the hopeful possibilities than reproduce the old patterns because they were left unexamined?

All said more eloquently and concretely on Annie's post : http://coloringbetween.blogspot.com/

Parents' Forum Tuesday November 1st, 6:30 p.m.

2011-10-24T16:23:00.004-04:00

We'll be talking about the role of the arts in our children's school: why, when, how much, what kinds, and how do we balance nurturing creativity with skills development? Christina and Celeste will be giving brief presentations on the current arts philosophy and status at FSP to start the meeting. Childcare is available by reservation, $10/child at http://fspparentsforum1.eventbrite.com/

Book Sale

2011-10-21T11:16:00.000-04:00

We have a few books left from our book sale that seem like they might be great gifts... if you'd like a copy, talk to Kim ASAP.

What Will You Be, Sara Mee?
$16.95

After Gandhi

$24.95

The Legend of Hong Kil Dong $16.95 / 8.95

And my personal favorite baby gift : Welcoming Babies $7.95

For the book list of recommended titles, see Annie's blog

Play - November 2

2011-10-21T10:51:00.000-04:00

Chebeague & Cumberland Land Trust offers "Screen time" vs. "Green time."

PLAY AGAIN - Award Winning Documentary:
First Screening in Maine will be shown at 7pm, Nov. 2nd at the Congregational Church of Cumberland - 282 Main Street, Cumberland, ME. Hosted by CCLT. Dessert and refreshments will be served. The event is FREE and Open to the Public.

Click on the link below to read the latest about this Award Winning Documentary: "Screen time" vs. "Green time."

FMI: Call 699-2989

Implicit Bias

2011-10-19T06:51:00.000-04:00

There is so much to debrief from last nights presentation by Anne Sibley O'Brien and Krista Aronson. They were truly brilliant! I will post more notes and links later but will start with the implicit bias test that was mentioned several times.

This study, out of Harvard, measures rapid responses from individuals attempting to capture our unconscious preferences, attitudes, and biases. This is important for two reasons. One is that many people know in their conscious mind that discrimination is unfair (and illegal) and would never intentionally practice bias but might be unwittingly making snap decisions and judgements that go unexamined because of an assumption that "I'm not prejudiced." If we recognize that we might, in fact, carry unconscious bias and that it is not our fault (initially) we might take more responsibility for examining our histories, our stories and our prejudices without guilt and shame but with ummph for aligning our intention and our action.

Books as Bridges, tonight

2011-10-18T06:22:00.000-04:00

Register before noon to save a seat!

Reflecting on our Parenting for Peace series helps me better understand my parenting stance today. Susan Linn introduced is to the importance of pretend play (free from corporate influence); Sandra Steingraber pushed us to become activists in the environmental health movement; David Sobel reminded us of the important of "Wild Play" for our kids (and ourselves); and Alfie Kohn encouraged us to practice democracy and compassion within our families and schools. (Use the comments to suggest speakers for next year!). Although I do not do all these things well, I've tried to incorporate much of the overall theme (more open space, less corporate influence) into my families lives.

I think that our time with Anne Sibley O'Brien and Krista Aronson might feel different from these earlier lectures. Although we are likely to still leave inspired, thinking a little bit differently, and more connected to our community (goals of the overall program), our whole selves enter the conversation about race and racism in a way that we haven't had to before. That is, the focus is not simply on what we can do for our children, but also on what we might learn about ourselves. We all have unique experiences and racial identities and yet we also all swim in shared waters now. Here at FSP we have a commitment to fairness, equality, acknowledging the light in everyone and doing what we can to have individual gifts shine. Learning how to talk about race with our kids, and ultimately how to help dismantle racism, is part of that overall project of building inclusive communities. I welcome this prompt and hope that we have ongoing opportunities to learn from each other about personal identity and patterns of inclusion/exclusion for a long time.

We have had a great response to this program - unless causeway traffic is too frustrating we expect we might have a full house - come early, shop the book sale, and enjoy the company!

Singapore Math Gets Praise

2011-10-16T19:50:00.001-04:00

Letter: 'Reform' mathematics is not the only answer | The Forecaster
Eva J. Szillery PhD praises Singapore Math, the curriculum used at FSP. She is the Maine State Director of the Mathematical Association of America and shared her views as part of a larger set of letters surrounding Portland Schools process for choosing a math program.

