The Thursday "Know"

March 20, 2014

JOURNEY STUDENTS SHOW "METTLE"

Photo courtesy of PradhanStudios.com

Journey embraces challenging physically activity, healthy competition, and an active sports life for students. A strong physical foundation and cooperative skills that are cultivated in the lower grades allow students to shine athletically.

7th and 8th Graders competed admirably last week in a variety of challenging events at the annual track and field competition. Students prepared for this rite of passage for several months during Physical Education/Games classes. Ms. Joy and Mr. Storm are proud:

We thank each of our students for their participation in the Track Meet. You showed wonderful enthusiasm, a healthy sense of competition, great sportsmanship, compassion for classmates, and positive attitudes towards other athletes and schools! We are proud of you. Parents, thanks for your endless support, too.

Click here to study student results from state physical education exams.

21ST CENTURY LEARNING

Journey nurtures creativity, enthusiasm, problem solving, and other educational aims addressed in the Common Core. Click here to read a publication authored by assessment expert, Dr. Robert Anderson, and endorsed by the Alliance for Public Waldorf Education, which explains how Waldorf education and the Common Core align and differ. We look forward to watching the students flourish in the coming years and hope this new era in American Education will indeed recognize the importance of authentic and deep learning.

OPEN HOUSE & ALUMNI PANEL NEXT WEEK

Student Artwork

Parents and community members are invited to our Gallery Walk/Alumni Panel. Each student is preparing a portfolio that showcases his or her learning and classes are being transformed into galleries. Let's all show up so the kids are not disappointed. We're unable to provide childcare. Expect limited parking, big crowds. We'll start at 6:00 sharp. Please bring finger food or dessert, a tradition, to share that contains no nuts or nut oils.

HELP US IMPROVE:

COFFEE TALK, WORK DAY & BOOK STUDY

Coffee Talk on Friday: Swing by the Music Room at 8:45 for some hot "go-go juice" and conversation. The topic is Readiness for High School and Beyond. Please bring a nut-free treat to share.

Celebrate Spring and Help Out at the Work Day on Saturday 3/22:

Lend a hand as we ready our campus, classrooms and gardens from 9am to 2pm for Gallery Walk and our visiting Alumni. For more details on garden tasks click here. Bring lots of tools and cheer!

Waldorf Book Study on 3/26: Join Ms. Tammra for Head, Heart and Hands at 9am in the Parent Cafe to begin an interactive discussion of

Stairway to Surprise, Six Steps of a Creative Life.

ENROLLMENT: WHAT'S NEXT AFTER LOTTERY?

Over 250 student names were randomly drawn in the well-attended public lottery last week. 17 Junior Kindergarten spaces were filled. Presently, there are wait lists for all other grades. If you submitted a valid application, you will soon receive a confirmation letter. We must have your written response no later than 4/1. Please click here for FAQs.

REPORT CARDS

Report cards were mailed home this week electronically. If you have not received your report card please contact Shoon immediately. If you have any concerns, please relay them to your class teacher. Direct communication is emraced. You may also reach out to Mr. Keller.

PLAN SOMETHING SPECIAL: SPRING BREAK

There is no school starting Friday 4/4. Why not plan something special in the outdoors? Students who spend time in nature are happier, healthier, and smarter. Click here for fantastic ways the family can play in OC. Also, click here to review the calendar. New lessons commence 4/14 so ensure your child is present--please do not extend spring break.

TEENAGERS MAY NEED EXTRA SLEEP IN AM

Having difficulty rousing your teenager out of bed? Check out this NY TIMES article which examines the body clock of adolescents and how schools may adjust bell schedules to benefit student learning and health. More to come...

BOARD MEETING 3/27

The Journey School Board invites all stakeholders to attend our public meetings on the 4th Thursday of each month. An Allergies Policy is being contemplated and more input is desired. Click here for published minutes from past meetings.

AFTER CARE 2014-15

Fun, enriching and affordable after care options in academics, arts, sports, nature studies, book clubs, early-childhood, and more will be available starting the second week of the 2014-15 school year. The school's instructional leadership team will approve all programs by the end of May, 2014. Sign-ups for next year will take place in late Spring. Prospective after-care providers may submit proposals, credentials, and qualifications vis-�-vis the employment page of the website. Successful teaching experience will be prioritized and background checks are mandatory.

PARENTS WATCH YOUR KIDS IN PM

Parents, please be sure to pick up your children on time and keep them with you once they are released into your care. Unsupervised students may be disruptive to aftercare and tutorial programs.

CELEBRATING IN IRISH FASHION

On Monday, two talented students entertained us during a festive lunchtime Irish Dance performance. Annie and Alida's dance troupe travels to London next month to compete in World Championships. Also, special thanks to our Strings Teacher, Jan Poth, for hosting the fun, outdoor Fiddle Club party.

AUCTION ITEMS & STUDENT PHOTOS

Auction items may be picked up after school today or tomorrow (3/20 & 3/21) in the Development Office. To make other arrangements, email auction@journeyschool.net. In addition, Belle Amie Studios donated photos of every Journey student to benefit the auction. Photos are available in the front office for a small donation.

CALENDAR & EVENTS