The Thursday Know

February 4, 2016

EARTHROOTS, WIND & FIRE

4th graders just completed ten weeks of Ancestral Studies with Earthroots Field School, Journey's partner in ecoliteracy. Students learned what is needed to "survive and thrive" in the wild: fire, shelter, community, tools, food, and water. Ms. Barger's student, Michael, shares his notes:

Students were taught to craft and launch arrows, mash and prepare acorn bread, start fires from friction, track animals, and how local plants can be used as medicine, shelter and clothing. Enjoy the photos!

Click here for 5 Really Good Reasons Why Kids Need Time in Nature.

TEACHING DIGITAL MEDIA LITERACY

In 7th grade Cyber Civics class, students recently completed a unit on "Privacy and Personal Information." The very last lesson taught them the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your online information--passwords. Here are the seven rules for a GREAT password:

At least eight characters in length
Contains upper and lowercase letters, symbols and numbers
No personal info
No names of family members, friends, or pets
No sequences (i.e., 12345)
No dictionary words (unless a letter is changed to a symbol or number)
Change the password regularly (at least every 6 months)

To help remember the rules, the students played a guessing game where they received the name of a famous person to use as their "mnemonic device" to create a password. See if you can guess the famous person who inspired the following passwords:

Get the answers and read more here.

"RAISING BOYS" STUDY GROUP

If you missed Tuesday's Parent Study Group, it's not too late to join the discussion about the issues and questions arising from the film The Mask You Live In. Journey Education Directors, Patti and Tim Connolly, will lead a conversation on the next two Tuesday evenings, 2/9 and 2/16, 6:30-8pm, that will explore how society's definition of masculinity impacts our boys' ability to be their true selves. How can we support them in being thoughtful and confident as well as active and full of life? The companion book is "Boys Should Be Boys" by Meg Meeker. Click here for the flyer.

AUCTION DONATION DEADLINE 2/12

For the second year in a row, Express Pipe and Plumbing has joined the roster of our generous Auction Sponsors: Mark Michno of Loan Depot, Katie Vanderveen of Modern Woodmen of America, Newport Private Group, and Johnson Plumbing! Thanks to their generosity, we are well on our way to reaching our fundraising goal of $50,000!

We can't get there without you! AUCTION ITEM DONATIONS are needed by Feb. 12. Ask your favorite business to consider helping a good cause while gaining valuable exposure to over 2300 Journey Community members!

3rd Grade parents use a drop spindle to create the class donation

Many thanks to the many hardworking parents and volunteers who have already secured donations and offered their talents as well as the many generous local businesses who have provided their support! We are grateful for your help in making Journey School possible! View the Auction flyer.

FIRST SATURDAY WORKSHOPS

The Oak and the Acorn "First Saturday" Workshops are this Saturday Feb. 6. The Indigo Dyeing workshop has sold out, but Metal Working and Chocolate Tasting are still available. Visit the store website for more info.

"LIKE" JOURNEY & WIN $50

Did you know that Journey School is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest? With so much going on at Journey, it can be hard to keep up. So, we've made it easy. Join us on Social Media to see timely reminders and additions to the event calendar.

"Like" and "Follow" Journey: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

"Like" and "Follow" The Oak and the Acorn Store: Facebook, Instagram

As extra incentive to follow Journey in the digital world, Parent Cabinet is offering $50 in Auction Bidding Bucks to use in the upcoming Auction. One lucky winner who has liked or followed any of Journey's or the Store's social media accounts will get a $50 credit to use for bidding in either the Silent Online Auction or at the Auction Gala. The more accounts you "follow" or "like" the greater your chances of winning. The winner will be announced on March 1st on... you guessed it, our Social Media accounts. No purchase necessary to win, auction credit has no cash value.

THRIVE JUICE FUNDRASIER ON 2/8

Journey families are invited to an all-new fundraiser at Thrive Juice Lab. Every Monday from 3-5:30, your "Journey Insider Card" will allow you to enjoy 15% off your entire order with 50 cents going back to the school.

The fundraiser kicks-off this Monday with a game of "Fact or Fiction" featuring Mr. Keller's following statements. Can you guess which is false?

1. "I drove an ambulance for several years during college."

2. "I'm deathly afraid of horses."

3. "My brother Greg is an actor/writer in Hollywood."

RAISING CREATIVE CHILDREN

Ms. Lee's 1st Grade class on a beach field trip

Ever worry that helicopter parents might know something you don't? Well, rest assured, the freedom you are giving your children may be doing more good than harm. This New York Times article explains how less "rules" and more "play" can be a key to your child's success and happiness.

YOUR GROCERIES = $ FOR JOURNEY

Order Shop With Scrip gift cards for everyday purchases and earn money for Journey while you shop! If you frequent stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Starbucks, Amazon, Target, The Gap, Albertsons, Safeway, and Vons, please click here to learn more or email Parent Cabinet.

TIMELINESS MATTERS

Tardiness has been on the rise. It is crucial to the learning environment that students arrive on time. When we respect Journey's schedule, we show our children that we value their education and their school. Please help us teach students responsibility, accountability, and consideration of others by being punctual.

JOURNEY IS MUSIC

Journey Students are working hard to get ready for the Winter Music Concert on March 4 at Mission Lutheran Church in Laguna Niguel. Grades 4 & 5 will perform at 6pm (5:15 arrival) and Grades 6-8 will perform at 8pm (7:15 arrival). Learn more about Journey's music program on our website. All are welcome!

PARENT EDUCATION AT WSOC

The Waldorf School of Orange County is offering a rare opportunity to hear Dr. Susan Johnson, MD, a well-respected speaker on the the topic of the relationship between your child's well-being and their ability to learn. Dr. Johnson will speak THIS Friday, 2/5, 7-9:30pm and Saturday, 2/6, 9am-12pm at the Waldorf School of Orange County. The lectures are FREE. RSVP to Alyssa at WSOC. Click here for the flyer.

APPLICATIONS & WAIT LISTS

Prospective Families: The application deadline is 2/29 and regular school tours are now full. Sign up now for the "Last Chance" Information Session scheduled for 2/22 at 6pm.

Wait Listed Families: In accordance with new enrollment policy, wait lists will no longer be rolled over. All interested students who are currently on a Journey School waiting list must re-apply to the Lottery by 2/29. Look for detailed information in your inbox shortly.

Incoming Journey Siblings: Complete your sibling application by 2/29.

CALENDAR AT A GLANCE