Eva also recently sent out information about opportunities to participate in a National Math Competition:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- PRESS RELEASE Free To Students -- American Mathematics Competitions coming to USM Portland, Husson University and Umaine at Presque Isle NOVEMBER 15, 2011

The American Mathematics Competitions ( AMC ) is the oldest and most prestigious nationwide mathematics competition in the United States. It started in 1950 and it is and has been the exclusive pathway for a student to advance to the USA Mathematical Olympiad. Activities like the American Mathematics competitions organized by the Mathematical Association of America allow and encourage students to excel in an academic sphere. The contest is a rewarding experience where mathematical curiosity and skill are stimulated. AMC is designed to inspire an interest in mathematics that will lead to academic success, scholarship and a rewarding career. Competence in mathematics and mathematical understanding lead to success and an enriched life. For Maine students, The Advanced Structures and Composites Center and DeepCwind Consortium offers a paid internship for the two top scoring high school students of the AMC 10 or AMC 12 Competition. Interns at the UMaine Advanced Structures and Composites Center gain hands on work experience on cutting edge engineering and science programs. Each paid internship is valued at approximately $20,000 for four years.

The competition year starts on November 15th with AMC 8, the competition for grades 4-8. Students may participate at their school, if your school is registered for the competition.If your school is not registered,you may participate at the following locations: Students of age 8 through 14.5 may take AMC 8 at University of Southern Maine in Portland –Payson Smith Hall, Room 303 starting at 1:15 pm. The parents and children may first come to Payson Smith Hall, Room 301A if they arrive before 1:15 pm. Room 301A will be used for a reception/waiting area from 12:45 - 2:30 pm. Parents may wait there for their children to complete the exam. These rooms are adjacent to each other. AMC 8 at these locations is free of charge (the registration has been paid by USM.

Space is limited. If you have a student who’d benefit from participating, please call or e-mail Eva Szillery at evaszillery-mmsets@me.acadia.net

Listen to Anne Sibley O'Brien talk about Parenting for Peace

2011-10-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

on 207

She is so smart - I can't wait to hear her whole talk -- and Krista Aronson has a brilliant reputation too!

We are worried that we might reach capacity - please preregister if you plan to come

Robin Brooks Op-Ed

2011-10-13T19:20:00.000-04:00

Teacher and parent voices are missing in learning accountability debate
By Robin Brooks, Special to the BDN
Posted Oct. 10, 2011, at 6:13 p.m.

The debate about education is heating up again, with editorials from the Bangor Daily News (Sept. 13) and others suggesting ways to improve our public schools.

Some of the measures being discussed, including merit pay and more stringent teacher evaluation tools, already are being implemented thanks to financial incentives from the Obama administration. The expressed intent of these reforms is to make teachers “more effective” (Read: improve test scores).

The Augusta school board already has implemented a merit pay system with a maximum $4,000 bonus going to principals, administrators and the superintendent for increasing scores on high-stakes tests and making annual yearly progress toward the proficiency goals of No Child Left Behind, our federal education law.

Advocates of merit pay claim that if only our public schools were run more like businesses, with pay bonuses going to highly effective employees, then our schools somehow would produce children capable of grappling with the demands of our complex 21st century world.

But the research on such measures is inconclusive at best. In the 2010-2011 school year, my elementary school had a 30 percent turnover in our student body from September to June. What this suggests to me is an extreme level of instability in families who are struggling just to maintain basic human needs such as food and shelter. It is no wonder our school did not achieve annual yearly progress in 2011 because of attendance, never mind our students’ test scores.

Blatantly missing from the national debate on education is the passionate voices of teachers and parents, not to mention the children who have been suffering for too long under the oppressive testing regime that dominates today’s classrooms.

Ask the teachers and they will tell you that it is the culture of high-stakes testing that is the real problem. Ask the parents and they will tell you that their children are increasingly discouraged by the onerous pacing schedules and narrowed instructional focus of their children’s classrooms. But no one is asking us.

All children are born with the inborn capacity, indeed drive, to explore their environment, to make connections and to learn with joy. This is a biological fact, notwithstanding the myriad of birth defects, learning disabilities and health problems such as neglect and malnutrition that plague our children.

The arts are one of the few areas that have maintained the spirit of playful exploration and discovery in the classroom that is the innate, biological basis for authentic human learning. Sadly, many of our nation’s schools already have eliminated or greatly reduced the arts and physical education, another basic human need, in favor of “skill and drill” and test prep. Our children deserve better.

We need our children to establish habits of inquiry, to develop their capacities as creative and critical thinkers and to work collaboratively with their peers to solve problems. Some higher education officials are speaking out to say that our children are ill prepared for the rigors of college for want of these skills.

Children must be allowed to connect mind and heart as they follow their educational journey. It is past time for President Barack Obama, Education Secretary Arne Duncan and Congress to relegate No Child Left Behind to the dustbin of history. If we are truly committed to improving education for all children across our nation, we need to renew our respect for teachers and join in nascent efforts to remove the yoke of high-stakes testing from the backs and necks of our children.

Please visit saveourschoolsmarch.org and unitedoptout.com and consider joining the grass-roots effort to save our schools.

Robin Brooks is an artist and art teacher who lives in Topsham with her husband, who also is a teacher, and their son. Her work can be seen at www.robinbrooksart.com.

