The Thursday Know

January 14, 2016

TAKING LEARNING OUTDOORS

Each week, Journey Kindergartners spend an entire day in nature. Walk days consist of exploring surrounding flora and fauna, noticing the changes in season, gathering rocks and sticks, watching animals in their habitats, picnicking outdoors, and nature crafting. Kindergarten teacher, Miss B, believes that being outside is an "anecdote for the ills" and says she most enjoys "witnessing each student change from a state of excitement to that of homeostatic calm" as they "walk instead of run."

6th grader gets a wagon ride

Trail hike behind school

Muddy Buddy

Sitting on a self-built fort

FOCUS ON LEARNING: ANCIENT CHINA

6th graders are learning about nomadic tribes, such as those of Ancient China, and what they needed socially and environmentally to develop and achieve self-reliance. They are also learning about dynasties and the oral tradition by which their histories were shared and preserved. Check out this beautiful Main Lesson work:

Learn more about Main Lesson on our blog.

WISING UP ON DIGITAL MEDIA

Each week, Journey middle schoolers engage in Digital Media Literacy lessons that teach online citizenship and more. Instructor and program developer, Diana Graber, shares the importance of preparing students for the digital world in her recent Huffington Post article. This week 6th graders created digital footprints showing where they see themselves in ten years:

GALLERY WALK & COMMUNITY MEETING

Journey's All School Community Meeting and Gallery Walk will take place on Feb. 17th at 5:30pm. Come celebrate Journey's "Sweet 16" Birthday at a town hall gathering and learn about school happenings, important updates, and visions for the future. After the meeting, enjoy Gallery Walk and stroll through the classrooms to see what the students are learning. We look forward to seeing the entire Journey community in attendance.

PARENT MOVIE NIGHT ON 1/27

What does it mean to be a man in America? How does society's definition of masculinity impact our boys' ability to be their true selves? How does it impact relations between men and women? The Sundance Film Festival Selection, The Mask You Live In, explores how such "masculinity" urges boys to disobey authority, binge drink, use drugs, engage in violent crime, and take their own lives. Parents of boys and girls are invited to join the Journey School Community for the only SoCal public screening of this thought-provoking documentary on Wed. Jan. 27 at 6:30pm in the MPR. Tickets $5 in advance/$10 at the door, cash snack bar will benefit the All-School Field Trip fund. Buy your tickets now!

STUDY GROUP ON RAISING BOYS

Raising boys can be a real challenge! Join other Journey parents for a study group facilitated by Education Directors, Patti and Tim Connolly, in a discussion on how our sons may experience "the delights of boyhood" while remaining thoughtful, confident, active and full of life. The group will meet on Tuesdays: 2/2, 2/9 and 2/16 from 6:30-8pm. Copies of the companion book "Boys Should Be Boys" by Meg Meeker will be available at movie night. Bring your questions and ideas!

GETTING READY FOR THE GALA

Invite your friends and neighbors to Journey's annual Auction Gala coming up on Sat., Mar. 12 at 6pm. This year's Black & White Gala will showcase bidding, dining and dancing while raising funds for Journey School. Everyone is welcome! In addition to auction donations, the Auction Committee is seeking like-minded business sponsors for company mentions, logo placements and web links in our press releases, social media blasts, auction program/bid card, table cards, and mobile bidding website.

BRING ON THE RAIN(BOOTS)

With El Ni�o lurking about, ready to shower our children as they play, be sure to equip yours with rain boots, hooded coats, and umbrellas so we can let them go outside. Staying in with the Cat in the Hat can be fun, but it's no substitute for Gene Kelly-like singing and dancing in the rain.

WINTER CONCERT: SAVE THE DATE

All are invited to our Winter Music Concert to be held on March 4. Grades 4 and 5 will perform at 6pm and grades 6-8 will perform at 8pm. The concert will be at the beautiful Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel.

FIRST SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

Don't miss out on The Oak and the Acorn's "First Saturday" Workshops to take place on Feb. 6. You'll enjoy Indigo Dyeing, Metal Working, and Chocolate Tasting (just in time for Valentine's Day!). Sign up for Indigo Dyeing before 1/20. Learn more on The Oak and the Acorn website.

GAMES DAY FOR PARENTS

Join us for an adult-only Games and Movement Day on Sat. 1/30 from 9am-12pm. Learn Waldorf methods of play, including games, movement, spacial dynamics, acrobatics and balance exercises. Comfortable clothing, gym shoes, snack and water bottle are suggested. RSVP to Ms. Joy.

CIRCUS FOR A DAY!

Join visiting Circus Director, Jennifer Dempsey, and Ms. Joy for a very special Circus Intensive on Wed., Feb. 10 from 12:30-3pm. Students in Grades 5-8 are invited to enjoy lessons in juggling, acrobatics, balance, clowning and aerial arts, trapeze, and more. Grades 1-4 students may attend with a parent or older sibling. $45/student. A minimum of 20 RSVP's are needed by 1/22 to secure the event.

CERAMICS WITH MISS COLLINS

A new session of after school Ceramics is now being offered on Tuesdays from 3-4pm for students in grades 2-8. Students will get their hands dirty creating vessels, animal forms, and projects inspired by ancient civilizations. Contact Miss Collins for more info or to sign up.

RECYCLE YOUR BOTTLES & CANS

As a U.S. Green Ribbon School, Journey takes pride in teaching students to care for our world through lessons in environmental education, sustainability and healthy eating. Journey families are encouraged to support these lessons at home and help raise funds for the school by donating to our recycling program each Thursday at drop off.

IMPROVING THE PARKING LOT

Thank you for adhering to the following parking lot protocol at pick up time:

Stay in your vehicle while in the pick up lane. Abandoned vehicles hinder traffic flow and cause delays for others.
If you plan to park your car, come early and park on the hill.
Little Acorn parents must move vehicles that are parked in the pick up lane prior to 3pm.
As a courtesy to those behind you, please refrain from conversation that will extend your child's loading time.

HEALTH THROUGH SINGING

Singing instructor, Christiaan Boele, is visiting SoCal to share the holistic methods of Valborg Werbeck Svardstrom's "School of Uncovering the Voice" on Feb. 1 from 6-8:45pm at Westside Waldorf School in Pacific Palisades. All are welcome for an evening of song, laughter, and the tonal arts--no experience needed. $25.00/door. RSVP or learn more here.

HIGH SCHOOL DEADLINES

8th Graders, don't miss important dates for high school tours and applications. Get info here on nearby charter schools and private schools.

TOURS AND APPLICATIONS

Prospective Families: School tours are filling up fast. Sign-up today and submit your applications before the application deadline on 2/29.

Incoming Journey Siblings: Please complete your sibling application.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE