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Calendar of Events
| All-School Work Party
Saturday, August 21
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Sunday, August 22
8:00 AM -1:00 PM
(Click here for details)
Community Meeting
September 1
6-7:30 PM
Return to School
September 8th
Drama Club presents
Alice in Wonderland
February 5th-6th
Click here for details
Wednesdays
in the Garden
Lend a hand in the community garden after early release every Wednesday
Recycle Thursdays
(weekly, click here for details)
Click here for our Calendar of Events!
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Carpool Request
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We have a few Kindy & Grades families living in Irvine and Laguna Hills who are looking for carpools for the school year. If you are interested in carpooling, please contact Julie Giffin at julie@journeyschool.net or 949.448.7232.
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After-Care
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Many people worked hard last year to make great after school options available. We're excited about building on this positive momentum in 2010-11! In the coming days, you will learn about gardening, art, music, drama, and other after school classes.
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"Close the Gap"
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Journey School has always been defined by the generosity of its parents -- who give so much time, talent, and treasure! At the community meeting, you will learn how your generosity has been a boon to our financial life and educational programs. Please contact cindy@journeyschool.net by August 15th if your donation plan is not yet complete. |
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Good Things Are Happening!
August 13, 2010
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Dear Journey School Friends and Families,
Great schools have great teachers. Nothing is more important! That's why this week's newsletter features the exceptional Kindergarten Team that has been assembled to love and lead our "young ones" in 2010-11.
And, since a solid Kindergarten program is the bedrock of Journey School, we ask everyone to click on this video to better understand the distinguishing features which set the "Kindy" program apart from the rest of the pack.
The video features Patti Connolly-a renowned Kindy Teacher, adult educator, and recent hire--describing our research-based and age-appropriate approaches to early childhood education.
Additionally, please pass this video along to your friends-especially those with Kindergarten-aged students. Let them know a few student spaces just came open in the "Kindy" program; and, they now have a golden opportunity to enroll their child before wait lists are re-established by e-mailing julie@journeyschool.net.
Onwards and Upwards!
Shaheer Faltas
School Administrator
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Hellene Brodsky-Blake
 Ms. Hellene brings 14 years of teaching experience (7 at Journey) to the table. Throughout her career, Ms. Hellene has learned to cultivate joy, love, and reverence in her classroom like seeds in a garden. Ms. Hellene is especially excited about building exceptional "community" with parents and colleagues.
In addition to extensive teaching experience, Ms. Hellene is a life-long learner who possesses the following degrees and credentials: BS in Psychology, MS in Clinical Psychology, MA in Waldorf Education, Waldorf Certification, California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and a School Psychologist Credential.
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Gina Schneider
 Ms. Gina has taught for 13 years (2 at Journey), ranging from preschool to high school. She describes her experience teaching as, "a beautiful colorful day of creativity and fun, and helping little ones learn to care for one another and the earth. Every day is an adventure!"
Ms. Gina has a Single Subject Credential as well as a Multiple Subject Credential, but she considers her "love of children her most important qualification." She values Waldorf because, "it allows the children to grow physically and spiritually, and lets the whole child flourish. It's a very caring education."
What makes Ms. Gina tick is helping people reach their highest potential as well as reaching her own. Among many other attributes, Ms. Gina is well known for her thoughtfulness and sincerity when teaching.
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Jennifer Lovejoy
 The moment Ms. Jennifer arrived on campus last year, parents and colleagues described her as a "breath of fresh air." We're thrilled she is returning for a second straight year to spread her cheer and optimism!
Ms. Jennifer is entering her 4th year in the profession, holds a multiple subject credential, specializes in the performing arts, and is a "natural" Kindy teacher.
As she reflected on her first year, Ms. Jennifer expressed great appreciation for the close relationships developed with each child and family. She adores the Journey School community, and sees great potential in the coming year!
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Bonnie River
 Bonnie River has been a leader for Waldorf-inspired public education for over 30 years. She is an expert kindergarten teacher, and has carried a class of students from kindergarten through each grade. Ms. River is a university instructor, mentor for teachers and administrators, and a member of the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education.
Throughout her career, Ms. River has guided hundreds of parents and teachers across the country. She has also pioneered the movement by showing Waldorf educators how to blend the beauty of their pedagogy with standards-based education and effective assessment techniques.
Ms. River has always been a Kindy Teacher at heart, and is fully-credentialed and Waldorf-certificated.
Journey School is blessed to have Ms. River teach Kindergarten full-time during the entire Fall Semester, as she also conducts action-research on the department and school's educational practices!
After Winter Break, Ms. Patti Connolly will assume full-time teaching responsibilities.
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Patti Connolly
 When Ms. River returns to Rudolph Steiner College from her sabbatical, she will pass the torch to Ms. Patti Connolly. Ms. Connolly, one of the most appreciated and successful educators Journey School has ever hired, is coming back to our community in January. We're thrilled! The River-Connolly "dynamic duo" is already planning how the transition and rhythm will look for your kids; and, they can't wait to involve parents in the dialogue.
Ms. Connolly has over twenty years experience as a Waldorf Teacher of kindergarten through eighth grade. She is an adult educator, educational consultant, mentor, and parent of two Waldorf graduates. Ms. Connolly's many specialties include sharing how child development theories and brain research are in perfect alignment with Waldorf Education. Like Ms. River, she is eager to help Journey School become a regional center of adult learning.
Ms. Connolly knows how to inspire us all to become the creative, compassionate, and positive adults the children need us to be. Words cannot express how grateful we are for Ms. Connolly's return to our community! And, Ms. Connolly is equally excited to roll up her sleeves and get dirty with the kids!
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Important Upcoming Events and Reminders
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Community Meeting--9/1/10
Please take a moment to mark your calendar for our upcoming Community Meeting on Wednesday, September 1st from 6:00-7:30! We need the entire school community of adults to come together!
No less than 95% of our families should be present to talk about next year's unifying theme, goals, finances, and the myriad of ways we are going to step-up together so the students experience a truly magical year.
On campus childcare for children 3-years and older is available during the community meeting from 6:00 - 7:30 PM for $5 donation per child (cash is preferred). Reservations required in advance due to limited space. For questions contact organizer, Bettina Spretke at matashis@cox.net
NOTE: For those few families who absolutely cannot attend, a follow-up meeting has been scheduled at 5:00 PM on September 15th. Those few families who will not be present on the 1st should e-mail shoon@journeyschool.net so we can anticipate your absence.
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Enrollment
Enrollment demand remains high! With school starting in a few weeks, and in order to ensure a smooth start, we can no longer hold a space for anyone who has not submitted the entire enrollment packet. E-mail julie@journeyschool.net with questions asap. Please don't regret delaying!
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"Close the Gap"
Journey School has always been defined by the generosity of its parents -- who give so much time, talent, and treasure! At the community meeting, you will learn how your generosity has been a boon to our financial life and educational programs. Please contact cindy@journeyschool.net by August 15th if your donation plan is not yet complete.
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