Similar articles:

Natalie McMaster at Chocolate Church

2011-10-13T16:08:00.002-04:00

Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy, Masters of the Fiddle, will be on our stage on FRIDAY November 4th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets have been flying out the door this week, and this show is headed to a sell-out! Don't wait! It's not too late - there are still some left, but you need to call NOW (442-8455) or go online to purchase them at www.chocolatechurcharts.org. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door - although we doubt there will be any available at the door! Don't miss your chance to see this amazing Celtic duo and the step-dancing that comes with it too!

Farms and Fables -

2011-10-13T12:15:00.000-04:00

"Of Farms and Fables combines the efforts of professional and non-professional artists by engaging artists in farm work and farm workers in storytelling and acting. The result will be an original performance in October of 2011 which will engage performers and audience in dialogue about local agriculture, farming, and the future of small family farms in Maine."

Farms & Fables
written by Cory Tamler
directed by Jennie Hahn
Preview:
    Thursday, October 27, 7 pm
Performances:
    Friday, October 28, 7 pm
    Saturday, October 29, 2 pm
    Saturday, October 29, 7 pm
    Sunday, October 30, 2 pm
Venue:
    Camp Ketcha
    336 Black Point Road
    Scarborouth, Maine 04074
Tickets and Reservations:
    Tickets are $15 or Pay-What-You-Can
    For Reservations, please visit: brownpapertickets.com
    For Information, please call: (207) 200-6982

Fire

2011-10-12T21:30:00.000-04:00

Lee truly fires kids up!

How to Color Fire

: Green fire is easy to make and doesn't require any hard-to-find chemicals.Anne Helmenstine

1 week until P4P

2011-10-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

Preregister for Books as Bridges : Children's Literature and Anti-Racism Education now - seats are limited!

And, as a teaser, check out the prejudice reduction program Roots of Empathy coming out of Canada. This program brings babies into classrooms:

At the heart of the program are a neighbourhood infant and parent who visit the classroom every three weeks over the school year. A trained Roots of Empathy Instructor coaches students to observe the baby's development and to label the baby's feelings. In this experiential learning, the baby is the "Teacher" and a lever, which the instructor uses to help children identify and reflect on their own feelings and the feelings of others. This "emotional literacy" taught in the program lays the foundation for more safe and caring classrooms, where children are the "Changers". They are more competent in understanding their own feelings and the feelings of others (empathy) and are therefore less likely to physically, psychologically and emotionally hurt each other through bullying and other cruelties. In the Roots of Empathy program children learn how to challenge cruelty and injustice. Messages of social inclusion and activities that are consensus building contribute to a culture of caring that changes the tone of the classroom. The Instructor also visits before and after each family visit to prepare and reinforce teachings using a specialized lesson plan for each visit. Research results from national and international evaluations of Roots of Empathy indicate significant reductions in aggression and increases in pro-social behaviour.

Read more about the program and watch founder Mary Gordon's TedxTalk at Greater Good

Marjorie Burns Knight & Anne Sibley O'Brien's book Welcoming Babies is a great bridge book for kids, drawing on this innate response to babies (Tilbury House shares a teachers note). Book sale / program attendees will have the opportunity to buy their own signed copy - an awesome baby gift and a book that even big kids love to read.

Meet Zoe Weil

2011-10-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

Zoe Weil, founder of the Institute for Humane Education, will be in Falmouth on Thursday night - if you'd like to meet her, chat about FSP with like minded folks, and learn more about the Institute, email Kim for more info!

Zoe's Tedx Talk :

Bradbury & Pineland

2011-10-06T06:37:00.000-04:00

What beautiful albeit chilly weather we're going to have for these fall outings!

Outing Club hike at Bradbury Mountain this afternoon - yeah for dry weather!

Family Meet-Up @ Pineland (meet at Smokehouse @ 10am) tomorrow (in-service day) - a great chance to connect with other families and to learn about the animals! The Y is having a share-a-visit pass -- if anyone wants to go swimming or bowling afterward, try to find a Ymember to give you a pass! Families with older children might still enjoy exploring the trails and cheese samples and meeting others for lunch.

Chris Van Dusen at Longfellow Books!

2011-10-05T11:13:00.002-04:00

Chris Van Dusen at Longfellow Books!

The day is nearly upon us ... cancel any plans, round up the kids, grab a coffee and treat at Foley's Bakery and then come meet one of the masters of children's books, Chris Van Dusen. Chris will read from his newest book, the hilarious King Hugo's Huge Ego and will be signing copies for all his fans! Plus, we'll have juice and cookies for all! If you have kids, like kids or just kind of want to pretend to be a kid again for a little while, join the fun Saturday, October 8th at 1:00 back in the kids room at Longfellow Books.

