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JOURNEY SCHOOL:
Making Public Waldorf Education
Possible in Orange County
Dear Journey School Families and Friends,
What sets Journey apart from other schools? How is my child better off for attending this specific charter? In fact, how does my entire family benefit? And, how can I best describe Waldorf Education's most distinguishing features to others?
We thought it would be a fun community building activity to enlist your help in writing two poems in response to these questions. We ask that you read the poems below and brainstorm improvements. If you like, you can speak with friends, family, or even check out our charter document and study guide. Send revisions to info@journeyschool.net by 1/31/13. Your input may inform the 'official' poems we unveil at our Community Meeting on Tuesday, February 12, at 6:00 PM. Have fun, thanks for your involvement, and remember that it really does take a village.
What is Journey?
Joyful learning and teaching
Outside-the-Box thinking
Unwavering student support
Relationships, relevance, and rigor
Nobility and ethics-in-action
Educating for life, not a race
Yes! to imagination and innovation
What is Waldorf?
Whole communities working together
Arts, Academics and Ethics uniquely blended
Long view of learning
Development of the full human being
Outstanding effort from the inside out
Renaissance education (think Da Vinci)
Fostering truth, beauty, and goodness
Onwards and Upwards,
Shaheer Faltas Patti Connolly
Executive Director Education Director
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Grade 1
Making Math Meaningful
 First grade has entered the magical world of the Counting Gnomes! There is Portly Plus Addition, Milo Minus Subtraction, Tina Times Multiply, and Indy Into Divided By. A wise and kind leader, Queen Equalous, rules them. The students are learning many important concepts and skills from each gnome. Students use jewels to add, subtract, multiply and divide. They are seeing patterns of all kinds in the numbers they are learning. |
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Grade 8
"A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand"
The 8th Grade is immersed in the Civil War, delving into the conflicts that divided North and South and learning a  bout the issues that were so hotly debated. Inherent in this period of history is the struggle between the federal government and the rights of the individual states. The explosion of technological advances, and the rapid expansion of U. S. territory brought tremendous challenges to those in power. Were wise decisions made? The question of slavery, the forced removal of the Indians, and the compromises made because of political pressure have given the students much food for thought. We conclude our studies with the biography of Lincoln, consider the strengths and weaknesses of the generals in the war and close with Reconstruction and Segregation. Please visit the Journey School Blog to learn more about what students in other grades are currently learning in Main Lesson. |
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Homework Tips
- Please read the JS Homework Philosophy on the website.
- Create a quiet place for your child to study and set a regular time for completing tasks.
- Ensure your child puts his/her best foot forward.
- All students should read a minimum of 30 minutes each day (family time counts for young children). In addition, be sure your child completes age-appropriate chores and practices their instrument diligently.
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We are right in the middle of flu season and several of our classes are missing numerous students this week. We encourage all families to be vigilant about supporting your immune systems. It's more important than ever to get lots of sleep, wash hands often, and eat a healthy diet. Please do not send your child to school if they have a fever or flu symptoms. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to learn more about Seasonal Influenza: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
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ALL SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING
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All School Community Meeting
It Takes a Village
Tuesday, February 12th at 6pm
Laguna Hills Community Center
We look forward to your attendance at this essential gathering at which every child needs to be represented. For those who haven't been to one, think of it as Journey School's State of the Union address - a review of where we've been, where we're going, and with most attention on the road map (strategic plan) to get there. Plus, there will be food and conversation with other parents. Our intention is to leave you empowered as educational partners and inspired to get more involved. An agenda and involvement opportunities will soon be sent out. Childcare options will also be announced shortly.
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UPDATE: ANNUAL AUCTION GALA
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Date:
Saturday, March 2nd
Location:
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo
Teacher training, the gardens, parent education, and specialty programs are just a few of things made possible by funding from Parent Cabinet's auction proceeds. Last year's auction -- thanks to the generosity and volunteer efforts of our parents, teachers, and community partners -- raised over $30,000! A Night in the Enchanted Garden (this year's theme) at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club is sure to be an incredibly fun way to spend an evening together and to raise funds for those "extra" but essential things that make Journey School a special place for our kids and our community.
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Auction Tickets Now on Sale
Early Bird Discount
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Alumni Night in April
Hosted by Journey School Fathers
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Immediate Opportunities for Involvement
Volunteers & Help Needed - Middle School Theater Arts
Middle School Theatre Arts is a community affair, and we need more people to join the fun. Click here for a PDF list of Theater Needs. Please email Ms. Holly to help build sets, lend props, etc.: hjwilliams13@gmail.com. Click over to the new Annual Class Plays page on our website to learn more about the production.
Auction Planning Committee
The Auction Committee will be meeting at the auction site, Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 5:30pm during Happy Hour. We could use 2 or 3 people who are skilled at asking for donations to join the committee, but everyone is welcome.
Are You a Constant Contact Master?
The volunteer newsletter team would love to take advantage of your skills every week on Thursday to put the newsletter draft into Constant Contact for final review. It's a 1-2 hour commitment. Contact Michele Whiteaker at ocplayparks@gmail.com for more info.
