Dear Journey School Friends and Family,
Journey School is developing a 5-year strategic plan to help us make wise decisions in the coming years as we pursue our unique purpose: To make public Waldorf Education possible in Orange County.
Over the past two months, staff, faculty, Board members and Parent Cabinet have contributed thoughtful input. In fact, just last week these stakeholder representatives gathered together for a strategic planning retreat. The next step is to productively engage more Journey families in the strategic planning process.
We look forward to launching this effort at the all-important Journey School Community Meeting on February 12, 2013 at 6:00 PM. In the meantime, you are invited to get involved in other important school events, as it really does take a village:
Involvement Opportunities:
(Jooners is the web service Parent Cabinet uses to take RSVP and volunteer sign-ups. Click the links below to sign up and get involved.)
Onwards and Upwards,
Shaheer Faltas Patti Connolly Executive Director Education Director |
All School Community Meeting
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 in our school and current strategic planning process.
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Digital Literacy
Journey School's Cyber Civics program was initiated in 2010-11 to address a growing need to prepare our students to leave Journey School equipped with the skills to be ethical, confident and empowered digital citizens. As described in the national Journal for New Media literacy, Journey students enter into Cyber Civics so they can learn:
Diana Graber (JS parent, creator & teacher of our Digital Media Literacy program) will lead an evening workshop called Connecting with Confidence on Wednesday, January 30th at 6pm in the MPR.
Together, we learn about the whys and hows of being proactive with our children before they ask for and/or we give them any digital devices. See details in the Adult Learning Workshop section below.
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Media Guidelines & Research
The Cyber Civics program as well as all of Journey's media guidelines are based upon proven development needs of children. That's why we ask all parents to honor the media guidelines and all agreements intended to help the children and strengthen the community. In particular, please eliminate the use of electronic media during the school week, from Sunday evening to Friday after school, for grades K-5 and limit exposure for all students.
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Recent Articles and Research Supporting Our Learning Model
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Connecting with Confidence - Digital Literacy Night
We want to clarify that this cutting-edge workshop 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.
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
Date: Wednesday, January 30th
Time: 6pm Location: MPR
Childcare for Journey students in Kindergarten and 1st Grade will be available on campus through our wonderful Kindy Assistants. Please click here to reserve a spot. Childcare for non-Journey siblings and Journey kids in other grades is available at PlayMates on the corner of LaPaz and Pacific Park (Registration fees are waived for Journey Families during Journey events). 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
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What It Means to Be a Waldorf Dad
By popular demand, we've changed the topic of Master Teacher Thom Schaefer's workshop from games to a more general and informative Waldorf basics workshop. Thom will guide a lively discussion about what it means to be a Waldorf dad. He is one of the most renowned and enthusiastic Games educators in the country with many years of experience as a Waldorf educator and dad! Of course, he'll be joined by other Journey fathers who will be available for questions after the workshop.
Please attend on Saturday, February 2nd from 8:45am to 10am. We scheduled this event at a time when many working Dads could attend! Remember, the class is open to ANY current or prospective parent and all community members. Space is filling up fast. RSVP here.
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Kindergarten Parent Education Review
From Emilie Clermont - Sunflower Kindergarten Parent
"Thank you, Journey, for Kindergarten Parent Education evenings! Last Thursday's discussion on brain development fueled my appreciation for Waldorf education as I gained a better understanding of how our children learn and why they behave the way they do. Sunflower Kindergarten teacher, Miss Jennifer and Educational Director Patti Connolly discussed the three main stages of a child's brain development and how WaldorfEducation embraces a developmental approach to educating the child.
From a neuroscientific perspective, I learned why Waldorf Education encourages so much play and imagination, especially in the young child. I learned that the sensory and emotional parts of the brain are accessed most readily by the Kindergarten-age child, with the thinking brain, or Neocortex, being more readily accessed later in the child's development..."
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Parent Class Meetings
Class meetings with teachers and parents from several classes will be meet on Wednesday, Jan. 30th @ 5:15pm 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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NEW! Parent Craft Club Meets on Mondays
Join Ms. Liz and Ms. Uschi at 9am in the Handwork Room on this coming and every Monday morning as they lead a parent crafting session. Past crafts have included beeswax candle lanterns, felted gnomes, sewn pajama pants, and crocheted hats. Beginners encouraged! Small materials fee. |
NEW! Head, Heart and Hands meets on alternating Wednesdays
Join Tammra Tanner for interactive talks about public Waldorf education -- offered to the Journey community and friends twice a month on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (January 30th, February 13th, February 27th, etc.) at 9am in the Parent Cottage. Winter and Spring topics to be announced soon.. |
Founder of the New Nature Movement Speaking in Carlsbad
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.
Go to: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/302902 to get details and purchase tickets.
