Back to School Edition

September 4, 2016

A WARM WELCOME BACK

Photo courtesy of The Pradhan Studios

The Journey Family welcomes fresh and familiar faces as we kick off a spectacular new year! Grades students launch the First Day with our beloved Rose Ceremony. The bell rings at 8:25, instruction starts at 8:30, and festivities run from 9:30-10:30. Parents are invited to join us at the lunch tables as we celebrate being back together. Kindergarten students start their day at 8:40 as per the Bell Schedule.

NEW PARKING LOT PROCEDURES

Journey School's enrollment is bigger than ever and parking is limited in the Journey School Parking Lot. Over 50% of the parking spots will now be reserved for staff. We need your help to keep children safe and ask that everyone follow these NEW PROCEDURES for parking, drop-off & pick-up.

"EXTENDED DAY" FOR GRADES 1-3

Journey School is offering Extended Day childcare from 2:45-3:10pm for students in grades 1-3 who qualify due to an older sibling or carpool arrangement with a student in grades 4-8. Students are also eligible if they will be attending an After School class. Please click here for the Extended Day application and bring your completed form to the front office.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHTS

Journey Parents are invited to "Back-to-School Night" which will take place on Wed., 9/14 at 5:30 for Grades 1-8 and on Thu., 9/22 at 5:15 for Kindergarten parents. You'll learn about curricular themes, field trips, and developmental milestones. Adults only; please plan for childcare.

AFTER SCHOOL CLASSES

We are pleased to announce an expanded After School Program that includes many of your child's favorite classes plus several new ones. New offerings include Acting, Tennis, Machine Sewing, Ultimate Frisbee, Origami, Mixed Media Art and more. Visit our website for details.

Kindergarten families are invited to Open Enrollment for Little Acorns that is offered Mon, Tue, Thu & Fri until 3:10pm throughout the school year. Space is limited. Click here for the flier. "Artist in Me" aftercare classes are an option for Kindergarten students on Wednesday afternoons.

NEW SCHOOL LUNCH PROVIDER

Journey School has partnered with a new hot lunch provider, The Lunch MOB, a local start-up company that is currently serving 12 OC schools. The Lunch MOB meals are made fresh daily with the highest quality ingredients, organic where possible, and with no preservatives or artificial ingredients. Please visit our website for important information about ordering. Orders must be placed 2 days in advance, so order today for delivery Thu. 9/8.

CLOSE THE GAP DONATIONS DUE

Journey School depends upon the generosity of our families to balance the yearly operational budget. Close the Gap donations from each family allow us to cover the high costs of tuition-free Waldorf Education. We need 90% of all families to donate to maintain small class sizes, first grade assistants, middle school math/science specialists, and specialty offerings like music, painting, Spanish, handwork, and PE. If you have not yet made your annual donation or set up a payment plan, please do so now on our website. As a reminder, participation in Close the Gap is voluntary, non-refundable, and tax-deductible as allowed by law.

SHARED AGREEMENTS & RESOURCES

Journey is a special school with a distinct educational approach that is rooted in shared values and agreements. It is a privilege to be part of the school--whether you are a parent, staff member, or student. We ask that you please honor our agreements:

Four additional resources that may help are: 10 Needs for a Healthy Childhood, JS Council, Parent Cabinet Website, and the Charter Document

SCHOOL STORE OPEN 5 DAYS/WEEK

The Oak and the Acorn has expanded its hours to include every day of the week and will now be open Mon-Fri, 8:30am-1:30pm. Bring home Waldorf treasures while supporting the Journey School Foundation.

PARENT CABINET MEETS MONTHLY

All are invited to join Parent Cabinet (PC) on campus on Wed. 9/14 at 9am to learn how you can help create exceptional experiences for students. PC is Journey's version of PTA that organizes volunteers and fundraisers that make the festivals, field trips, gardens, and much more possible for students. PC also provides a voice for parents to the Administration and Board. For more information, check out the Parent Cabinet website.

SPIRIT WEAR FOR SALE ONLINE

Journey School t-shirts are available for online purchase. Click here to see our Fall 2017 Collection. Winter options will be available later in the year.

WASTE FREE LUNCHES

Journey school supports a waste-free lunch program. Ukonserve.com has great options for reusable containers and offers Journey School families a 20% discount. Use coupon code UKSCHOOLS. Click here to learn more.

MANY HANDS MADE IT HAPPEN

Campus has never looked better! Classrooms are beautiful, gardens are blooming, walls are painted, curtains are hung, and plants are potted. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves at the All School Work Party!