Time with Tony - October 10, 2025

 

Community, community, community!!

What a wonderful week we’ve had at FSW!

It all began last Saturday at Fire in the Pines at Halyburton Park. While not a school sponsored event, Eileen, Julie, David, and Martina proudly represented FSW, celebrating the longleaf pines and, really, all the natural beauty that makes New Hanover County so unique and special. Then, on Sunday, we celebrated our own connection to this ecosystem with Party in the Pines at the Longleaf Center. More than 100 people joined us for an afternoon of fun, laughter, and delicious treats, all in the spirit of community.

This week, our outdoor explorations continued! On Monday, our 3rd and 4th graders, and then on Thursday, our 1st and 2nd graders, returned to Halyburton for hiking and foraging, including a close-up look at the controlled burn area from Saturday’s event. It was a fascinating educational experience, helping students understand this essential practice for maintaining forest health and resilience against invasive species. On Friday, our Kindergarteners visited the Arboretum, while our Middle Schoolers split into groups to visit the UNCW Recycling Center and to deliver flowers and warm greetings to the residents of Cambridge Village.

How great is all that? Where was FSW when I was a kid?

Looking ahead, this Wednesday is our next PA Meeting in the Longleaf Cottage. I’m thrilled and energized by the level of parent participation this year. From the fantastic attendance at Party in the Pines, to September’s PA Meeting, our first Community Workshop, and last Sunday’s Moonick, it’s been so rewarding to connect with you all, whether in car lines, at soccer games, or in everyday conversations.

Sometimes it feels cliché to say a school is a “wonderful community,” but the real measure is in a family’s sense of belonging. I’m incredibly grateful for the work of this year’s PA Clerks, Lexi and Tim, building on the multi-year commitment of Chelsea and Sarah. Now in my third year, well past the “honeymoon” phase, I can honestly say this community has never felt stronger.

At Wednesday’s PA Meeting, you’ll hear from David, who will begin the conversation around the reenrollment process. While that may feel early for families new to private schools, it’s perfectly timed as we’ll have just hosted our first Open House of the year on Tuesday evening. I can tell you interest is high, and the registration list is strong and still growing! David will also share a full reenrollment timeline, including important dates for the Financial Aid process, opportunities to learn more about the years ahead, and key deadlines for committing to the 2026-27 school year.

I’ll also be speaking Wednesday about one of the most essential parts of school life: the Annual Fund. I’ll explain more in person, but in short; the Annual Fund and Summer Camp help bridge the gap between tuition revenue and the actual cost of running the school. The Annual Fund directly supports all of our amazing field trips, our Lower School overnight experiences, and our signature trips away for Middle Schoolers to Raleigh (6th), Washington DC (7th), and West Virginia (8th). Importantly, the Annual Fund enables us to offer competitive salaries to our greatest asset, our outstanding teachers.

You’ll receive more communication about the Annual Fund in the coming months. But if you feel moved to contribute now, you can do so via our giving platform here: 2025/26 Annual Fund

In Peace,

Tony