Dear Journey School Friends and Family,
One of our favorite things to do is to talk with graduates about the wonderful things happening in their lives in high school and college. It's so inspiring and helpful to listen to their stories, insight, and advice. We want you too to be part of this informative and uplifting dialogue. That's why we're working hard to make this year's Alumni Night particularly special on April 17th at 6:00 PM. You will be able to hear first-hand how graduates are doing and what they think about the education they got at Journey. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy reading our updated blog posts as well as recent quotes from alumni about what they value most at Journey:
- Each child has an individual opportunity to flourish in a safe and accepting familial community.
- The ties between the students and teachers are not ones of a fleeting grade.
- Journey prepared me to problem-solve, to create, and to innovate.
- Journey hones the characteristics of patience, respect and acceptance in each of its students, and I continue to value the high moral code.
- Journey values the child as a unique being and holds the art of acceptance close to one's heart.
- The open-minded instructors, creative curriculum, time in nature, and the many festivals, including: class plays, Medieval Games, and the Pentathlon...helped me come of age in healthy ways.
Read more about our education and learn from our alumni by reading our JourneySchool.net blog!
Current Involvement Opportunities:
Onwards and Upwards,
Shaheer Faltas Patti Connolly
Executive Director Education Director
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| ALL SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING |
Every year, important information about your child's education is presented at our Annual Community Meeting -- information that cannot be gleaned from reading an email.
You will: See a student performance, listen to an alumnus, learn results from the annual parent survey, participate in a strategic planning activity led by Patti Connolly, get an update on funding, be asked to support the school, taste our birthday cake, and feel grateful to be a part of the Journey village.
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Hands-On Science
At Journey School, science concepts are introduced in the same sequence as they were discovered and in accordance with the child's changing consciousness (or brain development). At each grade level we address major scientific advancements and discoveries within the historical time period particular to that grade. Through biographies of the scientists of the times, the science curriculum is humanized--and connected with the history curriculum.
For instance, astronomy in 5th grade is taught from an earth-centric view using insights and methods the Greeks developed while they concurrently study Greek history. Astronomy is revisited in 6th grade as it relates to meteorology and again in 7th grade from the heliocentric view Copernicus pioneered as they concurrently study the Renaissance.
Physics is integrated with other areas of the science curriculum -- magnetism dovetails with earth science, mechanics is related to the human skeletal systems and mathematics through the law of the lever, air pressure dovetails with meteorology as well as the study of respiration and the lungs, and acoustics is demonstrated through music.
Through these practices, students gain a deep understanding of core science concepts and methodologies rather than a superficial, fleeting memorization of facts. The integrated nature of the curriculum enables students to understand and see the interconnectedness of the various disciplines. Science becomes a part of everyday life for students at Journey School and is seen to be a relevant subject worthy of attention.
Read more about our approach to science in the article: "What is Phenomenology?"
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Program Updates:
- 2nd grade: Students observe and experience the complex life cycles of 4 living things: the bee, the butterfly, the worm, and the seed. They just culminated 10 weeks of lessons harvesting a bounty from the garden.
- 4th Grade: Students learn about Native American culture and ancestral survival skills, including identifying and using edible & medicinal plants. They also completed their 10 week course which included making acorn pancakes, yucca rope, bows and arrows, and fire.
- Report from a 5th Grader on Rainwater Harvesting: "In the first lesson of rainwater harvesting we measured our classroom and calculated how much rainwater we could get off it in a year (which is 8616.96 gallons per year). That's enough to water 20 fruit trees just off of our classroom. And to flush a toilet 8 times a day for 2 years. In the 2nd class, we walked around the classrooms and counted the ones that were about our classroom's size (22.5 classrooms) to figure out how much rainwater we could harvest throughout the whole campus which was 193881.6 gallons per year. We also improved on the rainwater harvesting garden out front by adding new mulch and weeding."
- Parent Ecoliteracy Education: Journey Parents travelled to Carlsbad to hear Richard Louv, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Children & Nature Network, speak at an event sponsored by Sanderling Waldorf School. In his blog, he Louv notes "To help our children and future generations prepare for a better and not just survivable future, we need to build the foundation of environmental literacy, and expand the definition of that literacy. We need to support the environmental educators and all the other natural teachers who are working harder than ever, often overcoming considerable obstacles, to connect children to the natural world and to that better future."
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PARENT/TEACHER WALDORF
LENDING LIBRARY GRANT AWARDED!
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Journey was awarded a $600 grant from the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education to fund the purchase of books to start a Parent/Teacher Lending Library. Thanks to the efforts of parent volunteer, Amy Cappelle. Highlights from the proposal:
- "We propose to start a Parent and Teacher Lending Library at Journey School to make books, which explain Waldorf education and help parents create a supportive learning environment at home, readily available and financially accessible."
- "Our parents are hungry to learn, but our local libraries and chain bookstores do not carry Waldorf-related books."
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JOURNEY SCHOOL STORE OPENS WED.