Contra Dance for Habitat for Humanity

2011-10-05T10:09:00.000-04:00

If you loved the contra dancing - or your kids did - at last week's potluck, there is an opportunity to connect with Habitat for Humanity while dancing again:

Contra Dance: Would you prefer to strap on your dancing shoes rather than your tool belt? You're in luck! The Women Build Kick Off event will continue into the evening! From 6pm-9pm on Oct. 29th, the Women Build Steering Committee will be hosting a family-friendly Contra Dance at the Freeport Community Center. Packed with music, desserts, dancing and prizes this is sure to be fun for the whole family. Every ticket sale will contribute to the construction of the Women Build house on South St. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children, 12 and under and can be purchased at the door. Costumes are welcome and encouraged!

Last year the 1-2 and 3-4 classrooms did a year long service learning project with Habitat for Humanity and both Kate and I were impressed and moved by the work being done. Check out more at habitatportlandme.org/

Niobe Way - Portland Public Library

2011-10-04T11:19:00.000-04:00

Niobe Way's new book Deep Secrets has been getting a lot of press attention, and she's live in Portland on October 20th!

( ** It would be so interesting to have a follow conversation about ways that FSP allows boys friendships to develop or ways that cultural constraints still make it difficult for boys in their preteen years- Maya, maybe a sexism and stereotypes forum sometime?)

The Maine Boys Network (educational group affiliated with Boys to Men) is co-hosting an exciting event here in Portland. Come join author and NYU professor of Applied Psychology, Niobe Way, most recently featured in the New York Times, to learn about ground breaking findings that will challenge long-held stereotypes about boys and men.

Thursday, October 20th, 7-9pm ~ Portland Public Library

The presentation will be followed by a question and answer period with author Niobe Way.

Please RSVP by October 14 as space is limited

Admission is free with donations accepted at the door

Hosted by Boys to Men, Colby College, Great Schools Partnership, Maine Boys Network
and the Portland Public Library

New Yorker Excerpt here

New York Times Learning Network Section

Cool Sounding Book : The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can use Design to Transform Teaching and Learning

2011-09-30T06:07:00.000-04:00

Taken from the Klingenstein Briefs

Spatial Intelligence
The Third Teacher: 79 Ways You Can use Design to Transform Teaching and Learning, by OWP/P Inc., VS Furniture, and Bruce Mau Design

Since the ‘40s when Malaguzzi named the environment as the Third teacher, third to adults and peers, there have been debates about which spaces, tools and furniture are most conducive to learning. Over decades, minimalists, OCD therapists, religious educators and luminaries such as Howard Gardner have had their say. In this visually vibrant volume, the educators and those who collaborated to assemble it display actual examples of their efforts and speak to their experiences with real children and real places. Color, sound, terrain, textures, external spaces and building interiors are considered as part of the learning team. From Sir Ken Robinson to Chef Ann Cooper, from Canada to Germany, from the Caymans to South Africa, eight chapters illustrate the concerns and actions of people dedicated to the examining the role of environment in the education of all children. This book is unorthodox in appearance, never dull, and full of creative and exciting ideas.

Margaret Bleyberg, Hillel Academy, Kingston, Jamaica

Friends School Community Forums

2011-09-28T22:24:00.002-04:00

By now you have heard of the FSP Community Forum, but do you know what it is? The Friends School Community Forum is a monthly meeting, primarily of parents, whose purpose is to proactively inform the development of the school community. Through these unstructured conversations, we hope to gain an understanding of the array of views held by the membership on pervasive issues that affect our children within the academic and social environment of the school.

Because there is an urgent issue for which the board wishes parent input, we have decided to use the first Community Forum to facilitate their access to our opinions. The first Parent Forum, an opportunity to discuss as a community the future location of the Friends School, will be held Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. For more information on the issue at stake, please refer to James’ letter of September 26.

Please note that childcare will not be offered for the October 4th Forum. The parent steering committee is in the process of organizing childcare opportunities for future evening events at the school. (For those who cannot attend the evening meeting, Rob Levin and James will be available on Wednesday, October 5 for a meeting at 8:30 a.m. and another meeting at 2:00 p.m. We hope this schedule serves the needs of all parents who wish to participate in the discussion.)

The Friends School Community Forum will meet the first Tuesday of each month during the school year. Fall topics will be:

November 1 - The role and desirability of performing and visual arts in the curriculum

December 6 - Technology and social media in the school environment

Winter and spring topics will be decided later this fall based on input from parents, teachers, and the school administration. A couple of ideas floating around are to bring in a specialist on sociocognitive thinking to talk with us about the importance of fostering executive and social skills development at school and at home; and talking to kids about sex and healthy choices: what is appropriate at what developmental stage, how to talk about it, and everything else you ever wanted to know.

We welcome your ideas. We want to talk about the things that are important to our families!

Hope to see you Tuesday evening!

