Journey School News

Dear Journey School Friends and Family,

In between many fun rounds of "scattegories" and family soccer-in-the-rain, I got re-acquainted with some favorite authors over the holiday break. In particular, The LA Times ran an interesting interview with Dr. Deepak Chopra (Click Here). The theme of the conversation, Why New Year's Resolutions Fail, really caught my eye. After all, I know all too well what it means to "stop going to the gym" just days after convincing myself that, "This time those extra 10 pounds are staying off!"

Rather than focusing on self-defeating or unrealistic objectives, the article inspired me to "dig deeper" by recommitting to enduring beliefs and signature strengths which set me apart as an individual and leader. It shifted my attention away from unworthy distractions towards what matters most in my life.

I feel so exhilarated and passionate as I think about Journey School within this bigger context! While we may not yet have every system or detail fully refined, what is clear is that the underlying values and research-based practices which set our educational model apart work. Not only do they work, they are essential for ensuring the well-being of our children and community.

In the coming weeks, you will hear a lot about the evidence supporting this position because we want every Journey School community member to have deep confidence in what we're doing! In the meantime, thank you so much for your generous spirit and endless contributions. There is no doubt that together, we are making significant progress when it comes to the things that matter most!

Onwards and Upwards!

Shaheer Faltas
School Administrator

Recap

We launched our school year with 1 overarching theme: STRENGTH & SUSTAINABILITY
To that end, this is the YEAR OF THE SEA STAR

To ensure success, we agreed to treat each other well
We also resolved to cut the "drama" so we don't waste time and energy
Instead, we resolved to focus resources on 7 important priorities.

Our Big Rocks

Create a safe, inspiring, and creative learning environment
Ensure challenging learning goals and great assessment/support
Adhere to our mission
Grow and leverage school resources
Hire, retain, and support a superb staff
Establish effective communication and powerful partnerships
Ensure healthy governance

Recent Accomplishments

Below are some recent schoolwide accomplishments -- although, we can't include a comprehensive list:

Big Rock #1: Environment

Check out our new fountain of beauty (thanks Marc Jardine)
New compost bins are on the way (thanks Thom Dillingham)
All campus trees have been pruned (thanks CUSD)
Classroom planter boxes are done (Thanks Garden Crew)
The 3rd Grade and Native Gardens are well tended (Thanks Garden Crew)

Big Rock #2: Goals, Assessment, and Support

Teachers continue to prepare excellent lessons that inspire and challenge your students in every way -- come on a walkthrough
Teachers are tracking student progress carefully and adjusting instruction according to real-time results
Extra support is often offered during prep times and after school

Big Rock #3: Mission Adherence

We're thrilled that our Waldorf Certification/Master's Program is about to launch ON CAMPUS with Bonnie River! YEAH!
Several teachers and I will be heading to the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Annual Conference next weekend where three of our own community members have been asked to present.
Be on the lookout for a series of workshops and special events related to Waldorf education and Eco-Literacy at the school
Be on the lookout for an invitation to Alumni Night!

Big Rock #4: Resources

Close-the-Gap donations are on track
Approximately 80% of all families continue to contribute an average of $15, 000 per month
Please contact Cindy to follow-through on your commitment
We now have a development director working on long-term viability
The school continues to use its resources prudently
The school is financially stable and secure

Big Rock #5: A Superb Staff

Teachers are very excited to come back next year
The Administration is also
We are grateful to our Specialty Teachers for bringing such rich single-subject classes to the students every week
Please welcome Suzanna Bortz -- RSP Teacher, Grades 5-8

Big Rock #6: Communication and Partnerships

Be on the lookout for wonderful website enhancements
The Master Gardeners continue to bless our school
SOKA University continues to deepen its relationship with the school

Big Rock #7: Governance

Cooperation and Teamwork between all bodies of the school continues to rapidly improve and solidify

Re-Enrollment -- Heads Up Parents

Please watch for the 2011-2012 Re-Enrollment Packets

that were sent home with your child this afternoon.

These packets are due back no later than January 21, 2011!

Tardiness
Parents, please remind students that they should be heading to their ramp at 8:25 when the first bell rings. If they arrive at or after the second bell at 8:30, they are late. School starts at 8:30 am.

Walk Through the Grades
January 15th Saturday Session Walk Through - CANCELLED!
If you have not already been called to re-schedule your walk-through tour, please contact Julie Giffin at 949.448.7232 x 2.

Journey Garden News
Exciting news! Our planter boxes now have wire covers thanks to Erik, Mary, Brad, Peter, Melany, Julia, and Tom. The teachers and students can plant seeds and hopefully the little critters won't eat all the produce.

The garden group is very committed to finishing the wattle fence! Our hope is to schedule a Harvest Day at Newport Back Bay in January. All are welcome! More details to follow.

Again, thank you to everyone for your support and hard work for Journey's Garden and Ecology program.

If you're interested in being part of our group, contact Michelle at michelle@cherishedself.com

Peter Thomas and Julia Zimmer

Tom Spieker and Erik Katzmaier (master gardener)

Brad Southard

A Fountain of Beauty
Please give Marc Jardine a big thank you! Marc is the owner of Turning Pointe Designs and parent of Emma in second grade. Marc found and installed our new fountain in the native garden over the break. The fountain creates a wonderful statement of beauty and nature for all. Please help us keep the fountain working by keeping it free from rocks and soil.

Parents: Please remind your children to be respectful of the campus, especially the new fountain. There have been reports of children climbing on it and putting dirt, etc. in it.

Lost and Found -- Help Needed
We are still in need of a volunteer to take care of our lost and found. It is overflowing and we also have a large load in the office. If you are available to organize things and take on the responsibility of donating unclaimed items after a reasonable time, please contact Shoon.

Journey Music

Journey Music needs 20 five gallon plastic buckets for our upcoming "street" percussion drum circles in the 5/6 & 7/8 Song Classes! We can also use several smaller hard plastic buckets and some empty one gallon paint cans.

PLUS..

Ms Bujoni is looking for 2 xylophones or glockenspiels to add to her 3rd grade Recorder class experience. Can you help?

To donate any of the above items, please deliver them to the office or Music Room (#9).

And thanks very much for keeping Journey Music alive, vibrant, and ringing through the campus every day!!

Talent Show is Coming...

Mark you calendars for Journey School's 3rd Annual

Talent Show

Saturday, February 26th at 6:00 pm

Auditions for grades 3-8 are February 8th during break and lunch in the music room. Contact Linda McGee at McGirls@cox.net or
call (949) 412-4772 for an audition application.

Drama Club

Journey Drama Club Coming Next Semester...

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST - Wednesdays 12:30 -2:30

RAPUNZEL - Tuesdays 3:00 - 5:00

Classes start February 22nd. Class size limited. Email lisamariefry@yahoo.com to reserve a space.

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.

Hot Lunch Days

All Order Forms Available in the Office

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

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.