New Family Guide

Friends School Haverford’s Office Hours: 7:45 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.

School Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• Staggered morning drop-off is between 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
• Half-day pick up for NS, PS, and PK is between 11:45 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.
• Staggered afternoon pick-up for NS-Grade 5 is between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.

• report an illness or absence of your child
• get a message to your child during the school day
• pick your child up before the end of the school day
• change the mode of transportation for your child
• update contact information

• get information regarding tuition payments and the tuition insurance plan
• tax ID information for income tax purposes
• rent FSH facilities

• request admission and financial aid information
• learn more about the Toddlers and Friends program
• add to your child's program

• request testing through the Intermediate Unit
• ask questions about learning support

• get information about FSH's Summer Camp

Children are expected to be dressed simply, neatly, and comfortably in clothing appropriate to their ages and to all the activities of the school. In accordance with the Friends' belief in the peaceful resolution of conflict, simplicity, and moderation, camouflage clothing and clothing with weapons or adult messages such as alcohol, gambling, etc. may not be worn to school. Because physical education is a daily part of our curriculum, children should wear athletic shoes (no cleats or sandals) to school. Be sure your child's name is clearly marked on all clothing, especially masks, hats, mittens, boots, jackets, sweaters, and other removables. In consideration of other children's allergies, students should not wear perfume.

All students should bring healthy lunches to school. Research shows that nutrition affects students’ learning, therefore, we ask that soda and candy remain at home. In keeping with the Quaker testimony of Stewardship of the Earth, we ask that lunches be packed in reusable containers and students use cloth napkins and reusable utensils.

 

Students should pack a healthy and easy to eat morning snack and drink each day. Students participating in our after-school Extended Day program should pack an additional snack and drink.

In addition to the communication you will receive from your child(ren)’s teachers, you will receive a Weekly Update via email every Friday afternoon with important information. Another great way to stay connected with the daily happenings at FSH is to follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Early Birds is a supervised time when Friends School Haverford students from 7:15 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. at no charge. Parents may drop off their children on a regular or occasional basis. Bus riders who arrive before 8:00 a.m. join early birds.

 

To ensure adequate staffing, families need to pay for Extended Day a month at a time. Families will be asked to choose and adhere to a specific pick-up window to allow for physical distancing during pick-up times. Any students not picked up by 3:15 p.m. who are not registered for Extended Day will be charged $50. Please use this link to access the Extended Day contract.

 

Celebration of the Arts: Celebration of the Arts is when the entire school community gathers to see the students' incredible artwork created under the director of Tr. Amy and hear the fantastic music learned under the direction of Tr. Ed. This event is typically held on a Thursday evening in late April. (See the school calendar for a specific date.)

Community Room: The Community Room is our multipurpose room in the Schoolhouse to the left of the main office. We hold Coffee and Conversations and other parent gatherings in this room.

Coordinate Classes: Coordinate classes are taught by a specialized teacher and include Music, Art, and Physical Education.

 

Grandfriends Day: Each year, we set aside the Tuesday before Thanksgiving to celebrate the special relationship between our students and their grandparents/grandfriends. We recognize that not everyone has a grandparent close by, so we include grandfriends. If your child's grandparents cannot attend, please invite someone special in your child's life, such as an uncle, aunt, neighbor, or family friend. Our program includes breakfast, a concert, and classroom activities that provide grandparents/grandfriends with a glimpse into your child's daily life at school. Invitations are sent directly to grandparents/grandfriends, so enter their information in ParentsWeb.

Heritage House: The building houses a nursery school, preschool, pre-kindergarten classrooms, and a gymnasium/theater.

STEAMA Classroom: Our STEAMA classroom is where students can engage in hands-on, creative ways to design, experiment, and invent as they engage in science, engineering, and tinkering.

Meeting for Worship Meeting for Worship lies at the heart of education at Friends School Haverford. Each meeting begins as children and adults quietly enter the Meeting House and proceed in silent waiting. There is no order of service. Anyone present — student, teacher, visitor — can stand and share a message anytime. Messages are received with quiet appreciation and thoughtfulness. We gather in the Meeting House for approximately fifteen minutes each week and on occasions such as Grandfriends' Day, Holiday Meeting for Worship, and Graduation. After the Meeting for Worship, we sing songs, hear announcements, identify community problems, and arrive at solutions. Parents are invited and encouraged to join the community whenever possible for this time of meditation and sharing.

Nancy's House, the two-story playhouse on our playground, is named after Nancy Bleznak, a student who attended our school in the 1970s.

Family Portal: This is your online parent portal to complete all school forms, view the family directory, change who is authorized to pick up your child, and view your PS-5th grade student's report card. You created a username and password when you applied to Friends School Haverford. Now that your child(ren) is(are) enrolled, these are the login credentials you'll want to save and keep using. 

Partner Time: Young and older students are paired together. Each Thursday before the Meeting for Worship, they spend time together engaged in activities, service, and play. This time builds community between grades and fosters leadership skills in our older students.

 
Quaker Path: The path owned and maintained by Haverford College connects our two campuses. This path allows a safe walk to the college without crossing a street. 

 

Responsive Classroom: Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to education that focuses on the strong relationship between academic success and social-emotional learning (SEL). The approach empowers educators to create safe, joyful, and engaging learning communities where all students feel they belong and are significant.

School House: The building houses kindergarten through grade 5 classrooms, our administrative offices, a STEAMA classroom, a Library, a Music Room, an Art Studio, and a Community Room.