FRIENDSHIP
BRAND GUIDE
2
Table of Contents
Telling Our Story .............................................................................................................. 3
Logo ......................................................................................................................................4
Logo | Alternates .............................................................................................................. 5
Logo | Backgrounds .........................................................................................................6
Logo | Clear Space and Minimum Size ................................................................... 7
Logo | What Not To Do .................................................................................................8
Co-Branding ......................................................................................................................9
Logo | Campuses ...........................................................................................................10
Color Palette ..................................................................................................................... 11
Typography | Headers ...................................................................................................12
Typography | Content ...................................................................................................13
Photography .................................................................................................................... 14
Secondary Graphic Elements ....................................................................................15
Brand in Action ............................................................................................................... 16
Writing & Speaking Guidance ................................................................................... 19
Grammar & Spelling Guidelines .............................................................................20
3
Telling Our Story
Blue sky. Green grass. A house. And a tree with a smiling face.
Welcome, the logo seems to say. There is room for you here.
Our logo reflects our history, purpose and identity — all rooted in the belief
that every child has a place to learn, grow and thrive at Friendship Public
Charter School.
Since its founding in 1997, Friendship has accomplished some extraordinary
things. Twelve campuses; over 4,200 students; nearly 800 teachers and
staff. A 95 percent graduation rate. Among graduates, a stunning 100
percent college acceptance rate. Scholarships totaling nearly $90 million in
just the past few years alone.
Such achievements are badges of our identity. As with all accomplishments,
they have required ownership and consistency. They deserve pride and
celebration.
Our brand deserves no less.
This style guide comprises the elements of the Friendship brand. Our brand
tells people we know who we are, and that we take the time to get things right.
Every conversation, photograph, brochure, flyer, event, presentation, ad,
tweet, post and snap reflects our brand integrity.
Most important, for a school with rigorous standards, brand ownership and
consistency shows we practice what we teach.
Friendship is the vision of student success we live every day. Taking pride in
our brand ensures we convey that vision — and that success.
Yours in service,
Patricia Brantley
CEO, Friendship Public Charter School
4
Logo
FRIENDSHIP LOGO
The Friendship logo is the most important element of the visual brand.
It should be used consistently, so it is easily identifiable with Friendship.
The following guidelines will ensure our logo is always displayed correctly.
The main version is the full-color, horizontal logo with tagline. Use this
version on a white (or very light) background, so it is easy to read.
5
Logo | Alternates
STACKED LOGO
Dealing with a square spot? This stacked version of the logo can be used
when it fits better in the available space.
LOGO WITHOUT TAGLINE
Dealing with a small spot? The logo without the tagline can be used when
a) it fits better in the available space, or b) the tagline is too small to read
comfortably.
Real-World Example
Social profile images (for Facebook, Twitter, etc) are square and show
up in large and small sizes. The stacked logo with no tagline is the best
fit here.
Friendship PCS @FriendshipPCS
Be part of a public education success story. We believe it is
possible to put every student on the path to and through college.
The horizontal logo
wastes most of the
available space.
The tagline will be
illegible at small sizes.
6
Logo | Backgrounds
The full-color Friendship logo should be used on a white (or very light) background. There is also a version with white text, for use
on dark or photo backgrounds. Whichever version you use, there should be plenty of contrast between the logo and background.
Full-color logo can be used on light photo backgrounds. Logo with white text can be used on dark photo
backgrounds with plenty of contrast.
If a photo does not have enough contrast, the logo
can be used along with a color bar. The color bar can be
opaque, or have an opacity of 85%.
7
MINIMUM SIZE
The main horizontal logo should never be smaller
than 1.25 inches wide on printed pieces.
The stacked logo should never be smaller
than .75 inches wide on printed pieces.
Logo | Clear Space and Minimum Size
CLEAR SPACE
The logo should always have space around it to breathe—to separate it from other elements (like photos or
text) and help it stand out. The minimum amount of clear space on all sides is equal to the height of the “F.”
1.25 inches .75 inches
8
Friendship Public
Charter School
Grades Pre-K3 to 12
Logo | What Not To Do
The different versions of the Friendship logo are available as logo artwork files. Always use these files.
Do not recreate the logo or alter it in any way. Here are some examples of what not to do with the logo.
Do not change the logo colors.
Do not use the text separately from the house icon.
Do not add artistic filters to the logo, like shadows,
gradients, or strokes..
