Mary McDowell Friends School embraces the rich history of Quakerism from which it stems, and incorporates the values into the daily life of the school. At the beginning of each school year, the entire MMFS student body and faculty participate in a mini-unit study of a specific Quaker testimony. The traditional testimonies are simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality and service. The focus for the 2012-2013 school year is the testimony of Integrity.

The testimony of integrity is at the core of the Mary McDowell Friends School values. It challenges us to examine how we as individuals and as a community are living out all the testimonies. For example, are we resolving conflict peacefully? Do we actively nurture and provide time and space for community? Are community members actively involved in service? Do we treat each other equally and with respect for each individual? Do we value simplicity? Integrity demands that we act on our beliefs even when they are unpopular or inconvenient, and even when we don't think anyone is watching.

This year, students in every division - elementary, middle and upper - are examining integrity in developmentally appropriate ways. Through participation in activities that illustrate different aspects of integrity and by studying individuals or groups who are role models, students are learning about the various ways that integrity can be lived out. There will be many opportunities over the course of the school year for students to strengthen their understanding of integrity and put what they are learning into action.