Friends Forward

The Logistics and Life-Impact of Senior Internships - Elyse Wilson, Friends Select
In Quaker education, we strive to prepare students not just for college, but for lives of purpose, service, and action. Friends Select's Senior Internship Program serves as a bridge between the classroom, the city of Philadelphia, and the broader world.This 3-week program intentionally cultivates critical life skills, providing students with a safe environment to practice workplace professionalism, personal accountability, email etiquette, and clear communication.
This poster provides a comprehensive look at a successful Senior Internship Program, demonstrating how experiential learning can be rooted in Quaker practice while building highly practical professional skills. It is designed to offer fellow educators both inspiration and replicable frameworks for their own schools.

Beyond SPICES: Centering Quakers in the Curriculum - Toni Vahlsing & Diane Pecknold, Abington Friends
An Upper School History Teacher/ Librarian team will share some of their projects that center Quakerism or explore some of the complexities of Quakerism.  

Discipline to Support Growth and Responsibility: Introduction to Restorative Practices - Ida Trisolini, Carolina Friends/Peaceful Schools NC
At Peaceful Schools NC, we believe that when students mess up, it's an opportunity to learn and grow. With the support of a trusted teacher, the process can even be transformative. We believe that a shift in mindset from punitive punishment to logical consequences, can ultimately lead to self-discipline. This poster session will inform you about our practice of working with schools, especially with Friends Schools. 

TORCH: Middle School Student Government- Jane Ellis, Greene Street Friends
Discover how TORCH, our middle school Quaker student government, empowers students to lead through consensus, collaboration, and action. Learn how students gather feedback from their peers, help shape middle school norms, and turn ideas into meaningful community initiatives. This session will highlight student-led projects including fundraising and building a campus Gaga Pit, organizing an immigration justice march and rally, and creating a school garden through the Philadelphia Green Schools Grant—all while exploring how Quaker values foster authentic student leadership.