Do not change the scale or proportion of the logo
elements..
Do not substitute a different font..
Do not put the logo on a background without enough
contrast for the whole logo.
Do not put the logo on a photo without enough contrast
for the whole logo.
Do not skew or rotate the logo. Do not crop the logo.
9
Co-Branding
There are times when Friendship will partner with other organizations, so our logos will be
used together. If the partnership is equal, the Friendship logo should be roughly the same size as the
partner logo(s). See the terms of the individual partnership agreement for any additional co-branding
requirements.
PARTNER LOGO
10
Logo | Campuses
OFFICIAL CAMPUS LOGOS
For official correspondences (such as letterheads), Friendship campuses should use Friendship-branded logos.
ARMSTRONG ELEMENTARY
BLOW PIERCE ELEMENTARY
BLOW PIERCE MIDDLE
CHAMBERLAIN ELEMENTARY
CHAMBERLAIN MIDDLE
COLLEGIATE ACADEMY
ONLINE ACADEMY
SOUTHEAST ELEMENTARY
TECH PREP MIDDLE ACADEMY
TECH PREP HIGH ACADEMY
WOODRIDGE INTERNATIONAL ELEMENTARY
WOODRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE
11
Color Palette
PRIMARY COLORS
For use on main Friendship-branded materials.
SECONDARY COLORS
Can be used along with the main Friendship colors on campus-specific materials, where the school colors are needed.
Main Red
PMS 1797
CMYK: 2, 97, 85, 7
RGB: 203, 51, 59
#cb333b
Dark Red
PMS 7622
CMYK: 0, 97, 89, 45
RGB: 147, 39, 44
#93272c
Teal
PMS 2234
CMYK: 75, 10, 37, 6
RGB: 79, 159, 166
#4f9fa6
Blue
PMS 7455
CMYK: 90, 66, 0, 0
RGB: 58, 93, 174
#3a5dae
Navy
PMS 534
CMYK: 95, 74, 7, 44
RGB: 27, 54, 93
#1b365d
Gold
PMS 130
CMYK: 0, 32, 100, 0
RGB: 242, 169, 0
#f2a900
Note: Gold should
be used mainly as
an accent, not for
text. It’s hard to read.
12
Typography | Headers
DISPLAY
Roboto Slab is the main display typeface. It should
be used for large headlines, not for body text.
Roboto Slab can be downloaded for free at
fonts.google.com/specimen/Roboto+Slab.
Roboto Slab
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
Roboto Slab Light
Roboto Slab Regular
Roboto Slab Bold
ALTERNATE FONT
When Roboto Slab is not available, Georgia can be used for headlines
instead.
Georgia
Georgia Regular
Georgia Italic
Georgia Bold
Georgia Bold Italic
Friendship Public Charter School
YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING. SO DO WE.
Beginning with just two campuses in 1997, Friendship now spans twelve campuses,
including an online program, for students in grades Pre-K3 to 12. Our rigorous curriculum,
exemplary instruction, resource-rich learning environment, and unwavering commitment
to prepare students for college and career have made Friendship one of D.C.’s leading
charter school systems.
The road to college can be daunting. But thanks to
Friendship’s 19 years of experience guiding students to
and through college, we have developed one of the most
comprehensive roadmaps for student success anywhere.
Driven by great educators, an instructional program that
develops inquisitive and confident thinkers, and a belief
that every child can achieve, we empower our students
to discover and grow as scholars.
Friendship’s exceptional teachers and knowledge-building
approach to student instruction have produced remarkable
results: Tier I elementary and middle schools, a robust
middle and high school Advanced Placement program, the
District’s first Early College charter high school, graduation
and college acceptance rates that rival the best in the area.
Beyond the classroom, extended learning and athletic
development round out the whole student. From award-
winning robotics teams to a football program that produces
stars on and off the field, Friendship students develop
character traits like persistence, grit, and resilience that will
further prepare them for college.
With our deeply rooted commitment to the D.C.
community, Friendship is uniquely equipped to take an
extraordinary journey with students and their families.
We are proud of our challenging and culturally-respon-
sive learning approach, relentless emphasis on college
completion from the beginning, and high-performing
classrooms and instruction. But don’t take our word for
it. Our student success demonstrates what a world-class
education looks like.
13
Typography | Content
BODY COPY
Cabin is the main typeface for body text. It works well at small
and large sizes so can also be used in captions, subheads, etc.
