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The Thursday "Know"
December 18, 2014
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Amazed. Inspired. Grateful. That's how we feel about our students, parents and partners. Thank you for all you do and may your holiday season be full of laughter and warmth.
BIRD-WATCHING & BINOCULARS
4th Graders Spot Bird at Aliso Creek 
Sit down with a 4th grader and you're bound to hear a story about Zoology. Evan loves discovering how animals adapt behaviors depending on their environment.
Marcus is passionate about drawing and was inspired today by the gorilla's large nose, which he says enables it to breathe and smell "really well." Travis and Alexis marvel at the tenacity of salmon and observe that "we have much to learn" from their "determination" and "commitment to getting home."
4th Graders Learn from UC Santa Cruz Bird GuidesBird Watching at Aliso Creek
Max shares that earlier this week, he and his peers were guided by two UC Santa Cruz mentors along Aliso Creek and learned about birds in our watershed. Olivia tells us that the high-quality binoculars allowed her to see a bird's features up close, including "the rare red eye of the White-faced Ibis." Haley enjoyed spotting the beautiful American Coot. It's exciting to watch the students extend their studies of science beyond four walls.   
A MATCH OPPORTUNITY THAT INSPIRES
A generous donor has stepped forward with an exciting match. Starting now, your year-end philanthropy will fuel the Foundation's educational initiatives and campus goals and double dollar for dollar up to $2500.
Lantern Walk photo courtesy of Pradhan Studios 
If 50 people give $50 we will meet our match today! It is your charity that makes innovative and action-inspiring education like birdwatching possible. 
DIGITAL MEDIA LITERACY PICKS UP STEAM
Annie at the DML Chalkboard
Annie teaches best practices for passwords
  • Creating safe passwords that protect identities
  • Evaluating the integrity of online information
  • Conducting advanced internet research
  • Leveraging cutting-edge presentation tools to engage audiences
  • Honoring privacy matters and copyright issues.
  • Posting appropriate photos and messages
  • Identifying others' mistakes and evaluating "digital footprints"
These are a handful of life-long lessons students are learning in Digital Media Literacy (DML). Following our fall workshop, Journey's DML program has gained statewide interest. In January, the Foundation will send educators to Northern California to train faculties and stakeholders from various schools in Marin and Sonoma Counties. Our team was also invited to present at two conferences: The Alliance for Public Waldorf Education Conference in Sacramento and the Association of Waldorf Schools in North America Conference in Los Angeles during June. Numerous schools are now implementing our pioneering curriculum to prepare and protect children. 

If you want to learn along side the kids, click on this coupon for a free lesson on creating safe passwords from our friends at Cyberwise, where no parent is left behind. 
STUDENTS REFLECT ON SPIRIAL WALK

For Corinne, Spiral Walk is special because it enables her a chance for peace, quiet and reflection. She tells us, "The silence and bright candle in the darkness reminds me of the things I've done in the past, all the good things, and how I can become a better person." Amanda says, "It's super calming and I really like the idea that there is always a light in dark times and that our friends can help us when we're in trouble." 1st grader Cambria shared that she loved her candle and it made her "feel warm."
JOURNEY/CUSD SIGN NEW LEASE
We thank CUSD's Board and Staff for approving our new 5-year lease. The lease includes an out-clause which will allow our Foundation to continue to pursue a permanent campus solution while still providing us the security of knowing we won't be moving unless it's to our own place. We especially thank John Forney, Dr. Julie Hatchel, and Board President Lynn Hatton. 
EATING UP MATH IN MIDDLE SCHOOL
From carrying out an idea from concept to production to raising $2000 for field trips while applying math, 7th and 8th graders learned important lessons during recent Sweetie Pie sales. They had fun too! Thank you all!

      
WYLAND'S BRINGING THE SHOW TO US!

The Wyland Clean Water Mobile Learning Truck will visit Journey on 1/14. Students will learn about the function of watersheds and the impact that communities have on these systems and our ocean. Students will join a "Task Force" to save the health of our nation's water habitats via a 4D theater experience and hands-on activities.  
LEARNING NEVER ENDS: NEW PARENT UNIVERSITY COURSES FOR 2015!
Our Parent University (JSPU) got off to a great start this past semester and we look forward to a rich second term with new, thought-provoking offerings, including:
  • How to bridge home and school and become a more effective and happy parent
  • Waldorf education's philosophy and methods
  • How to enhance your artistic side
Next semester's offerings include: Understanding the Middle School Child, Slow Tech Parenting, and What is the 6 year old change?
 
You can also learn more about Journey's curriculum with Transition to High School and University After Waldorf , our three-part Coming of Age Study Group, and the Eco-literacy Saturday Workshop. Seasonal offerings in the arts and crafts department include: Beginning Knitting, Valentine Embellished Hearts, and Felted Easter Bunny Making.

View the January calendar of our JSPU offerings and keep an eye out for the full JSPU course catalog the first week in January. 
ONLINE APPLICATION IS LIVE!
Our new online application is now available for the 2015-2016 school year and applications are coming in quickly. We encourage you to schedule your tour and submit your child's application by December 31 to help ensure a smooth process. Current Journey families with incoming siblings should also complete an online application. Learn more on our website
COFFEE WITH TIM & GAVIN
Tim Connolly and Gavin Keller will discuss Journey's "Love and Logic" approach to discipline at a Coffee Talk on Friday, 1/16. All are welcome! 
HEALTHY LUNCHES IN THE NEW YEAR
Let Green Apple Lunch Box take care of your child's healthy lunch and you'll have more time for those new year's resolutions! Click here to learn more.
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE AUCTION
Mark your calendars now for Journey's Annual Auction Gala to be held on March 14, 2015 at 6PM at the beautiful Mission Viejo Country Club. 
LAST MINUTE SHOPPING?
Turn your holiday shopping into effortless fundraising for Journey School. Learn more on our website.
Weekly Rhythms  

Carpool Mondays

 

Garden Volunteer Wednesdays (8:30am-10am)

 

Jamba Juice Wednesdays

 

Recycle Thursdays

(drop off in a.m. at yellow curb) 

 

Tanaka Farms CSA Delivery Thursdays

 Sign-up here

Handwork Helpers
Sign-up here  
Quick Links
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