Journey School News

Dear Journey School Friends and Family,

One of the many privileges that come with my job is that I get to watch great things unfold every day in the classrooms and throughout campus. I thought I'd share a few reflections from the past week:

Journey School experienced an innovative Winter Concert that inspired the children, stretched their imaginations, and challenged them to perform with togetherness and pride! We're so grateful to our dedicated instructors and their music leader-Diana Corbo. You should know that more than 20 people have already gone out of their way to share their enthusiasm for what was accomplished just yesterday afternoon!! We look forward to building enough capacity over the coming months so the next concert can include the entire school community. We want everyone to celebrate together!

Thanks to your generosity, Journey School students delighted in the enchanted Fairy Market. This special festival allows each child to experience first-hand the happiness that comes from giving an authentic gift "made by the hands." We are grateful for Lisa O, Jan G, and the dozens of Fairy Parents who made the event a success! While we raised more money than ever before, the real magic emanates from the warmth the children feel when they bestow a gift. We call this "The Giver's High." Thank you!

Journey School's Early Childhood Team facilitated an informative and lively parent discussion on the topic of media and cutting-edge neuroscience research. We're grateful for Ms. Gina, Ms. Jennifer, Ms. Hellene, Ms. River, Ms. Rita, Ms. Elisbeth, and Ms. Karen for nurturing our little ones and their families every day. Together, you make-up the foundation of our school's future. We encourage everyone to attend these collaborative learning experiences so our school culture continues to strengthen around common values.

I had the chance to watch students of all ages work diligently at creating Handwork projects with Ms. Sylvia. Ms. Sylvia, thank you so much for your time and effort. We also appreciate your parent volunteers; and, encourage all parents to serve as assistants so the children can accomplish even more. Our goal is to pick up 5 additional volunteers next week. Please e-mail bunique@cox.net if you can help out in the handwork program.

While there are too many successes from the grades classes to detail now, two highlights are: 2nd grade students delved into the legacy of Santa Lucia through story, art, writing, and baking bread which they will soon share with their peers across the grades. And, 7th graders shared exemplary oral reports to culminate their study of the Age of Exploration.

THANK YOU TO ALL MAIN CLASS TEACHERS FOR THE EXEMPLARY JOB YOU'RE DOING!

Onwards and Upwards!

Shaheer Faltas
School Administrator

Parking Lot Ettiquette

Please remember to be courteous and careful in the parking lot. There has been a report of a door hitting another car and not leaving a note. Since some of the parking spots are very narrow, it is especially important to use caution when opening your doors. Thank you.

Walk Through the Grades - Saturday Sessions
January 15, 2011 & February 26, 2011 - 9:30 to 11:30
Experience first hand what it is like to be a student at Journey School! Our Saturday tours allow parents to explore the classroom setting by participating in the grade of their choice. Each tour allows you to visit two different grade levels! Please RSVP to Julie Giffin at 949.448.7232 or julie@journeyschool.net.

Hot Lunch Days

All Order Forms Available in the Office

Monday - Sharky's
Thursday - Mothers Market
Friday - Z Pizza

Christmas Shop at Journey School

Wednesday, Dec. 15 and Friday, December 17

Christmas Shop at Journey School Gift Cards (aka Scrip) will be sold Wednesday, Dec.15 and Friday, Dec.17 after School or if you prefer you can pick up an order form in the office and submit by Monday, Dec. 13th and receive it prior to Holiday Vacation.

*Remember these are no cost ways to earn money for our School!!! **Escrip.com and Goodshop.com are available for Online Shopping. Save time and Earn Money for Journey School and our Children!!

Holiday Social/Shopping Gathering

Friday, December 17th

Come celebrate the last day of school before the break and join the PC and the 8th grade for a social and last minute shopping opportunity. From 3 to 3:30 PM you can shop for scrip gift cards, Journey school items including T-shirts, coffee mugs and tote bags, and fun, inspirational jewelry items. Hope to see you there!

Community Discount Cards

Community Discount Cards for Sale - Each Discount Card Only $10.00

We offer discount cards from Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente and Ladera Ranch. Please see attached flyer for discounts. All discount cards are valid through 08/31/2011. To purchase your discount cards, please contact Bettina Spretke at matashis@cox.net.

P.O.P.S. Volunteers

P.O.P.S. Volunteers (Parents on the Playground)

Journey School wants your help! Parents are needed for recess duty Monday through Friday from 10:30-11:00 AM or 12:30-1:10 PM. You can volunteer weekly, bi-weekly, or as a sub. We will work with your schedule! Please email your availability to journeypops@gmail.com or sign up online here.

Journey School Knit-a-Thon
Interested in knitting, or learning how, while helping out our community and school? Join the Knit-a-Thon groupon Wednesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 3:30 beginning January 5 through February 22 as we click needles, sip soup, nibble crackers, and chat. To check it out, click here. For more info or to lend a hand and a needle, email Allison Walter at knitathon.js@gmail.com.

Alternative Christmas Market

Sunday, December 12th - 11am-1pm, Laguna Beach

Share the holiday spirit by shopping to make a difference! JOY Ministry (Justice, Outreach and You) of Neighborhood Congregational Church invites one and all to purchase gifts that provide support and sustenance for people in need. Available for purchase will be fair trade coffee, tea and chocolate; resuseable shopping bags; olive oil from the Holy Land; tuition to send two girls to school in Afghanistan for a year; flocks of 50 chicks; solar cookers for Darfur refugees; dolls for Burmese refugee children; organic gardens for Rwandans living with HIV/AIDS; insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria; a day's care and feeding for a rescued marine mammal; soccer balls for children living in poverty; clean childbirth kits for Third World mothers; and help for inner city children to learn to read with the quiet, loving attention of a real, live dog; crafts made by Third World artisans, including jewelry from women in Uganda; gifts from the Friendship Shelter; as well as special gifts made by the congregation's children. Delicious homemade treats and fair trade coffee and tea will be served. Admission is free. The church is located at 340 St. Ann's Drive and Glenneyre Street. For information contact Sally Barron at 949-497-2343.