Cabin can be downloaded for free at
fonts.google.com/specimen/Cabin.
Cabin
ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ
abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz
1234567890
Cabin Regular
Cabin Italic
Cabin Medium
Cabin Medium Italic
Cabin Semi-Bold
Cabin Semi-Bold Italic
Cabin Bold
Cabin Bold Italic
ALTERNATE FONTS
When Cabin is not available, Arial can be used for body copy instead.
Arial
Arial Regular
Arial Italic
Arial Bold
Arial Bold Italic
Friendship Public Charter School
YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHILD CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING. SO DO WE.
Beginning with just two campuses in 1997, Friendship now spans twelve campuses,
including an online program, for students in grades Pre-K3 to 12. Our rigorous curriculum,
exemplary instruction, resource-rich learning environment, and unwavering commitment
to prepare students for college and career have made Friendship one of D.C.’s leading
charter school systems.
The road to college can be daunting. But thanks to
Friendship’s 19 years of experience guiding students to
and through college, we have developed one of the most
comprehensive roadmaps for student success anywhere.
Driven by great educators, an instructional program that
develops inquisitive and confident thinkers, and a belief
that every child can achieve, we empower our students
to discover and grow as scholars.
Friendship’s exceptional teachers and knowledge-building
approach to student instruction have produced remarkable
results: Tier I elementary and middle schools, a robust
middle and high school Advanced Placement program, the
District’s first Early College charter high school, graduation
and college acceptance rates that rival the best in the area.
Beyond the classroom, extended learning and athletic
development round out the whole student. From award-
winning robotics teams to a football program that produces
stars on and off the field, Friendship students develop
character traits like persistence, grit, and resilience that will
further prepare them for college.
With our deeply rooted commitment to the D.C.
community, Friendship is uniquely equipped to take an
extraordinary journey with students and their families.
We are proud of our challenging and culturally-respon-
sive learning approach, relentless emphasis on college
completion from the beginning, and high-performing
classrooms and instruction. But don’t take our word for
it. Our student success demonstrates what a world-class
education looks like.
14
Photography
Warm, authentic photos of scholars and teachers are an integral part of the Friendship brand. They should be
candid and use natural lighting. Photos, and particularly photo combinations, should reflect the diversity of the
Friendship community and the wide range of subjects taught on our campuses.
15
Secondary Graphic Elements
DOTTED LINE
A dotted line can be used under main headers, or to break up sections.
ICONS
Icons can be useful when showing stats, describing something complex, or when appropriate photos are not available.
16
Brand in Action
A Guide to Friendship Campuses
54
Welcome
Welcome to Friendship Public Charter School! We’re glad to
meet you, and we hope this is the beginning of a long, reward-
ing relationship.
In 2017, Friendship will mark 20 years in the District
—
talk
about a long, rewarding relationship! We are honored to have
served D.C.’s pre-K3–12 children and families since 1997, and
we are excited to have grown in so many ways to serve the
amazing, dynamic community we’ve always called home.
Friendship was founded on a single goal: Prepare every scholar
for college and career success.
Over the course of two decades, our unflinching dedication
to academic excellence has helped us forge a comprehensive
roadmap toward achieving that goal.
And during those two decades, hardworking students and
families have seen the rewards resulting from the commit-
ment to that goal.
In our system’s growth from one campus to 12, including an
online academy, Friendship has consistently employed a
rigorous curriculum, top-notch instruction and leadership,
cutting-edge resources, and extensive parent support to
ensure that every child succeeds.
Friendship employs a holistic learning approach, one that
emphasizes educating the whole child. Yet each campus is
unique, meaning the Friendship system is uniquely suited
to create an educational experience tailored to each child’s
individual strengths.
Armstrong Elementary’s Reggio Emilia-Inspired approach,
for example, uses the arts and humanities to spark children’s
intellect, creativity, and self-confidence. At our Blow Pierce,
Chamberlain, Online, Southeast, and Woodridge elementary
and middle schools, students of all ages develop the knowl-
edge and skills to make them compassionate and intelligent
global citizens. And at Collegiate Academy and Tech Prep
Middle and High, our approach includes culturally responsive
teaching and learning, knowledge-building Advanced Place-
ment and Early College programs, and early STEM immersion
to arm our scholars with the practical and critical thinking skills
essential for an edge in a 21st century economy.