Maya & Aja

The Teenage Brain

2011-09-27T19:08:00.001-04:00

This summer I read the book "The Secret Life of the Grown Up Brain" which actually made me feel a bit better about this whole aging process (see this bit about menopause in the Atlantic for feeling even better still) ... I took the authors' book about teens out of the library but have not made it past the part where she describes the age-appropriateness of taking crazy risks and explains that parents jobs are to be their childrens' pre-frontal cortex. Oh my.

At the same time, Leisa sent me the link to a podacast about teen brains -

It's an age-old question: why do teenagers behave as they do? Why
the angst, anger and risk-taking? Some researchers say science and
evolution provide some answers. And in some cases, the very
behaviors that drive parents crazy may be the traits that prove the
keys to success as an adult. - More at http://www.npr.org/2011/09/20/140637115/understanding-the-mysterious-teenage-brain?ft=1&f=5&sc=17

she highly recommends it, even for those of us with younger kids and then today a National Geographic showed up with "The Teenage Brain" on the cover.

I'm both suspicious and fascinated by brain science - others? Would this be a good future P4P topic or community forum?

Andy Goldsworthy

2011-09-23T05:11:00.000-04:00

Celeste is introducing the middle school to the work of Andy Goldsworthy which prompted me to learn more about him. His work is gorgeous, but from the teeny-bit I understand, it is really his process which is important to pay attention to. Or perhaps it is all blended - I have a ton to learn.

Perhaps we could watch the full video, Rivers and Tides, together sometime (read a review @ Literary Mama or NYT

Workers & Online Shopping

2011-09-22T10:44:00.000-04:00

My mom owned an independent shop when I was a teenager, and big box stores definitely hurt her business. This was before online shopping really took off - I doubt she'd even have opened it in this marketplace. But the store was more than a place to buy stuff - as proprietor of an educational toy store and teacher supply company in Auburn ME, she helped open our community up to thinking and talking about education and children's rights and needs in new ways. So, I'm a supporter of BUY LOCAL and will get my new Shel Silverstein book at Longfellow as soon as they replenish their supply. Nevertheless, I confess to using Amazon for deals, for more peripheral titles and sometimes just for convenience.

New revelations about worker abuse at warehouse facilities - and this follow up specifically about Amazon - is a reminder that online retail keeps humans invisible from us - we don't see the people behind the scenes and they fall away in our consciousness. The Mother Jones article is disturbing but worth reading - perhaps even sharing with some older kids who might be interested in shopping online themselves. American Rights At Work has launched an online petition - I suspect there will be interesting reading, activism and coalition work around this issue for a long time to come.

Pinwheels for Peace

2011-09-21T06:30:00.000-04:00

Celebrate International Day of Peace today - Learn more about Peace One Day and make a small donation to the organization via the 7th/8th grade collection jar (in lobby); Join with FSP, the Governor Baxter School and the Real School in a celebration of Pinwheels for Peace (or bring pinwheels for peace to your own location); make peace in your community - check out ideas from KindnessGirl (for small daily acts) or join with Peace Action Maine

There are some great picture books that help children explore peacemaking - check out Jane Addams Book Award winners or Cynthia Leitch Smith's list of "War and Peace in Children's Literature"

Why Books as Bridges?

2011-09-20T08:20:00.001-04:00

If you're wondering why FSP might be moved to offer a program such as Books as Bridges : Children's Literature and Anti-Racism Education, check out Anne Sibley O'Brien's blog and her latest thinking about how white children learn their racial identity and how it is connected to racism (unwittingly, perhaps, but at very young ages) and how adults might better intervene in that socialization.

Also - some new social justice & literature resources:

The Pirate Tree : Social Justice and Children's Literature Blog
Reading In Color (link is titled BlackTeensRead2)

And check the side bar for more!

Volunteers Needed! Sign up on Bulletin Board / @ Parents Night or in Comments!

2011-09-19T12:30:00.000-04:00

Parenting for Peace – Books as Bridges : Children’s Books in Anti-Racism Education 10/18

1:30 – 3:00 – Set up book sale

1) Jeff

2) _________________________________________

3) _________________________________________

3:00 – 3:45 : Registration / Book Sale

1) Jeff

2) _________________________________________

3) _________________________________________

4:00 – Pick Dinner Up From Portland - Deliver to FSP / Set Up

1) _________________________________________

2) _________________________________________

5:30 – 7:00 Book Sale

1) John Marble

2) _________________________________________

3) _________________________________________

6:30 – Dinner Clean Up

1) _________________________________________

2) _________________________________________

3) _________________________________________

8:30 (or after evening program) : Book Sale / Book Storage / Chairs

1) John Marble

2) Margaret

3) _________________________________________

________________________________________

zest, grit, self-control, social intelligence, gratitude, optimism and curiosity.

2011-09-19T05:55:00.000-04:00

Are these the character traits we should be trying to develop in our children? And if so, what experiences do they need? What is missing from this list that we care about?