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We're thrilled that the Journey School Store Grand Opening is on Wednesday, February 13th after dismissal at 1:00 PM. Please bring your friends. Also, the Store Caf� will launch on Friday, February 22 at 8:45am after morning drop-off. For more information or questions about the store, please contact parent volunteer Johanna Young (store@journeyschool.net) directly.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL THEATER THANKS
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Photo credit: OCHappyMemories.com
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The Jr. High Theatre class would like to thank all of the parents, staff and students that helped with the Momo and the Time Thieves play. Thank you all for your kindness, work and support.
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Alumni Night: Mark your calendars! Alumni Night is Wednesday, April
17, 2013 at 6:00 PM. Middle school students are urged to attend as well as any current, former, or prospective family. We also hope members from the broader community will join us.
Alumni Study: The REACH Development Office is launching a thorough and objective study of Journey School alumni achievement data. We aim to publish this study in the spring of 2013 to identify program strengths and needs. An important survey will soon be disseminated to all Journey School graduates.
Alumni Trends: Read the blog for latest trends.
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School Lunches Support Our 8th Grade Class Field Trips
Give Wahoo's a try. 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? Same day orders are accepted each day up until 11:00am. We also accept special orders to accommodate your student's specific needs or likes. For questions or to place orders, call, text or email Stephanie Rocha at 949-887-9947 or rocha.steph@gmail.com. Click here for a printable PDF order form.
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Be a Part of the Fun! Auction News
What does a Bruno Mars (Grammy award winner) signed ukelele, top-of-the-line Taylor Made golf clubs, a pony for your birthday party, a Mexican beach resort stay, and a walk-on spot for a commercial have in common? They are a few of the amazing things you'll find up for bid at the Journey School Auction on March 2nd!
This is the last week to buy tickets at the discounted price of $65. Click here to buy auction tickets online or look for the auction table at the Community Meeting on Tuesday and at school this Wednesday to pay by cash, check, or credit card. Spread the word! Friends, family and community members are welcome.rd
Donations for auction items are still being accepted this week. Check out the Parent Cabinet Auction page for ideas and the donation form. |
Journey Dads are Here for Our Children!
Master Teacher, Thom Schaefer, returns to guide Part II of a lively discussion about what it means to be a Waldorf dad. Don't worry if you didn't make it to Part I - everyone is welcome.
Thom 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.
Saturday, March 16th from 8:45am to 10am. Bring a friend. 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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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. |
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 at 9am in the Parent Cottage.
- Feb 13th: Ages & Stages. 6 year (Kindergarten) and 9 year (around 3rd grade) changes. Steiner indicated that there are pivotal points in a child's development that occur. Two of these stages will be explained, and we will discuss how to survive and thrive!
- Feb 27th: Communication and the Young Child. Feeling and Needs -- and how to meet both yours and theirs.
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BY THE NUMBERS - CLOSE THE GAP
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21st - We are funding a 21st century education for our children.
90% - Typically, outside donors' trust in the school increases when they see a participation rate of 90% of families contributing.
180 - Number of Journey families contributing.
68% - Percent of Journey families contributing.
200,000 - Dollars pledged for this school year.
100,000 - Dollars received for this school year.
If you have not yet made your 2012-13 donation we ask that you do so today. Every pledge, no matter the amount, has a direct impact on students.
Detailed information about the Close the Gap Annual Fund can be found here. You may contribute online, or in person by contacting Cindy at (949) 448-7232 (x 3). All gifts are strictly confidential. Additionally, please contact Elizabeth Beas, Director of School Development, if you would like to introduce the school to potential friends, partners, or donors.
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AFTER SCHOOL OPPORTUNITIES
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NOTE: While Journey School facilitates these after school opportunities, we do not manage them; each provider is entirely responsible for all aspects of the class. Contact class providers with questions.
Little Acorns for Kindergartners has openings for the after school program.
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Vision Screening
Vision Screening will take place on Wednesday February 13th. We need parent volunteers to help with forms before and with escorting children on the day of. RSVP to help.
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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. Adults only. RSVP Required
Thursday, Feb 28th at 3:30 PM
Applications Due for 2013-14 Lottery. Tour/Info Session is required prior to submitting Application. Contact Kris Reynolds for details.
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
Tuesday, Feb 12th, 6pm
All School Community Meeting at Laguna Hills Community Center
Wednesday, Feb 13th
Head, Heart and Hands - Ages & Stages at 9am
Vision Screening
Journey School Store Launch (after school)
Friday, Feb 15th and Monday, Feb 18th
No school - Presidents Day Holidays
Thursday, Feb 21st, 7pm
Middle School Winter Concert
Friday, Feb 22nd, 8:45am
Journey Store Cafe - Grand Opening
Monday, Feb 25th, 8:30am
Parent Craft Club in Handwork Room
Head, Heart and Hands - Communication and the Young Child
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. |
**PARENTS: Please put your child's name on lunch boxes and clothes, and in the event that they are lost these items will be returned to your child's classroom. THANKS!!**
Unclaimed lost and found items will now be displayed for you to peruse on the second Monday of each month. The first display was today Monday, February 11th, all day, from drop off until pick up. The items were on display on the fence by the outer drop off spot in front of the playground entrance to the school.Unclaimed items will be placed back into the big gray bins by the childrens'restrooms until Friday, when they will be taken to a donation site. If an item is newly lost it will go through another cycle before it is donated. This will happen one time each month. Please take the time if you can to look through the items. Thank you parents and kids!
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