At every Friendship campus, engaging extended learning and
athletic activities abound, from chess clubs to cheerleading,
award-winning robotics clubs to top-placing sports teams,
producing well-rounded scholars prepared for lives of confi-
dence and contribution.
The outcomes have been remarkable:
k
Tier I elementary and middle schools.
k
Challenging middle and high school Advanced Placement
programs.
k
The District’s first Early College charter high school.
k
Some of the region’s highest graduation and college
acceptance rates.
Additionally, Friendship graduates hold degrees from many
of the nation’s most competitive colleges and universities,
including Princeton, Columbia, Georgetown, Carnegie Mellon,
and UCLA, to name just a few.
In the coming pages, you will find that there is something
for every learner at Friendship. We look forward to a deeper
conversation and we hope to welcome you to the Friendship
family in 2017.
3
Table of Contents
Welcome ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
Friendship Armstrong Elementary ........................................................................................................................................................................7
Friendship Blow Pierce Elementary and Middle ............................................................................................................................................. 8
Friendship Chamberlain Elementary and Middle...........................................................................................................................................9
Friendship Collegiate Academy ...........................................................................................................................................................................10
Friendship Online Academy ....................................................................................................................................................................................11
Friendship Southeast Elementary Academy .................................................................................................................................................. 12
Friendship Tech Prep Middle and High Academy ........................................................................................................................................13
Friendship Woodridge International Elementary and Middle ..................................................................................................................14
For marketing materials, incorporate large
photos and lots of white space.
Colors: The booklet cover uses a primary color for the
bar (at 85% opacity).
Logo: Since this is a Friendship-wide booklet, the main
Friendship logo is used. It’s in the bottom right corner
here, but could also appear at the top.
Marketing Booklet
17
Brand in Action
100%
of FPCS graduates are accepted to a 4-year
college or other institution of higher learning
+
= 400 students
1200 STUDENTS
on 2 school campuses
4200 STUDENTS
on 12 campuses
with over 700 staff
TODAY
1997
more than
2,000 GRADUATES
and counting
= 200 students
95
%
OR MORE
FPCS GRADUATION RATE
consistently exceeds the District
and national averages
OUR EARLY
COLLEGE PROGRAM
offers students the opportunity to
earn up to 2-years college credit
at no cost while in high school
To date, Friendship high
school graduates have
EARNED OVER
$70 MILLION
in scholarships since 2009
OVER 60%
of high school students
enrolled in an Advanced
Placement or Honors course
ABOUT FRIENDSHIP
About Friendship
AdsAdditional Marketing Materials
Friendship Cares
ENGAGING STUDENTS BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
At Friendship, every moment we have with our students matters. That’s why we provide
our students and families with Friendship Cares, one of the most comprehensive and
engaging extended-day programs in the District.
Research shows that children in high-quality after-school
programs are more likely to succeed academically.
Friendship Cares, the onsite extended-day program at
all five Friendship elementary schools, takes that con-
cept and adds even more value. Our singular program
not only provides responsible care but also invests in
your child’s educational foundations through increased
learning time.
Friendship Cares provides two distinct pathways for
students:
k
The Early Childhood Pathway is designed for students
in grades pre-K3–3 with an academic focus on literacy
and mathematics.
k
The Junior Scholars Pathway is designed for students
in grades 4–7, with an academic focus on homework
assistance and intervention, including mathematics
and reading labs.
Friendship Cares provides a safe, structured, social environ-
ment with proven results boosting academic performance.
In addition to educational support, the program consists of
a range of activities, including decorative and fine arts, field
trips and projects in the areas of language and literature,
mathematics, science, social studies, and life skills. Friend-
ship Cares is staffed with early childhood professionals,
with a student-to-staff ratio of 12:1 for those 5 and younger
and 15:1 for those 6 and older.
For questions, please contact Friendship’s Office of
Extended Learning Programs at 202-281-1700 or
Please note that Friendship Cares is a licensed after-
school program and is fee-based. The weekly fee for
the school year is $70. If you would like to learn more
about financial assistance, please call one of our eligibility
specialists at 202-281-1700.
This photo isn’t wide enough to fill the whole ad space,
so the red color bar is left at 100% opacity.
The red color bar has 85% opacity, which keeps the
photo below visible and the text still easy to read.
18
Brand in Action
WOODRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE
Dear Families,
This past September, I began receiving a gift.
