Giving Back: Harold and Linda Yaffe GP’34 | News | Friends Select School

 

 

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Giving Back: Harold and Linda Yaffe GP’34

From our first meeting with head of school Michael Gary,

 

it was clear to us that his leadership, energy, and vision for Friends Select were exemplary and dynamic, and in alignment with what we wanted for our granddaughter.

 

 

For the three years that our granddaughter has flourished at Friends Select, we have become acutely aware that the school must be supported so that it can continue to offer the finest education and environment for all of its students to succeed and compete in today’s world.

Friends Select has nurtured our granddaughter, now in third grade, in an environment that is accepting, diverse, and challenging. In that time, we have seen her grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

We hope to garner other parents and grandparents to contribute to the Back Lot Transformation initiative that clearly will move Friends Select to yet another level of excellence and attract other potential families to consider attending the school. It would foster another exciting environment for all students to socialize, exercise, and have private moments to share with each other.

For information on how to support the Back Lot Transformation, contact Christine Jefferson, chief development officer, at 
chrisj@friends-select.org or 215-561-5900 x3141.


 

Thu, 12 Nov 2026

The Steady Growth of the DEI Book Awards

The DEI Book Awards have become a cherished annual community tradition where Friends Select lower school students, families, and educators gather to identify and highlight literature that reflects a range of identities, cultures, and lived experiences while advancing the school’s commitment to equity and belonging.

Thu, 12 Nov 2026

Michael Gary Speaks: Fall 2026

Reaching a decade as head of school has given me a rare opportunity to step back and reflect on the story of Friends Select School, both the chapter we've written together over the past 10 years and the much longer history that continues to shape our future.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026

Turning Earth Day into Earth Month

Last April, Friends Select School expanded its annual Earth Day tradition into a month-long celebration of environmental stewardship, representing an intentional commitment to sustainability across the school community.

Wed, 11 Nov 2026

Differentiation: Helping All Students Reach Their Full Potential

An innovative lower school program is creating a foundation for understanding gender and sexuality for Friends Select’s youngest learners.  

Tue, 10 Nov 2026

Above Board: Fall 2026

Friends Select’s board of trustees is responsible for the long-term spiritual, physical, and fiscal health of the school.

Mon, 12 Oct 2026

Alum Spotlight: Jonathan Shecter '86

As the 2026 recipient of the RUSA Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, Melissa Hozik '00 is being recognized for over a decade of innovative, community-centered programming at the East Brunswick, New Jersey Public Library.

Fri, 09 Oct 2026

Alum Spotlight: Alyssa Spiller '16

As the 2026 recipient of the RUSA Margaret E. Monroe Library Adult Services Award, Melissa Hozik '00 is being recognized for over a decade of innovative, community-centered programming at the East Brunswick, New Jersey Public Library.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

A Transformative Partnership

Friends Select School recently received a $1.7 million multi-year grant from The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a San Diego-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

Michael Gary Speaks: Spring 2026

This year will mark my decade of service as head of Friends Select School. 

Wed, 03 Jun 2026

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Upper school students at Friends Select School know firsthand that learning is not confined to the classroom.

 

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