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 to meet in the Journey School parking lot at 4pm to beat traffic and get to Carlsbad in time for an early dinner.
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Alumni Night in April - Hosted by Journey School fathers
Mark your calendars as Alumni Night is Wednesday, April 17th at 6:00-8:00pm! Anyone is welcomed to attend this important event. Visit the JourneySchool.net blog to learn more about our graduates. We are currently gathering reliable Alumni achievement data which we look forward to publishing on our website. There is also an excellent study and research report about trends among Waldorf graduates on the website.
Journey graduates are always welcome visitors on campus. |
School Lunches Support Our 8th Grade Class Field Trips
Did you know that 8th grade students run our lunch program? They provide nutritious and affordable meals and have fun serving the younger students, while watching their field trip funds grow from their volunteer work. So why not help them reach their goal? Our 8th graders are challenging our community to 20 new sign-ups this week. Click here for a printable PDF order form. Same Day and Special Orders Perhaps you're running late or perhaps you left the house without your student's lunch....no worries! We can solve that problem for you. Just order Wahoos lunch. Same day orders are accepted each day up until 11:00a. We also accept special orders to accommodate your student's specific needs or likes. Give Wahoos a try. For questions or to place orders, call, text or email Stephanie Rocha at 949-887-9947 or rocha.steph@gmail.com.
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Flu Precautions
We are right in the middle of flu season and several of our classes are missing numerous students. 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.
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Strides in Safety
On Tuesday, January 22, Mr. Shaheer participated in a roundtable discussion with Aliso Viejo school administrators and law enforcement partners about school safety protocols. Best practices were exchanged for the well being of all children and school stakeholders.
On Monday, January 29 at 10:15am Journey will have another lockdown, or Code Red, practice procedure. Deputy Maxwell, our School Resource Officer, has been invited to attend the procedure to provide feedback for improvement. Please don't be alarmed if you see increased police presence today and in the coming weeks.
Then, on Friday, February 2nd, Mr. Shaheer will meet with CUSD safety leaders, who will provide even more advice to the school regarding safety protocols. Revised safety procedures will soon be published online in an effort to empower all.
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Reporting Allergies or Special Health Issues
Please be sure to report important allergy or special health issues for your child to Ms. Shoon immediately. This way, our records can be updated and all staff may be confidentially informed of your student's needs. For example, we need to know if there is a reason why your child should not fully participate in Physical Education activities. |
Journey School Business Directory (Parent Cabinet)
Would you like your fellow Journey families to know about your business, your services, or your talents? There is a link to an easy form and to the directory on the Journey School PC website. Just go to the link below and fill out the form. While you are there you can also browse the list to see what other families are doing. Thanks for your support of this site.
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GROWING JOURNEY COMMUNITY
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Important Dates for 2013-14 Enrollment
Saturday, Feb 23rd
Information Day for Families Applying for 2013-14 School Year - RSVP Required
Thursday, Feb 28th at 3:30 PM
Applications Due for 2013-14 Lottery
Thursday, Mar 14th at 3:30 PM
Journey School Lottery for 2013-14 Incoming Students
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All School Community Meeting
Tuesday, February 12th, 6pm
Laguna Hills Community Center
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Journey School Auction Dinner & Gala
Saturday, March 2nd, 6pm
Arroyo Trabuco Golf Club in Mission Viejo
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Event Calendar At-a-Glance
Monday, Jan 28th, 8:30am
Parent Craft Club in Handwork Room
Wednesday, Jan 30th, 9am
Head, Heart and Hands with Ms. Tammra Tanner
Wednesday, Jan 30th, 6pm
Digital Media Literacy Night for Parents
Friday, Feb 1st (Postponed until April)
Eurythmy Class with Alice Stamm
Saturday, Feb 2nd, 8:45am-10am
Master teacher Thom Schaefer offers a workshop on being a Waldorf dad.
Monday, Feb 4th, 11th, (not 18th), and 25th, 8:30am
Parent Craft Club in Handwork Room
Tuesday, Feb 12th, 6pm
All School Community Meeting at Laguna Hills Community Center
Friday, Feb 15th and Monday, Feb 18th
No school - Presidents Day Holidays
Thursday, Feb 21st, 7pm
Middle School Winter Concert
Thursday, Feb 28th, 6pm
Journey School Council Meeting
Saturday, Mar 2nd, 6pm
Auction and Dinner Gala at the Arroyo Trabuco Golf Course in Mission Viejo
Friday, Mar 8th
No School
CALENDAR:
More key dates for the 2012-2013 school year are posted on the calendar page of the website. Our communications team works hard to keep these dates current and accurate. Please email journeyschoolnews@gmail.com if you find a mistake and we'll correct it as soon as possible. Please bear in mind that specific dates for festivals or special events may change depending on unpredictable circumstances. |
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