A Season of Gratitude: Learning, Sharing, and Celebrating at UFS

Gratitude and Stewardship at United Friends School 

Our mission is guided by Quaker testimonies that shape our actions and encourage us to learn, grow, and care for one another. These values come alive as students, faculty, families, alumni, and supporters unite to weave a vibrant tapestry of shared experiences. These values inspire our students to lift each other up in meaningful and joyful ways, while offering strong educational experiences that build confidence and develop leadership skills. From preschool onward, we encourage exploration, critical thinking, and self-embrace. This solid foundation supports a journey through UFS and builds confidence and courage to face future challenges. Our students grow into thoughtful leaders and compassionate members of their communities, making meaningful contributions wherever they go.

Gratitude and stewardship are woven into the fabric of our community. We practice stewardship in many forms: nurturing the gifts of our students, supporting our faculty, honoring the contributions of alumni, and recognizing the generosity of donors and families who help sustain our school. It shows up in quiet, everyday acts, students mentoring one another, faculty guiding and nurturing the learning environment, parents volunteering to bring projects, meals, and events to life. It also shows up in larger ways: families in our community giving generously to support programs, scholarships, and experiences that make UFS a place where all students can thrive.

This culture of gratitude and stewardship creates a ripple effect. It empowers students to care for one another, teaches the value of giving back, and reminds us that we are all part of a living, interconnected community. Every event, project, and classroom moment is an opportunity to practice these values, to notice the good around us, to thank those who make learning possible, and to honor the community that sustains us.

Farm-to-Table Curriculum Night

Our campus came alive with the sights, sounds, and energy of our Farm-to-Table Curriculum Night. Families explored classrooms from Preschool through 8th Grade, following students as they shared projects, explained discoveries, and celebrated one another’s creativity. The evening reflected our core values; students demonstrated curiosity, collaboration, and care, while faculty and families witnessed and supported these learning journeys.

From tracing the journey of an apple seed to baking bread, to designing farms and creating student-run farmers’ markets, each classroom showcased thoughtful, hands-on learning. Students explored ways to make nutritious food accessible and ethical for all, considering sustainable farming, plant-based foods, and protecting both farmers and farmworkers. The energy in classrooms was palpable, students beamed with pride, families asked questions and celebrated their learning, and the school itself felt alive with curiosity, creativity, and gratitude.

Meeting for Worship

That same spirit of gratitude was reflected during our recent Meeting for Worship. We read, We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga, and the quiet reflection that followed reminded everyone that gratitude is something we carry through every season, even the ones that feel frayed at the edges.

This kind of steady, mindful gratitude is lived daily at UFS. Friends mentor younger ones during Partner Time, friends guide each other during Meeting for Worship, and faculty and staff step in for one another, ensuring that learning and care continue seamlessly, even during the busiest stretches of the year. These small, steady acts of care are the backbone of UFS, creating a community where gratitude is practiced, celebrated, and shared.

Farm-to-Table in Action

During the evening, students brought the Farm-to-Table theme to life in unique and meaningful ways. They explored the journey of food from seed to snack, learning about life cycles and nature's processes. Through baking, they discovered teamwork and the science behind transforming wheat into bread. A mock farmer’s market was created to highlight the importance of farms, sustainable practices, and the impacts of agriculture. Imaginative farm models were built, combining creativity with research on different farming types. A magazine was produced, filled with recipes and articles on mindful eating, along with an interactive hydroponic garden. Real-world food system challenges and solutions were discussed, focusing on improved farming practices, ethical livestock treatment, and community connections. The evening radiated pride, curiosity, and appreciation for the earth, for those who grow our food, for shared ideas, and for the community that supports the school.

Friendsgiving

That same spirit of gratitude and stewardship truly came alive during our first all-school Friendsgiving lunch. Every class gathered in the Art Room for a meal we created together. Students took pride in preparing sides and desserts, while the Mott and Hicks classes filled the room with vibrant decorations. Parent volunteers also joined in to help with the main dish, serving, and clean-up, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

The room buzzed with warmth, laughter, and a sense of purpose as students shared aloud what they were thankful for, stitching the entire moment together in reflection and celebration. All leftovers from our meal were picked up by Quakertown Outreach, embodying our commitment to give back to the community. 

"We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping out the Bush House residents! Homemade hot meals are like gold to them. Such a wonderful gift! Please thank everyone for us and them too!" - Karen Hammerschmidt, Quakertown Outreach

Simplicity has its own kind of magic this time of year. Amid the whirlwind of events, plans, and busy schedules, simple acts of care, whether through a shared meal, a thoughtful project, or a helping hand, serve as reminders that meaning does not require perfection. We can allow this season to be softer, creating space to breathe, noticing the good already around us, and savoring the small acts of kindness that make a big impact.

Looking Ahead with Gratitude and Energy

The past few weeks at UFS have been filled with hard work, dedication, and generosity. Our faculty and staff have gone above and beyond, crafting engaging learning experiences and supporting every student with care. Parents and volunteers have stepped in countless times, preparing meals, decorating classrooms, running events, and lending a hand wherever they were needed. And many past and present donors have generously supported the programs, experiences, and opportunities that make UFS so special.

We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you. Your contributions, whether through time, energy, or financial support, are what make our community thrive. Every small act, every thoughtful gesture, and every donation adds to the momentum of this school, shaping a place where students grow, explore, and feel truly seen.

As we move toward the end of the calendar year, there is a palpable energy on campus. The successes of the past months, the joy of shared celebrations like Farm-to-Table Curriculum Night and Friendsgiving, and the steady care that our community shows one another all combine to create a sense of excitement for what is ahead. We look forward to welcoming a new year filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection, continuing to live our Quaker values, and deepening the culture of gratitude and stewardship that sustains UFS.

Gratitude is not just a reflection; it is a force that propels us forward. Together, with hearts full of appreciation and anticipation, we step into the new year ready to learn, grow, and give back, knowing that our community’s support is what makes all of this possible.

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