Quakerism Is A Skill

by Head of School André Del Valle

A Reflection on Community

I like to think of Quakerism as a skill—one that we continually learn, teach, and practice. 

The Quaker values that are the foundation of our school are known collectively as the SPICES: Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, and Stewardship. Today I’d like to highlight community.

The testimony of community reminds us that a thriving school is one in which every member’s voice is heard, the achievements of all are celebrated, and individual needs are met. We build community with intention. It is not incidental; it is fundamental to how we teach, how we learn, and how we work.

We build community with intention.

We build community with intention.

• We build community with Silent Meeting and days of service.
• We build community with shared experiences like the Bergen Street Book Club, the middle school’s mini-unit on Integrity (the “I” of the Quaker SPICES), and this year’s new BOLT (Bringing Our Light Together) event at the upper school.
• We continually invent and reinvent our community, with clubs and affinity groups and PA meetings and recent additions like the Head of School Speakers Series, Community Connections evenings, Club-a-Palooza, and the new MMFS Alumni Association.
• The testimony of Community is reflected in how we come together to celebrate moments of joy and how we lift each other up in moments of sadness.

“Three Divisions. One School” is more than just a slogan; it is a guiding principle, rooted in Quakerism, that sets us apart from other institutions. I am inspired every day by the strength, compassion, and value of the MMFS community.