On Wednesday, March 12, more than 40 members of the Hartsbrook community gathered for an all-school meeting to share ideas about how to realize our aspirations for Waldorf education at the school.  The meeting was hosted by the Board of Directors and gave the Board, Faculty Conference, and Parent Council an opportunity to work together on behalf of the school. 

The meeting began with an inspiring introduction by Arthur Zajonc, a Board member and one of the school's "Incorporators."  Arthur reflected on the early years of the school, its fundamental values, and its enduring commitment to making Waldorf education available to the children in our community.  This was followed by a brief welcome and call to purpose by Tupper Brown, Chair of the Board of Directors.

To facilitate an open exchange of ideas, participants divided up into small, World Café-style working groups.  Discussion began with a series of three questions - What brought you to Hartsbrook?  What keeps you at Hartsbrook?  How can we share our vision of Hartsbrook more effectively with our broader community? - and ranged widely over a variety of issues, from personal experiences at Hartsbrook to enrollment at the school.  Two principal goals informed this discussion: to define the school's strengths in a clear and compelling manner, and to think creatively about how the school might carry these strengths more effectively into our wider community.

The meeting also included an update on the Strategic Plan and a "straw poll" that gave attendees an opportunity to express their sense of the school's strategic priorities during the ongoing work of implementing the Plan.  Please contact Board member Lane Hall-Witt if you have any questions about the Strategic Plan, or if you would like to offer your thoughts about the Plan and its implementation.  

Board member Ruth LeBar closed the meeting by reciting the founding verse for the first Waldorf School - in Stuttgart, Germany - composed by Rudolf Steiner in 1919.

Throughout the evening, emphasis was placed on recording the views expressed by all in attendance.  The Board has collected a large amount of written material produced by the attendees, which is now in the process of being transcribed.  A more detailed report on the meeting will be made available to the Hartsbrook community soon, when this task has been completed.

Thanks to all who joined in the work of the evening!

The Board of Directors and Faculty Conference

Nicki Robb, Land Stewardship

YOGA MONKEY KIDS CAMP: Yoga Sanctuary is offering a summer camp for children ages 5-10 this June 23rd-27th. Join Sara Rose for this spirited camp that weaves yoga and creative movement, storytelling, creative crafts and games into one fun and enchanting week! Come play, make new friends, and grow strong from the inside out. 413.585.9642 or email info@yoga-sanctuary.com.

HADLEY-BASED RAW MILK COOP:  is looking for a few more people/families to round out our weekly driving rotation. We use Robinson Farm in Hardwick, which offers certified organic raw milk from 100% grass-fed cows. Mmmm good! Contact Ben Grosscup if interested. 

JOURNEY CAMP: Inclusiveness and peace-building are the hallmarks of Journey Camp, which offers children a supportive atmosphere where it's easy to be themselves and make friends. Creative play draws on art, music and the outdoors. Sessions at Woolman Hill, Deerfield, and Taproot Commons Farm, Cummington. Click for More Information

FREE FILM SERIES: Zonta Club of Northampton's Free Film Series-held on the last Wednesdays of February, March and April - will build awareness and open up community discussions about teen dating violence; rape culture; sexting; provocative Facebook, SnapChat, and emailing; and many more important topics.  Parents and Educators will walk away with a better understanding of the daily struggles kids face and with ideas for discussing and tackling these important issues.