Representatives came from Semi Global Schools came to visit our eighth grade’s Sustainability and Stewardship class. They introduced our students to Micro:bits which are programmable, pocket-sized computers that can be programmed to measure light, sound, temperature, movement, and magnetism. The class has been learning about the impacts of air quality on our environment and health. With the use of the Micro:bits, students will be able to measure Westtown’s air quality and keep a data log to analyze air quality trends on our campus.
A big round of applause to our third graders on their wonderful African Dance performance! As part of their studies of the continent of Africa, its cultures, and its art, third graders spent six weeks working with Jeannine Osayande and Dunya Performing Arts Company. The students learned the movements, origins, and symbolism of the African dances and Capoeira, culminating in the performance. Students also made their batik costumes in art class under the guidance of teacher Kelly Nicholson. At this year’s performance, fourth and fifth graders, who remembered their own African Dance experience, came on stage to join in the dancing. Lower School teachers also joined in the revelry!
We are grateful to Jeannine and DunyaPAC for 24 years of partnership and to our third grade teachers Kristin Hayman and Charis Fisher who keep this beloved tradition alive!
Second graders dove deep for their recent unit on sea life! Each student researched a sea animal and wrote a book about their topic, then made dioramas or stop-motion videos in art class to show the animal in its habitat. At the conclusion of the unit, they hosted a fair to show their work. At the fair, they had the opportunity to share their new knowledge of sea life as other Lower School classes came to learn about the different sea creatures, ask questions, and admire their projects. The books and videos were so well done and the students did a wonderful job talking about what they learned with other students.
Science Teacher Carlos Charriez gave his seventh graders a design thinking task: create a carnival for your clients—Westtown fourth graders. Teacher Carlos gave them the following criteria for their carnival activities: they must be fun, engaging, challenging, made with cardboard, and cater to fourth graders. For this task, students divided into team to interview their clients and assess their needs and wants. They asked their clients and themselves about the best and worst elements of carnivals they’d been to and began to brainstorm ideas, then winnow them. Next they designed and made prototypes of their carnival games and activities. They tested their designs, got feedback, reflected on ways to make them better, and improved them. The project culminated in the Cardboard Carnival in which the fourth grade clients came to the Science Center to enjoy the final products, and enjoy them they did! See more of the carnival here.
In February, the celebrations of Lunar New Year enlivened campus. In Lower and Middle Schools, students and teachers wore red, considered to be a lucky and joyous color that brings happiness and prosperity in many Asian cultures, and the lobbies were adorned in celebration.
In the Upper School, the Lunar New Year Community Dinner was a spectacular event with delicious food, beautiful decorations, and lovely performances, which included a dramatic dragon dance, a traditional Chinese instrument performance, and Middle and Upper School Mandarin classes singing songs. A student performed “Bian Lian,” Chinese face changing, and other dances were shared before the community was invited to visit classrooms in the Main Hall where 18 different cultural stations had been set up. Guests were invited to attempt Chinese yoyo, have their palms read, and try their hands at calligraphy, among many other activities. It was a grand evening of shared food, traditions, and community. Our thanks to the Asian Student Association (ASA), International Student Organization (ISO), and teacher Bei Zhang for the amazing celebration!
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, all three divisions studied his work and legacy. In Lower School, students had a Day of Service, collecting donations of basic necessities for families in need in partnership with the non-profit Circle of Giving 2020. Service is not only central to the mission of Westtown School, but also an essential part of our Quaker beliefs, alongside social responsibility, justice, and peacemaking. Lower Schoolers started their day in Gathering, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights activists through readings, poetry, and song. Then they rotated through stations to package the donations and reflect on the shared readings.
Lower Schoolers putting together donations for their service project
In Middle School, January was dedicated to community learning and celebration centered on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Over the course of the month, the three grades each had a unique focus. Eighth graders learned about the role music plays in the Civil Rights Movement. Seventh graders focused on community by exploring the Ubuntu philosophy, a South African concept of “I am because we are.” Sixth graders learned about service, to begin to understand service learning, and engaged in service projects. Some of the activities included a performance of the musical Bridges by the Philly Sound Exchange, a special Meeting for Worship rooted in Dr. King’s teachings, and a visit from folks at CityWorks that prepared sixth graders for one of their service projects. Finally, seventh graders interviewed members of the school community, reflecting on the impact that we all have on each other.
Middle Schoolers on their feet during the Bridges performance by Philly Sound Exchange
In Upper School, students explored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolent direct action through a screening of the film Boycott, which chronicles the Montgomery Bus Boycott and Dr. King’s emergence as a national leader, before breaking into advisory groups for reflection and dialogue. Students examined Dr. King’s understanding of nonviolence as a disciplined, intentional practice rooted in moral courage and preparation—not passivity. Drawing clear connections to Quaker testimonies of peace, justice, and integrity, students reflected on the four steps of nonviolent action—information gathering, negotiation, self-purification, and direct action—and considered the responsibility each individual holds in working toward a more just and compassionate world.
In these Upper School discussions, students also examined how nonviolent movements can be strengthened, or undermined, by public perception. Drawing on research and historical examples, students explored how negative stereotypes and delegitimizing language have often been used to justify repression, even in nonviolent campaigns. They reflected on the importance of allyship, the role of narrative and moral clarity, and the responsibility individuals with privilege may hold in advancing justice. These themes echoed the film Boycott and Dr. King’s insistence that nonviolence is both a moral commitment and a strategic practice, grounded in courage, discipline, and collective responsibility. Students also reflected on the historical role Quakers played in shaping traditions of nonviolent resistance and the ways these practices continue to inform movements for justice today. Through discussion, students considered their own gifts, responsibilities, and the moral courage required to live out the values of peace, social responsibility, and active engagement—core commitments shared by Dr. King and the Quaker tradition.
Westtown School and Germantown Friends School (GFS) sent a delegation to the United Nations COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil. At the thirtieth annual COP (Conference of the Parties) summit, delegates from 194 countries across the globe gathered to address the climate crisis collaboratively. At these conferences, they set goals, share their country’s progress, negotiate action plans, and formulate legal agreements.
Representing Westtown were Sarah Lan ’27, Chris Wills, Associate Head of School for Program and Community, and Francine Locke, Director of Sustainability at Westtown School and GFS. They traveled with Justin J. Harris, Executive Director of the Climate Equity Collaborative Collaborative (CEC), a climate-action and education organization that focuses on youth and underserved communities. The CEC developed an immersive program for the delegates that included education and discussion sessions, rainforest tours, meetings with leaders in Indigenous communities, and volunteer opportunities—all in addition to attending COP30 sessions.
Students had the opportunity to concentrate on specific topics. Sarah—in addition to two GFS students—focused on blue carbon ecosystems, ocean restoration, and renewable energy. She was particularly interested in one of the presenters, from the State University of Amazonas, who developed a technological tool that focused on monitoring the water quality of the Amazon rivers.
The delegation also met with Keith Runyan, General Secretary, Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW). Over a dinner together, Keith shared his thoughts on the interconnectedness between Quakerism and climate action, and the group engaged in a robust conversation together. “We made deliberate connections with Quaker organizations this year, like the QEW and the Quaker United Nations Office [QUNO],” says Wills. “To explore these really big ideas with frameworks that are simple and that our students already know and understand because we live those out here on campus every day was very valuable.”
The conference availed the students of important proximity to the mechanisms of action and allowed them a close-up look at how change can be made and at what’s both effective and ineffective in bringing about change. “In a time of shifting climate policy, the perspective of the next generation is a critical force for change,” says Locke. “COP30 provided our students with an unparalleled laboratory for climate action. By bridging the gap between the classroom and global diplomacy, we are preparing our students to serve as the advocates and stewards our planet urgently needs.”
Wills adds that students witnessed, “the interconnectedness of all of these larger systems that come together to work against climate change. Students were able to see how the levers of capitalism are functioning on a global scale and understand the ways that change can happen at a grassroots level, a policy level, and then at a global initiative level. So being able to separate those things to see where one can have an impact in different kinds of contexts was pretty incredible for our students.”
Alums, do you recognize this special spot on campus? Teachers Juan Rivera and Perry Zanki took a group of students to explore Elephant Rock where they shared stories about Elephant Rock and a photo of students from the 19th century on the rock, courtesy of Sara Mullen in the Archives. We thought you’d like to know that the tradition lives on!
Join us for a weekend full of familiar faces, shared laughter, and meaningful connection. All are welcome as we celebrate classes ending in 1s and 6s, with a special recognition of the Class of 1976 for their 50th Reunion! Registration will open in February 2026. Check here for updates!
Here’s some of what’s waiting for you:
Lunch with classmates and friends: Pull up a chair and catch up with your classmates and friends over a casual, homemade meal.
Alums Annual Meeting: Hear the latest update from Westtown, hear from a fellow Westonian about their journey since graduation, celebrate our Changemaker Awardee, and cheer on your class.
Game Time: Lace up or cheer loud at the Alums Soccer and Field Hockey games!
NEW! Explore Westtown Sessions: Connect the past, present, and future experience of a Westtown education in these unique, engaging sessions.
Special Activities: Canoeing, activities for kids, Meeting for Worship, and much more!
We were thrilled to welcome writer, comedian, filmmaker, podcaster, and frequent panelist on NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! Negin Farsad as our first Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer of the school year! During the day, she met with students and faculty/staff in small groups for Q&A sessions. Students in the Acting and Directing classes had the opportunity to talk with Negin about her craft and ask questions about filmmaking.
In the evening, she performed a stand-up set for members of our community including students, parents, and friends of Westtown before engaging in a moderated talk led by our Theater Director Shawn Rowley. After the presentation, a reception was held in the Chu Gallery, where Negin spoke with students and guests. Negin’s visit sparked conversations about humor, satire, and their roles in breaking down barriers.
We are grateful for the Shoemaker Visiting Lecturer Fund that allows us to bring visitors like Negin to campus, as well as the Shoemaker Committee for facilitating these speakers.
