New Enrichment Program Complements K-8 Curriculum

Students in K-4th grade at Friends School will have an opportunity on Friday afternoons to discover new interests, participate in community-building activities, deepen their knowledge in a favorite subject area, and/or develop a new hobby through a new program directed by Karen Maynard.  Karen will work with teachers, staff, community members, parents, and most importantly - students,  to craft a rich mosaic of programming to enhance the Friends School curriculum.

Karen is a Penn State graduate with a B.S. in Childhood Education and a minor in Human Development and Family Studies.  She has served as a Friends School Summer Camp co-director and counselor,  and most recently taught at the Bennett Family Center at Penn State.  In addition to her new role as enrichment leader, Karen will be the  teaching assistant for the 2/3 classrooms.

With a background in music and dance, and a deep interest in handicrafts, nature, and learning new things, Karen will  bring creativity, experience, and passion for working with children to Friends School.  "Once students have an opportunity to settle in to the new school year, we'll start the Friday Afternoon Enrichment Program with a series of multi-age activities to build our own school community," said Karen, when asked to describe her ideas for roll out of the new initiative. These activities will include ice-breaker and team-building games, team-work challenges, and a local field trip. 

"Faculty, staff, and parents have offered so many ideas for rich programming throughout the year -- from photography and journaling to  rocket science, drumming, rock collecting, financial literacy . . . the list goes on,"  said  Karen with a big, bright smile.  Head of School Donnan Stoicovy and other staff say they are eager to hear from students about which avenues to pursue to satisfy their interests.  "We have the scaffolding in place for this new venture, a solid idea of what our schedule will look like,  and a terrific leader to organize and grow the program," said Donnan.  "Now we just need to start school!"