Winter 2024 Newsletter
Celebrating the Season at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale
We're thrilled to share highlights from the festive season at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale! This year's annual Holiday Show was a resounding success, showcasing an incredible array of talents from our students and staff including singing, dancing, and even some lighthearted joke-telling that brought smiles and laughter to everyone gathered.
Parents, special guests, and students alike enjoyed a memorable experience, which was made even more magical by the staff caroling through the halls afterward. The spirit of the season was palpable, echoing the joy and unity we cherish at PHILLIPS.
As we wrap up another wonderful year, we extend warm holiday greetings to each of you. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other special tradition, we wish you a joyous holiday season filled with peace, love, and happiness.
Happy Holidays from all of us at PHILLIPS School ~ Annandale!
An Inspiring Visit: Dr. Khalilah Ali Comacho at PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel
This month, PHILLIPS School ~ Laurel had the extraordinary honor of welcoming Dr. Khalilah Ali Comacho for a day filled with inspiration, wisdom, and heartfelt advice. Dr. Ali captivated students and faculty alike with her powerful message: "If you want to be anything in life, you have to be kind."
Drawing from her incredible life experiences as the wife of Muhammad Ali, she shared stories of resilience, mutual inspiration, and the importance of embracing kindness as a cornerstone for success. Her words sparked meaningful conversations among students about personal growth, compassion, and how positivity can shape our relationships and communities.
Dr. Ali’s visit reminded us all of the profound impact one individual can have when they lead with empathy and determination. We are deeply grateful for her time, her wisdom, and the lasting impression she left on our PHILLIPS community. Thank you, Dr. Ali, for encouraging us to reach for greatness while staying grounded in kindness!
Cultivating Gratitude and Kindness at PHILLIPS' Laurel Campus
At PHILLIPS' Laurel Campus, the group counseling topic for November was Gratitude. Each week in counseling groups, students discussed the meaning of gratitude, what they're grateful for, and how they show gratitude to the people around them. They celebrated World Kindness Day and homerooms battled against each other in an "Acts of Kindness" competition. The culmination of this focus on gratitude and kindness led to the final group counseling day, which took place the week of Thanksgiving break. In their respective groups, lower and high school students and staff members discussed what they were most grateful for and then decorated a paper leaf with their selection. Some leaves included parents, PHILLIPS, sports teams, pets, and even Canada. These paper leaves were collected and decorated on a painted tree on the counseling hallway bulletin board. Students can reflect on what is most important to themselves and their peers when they pass by.
PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala
Mark your calendars for the PHILLIPS Programs Spring Gala on April 5, 2025! Join us in making a lasting impact on the lives of our students across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. This exciting event will provide an opportunity to support educational initiatives that empower students to succeed academically and personally. More details will be shared soon, but for now, save the date and prepare to be part of a meaningful celebration of student success and community support!