This NYT piece "What if the Secret to Success is Failure" is longish but provocative (although in a way that seems somewhat repetitive in our culture - these are clearly questions we're chewing on over time), esp since it provides some research base.

Peace One Day - Sunday @ 2 Back Cove Preble Street Entrance

2011-09-16T06:25:00.000-04:00

Discount Tickets for Portland Symphony

2011-09-15T16:00:00.000-04:00

During the month of September, as sort of a back-to-school offer, families can get a Tuesday Classical or Sunday Classical subscription for just $25 per ticket (plus $5 per-order handling fee), which includes all our regular subscription benefits INCLUDING free ticket exchanges (to classical concerts only). To reinforce the family-friendliness, we’re also offering a free ticket to the Symphony Spooktacular concert on October 30 for every Save Me a Seat package sold.

How does this work? Easy peasy! Just go to PortTIX.com, click on Save Me a Seat on the left sidebar, then select the series and whether the seating preference is Ground (orchestra/terrace) or Balcony (Grand Tier not available). More details are here: http://www.portlandsymphony.org/content/tickets/deals/new-save-me-a-seat/. If anyone has questions just call PortTIX at 842-0800.

Thanks,
Alice

Fairy Houses in Portsmouth

2011-09-15T10:36:00.000-04:00

20% G.Willikers! COUPON

World’s largest Fairy Houses event! Saturday & Sunday September 17 & 18 12 Noon till 4pm

Children (3-12) advance$4 day of tour $5
Adults advance $10day of tour $15
Seniors (62+) advance $8 day of tour $10
Family advance $20 day of tour Not Available
more info at http://www.fairyhouses.com

Ticket includes entrance to Strawbery Banke and the Wentworth-Gardner house. See many Fairy Houses inspired by children's literature and other fairy fantasies. Excerpts from Fairy Houses - The Ballet! An original work based on Fairy Flight, a book by Tracy Kane. Adapted and performed by The Southern New Hampshire Youth Ballet.

Meet Tracy Kane, author/illustrator of the multi- award winning Fairy Houses Series® of books and video.

Build your own fairy house on Peirce Island and help create a Fairy Houses Village!
All within walking distance

Enjoy the Amazing Bubble Machine!

FREE Parking available at Peirce Island

More Fall Fun (from JB)

2011-09-15T09:55:00.000-04:00

Revel in the fiery colors of autumn on a guided hike, paddle, or ride. Maine Foresters will provide tree ID and foliage exploration talks along the way.

These events provide a great opportunity for students and families to learn together about seasonal changes and life cycles while enjoying exercise within the fresh air and beauty of Maine's Parks and Lands.

Ten Fall Foliage events are being offered during October.

View the complete list - full descriptions and downloadable flyers with photos provided at:
http://take-it-outside.com/hike2011.shtml

The Fall Foliage events are co-sponsored by the: Androscoggin Land Trust, Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, Sunrise Trail Coalition, Maine Forest Service and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Climate Reality

2011-09-14T08:31:00.000-04:00

Not sure how I missed this - today begins a new Al Gore initiative - 24 hours of witnessing about climate change : http://climaterealityproject.org/the-even t/

Any ideas for how FSP might participate in Moving Planet Day?

WHAT:Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis. Come on bike, on skates, on a board, or just on foot.
WHEN:September 24, 2011

Close Buy

2011-09-14T08:01:00.000-04:00

I got a peek at the Close Buy catalog -it is gorgeous!

You can download it here and encourage out of town friends and families to peruse and then place an order through you! Friends School will receive a full 35% of the money and the business is owned by FSP parent Masey Kaplan - a win, win, win for FSP! Out-of-Towners can also download an order form, but orders must be placed through FSP (checks made out to Friends School of Portland).

Close Buy is also featuring year round gift boxes this year - although the $ back to schools is just 5% it provides an easy gift option that supports Maine, Maine Business and FSP.

Orders are due October 3 ~ Goods will be delivered the first week in December

Peace Walk September 18 2pm

2011-09-12T17:49:00.000-04:00

PEACE WALK COMES TO PORTLAND

In an effort to support and bring awareness to International Peace Day, Friends School of Portland, a preschool- 8th grade Quaker School, and Clark Insurance are sponsoring “Portland Walks for Peace” around Back Cove in Portland on Sunday, September 18th at 2:00 pm.

Four eighth grade students at Friends School, Madeline Curtis, Tristram Howard, Mel McClure-Chute, and Annie Gott, devised the idea for Portland Walks for Peace.

“When we watched a video on the history of International Peace Day, we realized as a group that nothing to bring the whole community together for this great cause was happening. We wanted to change that,” says Gott.

