A NOTE FROM MR. CRAIG

Dear Shipley Families,

Throughout this year, we have been following reports of potential disruptions to SEPTA’s service in our area, whether due to financial challenges or safety concerns with some of the train cars. Earlier this fall, we sent a survey to families to better understand how such disruptions might impact our community.

Unsurprisingly, a good number of students and colleagues rely on the Paoli/Thorndale line in both directions. In response, we have contacted several transportation providers and neighboring independent schools to help mitigate any potential disruptions. Should SEPTA service be interrupted for any reason, we are prepared to operate one bus route from the east (Malvern area) and another from Philadelphia (30th Street area).

Additionally, we have compiled this list of resources to help families explore alternate ways of getting to school.

While we hope that none of these precautions will become necessary, we are taking a proactive approach to ensure that our students and colleagues can continue to travel safely and reliably to campus.

Sincerely,

Ian Craig

TO DO ITEMS:

• Register for the Fall Fest Mobile Auction

• Attend a Campus Planning Focus Group

• Attend an EITC Session

FALL FEST: WALK-INS WELCOME

Saturday, October 25

7:00 pm, Upper Campus

The countdown is on—over 240 guests are registered for Shipley’s 2nd Annual Fall Fest, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you! If you missed the online ticket deadline, it’s not too late—walk-ins are welcome on Saturday night. Join us for an evening of fun, food, and fundraising in support of the people and programs that make Shipley extraordinary.

CAN’T JOIN US IN PERSON FOR FALL FEST?
REGISTER FOR THE MOBILE AUCTION! 

You can still be part of the fun! Register as an Absentee Bidder and support Shipley from anywhere. To register as an Online Bidder Only:

1) Visit shipleyfallfest2025.ggo.bid

2) Click Get Started

3) Select Create a New Account and enter your email address to begin bidding!

For step-by-step guidance, check out this short YouTube video with detailed instructions or the How to Register to Bid PDF.

Online bidding is open and runs through Saturday, October 25 at 9:45 p.m. As an online bidder, you’ll have access to all Gator Gifts and silent auction items. You can also support our faculty and students by fulfilling items from our Wish List.  Purchases of Wish List items are tax-deductible contributions. Questions about the Wish List? Contact Audrey Schnur at aschnur@shipleyschool.org.

Some highlights from our mobile auction:

• Saquon Barkley Signed Jersey: Game day bragging rights, unlocked. Bring home a piece of the pros with this authentic Saquon Barkley–signed jersey—perfect for your sports den, office, or young Gator with big dreams. Bid big. Go long.

• Karaoke Party with Dr. Lyon & Mrs. Sullivan: Your moment in the spotlight awaits! Belt it out, duet it up, and laugh your heart out at this all-out karaoke bash for up to 55 kids. Snacks, songs, and Shipley-style star power—this one’s guaranteed to hit the high note.

• Private Brewery Tour & Tasting at Triple Bottom Brewing: Craft beer, community, and good cheer! Enjoy a private behind-the-scenes tour and tasting for eight with alumna Tess Hart ’05 at her socially conscious Philly brewery. Raise a glass—and maybe your paddle, too.

• Floral Design Workshop for 8: Petal power! Gather your crew for a hands-on floral workshop led by Betsy Block ’83, where you’ll create professional arrangements (and maybe discover your inner florist). Sip, snip, and bloom beautifully.

• BBQ by Mr. Kellett for 14: No need to man the grill—Mr. Kellett’s got you covered. The Lower School’s resident BBQ master will deliver a feast of smoked meats or fish right to your door. You bring the guests; he brings the flavor.

• Bombardment Party with Mr. W: It’s dodgeball… Shipley-style! Up to 50 kids can join Mr. W for the ultimate Bombardment showdown in the Big Gym. Expect fast throws, big laughs, and bragging rights that last all year.

• Lunch in the Library with Mrs. L: Books, bites, and bonding! Your child and a friend will enjoy a cozy lunch with Mrs. L in the Lower School Library—complete with great conversation and a special book to take home.

PARENT BOOK CLUB

Friday, October 24

8:30 am, LARC

Parent Book Club’s next meeting will take place tomorrow morning! The group will discuss The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. If you’re unable to attend that meeting, the book will also be discussed at an evening virtual meeting held on November 5. 

RSVP here if you would like to attend either session. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Jenn Phiambolis!

PARENTS OF AFRICAN AMERICAN/AFRICAN DIASPORA STUDENTS DINNER (PAADS)

Wednesday, November 19

5:00 pm

Students and families are invited to attend Shipley’s inaugural PAADS dinner. PAADS is an affinity group for African American/Black families or families with children who identify as African American/Black. This meaningful event is dedicated to celebrating diversity, enhancing cultural competence, and creating a welcoming community for families. RSVP by November 12 if you plan on attending.

CAMPUS PLANNING PARENT FOCUS GROUPS

Parents and guardians are invited to share their thoughts during an upcoming focus group as Shipley begins to develop a Campus Master Plan. Please plan to join us to offer your insights, as we value input from our community. Please note there will be 3 sessions on November 14, and we ask that you RSVP using the form to  join us during one of these sessions.

Lower Campus Planning Meeting

November 12, 8:15 am, Beechwood House

Upper Campus Planning Meetings

November 13, 8:15 am - Beechwood House

November 14, 8:15 am - Common Room (RSVP to Attend)

November 14, 10:00 am - Common Room (RSVP to Attend)

November 14, 1:00 pm - Common Room (RSVP to Attend)

TURN YOUR TAX DOLLARS INTO TUITION ASSISTANCE

Parents/Guardians are invited to join one of our conveniently scheduled morning, afternoon or evening Zoom sessions to learn how you can transform your state tax dollars into tuition assistance for Shipley students through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC). Register using the links below for the session that is most convenient for you:

Thursday, October 23, 6:00pm - 6:45pm 

Wednesday, October 29, 9:00 - 9:45am 

Wednesday, November 5, 4:00 - 4:45pm 

For more information, please reach out to Alex McDowell or visit Shipley’s EITC page.