Illustration by Andrew Rowan
An email from Upper School Director Meredith Godley on August 17 included the following changes:
End of Year Grades
“Beginning this academic year, year-end grades will be calculated by mathematically averaging the numerical quarter-end averages and factoring in the final exam when applicable. Previously, numerical quarter averages were translated to letter grades which were used in the end-of-year grade calculation,” Godley stated in the email. Click here to see WordsWorth’s report on the old calculation of grades.
Student & Family Handbook
The “smoking” category has been updated to be named “smoking/vaping.” Vaping was also added as a third level disciplinary offense.
The “Gender and Diversity” section has been updated. MFS will use the preferred name and pronoun that reflects the student’s gender identity. No student will be forced to use a restroom or locker room that does not match their gender identity. Single stall restrooms and separate locker rooms will be available. Students will be allowed to dress in accordance with their gender identity under the school dress code.
Intensive Learning Selection
There will be a new sign up process for Intensive Learning, Godley announced. The new sign-up process, according to Godley, will allow students to sign up for an overnight program themselves: “While there will still be an element of random selection (students will be assigned a random number based on the number of times they have traveled), they will be able to select a program based on space and interest.”
Many students in the past have been upset with the process of selecting overnight trips. More details about the changes will be announced in early September.
Internal Faculty Information
Melissa McCourt will be taking on the responsibility of Chester Regan Chair of Quaker and Religious Studies after Dan Christy Randazzo’s departure. Sarah Rosenson will also step into the role of a full time teacher in the religion department. College Counselor Ashlynne Thomson will assume the role of Capstone Coordinator from Rosenson.
Dan Sussman will become the lead advisor for grades 11 and 12 following the departure of Sarah Kelly. Chinese teacher and Assistant World Language Department Head Li Li will become the International Student Coordinator. Nicole Edmund is returning to the art studio after a year-long leave. Ailsa Stevenson will be transitioning to a part-time member of the arts department.
New Faculty
The administration released a list of the ten new faculty members joining the Upper School at Moorestown Friends. The document states that incoming US chemistry teacher Laura Slocum will also serve as the assistant science department chair.
WordsWorth will have more coverage as the 2018-2019 school year kicks into gear!