The students hope to raise money through donations for Peace One Day, an organization that uses Peace Day as a platform to help provide relief to poor and war-torn countries. These places would otherwise be unreachable and dangerous to approach without the cease-fire that controlling rebel groups agree to on that one day.

“There is nowhere else I would rather have this walk. Portland is made up of such a proactive group of caring people that I think will really support our cause. We hope that once people attend our walk they will be inspired to create their own acts of peace on the actual day [the 21st of September],” Gott says.

The walk will begin at the Preble Street parking lot across from Hannaford on Sunday, September 18TH at 2:00 pm. There is no fee to participate, but donations to Peace One Day are welcome.

Friends School of Portland is an independent preschool through 8th grade school that embraces the Quaker belief in the unique worth of each individual. Small, multi-age class structure nurtures inquiry, reflection and action. The school offers place-based curriculum with cooperative, hands-on learning in a close community where simplicity, service, stewardship, and peaceful resolution of conflict are practiced every day.

For more information on Friends School of Portland, please call the school at 781-6321 or visit www.friendsschoolofportland.org.

The Sonic Memorial Project

2011-09-12T17:42:00.000-04:00

There are so many interesting pieces being written to commemorate and enrich our understanding of 9/11/2001. The New York Times has links for teaching about the events, and Carrie just sent this link to share the Sonic Memorial Project, an NPR led collaborative project to create an archive of sounds and memories - what else are you reading, thinking about, etc?

SonicMemorial.org is an open archive and an online audio installation of the history of The World Trade Center. We are continuing to collect stories, ambient sounds, voicemails, and archival recordings to tell the rich history of the twin towers, the neighborhood and the events of 9/11.

Led by NPR's Lost & Found Sound, The Sonic Memorial Project is a cross-media collaboration of more than 50 independent radio and new media producers, artists, historians, and people from around the world who have contributed personal and archival recordings. To date, we have gathered more than 1,000 contributions, many of which have been woven into feature stories by Lost & Found Sound and broadcast on NPR.

Please help us build this historical archive by calling the Sonic Memorial Phone Line (646-926-1357) or by uploading your sounds. SonicMemorial.org will remain open to the public for years to come thanks to the generous support of the September 11 Digital Archive.

The Future of Marriage

2011-09-12T17:34:00.001-04:00

The Bangor Theological Seminary Presents: An Evening of Illumination
The Future of Marriage: An Interactive Dialogue

Thursday, October 27, 2011
7:00pm
Hannaford Hall in the Abromson Center of the University of Southern Maine's Portland Campus (88 Bedford Street, Portland)

This event will provide thought provoking presentations and community discussion on the place of marriage in our lives and in our ever-evolving society. Join us for an intruiguing, timely exploration.

Dessert, informal conversation, and book signings to follow!

Featuring:
Reverend Marvin M. Ellison, Ph.D.
The BTS Willard S. Bass Professor of Christian Ethics
Athor of Same Sex Marriage? A Christian Ethical Analysis; and Sexuality and the Sacred: Resources for the Theological Reflection.

Reverend Kate Braestrup
Author of the New York Times bestselling memoir, Here if You Need Me, Marriage and Other Acts of Charity, and Beginner's Grace: Bringing Prayer to Life.

Free Admission
Open to the Public
Parking Available

Book Events on 10/1

2011-09-09T07:10:00.000-04:00

There is something for everyone on 10/1 -- As part of Audubon Apple Day Cathryn Falwell is doing a book party around her new book Gobble, Gobble and later that day Sarah Thompson is hosting a party in the East End Cemetery to share her book Mercy : The Last New England Vampire - -both events are coordinated by Kirsten Cappy / Curious City.

Books as Bridges : Children's Literature and Anti-Racism Education

2011-09-08T16:39:00.001-04:00

Save yourself a seat and preregister now - sponsors a teacher or community member to attend the afternoon workshop - introduce a friend or relation to FSP by bringing them to this event!

More for the 7/8 Hermit Island here we come!

2011-09-07T20:35:00.000-04:00

I am so jealous that summer doesn't end for the 7/8 (and hopeful that the rain will pass). I'm wondering if this might be a spot to do some of the organizing Lee emailed parents about - just to minimize lots of "reply-alls"? People could use the comments to say what they can do (drive Tuesday am, pick-up Wed pm, provide food).

Hermit Island

Especially for the 7/8 Boston Museum of Science & Ancient Greece

2011-09-07T19:57:00.000-04:00

The Boston Museum of Science is featuring a special exhibit A Day In Pompeii and an Imax movie too - it runs from Oct 2 until Feb 12 - I'm not sure how long Lee's class is studying Ancient Greece but it could be a cool tie in and excuse to take the train to Boston.