Parent Class Meetings
Class meetings with teachers and parents from several classes will be meet on Wednesday, Jan. 30th @ 5:30pm and then move right into the 'Connecting with Confidence' digital literacy workshop at 6pm! More details to come from room parents.
- Robin Davis' 1st grade
- Amanda Simmon's 3rd grade
- Aly Smith's 4th grade
- Shelley Kelley's 5th grade parents
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Upcoming Workshops
Look Forward to Learning
Saturday, January 19th
Special Adult Handwork Day in the Handwork Rm - 10am- 2pm
RSVP to Ms. Uschi
Wednesday, January 30th
Head, Heart & Hands (Topic TBA) - 9am in Parent Cottage
Connecting with Confidence Digital Literacy Night - 6pm in MPR
Friday, February 1st
Eurythmy Class for Parents with Alice Stamm - 6pm in MPR
Saturday, February 2nd
Thom Schaeffer "Games and Dads" - 8:45am-10am in MPR
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Connecting with Confidence
Digital Literacy Night with Diana Graber from CyberWise
We want to clarify that this cutting-edge workshop
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photo credit: ochappymemories.com
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is for ALL parents in ALL grades, K-8! The goal of the evening is for all of us to learn about the whys and hows of being proactive with our children before they ask for and/or we give them any digital devices.
Students in grades 6 and up are invited to join, though the workshop is designed for parents.
Date: Wednesday, January 30th
Time: 6pm
Location: MPR
This interactive workshop includes group activities and videos that will guide us in:
- Balancing our children's use of digital devices
- Making sure their use of these potent devices is ethical, private and safe
- Encouraging healthy and safe relationships with others
- Preserving their reputation
CLICK HERE to view the intro video to find out more about the workshop. And please spread the word, bring your family and friends! Don't miss this important workshop featuring Diana Graber, Journey School parent, instructor, and founder of CyberWise.org Childcare for a small fee will be available. Childcare information will be sent soon.
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Founder of the New Nature Movement
Richard Louv to Speak in Carlsbad on February 6th
Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, will be speaking about the "New Nature Movement" in Carlsbad on Wednesday, February 6th. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $15 and seating is limited.
A group of parents and faculty are planning to carpool down to Carlsbad for this unique opportunity. The event runs from 6pm to 8pm. Make arrangements with friends or email Michele Whiteaker (ocplayparks@gmail.com) for help finding a carpool.
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Middle School Theater Arts
Presents Momo and the Time Thieves (Michael Ende)
"Nobody knows where she came from but everyone
knows if they have any kind of problem they should go see Momo. It's not that Momo knows all the answers; it's that she knows how to listen..."
Performance date: January 25 (Friday) 6pm
Place: Journey School MPR transcended into Momo's amphitheater
Special Assembly: The play is presented in connection with Journey's Compassionate Campus and performers will bring one scene to the grades at assembly on Wednesday, January 23rd.
Click over to the new Annual Class Plays page on our website to learn more about the production. Theatre students are directed by Holly Telford-Rioux. Learn more about Ms.Holly on our Specialty Teacher page.
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Calendar
Jan 19th
Special Adult Handwork Day in the Handwork Room - 10am to 2pm
Jan 21st
No school
MLK, Jr. Holiday
Jan 24th
Journey School Council Meeting - 4pm (note earlier than normal time)
Jan 25th
Middle School presents: Momo and the Time Thieves - 6pm
Jan 30th
Head, Heart & Hands - 9am in Parent Cottage
Jan 30th
Digital Media Literacy Night for Parents - 6pm
Feb 1st
Eurythmy Class for Parents with Alice Stamm - 6pm in MPR
Feb 2nd
Games and Dads with Thom Schaeffer - 8:45am to 10am in MPR
Feb 12th
All School Community Meeting at Laguna Hills Community Center - 6pm
Feb 15th-18th
No school
Presidents Day Holidays
Feb 21st
Middle School Winter Concert - 7pm
Feb 23rd
Information Day for Families Applying for 2013-14 School Year RSVP Required
Feb 28th
Applications Due for 2013-14 Lottery
Feb 28th
Journey School Council Meeting - 6pm
Mar 2nd
Auction and Dinner Gala at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course in Mission Viejo - 6pm
Mar 14th
Journey School Lottery for 2013-14 Incoming Students
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Mondays
Parent Craft Club in the Handwork Room - 9am
Tuesdays
Auction Planning Meetings at Fred's Mexican Cantina in Laguna Niguel - 5:30pm
Wednesdays
Gardening and Composting in the Green Heart Garden - 8:30am to 9:30am
Jamba Juice at the lunch tables after school
Thursdays
Recycling - drop off cans and plastic at the start of school
Tanaka Farms CSA produce boxes - delivered after school
Fridays
Lunch order forms are due
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January School Lunch Forms
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Tanaka Farms CSA Produce Boxes
Wondering how to order those delicious organic produce boxes delivered from Tanaka Farms to our campus every Thursday?
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January Parent Education at Sanderling Waldorf School in San Diego County
CLICK HERE
for a flier about January Parent Education opportunities Sanderling Waldorf School.
Note: Rich Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, will be speaking on Wednesday, February 6th. Buy tickets online at sanderlingschool.org.
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After School Programs Update
We continue to offer outstanding opportunities for after school enrichment.
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