The Thursday Know

December 3, 2015

A CELEBRATION OF LIGHT

A Journey School Tradition: The Winter Spiral Walk

As we near the darkest days of the year, we feel the absence of light; and we patiently await its return. Many cultures celebrate this seasonal change with festivals of light. Our Winter Spiral Walk is an opportunity for students to kindle their own lights and beckon the return of longer days.

Kindergarten students will walk the spiral outside this year with their parents in attendance on Friday 12/11, in the evening. Grades 1-8 students' Spiral Walk will be prepared by the 5th and 8th grade students in the MPR for the students to walk on 12/15-17 during school hours.

Learn more about our upcoming Winter Spiral Walk on our blog.

TAKING LEARNING OUTDOORS

On their recent camping trip to Quail Springs Permaculture, 7th graders enriched their knowledge of sustainable living by exploring holistic designs of human shelters and alternative technologies, learning how food is grown in the high desert, milking goats, and eating home-grown organic meals prepared in earthen ovens. Despite cold temperatures, they also had fun!

Learn more about Journey School's Eco-Literacy curriculum on our website.

"RECESS" COFFEE TALK ON DEC. 8

Ms. Connolly and Mr. Keller will host a "Coffee Talk" for Journey parents at 9am on Tuesday, 12/8. The discussion will include the time allotted for lunch, play time, observations regarding the snack/recess switch, and the rationale for play before eating for the younger grades. RSVP here.

CONFERENCES & PROGRESS REPORTS

Are you wondering what happened to our usual November parent-teacher conferences? Did you notice on our school calendar that progress reports will be sent home and shared during parent-teacher conferences at the end of January? Please visit our blog for a letter from our Education Directors, Patti and Tim Connolly, that shares important info about the reporting change.

JOURNEY SCHOOL IN THE NEWS

Our cutting-edge Digital Media Literacy program made the news once again in a recent Education Week article. Also known as Cyber Civics, the 3-year curriculum for middle school students addresses the urgent and growing need to prepare our students to leave Journey equipped with the skills to be ethical, confident and empowered digital citizens. Learn more here.

"FAIRIES" NEEDED FOR FAIRY MARKET

Fairy Market arrives on Monday and we hope your child is excited to enjoy this once-a-year opportunity to shop for special gifts for their loved ones. Crafts donations are due Friday morning (12/4). Fairy Volunteers are still needed to fill shifts. Get details or sign up on the PC Website.

1ST SATURDAY WORKSHOPS ON 12/5

Impress your loved ones with homemade and affordable gifts made by YOU. Bring your friends and join the relaxing atmosphere of our First Saturday Workshops coming this Saturday (12/5). Here's the line-up:

Advent Wreath with beewax candles in metal holders. Drop in 9-3pm ($15-35)
Macrame Rope Garden makes a great gift and no skills are needed. 12:15pm to 3pm ($35 incl. all material)
Peg Doll Painting in the holiday spirit. 11-2pm ($20 all inclusive)
Herbal Gifts: You'll make gifts for your loved ones and leave with knowledge and samples. 10-12pm ($40)

All are welcome! Get the flyer here or visit the store website for more info.

BUY A SWEETIE PIE & SUPPORT MATH

Order a delicious, all-natural Dutch Apple Pie today and support Journey's 7th and 8th grade business math experience. Students prepare and pack frozen pies in gift-ready boxes that are ready to bake or gift away. $12/each for pie in the shell or $8 for the flour-less filling. Pick-up ONLY at Journey on 12/9-10. Proceeds benefit the Journey School Field Trip fund. Order here.

Photo courtesy of Pradhan Studios

NEW SESSION FOR AFTERCARE CHESS

Our popular Chess aftercare class will continue on Wednesday with a new 8 week session. Get the flyer or view all aftercare offerings on our website.

LET YOUR PURCHASES GIVE BACK

Let your everyday purchases and holiday shopping give back to Journey with Invisible Fundraising. Grandparents and friends can also register their Target or Ralph's card, download the Benefit Mobile or Communities for Causes apps, purchase Scrip gift certificates, and more. Get the details here.

ENROLLMENT & TOURS

Applications are being accepted for the 2016-2017 Journey School Lottery that will take place on March 16, 2016. Click here to schedule a tour.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE