Friends in the News

This year, our school community faced a crucial decision. Friends Seminary was going to add a non-Western language to the curriculum, either Arabic or Chinese. The only question was over which language Friends would choose. Students discussed the decision in advisory meetings, and the debate quickly became a big one. There were strong arguments for both languages. China is one of the most important countries in the world, and its importance figures to grow as its economy continues to expand, thus making Chinese an attractive choice. On the other hand, Arabic is spoken all over the Middle East, and could prove critical to American diplomacy as well as economic efforts. In the end, the school’s decision was Arabic, although the decision wasn’t announced to the public until June. Yet, while the choice was simply a school one, the story has already made waves beyond the Friends community. Two articles have recently covered the school’s decision to put Arabic into the curriculum.

The first article appeared on emediaworld.com on June 20, 2008. The URL is as follows:

http://www.emediaworld.com/press_release/release_detail.php?id=82103

The second article was published in The New York Times on June 20, 2008. The URL of the web version of the article is as follows:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/20/nyregion/20bigcity.html?ref=education

Neighborhood Watch

By Jonah Rosenblum

All of the following information about the Friends Seminary neighborhood comes from the website http://nyc.everyblock.com, which provides all sorts of information about New York City neighborhoods.

Police Report - The 13th district continues to be a fairly safe place to live and go to school. However, there have been a series of purse-snatchings that have taken place underground in the Friends area. WNBC reported yesterday that a woman had her purse snatched at the 14th Street and 3rd Avenue station at about 9:05am, following which the thief escaped into the subway tunnel. A purse was also snatched at the 1st Avenue L station.

Transportation - Yes, those who travel long distances to get to our school do have it rough. Just check out this New York Observer article about the struggles of the L train: http://www.observer.com/2008/l-train.

And Now the Good Stuff - The business reviews section of this website showed a whole bunch of rankings given to various neighborhood businesses (and apparently schools) by the people at yelp.com. The Cottage got 4 stars. Sadly, Friends only got 3. Most of the 5 reviewers had nice things to say, such as one person who discussed how it was a “really great PRIVATE school” (still not sure why the lady capitalized private) and how much she enjoyed what it was teaching a little girl she knew. A former student commented on the school’s “excellent” student-teacher ratio, the good colleges its students get into, and its focus on independent thought. However, one girl (who seemed to be from Trinity) after complimenting the students and the school, exclaimed that the school is overrated. What? I say we take that as a call for action. It’s time for us to take over yelp.com and write tons of reviews. Together, we can make Friends a 5-star school.

Friends Seminarians Rock the Battle of the Bands

By Miles Arntzen

On a stormy Friday night in early May, an assortment of FS musicians and bands played their hearts out to an engaged crowd in the Meetinghouse. This was the official Friends Seminary Battle of the Bands, and it was exciting. The night started with a bang, and that bang came in the form of CJ Fujimura. He performed a small assortment of his solo music on acoustic guitar and was joined on a couple songs by fellow guitarist Travis Bogosian. The listeners were engaged in his meaningful lyrics and sensual guitarwork, and were left wanting much, much more.

For this and much, much more of Mr. Arntzen’s article, be sure to check out the final issue of the newspaper, which will be coming out in early June. Mr. Arntzen will also be reviewing some albums for the final issue.

One More Chance

For those of you who missed out on Donovan Hohn’s return to Friends (he was here subbing for Patrick Morrissey, who is away at a conference), there is one more chance. Donovan will be here tomorrow as well, according to a few members of the English Department.

Quaker Consensus of the Bands

By Jonah Rosenblum (Information Provided by Alex DaSilva)

NOTE: Quaker Consensus of the Bands is just another name for the Battle of the Bands that Miles was referring to. Anyway…

Tomorrow Night
6:00 – 8:30
Meetinghouse
And…FREE.

That’s right, tomorrow night (May 9) is the Quaker Consensus of the Bands. This moy caliente (and yes, I will do my best to never use that phrase again) concert is going to feature Maia Pillot, CJ Fujimura, Lucky Red, the Vagabonds, Freundlich and Friends (hint: it involves Nick Freundlich), and the Family (featuring Burke Williams, Dylan Ettlinger, and hair-care expert Alex DaSilva).

Anyone can attend. Even those who are afraid of music (this group has included myself ever since I realized in 8th grade that I sang higher than half the girls in the Bank Street chorus) should take the time to attend. So, come, support, and enjoy.

Meetinghouse. 6:00. Free! What more do you need to know?