There is also an Ancient Egypt virtual exhibit - maybe I'll get Grace to explore and review

You say tomato, I say tomaahto

2011-09-06T20:37:00.000-04:00

So, a few of us go to the same CSA and today we received 8 wonderful, gorgeous, and totally overwhelming pounds of tomatoes. Of course it goes with the transition back to school, soccer, work, life-nuttiness and my vision of domestic life is being sorely tested.

Here are a few ideas I solicited from Jen and Audra - anyone else have favorite uses, especially freezable ones (I'm afraid to can)... think the 1st potluck will be a feast of tomatoes?

Scalloped Tomatoes w/croutons from Smitten Kitchen
101Kitchens - Golden Tomato Sauce - I'm also going to try Orangette's sauce
I'm partial to Goat Cheese & Tomato Strata (I can't remember where I got my actual recipie - this looks similar - any thoughts on if it could freeze well)?
I have been faithfully making and putting away slow roasted tomatoes (too many variations to link) and here's Veggie Ventures list of what to do when pulling them out of freezer in January

What else?

Anyone really good at sauce-making might consider setting aside a bit for the 7-8 Lasagna festival - maybe next year we can pool our tomatoes and get them to make the sauce as a fundraiser!

Telling Room announces fall workshops

2011-09-04T13:44:00.002-04:00

The one for kids & dads looks especially sweet to me!

http://www.tellingroom.org/programs/workshops.html

Children's Lit Party for Marriage Equality

2011-09-03T11:48:00.000-04:00

Facebook Event Thursday,September 8 · 5:00pm - 7:00pm

Location	Zero Station 222 Anderson Street Portland, Maine

Created By	Kirsten Cappy

More Info	Author/illustrator Charlotte Agell, Author Maria Testa, Curious City, and Zero Station invite you to-- A CHILDREN'S LIT PARTY FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY Join your fellow children’s book creators, librarians, education advocates, and readers for wine and nibbles and to learn more about the effort to win the freedom to marry for LGBT families in Maine in 2012. Children's book creators will have their latest work on informal display. Our Children's Lit Party for Marriage Equality is one of more than 15 house parties taking place on September 8th where supporters at homes from all across the state will dial into a special conference call with EqualityMaine Executive Director Betsy Smith and special guest U.S. Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to hear about our community’s plan to win marriage equality for LGBT families in Maine. WHY CHILDREN'S LIT? Opponents to marriage equality continue to use the picture book KING & KING (a fairy tale about two princes falling in love) as an indication that children are being inappropriately and dangerously educated. Children's books a danger to children? Is there a way we can work together reset that conversation? AUTHORS /ILLUSTRATORS BRING: A recent book, sketch, illustration, or project to display on the benches or pin to the wall as everyone will want to know what you have been working on. Yes, the evening will be about marriage equality, but also a time to catch-up and share.

Peace Action Maine - Encircle Back Cove w/Light - Sept 11

2011-09-03T08:04:00.002-04:00

End The War: Sept. 11, 2011 " IT'S TIME FOR LIGHT" @ Back Cove in Portland--

We have lived ten years
with the dark fear of terror.
IT’S TIME FOR LIGHT!
Bring yours to Back Cove
September 11, 2011
Sunday from 6 to 8 PM
Peace Action Maine
Calls you to bring those you know
As we hold our lights for
a world of
humanity, justice and peace!
Questions: 774-1995

Library of Congress travelling museum in Portland today & tomorrow

2011-09-02T08:02:00.000-04:00

12 - 8 in Monument Square

Party Possibilities if it Rains

2011-09-02T07:26:00.000-04:00

Hey 1/2 friends & others -- we are meeting at Winslow Park @ 3pm on Sunday for our back-to-school end-of-summer blast... if we are rained out, any ideas for other spots or activities? It would be sad to miss seeing everyone... Use comments or email Aliscia with ideas.

Check out this t-shirt & the petition against it

2011-08-31T09:43:00.004-04:00

http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-jcpenney-to-stop-promoting-sexist-messaging-to-girls

Fall Fun

2011-08-30T08:05:00.000-04:00

HenryFest at Skyline Farm - Sunday September 11th - Benefit for 317 Main Music Center

The fun includes the legendary 317 Pie Table (fresh pies provided by members of the 317 community!); a Kid's Area including toys provided by Island Treasure Toys in Yarmouth, Face Painting, and a Story Corner; Food Vendors including Brunswick's El Camino, a bonfire, and or course, GREAT MUSIC all day long!

PunkinFiddle - September 25 Wells Reserve

Come to our 8th annual Punkinfiddle festival. Our National Estuaries Day Celebration features traditional crafts, hands-on learning, lively music, old-fashioned games, fun food, farm animals, and lots of smiles in a historic seaside setting.

Common Ground Fair - Sept 23 - 25 in Unity

Cumberland Fair - September 25 - Oct 1

Apple Day @ Audubon - October 2

Damriscotta PumpkinFest & Regatta - October 1 - 10

Wolfe's Neck Fall Festival - October 15