10.1.21

This past Sunday, FCS kicked off its 35th anniversary with worship. Together with members of Adelphi Friends Meeting (AFM), members of the FCS community gathered in front of the school for silent worship. It was the first time since the fall of 2019 that the two communities were able to worship in person with each other. More than 60 people participated in a hybrid worship which was in-person and online.
The vision for FCS originated with three women, Lisa CannonBetty Smallwood, and Anne Walsh who worshipped at AFM. They heard and recognized a call to establish a Quaker school in Prince George’s County. The establishment of a school would eventually be embraced by other members of the meeting, some of whose legacies continue to impact and strengthen the school. In each of its decades, our school flourished under the spiritual care of AFM and school leaders who stayed faithful and dedicated to the original vision. That vision was of a place of learning focused on community, the celebration of “that of God in everyone,” and the uplifting of Quaker values.

As FCS founding family member and dedicated volunteer, June Confer shared that Sunday's celebration was not about balloons and treats. Instead, it was an opportunity for people who dearly love the school to reflect on God’s creation of our school, its growth over 35 years, and the many blessings given to FCS and the meeting. Former and current FCS parents, current and former school leaders, and school founders offered their reflections on the school’s inception and its enduring impact on the community.

Sunday’s meeting for worship was the first of many events that FCS will host for all members of the FCS community. Look for more social and spiritual events as we celebrate the school's 35 years and its continued growth.
 
In Peace and Partnership, 
 
Angela 
Back

Located in College Park, MD, Friends Community School is a progressive Quaker K-8 day school, founded on the belief that every child is a valued member of our community. We offer a challenging curriculum imbued with strong values of equality, integrity, community, environmental stewardship, simplicity and peaceful conflict resolution, rooted in our Quaker heritage.
Friends Community School
5901 Westchester Park Drive
College Park, Maryland 20740
301-441-2100