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![QuakerEd Reads Dec 5]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764967679/friendscouncilorg/eperh0abochbkkhsybxb/qedreads440.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764967679/friendscouncilorg/eperh0abochbkkhsybxb/qedreads440.png","width":440}])
![Native American Heritage Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1764967153/friendscouncilorg/t7qtqz2fxtgqo8n4fgrc/amerhermoththumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1764967153/friendscouncilorg/t7qtqz2fxtgqo8n4fgrc/amerhermoththumb.png","width":440}])
In the spirit of continuing revelation, we are lifting up and celebrating Cultural Heritage months, amplifying voices that seem underrepresented in our conversations. The thread of pluralism harkens back to the early days of Quakerism and underscores the Equality and Community testimonies in the daily life of our schools today.
We encourage and support students, teachers, parents, and other members of the school community in:
- Affirming all identities, celebrating the Light in each of us.
- Learning about people’s experiences that might be similar to or different from our own.
- Connecting to our inner voice, seeking empathy, understanding, and paths toward kindness, inclusivity, and social justice.
- Making room for young hearts and minds to find their people and their place.
In this message, you will find:
- Queries to spark your reflection and discussion within your communities.
- Resources and additional information.
- A spotlight that illustrates how one of our schools is immersing students into an aspect of cultural heritage.
![A call for Equality Community Integrity and Peace as we begin a new school year]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757514613/friendscouncilorg/spafqdjsw0s2bx27agth/birpeathumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1757514613/friendscouncilorg/spafqdjsw0s2bx27agth/birpeathumb.png","width":440}])
As we welcome our students back to school, the world’s tragedies and troubles—violence, war, racism, religious bigotry, climate change, to name just a few—continue to worsen at an alarming pace. In our roles as administrators, teachers, guides, coaches, and mentors, we must meet both our students and the world as they and it present themselves to us. At Friends Council, we imagine the question, “Where to begin?” has crossed your mind more than once as you begin this particular school year.
For Quaker schools, the answer to this question is as it has always been—the faith and practice of Quakers. If there was ever a year during which to rededicate ourselves to the Quaker practices of peace, integrity, equality, community, simplicity, and stewardship, it is this year. These practices look different for students at different developmental stages, but in the end, they will help each student develop a sense of agency and self-worth, and prepare them to connect with the world and the people in it with a sense of optimism, hope, and purpose that contributes to the world’s transformation.
![Welcome New Heads of Friends Schools in 2025-2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756295975/friendscouncilorg/bwtdxfcet1mih3pvcvba/newheads2526.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756295975/friendscouncilorg/bwtdxfcet1mih3pvcvba/newheads2526.png","width":440}])
Join Friends Council in a warm welcome to 12 educators who stepped into new positions as heads of school or co-clerks this summer.
Some of these new heads are longtime champions of Quaker education, bringing a deep history of service across multiple Friends schools. One of the heads is a graduate of Friends Council's Institute for Engaging Leadership in Friends Schools. Others are new to the Friends school network, yet bring a strong alignment with Quaker principles and practices along with their wealth of experience in a host of educational settings.
Although their journey to headship varies, all these new heads share a common joy: fostering a learning environment that nurtures individual growth while holding collective responsibility for being in community as well as seeking equity and justice.
We are grateful to each of these new heads for assuming a very public leadership role within what might be characterized as a counter-culture institution. Their courage and vision are especially meaningful during these dynamic and complex times.
Although their journey to headship varies, all these new heads share a common joy: fostering a learning environment that nurtures individual growth while holding collective responsibility for being in community as well as seeking equity and justice.
We are grateful to each of these new heads for assuming a very public leadership role within what might be characterized as a counter-culture institution. Their courage and vision are especially meaningful during these dynamic and complex times.
![Equality Testimony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1740152831/friendscouncilorg/gzlkwkhp6tez07fyiyhl/equality.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1740152831/friendscouncilorg/gzlkwkhp6tez07fyiyhl/equality.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1740152831/friendscouncilorg/gzlkwkhp6tez07fyiyhl/equality.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1740152831/friendscouncilorg/gzlkwkhp6tez07fyiyhl/equality.png","width":919}])
![Friends schools stand for something]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1731008822/friendscouncilorg/xxh05lyejkf5qppengsw/colorleafSMOOTH440.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1731008822/friendscouncilorg/xxh05lyejkf5qppengsw/colorleafSMOOTH440.png","width":440}])
![Peace is the Way]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1728323102/friendscouncilorg/y03treunglahsq5g8uud/peacway.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1728323102/friendscouncilorg/y03treunglahsq5g8uud/peacway.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1728323102/friendscouncilorg/y03treunglahsq5g8uud/peacway.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1728323102/friendscouncilorg/y03treunglahsq5g8uud/peacway.png","width":919}])
Drew Smith recognizes the new heads of school joining our Quaker school community this fall. “Welcome one and all! We are confident that your leadership and vision will help guide our schools in nurturing the intellectual and moral development of their students. We look forward to the creativity, compassion, and wisdom that you bring to your new roles, and we are excited to witness the impact you will make in shaping the future of our schools.” These new heads are leading schools located on both the East and West coasts, in the Midwest and in the Southeast. We are pleased to note that one is a graduate of Friends Council’s Institute for Engaging Leadership.
Join us in extending greetings to these eight new heads/interim heads. Share how important the connectivity of this community has been to you and encourage them to reach out to the Friends school network to enrich their experience.
![Welcome Rodney Glasgow!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724174270/friendscouncilorg/kpiwofqeqqt56je9ynxw/Rodneytumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1724174270/friendscouncilorg/kpiwofqeqqt56je9ynxw/Rodneytumb.png","width":440}])
Dear Members of the Friends Council on Education Community,I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Rodney Glasgow as the Interim Associate Director of Friends Council on Education - the National Association of Friends Schools. Rodney brings with him a wealth of experience, a deep commitment to Quaker beliefs and practices, and a strong vision for the future of our organization. As Interim Associate Director, Rodney will work closely with our board, staff, and community to continue the important work of supporting and strengthening our member schools and their leaders through programming, professional development, and the Member Renewal Process. We are fortunate to have someone of Rodney's caliber working with us.
Rodney is a distinguished educator and administrator with over twenty years of experience in educational leadership, including his most recent role as Head of School at Sandy Spring Friends School. Rodney is also a seasoned school trustee, currently on the boards of Lowell School and The Bishop Walker School for Boys. He has consistently demonstrated a passion for academic excellence, fostering inclusive communities, promoting social justice, and advancing the dignity and worth of each and every individual in our school communities.
Throughout his career, Rodney has been a strong advocate for equitable and just practices in independent schools, and to that end, founded The Glasgow Group in 2016, a dynamic consortium of educational consultants. Rodney will continue in his important role as the Group’s Principal Consultant. We at Friends Council are honored to be associated with this work and are glad to know this work will continue out in the world.
Rodney shares his excitement for joining Friends Council as Interim Associate Director. “I love Quaker schools because they are models for values-based pedagogy that centers inquiry and social-emotional learning. Our students need that, especially now! Before being in a Quaker school, I had opportunities to be enriched by Friends Council. During my time as Head of School, I was incredibly thankful for the good, strong work that FCE does for our schools. And now, I am overjoyed that Way opened to allow me to serve FCE and our member schools in delivering transformative Quaker education.”
Please join me in welcoming Rodney to the Friends Council on Education community. He can be reached at rodney@friendscouncil.org. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our organization and the lasting and strategic contributions he will make to the Friends school community.
In peace,
Drew Smith