"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
- Martin Luther King, Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day will be celebrated as a school holiday on January 19th.
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LEARNING SPOTLIGHT: STUDENTS' INSPIRATIONS
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We kicked off the New Year by asking students what they're excited to learn in January. We hope you enjoy what they have to say....
Seb & Monroe, Grade 3 on Turtles, Snakes & Water: "We loved our field trip to Wood Canyon. We got close to turtles and snakes. We measured acid in the watershed by sticking a tool in the water that turned different colors. It's good that Aliso Creek doesn't have a lot acid."
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3rd Graders learning about the Watershed
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Katie, Grade 8 on Chemistry: "We're learning about the elements and period table in our Chemistry Block. Today, we made hydrogen gas with zinc metal and hydrochloric acid. It was cool to hear invisible variables pop and react. I'm excited for next week because we'll be studying food chemistry. Mr. Martin is going to take us to a bridge to learn about air pressure, too!"
Naty, Grade 8 on Feminism: "I look forward to working on my 8th Grade Project which is about Feminism. We need to get educated about the topic because it is really relevant. Too many women in the world are oppressed and we have to pay attention! My mentor is Emily (a Journey Alumnus now studying at Humboldt Univeristy). For my 'hands-on' portion, I will make a video that shows people talking about their views."
Max, Grade 7 on making Mahogany Bowls: "I love carving wood in the afternoon because it's fun and helps me focus. This semester, I'm making a bowl out of Mahogany...this kind of wood looks good and has a nice reddish color...it is also easy to cut."
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IGNITING STUDENTS' PASSION FOR READING
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We are excited to report our Book Whisperer Reading program is going strong! The program aims to inspire passion for reading and rests upon 5 pillars that include: access to books, time to read, school-wide support, well-stocked libraries with qualified librarians, and student choice.
Enthusiasm for reading is greater than ever:
"I love that I have the choice to determine what I read and learn" - Jade
"It's really great that we're challenged to read books from all genres" - Charlotte
"It's helped me so much because I'm allowed to explore my own interests" - Cole | |
Photo courtesy of Pradhan Studios
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Each student in grades 5-8 will read at least 45 books annually, and the program could expand into additional grades soon. We're grateful to the Chevron Company for donating hundreds of new books that now stock classroom libraries. Mr. Keller has big plans for creating a Library/Media Center next year. Special thanks to parents April Poggi, Lisa O'Neil and Lisa Crow for passing on their love of books with students over the years.
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 In 2015, we'll be sharing lots of research and news so you may continue to learn, grow, and sharpen your "educational saw." To get things started, check out this article from the Washington Post about the need for radical change in our nation's schools. It's fun to make connections between the article and Journey's educational program.
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WHEN YOU TEACH MEDIA LITERACY... KIDS GET SMARTER
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Journey's SLOW tech, not NO tech, approach to media is picking up serious steam! Please read these 2 articles: Dr. Greene and Media Literacy Now.
Also, we thought you'd be interested in knowing that our DML Team is taking the show on the road next week to share best practices with dozens of colleagues in Marin, Sonoma, and Sacramento counties. Be on the lookout for our tweets and blogs from Northern CA.
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WYLAND'S BRINGING THE SEA TO OUR STUDENTS NEXT WEEK
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Wyland's mobile classroom will roll onto campus on Wed, 1/14. This experience is a great chance for students to learn to appreciate the value and function of watersheds and to gain a broader understanding of the impact that we have on these systems and our natural resources.
Schedule
9:30 - 7th
10:00 - 4th (T)
10:30 - 5th
11:00 - 6th
11:30 - 4th (C)
12:00 - 8th
The Mobile Learning Truck will remain open after dismissal, from 12:45-2:00. Parents/guardians are asked to supervise their own children during this special offering. THANK YOU to the parents who have signed on to support the experience. Sign-up here to volunteer for the event.
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NEW PARENT UNIVERSITY LINE-UP
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Parent University is starting the new year with a new Winter/Spring Course Catalog and lots of great offerings. Parents, be sure to check out our school mentor Patti Connolly's talk "Slow Tech Parenting: Brain Development Matters" taking place on Tues, 1/13, from 9-10:30. Or join Ms. Sylvia in the Handwork Room for a Valentine's Day project on Wed, 1/14, from 8:45-12:45. See below for information on next week's featured guest.
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PARENT UNIVERSITY PRESENTS: BONNIE RIVER
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 Join special guest, Bonnie River, on Wednesday, 1/14, from 6-7:30pm for her talk on "Understanding the Middle School Child." No matter your child's age, Ms. River will share wisdom and inspiration about the phenomenal changes and unique needs of the 11-14 year old. Suggested donation is $10. Bonnie River is chair of the Rudolf Steiner College Blended Learning Program and an esteemed Waldorf educator for more than 30 years. She was also a Kindergarten teacher, Educational Director, and 6th grade teacher at our school from 2010 to 2013. |
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NEW HOURS & SATURDAY WORKSHOPS AT THE OAK & THE ACORN
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New Store Hours for 2015!
The Oak and the Acorn is excited to be expanding our hours! Tuesday-Friday from 8:30-1:30 and the last Saturday of the month from 9-3pm
Last Saturday Workshops starting 1/31
The Oak and the Acorn is pleased to present arts and crafts workshops for the Journey School community on the last Saturday of each month. Please visit theoakandtheacorn.net for more information or sign-up online.
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Tim Connolly and Gavin Keller will discuss Journey's "Love and Logic" approach to discipline at a Coffee Talk on Friday, 1/16 at 8:30 sharp. Childcare is available on the playground for parents of younger students.
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SCHOOL TOURS & ENROLLMENT
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Prospective Families The 2015-16 Lottery Application deadline is fast approaching. Sign-up today for a school tour before the window closes on 2/20. Read more on our website or apply here.
Returning Families Be on the look out for upcoming re-enrollment information. Please start gathering necessary documents now! (Kinders: Schedule your medical appointments and be sure immunization records are up-to-date; Next year's 7th graders will need a Tdap booster). Incoming Journey siblings, please apply here.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JOURNEY SCHOOL
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We hope to see all families on Wed, 2/11, for Journey's 15th Anniversary Celebration. Bring your picnic lunch, blanket and good cheer and we'll provide the birthday cupcakes! Student performances, games, and the unveiling of our 5-year vision will highlight the event.
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HIGH SCHOOL APPLICATIONS ARE DUE
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8th Graders, don't miss out on important deadlines for high school. Click here for information on local charter and public schools.
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We're searching for a volunteer videographer to make an inspiring educational video for our upcoming auction. Please email us if you're able to share your gift with us. Journey's Annual Auction Gala will be held 3/14 at 6PM at the Mission Viejo Country Club. Buy your ticket here.ere.
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