It is not a gift I can unwrap. No balloons or cards. But the gift unfolds before me each time I lead a group of Friend-
ship scholars through the recently opened National Museum of African American History and Culture at the Smith-
sonian.
I watch young, bright minds piece history together and soak in a culture that comes alive. I light up when I see
these students connect the contributions of African Americans to the evolution of a nation.
The gift is to know that one of these students, maybe more, is thinking: “I could do something like that!”
And they can. I believe they will.
Friendship students already have a boost.
Friendship Public Charter School distinguishes itself through an unparalleled commitment to students. Each of our
schools is rooted in a rigorous and knowledge-building curriculum; led by the highest-caliber teachers anywhere in
the nation; and committed to making vigorous investments in leading-edge resources including new technology.
Using data as our guide, we provide our students with meaningful support, challenging academics, and engaging
extracurriculars that expand learning well beyond the classroom. Our nurturing environment ignites a passion for
lifelong learning.
We also subscribe to a few basic tenets: Dream big. Meet challenges head-on. Don’t quit. Believe.
At Friendship Public Charter School, we think these tenets are foundational factors for a life of true citizenship.
We even crafted a Friendship School Bill of Rights:
k
The right to a high-quality education regardless of address.
k
The right to be appreciated, encouraged, and mentored.
k
The right to personal dignity, self-worth, and pride of accomplishment.
Parents and families are our partners in the journey toward these important goals. We think of the entire Friend-
ship
community as a large family, all doing our best to support our children.
We hope you’ll consider joining our family at Friendship in 2017.
The museum hasn’t been open very long, but already it is having a positive impact in the community. I hope its
well-deserved presence on the National Mall serves as a reminder to all to: Dream big. Meet challenges head-on.
Don’t quit. Believe.
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Brantley
CEO
Campus-Specific Materials
WOODRIDGE INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE
Friendship Woodridge International School
Friendship Woodridge International School is a Pre-school
(3 year olds) to 8th grade school located in Ward 5 of the
District of Columbia.
Praised for its International Baccalaureate and Tier 1 status;
Woodridge has a robust and rigorous academic envi-
ronment and nurturing staff. Teachers ensure that every
student achieves mastery of content by integrating a range
of learning experiences in daily instruction. With offerings
such as, Smart Lab technology center, science lab, an inter-
active library, art, music and Spanish language. Woodridge
also offers an intensive after school intervention program
to help students increase their mastery in core subjects.
Woodridge has a strong athletic department focused on
developing the scholar-athlete. Our cheerleading, dance, track
and basketball teams are all championship winning sports.
Hours of operation are from 7:45 am to 4:00pm, with
enrichment activities before and after school and on
the weekends.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Friendship Woodridge International School
is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring life-long
learners who actively contribute to their global community
through intercultural understanding and respect.
OUR VISION
All Woodridge Scholars will acquire the academic and
social competencies to get to and through college
WHAT IS AN IB EDUCATION
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is more than its educa-
tional programs and certificates. IB programs are motivated
by a mission to create a better world through education.
The program aims to promote intercultural understanding
and respect, not as an alternative to a sense of cultural and
national identify, but as an essential part of the 21st century.
An IB education differs from other curricula because it:
k
encourages student to think critically and challenge what
they are told,
k
integrates all subjects and content across the curriculum,
k
independent of governments and national systems, and
therefore able to incorporate best practice from a range
of international frameworks and curricula
k
encourages students to consider both local and interna-
tional environments
All of our instructional resources support the Common
Core State Learning Standards.
Colors: This Woodridge flyer uses Blue and Gold, its
campus-specific colors.
Logos: For campus materials, the mascot shouldn’t
appear by itself
—
it should be accompanied by the
official campus logo. The mascot should appear on the
right, and the official campus logo on the left. Here,
they are at the bottom of the page.
Logos: Logos can also appear at the top of the page.
19
Writing & Speaking Guidance
WHAT IS FRIENDSHIP? (ONE-LINER)
Friendship is one of the District of Columbia’s largest
and highest-performing public charter school
networks, with 12 schools serving over 4,200
students in prekindergarten through 12th grade.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our mission is to provide a world-class education
that prepares students for college success and
a career of their choice. Friendship empowers
students to achieve high academic standards,
enjoy learning, and develop as ethical, well-
rounded and self-sufficient citizens who
contribute actively to their communities.
FRIENDSHIP PUBLIC
CHARTER SCHOOL
Use the full name, “Friendship Public Charter
School,” on first reference for official documents.
“Friendship,” not “FPCS,” is preferred on second
reference to convey the sense of warmth and
unity associated with the brand.
“FPCS” is acceptable when needed for space or in
longer pieces to vary wording.
Use “Friendship Public Charter School network”
when referencing all Friendship schools in official
documents.
“Friendship” should also precede the name of
every school on first reference.
TAGLINE/CREDO
k
You believe your child can do anything. So do we.
k
Friendship makes college dreams come true.
STUDENTS
We refer to our students as “students” or “scholars.”
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Use the full phrase “public charter school.” Do not
simply use “charter” in any reference.
PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
VS. TRADITIONAL SCHOOLS
Public charter schools are tuition-free public
schools open to all district residents. Traditional
schools and public charter schools are both
committed to delivering a high-quality education
for every student.
Traditional schools are run by a central authority —
the chancellor of D.C. Public Schools. Public charter
schools are run by nonprofit organizations and
authorized by the D.C. Public Charter School Board.
HISTORY
In 1997, as head of Friendship House — a century-
old organization for local families living in
poverty — noted advocate and educator Donald
L. Hense launched Friendship Public Charter
School. Committed to turning around the
District’s then-extreme high school dropout rate,
Friendship opened its first two schools, serving
1,200 students. Today, Friendship’s D.C. network
comprises 12 schools, educating over 4,200
students in five wards (4,5,6,7,8). This includes
an International Baccalaureate elementary and
middle school, STEM-immersion middle and
high school, Early College high school and Reggio
Emilia arts-education preschool program.
In 2016, Mr. Hense retired as Friendship CEO
and was succeeded by longtime COO Patricia
Brantley. For more information about Friendship,
visit www.friendshipschools.org.
VOICE/PERSONALITY
If Friendship was a person, what would she/
he be like?
Focused, respectful, inquisitive,
determined, optimistic, scholarly
20
Grammar & Spelling Guidelines
ADDRESSES
k
Abbreviate only avenue, boulevard and street,
and do so only when using full addresses.
k
Always use figures for an address number.
Example: 9 Morningside Circle
k
Spell out and capitalize First through Ninth
when used as street names
k
Use figures for 10th and above.
Example: 7 Fifth Ave.; 100 21st St.
k
Abbreviate compass points used to indicate
directional ends of a street or quadrants of a
city in a numbered address.
Example: 222 E. 42nd St.; 600 K St. NW
k
Do not abbreviate if the number is omitted.
Example: East 42nd Street, K Street Northwest
k
No periods in quadrant abbreviations.
Example: NE, NW, SE, SW
CAPITALIZATION AND TITLES
Works: Things such as books, movies, paintings
and so on get title-style capitalization and
quotation marks.
Example: He couldn’t put down “The Fire Next Time.”
Her favorite album was “Thriller.”
FARTHER, FURTHER
Farther refers to physical distance:
Example: He walked farther into the woods.
Further refers to an extension of time or degree:
Example: She will look further into the mystery.
(Hint: To keep these straight, remember there’s no
such word as “farthermore.”)
COMMAS
k
When the last item in a series is connected by
a coordinating conjunction (e.g., and, or, but,
nor, for, yet, so), do not use a comma before
the conjunction.
Example: Friendship students are inquisitive,
determined and college-focused.
k
Use a comma to separate two independent
clauses connected by a coordinating
conjunction.
Example: The Collegiate Knights football team
won the game and advanced to the final round.
k
A compound predicate (two or more verbs
serving the same subject) does not need a
comma.
Example: Ms. Brantley addressed our teachers
and received a standing ovation.
A.M. AND P.M.
Time descriptors “a.m.” and “p.m.” should be
abbreviated with lowercase letters and with
periods.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
Lowercase the “district” on second reference.
Always use periods with “D.C.,” even in mailing
addresses.
OTHER DOS & DON’TS
k
prekindergarten or pre-K (pre-K3, pre-K4)
k
high-performing
k
teacher, not Teacher; (always use lowercase for
titles unless it’s a formal title preceding a name)
k
alumni:
alumna: singular; one female graduate
alumnus: singular; one male graduate
alumni: plural; two or more female and/or
male graduates
Note: Alum is used in casual settings such as
social media.
Need more? Reference the Associated
Press Stylebook, Friendship’s preferred
grammar and writing style guide.
